Is Your Home Ready For the Colder Weather?

Preparing your house now for fall and winter weather can prevent storm damage.  Kenton Brine, with the Northwest Insurance Council, said outside pipes are a concern.

"The pipes outside of your house that are exposed to cold or weather should be wrapped with some kind of heat tape or insulation," Brine said.  "You can buy those Styrofoam covers to put over outdoor faucets."

Know where the main valve is located, so you can turn off the water if you do have a leak.  If you have any risk of flood, you need separate insurance.

"Flooding from outside your home is typically not covered, so if it's a rising river or even sewer backup from outside the home, unless you have a rider on your policy, that kind of damage is typically not covered by an insurance policy."

If you're at risk of a mudslide, Brine said that also needs different insurance.  If you have trees near your house, keep them trimmed to reduce the risk they might fall or a branch breaks and damages your house.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com