Winter Weather Preparedness

You can't do anything about the weather except be prepared for it... with winter just weeks away we should be thinking about those preparations. Snow on the roads and the roof, freezing precipitation, blizzards and high winds can impact everything from product distribution to whether employees can get to work. The potential impacts of weather are as varied as the organizations they affect; weather affects everyone. This week's articles can help you with preparing to weather any storms.

Start now to plan for winter weather as it affects your building and operations. (Item #1)     The potential impacts of winter weather are discussed here, as well as suggestions to maintain business continuity. (Item #2)     Even new construction and renovations can be impacted by severe winter weather. (Item #3)    

Power failures are always a possible result of winter storms. (Item #4)     Winter weather covers a range of conditions; are you prepared for all of them? (Item #5)     The flu can have a great impact on some organizations; here are some tips to minimize its impact on yours. (Item #6)    

As always, we look forward to hearing your comments & insights regarding business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, email me at [email protected].

Bob Mellinger, President
Attainium Corp

1. Commercial Winter Weather Guidance

Record snowfalls and costly winter weather-related property damage in many regions of the country are reminders of the need to prepare buildings and business operations before extended periods of freezing weather. As a business owner, you have two areas that need attention before the winter weather sets in: the building itself and day-to-day operations, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
http://www.disastersafety.org/publicPolicy/legislation/article?articleId=6715

2. 'Business Continuity Planning in Severe Weather': Irish government advice

'Business Continuity Planning in Severe Weather' focuses on the potential impacts of winter weather on business and offers advice on key issues as well as suggesting measures to underpin business continuity. A checklist provides a template to help identify weaknesses in business continuity plans.
http://www.forfas.ie/media/ffs111109-BCP_in_Severe_Weather.pdf

3. Winter Property Preservation

Buildings being newly constructed or renovated are not exempt from the potential for property loss. This is especially true during the winter months when there can be an increase in the use of temporary heating devices, snow and ice accumulation on roofs, combustible or flammable materials being stored indoors and trespassers seeking shelter.
https://rccustomers.travelers.com/riskcontrol/rcpublicdocs.nsf/0/
CA10542DACCC1B998525751500767619/$FILE/IM104_WinterPropertyPreservation.pdf

4. Winter Weather - Ice Storms - Power Failures: Plan Ahead

In most of the United States, even as far south as Texas and Florida, there is the probability of winter weather, ice storms and even arctic freeze conditions. Power failures can be a direct result of these events.
https://rccustomers.travelers.com/riskcontrol/rcpublicdocs.nsf/0/
E68F3F3471AF8FF4852575150076775F/$FILE/A0117%20Winter%20Ice%20Storms%20Power%20Failures.pdf

5. Winter Weather Precautions

Every winter, businesses suffer millions of pounds worth of damage caused by adverse weather conditions. The term 'Winter Weather' embraces a wide range of natural conditions, which may result in significant loss or damage to your premises and cause a serious interruption to your business.
http://www.chartisinsurance.com/chartis/internet/uk/eni/Insight%20-%20Winter%20Weather%20Precautions%20AI434374%201211_tcm2538-382908.pdf

6. Workplace Questions about Flu - FAQs

What steps can businesses take to keep employees from getting sick, especially during flu season? These and other questions about controlling flu in the workplace are addressed on the flu.gov site.
http://answers.flu.gov/categories/284