AAA Insurance offers top 5 tips for winter weather warm-up

AAA Insurance is encouraging homeowners to take precautions now as the winter snow begins to melt.

"After a long, cold winter with significant snowfall, many are welcoming spring and warmer weather, yet are unaware of the potential damage that melting snow and ice can cause," said David Weber, vice president of insurance for AAA Western and Central New York. "It's important for homeowners to take time now to limit risk as snow begins to melt."

AAA Insurance offers the following tips for homeowners:

•Remove snow from around your foundation, paying close attention to areas around window wells.

•Clear snow and ice from around downspouts and, if possible, extend the bottom of the downspout away from your home at least six feet.

•Pump away any water that begins to pool around your home.

•Be certain street gutters and drains are free from any debris that may slow drainage.

•Check gutters on your home, making certain they are free of ice and other debris.

For more information on auto, homeowners and other personal lines of insurance, visit any AAA Travel and Insurance Center, call 866-874-7AAA, or click www.AAA.com/Insurance.

AAA Insurance earned "Brand of the Year" status for its property and casualty insurance offerings in the 2014 Harris Poll EquiTrend study. CSAA Insurance Group, the company that provides AAA Insurance to AAA Western and Central New York members, celebrated its 100^th anniversary in 2014 and has maintained an A.M. Best rating of A or higher for 85 years.

Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.