State Farm announces snow tips, facts

Whether you were prepared for the snow or not, State Farm Insurance announced a few ways to be ready during the snowstorm.

The hefty wet snow and high winds may increase the possibility of damage to your home and your vehicle accident risk, State Farm said, roof collapse, power outage and poor road conditions are common culprits.

State Farm announced the following:

Home: Snow/weight on roof:

• Flat roof is at most danger for collapse.

• Can block chimney and vents, resulting in carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Injuries can occur from snow and ice falling from sloped roofs. You could be liable.

Power outages quick facts:

Before: Have a place in your home where flashlights, a battery-powered radio, and extra batteries can be easily found. If you know the outage is coming, set aside extra water and buy or make extra ice. You can use the ice to keep perishable items cool.

Make sure the battery in your smoke detector is fresh. Test the smoke detector on a monthly basis to make sure it is working. Keep an appliance thermometer in the freezer. According to Food Safety News, if the freezer is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder when the power returns, all the food is safe.

During: If possible, use flashlights instead of candles for emergency lighting. Candles used in unfamiliar settings can be dangerous fire hazards. Leave one light on so you know when the power returns.

Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer. This will help keep your food as fresh as possible. Be sure to check food for signs of spoilage.

Use generators safely. If you have a portable generator, only run it outdoors with adequate ventilation. Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages. The exhaust fumes contain

The hefty wet snow and high winds may increase the possibility of damage to your home and your vehicle accident risk, State Farm said, roof collapse, power outage and poor road conditions are common culprits.

carbon monoxide, which can be deadly if inhaled. Listen to the radio for updates. Your homeowner policy may cover spoiled food and other damages as a result of power outages, subject to the deductible. Check with your insurance company to see if your homeowner policy covers damages resulting from outages.

Vehicle:

Roadside and vehicle safety: when clearing snow from vehicle, don’t forget the tailpipe. It can cause carbon monoxide poisoning when clogged.

Trunk junk: go through the stuff in your trunk or rear storage area and get rid of the junk that you do not need during the snowstorm. Add the items you may need if you have a roadside emergency such as a shovel, snow

brush, ice scraper, flashlights, jumper cables, sand or kitty litter, warning devices including flares or triangles, blankets, water, non-perishable food and any needed medicines.

State Farm agents recommend storing items in a bag, box or tub with a lid to prevent them from becoming a distraction or hazard in the event of a sudden stop, especially in vehicles with an open cargo area, like SUVs or pick-up trucks. They said this also keeps everything together, making your emergency supplies easy to find when you need them.

Potholes:

Damage to vehicle can run upwards of $700. In most instances, tires are not covered.

Black ice:

If you are caught on black ice, use these tips to maneuver past the problem area:

• Do nothing. Avoid making sudden moves or turning the wheel. Smoothly lift your foot off the accelerator and glide across the ice in a straight line until you find traction.

• Shift. If possible, slowly shift to a lower gear for added control.

• Brake wisely. If you begin to skid, firmly press on your brakes to activate the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Or, if you don’t have ABS, pump the brakes gently.

• Avoid a spinout. If your front end is sliding, steer in the opposite direction of the skid; if the back end is sliding, steer in the same direction.

• Look toward where you want to go. Avoid looking where you think you might crash because you might inadvertently veer the car in that direction.