According to the Insurance Information Institute, annual winter storms cause $1 billion in property damage. Even if you are a homeowner with adequate insurance coverage, avoiding the hassle of potential damage and subsequent claims is a smarter move. A little attention now can stem off big problems this winter.

Home Winter Prep Tips

A large winter storm can make a landscape visually stunning, courtesy of a blanket of pristine white snow and icicles. Although the scene sounds picturesque, frozen water is extremely heavy and can wreak havoc on homes and surrounding property that has not been properly maintained for the harsh season. Homeowners need to take charge of protecting their slice of the American Dream and some home items requiring special attention for the upcoming season include:

• Pipes: Frozen Pipes: Improperly maintained piping is more prone to bursting upon freezing. Increased pressure builds up in frozen pipes and that forces the water downstream, causing the situation. Once a pipe bursts, flooding is possible. Flood insurance may not be part of your homeowners insurance making a separate rider necessary for any compensation. Seasonally inspecting, sealing and insulating pipes can do wonders in minimizing this misfortune. Don't forget about outside water sources like sprinklers and garden hoses when going through this process.
• Branches: Snow can make a landscape look like a winter wonderland, however, not all tree branches can support the extra weight from the seasonal downfall. Tree trimming and removing branches that are precariously perched or dead should help downplay this risk.
• Roofs: Heavy snow can also weigh down a roof. Prior to the snow season roofs should be checked for strength and leaks should be repaired. Additionally, gutters and roofs should be cleaned of all debris to prevent clogs and ensure that the system is ready to handle any water runoff.

Keeping Warm and Safe

For many, winter means hours huddled inside their cozy homes trying to stay warm. This activity may lead to an uptick in home fires, injuries and even fatalities. According to the National Fire Protection Association, annually, there are more than 64,000 home heating fires across the nation, resulting in around 540 deaths and 1,400 injuries. In order to minimize this winter risk associated with heating, homeowners need to pay special attention to:

• Furnaces: These devices are considered to be the best option for home heating and need to be annually inspected to ensure they will be up to the task. Homeowners should make sure to have the filters and ducts cleaned every year in order to reduce the risk of fire.
• Fireplaces: Those lucky enough to have fireplaces need to ensure that the devices are cleaned and fully functioning to prevent problems down the line.
• Space Heaters: Annually space heaters should be inspected and treated for dust build up and frayed wires. The devices should never be left on when no one is around to watch them. When in use, they need to be placed at least three feet away from furniture, bedding and drapes. They should be plugged directly into a grounded outlet and they should not be left on overnight.
• Carbon Monoxide: Homes need to be adequately equipped with carbon monoxide detectors as there are many home heating devices that may increase the risks of the toxin from doing harm. Homeowners are additionally advised not to burn coal in fireplaces or use kitchen stoves as heat sources as they can both produce the deadly gas.

Winter Prepped Homes Help Maintain Home Value

Homeownership tends to provide the most valuable asset for many Americans and protecting the property is vital. Ensuring that everything is up to par now will ensure that a home makes it through the winter, with no problems. Plus any additional attention paid to tasks like insulation and roofing now, can help ensure that a home can be sold at a fair market value during springtime.

Only by taking preventative measures to mitigate winter damage to your home, can give homeowners a peace of mind. If you are a tenant living in a rental property or a condo or coop dweller, your landlord or homeowners association should be well versed in the task and more than likely are dedicated to conducting their due diligence.