Weather-Proofing Your Business: Essential Tips for Salon Owners

The weather in the UK can be both extreme and unpredictable, presenting challenges for business owners across all sectors. If you're a hairdresser or beautician with a salon premises, it's crucial to protect your establishment while ensuring the safety and well-being of your staff and customers. In this guide, we'll walk you through essential steps to weather-proof your premises and provide tips for navigating difficult common weather conditions.

Snow and Ice
1.    Insulate Pipes: Insulate all external and internal pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing and potential erosion over time.
2.    Clear Drains and Gutters: Regularly clear outside drains and gutters to prevent blockages and costly damage caused by snow and ice buildup.
3.    Secure Outdoor Areas: Remove obstacles such as sandwich boards and outside seating to prevent accidents during snowy conditions.
4.    Know Your Stop Tap: Familiarise yourself with the location of the internal stop tap to quickly shut off the water supply in emergencies.
5.    Maintain Heating: Keep the heating on low to ensure continuous water flow through pipes and maintain a comfortable environment for staff and clients. If you have a thermostat set a lower overnight temperature to stop pipes freezing.
6.    Salt or Sand Paths: Stock up on salt or sand to prevent slippery paths and steps, ensuring safe access to your salon premises year-round.

Floods
1.    Elevate Electricals: Raise sockets, fuse boxes, and electrical devices above potential flood levels to minimise water damage.
2.    Use Water-Resistant Materials: Opt for water-resistant materials like stainless steel or recycled plastic in vulnerable areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
3.    Secure Valuables: Store valuable items and important documents on high-mounted shelves or locked wall cabinets to protect them from floodwaters.
4.    Move Utilities: Consider relocating boilers and white goods to higher floors or mount them securely on walls to mitigate flood damage.
5.    Upgrade Infrastructure: Replace wooden window frames and doors with UPVC and install self-sealing air bricks or covers for improved flood resistance.
6.    Stock Sandbags: Keep a supply of sandbags on hand to deploy if flood warnings are issued in your area.

High Winds
1.    Roof Maintenance: Regularly inspect your roof for missing slates or tiles, ensuring everything is securely fastened to prevent damage during storms.
2.    Gutter Clearance: Clear gutters and pipes regularly to prevent blockages and potential damage caused by high winds.
3.    Seal Windows and Doors: Use sealant or draught-excluders to prevent heat loss and reduce the risk of structural damage during storms.
4.    Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in or secure outdoor items like signage and seating areas to prevent them from becoming projectiles in high winds.
5.    Window Protection: Consider reinforcing windows and glass doors with plywood to safeguard against flying debris.

Staff Safety
1.    Maintain Contact Details: Keep an up-to-date contact list for staff, customers, and suppliers to communicate effectively during extreme weather events.
2.    Provide Training: Educate staff on the business continuity plan and conduct regular training sessions to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of emergencies.
3.    Implement Safety Measures: Take proactive steps such as placing wet floor signs, salting pavements, or adjusting opening hours to enhance safety during adverse weather conditions.

Insurance Claims for Weather Damage
In the unfortunate event of weather-related damage to your business premises, equipment, or stock, it's crucial to inform your insurance provider promptly. Review your policy coverage and keep your policy number readily available. Only return to the property when it's safe to do so and document any damage with photographs before initiating cleanup efforts. Your insurer may require an inspection before authorising repairs, so it's essential to keep all receipts and obtain multiple quotes for repair work.

By following these guidelines and staying prepared for any weather scenario, salon owners can minimise risks, protect their premises, and ensure the safety of their staff and customers throughout the year.

14/02/2024