With many clubs deciding to extend their offseasons and shut down for more extended periods, The Preferred Club Program, offered by Venture Insurance Programs, has issued a timely list of tips for protecting club and resort facilities and grounds as colder weather approaches.
“These are some helpful tips that we hope will help you prepare your property for the winter regardless of whether you plan on remaining open through the winter,” says Michael DeMarco, Executive Vice President of the West Chester, Pa.-based provider of insurance and loss control programs to the golf and club industry.
“Some of these steps can be taken care of by the club, or they may require the help of a professional plumber, electrician, or other contractor,” said DeMarco. “It should also be noted that these tips are simply a guide and should not be relied upon as a comprehensive list of items requiring special care.”
Areas covered include roofing systems, snow removal, water systems and other work that can be done outside buildings. The full list is available at http://www.ventureprograms.com/protectproperty.html
If shutting down for the winter, these important steps should be taken, according to The Preferred Club Program:
· Maintain the heat – many experts believe that maintaining a temperature of 40°F will protect your home from damage associated with fluctuating temperatures while keeping your heating bills manageable. This will also eliminate the need to have water systems drained.
· Consider having an employee or property manager check the facility on a regular basis, so damage does not sit for months before corrective action is taken.
· Let the local authorities know that you are shutting down for the season and provide them with the best way to contact you.
· Unplug all electronics and appliances.
· If you wish to discontinue utility services, you should notify the companies accordingly. If propane or natural gas systems won’t be used, it may be best to have a member of the utility company assist you with their shutdown.
· If fire/security alarm systems or other fire protective devices such as sprinkler systems will be shut down, you should check with your insurance agent or broker to ensure that there are no warranties contained in your insurance policies that will void your coverage in these situations.
Special attention should be given to water systems when shutting down a property for the season. The Preferred Club list includes these recommended measures:
· Ideally, no water should be left in pipes or appliances. The preferred method of eliminating risks associated with water freezing, expanding and rupturing pipes or other fittings is to drain the system it is in entirely.
· If drainage is not an option, a non-toxic antifreeze can be forced into the system by a qualified technician. Remember to properly flush the system once you return, so that any remaining antifreeze is not used in food preparation or consumed in any other way by a member or guest.
· Should you decide to drain your water system, ensure that the hot water heater, all pipes, toilets and faucets are properly drained. For larger clubhouses or buildings, water lines should be blown out through the use of compressed air (this requires the help of a professional, to avoid damage to the system).
· Make sure appliances such as the refrigerator and dishwasher are properly drained.
· Check drains tied into showers, sinks, washing machines and floor drains, to make sure residual water is removed.
· Drain water from outside faucets or have a plumber install frost-free faucets.
Here are some other steps included in the Preferred Club list of winterizing tips:
Roofing Systems
· Make sure roof drains and downspouts are clear of debris and will allow for unobstructed water flow.
· Clean gutters or install screens to prevent debris accumulation while the facility is closed.
· Look for roof damage or holes/leaks. Replace roof insulation if deemed necessary.
· Clean and cap all chimneys.
Outside the Property
· Seal off all holes leading into the building. Wire mesh or screens should be utilized to keep animals such as mice, squirrels, birds and raccoons from entering and significantly damaging your facility.
· Check for tree limbs growing above your buildings. The weight of ice or snow will bring those branches crashing down into your facility, damaging or crashing through your roof or windows permitting the elements to cause further damage to the interior of your buildings.
Snow Removal
· If you have employees clearing your roof from debris or snow, make sure they understand the risks associated with working from heights and they are using proper equipment to do the job safely and effectively.
· If you’re shutting down for the winter, contract with a snow removal service that will remove snow on a regular basis and permit easy access to your property by the appropriate authorities (police, fire, etc.).
· After snow has been properly removed, apply sand or salt to avoid slips or falls by guests or members.
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