The winter season is often a challenging time for small business owners. The harsh weather conditions increase liability risks. While small business insurance will cover you if something goes wrong, you can avoid potential complications by preparing for the potential dangers of winter right now. Here are some tips to ensure that your business continues functioning properly during severe winter weather.
Here are some tips to ensure that your business continues functioning properly during severe winter weather.
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Construct a Safety Plan
One of the best ways to get ahead of potential damage is by creating a winter safety plan. The safety plan should outline different strategies to protect your business and keep your employees safe. It’s recommended that you create duplicate files so that you’re covered if any electronics are damaged. Consider switching to working remotely to reduce the likelihood of a customer or an employee getting injured on the property. It’s also recommended that you add interruption insurance to your small business insurance policy. If you work with any vendors, it’s important to notify them about potential backup plans if an issue arises during the winter.
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Keep the Property’s Exterior Clear
Snowstorms can cause damage to your building’s exterior and create a hazard for customers visiting your business. To avoid potential issues, it’s recommended that you clean all the excess snow and ice away from the entrance, sidewalks, and parking lot. You can install multiple mats around the property to avoid being held liable for a slip-and-fall accident if a customer suffers an injury.
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Inspect the Roof
It’s recommended that you inspect the roof for any cracks that may cause water to filter in. If your building has a weak roof, heavy snow build-up may cause the entire roof to cave in. If you notice any issues with your roof, try to have them addressed as soon as possible.
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Purchase Generators
Purchasing a generator decreases the likelihood that your business will have to shut down due to a power outage. Generators also allow heat to continue circulating through the building, which reduces the threat of low temperatures causing property damage.
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Seal Off Potential Weak Spots
It’s recommended that you inspect overlooked areas around the build to see if they need to be resealed. Insulating these areas can prevent your pipes from freezing.
Scautub Agency Can Help Protect Your Business from Winter Losses
While navigating rough winter conditions is often far from pleasant, these tips can help your business continue to run smoothly until the weather heats up again. If you have any questions about small business insurance, our team here at Scautub Agency will assist you. Contact us today for more information.