Greg discusses how to prep your business for the winter months in this episode of Ask The Expert. 800 CHAB radio presents Ask the Expert with Greg Marcyniuk of Heritage Insurance located in Moose Jaw.
Here's a full transcript of the episode.
Rob Carnie: Getting ready for winter on Ask The Expert with Greg Marcyniuk at Heritage Insurance. Not just getting ready for winter for all of us, but specifically for those who manage and own businesses, Greg?
Greg Marcyniuk: That's correct, Robin. Some of these things that I'm going to go over actually does apply to homeowners as well. But we do have a checklist put together and you're more than welcome to get onto our website and check it out. But first and foremost, you should actually review your insurance coverages and make sure the policy is going to protect against winter hazards.
Next thing, ensure you have a procedure in place for restoring the electrical services and devices, as well establish a system for relocating salvageable stock and supplies. Definitely, a great idea to create a disaster supply kit that includes, you know, salt, if you've got any ice, and of course. sand, to go out and don't forget about good old snow shovels.
Account for high-risk situations like frozen pipes, broken heating systems, and as well identify who's responsible for keeping your equipment in good working order. As well as known ice removal, and if you are renting from an actual landlord, make sure you have an arrangement as to who's going to remove that snow.
And if you do own, I always suggest hiring a snow removal contractor to keep your driveways and doorways and roofs as is necessary clear. Determine what equipment needs to be protected from freezing. And if you've got areas you may need to put portable heaters in, if they have been prone to freezing in the past, as well you should seal and insulate areas where cold air can enter, repair any walls, windows, and roofs so you can prevent any drafts, Rob, as well ensure that if you do have gutters, make sure they're all clean and clear of debris properly.
Take a look at your windows, make sure they're in good condition as well test your cold-weather equipment on a regular basis, and clean and inspect your boilers as well. You should always monitor your building temperatures throughout and do that on a regular basis.
If you happen to be where you have any trees, make sure you trim them away from your building. As well it's a good idea to mark fire hydrants, just in case they're calling for a lot of snow this year, just so it'll assist firefighters to make sure you can locate those hydrants after a heavy snowstorm. Make sure you have an emergency communication plan in place, not only for your staff but also for your clients and review your disaster recovery and business continuity plans, make sure they're all in order.
And a great idea is ensure that your water shut-offs are properly labeled and accessible. Make sure people can get in, in case there's something that does break. And a great idea is to have a list of important contacts on hand and including their names, phone numbers, heating, plumbing, and as well as emergency personnel.
Rob: One policy I've been grateful to have, just in the course of the past five years, Greg, is service line disruption.
Greg: That is a great form of coverage that's there and is available and we do recommend that people do take it on because especially come wintertime, the ground freezes and there's going to be water breaks.
Rob: If you'd like to review these tips, you can do it online or drop in and see the fine folks at Heritage Insurance in person.
Greg: That's correct. Our website is NoHassleInsurance.ca or come on down on the corner of Fairford and First West.
Rob: Thanks very much, Greg.
Greg: Thank you, Rob.
(Video transcription via Speechpad)