Preparing your Business Premises for Winter

Winter is coming! Be prepared!

Climate change has brought about an increase in the number of storms and floods each year. And this is bad news for your business (and your personal assets). That frozen water pipe or icy conditions can have devastating consequences if you have not planned ahead.

With winter just around the corner, now is the time to revisit your winter risk assessment. It can help you to protect your business, fleet, staff and clients from harsh weather conditions.

Protecting your business premises.

A few simple checks carried out in advance can make all the difference to your property (and your budget) should we experience freezing conditions over the coming weeks.

Look for signs of leaks on plumbing joints, not forgetting those hidden pipes, and replace the insulation as necessary. Escaping water needs to be stopped immediately. A freely turning stop tap is essential and regularly turning it on and off should ensure it is in working order when you need it the most.

Outside, check that gutters, pipes and drains are clear - a good time to do this is during a downpour - and look for pooling of water so you can take preventative action around potentially slippery areas. During the dark months, exterior lights are crucial for lighting up those dark corners for the safety of staff and visitors and to prevent access by unknown persons.

Checking your vehicles.

Getting your vehicles ready now for the cold weather could help you to keep your business running smoothly should we experience a harsh winter. Regularly checking that your tyres and wiper blades are in good condition will help to keep your drivers and other road users safe in icy conditions. And avoid nasty surprises by making sure your battery is working well and that your vehicle's anti-freeze is topped up.

A winter emergency kit can give you and your drivers peace of mind knowing that vehicles are equipped should the worst happen. As well as making sure there is enough fuel for the journey ahead, fit out your vehicles with essentials such as a torch, blanket and a first aid kit. If snow is forecast, make sure your drivers take bottled water and dry food and have emergency contact numbers to hand. Safeguard your staff by having procedures in place to check they have arrived at the destination as expected.

These are just a few steps that you can take to protect your staff and visitors, business premises and fleet over the winter. We recommend that you carry out a full cold weather risk assessment for complete peace of mind.

Remember "Prevention is better than cure!"

Please contact Nigel Kennedy on 07951 120328 if you would like help with your winter risk assessment or advice about your business or fleet insurances.

Back to our news section.

News Article