Get your business prepared for winter

Setting some time aside to plan ahead, especially if a freezing winter might be on the way, may not always feel like a high priority. However, you never know what nature has in store. To help protect your business, we’ve outlined several simple actions that can help minimise the risk of winter downtime or even worse, unexpected closures.

Check your insurance policy

Locate and review your business insurance policy, especially to ensure that it covers water damage from frozen or burst pipes. Winter weather can lead to leaks, flooding, and potentially high repair costs. Reviewing your cover now allows you to adjust if needed, ensuring you’re protected against possible water damage or business interruptions

Our top tip: Store your policy details on your phone or cloud storage for easy access in an emergency.

Document your premises and assets

Keep a visual and written record of the condition of your stock, equipment, and premises. Taking photos and notes is vital for claims in case of winter-related damages like floods or freezing. Make sure to document any vulnerable areas, such as pipes near uninsulated walls or equipment stored in cold areas.

Our top tip: Take photos of the exterior of your premises, as extreme weather may cause damage to outdoor structures.

Set reminders to keep heating on low over holidays

Even during a short winter closure, keeping your heating system on a low setting can prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Ideally, maintain a minimum of 4°C in your building, even if it’s unoccupied, to avoid frozen pipes.

Our top tip: To prevent forgetting, set reminders on your phone or calendar for any winter closure dates, and consider having someone check in if you plan to close for an extended period.

Know your stop tap location and emergency contacts

Locate your stop tap, also known as a stopcock, and ensure you know how to turn it off. In case of a burst pipe or leak, being able to quickly turn off the water supply can save significant costs and damage. Keep the contact information for an emergency plumber and your water supplier’s emergency number handy.

Our top tip: Share this information with key staff members so others know what to do if an issue arises when you’re away.

Insulate exposed pipes and tanks

Exposed or poorly insulated pipes are at higher risk of freezing in winter. To protect these vulnerable points, wrap them with proper pipe insulation or lagging materials, and check that any water tanks in unheated areas are also protected. Insulation is a simple but crucial step in preventing freezing and burst pipes.

Our top tip: Consider an annual winter checkup to assess the insulation and overall condition of pipes and heating systems before temperatures drop.

Prepare outdoor water sources and equipment

Winterising outdoor taps, sprinkler systems, and hoses is essential to prevent costly repairs. Drain outdoor water sources and, if possible, disconnect and store hoses to prevent freezing and bursting. Additionally, ensure that any external pipes in unheated areas are insulated

Our top tip: Walk around your premises to identify and secure any unprotected external water sources or equipment before winter sets in.

Plan for power cuts

Power cuts during winter can stop heating systems, increasing the risk of freezing pipes. Prepare for such events by ensuring critical areas of your premises are well-insulated and, if possible, have backup heating solutions on hand to maintain safe indoor temperatures.

Our top tip: Consider investing in smart thermostats or monitoring systems that alert you if indoor temperatures drop below a safe threshold while your business is closed.

Designate winter responsibilities for key employees

Preparing your employees for winter emergencies can help prevent minor issues from escalating. Designate specific roles to key staff members, such as monitoring heating, handling small leaks, and knowing who to contact in an emergency. This ensures that someone is equipped to act quickly if issues arise, even if you’re away.

Our top tip: Run a quick training session with employees to review winter emergency procedures and ensure everyone is familiar with the stop tap, heating settings, and emergency contacts.

Schedule a pre-winter plumbing inspection

Scheduling a preventive plumbing inspection with a licensed plumber can catch small issues before they escalate in freezing temperatures. Have your plumber inspect pipe insulation, check for any vulnerabilities, and test stop taps or shut-off valves to make sure they’re functioning well

Our top tip: Regular pre-winter inspections are particularly valuable in older buildings, where pipes and insulation may need reinforcement.

By incorporating these winter-prep steps, you’re helping safeguard your business against weather-related disruptions. Taking a little time now to prepare can save a lot of stress and expense later.