It's Not Too Early to Get Prepared for Winter Weather

As residents of Pennsylvania, we’ve all experienced severe weather that can be frightening and dangerous at times. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths occur every winter due to winter storms, bad weather, and sloppy road conditions. So, as we begin to transition into colder weather, there’s no better time to start preparing for winter weather.

Prepare Your Car

Before hitting the road, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is serviced and ready to handle the challenging weather ahead. Visit your local mechanic for a tune-up and ask them to check your wipers, hoses, breaks, tires, and lights, look for any leaks, and check for any parts that need to be repaired or replaced. To find a trusted, certified repair technician near you, visit AAA.com/AutoRepair.

Have your battery and charging system tested by a trained technician, especially if your car battery is more than 3 years old. AAA Mobile Battery service, available in select areas, provides free, on-the-spot testing, and replacement if needed. Go to AAA.com/Battery to request battery service.

Stock your car with items you may need in an emergency. Some suggested items include a snow shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, flashlight, flares or emergency markers, blankets, cell phone charger, water, food, and a first-aid kit.

Prepare Your Home

Your car is not the only thing to prepare for the harsh winter storms. Taking preventative measures by winterizing your home can help protect you and your family when winter storms hit. Here are a few simple actions to help you prepare:

• Like your vehicle, be sure to stock up on items you may need in an emergency, such as flashlights, extra batteries, heating fuel, food, and water, and ensure all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.
• Clear your gutters and spouts from debris to allow melting ice and snow to flow freely.
• Have your chimney inspected, cleaned, and repaired, if needed, by a professional before winter use. Never leave candles burning unattended.
• To help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, make sure exposed pipes are insulated and any cracks on the outside are sealed. In cold temperatures, keep a slow trickle of water flowing through unprotected pipes.

Additionally, make sure your home insurance is up to date. Our AAA Insurance Agents can help you with a quote or answer any questions about your policy. Visit AAA.com/Insurance to learn more.