3 Costly Mistakes After a Snow Storm in Massachusetts

Spring is just a few weeks away, but it doesn’t appear that winter is ready to leave yet. We finally had our first big storm of the year just a few days ago! As a MA resident and homeowner, there are certain things you must do after a big storm. Forgetting to do so can be a big mistake! Here’s a look at 5 costly mistakes after a snow storm in Massachusetts.

1 – Neglecting to Remove Snow from Your Car Roof

If you follow the Massachusetts State Police on social media, then you’ve probably seen lots of photos lately of cars being pulled over with snow filled rooftops. Leaving snow on your car is a ticketable offense. It creates a safety hazard if that snow falls off your car roof when driving at high speeds on the highway. In fact, it’s been know to cause serious injury to other drivers. So, before you drive your car, always clear the snow off of your entire car,…and not just the windshield.

2 – Not Salting Walkways

Another one of the most costly mistakes after a snow storm is not clearing and treating your walkways. You are responsible for the safety of anyone and everyone that enters your property. This includes anyone walking in your driveway or walking up to your front door. For instance, if a mailman walks up to your front door to deliver a package and slips on your stairs, you can be held liable. Although your Massachusetts homeowner’s insurance might cover such incidents, your will also pay in the form of increased insurance premiums in the future. To avoid this unnecessary cost, be sure to clear your driveway and walkways and treat them with either sand or salt.

3 – Not Checking Rooftops

Heavy snow increases the dangers of ice dams. If you still have snow on your rooftop, pay close attention to melting and refreezing along your roof’s edges. If you see any build-up of ice, then it’s a good idea to remove the buildup. Water seepage into your home can cause significant and costly damage. For low roofs, you might be able to do it yourself with a roof shovel. For higher roofs, consider contacting a professional.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes After a Snow Storm in Massachusetts

The best way to avoid costly mistakes after a snow storm is to simply be aware of your responsibilities and to be conscious of how to minimize your risks. The above are 3 very important ones to remember! With some diligence and overall awareness, you can save yourself a lot of money,..and headaches!