Winter storms frequently cause electrical power failure, which in turn
can disable your heating system. If this happens, water-filled piping
(such as
sprinklers,
domestic water pipes and heating, ventilation and air conditioning
systems) may freeze and rupture. It is important to assess the potential
for this hazard.
- Inspect all safety shutoff valves and cutoff switches on combustion
equipment such as rooftop units, boilers and ovens, including water main
shutoffs and main electrical service disconnects.
- Have qualified contractors or staff properly inspect heating,
air-handling units and space heaters on at least an annual basis. Assure
that space heaters are monitored for fire safety.
- Review the location and storage of flammable liquids such as
propane, gasoline and diesel fuel. Should your sprinkler system freeze
and require that it be disabled, it is recommended to reduce this
storage to a minimum to minimize the amount of fuel in a fire.
Without proper winter weather preparation, your business could
experience property damage — roof collapse, pipe rupture and more.
HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK
There are some strategies you can implement to protect your facility and minimize the impact of severe weather on your business:
- Maintain building temperatures above 55 degrees. Plan for
maintenance personnel to properly monitor buildings during cold snaps,
making more frequent visits to buildings or areas of buildings not
normally occupied.
- Inspect all areas along the inside and outside perimeters of the
building to ensure they are sealed and there are no drafty areas.
- Maintain roofs in good condition, including repairing leaks,
securing flashing and clearing debris from the roof, roof drains and
overflow scuppers.
- Check that downspouts are secured to buildings and clear of leaves
and debris. If they iced over during a previous winter, consider
properly installing heat trace to prevent major icicles and dams.
- Make sure all building openings are weather-tight so they do not admit cold air.
- Consider how you’ll address removing snow accumulation on your roof.
If you or a contractor use a snow blower, make sure the height of the
snow blower shave plate is adjusted higher as to not damage the
underlying roofing material.
