---
title: Winter Weather Preparedness
description: Winter Weather Preparedness for Policyholders
---

[Risk Management Articles ](https://risk.uticanational.com/blog)

# [Winter Weather Preparedness](https://risk.uticanational.com/blog/winter-weather-preparedness)

 Written by [Utica National Insurance Group Risk Management Services](https://risk.uticanational.com/blog/author/utica-national-insurance-group-risk-management-services) | Jan 21, 2026 1:34:43 PM

RISK MANAGEMENT ALERT

# **PREPARE NOW:** Be Ready for Severe Winter Weather

Winter’s extreme temperatures, heavy snow and ice, and chilling winds 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**](https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter) 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**

- **[Roof Collapse and Tips to Help Prevent It »](https://secure.uticanational.com/RulCov-1Vol2/common/star%20product%20manuals/loss%20control%20material/5-R-265.pdf)**  
  *Utica National Risk Management Alert*
- **[Prevent Freezing for Water Based Fire Protection Equipment »](https://secure.uticanational.com/RulCov-1Vol2/Common/STAR%20Product%20Manuals/Loss%20Control%20Material/5-R-1386.pdf)**  
  *Utica National Risk Management Alert*
- **[Using Portable Generators Safely »](https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3286.pdf)**  
  *OSHA Fact Sheet*

**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 [Claims Resource Center](https://www.uticanational.com/claims) or call us at 1-800-216-1420. 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](https://risk.uticanational.com/) for even more information!

Not sure who to call? Call us at 315-235-4700 to connect with our Risk Management team.

 

 

**THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS!**

 

 

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