Central Ohio's Winter Wonderland
Central Ohio has experienced a real winter wonderland this year, with nearly 50"of snowfall blanketing our city thus far -- making it the fourth snowiest winter on record. The winter of 1909-10 holds the number one record with 67.8", followed by 54.1" in 1977-78 and 53.9" in 1995-96.
For those of us enjoying these frosty temperatures and snow-covered streets and those who aren't, it should be noted that severe and sustained cold weather, snowfalls, melting snow and freezing rain can inflict considerable damage on homes.
Standard homeowners policies typically cover losses related to bursting pipes, ice dams, wind damage, wind driven moisture damage, damage or collapse caused by the weight of ice or snow and backed-up sewers and drains. Flood damage, however, requires special federal flood insurance and is typically excluded from most standard policies.
Legal suits stemming from falling icicles, slips or falls on your property are also covered, but if you didn't remove snow or ice from your property within a reasonable period -- in some cases, including the sidewalk in front of your home -- you could be liable for negligence. You should check with your local jurisdiction to determine if there are mandates that require you to remove snow and ice within a given period.
You will want to maintain your home throughout the snow season by piling snow away from your home and keeping the gutters clean as the snow melts. Pipes that are exposed should be insulated to prevent them from freezing, thawing and/or breaking.
Here are some additional tips and steps you can take to maintain a healthy home during long periods of severe weather:
- Keep sidewalks and entrances to your home free from snow and ice.
- Watch for ice dams near gutter downspouts. Keep gutters free of leaves and debris so melting snow and ice can flow freely. Ice dams can cause water to build up and seep into your house.
- Keep your home warm. The temperature in the home should be at least 65 degrees to prevent the pipes from freezing.
- Identify the location for the main water shutoff in your home. Find out how it works just in case you have to use it.
- Open hot and cold faucets enough to let them drip slowly. Keeping water moving within the pipes will prevent freezing.
- If you haven't already, make sure all hoses are disconnected from outside spigots.
- If your garage is attached to your house, keep the garage doors closed. The door leading to the house is probably not as well-insulated as an exterior door.
- If ice forms on tree limbs, watch for dead, damaged or dangerous branches that could break and fall because of ice, snow or wind and damage your house, a car, or injure someone walking near your property.
- If you use fireplaces, wood stoves and electric heaters, watch them closely and ensure they are working properly.
- Remember to close the flue in your fireplace when you're not using it.
- If you have to leave your home on a trip, ask a neighbor to check the house regularly. If there is a problem with frozen pipes or water leakage, attending to it quickly could mean far less damage.
- If you plan to be away for an extended period of time, have the water system drained by a professional to keep pipes from freezing or bursting.
In the mist of digging, shoveling, slipping and sliding, we should remember that there are some benefits to be found in the beauty of wintry landscapes and the replishment of water reservoirs.
A blanket of snow warms the ground for the roots of perennial flowers, trees and shrubs, becomes a playground for skiers and sledders and it conjures up our creative juices -- ice castles to snowfamily scuptures decorate area neighborhoods.
Most, importantly, a snowfall has the ability to foster community spirit -- with all kinds of adverse weather, a stranger, a neighbor will turn into a good Samaritan.
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