01/29/2026
What to do After a Winter Weather Event
BEGIN REMOVING SNOW RIGHT
AWAY
• Safety first! If it’s warm enough and safe
to go outside, fresh snow is easiest to
clear. Shovel after each snowfall. Take
breaks to avoid overexertion.
• Shovel or use a snowblower to clear the
front steps, sidewalks, and driveway of
snow and ice.
• Apply a de-icing product on walkways
and stairs to prevent slips and falls.
• Clear snow from your home’s furnace
exhaust vent.
• Place non-slip mats in your front
entryway to prevent slipping.
❑ WATCH WINTRY ACCUMULATION
AND CLEAN THE ROOF
• Monitor your roof’s snow load to ensure
it does not exceed maximum capacity
and clear ice dams.
• Clear the snow from your home, shed,
and garage. For safe removal that won’t
damage your roof, hire a snow removal
contractor.
❑ USE YOUR GENERATOR DURING
POWER OUTAGES
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations
for proper generator use.
Portable generator
• Portable generators should be operated
outside in a well-ventilated area and
away from windows. Use extreme
caution when determining where to
operate the generator.
• Portable generators should never be run
unattended and while running, should
be checked periodically.
• Portable generators should not be
fueled while hot.
• Do not let snow accumulate on top of a
portable generator.
Permanent generator
• Permanent generators are more self
sufficient than portable models but
should also be monitored periodically
while they are in operation.
❑ ASSESS YOUR HOME AND
DOCUMENT ANY DAMAGE
Inside
• Watch for signs of snow load damage,
such as creaking sounds, a sagging roof,
cracks in the ceiling or walls, water stains
and doors or windows that no longer
open and close correctly.
• Check for flowing water from faucets.
If water isn’t flowing and you suspect
frozen pipes:
o Shut off the water supply.
o If you have power, open cabinet
doors to let heat in to affected
area.
o Call a plumber to make repairs for
any burst pipes.
Outside
• If a utility line is damaged or may
become damaged, call the utility
company. Stay away from any downed
power lines.
• Assess downed trees or large limbs that
may fall.
o If the tree/limb is located on your
driveway or yard, call a tree care
professional.
o If the tree/limb is located
on a road or sidewalk, call
your municipal public works
department.
Document
• Create a list and take photos or videos
to document any property losses.
❑ CONTACT YOUR INSURER ASAP, IF
YOUR HOME IS DAMAGED
• Contact your insurance agent as soon
as possible. Have information ready to
provide such as your name, contact info,
policy number, type and date of loss, a
description of the loss and your home
inventory. You should be assigned a
claim number, and an adjuster who will
work with you.
• If you need to relocate, keep records
and receipts for additional expenses.
Most insurance policies cover
emergency living arrangements such as
a hotel or temporary housing.
• Keep receipts and documentation for
any services rendered or purchases.
Consider creating an electronic file
for this information in a cloud storage
account so you can access it from
anywhere.
• Adjusters may tell homeowners to
hire a professional cleaning service or
purchase a tarp for your roof. Keep these
receipts.
❑ TAKE STEPS TO MITIGATE FURTHER
DAMAGE
• Mitigate further damage by hiring a
reputable roofer to place a tarp over
your damaged roof and/or a restoration
service for water removal before mold
becomes an issue.
• If it’s safe to do so and recommended by
your adjuster, remove any salvageable
belongings to a safe, dry space like a
storage unit or a family member’s home.
WINTER
READY
MAKE YOUR HOME
Necessary recovery actions from a winter storm can vary from
snow removal to repairing damage to your home or property.
Follow these steps after a winter storm, making sure to stay safe.
