Businesses urged to ‘be prepared’ as Britain set for snow and cold snap

• Snow and sub-zero temperatures predicted in parts of UK this week
• Commercial insurer NFU Mutual issues advice to businesses and retailers with cold snap set to hit
• Businesses warned of risks of frozen pipes and dangerous ice on premises

Commercial insurer NFU Mutual is urging businesses to be prepared for heavy snow and freezing temperatures as icy weather is predicted this week.

After weeks of unsettled weather, a cold snap is expected throughout the week, with the Met Office warning of plunging temperatures and snow.

A yellow warning for snow and ice was issued on Monday, with snow showers and sub-zero temperatures predicted – bringing risks for businesses and the high street.

Zoe Knight, Head of Commercial at NFU Mutual, said: “While businesses will have rightly been focusing on the potential flood risks due to recent storms, we are now facing a period of colder weather and possible snow showers, which will bring a different set of risks.

“Retailers, hospitality, and independent businesses should all be prepared and take essential steps to keep themselves, their premises and their customers safe during adverse weather.

“NFU Mutual urges business owners to clear and grit pathways and car parks, include warning signage for customers, check your boilers have been serviced, ensure pipes are insulated and check your roof in preparation for the strain caused by potential snowfall.

“Don’t be complacent about the risks cold weather can pose to businesses and customers. As well as causing disruption across the UK, cold weather and snow storms can bring devastating damage to businesses, so it’s well worth taking simple steps to reduce the risk.”

Commercial insurer NFU Mutual’s cold-weather and snow advice to businesses

Safe premises:

• Clear and grit pathways and car parks to ensure the surface isn’t dangerously slippery.
• Use warning signs if safe to do so and where they do not obstruct pathways
• Check your boiler has been serviced as winter months will put more strain on parts
• Ensure pipes are insulated in unheated areas to avoid the risk of costly damage due to frozen pipes often resulting in water leaks
• Make sure your heating is on a temperature setting high enough to prevent freezing of pipework when the premises are unattended
• If a pipe does become frozen, turn off the water supply and then gently heat the relevant area. Flame producing equipment should not be used for this.
• Make sure you know where the stopcock is in case you need to turn off your water supply. Have buckets or other containers available in case of emergency
• Maintain roofs, gulleys, gutters and downpipes in good condition. The weight of accumulated snow can put added pressure on roofs, particularly if they are in poor condition.
• Clear drains or ditches outside your business to allow melting snow to run away.

Safe people:

• Make sure there is a place for your staff to keep warm or warm up, such as a rest room or kitchen where they can make a hot drink
• If work rooms are cold, consider providing temporary extra heating – make sure they are in good working order and checked for electrical faults
• Provide your staff with warm weather clothing if their work involves long spells of exposure to the cold
• Avoid making non-essential business journeys in your vehicles unless it is safe to do so
• If you decide to close your premises, notify customers and keep in touch with staff to avoid unnecessary journeys
• Make sure you assess the risks from cold and adverse weather for all the work that is done as part of your business – don’t carry out a task if it’s not safe to do so.