A Romford insurance company has given tips to help Havering businesses hold back the cold.
Derek Lyons, managing director of London Road firm Towergate, said: “Winter weather can cause operational problems and slow down normal trading.
“Frozen pipes and tanks can cause leaks, which can damage premises and ruin stock and equipment, and take months to put right.”
Business owners should insulate pipes and tanks, especially those in roof areas, to avoid freezing.
Staff should be told where and how to turn off the water in the event of an emergency by locating the main stop cock. Heating should be left on where possible, and if a business will be empty over Christmas then owners should tell their insurers and turn off water mains.
Business should have an easily accessible list of emergency contacts including plumbers, and important paper and computer records should be backed up and stored off-site.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here