Winter storm recovery information

Allstate Insurance Company offers the following tips for autos or homes damaged by winter storms.

After the snow:

• If your home has sustained serious structural damage from snow collapse or falling tree limbs, be careful inside the home. Debris may be hazardous.
• Make temporary repairs to protect undamaged property. Save receipts to see what expenses insurance may reimburse.
• Avoid using sharp tools or ice picks to clear gutters or downspouts - they tend to do more harm than good.
• For personal safety reasons, avoid getting on the roof or working on a ladder or beneath a roof that has accumulated large amounts of snow.
• Watch inside the home for unexpected water leakage on walls or ceilings. Ice build-up in eaves and gutters following heavy snows can prevent drainage, causing water from melting roof snow to seep under shingles or tiles and into the home. If you suspect "ice damming" call your insurance agent.
• Report possible claims to your agent promptly. Have all relevant policy numbers ready when you call.
• Be patient and assist claims adjusters assigned to your case. Small losses may be settled quickly; extensive claims will take longer.

Before the snow (preventative measures for future storms):

• Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and natural debris.
• Identify areas of heat loss in attics and properly insulate. Escaped heat melts snow on the top of the roof, which adds to the backup of water behind ice dams.
• Wrap or insulate all heating ductwork in order to reduce heat loss through the attic.
• Use a snow rake or soft broom to clear small amounts of fresh snow from gutters before it freezes. Shovels or picks can cause more damage.