The forecast is for heavy snow, bone-chilling cold and icy roads:  Are you ready?

We admit it: As insurance pros, our picture of winter isn’t exactly cozy. To us, winter storms mean traffic snarls, hillsides turning to sheets of ice and cars sliding around like hockey pucks.  That chill in the air and those pretty snow-covered roofs? Also trouble. First, there’s freezing pipes. Next, if that snow pack melts and refreezes in your gutter, it can cause an ice dam that reroutes water under your shingles and into your walls.  And, finally, we worry about the fires that aren’t in the fireplace—the ones that start near the overloaded electrical outlet and set the drapes ablaze.  

Know what your insurance covers and how much you need<

Your insurance policy typically covers the cost to repair these kinds of winter storm damages. However, your deductible does apply. Check your policy to see what’s covered and the deductible you’ve chosen.

A picture-perfect winter requires a few precautions<

You can reduce the chance that these hassles—or hazards—interrupt your happy holidays. Here are a few of our top tips:

·        Winter-proof your car, with good snow tires or chains, new wiper blades, antifreeze and emergency road supplies.

·        Keep your attic cool to help prevent ice dams. Insulate the attic floor and make sure it’s well-ventilated.

·        Don’t overload circuits with all those holiday decorations.

When winter storms hit, be smart

·        If you don’t have to drive, stay put. If you must drive, make sure you’ve winterized your car and have a full tank of gas.

·        When the air’s cold, keep bath and kitchen cabinet doors open so warm air can circulate around pipes. If pipes do freeze, let them thaw normally—they’ll be less likely to burst.

·        And if the power’s out, make sure you don’t leave candles or fires burning unattended. If you use a portable generator, follow the instructions and don’t use it indoors.

 Winter is a wonderful time in Alaska.  We just want you to make sure you have enough insurance coverage and take steps to reduce your risk.  If you need to properly insure your home or auto for the coming winter, please call Denali Alaskan Insurance at 257-1625 in Anchorage, or 1-800-770-1825 from anywhere else in Alaska.

Portions of this article © by Safeco, and originally published on the Safeco Now website.  Information is subject to change.