With the threat of upcoming Winter Weather to North Texas and freezing temperatures, we wanted to share some recommendations to keep you and your loved ones safe, and minimize damage cause by freezing.
How to Prepare Your Home for Freezing Rain, Snow or Extreme Cold:
Stock Up on Food & Water.
Consider Cooking & Easy Food Prep.
Stock Up on Supplies.
Purchase an Emergency Sump Pump.
Install a Freeze Alarm.
Consider Portable Power.
Stay Safe From Carbon Monoxide.
Clean Your Chimneys.
How to Winterize your Pool in the event of a power outage:
Shock. Several days before closing the pool, shock the pool, and make sure the PH is at the right level.
Clean the Pool Surface and Structure. Cleaning your pool is vital.
Lower Water Level.
Drain and Remove All Equipment.
Clear Water Lines.
Add Winterizing Chemicals.
Cover The Pool.
It’s always a good idea to have an emergency car kit. Especially with the threat of Freezing Rain accumulations:
Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries.
Items to stay warm such as extra hats, coats, mittens, and blankets.
Windshield scraper.
Shovel.
Battery-powered radio with extra batteries.
Flashlight with extra batteries.
Water and snack food.
In the Event that your power does go out, we have the following tips to help with damages associated with burst pipes.
If you have a burst pipe or leak, shut off the water ASAP to prevent additional damage to your property.
Take photos/videos to document what is occurring for future use with any claim that may be needed.
Keep all receipts for any repairs, equipment, hotel stay, etc.
As needed, reach out to a water mitigation company for cleanup of excess water in your home. Depending on the severity of your leak/water incident, this step may or may not be needed.
If your damage is severe/significant, file the claim with your insurance carrier ASAP. Keep in mind that you WILL have a deductible, so if your damage is minor, a claim may not be warranted if the repairs do not exceed your deductible. You can find the claims information for each carrier at this link: https://taylorreedinsurance.com/client-center/report-claim/ If you need to know your deductible, reach out to our office at 817-350-4485 via phone or text. You can also reach us by email: info@taylorreedinsurance.com
Typically, the repairs to the pipes are not covered – but the damage resulting from the water leaks from those pipes IS covered. There may be exceptions to either of these, but this is a good general rule.
Once a claim is filed, and adjuster will be assigned and that is when you will be able to schedule your field inspection. The adjuster will complete the report and estimate and will then provide the full detail to you so you can work with your chosen contractors to complete the work.
Loss of Use coverage only triggers when the home becomes uninhabitable due to the covered peril on the policy. If you have to check into a hotel, there is a chance that expense may be covered so be sure to discuss with your assigned claims adjuster during the process.
