Greg discusses how to get ready for the colder months in this episode of Ask The Expert. 800 CHAB radio presents Ask the Expert with Greg Marcyniuk of Heritage Insurance located in Moose Jaw.
Here's a full transcript of the episode.
Rob Carnie: The Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting a tough winter with several cold snaps and a number of snow storms for the prairie provinces, including Moose Jaw and area. And it's getting ready for winter that we're talking about on Ask the Expert today with our insurance expert, Greg Marcyniuk at Heritage Insurance. Yeah, Greg, we know it's coming.
Greg Marcyniuk: That's correct, Rob. And what I've done is I've put together a checklist for business owners just to get ready for this winter if we do have a bad one.
First and foremost, you should review your insurance coverage and make sure that you have a policy to protect against winter hazards. Ensure that you have a procedure in place for restoring any electrical services and devices.
Establish a system for relocating salvageable stock and supplies. Create a disaster supply kit that includes salt to melt ice on the driveway, sand to improve traction, and of course, your snow shovels. Account for high risk situations like frozen pipes, broken heating systems. And also, make sure you have someone that is responsible for keeping your heating equipment in good working order, as well as snow and ice renewable.
You should determine who's responsible for that, whether you're renting or you own it. I know we arrange for snow removal contractors to clear our driveways, doorways, and as well, if we need it, for the roof. Determine what equipment needs to be protected from freezing and use portable heaters in areas that is prone to freezing.
Seal and insulate areas where cold air can enter and repair walls, windows, and roofs to prevent drafts and evaluate storm windows on a regular basis. Ensure they're in good working order and test cold weather equipment on a regular basis. And clean and inspect your boilers. And also, monitor your building temperatures on a regular basis. And if you do have any trees around your building, make sure you trim them away before actual winter.
Ensure you have an emergency communication plan in place just for your employees and your customers as well. Review your disaster recovery and business continuity plans. Ensure that your water shut offs are properly labeled and accessible in the event you do actually have any sort of pipes that do break.
And have a list of important contacts in hand, including the name and phone numbers for heating, plumbing, and emergency personnel. Share that list with your staff.
Rob: That's a pretty long list, and it's a pretty good checklist to go over, especially if you're a business manager or a business owner. We can find that list online.
Greg: You can get that online or please feel free to give us a call or come on down and talk to any one of us at the corner of Fairford and First West.
(Video transcription by Speechpad)