Thwart Injuries and Property Damage this Winter by Taking Preventative Measures
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.
