Home Business Safety: Protecting You Home Business From Seasonal Snow and Ice

If you’ve turned on the news over the last few weeks, you’ve heard the stories about damaging ice and snow storms that have pelted areas of the country. This time of year, snow can be a serious threat for those of us with home-based businesses. Heavy snow poses great risks to homes and businesses -- both as it builds up and as it melts. A little vigilance can go a long way toward keeping winter storms from becoming a big financial disaster.

The Institute for Business & Home Safety's (IBHS) analysis of insurance industry data shows about $1 of every $5 paid for home and business property losses in recent years has stemmed from damage due to freezing weather, snow and water leaks. IBHS offers the following information to help property owners minimize the risks from these winter weather hazards.

• Pay attention to snow accumulation on the downwind side of a higher level roof, where blowing snow will collect and could lead to collapse. For safe removal that won't endanger you or damage your roof, consult a roofing contractor.
• Keep attics well ventilated. This will help maintain an interior temperature similar to exterior conditions and reduce the risk of ice dams forming. A warm attic melts snow on the roof, causing water to run down and refreeze at the roof's edge where it's cooler. If an ice buildup blocks water from draining, the water is forced under the roof covering and into the attic or down the inside walls.
• Commercial buildings with flat roofs are particularly vulnerable to water leaks because roof drains can become clogged due to ice dams. Once the weather improves, consider installing heating strips around the drains to help avoid this problem. Water can also find its way inside on sloped roofs along the eaves. Adding a moisture barrier to the roof decking can offer increased leak protection.
• If you can't easily inspect the roof, the attic is the next best place to check for problems. Look for moisture or surface discoloration -- and do this every time you go into the attic.
• To maintain proper drainage, remove snow from window wells and all walls. Clear debris from basement drains. Make sure gutters are clean and stable to ensure proper drainage and lessen the chance they will be torn off in high wind. Maintain heat levels.
• Temperatures below 65 degrees could allow pipes inside walls (where it's colder) to freeze. Also, open cabinets to let heated air flow beneath sinks. Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space. Make sure everyone knows how to shut off the main water supply. If a pipe bursts, turning off the water quickly will help minimize damage.

For more information, visit the IBHS web site http://www.DisasterSafety.org. The site has a ZIP code tool that identifies specific projects designed to help property owners become better prepared to weather the natural hazards facing their areas.

Business owners can explore the Open for Business(R) program, which is aimed at helping them develop business continuity and disaster plans, and view commercial water damage prevention information. The Institute for Business & Home Safety, a nonprofit initiative of the insurance industry, works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other property losses by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices.