How To Prepare Southern Homeowners for Winter Storms

Mercury Insurance offers these tips to homeowners that insurance professionals can share with clients ahead of the next cold-weather event.

Why Winter Storm Preparation Matters for Southern Homes

Many Southern homes are built to withstand heat, not subfreezing temperatures. When freezes occur, that mismatch often results in preventable losses, including:

• Frozen pipes that burst and cause interior flooding
• Roof leaks that lead to significant water damage
• Extended power outages that create safety concerns

While homeowners insurance may cover sudden winter-related losses, Mercury Insurance emphasizes prevention as the most effective risk management strategy — reducing claims, stress, and recovery time.

Step 1: Help Clients Prepare the Home Exterior

The exterior of a home typically fails first during winter storms. Insurance professionals can encourage clients to take these preventive steps early.

Outdoor plumbing protection

To reduce the risk of burst pipes:

• Disconnect and fully drain outdoor hoses
• Install insulated covers on exposed faucets and hose bibs
• Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation or temporary alternatives such as towels or bubble wrap

Gutter inspection and clearing

Clogged gutters can create ice dams, which force water back under shingles and into the home. Clearing gutters before temperatures drop can significantly reduce roof-related claims.

Sealing cracks and openings

Encourage homeowners to:

• Apply caulk or weather stripping around windows and doors
• Use foam, rubber, or plastic tape to seal visible gaps
• Install door sweeps to minimize heat loss

Step 2: Interior Preparation That Reduces Losses

Once the exterior is addressed, interior preparation plays a key role in preventing freeze-related claims.

Pipe freeze prevention

• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation
• Insulate interior pipes with foam or heat tape
• Let faucets drip overnight during extreme cold
• Keep garage doors closed, as garages and crawl spaces are high-risk areas
• Know the location of the main water shut-off valve and keep a wrench accessible

Safe heating practices

Heating system failures often precede pipe losses. Mercury Insurance recommends:

• Keeping thermostats set at 60°F or higher, even when away
• Avoiding a complete heat shutdown
• Using space heaters safely and as directed
• Never use ovens, grills, or generators indoors due to carbon monoxide risks

Planning for Power Outages

Power outages are common during Southern winter storms. Mercury Insurance encourages homeowners to maintain an emergency kit that includes:

• Warm blankets and layered clothing
• Bottled water — one gallon per person, per day
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Fully charged power banks or portable phone chargers

Advising Clients on Winter Travel Risks

Insurance professionals should also reinforce safe travel guidance during freezes. Roads in the South are often ill-equipped for ice and snow, making travel hazardous.

If driving is unavoidable:

• Vehicles should be winter-ready with proper antifreeze, tire pressure, and windshield fluid
• Emergency car kits should include blankets, food, and jumper cables
• Roadside assistance contact information should be saved in advance

Coverage Awareness and Claims Readiness

Most homeowners insurance policies cover sudden water damage caused by burst pipes. However, damage tied to maintenance issues or gradual leaks may be excluded. Mercury Insurance recommends reviewing coverage details with clients before winter weather strikes.

If damage occurs:
• Claims should be filed promptly online or by phone
• Photos and videos should be taken before repairs
• Receipts for emergency repairs or temporary housing should be retained

Supporting Clients Through Unpredictable Winters

Southern winters remain unpredictable, but proactive education makes a measurable difference. By sharing Mercury Insurance’s winter storm preparation guidance, insurance professionals can help clients reduce losses, avoid disruptions, and better understand how their coverage responds when temperatures drop.