Don’t Get Caught in the Cold
Toronto, November 30, 2010 – Your home may protect you from the harsh winds and chilling temperatures of a Canadian winter, but have you taken steps to protect it? House fires and water damage to a home, particularly from frozen pipes bursting, are some of the top issues Canadians face during the winter months, according to Allstate Insurance Company of Canada claims data.
“Water damage from bursting frozen pipes accounts for more than a third of the claims we get from homeowners during the winter,” said Eric Michalko, official spokesperson for Allstate Canada. “Dealing with damage from a pipe that has burst can be time consuming, costly and stressful for you and your family.”
Allstate Canada is committed to keeping Canadians and their families safe. To help you avoid potential damage to your house this winter, here are 10 tips to winter-proof your home.
- What may seem like small cracks in pipes can actually leak out gallons of water and cause considerable damage to your home. If you notice that water has stopped running from your taps and suspect frozen pipes are the culprit, call a plumber immediately to assess the situation.
- Disconnect all garden hoses and purchase covers for outdoor faucets to keep the cold out.
- Insulate pipes that are most likely to be exposed to the cold, such as those located in the attic or crawlspaces of your home.
- Seal any cracks in all pipes that could let in the cold. This will help to keep pipes from freezing and save money on heating costs as well.
- On extremely cold days, allow several different faucets to drip slightly with lukewarm water, as the constant movement of the water can keep them from freezing.
- Shut off the water before you travel. If you’re going away during the winter months, turn off the water supply and open all faucets to drain your pipes before you leave. Excess water can freeze and cause pipes to burst while you are away.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve in your home and show everyone living in your home how to shut it off in case of an emergency.
- Have your furnace inspected annually, preferably before the temperature drops below zero.
- If you have a fireplace or use a woodstove, be sure to have your chimney cleaned and inspected and take proper precautions when lighting these fires.
- Familiarize yourself with your home’s insurance policy to determine what is and isn’t covered.
For more tips and information on winter-proofing your home, go to goodhandsadvice.ca.
About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of Canada’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products. “The Good Hands Network�” enables consumers to contact Allstate Canada through one of 93 community-based Agencies, directly online at www.allstate.ca and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-Allstate. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), Crime Stoppers, United Way and Junior Achievement. In 2010, Allstate Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), created the Allstate All-Canadians program, a mentorship program designed to guide the next generation of Canada’s hockey youth. Learn more at www.allstate.all-canadians.com.
