Protecting Your Sports Club Over Winter

As winter approaches, we‘re pleased to share some helpful tips – whether you‘re planning to keep playing, host any social events or take a break until next season.

Protect Your Property from Theft

Over the winter months cricket clubs tend to be less active, which makes them more vulnerable to thieves. There are some simple steps you can take to help secure your club’s property:

Check your locks: Make sure all doors and windows have working locks, compliant with your insurers Minimum Level of Security. If you have shutters or grilles, close and lock them – they not only deter theft but can also help prevent damage like broken windows.
Maintain your alarm system: Ensure your alarms are serviced regularly and always activated when the property is unattended. It is sensible to regularly update your access codes so only current members can enter.
Keep valuables out of sight: Move high-value items such as groundskeeping equipment, somewhere discreet and give them extra security where possible.
Schedule regular checks: If your property isn‘t in use, arrange routine inspections to make sure everything stays safe and any damage can be discovered quickly.

If you do discover a theft has occurred, please contact your claims team as soon as possible.

Prevent Water Damage

Escape of water claims are some of the most common claims that insurers see. A burst pipe or even a slow leak can cause serious problems, not to mention inconvenience.
Burst pipes are more likely to occur over the winter when the temperatures drop, so we have compiled a few hand tips to help reduce the risk of water damage:

Turn off the mains: If you‘re not using the system, shut off the water supply and drain it down to prevent freezing. If you do decide to keep the water on over the winter, ensure the heating is always on to help prevent cracking.
Insulate pipes and tanks: Lagging helps protect against cold snaps and reduces the chance of bursts.
Install leak detectors: These devices can automatically shut off the water and alert you if a leak occurs.
Keep equipment off the floor: Store vulnerable items at least 30 cm above ground level—especially in basements or cellars.
Plan for maintenance: A solid maintenance schedule helps prevent leaks caused by wear and tear.
Inspect regularly: Check taps, tanks, and visible pipes for signs of water build-up or ingress. Include these as part of your regular winter security checks.

Prepare for Stormy Weather

Last winter season there were seven named storms between October and April, each with increasing severity as the year went on. Whilst no predictions have been made for the 26/27 winter as yet, its important to be prepared. Strong winds and heavy rain can cause serious damage to your cricket club and with unpredictable weather, planning ahead is key.
Here‘s some simple steps to help minimise damage caused by storms:

Check your buildings: Inspect roof panels, gutters, waterproofing systems, and eaves as part of your regular maintenance routine.
Keep on top of your ground and club maintenance: Complete any necessary repairs before bad weather hits to reduce potential damage.
Clear gutters and drains: Remove debris to prevent blockages and water build-up.
Secure outdoor areas: Check site boundaries and make sure any loose items are properly fastened. Pay specific attention to items that may blow away such as loose ground equipment.
Power down: Switch off non-essential electrical systems for added safety. Lighting strikes can damage electrical equipment and cause power surges, so if they are not in use, it is recommended to disconnect them.

Reduce Your Flood Risk

Flooding has become increasingly common across the UK and can cause huge disruption to your grounds and property. To help minimise the impact, here are some simple steps to help protect your property:

Know your risk: Check whether your premises are in a flood-prone area and explore available preventative measures.
Build a Flood plan: Sport England provide advice to help you develop a plan on how to minimise your flood risk and who is responsible for taking action.
Protect your equipment: Identify items that could be damaged by floodwater and, if possible, move them to higher ground. Install higher level shelving or cupboards to help keep vulnerable property away from floodwater.
Keep drains clear: Remove debris from drains to ensure water can flow away easily.
Undertake regular pitch inspections: Check the quality of the grounds and try and keep the pitch clear from any debris

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