(BPT) - Winter weather is difficult to predict. Use these tips to help protect your home from the costly damage winter storms can bring.

Take care of your roof

• Keep your gutters clear. This keeps ice from accumulating and backing up under the shingles.
• Trim trees year-round so branches don't fall on your house.
• Worn-out, missing or damaged siding and roof flashing can let water and ice into your home. Be vigilant and replace them.
• If your chimney is leaning or the mortar has seen better days, get it repaired.

Prevent ice dams

• Eliminate heat sources under the roof, such as lights and heaters in the attic, that can contribute to thawing.
• Keep the attic cool and ventilated to stop or slow the refreezing cycle.
• Consult a roofing professional to remove snow or standing water before an ice dam can form.
• Invest in a roof rake, a tool that allows you to stand on the ground and safely brush snow off the roof.
• Avoid trying to chip any ice dams off your roof, as you could damage the roof. Ask a roof specialist for help instead.
• Talk with your roof specialist about sealing the roof deck with a moisture barrier.

Prevent water damage

• Ventilate the attic and insulate the attic floor to stop warm air in the house from melting snow and ice on the roof.
• Wrap exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or 2 inches of Underwriters Laboratories (UL)-listed heat tape.
• Caulk cracks and holes in the home's outer walls and foundation. Holes left by cable installation can also leave pipes exposed.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around pipes.
• Trickle water from faucets connected to pipes that run through unheated or unprotected spaces.
• Locate the home's main water valve — typically in the basement or outside near the curb — so you can turn water off quickly if a pipe does burst.
• If you leave the house unoccupied for an extended period, shut off the water and have a professional drain the system. Turn the heat down, but don't turn it off.

Clear surfaces where you walk or drive

• Keep walkways, steps and driveways clear of snow and ice.
• Treat these areas with rock salt or de-icing products.

For more information on ways to protect your home, visit USAA.com/HomeSafety.

Safety guidelines are not intended to be all inclusive, but are provided for your consideration. Please use your own judgment to determine what safety features/procedures should be used in each unique situation.

USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates.