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As Winter Storm Fern approaches, insurance experts explain how small businesses can protect their property, operations, and bottom line

• Issues like frozen pipes, roof leaks, and slip-and-fall accidents often happen when existing maintenance gaps collide with extreme cold, wind, and snow.

• Small business owners should plan ahead for employee communication, potential closures, and emergency response not just physical repairs.

• Coverage for winter damage and business interruption isnt automatic, so reviewing policies before a storm hits can make recovery faster and less stressful.

When a winter storm is on the forecast, most people think about stocking up on groceries or digging out the snow shovel. But for small business owners, severe weather can bring much bigger headaches from water-damaged inventory and burst pipes to forced closures and lost income.

With Winter Storm Fern expected to impact large swaths of the U.S. this weekend, the risks go beyond slick roads and cold temperatures.

The good news? Many of the risks are preventable with the right preparation. Ahead of the storm, insurance experts say small business owners should take a few proactive steps to protect their property, employees, and finances and make sure they understand what their insurance does (and doesnt) cover before disaster strikes.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Jeff Wright, Head of Insurance Product, Simply Business to learn more about the ins and outs of handling the storm as a small business owner.

Preventable damage

Wright explained that most winter storm losses arent caused by the extreme weather conditions alone. Instead, if there are vulnerabilities that already exist, storms will exacerbate them.

Frozen or burst pipes, roof failures under snow load, water intrusion, and damage from falling tree limbs are all issues that tend to come to the surface when maintenance gaps meet sustained cold or wind, he said.

Slips and falls around icy entrances are another frequent but largely avoidable problem. In many cases, the difference between minor disruption and significant damage comes down to whether or not those risks were identified in advance and addressed with proper preparation before the storm arrives.

Preparation is key

In addition to your regular business maintenance, small business owners are encouraged to take some preventive measures to ensure damage is as minimal as possible. Wright says this can be broken down into three categories:

• Situational awareness: Severe weather can escalate fast, and proper preparation depends on anticipating that shift rather than reacting to it.

• Response readiness: Have emergency contacts, service providers, and insurance information readily available before a storm hits just in case it is needed.

• Operational continuity: Ensure there are clear plans for employee communication, remote work, and customer updates in the event that conditions disrupt normal operations.

Know your insurance policies

Not all storm-related damage is covered equally. Wright encourages small business owners to take a look at their specific policies ahead of the storm, so they can be better equipped to handle any potential issues.

A common mistake is assuming coverage exists without confirming it, he said. Not all policies automatically include protection for winter storm damage, frozen pipes, or prolonged closures.

Business interruption coverage is especially important, because even a few days off can strain cash flow. Review policies before severe weather hits, understand the details of your coverage, and have the policy and claim information available. Insurance only works as a safety net if you know how to apply it and in which situations it's applicable.

Safely document damage

If you find your small business with any damage following the storm, Wright says that owners should take the necessary steps with their insurance companies only after the storm has passed.

Business owners should document damage once conditions allow and contact their insurers promptly, he said.

Its important to be mindful that winter risks can often persist after the weather clears. Frozen pipes, power disruptions, and accessibility issues dont always resolve immediately. Preparation done in advance directly affects how quickly a business can bounce back from a storm.

The smartest plans start now, well before the price spikes

• Skip the heart tax. Avoid anything labeled Valentines Day and buy the regular version instead. Same gift, lower price.

• Ditch the fixed-price dinner. Recreate the restaurant vibe at home with one nice entre and simple ambiance for a fraction of the cost.

• Upgrade or gift an experience. Replace something they already use or plan a future date. Its more personal and far less overpriced.

Valentines Day has quietly become one of the most overpriced holidays of the year.

Youve probably seen it in action. Flower prices spike. Restaurants lock you into special menus. And suddenly items you could buy any other week cost way more simply because theres a heart on the packaging.

Saving money on Valentines Day doesnt mean skipping romance. It means skipping the script and doing something more intentional (and often more memorable) for a lot less money.

Heres how to do it.

Stop buying Valentines Products buy the same stuff without the heart tax

Throw the words Valentines Day on packaging, or a bunch of red and pink hearts, and it suddenly gives companies the green light to charge you more.

Chocolate, candles, pajamas, stuffed animals, and even basic jewelry routinely jump 2050% in early February.

For example, a heart-shaped box of chocolates might cost you $28 this time of year, while the same brands regular assortment costs only $18. Do you see where Im going with this?

Heres how to save without it feeling cheap:

• When shopping at places like Target or Walmart, look for the regular versions of traditional Valentines Day gifts and youll save money immediately.
• Consider skipping the novelty shapes and colors this year and instead focus on high-quality items. Think things like artisan chocolate bars, bakery desserts, and premium quality candles.
• Then pair the gift with a handwritten note explaining why you chose it over the red and pink version.

This works because people remember the intention, not the packaging that ends up in the trash anyway.

Recreate the restaurant experience at home

Going to a restaurant on Valentines Day sets you up for one of the most predictable money grabs of the year.

A lot of places actually ditch their normal menus and roll out fixed-price dinners that run anywhere from $50 to $100 per person. And often the food isnt much different from what they serve the rest of the year.

The trick here isnt cooking a complicated meal, but rather recreating the experience that makes dining out feel special in the first place, without paying the big V-Day tax.

Here are some practical tips to get you going in the right direction:

• Choose a premium main entree like steak, seafood, or even homemade pasta (if youre up for the challenge).
• Keep your sides simple and consider prepping them ahead of time so youre not stressed trying to throw it all together last-minute.
• Set the table properly and use your nicest plates, cloth napkins, and a candle or two for some ambiance.
• Dress up a little bit to make the night feel different and special. This matters more than people admit as it shows a lot of effort.
• Consider building a playlist just for the evening, or even write out a simple menu that will impress.

Shopping at Costco or Trader Joes can make this affordable. You can often pull it off for $40$60 total, which is going to be less than one restaurant entre in many cases.

Plus, the bonus of not having a server rush you through your dessert.

Pro tip: If youre going to use a delivery app to get your Valentines Day meal delivered, be warned that it can be pricey due to restaurant markups, delivery app fees, and possible surge fees. Consider ordering directly from the restaurant and picking it up yourself, or try to schedule delivery earlier in the day.

Turn Valentines Day into a smart upgrade moment

Instead of buying something that you "hope & pray"theyll like, use Valentines Day as a reason to replace or upgrade something your partner already uses every day.

By gifting this way, itreframes the gift as thoughtful, practical, and something you know they'll use and appreciate.

Here are some high-impact, low-regret ideas:

• New slippers, robe, or pajamas.
• Upgraded coffee gear or a bag of their favorite beans.
• Quality headphones or a cool phone accessory.
• Skincare products that you know they already love.
• A nicer version of something you know theyd never buy for themselves.

The key is explaining why you chose it. Consider a short note that says something like, You use this every day and I wanted it to be nicer.

Be strategic when buyingflowers

Flowerprices always skyrocket right before Valentines Day, especially when shopping at florists and high-end grocery stores.

I've seen roses triple in price, especiallyif you want them delivered onFebruary 14th.

Forget all of that, here are some smart ways to save onflowers this year:

• Order flower delivery for February 12 or February 15 instead.
• Choose a mixed bouquetinstead of red roses.
• Buy flowers from discount grocery stores instead of delivery platforms.
• Pick them up yourself and arrange them at home.

Stores like ALDIand Trader Joes are two of your best bets for fresh cut flowers at a great price, often under $10.

Trader Joes, in particular, always has a large selection of flowers right before and on Valentines Day. You can even get a dozen red roses for just $14.99 in most areas and the quality is excellent.

Pro tip: If you arrive late in the day on Valentines Day and Trader Joes has run out of roses, try this clever trick. Grab two small mixed bouquets in complementary colors and combine them yourself. I did this once for my wife and it lookedsuper custom, costway less than a florist dozen, and she absolutely loved them.

Skip "stuff" gift a memory instead

While many of the traditional Valentines Day gifts become quite inflated in price, experiences rarely go up in price just because we are in early February.

If your partner tends to like memories more than stuff, this tip should definitely be considered this year.

Here are some experiences that make great gifts:

• Tickets to a concert, comedy show, or sporting event later in the year.
• Planning a day trip or weekend getaway.
• Recreating your first date or favorite early memory.
• A handwritten date calendar with plans spread across the year.

If youre gifting something that happens later, present it intentionally. This means print the tickets if you can, write out the plan for that day, or package it creatively so it feels real, not like a theoretical idea of a fun date.

If you cant print tickets yet, print out a picture of the performer, or the team, and use that as part of the gift they unwrap.

What wearables can (and cant) tell you about your health and when its time to see a doctor

• Not all smartwatch health data is created equal. Wearables are great at showing trends like steps and activity, but many popular metrics can be inconsistent and easily affected by everyday factors.

• Consumer wearables arent medical-grade devices. Unlike clinical equipment, smartwatches arent built or tested to meet strict medical standards, which means their readings shouldnt be used to diagnose health conditions.

• Use wearables as a signal, not a verdict. Sudden or unusual changes in your data are a reason to talk to a doctor not to self-diagnose since smartwatch metrics are meant to inform, not replace, professional care.

January is prime time for health resets. New routines, new goals, and for many people, a new wearable device promising deeper insight into everything from heart rate to sleep quality.

These devices can be motivating and informative but experts say theyre often misunderstood, especially when it comes to how much trust consumers place in the numbers on their screens.

To better understand where smartwatch health data shines and where it falls short ConsumerAffairs spoke with two experts who work behind the scenes of medical and electronic devices Leon Huang, CEO of RapidDirect, a company that supports medical device manufacturing and validation, and Hommer Zhao, founder of WellPCB and an expert in medical electronics production.

Consumer smartwatches and medical-grade devices

One of the biggest things that the experts are encouraging consumers to recognize is that there is a big difference between consumer smartwatches or rings and medical-grade devices.

"The biggest difference between these devices is how they are designed, tested and validated, Zhao said.

Medical-grade devices are built to operate within strict accuracy tolerances under a wide range of conditions, with documented testing, traceability, and regulatory oversight. Consumer smartwatches use simplified sensors and algorithms optimized for comfort, battery life, and cost. Theyre very good at showing trends; however, theyre not designed to meet the same consistency or verification standards required in clinical settings.

The metrics to track

While your wearable device of choice may inundate you with tons of personal health information, the experts warn that not every stat is as accurate as it seems.

Step counts and general activity tracking tend to be the most reliable because motion sensing is a mature technology, Zhao said. Resting heart rate trends can also be useful when viewed over time.

On the other side, metrics like sleep stages, blood oxygen, and stress scores are far more variable, as theyre heavily affected by movement, fit, skin temperature, and signal noise. People often assume all metrics are equally accurate, which isnt always the case.

Additionally, certain factors can make readings more or less accurate.

Cold weather, loose fit, excessive movement, darker tattoos under sensors, dehydration, and even sleeping position can all interfere with readings, Zhao said. These factors are common in everyday life, which is why consumer wearables struggle to deliver consistent accuracy across users and conditions.

When is it time for a doctors visit?

So, if you regularly wear a smartwatch or ring, how do you know when your metrics indicate a problem that should be checked out by a medical professional?

If your wearable highlights a sudden or persistent change, examples like irregular heart rhythms, unusual fatigue or breathing issues, thats a prompt to see a professional already, and not to self-diagnose, Huang said. Our smartwatches are good at raising flags, but interpretation and diagnosis should still belong in a clinical setting.

Huang also explained that these readings have been found to impact when consumers seek professional medical care.

False reassurance can delay people from seeking care, while false alarms can cause unnecessary anxiety, he said. These metrics should always be treated as informational, and not diagnostic.

Health support

The experts encourage consumers not to get rid of their smart devices. Instead, focus on the ways that they can support your healthy habits.

Smartwatches are useful tools when people understand their limits, Zhao said. The problem is the assumption that consumer devices offer clinical certainty.

When used correctly, wearables can support healthier habits and awareness, but they should never replace professional medical advice.

From frozen pipes to roof damage, insurance experts explain what winter storms break most and what homeowners can do now to reduce losses

• Winter storms can cause costly home damage, with frozen pipes, roof issues, fires, and personal injury liability among the most common insurance claims.

• Many winter losses are preventable, and taking proactive steps like insulating pipes, sealing drafts, and maintaining your roof can reduce damage and help protect your coverage.

• What you do before and after a storm matters, since neglect or lack of documentation can lead to denied claims, while photos, receipts, and quick action can smooth the claims process.

When winter storms roll in, they dont just bring snow days and icy roads they can also bring expensive surprises for homeowners.

With large winter systems planned to impact much of the U.S., understanding the most common winter home insurance claims is more important than ever. Some losses are unavoidable, but many are preventable with a little preparation and know-how.

To help homeowners stay ahead of costly repairs, ConsumerAffairs spoke with Beth Swanson, a licensed insurance agent and insurance analyst at TheZebra.com. She broke down the winter-related claims insurers see most often, explains where coverage usually applies, and shares practical tips homeowners can use to reduce damage and avoid filing a claim in the first place.

Being proactive

If youre at home waiting for the storm to hit, there are ways to be proactive ahead of any snow or ice.

Swanson shared some of her best tips to properly prepare ahead of the storm:

• Run warm and cold water on a slow drip and keep your home at a consistent temperature of at least 55 to 65 Fahrenheit to prevent frozen/burst pipes.

• Open under-sink cabinets to help circulate warm air, especially for sinks on exterior walls.

• If you plan to use a fireplace, have a chimney sweep or another expert check it for damage or debris to avoid smoke backup and other potential dangers.

• Prevent warm air leaks. Ensure windows and doors are sealed to keep warm air in and reduce ice buildup that results in quick thaw cycles on roofs.

• To pull cool air upward, rotate ceiling fans so they run clockwise in winter and keep them on the lowest setting.

• When a storm hits, ensure three feet of distance between flammable objects and heat sources to reduce the chance of a house fire

• Disconnect outdoor garden hoses and insulate exposed pipes.

• Routinely check your roof and consider installing hail-resistant asphalt shingles.

• To prevent ice buildup and property damage, clean out your gutters and trim your tree branches.

• Remember to also protect yourself from personal injury cases by keeping walkways clear of ice and snow (shovel your sidewalk).

The most common insurance claims after a storm

Swanson said that the top five most common insurance claims following a storm are: frozen pipes, snow and ice damage, house fires, wind and hail damage, and personal injury liability.

However, if you neglect certain tasks around your home, you may be more susceptible to damages that arent covered by your insurance.

Damage that occurs due to homeowner negligence or failure of the homeowner to properly maintain or protect their property is never covered under your home insurance, Swanson said. Claims may be denied if you werent living at the property when the damage occurred, or if you didnt exercise reasonable care to prevent the damage in the first place.

So, skipping tasks like insulating pipes, cleaning gutters, keeping the heat on in the home, or weatherproofing might not only increase risk, it can affect your coverage.

Document the damage

If you find yourself with some house damage after the storm, Swanson encourages homeowners to do their due diligence and document everything.

Its important for homeowners to take photos of the damage immediately to provide a timestamp in order to accurately report damage in a claim, she said. Most insurers have apps or websites to submit a claim any time of day, so you dont need to wait until Monday if something happens over the weekend.

If its safe to do so, its a good idea to attempt a temporary repair, as this can help prevent further damage from occurring. If doing so, make sure to keep receipts from supplies or services purchased to submit with the claim.

Another key piece of advice from Swanson: check your house throughout the storm dont wait for something to happen.

What job seekers can learn from the list

• The best jobs are changing. Glassdoors 2026 list shows a shift away from tech hype and toward stability, growth, and culture, with more wins for manufacturing and retail.

• Employee reviews are the tell. Top companies consistently earn praise for leadership, advancement, and flexibility. Look for repeated patterns in reviews, not one-off opinions.

• Use the list to job-hunt smarter. Strong workplaces exist even in high-turnover fields. Prioritize employers that show up year after year and ask clear questions about growth and flexibility.

When looking for a job, wouldnt it be nice to know exactly what current employees think about the place youre applying to?

Thats the core insight behind Glassdoors Best Places to Work for 2026, which was released this week. Glassdoors Employees Choice Awards is based entirely on anonymous employee reviews. No entry fees. No campaigns. Just real feedback from people on the inside.

This years list reveals what workers truly value right now and how job seekers can use that information to make smarter career moves.

Big shifts in whos winning

The 2026 rankings highlight some notable changes.

Manufacturing and retail employers gained ground, while tech, health care, and biotech saw fewer wins overall.

Geography shifted, too. AsSan Franciscos dominance faded,New York'ssurged, as theyre now home to 10 of the top 100 companies.

Despite those changes, the best employers share the same fundamentals of transparent leadership, growth opportunities, flexible schedules, competitive pay, and cultures employees believe in.

The top 10 best large companies to work for

Here are Glassdoors top U.S. large employers along with what workers say sets them apart:

1. Crew Carwash (Retail & Wholesale)

Employees highlight leadership development, strong communication, and incentive pay that rewards performance.

2. In-N-Out Burger (Restaurants & Food Service)

Tuition reimbursement, strong pay, clear promotion paths, and hands-on training make it stand out in food service.

3. NVIDIA (Information Technology)

Strong compensation, equity, and a flat structure where motivated employees can make real impact.

4. Ryan (Financial Services)

Employees point to deep resources, collaboration, and support across teams.

5. Keller Williams (Real Estate)

Known for mentorship, education, and a community-driven culture.

6. Mars (Manufacturing)

Purpose-driven leadership, iconic brands, and long-term career stability.

7. ServiceNow (Information Technology)

High retention, challenging work, and diverse teams.

8. Bain & Company (Consulting)

Employees talked about their supportive culture and how they invested heavily in employee development.

9. Houston Methodist (Health Care)

Strong benefits package came up repeatedly in the anonymous survey. Another pattern was a leadership team that employees say genuinely cares about them.

10. EPAM Systems (Information Technology)

Employees value autonomy, innovation, and their influence over real-world projects.

What job seekers should take from this list

Use reviews as a reality check

Before applying, check out some recent Glassdoor reviews about the company. Especially take a close look at the Cons section and look for patterns.

Look for repeated mentions of the things that matter to you. That could be starting salary, growth opportunities, or maybe leadership that listens to you. These are the signals that mean more than one single glowing review.

Look beyond just job titles

Several top companies succeed in traditionally high-turnover industries like retail and food service. Theyinclude In-N-Out, Chick-fil-A, Costco, Trader Joes, and H-E-B.

The things they have in common include excellent training, tuition reimbursement, and clear promotion paths.

Ask smarter interview questions

Use this list to shape your interviews.

Ask how promotions work and how much job flexibility is available. Youll find that great employers can answer these questions clearly.

Follow the signals, not the hype

The drop in tech dominance is telling. High pay alone isnt enough anymore.

Workers are now prioritizing things like stability, development, and company culture. As a job seeker, you should consider doing the same.

Track companies over time

One year on the list is nice, but multiple appearances show a high level of consistency.

Consider employers that show up repeatedly as more likely to deliver the long-term job satisfaction you might be looking for.