Thwart Injuries and Property Damage this Winter by Taking Preventative Measures

School bus picking up grade school students during a heavy snow fall

Protect your employees, clients, volunteers and property this winter by taking precautionary measures to reduce the likelihood of damage caused by common winter hazards such as freezing pipes or icy parking lots.

Prevent Freeze-up of Fire Protection Systems

Heat areas in your facility where there are water-based fire protection system and spaces where temperatures may fall below 40°F
Verify that systems protected with antifreeze solution maintain the proper proportions of antifreeze and water
Clear snow, water and ice away from hydrants, valves and standpipe connections
Allow for a slight flow of water by opening a drain in a heated area. Do not open valves in the sprinkler piping, as this will activate alarms

Mitigate Slips and Falls on Ice or Snow

Make advanced arrangements for prompt snow plowing and keep appropriate snow removal tools such as shovels, ice melting compounds and door mats or nonskid runners handy throughout the winter
Monitor and control build-up of icicles and frozen snow masses on roofs or overhangs, rain gutters and overhead fixtures
Maintain walkway and parking lot surfaces to prevent ice and snow from creating concealed tripping hazards
Provide adequate lighting to illuminate parking lots, walkways and steps

Be a Cautious Winter Driver

Prepare your vehicles for winter weather by checking brake condition and fluid, ensuring proper 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water in the cooling system, confirming proper tire tread depth and inflation and inspecting all exterior lights, defrosters and wipers
Depart for your destination early to allow extra time for unexpected conditions. Plan your route in advance to avoid steep grades, increase following distance of other vehicles and gradually check your brakes throughout your trip
Equip your vehicle with an emergency kit that includes warm blankets, a small shovel, safety flares, a flashlight, jumper cables and a spare ice scraper
When feasible, stay off the road during travel advisories

Take Care with Portable Space Heaters

Before using any space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully
Never leave a space heater unattended; turn it off when you leave the room
Keep heaters at least three feet away from flammable items, including papers and rugs; position them out of high traffic areas and on flat, level surfaces

Our loss prevention team offers an online safety library and webinars to make it easier to put controls in place, which could help save your organization from costly losses.

Ask us how we can help you plan for a safe winter season. Contact us or view our product concierge to learn more about the coverages we offer and the markets we serve.

We’re Here to Help – Contact Our Loss Control Consultants Today

At Great American Insurance Group, we strive to ensure that our policyholders are not only aware of the hazards they face but are equipped with the necessary tools to prevent and combat them as effectively as possible. Interested in learning more? Talk to our team of experts.

For additional information on improving your organization’s safety and security, visit the Plan & Protect Hub.