The Real Cost of Winter: What Ice and Snow Storms Are Costing Your Pool
Winter storms in Tennessee don’t just bring slick roads and school closures, they bring real, measurable financial impact. A review of the recent ice and snow event related claims shows a total cost of approximately $1.5 million in claims for TNRMT. That is what your Pool is here for, and thank you for your preparations that minimized these losses.
What’s driving these losses?
- Frozen and burst pipes that flooded schools and public buildings after heat was lost
- Roof and HVAC damage from ice loads and winter storms
- Water intrusion and remediation costs, including professional drying and cleanup services
- Trees, canopies, and sheds damaged or destroyed during storms
- Secondary damage that occurred because buildings were cold, unoccupied, or unable to be inspected quickly after the event
We’re seeing six-figure losses from single events and a steady accumulation of smaller incidents that add up fast. While not every winter loss is preventable, it’s clear that some of these could have been reduced or avoided altogether.
The hidden multiplier: extended power outages
Many of the most severe losses don’t happen during the storm itself. They happen after the power goes out and buildings sit without heat for days. Pipes freeze. Small roof leaks turn into major water damage.
Don’t forget the danger above: ice and snow sliding off roofs
Another costly and dangerous risk is snow and ice shedding from roofs in large sheets. This can injure employees or the public, damage vehicles and equipment, and destroy awnings. Simple steps like restricting access under overhangs, installing snow retention devices in problem areas, and removing snow can prevent both injuries and expensive claims.
Why this matters to every member
TNRMT is your pool. These losses aren’t paid by “someone else”. Every significant winter weather claim affects long-term costs, and ultimately the financial health of the membership as a whole. If you were unfortunate enough to suffer a loss, the money is only a small part of the work required to get things back to pre-event condition.
Preparation pays
A few steps can make a real difference:
- Having a cold-weather and power-outage plan for critical buildings- Review of losses during this time for preventative countermeasures
- Knowing how to safely winterize or shut down facilities if heat is lost
- Prioritizing generator testing and understanding what systems they actually support
- Inspecting roofs, trees, and drainage before winter hits
- Planning for rapid post-storm inspections to catch small problems before they become big ones
- Identifying and managing areas at risk for ice and snow slides from roofs
The bottom line
Ice and snow storms are inevitable; seven-figure winter losses don’t have to be. The claims data shows us clearly where the money is going, and it also shows us where better preparation and quicker response can protect facilities.