Property owners and managers know quite a bit about weather-related hazards. Shielding structures and tenants from severe storms, floods, and the damage they leave behind requires planning, communication, and preparation. While these risks exist year-round, not all seasonal hazards are the same.
Many parts of the country experience significant winter weather events. For some, winter may be the most dangerous time of the year. Carrying comprehensive habitational insurance protects property owners from liability in the event of an emergency, but taking precautions prevents many emergencies before they happen.
Winter Weather Liabilities
Cold temperatures and wintry precipitation add to the risks property managers mitigate every day. Staying mindful of the following safety and property risks helps managers avoid costly repairs and personal injury lawsuits.
Ice and Snow
Even a small amount of ice or snow causes slippery conditions on roads and sidewalks. Tenants are more likely to injure themselves by slipping and falling in winter and may suffer health emergencies while clearing snow. As temperatures rise and fall, the risk of injuries and property damage from falling icicles develops.
Freezing Temperatures
Extreme cold heightens the risk of flooding from ruptured, frozen pipes. Depending on the location of the break, water leakage may cause structural damage and icy patches.
Electrical and Mechanical Failures
Winter storms increase the likelihood of, and danger from, widespread power outages. Residents may be unable to heat their homes, prompting some to use gas-powered generators. Carbon monoxide buildup from improper ventilation poses a severe threat to health and safety. Reduced daylight means more residents may light candles for visibility, posing a fire hazard.
Cold temperatures heighten the urgency of routine mechanical failures, too. A broken water heater causes discomfort and inconvenience in mild weather but becomes unsafe in subfreezing temperatures. HVAC failures may lead to hypothermia if not addressed quickly.
Winter Risk Management
Despite the daunting list of winter weather liabilities, property managers and owners have several options for keeping buildings and tenants safe.
Building and Property Inspections
Inspect exterior walls, stairs, and walkways for wear and tear before winter arrives. Reinsulate windows and doors as needed and keep boilers in working order.
Supply Purchases
Have adequate stores of ice-melting chemicals to handle icy sidewalks and private roadways. If your area receives substantial snowfall, invest in snow removal equipment to clean exterior surfaces or hire an outside company to help.
Educate Tenants
Remind residents and of their responsibilities in reducing winter weather hazards. Provide guidance or restrictions for using candles, gas ranges, and generators during power and heating outages. Also, remind them that letting sink and bathtub faucets drip during cold spells reduces the risk of burst pipes.
Preventive actions reduce property owner exposure for winter weather liabilities and property risks. Talk to your habitational insurance provider for more tips and guidance.
About Haughn & Associates
Founded by Michael Haughn in 1986, Haughn & Associates is a full-service, family-owned, independent insurance agency based out of Dublin, Ohio. H&A strives to provide the best possible price and unique insurance solutions across a myriad of industries, including construction, IT, Habitation & Commercial Property, Agriculture, and Engineering. Devoted to providing the best of business insurance, life and disability insurance, personal insurance, employee benefits, and bonds, H&A is proof that success lies in long-standing client relations and satisfaction. To learn more about how H&A can be of service to you, contact us at (877) 802-2278.
