FM Global has today released its new Worldwide Freeze Map - the latest addition to the insurer’s climate solutions portfolio.

Freely available, the map is based on 100-year return period daily minimum temperatures (100-year DMT) and can be used to determine necessary freeze protection for essential business hardware. This includes, for example, pipes, tanks and outdoor equipment which may be susceptible to freezing.

Geographical regions with a significant weather-related freeze hazard are identified by the 20°F (-6.7°C) or colder temperature bands, which are a good indicator for freeze damage based on historic losses, as well as laboratory and field experiments.

"It's common to think that only warm climate areas are at risk of the freeze hazard," said Jessica Waters, vice-president and manager of natural hazards and structures at FM Global. "However, loss history shows that the hazard is just as prevalent in areas accustomed to cold weather. The extreme cold brought by polar vortexes has caused lots of freeze damage, especially when facilities are shut down for a weekend or holiday.

“A power outage from severe weather will result in disruption. But if the building loses heat, the freeze can cause a much bigger disaster and a lot more headaches."

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