Is Your Business Ready for Winter? A Practical Guide to Staying Protected All Season Long

As temperatures drop and snowflakes start making their annual debut, business owners across Ohio know what’s coming: unpredictable weather, icy mornings, and the kind of cold that tests even the best-laid plans. Winter brings plenty of seasonal charm—but it also brings risks. Now is the perfect time to make sure your business is prepared, protected, and ready to operate smoothly no matter what winter throws your way.

We’ve seen firsthand how proactive winter planning can make all the difference. A little preparation today can prevent costly claims, downtime, and safety hazards tomorrow.

1. Protect Your Property Before the First Snowfall

Cold weather can be tough on buildings—especially older structures or those with high-traffic entryways.

Start with:

• Having your HVAC and heating systems serviced
• Inspecting roofs for loose shingles, leaks, or weak points
• Cleaning gutters to prevent ice dams
• Ensuring pipes are insulated, especially in unheated spaces

Not only do these steps protect your physical location—they also help reduce the risk of property damage claims. Insurance is there when you need it, but a well-maintained building is always your best first line of defense.

2. Prioritize Safety for Employees and Customers

Slip-and-fall accidents spike every winter. One icy patch in the parking lot or a wet entryway can result in serious injuries—and serious liability.

Simple safety steps include:

• Contracting with a snow/ice removal company early
• Keeping sidewalks, stairs, and parking lots cleared and salted
• Placing wet-floor mats and signage at entrances
• Ensuring adequate outdoor lighting during shorter daylight hours

These small investments not only reduce risk—they also show customers and employees that their safety matters.

3. Review Your Business Insurance Coverage

Winter is the ideal time to review your insurance policies to make sure your business is fully protected.

Consider questions like:

• Does your property insurance cover winter-related damage such as burst pipes or roof collapse?
• Are your liability limits high enough in case of an injury on your premises?
• If a winter storm shuts down your operations, do you have business interruption coverage to help replace lost income?
• Are your commercial vehicles prepared and properly insured for winter road conditions?

Meeting with your insurance advisor before winter hits ensures there are no surprises when you need coverage most.

4. Prepare for Power Outages and Emergencies

Winter storms can lead to sudden outages—and the businesses that stay ahead of them are the ones that bounce back fastest.

Create a winter emergency plan that includes:

• Backup power sources
• Protecting refrigerated goods or temperature-sensitive products
• Communication plans for staff and clients
• Emergency supplies on hand

These preparations not only keep your business running—they help prevent losses that could lead to a claim.

5. Keep Employees Trained and Informed

Whether you run a small office or a large commercial operation, your team plays a huge role in winter safety.

Make sure employees know:

• Snow and ice removal protocols
• How to report potential hazards
• Emergency procedures during severe weather
• Safe driving expectations for anyone using company vehicles

When everyone understands their role, risks decrease—and efficiency improves.

Winter Comes Every Year—Is Your Business Ready?

Preparing your business for winter isn’t just about keeping the snow out. It’s about protecting your property, your people, and your bottom line. With the right planning—and the right insurance partner—you can navigate the cold months with confidence.

If you’d like help reviewing your policies or putting a winter preparedness plan in place, the team at SeibertKeck Insurance Partners is here to guide you every step of the way.

Stay warm, stay safe, and stay protected this winter!