Winter is once again upon us, bringing snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures along with it. It is also the time to winterize any of your vacant properties or seasonal buildings to prevent weather-related issues.
Water damage is one of the most common problems in buildings that do not see regular occupancy. Water can cause a huge amount of damage to a building in a short period of time. It can do severe damage to floors, drywall, and electrical wiring. Water has a way of getting into every nook and cranny a building has.
The first step is to turn off the main water supply to the building and then drain all the lines completely. You want to do both steps so you can prevent lines from freezing and bursting and prevent a large discharge of water should the plumbing fail in the cold. Once the main water supply is turned off, there is only so much water that can escape, which hopefully limits any damage.
The next step is to unplug all appliances. Power surges and lightning strikes are rare, but not unheard of. If appliances are unplugged, then they are protected from such events. You may also want to look at turning off the power to the building depending on the availability of the shut-off and location of the building. It could be as simple as turning off electrical breakers that are assigned to each room.
Next, you want to go through the building and make sure that all windows and outside doors are locked. This will deter trespassing while the building is unoccupied and deter animals who may see it as an attractive place to spend the winter months.
Lastly, make sure you take away all the garbage that is in and around the building. Garbage can be full of combustibles. By removing it, you limit the chances of a fire breaking out. We always suggest the use of checklists to make sure you have covered everything and can walk away from the building knowing you have taken care of it properly.
No one wants to come back in the spring and find out that the building they were going to use all summer now needs major repairs. If you follow the above steps, it should reduce the risk of an incident during the cold winter months.
The following is a list of items you should include in a checklist:
- Inspect and complete maintenance to roofs.
- Ensure roofs are not damaged and no shingles are missing.
- Clean gutters to allow for proper drainage of water and to prevent ice build-up.
- Turn off the water supply to the vacant buildings, then drain the lines and toilets. Doing both steps will help prevent lines from freezing and will also prevent a large discharge of water should the plumbing fail.
- Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors. This prevents heat from escaping and prevents pests from entering the property.
- Unplug appliances. Power surges and lightning strikes can damage appliances and even lead to fires.
- Consider turning off the power to areas of the building via the electrical breakers.
- Ensure any furnaces are in good condition and working properly.
- Complete scheduled maintenance and replacement of furnace filters.
- Turn the heat down but not completely off and follow furnace manufacture “vacation” mode setting.
- Lock all windows and doors.
- Consider installing motion lighting and or security cameras to further help deter criminals from trespassing on your property.
- Check to ensure that all alarms are in working order and fire extinguishers are charged.
- Ensure snow removal equipment is at hand.
- Have shovels and salt or sand available for sidewalks and entrance ways.
- If applicable, have your vacant property signed up with a snow removal maintenance company.
Keep in mind that properties must be inspected every 72 hours or sooner as per insurance policy requirement / warranty for coverage.
Inspections will help identity any potential issues before they become major losses. It also helps deter trespassers and limit the chances of a break-in at your facility.
Should you experience a loss or claim, please email claims@rmainsurance.com. For more information, contact our team of risk advisors at risk@rmainsurance.com.