Ice storm safety tips and resources for businesses
Ice storms are caused by freezing rain and cold temperatures which may lead to property damage, power outages and hazardous conditions. We are here to help you get back to business should you need to file a claim.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for the storm and keep your employees and property safe.
Prepare today
- Have a plan in place - Develop a written business continuity plan that includes ice storm preparedness. Make sure employees know what to do if they encounter hazardous conditions.
- Purchase a weather radio 鈥� Obtain a radio with local discrimination capability.
- Stay alert - Sign up for and pay attention to weather alerts.
- Back it up - Have emergency backup power lined up for your facility before you are faced with a weather hazard.
- Check your coverage - Review your business insurance coverage.
If a storm is coming
- Secure outdoor heating and cooling units, including HVAC, turbines and exhaust fans.
- Move items inside (outdoor equipment, materials, furniture) as they may blow around during the storm and cause damage.
- Park your fleet in a garage and take the keys with you to a secure location.
- Fill up your gas tank in case you need to go anywhere in an emergency and to keep your car's fuel line from freezing.
- Stock up on salt and sand to help melt the ice and provide traction on slippery surfaces. Non-clumping kitty litter can also provide temporary traction if you don't have time to wait for the ice to melt.
- Remove items from the floor in case of flooding.
- Take photographs so you have a pre-storm record of your property.
Beware of black ice
Black ice is a thin, transparent layer of ice that forms on road surfaces, making them very slippery. It's hard to see as it blends in with the color of the road, posing a significant danger to pedestrians and motorists. Black ice forms when temperatures drop below freezing, causing moisture on the road to freeze, and is often found in shaded or less-traveled areas.
During the storm
- Stay indoors 鈥� Keep away from windows and move to an interior room if possible. Wait to go outside until there is confirmation that the storm is no longer a threat to your area.
- Stay away from trees, power lines and utility poles.
- Remain in your vehicle if you are driving - Pull over to a safe location if driving becomes difficult and put on the vehicle's hazard warning lights.
- Listen to weather updates - Have a battery-operated radio handy in the event of a power outage.
- Wait to go outside 鈥� Remain inside until there is confirmation that the storm has passed by your area.
After the storm
- Don't clear tree limbs that are connected to power lines. Report them to your local utility company.
- Use caution when chipping ice or digging through snow as downed power lines could be buried.
- If there is flooding:
- Clean up pools of water
- Dry damp areas to prevent mold and mildew.
- Move damp items outdoors when safe to prevent mold growth.
- Move items away from damp areas.
Be sure to notify our claims team immediately if there is damage and protect the property while mitigating any future risk.
Sources: e, ,
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Ice storm safety tips and resources for businesses
Ice storms are caused by freezing rain and cold temperatures which may lead to property damage, power outages and hazardous conditions. We are here to help you get back to business should you need to file a claim.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for the storm and keep your employees and property safe.
Prepare today
- Have a plan in place - Develop a written business continuity plan that includes ice storm preparedness. Make sure employees know what to do if they encounter hazardous conditions.
- Purchase a weather radio 鈥� Obtain a radio with local discrimination capability.
- Stay alert - Sign up for and pay attention to weather alerts.
- Back it up - Have emergency backup power lined up for your facility before you are faced with a weather hazard.
- Check your coverage - Review your business insurance coverage.
If a storm is coming
- Secure outdoor heating and cooling units, including HVAC, turbines and exhaust fans.
- Move items inside (outdoor equipment, materials, furniture) as they may blow around during the storm and cause damage.
- Park your fleet in a garage and take the keys with you to a secure location.
- Fill up your gas tank in case you need to go anywhere in an emergency and to keep your car's fuel line from freezing.
- Stock up on salt and sand to help melt the ice and provide traction on slippery surfaces. Non-clumping kitty litter can also provide temporary traction if you don't have time to wait for the ice to melt.
- Remove items from the floor in case of flooding.
- Take photographs so you have a pre-storm record of your property.
Beware of black ice
Black ice is a thin, transparent layer of ice that forms on road surfaces, making them very slippery. It's hard to see as it blends in with the color of the road, posing a significant danger to pedestrians and motorists. Black ice forms when temperatures drop below freezing, causing moisture on the road to freeze, and is often found in shaded or less-traveled areas.
During the storm
- Stay indoors 鈥� Keep away from windows and move to an interior room if possible. Wait to go outside until there is confirmation that the storm is no longer a threat to your area.
- Stay away from trees, power lines and utility poles.
- Remain in your vehicle if you are driving - Pull over to a safe location if driving becomes difficult and put on the vehicle's hazard warning lights.
- Listen to weather updates - Have a battery-operated radio handy in the event of a power outage.
- Wait to go outside 鈥� Remain inside until there is confirmation that the storm has passed by your area.
After the storm
- Don't clear tree limbs that are connected to power lines. Report them to your local utility company.
- Use caution when chipping ice or digging through snow as downed power lines could be buried.
- If there is flooding:
- Clean up pools of water
- Dry damp areas to prevent mold and mildew.
- Move damp items outdoors when safe to prevent mold growth.
- Move items away from damp areas.
Be sure to notify our claims team immediately if there is damage and protect the property while mitigating any future risk.
Sources: e, ,