The first real taste of winter weather is coming. With snow and ice in the forecast, now is the time to make sure you, your home and your car is ready. Damage from ice and snow can prove costly.

Kip Diggs with the State Farm Headquarters Office in Murfreesboro highlights a few costly repairs caused by snow and ice each year:

YOUR HOME:

Frozen Pipes:

• Damage can exceed $15K. Average runs $8K.

• Both plastic PVC and metal pipes freeze

• A trickle of water can make the difference

Ice Dams:

• Occur on roofs with snow pack during freeze thaw cycles

• Most likely during 20 degree weather

• Avoid using salt or chemical snow-melt products to melt ice on the roof. These can erode shingles and gutters and potentially void the roofing manufacturer's warranty.

Snow/Weight On Roof:

• Flat roof is at most danger for collapse

• Can block chimney and vents resulting in carbon monoxide poisoning

• Injuries can occur from snow and ice falling from sloped roofs. You could be liable.

Tree Damage/Fallen Tree:

• Must hit insured structure or vehicle for coverage

• If tree strikes nothing when it falls, there is no tree removal coverage

Power Outage:

• In some instances, food spoilage may be covered

• Be prepared for a possible power surge when electric is restored

Winter Fires/Power Outage Fires

• Space heaters: Home heating equipment is second to cooking fires for causing home structure fires. Avoid setting up a space heater too close to curtains, furniture, or decorations. Remember to keep at least three feet of clear space around it and set it up on the floor unless it is designed for other use.

• Burn Wood in the Fireplace: Do not burn trash, cardboard boxes or debris in the fireplace. These items burn unevenly and may cause a dangerous flash fire.

• Dirty Chimney: Most chimney fires are caused by the buildup of creosote, a highly combustible by-product of burning wood. To protect your chimney from creosote buildup, have it inspected and cleaned annually.

• Dirty Fireplace: When cleaning your fireplace, put embers in a metal container and set them outside to cool for 24 hours before disposal.

Candle Safety:

• On average, 42 home candle fires are reported every day.

• 1/3 of candle fires start in the bedroom

• Power Outages from storms increase the need for candle safety awareness

YOUR VEHICLE:

Roadside and Vehicle Safety:

• 96 % had at least one emergency supply in their vehicle, such as a spare tire or jumper cables, but ONLY 5% carried all the essential emergency roadside supplies (hazard triangle/road flares, flashlight, first aid kit, water, blanket, etc.).

• When clearing snow from vehicle, don't forget the tailpipe. It can cause carbon monoxide poisoning when clogged.

Potholes:

• Damage to vehicle can run upwards to $700

• In most instances, tires are not covered