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Texas Winter Storm: How Businesses Can Prepare for Ice Storms and Freezing Temperatures

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Texas Winter Storm: How Businesses Can Prepare for Ice Storms and Freezing Temperatures
On This Page
  1. Facility and Property Protection for Ice Storms
  2. How can businesses protect buildings from ice and freezing damage?
  3. Employee Safety and Communication Planning
  4. Insurance Preparation and Documentation
  5. Get Help from a Houston Insurance Claims Lawyer After an Ice Storm

Ice storms and extreme cold in Texas can cause significant damage to commercial properties, disrupt daily operations, and trigger complex insurance disputes. Advance preparation helps reduce the risk of burst pipes, roof failures, power outages, and business interruption, while also protecting your rights if you later need to work with a Dallas ice storm lawyer to pursue full and fair coverage after a loss.

Facility and Property Protection for Ice Storms

How should businesses protect pipes and plumbing?

Frozen and burst pipes are among the most common winter storm losses in Texas. Businesses should take proactive steps to protect plumbing systems, especially in unheated areas.

Best practices include:

  • Insulating exposed pipes in warehouses, basements, storage rooms, garages, and loading docks
  • Maintaining indoor temperatures at 55°F or higher, even when the business is closed
  • Allowing at least one cold water faucet to drip during freezing conditions
  • Opening cabinet doors beneath sinks to circulate warm air
  • Installing automatic water shut-off valves and temperature monitoring systems
  • Locating and clearly labeling the main water shut-off valve

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How can businesses protect buildings from ice and freezing damage?

Ice accumulation and freezing rain can stress commercial structures and lead to water intrusion.

Recommended steps include:

  • Sealing doors, windows, and dock bays with commercial-grade weather stripping
  • Clearing gutters, drains, and downspouts to prevent ice dams and water backup
  • Scheduling roof inspections to identify loose materials or weak points
  • Trimming overhanging or weakened tree branches near buildings and power lines
  • Securing outdoor equipment, signage, and HVAC units

Employee Safety and Communication Planning

How should businesses prepare employees for winter storm conditions?

Employee safety should be a priority during ice storms and power outages.

Preparation steps include:

  • Maintaining an up-to-date employee emergency contact list
  • Establishing clear communication channels for closures or delayed openings
  • Setting remote work policies when road conditions become hazardous
  • Monitoring state and local road condition alerts before requiring travel
  • Stocking de-icer, sand, and slip-resistant mats for entrances and walkways

Power Outages and Business Continuity Planning

How can businesses prepare for power outages during an ice storm?

Power failures can lead to equipment damage, data loss, and extended shutdowns.

Business continuity measures include:

  • Testing backup generators and ensuring adequate fuel supplies
  • Identifying critical systems that require uninterrupted power
  • Backing up business data to cloud or off-site servers
  • Protecting temperature-sensitive inventory and equipment
  • Diversifying suppliers when possible to reduce delivery disruptions

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Insurance Preparation and Documentation

Why is insurance preparation important before a winter storm?

Insurers often scrutinize winter storm claims, especially those involving water damage and business interruption.

Before a storm, businesses should:

  • Review commercial insurance policies for coverage related to ice storms, burst pipes, and power outages
  • Understand notice and documentation requirements for claims
  • Maintain a digital inventory of equipment, inventory, and property
  • Photograph facilities and assets to document pre-storm conditions

Taking these steps can help protect your business, reduce losses, and strengthen your position if an insurance company later disputes coverage, alleges preventable damage, or forces you to seek guidance from a Business Interruption Insurance Lawyer in Houston to recover lost income and operational expenses.

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Get Help from a Houston Insurance Claims Lawyer After an Ice Storm

Ice storm damage, burst pipes, and winter-related power outages often lead to delayed, denied, or underpaid commercial insurance claims. The attorneys at Barcus Arenas, PLLC, represent Texas businesses facing property damage and business interruption losses after severe weather events. Our team can review your policy, document storm-related damage, and challenge insurance company tactics that minimize or shift responsibility for covered losses.

If your business has suffered winter storm damage or is facing resistance from its insurer, contact Barcus Arenas, PLLC, to speak with an experienced insurance claims lawyer. We provide clear guidance, strategic advocacy, and dedicated support to help businesses pursue the full compensation they are owed.

Call or text (800) 941-1041 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Frequently Asked Questions

  • First, document everything - take photos and videos of the damage and keep all repair estimates and receipts. Then, file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. If your claim is delayed, underpaid, or denied, contact us immediately to protect your rights and maximize your payout.

  • Insurance companies delay claims hoping you’ll give up or accept a low payout. If you’re getting the runaround, we can step in, demand answers, and push for a fair settlement. The longer they stall, the worse it can be for you - don’t wait to get legal help.

  • Yes! Insurers often wrongfully deny claims by misinterpreting policies or using loopholes. We’ll review your policy, investigate the damage, and challenge their denial to fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.

  • Probably not. Insurers frequently undervalue claims to save money. Before accepting anything, let us review your offer. We often uncover damages and policy benefits that were overlooked, which can result in a significantly higher payout.

  • Yes, but it’s best to consult us first. Insurers may argue that repairs make it harder to assess the original damage. If you’ve already started, keep detailed records of all expenses and contact us to ensure your claim is handled properly.

  • If your insurance company is delaying, denying, or underpaying your claim, or if you feel like you’re not being treated fairly, it’s time to talk to us. We specialize in fighting back against insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions
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