State Farm has offered up some tips for how to deal with insurance for your car or home after a snowstorm.
Tips to keep your home safe:
Ice Dams:
- Occur on roofs with snow pack during freeze thaw cycles
-
Most likely during 20 degree weather
- Avoid using salt or chemical snow-melt products to melt ice on the roof. These can erode shingles and gutters and potentially void the roofing manufacturer’s warranty.
Snow/Weight On Roof and Roof Collapse:
- Flat roof is at most danger for collapse
-
Can block chimney and vents resulting in carbon monoxide poisoning
- Injuries can occur from snow and ice falling from sloped roofs. You could be liable.
YOUR VEHICLE:
Black Ice:
- If you’re caught on black ice, use these tips to maneuver past the problem area:
- Do nothing. Avoid making sudden moves or turning the wheel. Smoothly lift your foot off the accelerator and glide across the ice in a straight line until you find traction.
- Shift. If possible, slowly shift to a lower gear for added control.
- Brake wisely. If you begin to skid, firmly press on your brakes to activate the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Or, if you don’t have ABS, pump the brakes gently.
- Avoid spinout. If your front end is sliding, steer in the opposite direction of the skid; if the back end is sliding, steer in the same direction.
-
Look toward where you want to go Avoid looking where you think you might crash—you might inadvertently veer the car in that direction.
Roadside and Vehicle Safety:
- When clearing snow from vehicle, don’t forget the tailpipe. It can cause carbon monoxide poisoning when clogged.
Potholes:
- Damage to vehicle can run upwards to $700
- In most instances, tires are not covered
SOURCE: State Farm