Severe winter weather can cause many problems. Winter weather can arrive in many forms: snow, ice, rain, blizzards, and high winds. Many times it is a combination of any of these. Properly preparing for winter weather can reduce the possibility of a loss to your building or your business.
The following points should be checked prior to and/or during severe winter weather to prevent
winter losses:
Building Structure and Equipment
_Arrangements made for snow removal from driveways, sidewalks and walkways
_Snow removal equipment in good condition
_All openings weather tight, insulation adequate, roof drains open
_Idle equipment (air tanks, lines, etc.) drained, lubricated as needed
_Excessive snow loads removed from roofs to prevent collapse
_Building temperatures monitored frequently especially at night or on particularly cold weather
_Make sure any equipment containing water, or has water in it or running through it, is properly drained
_Accumulations of ice, snow cleared from hydrants, driveways, sprinkler control valves, hose cabinets
and other essential equipment to allow effective fire suppression
Protective Systems
Protective Systems
_All areas with wet pipe sprinklers, dry pipe valve enclosures and pump houses adequately heated
_Anti-freeze solutions in systems checked for proper concentration
_Fire department connection and fire hose properly drained
_All areas of the building heated sufficiently to prevent sprinkler system from freezing
Heating Equipment
_Insulation on piping adequate and in good condition to prevent freezing
_All heating equipment in good repair and properly maintained
_Chimneys, smoke pipes, and flues in good condition and cleaned
_Adequate clearance to combustible building materials, stock, etc
Fire Extinguishers
_All units properly charged and serviced
_Fire extinguishers protected from the cold
_Extinguishers clear and unobstructed
Snow Removal By Sub-Contractors
_Obtain certificates of insurance, check for adequate insurance limits
_If possible, name company as an additional insured under the subs’ insurance policy
_Determine exactly the services they will provide
_Decide on when they will respond (certain amount of snowfall, predetermined time)
_Determine best placement of snow by the sub-contractor
Emergency Preparedness Program
_Employees notified of emergency closing (phone tree, radio)
_Plan in place to maintain necessary business and building functions
_Essential personnel designated to remain in building
Remember to always inspect your building, equipment, and grounds after a storm. Look for damage and initiate repairs as soon as possible to prevent any further damage. Evaluate your winter storm procedures to see if they were successful, and accomplished everything anticipated. If not, make the necessary changes. We can’t do
anything about the weather, but we can take steps to prepare for it.
