Severe Winter Weather is Coming: What to Know and How to Prepare for Freezing Weather

How to Protect Your Home, Car, and Business from the Cold Weather in North Carolina

Winter weather in North Carolina can be unpredictable. When the temperature drops into the teens or twenties, it can cause big problems if you aren’t ready. Whether you own a home, drive a car, or run a business, it’s important to protect your stuff and know what to do if something goes wrong. At All About Insurance we are here to educate you on these types of things.

This guide will help you prepare for freezing weather and keep your home, car, and business safe during the cold snap.

Protect Your Home

Cold weather can cause issues like frozen pipes, broken heating systems, and roof damage. Here are some simple ways to get your house ready:

1. Stop Your Pipes from Freezing

When pipes freeze, they can burst and flood your house. To prevent this:

Wrap your pipes: Use foam insulation on pipes in places like your basement, garage, or crawl space.
Let faucets drip: A slow drip keeps water moving and helps stop freezing.
Seal up cracks: Close gaps around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping to keep cold air out.
Open cabinet doors: Let warm air from your home reach pipes under sinks.

Learn more about stopping frozen pipes.

2. Check Your Heating System

Make sure your heating system is ready for cold weather:

Clean your furnace or heat pump.
Replace old air filters.
Test your thermostat to see if it’s working right.

3. Look at Your Roof and Gutters

Ice and snow can be heavy and cause damage. Take these steps:

Clean gutters: Remove leaves and other junk to stop ice from building up.
Check your roof: Look for missing shingles or cracks.
Trim trees: Cut branches that could break and fall on your house.

Protect Your Car

Freezing temperatures can cause problems for your car. Here’s how to keep it in good shape:

1. Test Your Battery

Cold weather can make your car battery weaker. Check your battery and replace it if it’s old or not working well.

2. Refill Your Fluids

Antifreeze: Make sure your antifreeze levels are high enough to keep your engine from freezing.
Windshield fluid: Use a winter-safe fluid that won’t freeze.

3. Check Your Tires

Cold air makes tire pressure drop. Check your tires regularly and make sure they’re ready for icy roads.

4. Pack an Emergency Kit

Be ready in case your car breaks down:

Blankets or warm clothes.
A flashlight and extra batteries.
Jumper cables or a portable charger.
Sand or cat litter to help with traction.
Snacks and water.

Get more winter car tips.

Protect Your Business

If you run a business, freezing weather can bring extra challenges. Here’s how to prepare:

1. Protect Your Pipes

Insulate pipes in unheated areas.
Keep the thermostat at least 55°F, even when the building isn’t in use.

2. Plan for Snow and Ice

Assign someone to clear snow and ice from sidewalks and parking lots.
Keep ice melt and shovels handy.

3. Check Backup Power

Winter storms can knock out power. Make sure your generator works and has enough fuel.

4. Talk to Your Team

Share your cold-weather plan with employees.
Provide tips for staying warm and safe if they need to work outside.

Find more business winter safety tips.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Sometimes, even with good planning, problems happen. Here’s what to do:

1. Burst Pipes

Turn off the water right away to stop flooding.
Use towels and buckets to contain the mess.
Call a plumber and your insurance company to help fix the damage.

2. Heating System Breaks

Use space heaters safely to stay warm. Keep them away from anything that can catch fire.
Call a professional to repair your heating system.

3. Ice or Snow Damage

Take pictures or videos of the damage for your insurance claim.
File a claim with your insurance as soon as possible.
Schedule repairs quickly to avoid more damage.

Check Your Insurance Coverage

Freezing weather can lead to unexpected costs. Make sure your insurance covers:

For Your Home

Water damage from burst pipes.
Roof or structural damage from ice and snow.

For Your Car

Coverage for accidents on icy roads.
Repairs for weather-related damage.

For Your Business

Property insurance for frozen pipes, roof damage, or power outages.
Liability insurance for accidents like slips and falls.

Call your All About Insurance agent to check your policies and see if you need extra coverage.

Final Thoughts

Getting ready for freezing weather is the best way to protect your home, car, and business. Taking action now can save you from big headaches and costs later. If you need help or have questions about your insurance, reach out to All About Insurance.

Stay warm and safe, North Carolina!

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