Business Owners’ Guide to Fall and Winter Readiness
While it may feel like summer just started, colder temperatures, shorter days, and icy weather are already on the horizon. This Business Owners’ Guide to Fall and Winter Readiness will help you prepare now so your company stays safe, efficient, and protected during the colder months.
Taking steps early can protect employees and customers from injury, prevent damage to your building and property, and reduce the risk of costly claims. As kids head back to school, business owners should “study up” on these seven tips for a safe, smooth transition into fall.
1. Assess Your Business Risks
As colder weather approaches, identify potential risks based on your business’s location, industry, and vehicles. Create a written action plan outlining how you’ll address these risks, and train staff on their roles in prevention.
An insurance agent can help you identify specific vulnerabilities, recommend coverage to fill any gaps, and ensure you’re getting the most cost-effective protection.
2. Ensure Your Property Is Well-Lit
With less daylight, make sure parking lots, sidewalks, and walkways are well-lit to reduce slip-and-fall risks. Adequate lighting should cover all entry and exit points, and emergency lighting—inside and out—can be critical during power outages.
Proper lighting also makes hazards like wet leaves and icy patches easier to spot, helping prevent injuries on your property.
3. Remove and Repair Outdoor Hazards
Unchecked hazards can endanger employees, customers, and the public.
- Trim overhanging branches before snow and ice cause them to snap—consider hiring a professional arborist.
- Inspect parking lots, walkways, loading docks, and entryways for potholes, broken steps, and leaky gutters. Addressing these now is often inexpensive and can prevent serious injuries later.
4. Prepare for Winter Weather
Winter storms and freezing temperatures can damage pipes, roofs, windows, and more. Many policies don’t cover gradual damage caused by neglect, so it’s important to address small issues before they escalate.
Indoor preparations:
- Insulate pipes in walls, ceilings, and basements
- Check water valves, sinks, and toilets for leaks
- Seal gaps in attics, crawl spaces, windows, and doors
- Ensure thermostats can maintain a safe minimum temperature
- Schedule an annual plumbing inspection
- Keep access to electrical, HVAC, and water supply areas clear for emergencies
Outdoor preparations:
- Shut off water to outdoor spigots and sprinklers; drain hoses
- Inspect exterior pipes; address low water pressure immediately
- Clear drainage systems to prevent water damage and ice dams
- Remove leaves and debris from HVAC units, gutters, and flat roofs
- Add weather stripping, ice-melting wire, and insulation to reduce heating costs
- Adding these items to your risk management plan can help keep your business running smoothly all winter long.
5. Service Your Heating System
Have an HVAC professional inspect your system each fall and spring. This includes replacing filters, clearing debris, and swapping worn parts. Routine maintenance not only improves efficiency but can extend your system’s lifespan.
6. Use Space Heaters Safely
If space heaters are necessary, choose models approved by a nationally recognized testing lab (such as UL) and inspect cords for damage. Keep them at least three feet from any objects, place them on flat, stable surfaces, and never near flammable materials.
Always plug heaters directly into a wall outlet (never a power strip or extension cord), and turn them off when unattended. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
7. Promote Safe Driving
Fall brings wet leaves, icy roads, shorter daylight hours, and more active wildlife—especially deer. Remind company drivers to slow down, leave extra space between vehicles, and watch for animals.
From July 2023 to June 2024, U.S. drivers filed about 1.8 million animal collision claims. Confirm your commercial auto policy provides adequate protection in case of an accident.
Looking for more safety tips and insurance advice? Visit our blog or speak with an agent at C&S Insurance today.