Washington ranked #8 for most expensive winter weather damages
Washington State is ranked #8 for most expensive winter weather damages in a research analysis by ValuePenguin from 2013 to 2022.
Researchers found that winter weather caused around $64.1 million in property damages in 2022 from July to December. Under Kentucky, Washington State had about $235,000 in total damages.
North Dakota, New York, and Vermont were the top three states.
Winter weather hazards were defined in the study as heavy snow, extreme cold, ice storms, blizzards, wind chill, avalanches, and winter storms.
As winter hazards continue in Washington, Service Master Restore, a global leader in natural disaster response and restoration, according to their website, has some preparation tips.
Tip #1: Add the following to your emergency kit:
Rock salt to melt ice on sidewalks
Sand to improve traction
Snow shovels
Sufficient heating fuel and a supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove
Adequate clothing and blankets for warmth
Tip #2: Never use an electric generator indoors, inside the garage, or near the air intake of your home, because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Tip #3: Keep a week’s worth of non-perishable food on hand.
Tip #4: Keep a water supply. Extreme cold can cause your home’s water pipes to freeze and sometimes break.
Tip #5: Bring pets inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
For a full list of tips and warnings for water, fire, or smoke damage click here.
