PREPARE NOW: Be Ready for Severe Winter Weather

Winter’s extreme temperatures, heavy snow and ice, and chilling winds - such as the type forecast for portions of the Northeast and surrounding areas - can cause power outages, which could last hours to days. Are you prepared if that happens?

Be Prepared!

  • Have a severe weather emergency preparedness and response plan in place before a storm arrives.
  • Make sure your business has an emergency power supply, such as a portable generator or a permanent standby unit.
  • Check trees and branches around your facility for any that need trimming to prevent falling, which could cause power outages.
  • Provide adequate heat in areas that contain piping to prevent freezing and ice damming.
  • Monitor the snow and ice load on your roof to prevent damage or a possible collapse.
  • Visit the National Weather Service website for additional winter safety and preparation and terms.


Safely Use Generators/Temporary Heating Units

  • Carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust – Even if you can’t smell exhaust fumes, you may still have been exposed to carbon monoxide. Consider installing battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms, read the manufacturer’s instructions and take proper precautions.
  • Electric shock or electrocution – Ground the generator and plug, and disconnect power coming into the building.
  • Fire – Don’t plug the generator into a wall outlet. Never power your house/business by plugging the generator into a wall outlet or the main electrical panel. Only a licensed electrician should connect a generator to a main electrical panel by installing the proper equipment according to local electrical codes. (source NFPA and OSHA)


Additional Information


Should you need to report a claim,
we are ready to assist you 24/7/365.

You can report a claim quickly online in our Customer Care Center or call us at 1-800-216-1420. Visit www.uticanational.com for more claims information.

Please have the following information available: the policy number, your independent insurance agency name, and the date and details of the incident.


QUESTIONS? Contact your Utica National Risk Management Representative… and remember to visit our Risk Management website for even more information!

Not sure who to call? Call us at (315) 235-4700 and we’ll connect you
to one of our Risk Management pros!



THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS!


This information is provided solely as an insurance risk management tool.  It is provided with the understanding that the member insurance companies of the Utica National Insurance Group are not providing legal advice, or any other professional services or advice. Utica National shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the use of this information. You are encouraged to consult an attorney or other professional for advice on these issues.