Tips for a keeping your home safe and dry this winter

(BPT) — Freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall are in store for much of the country this winter, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, and that means homeowners need to start taking immediate steps to ensure that their loved ones and property stay safe and warm through the long, cold months ahead.

Last year, winter storms caused $38 million in insured losses — a below-average figure, according to Munich Re. But this year could be much worse. The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts that reduced solar activity combined with certain weather patterns in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans will result in plunging temperatures and increased snowfall for many regions in the United States and Canada.-

“As always, water is your home’s worst enemy,” said Rebecca Hudzik-Presson, assistant vice president of Claims and Risk Services at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. “Every year, water does more damage to homes than fire, but every year too many people forget to do the little things that protect their property.”

Luckily, there are several easy tasks to include on home maintenance checklists and most of them are no-cost and low-cost chores that could end up saving homeowners big bucks.

An effective list of winterizing tasks should include:

* Install weather stripping around doors and windows, caulk exterior windows

* Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to recirculate warm air downward

* Install plastic shields on basement and attic windows

* Consider sealing off areas of the house that are rarely used

* Keep closet doors shut

* Move furniture away from heating vents

* Close the fireplace damper when not enjoying a fire

Indoor flooding

Burst pipes and indoor flooding can wreak havoc on your home and personal possessions. While faulty pipes can be a problem in any season, even well-maintained pipes can burst if they freeze – and they are much more likely to give way during winter when temperatures plunge.

Wrapping exposed water pipes with insulation is a quick and easy precaution.

Another excellent way to prevent indoor flooding is to install an automatic water shut-off valve. These devices cut off all water to your home when they sense unusually large amounts of water flow and can be integrated to your alarm system so that the alarm company is alerted to the emergency. Shut-off valves are a great idea for people who plan weekend trips or extended vacations and are also good for vacation homes that sit empty for long periods.

And if you do leave home this winter, keep the heat set to at least 55 degrees. Spending a little more on heating can prevent freezing in the pipes that run through exterior walls and foundations while you’re off enjoying a winter getaway.

Backup power

When the weather turns really nasty and knocks out power, a backup generator will protect your home and family from winter’s worst ravages.

“If you have a backup generator, be sure that it’s connected to your home’s most vital systems: sump pumps, security and fire alarms,” said Hudzik-Presson. “Many people simply wire generators into the ‘comfort circuits,’ like lighting, heating, cooking and refrigeration, and forget about the other systems running in the background. If the power goes out, you’ll want all your security and plumbing to keep right on working.”

Fire danger

While water is winter’s most invasive weapon, furnaces, boilers and chimneys represent serious fire risks if not properly maintained. A professional chimney sweep can remove soot and other combustible debris that builds up over time and boilers and furnaces should be inspected annually. Also, never use boiler or furnace rooms for storage.

Candles are always popular during the winter season. Don’t leave burning candles unattended and keep them away from flammable objects.

Finally, put new batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them to make sure they are in good working order.