Preparing Your Building for Cold Weather
When the “freeze” comes, are you prepared? Protecting your property is a sound risk control practice to help mitigate untimely loss and damage. Utilize this checklist to help you protect your building and equipment.
Building & Equipment
- Ensure building is locked down tight – windows, doors & dampers
- Schedule a building inspection inside and out when you know severe winter storms are coming
- Check overall insulation. Are there unheated areas of the building? If so, are pipes adequately insulated?
- Arrange for snow and ice removal from building and roof, if necessary
- Prepare for flooding from the thaw P
- Prepare for power outages – review backup power and perform back-up power start-up checks
- Ensure there is adequate fuel for the generator to operate critical equipment for multiple days
- Unplug unnecessary equipment to prevent voltage surges when power is restored
- Consider installing electric leak detection systems on your water line and near water sources inside
- Closely monitor the temperature inside the building – keep the building at least 55 degrees F.
- Implement Business Continuity Plans
Heating System
- Inspect heating systems to make sure they are all operating properly
- Keep areas around heating systems clear of storage and debris
- Change filters for adequate efficiency in winter months
- Inspect all piping for insulation and replace, if necessary Inspect all outside dampers for proper operation
- Inspect and clear all outside vents of ice and snow
- Do you have adequate backup power to maintain heat to your building in the event of power loss?
- Have you planned for portable power/heat if needed to heat critical systems?
