Page 3 - AAA Now! – AAA Northway – Winter 2019

INSURANCE SERVICES
PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR WINTER STORMS
Winter storms can wreck your home. In 2016, winter storms in the U.S. resulted in an estimated $1 billion in losses, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Ice, snow, rain and wind are all potential dangers. Taking preventive steps now to winterize your home can make it safer and may even save you money and time.
Check some of these winter preparedness actions off your to-do list in the weeks leading up to the season. When winter storms hit, you’ll be glad you did.
PREPARE YOUR HOME
• Check your heating system:
Before firing up your furnace, boiler or chimney, have your heating system(s) serviced to make sure they are working correctly. It's a good idea to have these checked at least once a year.
• Inspect and insulate pipes: Carefully inspect pipes for cracks and leaks, and have them repaired as soon as possible. Insulate exposed pipes and seal cracks to prevent them from leaking or even bursting.
• Know the location of the main water shutoff valve: If your pipes
freeze, the faster you shut off the water, the better chance you have of preventing them from bursting and causing significant damage.
• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: As the mercury drops and more of us light fires in the fireplace and use indoor heaters, residential fires and carbon monoxide poisoning increase, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Check your detectors regularly to make sure they are in working condition.
• Clean out gutters: Remove leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters so rain and melting snow can flow freely. This will help prevent backed-up gutters and water seeping into your house through ceilings and walls.
• Trim trees and remove dead branches: Ice, snow, wind and rain can cause weak trees and tree limbs to fall and damage your car or home — or fall on people walking on or near your property.
• Seal exterior cracks and holes: To keep your energy bill low and your home free of mold, caulk openings and install weather stripping around windows and doors to prevent cold air and moisture from entering.
STOCK UP ON EMERGENCY ITEMS
Be sure you have flashlights and a portable radio with extra batteries, any necessary medications, at least three days of water and non-perishable food for family and pets, a can opener, first-aid supplies, heating fuel and a lighter and/or generous supply of matches.
For more information, talk to a AAA Insurance agent at your local AAA branch office, call 866-222-0937 or visit AAA.com/Insurance.
Cheryl Lant
Saratoga
518-831-1870
Pet
Josh Cseh
Schenectady
518-831-1871
Ken Perinsky
Vestal
607-338-1199
Toni Tuttle
Halfmoon
518-831-1867
Patrick Kowalczyk
Queensbury
518-824-3808
Dennis Horton
Amsterdam
518-831-1869
Sarah Ashline
Plattsburgh
518-314-1619
Jeff Houghton
Saratoga
518-831-1864
Call today to learn how you may be able to save with your AAA discount.
We can handle all your insurance needs
As a member of AAA, you could save hundreds of dollars
Auto • Home • Boat • RV • Motorcycle • & more Wedding
Watercraft
ATV
Boat
RENT
Renter’s
Travel Trailer
Flood
Umbrella
Snowmobile
Auto
Golf Cart
Home Motorcycle
Trailer
Landlord
AAA Insurance is provided through Club Insurance Services LLC, which offer products through AAA-affiliated companies and non-affiliated companies.
Contact AAA Insurance for your free insurance checkup:
1-866-222-0937 AAA.com/Insurance
WINTER 2019
3