Winter is Coming: Prepare Your Business for Winter

9/5/2017 (Permalink)

A winter storm can bring with it sleet, ice, high winds, and heavy snow, which can result in sudden unexpected commercial property damage.

September has arrived and before we know it so will Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then the holidays. Is your business ready for the frigid temperatures, the heavy snowfall?

According to Leavitt Group's article, Prepare Your Business for Winter Weather, In the past five years, 15 percent of small businesses have experienced damages caused by water and freezing. The average cost of these claims is $17,000.

Leavitt Group also discusses common types of winter-related damages, including:

• Damage to contents, inventory and equipment caused by significant temperature changes.
• Water damage caused by pipes freezing and bursting.
• Wind damage to roofs, buildings and landscape.
• Fire suppression efforts delayed by inaccessible fire hydrants (covered by snow or ice)
• Frozen fire suppression sprinkler pipes, resulting in flooded rooms and malfunction of system.
• Ice damming, resulting in damage to roof and gutters.
• Injury to guests and employees.
• Loss of revenue (business interruption).

Taking preventative actions now while the weather is still warm is incredibly important and could save you business a lot of time and money. Here are some maintenance tips Leavitt Group suggests in preparing your business for winter:

• Drain water from all systems and equipment not needed in winter months, including landscape sprinklers and air conditioning units
• Check for and repair damages to the roof. Make sure roof drains are clear and in good condition. Clear rain gutters to ensure proper drainage and make sure downspouts are intact and draining in areas away from foot traffic
• Inspect the exterior of the building for gaps and seal appropriately to prevent weather and critters from getting inside
• Trim tree branches and lanscape that might come in contact with the building in the event of heavy snowfall and ice accumulation
• Make sure the heating system has enough fuel for unexpected conditions and a back-up in case of emergency
• Maintain a temperature of at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit in unoccupied facilities, attics and basements
• Make arrangements for snow removal with a reputable company before winter starts- don't wait until the storm hits and you are buried under a pile of snow. Discuss snow removal from the roof. To avoid damages from snow removal equipment, mark curbs, fire hydrants, drains, speed bumps and other features that may not be visible under a layer of snow
• Make sure you have sand, ice melt and shovels on hand for winter maintenance that won't be covered by your snow removal contractor

Begin checking off your maintenance needs while the weather still allows for it. Stay tuned for our next blog for commercial property owners, "Developing a Business Continuity Plan for the Winter Weather."

Have questions? Call our office at 800-648-1212 or our 24/7 Emergency Service number at 330-677-4483.