Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/80542
you're covered Winter-Proof Your Home In Alberta, the white stuff can make an appearance as early as September. Follow this to-do list and spend winter indoors, warm and cozy, rather than outside making repairs in the frosty air – or worse, calling your insurance agent to make a major claim. by Caitlin Rooney 1 Clean leaves and debris out of eavestroughs, window wells, gutters and down- spouts to keep water from pool- ing and freezing. clutter such as sticks and lawn ornaments – tripping hazards come snowfall. 2 Clear ground on exterior vents and pet doors to keep rodents out. Make sure garage doors close com- pletely, too. 3 Install screens 6 Ensure stairwell handrails are sturdy and secure. When it gets slippery, you'll want to grip them. 4 Trim shrubs and trees to keep branches from breaking and blow- ing onto the house. taps and bring in hoses (water inside hoses might freeze and expand, causing damage). 5 Turn off water 1 9 13 ney of obstruc tions, such as birds' nests, and any built-up (and fl ammable) creosote. 7 Clear the chim- 8 for loose or broken shingles or fl ash- ing, and patch if necessary. 9 Remove window screens and install storm windows for better insulation. 8 Check the roof 10 Redo caulking and weatherstripping around doors and windows, and fi ll any remaining gaps with insulation foam, to seal heat in. attic, basement, windows and doors for air leaks. Darkened, dirty spots in insulation, or a candle fl ame wavering in a draft, may signal a leak. 11 Check the 7 11 10 4 2 6 5 12 { 12 Have your furnace checked by a professional. Change the fi lter if needed (do this every 3 months, or sooner if the fi lter looks dirty). Have a fall home maintenance tip to share with your fellow Albertans? Visit our Facebook page and join the conversation. You can get an insurance quote while you're there! Facebook.com/AMAInsurance Gary Bullock/Three-in-a-Box 13 Install carbon monoxide detectors. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases when furnaces are in frequent use and leaks more likely. 14 Move fl amma- ble materials and electric appliances away from heating devices. fans to a clockwise spin to push warm air down from the ceiling, for improved heating effi ciency. 15 Reverse ceiling Are You Covered for Winter? Cold weather can take a toll on your house, so make sure you have the right home insurance for the season. Here's how: Do inventory. Make a list of what you own and the value, including as much information as possible — brand, model, serial number, purchase date and receipts, if you have them. Review your policy. Go over your inventory and current cov- erage with your agent. And ask him or her to explain all of your policy options. For example, some policies offer cash- value coverage (which reimburses you for the depreciated value of the good), while others cover full replacement cost (replacing your property with items of "like kind and quality"). Add sewer backup coverage. This is a crucial precaution for the spring melt, but not all home policies include it. If you go away, have someone check on your home. You should do this year-round, but particularly in the win- ter, given the risk of freezing and bursting pipes. For some policies, it's an obligation: if you don't do it, you could lose your coverage. WESTWORLD >> SEPTEMBER 2012 45 16 Change outdoor lightbulbs and set automatic light timers for earlier hours of darkness. to ensure proper drainage from the roof. 17 Test downspouts 3 11 3 15 14 17 16