The gusting winds, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures associated with winter are normal and often anticipated occurrences throughout most of the world’s cold weather climates. However, not only cold weather locales are vulnerable to extreme winter weather losses. In fact, moderate climate regions not normally associated with harsh winter weather tend to suffer the most costly losses as they are typically unprepared to endure such conditions.

Winter weather events mixed with a lack of preparation can lead to building damage, freeze-up, flood, and business interruption losses. The checklist that follows, though not all-inclusive, can be an effective part of your organization’s loss control program. The issues highlighted herein should be addressed by appropriate personnel within your organization so that severe winter weather impacts may be more successfully alleviated.