The groundhog may have predicted an early spring, but Mother Nature sees it differently! Ice and snow storms have ravaged homes and businesses that have barely had time to clean up from Superstorm Sandy. So how do you protect your clients? You give them information they need to be prepared and to minimize risks where possible.
Our friends from Northland Insurance and Northfield Excess & Surplus Lines sent us some useful information we thought we would pass along.
"This
weekend’s historic winter storm left many homes and buildings with heavy snow
accumulations on their roofs. Northland wants you to know that there are steps
you can take to reduce the risk of property damage or personal injury from the
weight of snow, such as removing the first 3-4 feet of snow near the eaves.
This is a particular concern for areas where rain is predicted, as the rain
will greatly increase the weight of snow and also create the potential for ice
dams when snow re-freezes.
Helping prevent snow/ice load roof collapse
Winter storms can bring an array of potential exposures and hazards to
property, people and business. Record snowfalls especially present the
potential for roof collapse. To help prevent snow/ice-related roof collapse,
the following steps should be taken. A structural engineer or qualified professional
also should be consulted.
Preparing for the next winter storm [understanding load capacity]
- Know how much snow your building
can safely handle. Older buildings may be designed to lesser code.
- Know the load capacity of your
roof to prevent compromising its integrity and the potential for roof
collapse.
- Be aware of the potential impact
of drifting snow.
- Assess the roof and structure
inside and out for damage, cracks or corrosion and make repairs.
- Inspect and clear all roof drains
and gutters of debris to avoid ice accumulation, a contributor to roof
collapse.
- Buildings built before 2000 with
standing seam metal roofs may have a design weakness.
- Buildings with wood bowstring
truss roofs are prone to failure due to truss deterioration where it meets
the wall.
Develop a plan to safely remove the snow
- Establish a Snow Removal roof
monitoring Plan to know when and how to engage in snow removal before too
much snow/ice accumulates. Use of large snow blowers on a heavily,
snow-loaded roof may present an excessive load.
- A Snow Removal Plan should be
reviewed by a structural engineer and roofing contractor.
- Snow removal should be done safely
and by trained individuals.
- If a contractor does the removal,
have a signed contract with appropriate language holding you harmless.
- Ask the contractor to provide
proof of adequate insurance coverage.
Develop a contingency plan
- Develop contingency plans to
protect your building, contents, equipment, operations and people.
- Identify alternate locations or
companies to help keep your business operational.
- Move goods and equipment to
alternate locations or cover with tarps to protect them from damage.
- Identify location of shut-off
valves for gas, water and electrical utilities.
- Be prepared to turn off automatic
sprinkler systems.
During the winter storm
- Monitor amount of snow, ice
accumulation and snow drift across the entire roof and along long ridge
lines.
- Implement the Snow Removal Plan
and safely monitor snow depth on roofs.
- When removing snow from roofs, do
not block building exits, fire hydrants, or utility valves.
- Do not place piles where melting
snow can cause seepage or flooding inside the building.
- Know the warning signs of building
structure stress and potential for collapse.
- Contact a structural engineer for
immediate inspection if there are signs of structural deflection or
damage.
- Shutdown of gas mains and
sprinkler systems may be advisable if collapse is considered likely.
Eliminate sources of ignition before turning off sprinkler systems.
Contact the fire department and property insurance company before turning
off automatic sprinkler systems.
- Implement contingency plans if
collapse is imminent or has occurred.
After the storm
- Inspect your property for damage
and implement your contingency plan.
- Prepare for the next storm and
make changes to your snow removal and contingency plans as necessary.
- Report any damage and claims
promptly."
Thank you for choosing Jimcor Agencies.
The information provided in this
document is intended for use as a guideline and is not intended as, nor does it
constitute, legal or professional advice. Northland, Jimcor, and
Travelers do not warrant that adherence to, or compliance with, any
recommendations, best practices, checklists, or guidelines will result in a
particular outcome. In no event will Northland, Jimcor, Travelers or any
of their subsidiaries or affiliates be liable in tort or in contract to anyone
who has access to or uses this information. Northland, Jimcor, and
Travelers do not warrant that the information in this document constitutes a
complete and finite list of each and every item or procedure related to the
topics or issues referenced herein. This material does not amend, or
otherwise affect, the provisions or coverages of any insurance policy issued by
Northland or Travelers, nor is it a representation that coverage does or does
not exist for any particular claim or loss under any such policy.
Coverage depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss,
all applicable policy or bond provisions, and any applicable law.
In many parts of the northeast we have already seen our first snowfall of the season.
