Stay Safe During Historic Cold Weather

With freezing temperatures expected across the state over the next few days, Commissioner of Insurance Ralph

Hudgens wants to remind Georgians that if their homes are damaged by the extreme cold, they may get financial relief through their homeowners policies.

Hudgens said home owners insurance policies typically cover damage to internal plumbing caused by freezing.

The policy should also pay for damage to carpeting, furniture, and other belongings caused by your own pipes freezing.

“And if you have renter’s insurance and live in an apartment or condominium and water from an upstairs neighbor’s pipes damages your property, you will be covered under your own renters (or condo owners) policy,” he said. “If you don’t have such coverage, the neighbor’s liability policy may pay for your damage, but only if you can prove the neighbor was negligent.”

Repairs to frozen pipes on your property but not in the home, such as in your yard, are not covered by standard homeowners insurance.

Hudgens also warned that cold temperatures sometimes result in dangerous fires as a result of carelessness with home heating devices.

“Remember to keep space heaters away from combustibles like curtains and bedding,” Kemp said.

Last year, a child died in a house fire in Hart County where a space heater was too close to bedding.

If you use a kerosene heater, make sure it has an automatic switch that shuts it off if it tips over. Never use gasoline in a kerosene heater because it can explode.

And don’t burn trash or cardboard in a fireplace, and make sure the damper in your chimney is open before starting a fire.

Install an adequate number of smoke alarms. Most fatal fires start between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., while you’re asleep.

The advance warning of a smoke alarm may mean the difference between life and death.

Hudgens said nine out of 10 fire victims are already dead before the fire department is even called, mainly from smoke and toxic gases.