Protecting Your Business from Frost and Snow Damage
As an Irish SME, winter weather can bring challenges that, if unaddressed, may lead to costly damages. Preparing your premises for frost, freezing temperatures, and snow is essential to keep your business running smoothly and your insurance claims to a minimum.
Here’s how you can winter-proof your business:
Handy Prevention Checklist
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Lagging Pipes and Tanks: Ensure all exposed pipes and tanks are properly insulated to prevent freezing.
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Tightly Closing Taps: Confirm that all taps close securely to avoid drips, which can freeze and cause further issues.
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Main Water Valve and Frost Thermostats: Know where your main water stop valve is and check that it works. Ensure frost thermostats are installed and operational.
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Heating Maintenance: Keep heating systems running to maintain a safe temperature throughout the premises.
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Clear Drains: Regularly inspect and clear drains around your property to ensure they can handle thawing snow and excess water.
Suggested Actions
Maintain Heat in the Building
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Set Thermostats Correctly: Thermostats should activate when temperatures drop. Indoors, set them to 2°C; for outdoor thermostats, set them at 0°C.
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Improve Heat Circulation: Open doors to poorly heated areas such as toilets, storerooms, and attics to allow warm air to flow. Ensure this aligns with fire safety regulations.
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Low-Level Heating: If frost thermostats are unavailable, maintain a consistent low-level heat during cold weather.
Protect Your Oil Supply
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Insulate Oil Pipes: Use weatherproof insulation to protect your oil supply pipes.
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Cover Oil Tanks: A tarpaulin cover can offer temporary protection during freezing conditions.
Ensure Safe Access
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Clear Pathways: Identify pathways for staff and visitors. Use cones to mark safe routes and apply grit or salt to reduce ice formation.
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Monitor Roof Snow: Beware of snow accumulation on roof edges, which can become hazardous as it thaws and falls.
Keep Drains Functional
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Check for Blockages: Heavy snow can lead to significant water runoff when it melts. Clear drains regularly to prevent waterlogging or flooding.
What to Do in the Event of Damage
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Secure the Area: Contact a professional tradesperson to make the area safe and prevent further damage.
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Turn Off Water: For burst pipes, shut off the main water supply until repairs can be made.
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Document the Damage: Take photos of the affected area and obtain a written report from the tradesperson, including their assessment of the cause.
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Contact Your Broker: Notify your insurance broker promptly to initiate a claim and provide the necessary documentation.
Additional Tips for SME Owners
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Regular Maintenance Checks: Schedule seasonal inspections of your premises to catch potential issues early.
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Emergency Kits: Have a winter emergency kit on hand with essentials like torches, batteries, grit, and first-aid supplies.
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Review Your Insurance Policy: Ensure your policy adequately covers winter-related damages and liabilities. Speak with your broker to confirm coverage details.
Stay Ahead of Winter
At Brady Insurance, we’re here to help our SME clients navigate the challenges of winter weather. By taking these preventative steps, you can safeguard your business and minimize the risk of costly disruptions. If you need advice on winter-proofing or updating your insurance policy, get in touch with us today!