Winter Safety Tips for Your North Dakota Home
Stay Safe. Stay Warm. Stay Protected.
North Dakota winters are no joke. Between sub-zero temps, high winds, and heavy snow, our homes take a beating every year. As an insurance agency rooted right here in the Red River Valley, we’ve seen firsthand how a little preparation can prevent major headaches—and major claims—down the road.
Here are practical, ND-specific winter safety tips to help protect your home, your family, and your insurance budget this season.
1. Protect Your Pipes From Freezing
When temperatures plunge to –20°F (or colder), frozen pipes become one of the most common winter claims.
Prevent this by:
- Keeping your thermostat at
65°F+, even when you're away.
- Opening cabinet doors under sinks to circulate warm air.
- Letting faucets drip slightly during extreme cold snaps.
- Insulating exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, or garages.
Insurance angle: Sudden, accidental water damage from burst pipes is typically covered—but damage from lack of maintenance may not be. Prevention is key.
2. Check Your Furnace & Heating System
A reliable furnace isn’t optional in North Dakota. Before the deep cold sets in, schedule a professional checkup.
Do this early winter:
- Replace furnace filters (monthly, ideally).
- Have your system inspected by a licensed HVAC tech.
- Test your carbon monoxide detectors—these save lives.
Insurance angle: Home insurance doesn’t cover damage from wear-and-tear breakdowns, so routine maintenance matters.
3. Clear Snow From Roofs & Gutters
Heavy, wet snow can stress roofs and cause
ice dams, leading to interior water damage.
Prevent issues by:
- Removing deep snow using a roof rake.
- Clearing gutters so melting snow can drain properly.
- Checking attic insulation to reduce heat loss.
Insurance angle: Damage from ice dams may be covered, but it often comes with a deductible and can be prevented with good prep.
4. Test Your Smoke & CO Detectors
Winter means more time indoors, space heaters running, and fireplaces crackling.
Make it a habit to:
- Test detectors monthly
- Replace batteries annually
- Replace the entire detector every 7–10 years
North Dakota reality: CO poisoning spikes during deep-freeze stretches due to improperly vented heating sources.
5. Safe Fireplace & Space Heater Use
Whether you live in Grand Forks, Thompson, Devils Lake, or up by Rock Lake, many ND homeowners rely on supplemental heat.
Safety checklist:
- Keep space heaters
3 feet from anything flammable
- Use only UL-listed devices
- Have chimneys cleaned annually
- Never leave heaters or fires unattended
6. Winterize Around the Home
A few small tasks can make a big difference:
- Remove garden hoses and shut off exterior water valves
- Seal cracks around doors and windows
- Check weatherstripping
- Stock up on salt/sand for icy walkways
- Make sure handrails are sturdy
Insurance angle: Slip-and-fall liability claims often rise in winter—especially for homeowners with frequent visitors.
7. Prepare for Power Outages
North Dakota blizzards can knock out power for hours or even days.
Keep on hand:
- Backup batteries
- Flashlights
- A portable phone charger
- A safe heat source
- Non-perishable food and water
If you use a generator,
never run it indoors or in an attached garage.
8. Review Your Home Insurance Coverage
Winter is the perfect time for a quick policy review. Consider:
- Do you have
replacement cost on your home and personal belongings?
- Is your
deductible still the best fit?
- Are your
outbuildings, fences, or equipment properly covered?
- Do you have sufficient
personal liability limits?
A 10-minute review can save you thousands later.
Need Help Reviewing Your Coverage?
At
Moen Insurance Services, we specialize in protecting North Dakota families—because we're one of them. If you’d like a winter coverage checkup, a quote comparison, or advice on preventing seasonal claims, we’re here to help.
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Local Agents. Local Service. Real Protection.
