Beyond Winter Storm Fern: Building 2026 Resilience for Texas Businesses Against Extreme Weather

The aftermath of Winter Storm Fern on January 24, 2026, serves as a stark reminder of Texas’s vulnerability to extreme weather. As roads reopen and power is restored across the 134+ counties under emergency declaration, the focus now shifts from survival to resilience. For commercial fleets and contractors, understanding how to recover from such events—and prevent future losses—is paramount.

1. Assessing Damage and Documenting Claims: The “Fern” Lesson

Immediate documentation is crucial. For businesses affected by Fern:

• Photo & Video Evidence: Document all damages (vehicles, equipment, property) thoroughly before cleanup. This speeds up your commercial insurance claims process.

• Emergency Repairs: Keep all receipts for emergency repairs (towing, temporary covers, urgent equipment fixes). These are often recoverable.

• Business Interruption: If your operations were halted, start compiling records of lost revenue. Many business interruption insurance policies require meticulous documentation.

2. Re-evaluating Your Winter Weather Protocol for 2026

Winter Storm Fern exposed gaps in many business’s preparedness.

• Fleet Winterization: Beyond anti-gel, consider investing in block heaters, proper tire chains (where legal), and emergency kits for all vehicles.

• Job Site Security: For contractors, high winds and ice can turn unsecured materials into projectiles. Develop enhanced protocols for securing sites before a storm hits.

• Communication Plans: Ensure your team knows who to call, what to report, and where to shelter during an emergency.

3. Leveraging Technology for Future Prevention

The 2026 landscape demands proactive solutions.

• Telematics & Weather Integration: Advanced ELD systems can now integrate with real-time weather alerts, allowing for proactive re-routing to avoid severe conditions.

• Smart Property Monitoring: For contractors, remote sensors can monitor temperature and moisture on job sites, alerting you to potential freeze risks before damage occurs.

4. Your Insurance Policy: The Ultimate Resilience Tool

After an event like Winter Storm Fern, reviewing your commercial insurance policy is non-negotiable.

• Coverage for Natural Disasters: Does your policy specifically cover damage from ice, snow, and wind in commercial settings? Many basic policies have exclusions.

• HOS Waiver Impact: While HOS waivers were vital, did your policy’s terms change during the emergency? An expert can clarify this.

• Business Interruption: Confirm your coverage limits and deductibles for business interruption to ensure you can recover lost income.

AllSteps Insurance: Your Partner in Texas Resilience

At AllSteps Insurance, we don’t just react to emergencies; we help you build an impenetrable shield against them. From advising on the right trucking insurance to securing comprehensive general liability for contractors, we ensure your 2026 operations are ready for anything Texas weather throws your way.

➡️ Don’t wait for the next storm. Contact AllSteps Insurance today for a resilience audit of your commercial policy.