OIP News - Winter Preparation Checklist For Your Cottage
Winters in cottage country can often be severe. Here are some do-ahead tips to protect your home-away-from-home from damage.
- Make sure the extension cord used for a portable heater is capable of handling the heater’s high currents
- Clear leaves and other debris from your eaves before the snow and ice arrives to prevent clogging and ice-damming
- Turn off water in your outlets and drain remaining water inside the faucets
- Drain your water system to prevent pipes from freezing – this is also safer than adding toxic chemicals, such as anti-freeze, to your water system
- Unplug household electronics
- Rather than drain your boat’s fuel tank, add a fuel stabilizer to keep it fresh over the winter
- Secure a floating dock to land anchor points
- Have the chimney cleaned before you use it again if you can’t see daylight when you look up it
- Keep rodents out by removing all food sources rather than using toxic chemicals
- Consider boarding up or shuttering single-pane windows to prevent winter storm damage
- Store linens, bedding and cushions in plastic bags or cedar chests to prevent damage or infestation
- Inspect for structural damage and repair any before the snow arrives to prevent leakage or floods
Want to Know More?
Contact the OVMA Insurance Program at 1.888.681.2862 and speak with your Account Manager or a New Business Executive. The OVMA Insurance Program is administered by Pottruff & Smith Insurance Brokers Inc.