CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - As temperatures are in the single digits this week, it is important to know how to winterize your home safely. How cold will Massachusetts temperatures get? AAA states that in 2022, cold weather and winter storms caused around $6 billion in insured losses in the United States, according to the Insurance Information Institute. One of the most common insurance claims is related to severe winter weather, such as frozen pipes, ice dams building up along roof edges, damage from falling trees, and limbs and even house fires. “‘Winter storms are not typically thought of as natural disasters, but they can cause significant damage in the Northeast,” said Greg Smolan, vice president of insurance operations for AAA Northeast. “Taking preventive measures will help minimize the risk associated with winter weather.” AAA provides a few preventive measures you can take to reduce these risks: Clear gutters and downspouts of debris to allow melting snow and ice to flow freely. To help prevent ice dams from forming, keep the attic well-ventilated and the attic floor well-insulated. Heat tape may also help prevent ice buildup and can facilitate melting. To prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, insulate exposed pipes, seal cracks in outside walls near pipes, keep cabinet doors on exterior walls open and keep a slow trickle of water flowing through unprotected pipes during cold spells. Know the location of the main water shutoff valve: If your pipes freeze, the faster you shut off the water, the better chance you have of preventing them from bursting and causing major damage. Ensure your heating system is up to snuff by having the furnace, boiler or chimney serviced at least once a year. Be sure to have ducts, vents and filters inspected. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Residential fires and carbon monoxide poisonings increase in the winter as people rely on indoor fires and heating systems. Detectors should be checked at least twice a year. Follow all safety guidelines when using supplemental space heaters to prevent electrical fires or fires caused by the placement of heaters too close to flammable materials. Trim trees and remove dead branches: Ice, snow, wind and rain can cause weak trees and tree limbs to fall and damage your car or home – or fall on people walking on or near your property. Clear your driveway and walkway of snow as soon as possible to prevent slips and falls. Local News Headlines Dog stranded on beaver dam rescued in Longmeadow Governor Healey announces $2.5B for higher education in Massachusetts Victim identified in deadly Springfield shooting on Oakland Street Westfield Police searching for suspect involved in elder fraud scheme WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.