Some helpful Insurance Tips from our partners at www.hardwarestoreinsurance.ie
Snow and ice bring dangerous driving conditions and heightened risk of damage to your business and indeed your home.
In relation to your property and to prevent or minimise loss:
- Check brickwork, slates and tiles for any cracks and carry out repairs. This will protect against water gathering and turning to ice, causing damage.
- If possible, keep your heating on as this will prevent water in pipes from freezing.
- Check gutters and drains, make sure they are clear to avoid the risk of flooding when the ice melts.
- If you discover a leak, turn off your electricity and watch for wet electrical fittings.
- Clear any snow away from entrances where customers, staff or delivery personnel are entering the shop.
- If you notice a build-up of snow on your roof, keep the ground below clear and cordoned off. A fall of this build up could cause injury and damage.
Turning now to driving whether that is in your car or a delivery vehicle, the best advice is don’t drive in such conditions. However, some journeys are essential for both you and your customers, so the following tips are useful:
- Ensure your vehicle has sufficient anti-freeze.
- Keep your fuel tank well filled, this helps prevent ice forming in the tank and fuel lines.
- Do not pour hot water on your windscreen, this may crack or shatter it.
- When driving in ice or snow, you should leave a minimum of eight seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. In normal conditions driving at 120km per hour it takes 96 metres from the time you brake until you stop.
- It is 20 times longer in ice. If carrying a heavy load, this should be factored in also.
- Drive in the highest gear possible and avoid sudden braking.
