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?
Call us toll free 1.888.681.2862 or email ovma@csib.org. The OIP is administered by Pottruff & Smith, operated by Cornerstone Insurance Brokers, Ltd.