CARTHAGE, MO. (RFD-TV) — As colder temperatures move across the country, farmers and ranchers are preparing livestock facilities, homes and equipment for winter. Insurance professionals say a few safety checks now can help prevent costly fires, property damage and livestock losses during the colder months.
Chip Cortez with Specialty Risk Insurance Agency joined Market Day Report to discuss common winter insurance claims and steps producers can take to protect their operations.
Winter Brings Seasonal Insurance Claims
In his interview with RFD-TV, Cortez said barn and house fires are among the common claims he sees as temperatures drop. Livestock losses can also become a concern when ponds freeze or snow covers the ground.
He said cattle falling through frozen ponds have been a significant issue in recent years.
Heating livestock buildings and outbuildings can create additional fire risks, especially when producers plug in heaters and heat lamps.
Cortez recommends inspecting electrical cords and wiring before using those devices. Rodents can chew through wires, leaving exposed electrical connections that create potential hazards. He also cautioned against using baling twine near heaters because the material can become hot, melt, and fall onto hay or other combustible materials.
Having fire extinguishers available in barns and homes is another important precaution.
However, Cortez emphasized that getting people safely out of a burning building should always come first.
“Your job is not to fight the fire. Your job is to make an exit to the house or to a barn,” he said.
Protect Homes and Outbuildings
Cortez encouraged property owners to have a plan for heavy snow and freezing temperatures, including maintaining adequate heat in buildings and checking for potential fire hazards.
He also stressed the importance of testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Producers should test the devices, replace batteries as needed, and replace older detectors when appropriate.
Those checks can help protect families, homes, and the facilities that support their farming operations.
Review Insurance Coverage Before Winter
Cortez said the colder months are also a good time to review insurance policies with an agent.
He encouraged farmers to make sure their current coverage reflects what they believe is covered under their policy, rather than waiting until a claim occurs to discover something isn’t covered.
“Just make sure what we thought we had six months ago, when we bought that, we have it on the policy,” Cortez said. “A claim time is never a good time to realize that something is not covered.”
LEARN MORE: specialtyrisk.ag
