Actions clubs need to take after storm damage
Winter storms and summer storms can cause serious damage to properties. Without retroactive attention, sotrm damages can lead to expensive claims such as floods, electrical fires or deterioration. Managing the risk and reviewing a property after a storm is essential. Clubs also need to have disaster scenario preparations in place, enabling club members to follow a set procedure if the worst was to happen.
An example of how much a property can suffer after a storm is the blizzard of 2021. England’s highest pub, The Tan Hill Inn, was cut off by snowfall, causing a three day lock-in for dozens of customers. Although the idea of a lock-in in a pub doesn’t sound like the worst thing in the world, storm damage from a snowstorm could be catastrophic to the club’s finances. Fortunately the club was well-stocked, but the structural damage required a community effort to repair and restore.
Storm seem to be worsening every year. Winds in excess of 70mph cause extreme damage to a building’s roof, posing danger to life from flying debris. Clubs need to ensure they keep their eyes on weather warnings and are ready to batten down the hatches when necessary.
At Club Insure, we lay out the primary actions you should take and also express the steps you need to take if you wish to make a claim:
Clear your sidewalks and car parks
With around 80% of all claim costs coming from trips and slips on icy uneven surfaces, the walkways and carparks on your premises should be the first area to try to clear and resolve. Regularly checking car parks and walkways throughout the year for any obstructions or slip hazards is crucial toward protecting your club from claims.
Establishing clearly the boundary lines between your areas of responsibility and those of other premises on site is another important task for minimising claims against your business.
In many cases where snow and black ice are present, a caution sign or barrier will not be enough. Owners have a duty of care they must uphold which involves the reasonable safety of visitors.
So first things first, if you want your club to remain operational, get out the shovel. Club managers should elect a dedicated person or volunteer who is healthy and able to clear walkways.
Check for build-up of snow and any storm damage to your roof
Inspecting your roof for storm damage will be crucial in the event of a claim and for preventing further damage such as flooding or leaking. Missing roof tiles can indicate an issue, with high winds easily able to rip tiles straight off the roof. The roof should be assessed annually by a professional, but if you have a volunteer who is ladder trained, they may be permitted to visually review the roof.
Review trees that are planted close to or overhanging your premises. Fallen trees and branches can cause holes and further damage. These will need to be cleared in order to allow a proper review, and can be done so by a trained volunteer safely.
Check all components of the roofing system, including the gutters, the architectural joints, the roof vents and the soffits. Keep an eye out for large cracks, tears and stripping. Leaks will most likely first come through to your attic, these will need to be patched repaired and reported as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.
Solar panels can be at risk to dents scratches and damages in the case of high winds, hail and snow. Problems need to be addressed straight away and note down all issues you come across, no matter how small. All roof work should be done by qualified professionals.
Check your perimeter buildings and outdoor structures
Sheds, garages, lockups, portacabins and Portaloos. All can be damaged, tipped over or even blown in the high winds of a storm. Hail and snow can cause extreme flooding which could destroy the contents of your storage solutions. All the content should have been noted down prior and will need to be checked.
High winds can cause stripping which could cause debris to damage third party buildings if not addressed. Immediately ensure portable buildings and all buildings on your premises are safe, secure and undamaged. Doors can be blown in causing a security risk, double check the security of your storage solutions to keep down your risk of a claim.
Tie down any outdoor contents
You do not want to be liable for injury or third-party damage as a result of your possessions being whipped up by the wind. You must ensure you tie down chairs, tables, picnic benches, fencing and barriers, and try to provide safe storage for goal posts, golf flags and cricket nets.
At 100 mph gusts, the wind is able to lift 20 to 28 pounds of pressure per square foot. At 130 mph, 34 to 47 pounds. This is more than enough to hurl a roof tile or fence at a window, car or person.
Repair and photo vulnerable property
Vicious winds can quickly pull apart roofs and walls. The main issue this causes is not only the flying debris, but also the structural weaknesses and vulnerabilities to rain and snow. Many storms bring with them cold weather not appropriate for the climate, easily able to destroy already weak chimneys and premises that are mid-renovation. This needs to be addressed.
Review your building for areas of weakness. Take photos of mortar deterioration or failed rendering. A flat roof is particularly weak to high winds and flooding. For insurers, photographs of items and buildings are useful, as well as receipts for any work done to repair or protect them.
If you need to make a claim for storm damage
If your club, business or belongings have been damaged, you should contact your broker as soon as possible and let them know what’s happened.
Firstly, take photos of all damage, including:
- Buildings
- Contents
- Stock
- Computer equipment
- Carpets/flooring
- Any other damaged items
Keep an inventory of everything that you notice as being damaged and that will need to be submitted as part of a claim. If they need to be moved, keep all damaged contents in a separate, secure place for inspection by a loss adjuster.
Refer to your Business Continuity Plan should arrangements need to be made for employees or equipment to be moved. Short-term action may need to be taken to ensure that the business can operate as close to normality as possible.
If there is a likelihood of more damage occurring without immediate action, engage a contractor on an emergency basis to rectify whatever needs to be done to mitigate the loss. The golden rule in this scenario is “to act as if you were not insured” – i.e. whatever you would do if you did not have insurance is almost certainly reasonable and likely to be viewed as such once an insurance loss adjuster has been able to assess the damage in more detail. Keep all invoices and estimates relating to damage as these will need to be submitted as part of the claim.
If there is no likelihood of further damage, await contact from ourselves or the insurance company’s loss adjuster to discuss the steps that should be taken to reinstate your property.
If your business is likely to be closed for a period as a result of damage, begin the process of collating your Profit and Loss and monthly management accounts as these will be necessary for considering any business interruption loss that may be applicable.
Contact us using the details provided previously by your account executive. Alternatively, call us on 0113 281 8110 and ask for the claims department.