Businesses urged to prepare for cold, hard winters

With the Met Office warning that Britain could be facing a colder than average winter this year, AXA is urging owners and managers of small businesses to take action to reduce the significant threat such a cold snap poses to their operations.

Burst pipes and the breakdown of heating systems present the biggest problems to businesses during cold weather. Such events can cause water damage to property and key equipment leaving bills for repairs, replacement stock and lost business running into thousands of pounds.

ìWith many people distracted by the hectic routine of Christmas and some premises shutting down over the period, businesses need to plan early and ensure they have adequate contingency measures in place. A few simple precautions can save a lot of time, money and heart-ache in the long run,î explains Doug Barnett, risk control strategy manager for AXA Insurance. ìFor example, making sure the heating is left on at a low temperature in unoccupied premises will prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Businesses which share their premises should take an active interest in the other areas of the building and discuss contingency plans with the landlord.î

Other tips for protecting premises, stock and equipment against cold weather include:

Identify the location of stop cocks/valves inside the premises as well as the main incoming valve in the street. Be sure to advise staff of their location.

Avoid storing computer and electronic equipment on the floor.

Ensure stock and packaging materials are a minimum of 150mm off the floor in racking or on pallets.

Ensure heating systems are given regular
maintenance checks and frost stats are operational.

Review and update emergency contact lists.

Retain insurance company/intermediary details and ensure emergency contact staff have copies.

If the business is going to be closed for extended periods of time organise regular inspections during severe weather.

Businesses occupying shared premises should also discuss the following with their landlords:

Find out whether there are water tanks in building roof space, where they are and whether associated pipe work lagged or trace heated.

Discuss whether areas occupied by other tenants are protected against frost damage and burst pipes.

Ascertain whether there is a central emergency contact register. If there is, ensure the business has a copy.

If there are unoccupied areas in the building, find out who is in charge of inspecting them.