10 Ways to Safeguard Your Small Business During the Winter

Canadian winters are long and unpredictable – frigid temperatures, heavy snowstorms, high winds, and icy conditions are common and expected. 

But with the season comes increased risks that could expose your business to property damage or liability claims. The good news is that many of these hazards are preventable with a bit of preparation and proactive action.

 Before winter sets in, it’s crucial to prepare your business property to withstand winter’s fury. Here are 10 proactive steps you can take to protect your property and finances: 

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1. Inspect the Roof

For a comprehensive approach, consider hiring a professional roofing contractor to inspect the roof for damages or signs of decay that could lead to leaks and get it repaired.

Snow piling up on a damaged roof over the winter makes it susceptible to leaks, which can lead to interior water damage in your building. Additionally, the weight of heavy snow on a roof with weak spots could cause it to collapse. 

2. Check the Windows and Doors

Prevent cold air and moisture from entering your commercial property through windows and doors by adding weatherstripping or re-caulking their frames. Doing so can also help keep the heat inside and reduce your building’s energy bill.

3. Clear Eavestroughs, Gutters, and Downspouts

Your building’s eavestroughs, gutters, and downspouts must be clear of debris to ensure water and snowmelt flow away from the building and do not freeze and form ice dams. Ice dams can lead to water leaking inside, causing greater damage and rot.

4. Check the Building’s HVAC System

Have an HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) professional inspect your building’s HVAC system to ensure it’s in good working condition. Furnace filters may need to be replaced or cleaned. Identifying potential problems now can help prevent a mid-winter breakdown of the furnace.

It’s crucial to keep the heat set to at least 18 degrees Celsius throughout the cold months to prevent water pipes from freezing and cracking. Also, it’s best to avoid using electric space heaters in your office or store since they can overheat and potentially ignite a fire.

5. Insulate Water Pipes and Lines

One of the biggest risks frigid winter temperatures pose to business properties is the possibility of water pipes and lines freezing and cracking, leading to water damage inside. Insulate exposed interior and exterior pipes to prevent this from happening (for example, interior water pipes located beneath sinks inside cabinets may not get adequate warm air flow around them to prevent freezing). 

6. Deter Theft With Lighting and Surveillance Cameras

Theft may not be something you think about as a winter-specific risk, but the longer nights and quiet streets can tempt thieves and lead to a break-in. 

Keep the exterior of your business property lit up around the clock. To ward off thieves, make sure you have monitored surveillance cameras inside and outside, an alarm system, and exterior signage stating the property is being monitored 24/7. Additionally, remove expensive products and valuables from front window displays, if applicable.

7. Stock Up on Ice Melt

Have shovels and an adequate supply of ice melt or sand to sprinkle outside entranceways and on walkways or sidewalks leading to your property. Removing snow and ice from the exterior of your store or office can help prevent customers and employees from suffering a slip-and-fall accident. Keep accurate records of when you clear snow and apply ice melt.

8. Have a Snow and Ice Removal Plan

In addition to clearing the snow from building entranceways, hire a professional snow removal contractor to keep driveways and parking areas clear of snow and ice.

9. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

It’s wise to test your workplace’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change their batteries twice annually. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning rises when gas-powered furnaces are in use.

10. Review Your Business Insurance Coverage

Review your existing business insurance policy and ensure you have the right coverage and adequate coverage limits to cover any unexpected damages and losses.

For example, what are the details of and coverage limit for your commercial property insurance? Commercial property insurance covers damages to your property, business contents, and inventory caused by fire, water, natural disasters, theft, and vandalism.

Also, does your policy include business interruption insurance to cover lost income and overhead expenses if you’re forced to close temporarily for repairs following an insurable loss, such as water damage caused by a burst pipe? A Zensurance broker can help review your policy and advise you if changes to your policy are necessary to protect your property from winter-related risks.

Tips for Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in Winter

One of the most significant risks in the wintertime is the possibility of a customer slipping on a patch of ice or a wet floor and getting injured. Here are a few tips to help avoid that scenario:

• Place rubber mats in areas that are frequently wet, such as near entranceways
• Clean up any spills or standing water right away, and mark the area with a visible sign to warn others
• Apply slip-resistant treatments to polish floors
• Make sure corridors and walkways are free from clutter like boxes or other obstacles
• Ensure corridors, entryways, and workspaces are well-lit
• Fasten down any loose rugs, mats, cables, or cords
• Conduct routine checks on both indoor and outdoor spaces to spot and address hazards like ice or snow

Whatever the Weather, Protect Your Business With the Right Insurance Policy

Taking preventative measures is extremely important, but winter is unpredictable, and your business can always be susceptible to a liability claim or a property damage risk. 

Get the comprehensive, low-cost business insurance you need to safeguard your property and finances from Zensurance.

Fill out our online application for a free quote in less than five minutes.

Our team of knowledgeable brokers can ensure you’re adequately protected to cover unexpected accidents and incidents that can cost tens of thousands of dollars and potentially threaten your small business’s viability.

– Updated November 4, 2024.