Winterize home or business to prepare for winter’s arrival

Freezing temperatures, ice, snow and wind can devastate homes and businesses if they are not properly winterized. Winter storms are the third-largest cause of property loss in America, resulting in about $1.3 billion in insured losses annually, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Winter weather-related losses such as burst pipes, wind damage, ice dams, frozen gutters and damage caused by the weight of ice or snow are covered under standard Homeowners Insurance and Business Owners policies. However, damage caused by flooding from an outside source is specifically excluded under st...