With this year’s first big snow storm on its way, the risk of car accidents, property damage, and slip and fall accidents increases substantially. However, by taking proper precautions, these risks can be reduced, if not eliminated altogether. Being prepared for heavy snowfall, below freezing temps, and ice can prevent everything from burst pipes to fatal car accidents. Spending a few dollars and a little bit of time preparing your home and vehicle can save you thousands of dollars in property damage and medical bills. Contact a Boston Injury Lawyer Today.
Tips for Protecting Your House in Winter
In New England, frozen pipes, power outages, and downed trees are a common winter occurrence. All of these unfortunate circumstances can result in thousands of dollars in property damage, and can even create dangerous situations. Utilize the following safety tips to protect your family and keep your home safe and secure in severe weather this winter:
- Trees within close proximity to your house and power lines should be trimmed back
- If you use oil or propane for heating, make sure your tanks are adequately full
- Check heating vents to make sure that heat is reaching all of them
- Have a backup heat source, such as firewood or a generator, in case you lose power
- If a backup heat source is not possible, make sure that you have plenty of heavy blankets, warm clothes, coats, hats, and candles on hand
- If you lose power, let spigots run at a slow trickle to prevent freezing pipes
- Insulate and heat pipes in crawl spaces and cold basements to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting
- Clear your roof of significant snow and ice accumulation
- Ensure that all walkways, sidewalks, and entrances are clear of snow and ice by shoveling and using ice melt or sand
Winter Car and Truck Safety
If you must drive during winter weather conditions, make sure your car is prepared. Use the following safety tips to reduce your risk of accident or injury:
- Inspect tire tread and air pressure prior to setting out on icy or snowy roads
- Make sure that your gas tank is always at least half full
- Store emergency supplies, such as bottles of water, sand, a flashlight, blankets, an ice scraper, a shovel, and jumper cables in your trunk
- Make sure that windshield wiper fluid is full and that wipers work
- Consider using a de-icing wiper fluid during winter months
- Clean all snow and ice from your car, including from the roof
- If you must drive on snowy or icy roads, keep ample distance between your car and the car in front of you, avoid excessive speeds, and drive defensively at all times
Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Personal Injury Law Firm
At Altman & Altman, LLP, our skilled legal team has been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims for nearly 50 years. Accidents happen, especially when the weather is bad. Help reduce the risk of serious injuries and fatalities by utilizing safe practices in the home and on the road. If you have been injured in any type of accident, we can help you determine the best way to move forward. Insurance companies can make your life miserable. Let us take that burden away from you and help you get the compensation you deserve. Call Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free consultation about your case.