Winter is cold. Cold causes pipes to freeze. Frozen pipes cost Ohio businesses money. Learn how to protect your bottom line.

With the holidays over, it’s back to business. But just because the celebration season has come to an end doesn’t mean winter is gone. There are still several months before Spring and preparing for winter storm damage should be top of mind. Winter storms can impact any business, large or small, but there are certain steps you can take to help prevent serious damage.

Prep is Key

Before you’re hit with winter’s next nasty storm, make sure your business is prepared. Preparation is key in avoiding having to deal with winter storm damage repair.

• Check the Exterior. Repair any damage to downspouts or drains, clear gutters, bring in someone for a roof check. Make sure your business’s exterior can handle the season’s worst.
• Trim Your Trees. If you have trees and bushes near your business, make sure they’re trimmed so that should an ice storm hit, your building won’t pay the price.
• Plan for Plows. Make sure you have a plan in place to clear any accumulated snow and ice. If you get stuck dealing with winter storm damage repair, you want to make sure you can access your business right away.
• Keep the Temp Up. Even in unoccupied spaces, keep the temperature above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures pipes will stay warm enough to avoid freezing and bursting.

Business: Open or Closed

Having a plan for business continuity is crucial before a winter storm hits. If roads are impassible, employees and customers won’t be able to reach your business. Worse yet, if your property has suffered winter storm damage, you may have to keep your physical location closed during repair. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Disaster Plan. Make a list of worst-case scenarios and how you’ll deal with them when it comes to operating your business. Anything from a burst pipe to a major winter storm can impact your business. List these events and what your plan is to deal with them. Make sure the leaders of your organization know about the plans as well. Communication is key.
• Carrara Priority Response. Carrara signs agreements with select businesses to guarantee priority response (our next truck out) in the event of a disaster. Ask us for more details on whether this product would be a good fit to protect your business.
• Remote Plan. By having a remote working plan in place, you’ll be able to continue to operate as a business with less loss of revenue. Make sure your employees having the means to work remotely if needed and able.
• Business Insurance. Do you have coverage for interruption in operation? If not, check into it. Get in touch with your insurance agent to review the options if the worst happens.

Dealing with a Loss

Even with the best preparation, winter storm damage can occur. Dealing with winter storm damage repair can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be devastating. Here are some things to tackle right away:

• Contact Your Insurance Company. Explain the situation and talk through your options. Knowing the status of the damage and what you can do about it immediately goes a long way.
• Call the Professionals. If you’re looking at winter storm damage repair, bring in the professionals ASAP. Restoration companies are experienced in helping you and your business get back up and running as quickly as possible, no matter how big the job.
• Keep Good Records. Keep records of everything you’ve done, had inspected, and had repaired. These records and receipts can be invaluable to preventing further damage or cost.

With winter still in full swing, be prepared before the next storm takes aim.

And if disaster strikes, call us for winter storm damage repair. Ohio businesses can count on Carrara to help.