Plumb Safety: Winter Weather Preparation

Your business can’t afford to lose revenue over winter, making it crucial to take proactive measures to minimize business disruption in the upcoming months. With the winter season approaching we wanted to remind you of some key tips on protecting your business in the face of the harsh conditions. Blistering winds, freezing temperatures, and icy blankets of snow are just a few examples of what to expect from the unpredictable weather patterns the winter season presents. The risks associated with the growing uncertainty of severe winter weather is a key driver of why it is important to be adequately prepared for the long, cold, and dark months ahead. Thanks to modern forecasting technology, we are able to give you a brief outlook of what is expected the winter of 2024 – 2025.

• There is a 60% chance that a La Niña event will occur by the end of November; however it is expected to be weaker and shorter in duration than ones in previous years, making it somewhat difficult to forecast in advance.
• A backend surge to winter will bring the potential for multiple snowstorms throughout the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and the Northeast, resulting in more snow accumulation than last year.
• The Pacific Northwest and parts of Montana and Wyoming will see wetter-than-average conditions in the coming months.
• There is a higher chance of cooler-than-normal conditions throughout the Pacific Northwest to the northern High Plains.

To ensure that you’re prepared, we encourage you to take the necessary steps to protect you, your employees, and property to help minimize potential damage to your business during this winter season.

Create a business continuity winter plan

• • Include communication for employees and customers across multiple channels before and during a winter event.
  • Develop an emergency recovery plan for after a winter event to be communicated to employees, customers, clients, delivery services, etc.
  • Create a snow and ice removal plan for all roofs and grounds.
  • Identify emergency snow removal services in advance to utilize in the event of heavy accumulation, tree removal services, generator rental supplier, etc.

Purchase supplies

• • Purchase non-slip water absorption mats for all entrances and any snow removal equipment you may need.

Stay informed

• Utilize a reliable source for severe weather information like the National Weather Service or tune in to local news often when winter weather is forecast. You can also enable emergency alerts on your phone.

• Check your insurance coverage and inventory valuable equipment
  • Know what your insurance covers and what it doesn’t.
  • Take a complete inventory of your commercial property and valuable equipment and store it somewhere safely offsite. If you have a loss due to a winter-related event, you’ll have to quantify losses to your insurance company.

Our Customer Service Department is readily available to lend aid to those affected by the bitter conditions of winter weather. You can also reach us directly at (800) 752-1895 or at custserv@plmins.com.