Snowzilla will Return; PCI Says Take a Winter Storm Reality Check and be Ready

CHICAGO - The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) is urging property owners to take a winter storm preparation reality check, because you never know when the next snowpocalypse or snowmageddon will occur.

While there are many fun, hyperbolic names for winter storms, the reality is that these severe weather events caused $3.5 billion in insured property losses last year. To help motorists and homeowners protect their property during the harsh winter months, PCI is launching its Winter Storm Preparedness Reality Check campaign and quiz. PCI is encouraging consumers to follow a few simple tips and take steps to ensure they are ready for the next Arctic blast and winter storm system.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is expecting La Nina to develop which could bring a drier, warmer winter in the southern U.S and wetter, cooler conditions in the northern U.S. If La Nina conditions materialize it often results in above average snowfall around the Great Lakes and in the northern Rockies and below average snowfall in the mid-Atlantic.

No matter what the forecast trends are, wet, wintery roads could dominate the landscape and contribute to more car crashes this season. This comes as the U.S. is experiencing a dramatic rise in the number of auto accidents and fatalities. Traffic deaths rose 10.4 percent in the first half of 2016, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“Roads are particularly hazardous in the winter months and the dangers can be compounded by distracted driving,” said Robert Passmore, assistant vice president personal lines, policy for PCI. “It pays to take precautions so that you are ready for the inevitable snow, ice and cold and essential to avoid distracted driving this winter.”

Winter storms can cause significant damage not only for drivers but also for homeowners. Extreme weather, burst pipes, tree limbs falling, roof or deck collapses can add up to record numbers of insurance claims. However, insurers are ready to work with consumers to minimize the inconveniences and help make the claims process go as smoothly as possible if consumers face damage.

At least once a year talk with your insurance agent or company to review your policy. And, whenever severe weather occurs, insurers are prepared to work with consumers to minimize the inconveniences and help make the claims process go as smoothly as possible.

PCI encourages consumers to take a winter storm preparation reality check by following these tips for winter storms:

Winter Driving Tips:

• Hazardous road conditions make it even more important to take safety precautions and drive defensively. Slow down and keep extra distance between your car and other vehicles.
  
• Winterize your car by checking your antifreeze, battery, tires and windshield wiper fluid. Make sure your headlights, taillights and emergency flashers are working.
  
• Prepare an emergency travel kit with items such as blankets, jumper cables, a shovel, a flashlight, salt, flares and other emergency supplies. A toolkit, bottled water and snack food are also useful items to include.
  
• Keep at least half of a tank of gas in your car at all times.

Cold Weather Homeowners Tips:

• Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. It is important to keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from heating equip (furnace, fireplace, wood stove, and portable heater)
  
• Frozen water pipes represent the biggest potential problem for most homes. A little advance planning will usually prevent frozen pipes.
  
• Insulate pipes, especially those leading to the outside, and plug holes around the pipes with insulation or spray-in foam. Make sure there is warm air flowing around pipes that are located near an outside wall. Check pipes under sinks to make sure they will get adequate heat.
  
• Make sure there is clear access to the main water shut-off valve in case there is a leak or a pipe suddenly bursts.