Baby, it$ cold out$ide!

My insurance company sent these out to help deal with the cold and snow.  It was -7 degrees in Louisville, KY this morning!

The Polar Vortex is still causing challenges all along the US with record cold temperatures and snow.  Many of our clients have experienced busted or frozen pipes, cracked wind shields and auto accidents all due to extreme cold weather and snowy conditions.  If you have been affected, we are deeply sorry!  

We have compiled a list of some helpful tips to help reduce the threat of some of these, as well as some insurance information to consider.

·     Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow heat to enter and keep pipes from freezing.

·     Keep a small, continuous stream of water running from the cold water faucet (the size of the water stream should be about the size of a pencil).

·     Locate the water shut-off valve in advance.  This is the valve that controls the flow of water into the house.  It's usually located near the hot water heater, in the basement or utility closet.  Turning off the water in the event of a burst pipe can minimize the damage. 

·     Cover the vents to crawl spaces.

·     If exterior faucets have shut-off valves inside, be sure to turn these off and open the exterior valve so it can drain out.

·     If you have a vacant home or building, set the heat to above 58 degrees.

·     Do not leave space heaters un-attended to reduce the risk of fire.

·     Keep a first aid kit and blanket in your car in case of emergencies.

·     We recommend the Comprehensive endorsement on your auto for glass coverage or Collision in the event of running off the road on black ice.

·     Review your insurance policy to make sure you have the coverages and deductible you need before something happens.