• Winter storms bring ice, snow, cold temperatures and often dangerous driving conditions.
• Two of the 10 most costly insured catastrophes in U.S. history were winter storms.
• In December 1983, wind, snow and freezing in 41 states caused estimated losses of $880 million.
• The March Blizzard of 1993 was the fifth most costly insured catastrophe in the United States, causing an estimated $1.75 billion in damage.

 
Before a Winter Storm: 

• Make a written or videotaped inventory of household possessions/property and store in a safe place with insurance policies, documents and other valuables.
• Keep a supply of extra blankets.
• Make sure each member of your household has adequate winter clothing:  at least a warm coat, mittens or gloves, a hat and water-resistant boots.

• Assemble a disaster supplies kit including:  first aid kit; essential medications; portable, battery-powered radio; flashlight; extra batteries; canned food; non-electric can opener; and bottled water.
• Winterize your car before winter storm season begins.
• Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross chapter to learn how to treat frostbite, hypothermia and exposure to the cold.

 
After a Winter Storm: 

• Call your independent insurance agent as soon as possible.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
• Delay permanent repairs until your insurer approves reimbursement.

• Get any necessary construction permits from your community.
• Keep all receipts.
• Prepare an inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property.

• Take photos of damaged areas.
• Save remnants of damaged or destroyed property for your insurance company adjuster.
• Meet with your adjuster first, before signing anything with contractors, lawyers or public adjusters.