Winter Driving Tips

Winter Driving Tips by Johnson & Rohan Insurance

Well, we finally got it: The big storm! Here in Lynnfield, we got at least a foot of the wet & heavy.

Tips to keep in mind when driving in winter conditions:

Beware of snow banks! Go slow when pulling in and out of parking lots or side streets. Drive slow, in general, because you can’t see vehicles driving in and out of parking lots and side streets. Road are narrower and driving more harrowing. Be careful.

Be prepared.  Have your mechanic check your car’s battery, brakes, fluid levels and tire wear.  Keep your gas tank more than half full- it lowers the chance of freezing and you’ll also avoid running out of gas if your stuck in a traffic jam on 128.

Take care in pulling out.  Your car reacts differently to accelerating on snow, make sure there is plenty of time/space to get your car up to speed.  Remember other vehicles may have trouble braking because of the conditions.

Back your car into the driveway when possible.  You’ll have better vision when pulling out.

Be aware of walkers or joggers on the street. When sidewalks are impassable, die hard joggers and dog walkers are forced to venture onto the street for a clearer path.   Keep an eye out for them!

When waiting to make a left hand turn, keep the wheels of your car pointed forward.  If your wheels are turned to the left and you are rear-ended, your car will be pushed into the path of on-coming traffic.

Braking.  If your car does not have anti-lock brakes and you start to skid, pump the brakes to gain control of the skidding.  If your car has anti-lock brakes, slam and hold down the brakes to allow the anti-lock system to take over.

When you must travel during a storm, notify others of your estimated time of arrival and your intended route.

If stuck, stay in the car and wait for help.  Run the engine and heater sparingly.  Also make your exhaust pipe is clear from snow and ventilate your car to prevent carbon monoxide build up.

If stuck in a storm, preserve your energy.  Have food (energy bars, trail mix, beef jerky) in your car.   They will provide your body with energy to produce its own heat.  Have water available to prevent dehydration.  Don’t eat snow, it lowers your body temperature- if necessary, melt it first.

Prepare a Winter Driving Kit and leave it in your trunk.  Your kit should include an extra pair of gloves, blankets, an ice scraper, food basics (energy bars, trail mix or beef jerky work well), water or energy drink.  An affordable car battery- air compressor can provide a battery charge or refill a flat tire.

 

Winter Driving Tips

Massachusetts Driving Tips

Driving during winter here in Massachusetts can be one of the most difficult and hazardous situations for both new and experienced drivers.

Johnson & Rohan Insurance offers some winter driving tips:

  • Reduce your speed according to road conditions. Drive cautiously and accelerate gently.
  • Never lock your brakes on icy roads. You will lose steering control. If you do skid, try to remember to turn into the direction of the skid.
  • Increase the space between your vehicle and others. You need more distance to stop safely on slippery surfaces.
  • Make sure your windshield washer has sufficient fluid and that your wipers and defroster are in good condition.
  • Before driving, completely remove ice and snow from your vehicle. Clear all windows, wipers, headlights, and brake lights.
  • Keep your fuel tank at least half full to prevent the fuel line from freezing.
  • Keep a sleeping bad or blanket, flashlight, water, high calorie food that will not spoil, and a shovel in your trunk for emergencies.
  • Best tip of all: Don’t Drive!

From all of us at Johnson & Rohan Insurance: Stay Safe Massachusetts!

Winter Storm Watch

Snow storm

As Monday’s storm descends on Massachusetts, rest assured you can report a claim 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Some of our popular, after-hours claim numbers:

Travelers:     1-800-252-4633

Safety Insurance:    1-800-951-2100

Vermont Mutual:      1-800-435-0397

Progressive Insurance:    1-800-274

MPIUA:      1-800-392-6108

 

CBS Boston reports the following Winter Storm Watch:

10 a.m. to 4 p.m:

The “peak” of the storm. When the majority of the snow accumulation occurs. Steady and at times heavy snow falls in all of eastern Massachusetts. Again, heaviest snow and strongest winds in southeastern Massachusetts. Blizzard conditions in that region.

After 4 p.m:

Snow continues across the area but lighter in intensity. Snowfall accumulation slows considerably and winds begin to turn more northerly and with a bit less ferocity. While the snow will continue for most of the night, it will get lighter and spottier after midnight, with just a few flurries left Tuesday morning.

SNOW AMOUNTS:

9-to-12 inches:

The highest snow totals will be in southeast Massachusetts including Plymouth and Bristol counties as well as the Cape and Islands. There will likely be some ocean-enhanced snowbands in this area, these highly localized bands of snow could cause a few towns in southeast Mass. to go over the foot mark.

6-to-9 inches:

Norfolk County, Suffolk County (Boston) and all areas inside Route 128, including the North Shore and Cape Ann.

3-to-6 inches:

Most of the 495 belt north of the Mass Pike, and points west to Worcester County and southern New Hampshire.

1-to-3 inches:

Areas north and west of Worcester County.

WINDS:

A major factor with this storm will be the powerful northeast wind gusts. Once again the worst hit area will be Plymouth County, Cape Cod and the Islands where gusts will range from 45-to-65 mph Monday.

Farther north along the Coast from Boston to the North Shore, gusts will range from 30-to-45 mph.

Across the interior, winds will be gusty but not nearly as powerful, gusts 20-to-40 mph at times.

Given the already stressed trees due to our last heavy and wet snow on Friday, numerous power outages are again likely with this event.

COASTAL FLOODING:

The area of concern once again – the Plymouth County coastline, Cape Cod and Nantucket. We expect minor to moderate coastal flooding here between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

WHAT’S NEXT?

First the snow.  While the majority of the snow will fall on Monday, some snow will likely be in the air Tuesday and Wednesday as well. Then comes the cold, the most brutal air since last winter will drop out of Canada later this week. Next weekend looks absolutely frigid. High temperatures in many areas could be stuck in the single digits by day, dropping below zero at night.

Ice Dam Prevention Tips

Claims are no fun. One of the most common and repetitive causes of property damage to building interiors is water damage resulting from the formation of ice dams on roofs. Following please find some ice dam prevention tips:

Ice Dam Prevention Tips

Claims are no fun.

One of the most common and repetitive causes of property damage to building interiors is water damage resulting from the formation of ice dams on roofs. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents the water produced by melting snow from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home causing damage to walls, ceilings, and insulation.

While ice dams can develop as a result of multiple factors, the most fundamental causes are:

  • Heat leakage from the interior of the building into attic or loft areas that warms the middle and upper areas of roof decks (see causes of heat leakage below).
  • Snow accumulation on the roof surface which provides the potential for snow melt and re-freezing in the form of an ice dam. This problem can be amplified by lower pitched roofs.
  • Sustained exterior temperatures below 32 degrees which creates conditions under which snow melt water will re-freeze at the eave level of the roof.

Heat leakage can result from any number of factors common to residential properties:

  • An insufficient layer of insulation in the ceiling assembly below the attic or loft area as well as uninsulated or poorly insulated exterior walls.
  • Impoperly insultated recessed ceiling lighting fixtures.
  • Improperly sealed and insulated ventilation fans, heating and air conditioning ducts and plumbing vent stacks.

Strategies for avoiding water damage from ice dams take two forms; those that are intended to prevent the formation of ice dams and those that are designed to provide a reliable means for roof surface snow melt water to drain off the roof to prevent water accumulation behind the ice dam.

Prevent the Formation of Ice Dams

  • Provide soffit and ridge ventilation to create and sustain a flow of cold air along the bottom surface of the roof deck.
  • Increase the thickness of insulation in the ceiiling assembly below the attic or loft area.

Blizzard of 2015

If you are reporting a claim during off hours you can do so directly, 24 hours per day/ 7 days per week. Have your policy number ready and call …

Blizzard 2015

Here in Massachusetts, the Blizzard of 2015 is bearing down us.The National Weather Service has advised:

A crippling and potentially historic Blizzard will impact the area mainly from late today (January 26th) into Tuesday, lingering into early Wednesday (January 28th).

Blizzard Warning remains in effect from 7 pm this evening to 1 am EST Wednesday.

  • Locations: eastern and southeastern Massachusetts as well as all of Rhode Island.
  • Hazard types: Heavy snow, strong winds and blizzard conditions. Considerable blowing and drifting snow. Strong to damaging winds.
  • Accumulations: snow accumulations of around 20 to 30 inches. With locally higher amounts. Snowfall rates of 2 to 4 inches an hour at times.
  • Timing: while the storm is expected to begin late today and linger into early Wednesday, the worst of the storm will be tonight through Tuesday afternoon.
  • Impacts: Heavy snow and strong winds will result in White-out / blizzard conditions with near zero visibility. Travel will be impossible and life threatening across the entire region. Also snow may be wet enough to result in downed tree limbs and power outages in addition to the winds.
  • Winds: North-northeast 15 to 25 mph with gusts around 65 to 75 mph. The height of the winds will be late tonight into Tuesday.
  • Visibilities: one quarter mile or less at times.

A Blizzard Warning is issued when sustained winds or frequent gusts over 35 mph are expected with considerable falling and/or blowing and drifting snow. Visibilities will become poor with Whiteout conditions at times. Those venturing outdoors may become lost or disoriented, so persons in the warning area are advised to stay indoors.

All unnecessary travel is discouraged beginning Monday afternoon. To allow people already on the road to safely reach their destination before the heavy snow begins, and to allow snow removal equipment to begin to clear roads.

Storm Safety Tips:

  • Check your supplies.
  • Make sure you have a snow shovel and ice melt to keep walkways clear and safe.
  • Check that you have sufficient heating fuel for your home and fuel for your generator, if you have one.
  • If you will be using a fireplace or wood-burning stove, you should have a good supply of dry, seasoned wood.
  • Have warm clothing and blankets on hand and stock non-perishable food items and necessary medications to last you and your family several days.
  • Get ready for a power outage. Turn your heat up now and close off any rooms that are not in use.
  • Check pipe insulation and allow water to run at a trickle to prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Charge your battery-powered electronic and communications devices.
  • Get out your flashlights, batteries, first aid kit and other emergency supplies.
  • Don’t drive or go out unless absolutely necessary.
  • Test all of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they work properly.
  • Do not let candles burn unattended, and keep them away from combustibles.
  • Check on your elderly or disabled neighbors, friends and families.
  • Enjoy your family! Sometimes storms render the best family time memories.

Johnson & Rohan Insurance hopes everyone has a warm and safe Blizzard of ‘1

Available 24 hours per day/ 7 days per week!

If you are reporting a claim during off hours you can do so directly, have your policy number ready and call:

Premier/Travelers: 1-800-252-4633
Safety Insurance: 1-800-951-2100
Vermont Mutual: 1-800-435-0397
MPIUA: 1-800-392-6108

Otherwise if you would like to report a claim to our Agency, what kind of claim are you reporting?

Auto Claim Commercial Claim
Home Claim Other Claim

Blizzard Safety Tips

The Blizzard of ’13 is bearing down on us, Johnson & Rohan Insurance offers some safety tips:

  • Check your supplies.
  • Make sure you have a snow shovel and ice melt to keep walkways clear and safe.
  • Check that you have sufficient heating fuel for your home and fuel for your generator, if you have one.
  • If you will be using a fireplace or wood-burning stove, you should have a good supply of dry, seasoned wood.
  • Have warm clothing and blankets on hand and stock non-perishable food items and necessary medications to last you and your family several days.
  • Get ready for a power outage. Turn your heat up now and close off any rooms that are not in use.
  • Check pipe insulation and allow water to run at a trickle to prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Charge your battery-powered electronic and communications devices.
  • Get out your flashlights, batteries, first aid kit and other emergency supplies.
  • Don’t drive or go out unless absolutely necessary.
  • Test all of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they work properly.
  • Do not let candles burn unattended, and keep them away from combustibles.
  • Check on your elderly or disabled neighbors, friends and families.
  • Enjoy your family! Sometimes storms render the best family time memories.

Johnson & Rohan Insurance hopes everyone has a warm and safe Blizzard of ’13.

Claim reporting is available 24 hours per day/ 7 days per week. If you want to report a claim during off hours, have your policy number ready and call:

Premier/ Travelers:     1-877-425-2466

Safety Insurance:    1-866-906-5016

Vermont Mutual:      1-800-435-0397

MPIUA:      1-800-392-6108

You can also report online:

Auto Claim Commercial Claim
Home Claim Other Claim