Authored by Sara Weathers

As temperatures drop, law firms face more than just the chill. Winter storms bring real risks to office property, technology, and business operations. A single winter weather event can halt productivity and cause costly damage from frozen pipes to unexpected flooding.

1. Inspect and Prepare Your Property
Before the first freeze, check for cracks around doors and windows, and ensure pipes are adequately insulated, especially those near exterior walls. Regularly clear gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams that can cause leaks and water intrusion.

2. Protect Valuable Equipment and Files
Elevate essential documents, electronics, and servers away from areas prone to flooding. Consider using waterproof storage or relocating key equipment during storm warnings if your office is in a basement or ground floor.

3. Plan for Power Outages
Winter storms often bring power loss. Back up data to secure cloud storage and have surge protectors in place to prevent equipment damage when power returns. A business continuity plan can help your firm stay operational even if the office closes temporarily.

4. Review Your Property Insurance Coverage
Standard property insurance typically covers damage from burst pipes or roof collapses due to snow, but not all policies cover flooding from melting snow or backed-up drains. Consider adding flood insurance to fill this critical gap and ensure complete protection.

Taking proactive steps today can prevent major disruptions tomorrow. A quick review of your insurance coverage could save your firm from costly surprises this winter.

Have questions about your insurance coverage? AdvoCap Insurance is here to help!