Snow Removal Services

While winter is a beautiful, magical time, heavy snowfall can often be bad news for businesses. From power outages to poor road conditions, it’s important for all businesses to have an emergency plan in place for the winter season. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to make an emergency plan and cover all of the important factors. So to help you keep your employees and customers safe this winter, here are a few factors to consider for your emergency plan.

Consider your business’ vulnerabilities: If you have yet to take a look around the building and inspect for damage or possible vulnerabilities, now is the time to do so. Winter snow storms can come out of nowhere and can even cause significant structural damage. This is why it’s important to know about any vulnerabilities now. Cracks near windows, loose trim or siding, and even leaky roofs may all seem like minor issues. But these problems can quickly escalate in a storm. So take the time to inspect your building and get any problems fixed now. You should also take the time to review your insurance coverage to know what will and won’t be covered in the event of a storm.

Prepare emergency kits: In the event of a truly terrible storm, you’ll want to be prepared. You should always have flashlights, a radio, batteries, blankets, and a first-aid kit in the building. This will come in handy if you get snowed in for a few hours or are waiting for the roads to be cleared. You may also want to consider having some food and water in storage in case you get stuck in the building due to the weather. Additionally, always have a list of contacts like the insurance company, property manager, and utility providers on hand. This will allow you to quickly contact someone if needed. Being prepared is the best way to ensure you can handle anything the winter weather throws at you.

Know how to keep the business running: During or even after a really bad snowstorm, you’re going to need to know how to keep your business running. Investing in snow removal services and other services to help keep the property cleared of snow is a great place to start. Commercial snow plowing services can ensure your parking lot is cleared for customers and employees after a storm. Make sure you know the turnaround time of your snow plow company. Additionally, consider allowing employees to work remotely if they can’t make it into the office. You should be prepared for the few days following a storm — talk to your vendors to know their emergency plans too so you can know what to expect after a storm.

During the winter season, the safety of your employees and customers should always be a priority. Not only does data show that the average claim for a snow- or ice-related injury amounts to $33,000, but it’s your responsibility to ensure everyone has a safe path to and from work. So keep these factors in mind when preparing your emergency plan. Having emergency kits and investing in snow plow services are two great places to start.