Winter Storm Resource Center

Contact CNA's Claim Center

Report a New Claim

CNA’s Claim Catastrophe Operations Center is fully operational and ready to assist customers with claims related to winter storms.

Voice: 877-CNA-ASAP (877-262-2727), Select Option 2
Fax: 800-953-7389
Email: lossreport@cnaasap.com

Need additional support once your claim is reported? Our Claims professionals are on hand to assist with policyholder needs.

Voice: 877-706-0671
Fax: 877-733-4254

Winter Storm: A Resource Center

Snow, ice, freezing temperatures and other severe winter conditions can disrupt day-to-day operations and create unexpected costs for businesses. Planning ahead can help reduce potential impacts and improve your organization's ability to respond when winter weather strikes.

To help businesses strengthen preparedness and recovery efforts, CNA offers guidance and resources for managing winter storm risks before, during and after an event.

Did You Know?

In 2026, Winter Storm Fern generated estimated insurance losses between $4 billion and $6.7 billion (1, 2)
Over 100,000 people went without power during one winter storm in 2025 (weather.gov).
Since 2023, the insurance industry has, on average, experienced 9 winter storm events per year, with an average loss of about $375M.
Winter storms rank as the third-largest cause of overall U.S. catastrophe losses, trailing only tropical cyclones/hurricanes and tornadoes. (1, 2)

For Agents & Brokers

Support your clients before, during and after a winter storm with ready-to-use resources including:

Client-ready preparedness and response guidance
Communication templates for pre- and post-storm outreach
Shareable resources to reinforce risk mitigation

Download the Winter Storm Toolkit

For Business & Property Owners

Protect your people, property and operations through proactive planning and informed decision-making.

Before the Storm: Prepare Your Business

Taking proactive steps before a winter storm can help reduce disruption, protect critical assets and support business continuity.

Assess Winter Storm Risks

Identify winter storm exposures and potential vulnerabilities
Review emergency response and business continuity plans
Confirm that employee contact information is correct
Assign responsibility for monitoring weather conditions and activating winter storm procedures.
Develop procedures for when you lose heat/electricity

Protect Property and Equipment

Identify equipment that is vulnerable to freezing
Monitor temperatures in areas at risk of freezing
Service heating systems before winter begins
Inspect and maintain the building shell to minimize openings
Fix windows and doors to close tightly
Caulk, insulate and weather-strip doors

Plan for Business Continuity

Identify critical business functions and recovery priorities
Develop plans for remote operations if facilities become inaccessible
Review vendor and supply chain dependencies
Back up important business data and records in a secure off-site location

Prepare Employees

Establish emergency communication protocols
Provide evacuation and shelter procedures
Assign responsibilities for emergency response and business recovery
Communicate expectations before severe winter weather arrives.

During a Winter Storm: Prioritize Safety and Critical Operations

When winter storms occur, focusing on safety and following established response procedures can help protect people and reduce further disruption.

Prioritize employee and visitor safety
Follow evacuation orders and guidance from local authorities
Monitor weather alerts and winter storm warnings
Maintain communication with employees and key stakeholders
Follow established emergency response and business continuity plans
Communicate customer, supplier and operational status updates as appropriate

After the Winter Storm: Focus on Recovery

Once conditions are safe, begin assessing damage, documenting losses and implementing recovery plans.

Account for employees and confirm that facilities are safe to access.
Document property and equipment damage
Take steps to prevent further damage, when safe to do so
Assess options for temporary operations
Notify CNA promptly if a loss has occurred

Expert Insight

“Winter weather events are often viewed as routine, yet they can create significant disruptions to operations, utilities, transportation, and property. Effective preparedness means anticipating the wide range of impacts that winter storms can bring and maintaining plans that support business continuity, property protection, and employee safety.”

– Ali Soltani, PhD, PE Risk Control Consulting Director, Global Natural Hazards Strategy