Winter Weather Preparedness: Essential Safety Tips to Protect Your Business

Extreme winter weather events, such as frigid temperatures, strong winds, blizzards, sleet, and freezing rain, have surged in frequency and severity across the United States – and not just in traditionally colder climates. Whether or not you’re in a part of the country that is used to winter weather, these storms can result in significant property damage, infrastructure breakdowns, and serious injuries.

Over the past decade, harsh winter weather has generated multibillion-dollar losses. For example, the 2021 Texas winter storm is the costliest U.S. winter weather event on record, causing nearly 200 fatalities and more than $30 billion in total losses due to prolonged, below-freezing temperatures.

Winter Weather’s Impact on Business

Extreme winter weather can devastate businesses, causing building and vehicle damage, lost production, additional transportation costs, decreased tourist activity, and utility disruptions. According to FEMA, 40% of small businesses never reopen after a natural disaster. Therefore, it’s crucial for businesses to prepare for winter storms.

Assessing Winter Weather Risks

• Review and document unique winter weather risks. Common risks include structural concerns (e.g., burst pipes), dangerous driving conditions, equipment breakdowns, utility disruptions, electrical fires, and employee illnesses (e.g., hypothermia).
• Familiarize yourself with terms like Winter Storm Watch, Winter Storm Warning, Ice Storm Warning, Blizzard Warning, and Winter Weather Advisory to anticipate and prepare for incoming weather conditions.
• Use communication channels and regional alert systems to receive timely weather updates. NOAA’s Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) provides 24/7 weather updates.

Steps to Take Before Winter Weather

• Develop Business Continuity Plans (BCP) that include business impact analyses, organized frameworks, recovery strategies, tests and exercises, and ongoing reviews.
• Ensure your insurance policies cover winter storm-related losses. Consider commercial property insurance to cover repair and replacement expenses.

Steps to Take During a Winter Storm

• Activate BCPs, emergency response plans, and data protection plans. Secure windows and doors, open water faucets slightly, check thermostats, initiate snow removal, and implement backup systems.
• Keep employees, customers, and stakeholders informed about the situation. Check on their safety and well-being.
• Patrol properties for signs of damage and mitigate concerns. Evacuate hazardous areas if necessary.
• Follow weather updates and adjust response measures as needed. Adhere to shelter-in-place or evacuation guidance from local officials.

Steps to Take After a Winter Storm

• Wait until it’s safe to return to your property. Document damage for insurance claims and avoid hazardous areas.
• Protect affected areas from further damage and have professionals inspect critical systems.
• Contact your insurance advisor and schedule cleanup and repair services.
• Execute alternative workspace arrangements and keep stakeholders informed of operational changes.
• Maintain open communication and provide support to affected workers through employee assistance programs.

We may not always think about the dangers of winter weather, but freezing temperatures, wind and precipitation are no joke. Be as proactive as possible to ensure your property and your employees are protected against mother nature’s winter wrath. To help you navigate winter weather challenges, download our winter weather guide for detailed measures to take before, during and after winter storms, with an emphasis on the importance of preparedness, communication, and resilience.