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January 30, 2019
The BBC is predicting that another Beast from the East is heading for the UK. It seems like every cold snap since March has been hailed as another beast. If in fact the temperatures do plummet it can cause a lot of damage.
Halifax Home insurance saw a 169% increase in storm claims in January 2018 compared to the same time in 2017. Last January there was also a 59% increase in claims for damage caused by ‘impact’ – that could be a car, tree or animal. “Many homeowners were severely impacted last year by the extreme cold weather and snow,” says David Rochester, head of underwriting at Halifax Home Insurance. “Even though we haven’t seen a proper cold snap in 2019, the weather can change at short notice and preparation is key.”
If the snow has arrived should you clear it from your driveway and pavement? There is a myth that does the rounds every time the snow falls – that being a good neighbour and clearing your pavement could leave you liable if a passer by falls. This is not true.
The Department of Transport has clarified that people walking on snow and ice have a responsibility to be careful themselves. So, feel free to clear the snow, just make sure you do a good job!
Avoid using water to melt the snow. If temperatures are below freezing that water could quickly turn to black ice. Instead use table or dishwasher salt to clear the snow. A tablespoon for each square metre should do the job. But, be careful what you sprinkle with salt. Keep it off plants or grass as it could damage them.
If you are shovelling snow be careful where you dump it. Avoid blocking drains, and don’t damage neighbourly relations by moving it onto someone else’s path or driveway.
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