After many clubs settled in for a long winter’s nap, the deep reach of arctic cold opened their eyes to new risks that can quickly freeze operations at unprepared and underinsured properties.
The punsters have already had a lot of fun this winter with the weather extremes caused by repeated visits of the “polar vortex.” The National Weather Service adopted a new Twitter hashtag, #Chiberia, for coverage of the bitter cold that’s gripped Chicago—and everyone had plenty of material to work with when the town of Embarrass, Minn., recorded the lowest temperature in the lower 48 states (-37ºC) on January 7 (on the same day, the South Pole was a balmy -21ºC).
While it’s been an especially challenging season even for places like Chicago and Minnesota that are all too familiar with what hunkering down for the winter involves, the real problems have come on the days—and by the end of January, there had already been several—when the vortex extended its icy reach to make sure there was at least one place in every state (and yes, this sometimes even included Hawaii) where people could legitimately say they were freezing.
But one thing’s been especially hot this winter—the phone lines between clubs throughout the country and the agents that provide their property and casualty insurance coverage. In early January, one executive with an insurance carrier specializing in club and golf course coverage sent out this alert to his network of brokers and agents:
Carrying the LoadRoof collapses can be the most dire consequences for club buildings from winter snow and ice, if proper attention is not paid to these preventative measures:
Source: Zurich Services Corporation |
“Winter is only two weeks old, and it has already brought some very harsh weather country-wide. We are receiving many claims related to the weather—particularly due to frozen pipes bursting, which causes water damage to the building. In addition to the immediate damage, clubs have been forced to turn their water off until repairs can be made—often including the sprinkler system—which exposes these unprotected buildings to increased fire hazards.”
The bulk of these problems, this executive says, have occurred at clubs located in areas that are normally much more temperate and where “closing for the season” usually means just shutting the door. “We’ve had dozens of calls from Georgia, Alabama and other places, for claims after pipes have burst in clubhouses where they just turn the heat down and walk away for a couple of weeks,” he says.
In for a Long One
With winter always posing the greatest threat of any time of year—the National Weather Service says the economic impact of winter-weather damage in the U.S. ranges from $3 billion during a normal season to $6 billion during an active winter when buildings and their surroundings are not only exposed to freezing temperatures, but also accumulating snow and high winds associated with winter storms—insurance companies have been redoubling their efforts this season to educate their club-business customers about effective risk-management practices for protecting their properties from winter-weather exposures.
While a comprehensive winter hazard-control program includes actions that should be taken before the onset of cold weather, insurers have been emphasizing, as the 2013-14 winter has shown itself to be especially severe and prolonged, that it’s still not too late to at least take these basic steps as part of periodic evaluations that can identify needed improvements, especially before the next cold snap sets in:
Roofs—Check that roof coverings remain in serviceable condition, that roof drains—both inlets and outlets—are clear, and that roof perimeter flashing is intact. Also make sure rooftop equipment is secure, and monitor the accumulation of snow and ice during winter storms.
Windows and doors—Check that window glass is intact, and that doors and windows are normally closed and have a good weather seal. Take extra steps during storms to verify that all doors and windows are closed.
Heating systems—Ensure that adequate heating is maintained in all areas at all times. Monitor all areas electronically, or with periodic walk-throughs. Maintain an adequate supply of fuel, and during storms, do not turn off or reduce heat from normal levels.
Electrical systems—Back up computer data, and maintain adequate fuel supplies at all times.
Fire protection systems—Verify that dry sprinkler system low points are drained weekly, that dry sprinkler system air supplies remain in service and maintain appropriate pressure, and that dry sprinkler riser areas or closets are heated.
Equipment—Maintain fuel levels above half-tank.
Employees—Review National Weather Service alert terminology (a watch indicates that conditions are favorable for winter weather; warnings indicate that the event is happening within an hour of your location), and test the employee notification system for facility closures/openings.
Contractors—Verify contracts for snow removal and other needed emergency services, and that contractors have adequate levels of insurance.
When assuring adequate fuel levels and supplies for heating, electrical systems and equipment, remember that demand for fuel, especially during the most extreme periods, may limit available supplies, and that snow and ice may delay scheduled fuel deliveries. A good practice is to have someone check fuel levels and communicate current situations and needs to suppliers at least every other day (one clubhouse’s frozen-pipe incident was caused when an oil company was sold and delivery schedules were not properly conveyed to the new operator).
Communication is also critical with outside contractors for snow removal on roofs, sidewalks or parking areas. All contracts for snow removal should specify the conditions for when snow removal begins (1”, 2” or 4” of depth) and whether the club is required to call in to request specific services. And have a backup plan, in case a contractor doesn’t show.
Tell Us What You Think!
You must be logged in to post a comment.