New Bedford Homeowners Insurance: What to Do After the Storm

Nearly everyone in the country knows that the residents of the northeastern states have had more than our share of winter weather this year. Record snowfalls, multiple nor’easters, and winter flooding have wreaked havoc on New England. It’s always a good idea to learn the latest tips from New Bedford home insurance experts on how to care for your home after a winter storm. If you ever have any questions, make sure to contact your local New Bedford insurance agent. They can help you get the most out of your home insurance in New Bedford and make sure that you have the right coverage to protect your investment.

Step One – Look Up

The first thing you should do after the storm is to go outside and look up at your roof and gutters. Gutters are designed to help move water away from your home to prevent puddling and leaks at the foundation. Heavy snow can cause damage and break your gutters if it is not removed. Gutters and eaves can also become covered in icicles, which need to be removed for safety and to protect the exterior of your home. If there are a lot of icicles, your roof might be forming what is known as an “ice dam,” which causes hard frozen areas that prevent the snow from properly melting and draining off of your roof.

If the melted snow has nowhere to go, it will likely make its way into your home, causing interior damage. Heavy snowfall can also cause a lot of extra weight on your roof, and it needs to be removed. A roof rake can be used to remove the snow from single-story homes. However, for steep roofing or multi-story homes, you should contact a snow removal professional to take care of it for you for best results. Be sure to hire someone who is licensed and insured to provide this service. Contact your New Bedford homeowners insurance provider if your home sustains any damage due to a winter snowstorm to find out if you are covered.

Step Two – Clear Exterior Surfaces

Sidewalks, walkways, driveways, front porches, and steps all need to be cleared of snow and ice right away to prevent accidents and liabilities. Property owners can be held liable for medical bills and other damages that are caused by slips and falls on their property due to neglect. If a neighbor, package delivery, postal carrier, or even a solicitor slips and falls on your property, they could sue you for damages. Make sure to stay on top of the snow as it falls and use ice melt to prevent slippery ice from forming. If you are unable to get outside to take care of clearing your exterior surfaces, consider hiring a professional snow and ice management service to do it for you.

Step Three – Clear Vents

Another area that many people don’t think about after a winter storm is the furnace vents. Your New Bedford insurance agent wants to make sure that you know about clearing these vents after a snow storm to prevent a build-up of dangerous carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide poisoning cases increase greatly in the winter, as the snow and ice can block the vents that carry the gas out of the home. You can remove snow from furnace vents easily to keep these openings clear. Check them regularly throughout the winter and immediately following a snowfall or an ice storm. While you’re at it, check for snow and ice build-up around utility meters for electric, gas, and water.

Step Four – Landscaping

Another big issue seen with home insurance in New Bedford and the surrounding area is heavy snow and ice build-up on tree branches. If the branch gets too heavy, it could break and fall onto your home, garage, or other parts of your property. Before the winter season arrives, make sure to have your trees inspected by a certified arborist and remove any branches that are deemed potentially hazardous. After a heavy snow or ice storm, you will want to carefully remove the snow using a long pole or broom. Be careful to avoid damaging the branches and stay clear of the falling snow and ice. Don’t ever chip away at the ice on a tree. Either wait for the ice to melt if there is not an immediate danger, or contact a certified arborist for a consultation.

Step Five – Contact Your New Bedford Home Insurance

If you have not done so in awhile, make a point to contact your New Bedford homeowners insurance provider and speak with an agent. Go over your current policy for home insurance in New Bedford to make sure you have the right amount of coverage. If you have made any changes, upgrades, or replaced materials in your home, such as upgrading the kitchen countertops and cabinets, make sure to let your agent know. If you ever had to make a claim, you would want to be able to claim the cost of granite countertops instead of the original ceramic countertops that were listed in your policy.

Call Borden Insurance in New Bedford
If you need a quote for New Bedford home insurance, contact our team at Borden Insurance. Family owned and operated, we have provided top quality auto and home insurance in New Bedford since 1909. We can help you obtain comprehensive insurance solutions designed to protect your home and assets. Our agents work with each customer as an individual to identify their unique needs. Call us with any questions or to make changes to your existing policy. You can reach us at 508-999-3636 or stop by our office on Kempton Street in New Bedford.