Wintery conditions can create
danger zones outside the home

Owning a home for the first time typically means encountering unfamiliar situations. Some of those situations may worsen during the cold winter months, specifically the safety conditions of outdoor areas. New homeowners can become overwhelmed with the abundance of chores, repairs and fix-it to-dos around their new abode - a top priority, however, is keeping a home safe from hazards that could create injuries.

"It is the responsibility of the homeowner to be sure that their property, even the sidewalks, are clear of any icy and hazardous conditions," Krista Conte, Allstate's spokesperson in New York said. "At Allstate, we help our customers before they have a loss by providing them with critical tips on avoiding hazards that could create a slip and fall."

While these tips are important to all homeowners, new homeowners may or may not be aware of the types of conditions that could cause someone to be injured on their property. The following are the top five outdoor areas of your home that could be hazardous, especially in icy, freezing and wintery conditions:

• Slippery steps - Outdoor steps, especially brick or stone stoops, can get very slippery. And, if the bricks or stones are not securely affixed, then there is an added opportunity for danger. New homeowners who have visitors or deliveries should be aware that there is more to a safe stairway than simply clearing the steps of snow, they also must be sure that the area is salted and the steps are strong and smooth. Harsh weather conditions, after all, can create crevices in cement or loosen bricks and stones.
• Rickety railings - Every stairway or steep walkway should have a strong and stable railing. If a visitor starts to slip, then he or she will instinctively reach for something for balance. New homeowners should check every railing outside the house to be sure they can withstand the panicked reach of a person falling.
• Dangerous driveways - For those new homeowners who have never had a driveway to shovel, there are some things to keep in mind when cleaning the area. First, shoveling can sometimes leave a dangerous layer of wet snow behind. When the temperature goes south, that layer can turn to ice. A thin layer of ice on your driveway can be more dangerous than the wet snow. After you shovel, immediately sprinkle salt or calcium chloride on the surface. By salting or spreading a calcium chloride mixture, the ice won't grab onto the surface and more quickly disintegrate.
• Warped walkways - Sidewalks are the responsibility of the homeowner. Snow, sleet, showers or shine - new homeowners need to know that an uplifted or buckled sidewalk is a hazard. Poorly maintained walkways and sidewalks are difficult for passers by to navigate, especially when cold, wet or freezing. Harsh weather can create crevices in a sidewalk. Not only should a new homeowner clean and treat the surface of their sidewalk or walkway the same as they do their driveway, they should repair and maintain the walkway responsibly.
• Frozen gutters - Gutters can collect snow and ice. In freezing temperatures, icicles will form from your roof, creating dangerous fangs of ice that could hurt someone. It could become the liability of the homeowner if a visitor to their home is injured from a falling icicle. Homeowners should immediately clear gutters of snow using a sow rake or soft broom. Quick attention to the matter will help to alleviate the situation.

Submitted by
the Allstate Corporation

December 18, 2005