Home insurance claims occur the most during the winter seasons. Both water damage and fire damage claims are heightened this time of year, and there are some steps you can take to keep your family and property safe.
Why do so many home insurance claims occur in the winter?
While the holidays are the most important time of year for many of us, they can also be very distracting when it comes to safety and taking precautions. Stepping away from a kitchen stove for just two minutes could be the spark to disaster and neglecting your plumbing system can lead to broken pipes and water rushing into the home.
Fire Damage Claims
According to the Red Cross, fires occur the most during fall and winter months – with peak months being December and January. They are most common between Saturday and Sunday, with peak times being between 6:00-7:00pm.
Kitchens are where most fires occur. Other sources include heating systems or fireplaces. Fires are also frequently started by indoor smoking.
What can you do to prevent fire damage?
Always focus your attention when cooking. It may be tempting to leave the stove area to multitask around the house, but it is critical that any major heat sources (including fireplaces) are always carefully attended and free of any obstructions. Smoke alarms should also be up to date. In 2005, it was reported by the NFPA that “74% of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.”
Having a fire extinguisher which is easily accessible can also be a helpful solution, but its critical to make sure that all devices such as smoke alarms or fire extinguishers are up to date. Fire extinguishers need to be maintained for them to have their intended effect. Its also prudent to learn how to use a fire extinguisher before a fire occurs, that way you are better prepared to use it during a time of emergency.
Water Damage Claims
When the temperature is 32 °F, pipes can easily freeze. This is very common during winters where there are multiple consecutive days of freezing weather. Once pipes freeze, they can burst—allowing water to unleash into your home once the frozen liquid thaws.
What can you do to prevent water damage?
Make sure to insulate your pipes. This task is extremely affordable, especially compared to the cost of water damage. You can reach out to plumbing professionals to get an expert assessment, and there are a wide range of online resources which provide helpful information on winterizing your pipes.
Insulation may cost a couple hundred dollars if done on your own. A flooded level can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000 or more depending on the size and severity of the affected area.
Pure Restore is Here To Help
Restoration companies like Pure Restore are available 24/7 – including after hours and holidays. We understand that disasters can happen, even when they are least expected. Take as many precautions as possible to avoid a situation where you need to make a claim!
