Snow, Ice, and Your Home: What Should You Check Before a North Idaho Winter?

Living in North Idaho means enjoying four distinct seasons, but winter can be especially hard on a home. Heavy snow, ice, freezing temperatures, wind, and falling trees can all create potential problems.

Before the first major winter storm arrives, it is worth taking a little time to prepare your home and review your insurance.

Start With Your Roof

Your roof is one of your home's first lines of defense against winter weather.

Before snow begins piling up, look for missing or damaged shingles, flashing problems, leaks, or other signs that repairs may be needed. Gutters should also be cleaned so melting snow and water have somewhere to go.

If you have had major roof work completed recently, make sure your insurance agent has updated information about the roof.

Pay Attention to Trees

North Idaho properties often have something homeowners in other parts of the country may not have nearly as much of: trees.

Snow, ice, and wind can bring down limbs or entire trees. Look around your property for dead trees, damaged limbs, or branches hanging over your home, garage, shop, vehicles, or power lines.

Addressing obvious hazards before winter may help prevent a much bigger problem later.

Don't Forget Detached Structures

Do you have a detached garage, shop, shed, barn, gazebo, or other structure?

Homeowners insurance often includes some coverage for detached structures, but the amount available may not be enough for every property.

This is especially important in North Idaho, where large shops and outbuildings are common. If you have added or improved a structure since purchasing your policy, let your insurance agent know.

Prepare for Power Outages

Winter storms can sometimes mean losing power.

Have flashlights, batteries, blankets, and emergency supplies available. If you use a generator, make sure you understand how to operate it safely and never use one indoors or in an enclosed area where carbon monoxide can accumulate.

Know What Your Insurance Covers

Homeowners insurance may help with certain types of winter-related damage, but every policy is different. Coverage may depend on what caused the damage, your deductible, exclusions, and the specific terms of your policy.

This is why reviewing coverage before winter is much easier than trying to figure it out after something happens.

Ask your insurance agent about your dwelling coverage, deductible, other structures coverage, water damage, and any additional endorsements that may be appropriate for your property.

Bottom line: North Idaho winters can be tough on homes. Checking your roof, trees, plumbing, outbuildings, and insurance coverage before the snow starts flying can help you head into winter better prepared.