Is your business ready for another 'big freeze'?

Norwich Union warned that a repeat of the 'big freeze' of early January 2003 occurring over the Christmas period could result in a disastrous start to the New Year for many companies, with burst water pipes a big concern.

"I think many of us are getting used to milder winter weather, and it's easy to forget the kind of problems that a sudden cold-snap can bring," said Allister Smith, Norwich Union's property risk manager.

"However, as we've seen in many parts of the country during the course of this week, the thermometer can easily dip below zero at this time of year. Severe or prolonged freezing conditions coupled with the traditional Christmas shutdown, could spell disaster for businesses over the coming weeks."

Allister warned that with some firms planning to close on Christmas Eve and or/New Year's Eve - both falling on a Monday this year - the time that buildings are left unoccupied could be longer than usual.

Keeping warm

He told us that the key to avoiding problems with burst pipes, and any subsequent water damage, was to maintain some heat at business premises, even when no one was there.

"When setting heating controls, take into account that in severe weather temperatures may drop suddenly and the heating will need to operate in good time to prevent frost damage," he said.

"Special attention must be given to periods when premises are not in use - outside normal working hours, during weekends and holiday periods."

He added: "Under normal working conditions it is easy for businesses to overlook this and think they do not have a problem as machinery and equipment in use can cause the ambient temperature to rise. It is often a totally different story when the business is closed completely.

"Remember as well that special precautions will need to be taken for those premises which have automatic sprinkler systems installed."

Cold weather code

Freezing weather at the beginning of January 2003 produced average temperatures of as low as minus 3 degrees Celsius (C) across Britain. In parts of Scotland, temperatures fell to as low as minus 18 degrees C.

"Long-range weather forecasters are currently hedging their bets over the likelihood of a white Christmas this year, and although it could just as easily be mild, it's still worth taking a few precautions," said Allister.

He pointed to the Association of British Insurers' (ABI) 'cold weather code' which offers advice on protecting against burst pipes - see link above/right. The code is also useful to homeowners.

Allister also recommended that firms be extra vigilant about security measures over the Christmas period, due to the heightened threat of property crime whenever business premises are left unoccupied.