Many areas of the country are experiencing colder weather or will be soon, which means it’s a good time to connect with your policyholders and offer resources for winter weather preparedness.

One way you can assist is by reminding them that, as a USLI policyholder, they have free access to our Business Resource Center. The Business Resource Center offers valuable information on mitigating winter risks, including a comprehensive hub focused on Disaster Preparation and Recovery, featuring checklists and tips that are useful for any weather event, including wildfires, hurricanes and tornadoes.

Two of the biggest vulnerabilities during the winter season that we address in our resources are roofs and pipes. In February of 2021, Texans experienced temperatures 40 degrees below average, and the prolonged freeze left millions without power, business disruption and tragically, loss of life. The frigid temperatures caused pipes to burst, leading to water disruptions for much of the state.

Just one cold snap can create extensive and costly water damage for a policyholder. Here are tips on how to prevent pipes from becoming a major issue:

  • If your building is vacant, turn off the water system, sprinkler system and outside faucets
  • Drain all pipes or keep the building at a moderately warm temperature
  • Consider wrapping all exposed pipes with a foam rubber material/fiberglass to keep them from freezing
  • Allow sink faucets to slowly drip to provide an extra safeguard

Jim Wible, senior engineering exposure analyst for FM Global, facilitated a webinar on winter weather hazards, such as pipes bursting, and we encourage you to share it with your policyholders.

Winter weather can also be hazardous to your roof because of the potential for high winds and heavy snowfall. The anatomy of a roof, such as pitched versus flat and the construction of a roof, including gravel, asphalt, and decking may or may not protect homes and businesses from snow, rain and hail. Both flat and pitched roofs have their pros and cons, but understanding the installation and the roofing system is crucial. Check out the below tips on how to prepare a roof for winter elements:

We also offer the following resources that can be helpful for any business owner:

These value-added services support our policyholders, help retain their business and reduce claims. We encourage you to share these safety tips with them to foster your relationship and effectively navigate the storms ahead.