The second in our series of useful information for winter: How to prevent Frost, Ice and Snow from causing  damage to your premises and your stock.

First, Some Good Ideas for Your Premises:

• HEATING: Try and keep the heating on, but at a low level during the night and especially at weekends and the Christmas shut down. (above 4⁰ C). Has your heating system been serviced during the last year?  Have a look at your heating pipe work and water tanks (particularly in lofts/attics) and check that they are appropriately lagged; especially if you have a factory.
• If you have any empty premises which are not being heated every day, think about disconnecting and draining boilers/heating systems and water tanks.
• Does your system have a ‘frost-stat’ setting which will override the timer if the temperature plummets whilst the heating is off, to help avoid the pipes freezing over?
• Secondary or temporary heating; if you are using electric convector or fan-assisted heaters; make sure they have thermostatic cut-outs, which activate in the event of possible over-heating. If you have liquid petroleum gas heaters, be aware that they radiate excess vapor which can lead your woodwork to rot. Also don’t forget to ask your Broker to forward full details to your insurers, or you might not be covered under the terms of your policy.

• ROOFS: Keep a watchful eye on any build-up of snow on vulnerable roofs; especially flat roofs, and if you can; remove it safely. Check for any loose or missing tiles to prevent the possibility of water damage or even a collapsed roof. Clean out blocked guttering such as fallen leaves or moss, which will allow water to build up and freeze; and repair any damaged/broken equipment e.g. down pipes leaving taps that may freeze.

• HOLIDAY SHUT-DOWN: Allocate a rota of people to pop in regularly over the holiday period during any spells of below zero or snow, to make sure all is well.
• Make sure all relevant staff know where the key services (electricity, gas, water), are within your building/across your site and the location of any stop taps/shut off valves, just in case they need to turn them off in the event of a leak. Especially during the Christmas and New Year period when you may only a skeleton staff.
• Try and make sure all stock is kept above floor level, which will drastically reduce the impact of any possible flood or water damage.

 

Useful Website: The Met Office; www.metoffice.gov.uk Before the Christmas shut down, have a look at this website to anticipate any actions you need to take before any predicted snow or ice over the holidays.

DOCUMENTS: Lastly, always check your current insurance policy documents to be sure of the level of cover you have in place. We can always do this for you, and can liaise with your insurer on your behalf, to get more cover in place under your existing policy.

Give our Fast Response Team a call on 0116 344 0040, or just ask for Tim….