Winter brings weather that's cooler than a '90s hip-hop hit—and with COVID-19's impacts still being felt, homeowners can't take a vanilla approach to winter risk mitigation.

As homeowners seek to prevent risk related to winter weather, they should keep in mind that “service companies continue to struggle to find enough employees to properly support the amount of work coming in," says Doug Thomas, senior specialist, claims, at American Modern Insurance Group.

Thomas points out that while many other industries that are struggling with staffing shortages can change their hours of operation, “companies that conduct home repair and risk mitigation on properties have no alternative other than to schedule jobs weeks or even months out," he says, which means homeowners need to be prepared to wait—or take steps to prevent damage in advance.

One area of risk prevention this may particularly impact is homes with fireplaces and woodburning stoves, which should be cleaned regularly by a professional. However, “it might be difficult to schedule maintenance in a timely manner due to lack of help during these times when help is hard to find," Thomas says.

Meanwhile, other prevention tips that agents can advise clients to follow remain unaffected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“HVAC filters should be changed once a month," Thomas says. “Space heaters should never be placed near drapes or any other flammable materials and should be checked to ensure the cord isn't frayed or otherwise damaged."

Slips and falls are always a winter weather concern, and keeping stairs, railways and pathways free of snow and ice is essential. “Some homeowners might prefer to outsource this type of work, but remember it could be difficult to find appropriate help," Thomas adds. “This might be a good time to find a local teen who is more than willing to do the job for a little extra money!"

When it comes to snow- and ice-laden tree limbs near powerlines, “it's best to report any major issues to the local power company," he says. “They will likely send a crew to trim the lines for free—which also protects the homeowner from the possible risk involved in dealing with power lines."

Ice dams are a common cause of damage to homes, which occur when “melting snow cannot properly drain off the roof of the structure," Thomas explains. “Improper attic ventilation or poor insulation is a huge contributing factor because if the heat inside the home is able to reach the attic, it can then reach the underside of the roof, causing snow to melt. Then, when night falls and temperatures drop, the melted snow freezes."

“This cycle ultimately repeats itself," he continues. “Add in clogged gutters or any other obstruction that keeps the water on the roof, and you have a recipe for disaster, with water getting under shingles and ultimately causing damage to insulation, walls and ceilings."

“Homeowners can mitigate damage from ice dams by checking that exhaust fans are properly vented through a roof or wall, ensuring their attic insulation is sufficient and that any openings around attic access panels or stairs are well sealed," Thomas adds. “The homeowner can also look into installing ice and water shield protective underlays, which is fairly easy to do when the roof is reshingled or replaced."

“Also, make sure the gutters aren't clogged," he continues. “Investing in a roof rake may also make sense for some homeowners, as long as they use extreme caution while using one."

AnneMarie McPherson is IA news editor.