Winter Safety (and Peppermint Hot Chocolate)

. With snowstorms on the forecast we want to help make sure you spend your weekend in front of the fire & not on the phone with claims personnel. But be  assured that when the snow hits Whitford Insurance Network will be available to help if you have a claims emergency   Here's a few helpful suggestions to help you stay warm & dry this weekend:

1. Help prevent costly roof repairs & leaks by avoiding ice dams in a few easy steps. Check your attic and make sure  the eaves and ridge of the roof are properly ventilated to help keep the underside of the roof the same temperature as the outside. Cover any unsealed hatches with weather-stripped caps & make sure the attic floor is properly insulated, adding insulation if needed.
2. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing to prevent any frozen pipes & make sure to keep your heat at least 55 degrees, even if you're going away. At night, keep a small trickle of both hot and cold water running in faucets near outside walls to prevent waking up to frozen pipes or water damage.
3. In the event of an accident always stay with your vehicle unless doing so presents an imminent danger. Keep a Winter Survival Kit in your car in case of any emergencies. Be sure to include a flashlight, warm blanket, warm clothes & extra socks, sand or some other traction aid & a shovel. Some other helpful items are gloves, some nonperishable snacks or canned goods & bottled water, an ice scraper, fire extinguisher, gas line antifreeze, flares or warning lights, booster cables & waterproof matches.
4. Keep surprises to a minimum by checking your vehicles battery, belts & hoses, anti-freeze, oil, lights & brakes as well as the heater & defroster if you're going to be driving into winter weather. Keep someone informed of your travel plans & make sure your vehicle has sufficient windshield washer fluid that is rated for freezing temperatures. Remember that bridges and overpasses will freeze before the regular lanes.

• Put a pot of Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolateon before you go out for any shoveling:
  1. Ingredients:
• 3 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
• 2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 12 cups whole milk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 8 oz. dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 cup crushed peppermint candies (approximately 24 mints)
• Marshmallows of your choice for serving

1. Directions:

1. Whisk sugar and cocoa powder in a 6 quart slow cooker. Turn the cooker to high and slowly whisk in milk to prevent lumps from forming. Add vanilla & salt, cover & cook for 1 ½ hours. The sugar and cocoa powder should be completely dissolved 2. Gradually whisk in the chopped chocolate until all is incorporated, replace lid & cook until thickened; approximately 30 minutes. 3. Turn the cooker to warm and serve with small bowls of the peppermint candies & mini marshmallows.