CLIENT ALERT BULLETIN: Winter Storm Fern Impacts Businesses Throughout the Midwest and Southeast

As Winter Storm Fern exits the region, many businesses throughout the Midwest and Southeast are now transitioning from preparation to recovery and damage assessment. The storm brought heavy snow, significant icing, prolonged power outages, and hazardous travel conditions, affecting many properties and operations.

Our priority is to help you navigate the immediate post‑event steps so you can return to normal operations as quickly and safely as possible.

1. Return Only When Officials Declare It Safe
Before entering your property, follow instructions from local authorities to ensure any hazards, such as unstable structures, downed lines, or lingering ice, have been cleared.
Avoid areas with damaged utilities, live power lines, or heavy ice accumulation.

2. Inspect & Document All Damage Thoroughly

• Accurate documentation is critical for the claims process.
• Photograph all impacted areas—interior, exterior, equipment, inventory, and utilities.
• Note any water intrusion, roof damage from ice dams, burst pipes, and equipment failures.
• Keep a written log of conditions and actions taken.
• For frozen or burst pipes, retain photos of the pipe itself or any removed sections.

3. Prevent Additional Damage
If safe to do so:

• Make temporary repairs, such as covering openings, clearing snow from critical walkways, or shutting off water to stop ongoing leaks.
• Save all receipts, invoices, and service records associated with emergency repairs or mitigation.
• Verify that backup generators and essential systems are still functioning if they were used during the storm.

4. Address Freeze‑Related Issues
Winter Storm Fern produced significant icing that may have caused secondary damage.

• Confirm that heat was maintained during the outage. If not, shut off and drain water lines to prevent further pipe bursts.
• Inspect attics and rooflines for ice dam–related leaks.
• Consider contacting a restoration company for professional water mitigation if you discover interior water damage.

5. Report Claims as Soon as Possible
Prompt reporting ensures faster response and helps reduce the severity of loss.

Our team can support you with:

• Property damage assessments
• Freeze and ice‑related claims guidance
• Business interruption and extra expense evaluation
• Carrier coordination and documentation
• Guidance on damaged resident belongings for senior care or resident‑based operations where applicable

To begin your claim, please contact your Propel team immediately for assistance.

6. Review Policy Considerations Following the Storm
Understanding your coverage now can prevent delays later:

• Water & Ice Damage Coverage: Burst pipes and freeze‑related damage may be covered depending on heat maintenance and policy specifics.
• Flood Exclusions: If snowmelt results in flooding, note that flood losses are typically excluded unless a flood policy applies.
• Business Interruption: Loss of income or extra expenses may be covered if the cause of loss is eligible under your policy.
• Civil Authority: If government orders prevented access to your property during or after the storm, this coverage may apply depending on the cause of loss.

7. Protect Employees & Plan for Ongoing Safety
Even post‑event, conditions may remain hazardous:

• Clear ice from walkways, entries, stairs, and parking areas.
• Monitor for hidden ice patches that could cause slips and falls—an ongoing winter‑weather risk.
• Evaluate whether staffing levels need temporary adjustment due to transportation challenges.

We’re Here to Support Your Recovery

Our team continues to provide:

• 24/7 claims assistance: 844‑776‑7352
• Documentation and mitigation guidance
• Review of your property and BI coverage
• Coordination with restoration partners
• Support for senior care and resident‑based facilities needing additional risk review

Please reach out with any questions. We’re committed to helping you get your business back to full operations as smoothly and safely as possible.