Tampa, Fla. (October 31, 2012) - With many Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian states receiving as much as two feet of snow from Super Storm Sandy, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) reminds business and homeowners that now is the time to prepare their property for the 2012-2013 winter season to help reduce damage caused from freezing weather.
"Winter weather can cause numerous problems from burst pipes to roof collapses to interior fires," said Julie Rochman, president and CEO of IBHS. "Taking steps now to prepare your home or business to withstand the effects of winter storms and freezing weather will help you avoid costly losses and possible business interruptions later."
Freezing Pipes
Frozen water in pipes can cause them to burst. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are particularly vulnerable to freezing in extremely cold weather. Find out how to keep water in pipes from freezing here: http://disastersafety.org/
Is Your Roof Strong Enough?
The age of a building is a major determinant of how much snow and ice it can handle before collapsing. Get more information about roof snow and ice load ranges here: http://disastersafety.org/
Ice Dams
When interior heat melts the snow on the roof the water will run down and refreeze at the roof's edge, where temperatures are colder. The ice build-up blocks water from draining off of the roof, forcing the water under the roof covering and into the attic or down the inside walls of the house. Check out IBHS' guidance on how to decrease the likelihood that ice dams will form here: http://disastersafety.org/
Alternative Heating Devices
Falling temperatures also mean increased fire dangers linked to the use of heating devices. Rising fuel prices and environmental concerns have driven many consumers to seek alternate ways to heat their homes and businesses. Consult IBHS' Alternative Heating Sources guide to be safe when choosing or installing space heaters, wood pellet stoves, fireplaces or other heating sources.
IBHS' Freezing Weather page on DisasterSafety.org provides guidance on how to protect your home or business against other winter weather-related perils.
for more information about how to make your buildings more resistant to a variety of disasters, large and small. Follow IBHS on Twitter at @DisasterSafety and on
# # #
About IBHS
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is an independent, nonprofit, research and communications organization supported by the property insurance industry. The IBHS mission is to conduct objective, scientific research in order to identify and promote effective actions that strengthen homes, businesses, and communities against natural disasters and other causes of loss.
