The January freeze is here, and for much of the country, the coldest days of winter are upon us. With a major winter storm threatening millions across the Plains, Northeast and into the South this weekend, now is the time to ensure that you – and our Donegal policyholders – are prepared and protected. 

While weather models are showing differing scenarios for the severity and trajectory of Winter Storm Fern, one thing is clear: With extreme temperatures, ice and heavy snowfall comes the risk of costly damage and disruption – to yourself, your employees and your customers.

Here, we share the most common risks to watch out for when severe winter weather hits, and the steps you can take now to stay safe and mitigate future loss. Read on for these tips, and an important reminder on how you can effectively report claims to our Donegal team for prompt service!

1. Ice-related Power Outages – Ice buildup adds weight to power lines and trees, causing them to sag, break or fall. This can disrupt the electrical grid through snapped lines and toppled poles.
2. Frozen & Burst Pipes – When water lines freeze, they expand and rupture, leading to significant water intrusion and interior damage. Frozen pipe water leakage volume can be substantial, with a single burst pipe potentially releasing hundreds of gallons of water per day or even per minute, leading to significant property damage.
3. Roof Stress & Ice Damming – Ice buildup at the roof edge forces water under roofing materials, resulting in leaks, insulation saturation, and long-term structural concerns. Additionally, heavy ice and snow can overload roofing systems, creating a risk of structural failure (especially for flat and older roofs!).
4. HVAC Strain or Failure – Systems run continuously in extreme cold, increasing the risk of mechanical breakdown and leaving buildings vulnerable to freezing conditions inside.
5. Sprinkler System Freeze-Ups – Frozen fire suppression lines not only damage equipment, but can compromise building safety, as well as potentially cause severe damage to the building and contents.
6. Wind-Driven Ice Damage – Strong winter winds can push ice against signage, facades, gutters, and exterior surfaces, leading to immediate or hidden damage.
7. Wood and Pellet Stove Fires – Extreme cold can rapidly cool stove exhaust, which increases creosote buildup and reduces draft, raising the risk of chimney fires and smoke backdrafting into the home; it -can also freeze or restrict air intakes and vents, causing poor combustion, shutdowns, or dangerous exhaust blockages.

Know Your Roof

• To reduce the risk of collapse, educate yourself ahead of time on your roof’s designed capacity, recognizing that design may be comprised by building use and condition.
• Be alert to lower buildings or rooftop equipment that can trap drifting snow.
• Snow loading is more likely to occur on flat or low-slope roofs.
• If your building has a wood or metal truss roof, you should be more aware of snow loads.

Monitor the Situation

• Don’t wait until media reports of collapses occur before monitoring your own building.
• If your roof already has a significant amount of snow or ice, and a storm is expected in a few days, you should safely reduce the snow load before the next storm. 
• Upon noticing any signs of deflection due to the weight of snow, evacuate the building and seek professional help to determine structural stability.

Protect Your Workers & Property

• Snow removal is best done from the ground, with a snow rake or an aerial lift.
• If workers must go on the roof, “fall through” hazards should be well marked, workers should wear fall protection, and electrocution hazards should be identified and communicated.
• If done improperly, snow removal can severely damage a roof surface or pop out fasteners.
• Push brooms and roof rakes should be used for snow removal instead of snow blowers or shovels.

Donegal is committed to being There when it matters most™ this winter season.

You can report a claim via three options:

1. Through our 24-Hour Claim Report Service: Agents and policyholders can access this service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply call (800) 877-9006.
2. Online: To report a claim online, click here to login, and provide us with your policy number and claim information.
3. For Glass Claims: If you purchased “Other Than Collision” (Comprehensive) coverage for your vehicle, you can use our EZGLASS Auto Glass Repair/Replacement Program to repair or replace damage to your windshield, side or back windows. Policyholders and agents can call 866 – 4EZGLAS (866-439-4527), or navigate to the Claims Services portion of our website and click on Auto Glass Claim Reporting, accessible here.

If the situation is an emergency, please use the 24-Hour Claim Reporting Service and a Claim Representative will contact you to provide help and direction as soon as possible.

Now and throughout the season, stay safe, and stay warm!