Protecting Your Assets Before, During, and Long After the Storm

When a major snowstorm is forecasted, most people head to the grocery store for bread and milk. However, insurance professionals view these weather events through a different lens: they see a month-long sequence of escalating risks. From the initial snowfall to the treacherous "freeze-thaw" cycle that follows, a property is under constant siege.

According to industry experts, the secret to avoiding a catastrophic claim isn’t just about having a good policy—it’s about active risk management. Here is a detailed breakdown of how property owners can navigate the "Before, During, and After" of a winter storm to keep their assets and liability in check.

Part I: Before the First Flake (The Prevention Phase)

In insurance terms, we focus heavily on "Risk Mitigation." This means fixing things now so they don't break later. When a claim is filed, an adjuster looks to see if the damage was "Sudden and Accidental" or the result of "Gradual Wear and Tear." Pre-storm maintenance ensures your claim stays in the "covered" category.

1. The Roof: Your $30,000 Shield

Your roof is the most expensive component of your home. Before the snow hits:

• The Gutter Vacuum: Clogged gutters are the #1 cause of ice dams. When snow melts on your roof but can’t drain because of frozen leaves, it backs up under your shingles and into your drywall.

• Shingle Integrity: Check for curling or missing shingles. High winds during a blizzard can turn a loose shingle into a "lift point," allowing the wind to peel back large sections of your roof.

• Attic Insulation: Aim for a "Cold Roof." If your attic is too warm due to poor insulation, it melts snow prematurely, leading to those ice dams.

2. Plumbing: Preventing the "Frozen Fountain"

A burst pipe can discharge hundreds of gallons of water in a single hour.

• Insulate: Wrap pipes in unheated areas (basements, crawl spaces).

• Identify the Main Shut-off: If a pipe bursts at 3:00 AM in a power outage, you need to know exactly where that valve is. Label it today.

3. Vegetation and Liability

• The "Widow-Makers": Heavy, wet snow adds immense weight to branches. If a healthy tree falls on a neighbor’s house, it’s usually an "Act of God." However, if the tree was dead or rotting and you neglected it, you could be held liable for the damages. Trim branches that hang over your roof or power lines now.

Part II: During the Storm (Active Loss Control)

Once the storm hits, your priority shifts to "Mitigating the Loss." Most policies require you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage once an incident occurs.

1. Internal Environment Management

• The 65-Degree Rule: Never drop your thermostat below 65°F (18°C), even if you are trying to save on heating bills. The "micro-climate" inside your wall cavities can be 20 degrees colder than the room itself.

• The Cabinet Trick: Open the cabinets under your kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow ambient heat to reach the plumbing.

• The Slow Drip: If temperatures stay below 20°F for more than 24 hours, run a pencil-thin stream of water from the faucet furthest from the water main to prevent pressure buildup.

2. Structural Monitoring

• The "Sticking Door" Test: If interior doors suddenly stick or won't latch, it’s a sign of deflection. The weight of the snow on the roof is compressing the frame of the house.

• Roof Rakes: Use a roof rake to clear overhangs from the safety of the ground. Never climb onto a snowy roof; the liability of a personal injury far outweighs the benefit of clearing shingles.

Part III: The Long Aftermath (The Refreeze & Liability Phase)

This is where most people let their guard down. A storm lasts a day, but the "Loss Period" lasts until the snow is physically gone—which can be a month later.

1. The "Slip and Fall" Zone

As an agent, I see more liability claims two weeks after a storm than during it.

• The Refreeze Cycle: During the day, snow melts into a puddle. At night, it turns into Black Ice. If a delivery driver or mail carrier slips on that ice 10 days after the storm, you are still liable.

• The Salt Strategy: Don't salt once and call it a day. Apply salt or sand every evening before sunset to treat the melt-water that will inevitably freeze overnight.

• The "Duty of Care": Most municipalities require sidewalks to be cleared within 24-48 hours. Failing to do so is evidence of negligence in a civil lawsuit.

2. Managing the Snow Bank

• Foundation Clearance: Do not pile shoveled snow against the side of your house. As it melts over the next few weeks, the water will find its way into your crawlspace. Hydrostatic pressure from melting snow can crack a foundation, and "Seepage" is rarely covered by standard insurance.

• Vent Clearance: Ensure your dryer vent and furnace exhaust (the white PVC pipes) are clear. If these get blocked by drifts, carbon monoxide will back up into your home.

3. Detecting Hidden Water Damage

Once the "Great Thaw" begins, you must become an investigator.

• The Attic Flashlight Test: Go into your attic and look for frost on the underside of the roof deck. When that frost melts, it looks like a roof leak.

• The Ice Dam Shadow: Look at interior walls directly under the gutters. If you see bubbling paint or faint yellow rings, you have an ice dam leak. Report this immediately. Don't wait until mold grows, as many policies have strict limits on mold coverage.

Part IV: The Insurance Claim Protocol

If the worst happens—a tree falls or a pipe bursts—how you handle the first 24 hours determines the success of your claim.

1. Safety First: If there is structural damage, evacuate.

2. Mitigation: If a pipe bursts, shut off the water. If a window breaks, board it up. The insurance company can deny portions of a claim if you "sat on your hands" and let the damage worsen.

3. The Visual Inventory: Do not start cleaning up until you have taken at least 50 photos and videos.

4. Keep the Evidence: Do not throw away damaged items (like a ruined rug) until an adjuster has seen them.

5. Professional Estimates: Call your agent, then get a reputable contractor to give you an independent "Scope of Work" to compare with the adjuster's estimate.

Summary: The Agent's Weekly Checklist

Risk Factor	Action Item	Frequency
Pipes	Drip faucets / Open cabinets	Throughout the deep freeze
Walkways	Re-apply salt/sand every evening	Until the snow is 100% gone
Roof	Monitor for sticking doors/creaks	After every 6+ inches of snow
Foundation	Shovel snow away from walls	Immediately after the storm
Vents	Clear exhaust pipes of drifts	Check daily during high winds

Winter is a marathon, not a sprint. By treating your property like a high-performance machine that needs constant monitoring, you aren't just protecting your house—you're protecting your financial future.