LOSS CONTROL ALERT
Winter Weather Precautions
It might be a beautiful scene and a winter
wonderland, but cold, snow and the blowing
wind can wreak havoc on buildings and the
operations they house. With winter weather,
property losses from frozen pipes, collapsed
roofs and ice dams, and fires from candles,
cooking, fireplace use and overheated furnaces or improper storage of combustible materials, are common. Hazards arising from
Christmas trees and holiday lights that use extension cords are also a key cause of residential fires.
Fire protection systems need protection too. They can freeze and become impaired at a time when
the potential for fires may be increased because of greater use of heating equipment.
The hazards and scenarios below should be reviewed by all property owners to uncover potential winter losses and some possible solutions
Cooking
Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries (NFP Home Fires Involving Cooking Equipment, November 2015, Marty Ahrens). Cooking fires increase on Thanksgiving Day (230% above
daily average of fires per day), Christmas Day (58% above), and Christmas Eve (54% above). Unattended cooking is the leading factor while stovetops account for 61% of the fires (as opposed to ovens).
People often fail to set a timer and forget they are cooking. Also, items thought to be flame resistant,
like oven mitts and wooden spoons, often catch fire in an unattended kitchen. Many novice chefs do
not realize how a serious fire can occur when using simple cooking oils like olive, canola, corn, and soybean. These oils, whether in a skillet or a deep fryer, can ignite easily and bubble over, causing rapid
flame spread. They also generate vapors and grease that can accelerate the spread of fire.

The simplest way to prevent cooking fires is to attend to the stove while cooking.

With stovetop fires being the predominant type of cooking fire, one should keep a large, sturdy
non-combustible lid nearby to place atop a frying pan or fire.

Stovetop fires can be prevented by installing extinguishing systems in the range hood. Small
units are available from companies like Stovetop Firestop and Autoout.

Fire extinguishers should be nearby, fully charged and visibly mounted between the stove and
the exit.
Pipe Freeze
Fire sprinkler equipment and other water-based plumbing can freeze, causing pipes to burst or leak,
leaving serious water damage to the interior and exterior of a building.

Be sure that adequate building temperatures (at least 40°F/4°C) are maintained to prevent
freezing. A 1/8” crack in a pipe can spew 250 gallons in one day.

Regional differences come into play when temperatures are extremely low (below 20°F
Winter Weather Precautions
December 2015
LOSS CONTROL ALERT
Page 2
(Building Research Council, University of Illinois)), in that more temperate Southern pipe installations are not as well insulated as in Northern regions (and in the South, often installed in attics
since there are fewer basements). An outside temperature of 20°F can result in the freezing of
interior pipes. Pipes should be re-routed by a plumber, if possible, or insulated to slow the rate of
freezing.

The use of building temperature alarms can help send an alert in the event of an unplanned
drop in temperature. These devices are no longer exorbitantly priced and can be added to
the simplest of alarm systems.

Heat tracing and permanently-installed space heating systems can prevent pipe freezing. Both
present some fire exposure, so manufacturers’ instructions should be followed if these solutions
are used.

Disconnect all exterior hoses and install insulation over hose bibs (or drain the water from the
bib).

Ensure that all cracks, holes, and other openings on the exterior walls are sealed tightly with
caulk or insulation to prevent cold air from penetrating the wall cavity.

Keep all exterior entry, exit and garage doors to unheated spaces closed during the winter
months.

If the temperature drops lower than usual and any pipes are located adjacent to exterior walls
or within base cabinets or in closets, leave the cabinet/closet doors open or use a fan to increase warm air circulation around the pipes.

Install a water leak detection system, available at your plumbing supply store, which will alert
someone in your household if a water leak is detected. Many alarm systems now offer inexpensive leak detection devices as an add-on to your existing alarm system.

When extreme cold weather is predicted, let all faucets drip to prevent pressure buildup inside
the pipe due to freezing water inside the pipe.

Drain the water supply in unoccupied buildings.

If a pipe is frozen, use a blow dryer to thaw it, not an open flame torch.

Be sure there are procedures to protect plumbing and sprinkler systems in the event of a loss of
heat due to storm-related utility interruptions.
Candles and Open Flames
December is the peak time of year for candle fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and Christmas Eve rank 1-4 in the occurrence of candle fires. Fires occur in unattended bedrooms or when people fall asleep with candles still
lit.

To prevent candle fires, consider flameless candles: they provide soft LED lighting and are firesafe.

If and when you use candles, keep combustible materials at least one foot away.
Smoking was formerly an indoor fire problem, but over the years has become an outdoor problem as
people move outside to smoke. Lit cigarettes and hot matches are often discarded improperly from
outside decks, balconies, and sidewalks, leading to ignition of combustible materials.

To prevent smoking fires, restrict smoking to designated areas where combustible materials are
limited.
Winter Weather Precautions
December 2015
LOSS CONTROL ALERT
Page 3

Prohibit smoking whenever possible.
Provide sturdy, fire-resistant receptacles designed for smoking materials.
Heating Equipment, Fireplaces, and Chimneys
Fireplace flames must be controlled with tempered glass, chainmail fencing, or by being far enough
from all combustible material, including curtains, carpets, standby logs, and kindling. At no time should
the fireplace be used for cooking.
Heating equipment causes approximately 14% of all home fires (NFPA Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment, 2013, John R Hall, Jr.).

Placing things that can burn too close to heating equipment or placing heating equipment too
close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding, was
the leading factor contributing to ignition in fatal home heating fires and accounted for more
than half (53%) of home heating fire deaths.

Space heaters, both portable and permanent, make up 1/3 of those home heating fires. The
leading factor for these fires – failure to clean chimneys and other surfaces (in solid-fuel heating
equipment, such as wood).
Heating equipment needs to be inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. In some cases, regulatory requirements may require additional inspections. Be sure the inspections are completed ahead of the heating season to improve safety and dependability. Be sure
there is adequate clearance around heating equipment and vents. If space heaters are allowed, be
sure they are safely located and tip-resistant.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the edge of a roof
and prevent melting snow (water) from draining off your
roof. One sure sign: icicles form on the roof edge and hang
down parallel to the outside walls. Heat from a poorly insulated attic causes the snow and ice on the upper portion
of the roof to freeze, only to refreeze as it runs to the unheated lower portion of the roof near the edges/eaves.
The water that backs up behind this “dam” can leak into
your building or push back up under the shingles and
cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. Additionally, when the roof doesn’t drain properly,
snow, ice, and water remains trapped on the roof, adding
loads that put your roof at risk of collapse.
To prevent ice dams:

Increase insulation at the ceiling of the highest
heated level to prevent uneven melting of snow
from the upper portions of your roof. All the snow
and ice on the roof should melt at the same rate
from sunlight and warmth, not from leaking heat
from your attic! A well-insulated attic allows no daylight to escape.
Winter Weather Precautions
December 2015
LOSS CONTROL ALERT
Page 4

Prevent heat leaking into the attic by insulating light cans and other penetrations such as pipes,
electrical chases, and chimneys.

Make sure gutters, scuppers, and drains are clean of old leaves and other debris, and make
sure they are stable to ensure proper drainage (come spring, any trees that overhang the roof,
leading to gutter and drain blockage, should be trimmed).

Attic heat can also be vented using soffit/ridge vents, gable end vents, and other vent types.
Contact a roofing professional.

Avoid chipping or breaking ice dams as this causes damage to the roof. It is better to remove
the softer snow before it forms an ice dam, using a roof rake. If necessary, hire a professional.

Flat, Monoslope and Low Sloped Roof Systems:

Flat roofs are particularly vulnerable to water leaks if ice dams keep water from flowing into
roof drains. Removing the snow will remove the source of a potential ice dam.

Drains:
 If ice dams form around drains, place heating cables on the roof and connect the cables
to the drains to create a path for the melting ice to follow.
 Consider installing heating cables in a zigzag manner inside gutters.
 If there is extensive ice build-up around the drains, consult a roofing professional.
 When the roof is dry, inspect the roof cover. Look for mold, mildew and vegetation, all of
which are signs of a problem with the slope of the roof cover system and drainage. A
roofing professional can advise you about re-pitching the roof cover.
Snow Loading
Snow and ice loads on the roofs of buildings can result in failures that range from sagging and leaking
roofs to total failure and collapse of the buildings. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
provides these general guidelines to help estimate the weight of snow on a roof:
 Fresh snow: 10-12 inches = 1” water = 5 lbs/sq. ft. of roof
 Packed snow is heavier: 3-5 inches = 1” water
 Ice is heavier than snow: 1 inch = 1” water
 The total accumulated: fresh + packed + ice. 60 lbs/sq. ft. is possible, which can stress the best
roofs! Most sloped residential roofs are at risk when the weight is 20-25 lbs/sq. ft.
Make sure that any building additions are structurally sound and have been designed for the anticipated snow loads, including snow that can drift against roof top equipment and chimneys. Snow can
drift into the intersections of roofs, at changes in elevations and other areas which increases the load
on the roof. It may be necessary to remove the snow manually to prevent roof failures.
If accessing the roof to remove snow and ice, do so well before the weight accumulates to the breaking point! Avoid picks, shovels and blowers, which can damage the roof; rather, use a heavy-bristle
broom or a roof rake. Move the snow downward in the direction that water flows to avoid damaging
the roof.
Electrical Cords
Outlets are designed for only so much power. The use of power strips, extension cords, and outlet
adapters greatly increases the chance that more electrical current will be drawn than can be han-
Winter Weather Precautions
December 2015
LOSS CONTROL ALERT
Page 5
dled by the equipment. This will result in overheating and fire. Large equipment should be plugged directly into the outlet. Power strips and outlet adapters should be avoided or, at best, used for only very
low power equipment.
Extension cords are misused in all seasons, but particularly at Christmas when indoor and outdoor lights
are strung throughout a property. Never run electrical cords from the tree through doorways or under
carpets. See Everest’s LC Alert: Electric Extension Cord Safety.
Decorative lighting is widely and inexpensively available, so replace all worn or frayed cords. Follow
the manufacturer’s instructions on the maximum number of light strings to connect.
Live Christmas Trees

Get a fresh tree, with green needles that do not fall off when touched. Dry trees burn with a
great deal of energy if ignited and such fires spread quickly. When placing your tree, cut 2”
from the base of the truck and place it at least three feet from any heat source like radiators,
candles, heat vents, or hot lights. The stand in which you place the tree should be stable to
avoid tipping onto a heat source. Keep trees well-watered while it is in or near your building.

Make sure the Christmas lights have a testing lab label such as UL, CUL, CSA. The markings
should indicate whether or not the lights are adequate for indoors, outdoors, or both. Unplug
the lights when going to bed or leaving the house.

Discard the tree after the holidays or when it becomes excessively dry. If you use an artificial
tree, ensure that it is fire resistant by checking the tree’s label.
Winter Planning
It is important to anticipate the effects of the cold and icy winter weather and to have and implement
plans to reduce the possibility of losses to your operations from the effects of winter. It has been said
that the best time to fix a roof is when the sun is shining. So too, the best time to prepare for winter is
when the leaves are still on the trees. Before the start of the winter season, you should have a plan and
checklist in place and prepared for the shorter and colder days that are coming. The plan should focus on the building envelope and verify the proper sealing of doors, windows and other openings to
make sure the cold air stays outside where it belongs. Use your written plan and checklist and complete a dry run early enough to modify the plan
and to make preparations for winter. Be sure the
plan is updated to reflect changes in the operations, structural building changes and changes in
staff and fire protection systems. Be sure to review
the plan with management and key operational
personnel, including the maintenance staff or
maintenance contractors. Phone lists and communication procedures need to be current and distributed to all affected parties. Keep emergency supplies including winter clothing, boots, hats and
gloves handy and available to those who may
have exposure to the elements. The plan and
checklist should address key interior aspects, including pipes, roof supports, fire protection, emergency
power equipment or supplies and heating equipment.
Winter Weather Precautions
December 2015
LOSS CONTROL ALERT
Page 6
Be sure that drains are properly secured and cleared to remove the weight from melting snow as efficiently as possible, and that all roof-top equipment is properly anchored against high winds. All prior
damage must be repaired before the start of the winter season.
It is critical that fire protection equipment be maintained so that it will work properly during a fire emergency. Hydrants and sprinkler control valves should be marked so they can be easily located even
with several feet of snow.
For more information on Winter Weather Precautions visit these resources:
 OSHA: Winter Weather Hazards Precautions
 National Weather Service: Winter Safety
 CDC: Be Prepared To Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter Weather
 American Red Cross: Winter Storm Safety Checklist
Remember, Everest Loss Control offers services to help you in your loss prevention efforts. If you would
like more information about these services, visit our web site at www.everestregroup.com.
Loss Control is a daily responsibility of your individual management. This publication is not a substitute for your own loss control
program. The information that is provided in this Alert should not be considered as all encompassing, or suitable for all situations,
conditions, or environments. Each organization is responsible for implementing their safety/injury/illness prevention program and
should consult with legal, medical, technical, or other advisors as to the suitability of using the information contained in this
Alert. The information contained in this publication is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to
constitute legal advice or opinions. You should contact an attorney if you need legal advice and/or you have any questions
concerning your obligations under any law, statute and/or code identified in this publication. ©Everest National Insurance Company 2015
CONTACT US
Westgate Corporate Center
477 Martinsville Road
P.O. Box 830
Liberty Corner, NJ 07938-0830
Everest focuses on specialty property and casualty insurance business and is licensed to conduct business in all 50
states, including the District of Columbia. Everest is rated
A+ XV (Superior) by A.M. Best. To learn more about Everest, visit our website at: www.everestregroup.com
Winter Weather Precautions
December 2015
Loss Control Department
Phone: 908-604-3000
Fax: 908-604-3526
E-mail: [email protected]