How To Handle And Pay For Your Winter Emergency

From car accidents on icy roads to home damage from passing blizzards, many Americans will experience at least one winter emergency this season. These emergencies are brought on by extreme temperatures and intense weather changes that are out of our control. What we can control, however, is how we handle and pay for the winter emergency in our midst.

This guide will help you deal with and pay for different winter emergencies, including broken heating systems, car accidents, blizzards, and more…

Let’s get started and stay safe together this winter season.

Handling Different Winter Emergencies

No matter what situation you’re in, it’s important to remain calm and think rationally when facing a winter emergency.

First, analyze the damage of the situation and get a second opinion from someone you trust. Then, depending on the type of winter emergency, consider the possible solutions and the cost of each one. Finally, head further down this article to learn the different ways you can pay to put this emergency behind you.

Broken Heating Systems

If your heating system is on the fritz in the middle of January, you’ve got a big winter emergency on your hands – especially for those up north. First, for safety reasons, be sure you don’t smell any natural gas, which smells like rotten eggs. If you do, call your gas company immediately and leave your home until they arrive.

If you don’t smell gas, it’s time to troubleshoot. Smaller things like a blown fuse, tripped circuit breaker, or a thermostat set too low or high could be fixed by the homeowner, but larger issues should be dealt with by an HVAC professional.

As you wait to complete your home repairs, be sure you’re warm and have a space heater or ready-to-go fireplace to keep you warm in the meantime.

A Fire

If you experience a fire in your home, the most important thing is to ensure everyone’s immediate safety. Next, you’ll call 911, evaluate the damage, receive official police reports of the incident, and reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible.

Do not enter your home again unless you get the go-ahead from local authorities.

Falling on Ice or Snow

If someone falls on ice, it’s best to contact medical professionals as soon as possible. This is especially true if they hit their head, experience radiating pain, are dizzy, or experience weakness on one side of their body. Even if this person feels ok enough to move, a strong fall could cause micro-fractions and future pain if not dealt with correctly at the moment.

Car Accidents

If you’re involved in a winter emergency car accident this season, stay in your car and call 911 immediately. Do not move your car.

If you are confident that you weren’t injured and it’s safe to do so, you may step out of your vehicle and check on any other drivers who were involved in the accident. Set up reflective triangles on the road to warn oncoming traffic about the accident.

Home Repairs Due To Blizzards

The U.S. averages under 20 blizzards a year, but even some light snowfall and freezing temperatures could be enough to cause sunken roofs or other damage to your home.

If it’s safe to go outside, check out the damage yourself. Many projects can be fixed in a DIY style if you’re confident with some manual labor. Otherwise, hire a professional contractor to make sure everything is patched up to withstand the remaining winter.

How To Pay For Winter Emergencies

If you don’t have the cash to cover the costs of your winter emergency, you may be able to get some help through insurance, state assistance, or emergency loans.

Insurance

Car insurance, home insurance, and health insurance are the main sources of financial assistance in emergencies. Be sure your policies are up to date before the end of the year and that they include all the coverage you need.

State Emergency Assistance

Many states also offer winter emergency assistance to face things like inclement weather and rising energy costs. Sign up for your state’s newsletter and visit its official website often to find out about application periods for winter assistance.

Emergency Loans

Emergency loans through Texas Car Title and Payday Loan Services, Inc. can put thousands into your pocket to face a winter emergency.

An emergency online title loan, for example, could provide up to $15,000 to cover an emergency. All you need is a lien-free vehicle, its title, and your I.D. to apply.

For more information, fill out our general inquiry form to speak with one of our representatives.

Cover The Costs Of Your Emergency Today

You don’t need to face your winter emergency alone. From the help of certified professionals to several types of emergency loans, there are plenty of options to help you handle your crisis and pay it off ASAP.

If you’ve found a solution and need the funds to cover the cost, consider an online title loan or another short-term emergency loan from Texas Car Title and Payday Loan Services, Inc. Our application and approval processes can be done in an afternoon, and we typically provide the loan amount on the same day you’re approved. Reach out to us today to face and get rid of that winter emergency once and for all.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.