Winter Storm Preparedness: Steps Businesses Should Take to Protect Their People, Property, and Operations

Winter weather in Ohio can shift quickly, bringing snow, ice, high winds, and freezing temperatures that create serious challenges for businesses. Beyond inconvenience, winter storms can lead to property damage, workplace injuries, vehicle accidents, and costly operational interruptions.

Taking proactive steps before severe weather arrives helps protect employees, customers, physical assets, and business income. Preparation also helps streamline the claims process if a loss does occur. Below are several key steps businesses should consider when preparing for winter storm season.

Prioritize Employee and Customer Safety

Slips, trips, and falls increase significantly during winter months and remain one of the most common liability exposures businesses face. Snow, ice, and wet flooring can quickly create hazardous walking conditions both inside and outside your facility.

Businesses should consider:

  • Creating and documenting a snow and ice removal plan before storms occur

  • Scheduling timely plowing, salting, and sidewalk clearing services

  • Monitoring entrances for melting snow and standing water

  • Using high-quality entry mats and visible caution signage

  • Clearly communicating weather-related closure or delay procedures to employees and customers

Maintaining records of snow removal efforts and property inspections can help demonstrate responsible property maintenance if a claim arises.

Use Space Heaters and Supplemental Heating Safely

Supplemental heating devices are commonly used in colder months but can present significant fire hazards if not properly monitored.

Risk-reduction best practices include:

  • Using only commercial-grade, safety-certified heating equipment

  • Keeping heaters at least three feet from combustible materials

  • Plugging heaters directly into wall outlets instead of extension cords or power strips

  • Turning off heating devices when areas are unattended

  • Ensuring fire extinguishers are inspected and readily accessible

Routine inspections of permanent heating systems such as furnaces and boilers can also help prevent unexpected breakdowns and losses.

Protect Your Building and Physical Property

Heavy snow accumulation, ice dams, and freezing temperatures can cause significant structural and water damage if preventative maintenance is not performed.

Business owners should evaluate:

  • Roof strength and drainage systems to handle snow load

  • Safe snow removal procedures for rooftops when necessary

  • Proper gutter and downspout maintenance to prevent ice buildup

  • Insulation and protection of exposed plumbing

  • Maintaining interior temperatures that help prevent frozen pipes

Frozen or burst pipes are one of the most frequent and costly winter claims, often leading to extensive water damage and business interruption.

Prepare Vehicles and Establish Winter Travel Guidelines

For businesses with company vehicles or employees who drive for work, winter road conditions introduce additional risks.

Important precautions include:

  • Conducting seasonal vehicle maintenance inspections

  • Checking tire tread, batteries, windshield wipers, and fluid levels

  • Equipping vehicles with emergency kits including blankets, flashlights, and first-aid supplies

  • Creating policies that address travel expectations during severe weather

  • Encouraging employees to postpone non-essential travel when conditions are unsafe

Reducing unnecessary driving during winter storms can significantly decrease accident frequency and liability exposure.

Develop Emergency Communication and Weather Monitoring Plans

Timely communication is critical when winter storms disrupt normal operations. Businesses should establish clear procedures to ensure employees, vendors, and customers receive updates quickly.

Preparation steps may include:

  • Creating an emergency communication plan that includes employee, vendor, and client contact information

  • Identifying essential personnel responsible for storm response and operational decisions

  • Enrolling in real-time weather alert systems, such as National Weather Service alerts or mobile emergency preparedness apps

  • Establishing internal notification systems for closures, delays, or remote work activation

Early awareness of developing weather conditions allows businesses to respond proactively rather than reactively.

Create a Post-Storm Recovery and Snow Removal Plan

Planning should not stop once the storm ends. Post-storm hazards can still present serious risks to employees and customers.

Businesses should:

  • Establish procedures for safely clearing snow and ice following storms

  • Inspect property for structural damage or hazardous conditions

  • Address refreezing risks caused by melting snow runoff

  • Evaluate parking areas, walkways, and entry points for continued safety

Post-storm inspections help reduce injury risks and identify damage early before it worsens.

Review Insurance Coverage Before Storm Season

Physical preparation is essential, but financial protection is equally important. Reviewing your insurance coverage before winter arrives helps ensure your business is protected from seasonal exposures.

Coverages businesses should evaluate include:

  • Commercial property insurance for snow, ice, and water damage

  • Business interruption coverage to help offset income loss during closures

  • General liability insurance for slip and fall exposures

  • Commercial auto coverage for winter driving risks

  • Equipment breakdown coverage for heating and mechanical system failures

Understanding policy details, deductibles, and coverage limitations ahead of time can prevent unexpected surprises during a claim.

How Haughn Insurance Can Help

At Haughn Insurance, we believe strong risk management begins long before a storm hits. Our team partners with businesses to identify seasonal exposures, review insurance programs, and implement preventative strategies designed to protect operations year-round.

Located in Dublin, Ohio, we work with businesses across multiple industries by providing:

  • Comprehensive insurance program reviews

  • Winter risk exposure and loss-prevention guidance

  • Access to multiple top-rated insurance carriers

  • Customized coverage solutions based on business operations

  • Dedicated claims support and advocacy

Winter weather may be unavoidable, but with proper planning and the right insurance strategy, businesses can significantly reduce its impact.

If you would like assistance reviewing your winter storm preparedness plan or insurance coverage, our team at Haughn Insurance is here to help.