Consider the following:

• Implement safety measures related to slipping, such as spreading salt or directing people to less slippery pathways. Remember that hard floors in entrance areas can become very slippery during wet or snowy weather.

• Assess outdoor lighting around your premises; with shorter daylight hours, it may be harder for visitors to see icy and other slippery areas.

• In case of snowfall, remove snow from roofs after heavy accumulation to prevent damage from snow weight. Clear snow from solar panels and photovoltaic installations only when necessary.

• Do not lower the heating too much. Keep it at around 15°C (59°F) to prevent water from freezing. Alternatively, you can completely drain the plumbing system. If you choose this option, seek professional advice.

• Ensure that pipes in unheated areas, such as attics and underfloor spaces, are insulated with high-quality materials.

• Insulate water tanks in attics, unheated rooms, or buildings without side walls.

• Ask someone to periodically check your property and inform you if they notice any leaks.

• If you have a condensing boiler with an external drain pipe, hire a professional to check that the pipe diameter is suitable for the boiler model and that the pipe is adequately insulated. Frozen water in an uninsulated external pipe can cause boiler failure. In areas with extremely low temperatures, your service technician may also recommend electric pipe heating.

Signs of a frozen pipe include no water coming from the tap, ice on the outside of the pipe, or a pipe that appears swollen. However, a frozen pipe doesn’t have to mean disaster if you act quickly.

If you discover a frozen water pipe that has not burst, follow these steps to prevent cracking and protect your property:

• Turn off the main water shut-off valve.

• Remove furniture or equipment from areas that could be damaged by water, if it is safe and practical to do so.

• Open the faucet nearest to the affected area and begin gently warming the pipe with a hairdryer or hot water bottles, starting from the end closest to the faucet and moving away from it.

• Don’t forget outdoor taps – insulating them can help prevent water from freezing in the wall and causing leaks.

  While pipes are inevitably stressed when they freeze, bursting typically only becomes visible as they start to thaw.
   

If it is clear that a pipe in your property has burst, you should:

• Turn off the main water shut-off valve and drain the system by opening faucets in bathrooms and the kitchen.

• Turn off heating and, if you are unsure, electricity at the main switch.

• Contact a plumber immediately.

• If possible, once the leak is repaired, ventilate the affected areas by opening windows and doors.

This content is not exhaustive and is intended for guidance only. It is not meant to be the sole basis for decision-making. For requirements specific to your property or business, seek professional advice.

If heavy rain and winds are forecast, ensure that unsecured items that could cause damage are firmly secured.

• Store important documents in PVC bags in a safe place, and move valuables and machinery out of flood risk areas, e.g., to upper floors.
• In the event of a flood warning, turn off all electronic devices and unplug them.
• Check that the roof is in good condition and free of leaks.
• Regularly remove leaves and branches from gutters and drains to allow water to flow freely.
• Sandbags placed on or at (basement) openings such as doors, windows, or basement wells help limit water entry. These are provided in high-risk areas.
• Before restarting, ensure that electrical devices/appliances and sockets are completely dry and functional.

When you receive a warning that your business may be affected by flooding:

• Prepare to act according to your Business Continuity Plan, Disaster Recovery Plan, or Flood Plan.

• If you do not have such plans, you will likely have very little time to implement safety measures to minimize damage.

The following tips may help:

• Your priority must be the safety of your employees, customers, and visitors. If you run a business such as a care home, boarding school, hotel, or similar facility, you should immediately contact the local emergency services and inform them of the situation.

• For wholesalers and manufacturers – determine which minimum quantities of goods, materials, samples, designs, and data are absolutely necessary in the short term to allow operations to continue at a temporary location. Consider whether, in the remaining time, items can be safely relocated to another secure location or to higher storage areas within the facility (where less critical items are currently stored).

This content is not exhaustive and is intended for guidance only. It is not meant to be the sole basis for decision-making. For requirements specific to your business, seek professional advice.

• Disconnect all electrical devices, such as cash registers, machinery, etc., from the power supply in the event of a storm warning.

• Protect windows and doors from hail.

• Install lightning rods and surge protection systems.

• Install surge protectors in the electrical panel to protect computers and other devices.

• Turn off electrical devices when you will be away for an extended period. Even devices on standby can cause short circuits and fires.

• Secure loose items and regularly inspect the façade, roof, and windows for defects.

• Ensure garage doors are properly closed and secured.

• Protect glass surfaces/greenhouse roofs or cars parked outside with a cover.

• Monitor the condition of trees in your garden or on business premises and nearby areas. Damaged trees are more likely to break during a storm, while unhealthy trees are more likely to remain standing.

• Check that the roof is solid and that there are no loose parts that the wind could blow off.