Winter Preparation

The average snowfall in Grand Rapids is about 75″ annually – and Lansing MI gets about 51″ of average annual snowfall. That’s a lot of snow! You never know when we may see another record-breaking year. With winter right around the corner, it’s a good idea to have a plan and weather apps in place to monitor Michigan snow and winter weather.

In your attempt to keep current with Michigan snow storm and winter-related current events during the upcoming snow season, be sure to take advantage of the following services.

Stay Connected During Severe Winter Weather

In addition to the free NOAA Weather Alert app, which really is a must-have for anybody living in parts of the country prone to extreme weather conditions, you may want to consider signing up for Storm Shield Weather Alerts. This second service offers the option of receiving either a call or a text for alerts, and you can log in up to three locations, considerably widening your safety radius for your Michigan business.

Staying connected to the latest predictions is the first and most important step in being prepared for severe weather. It is, of course, not the only step.

Be Prepared for Michigan Snow and Ice

Being alerted early in the event of a storm will do little to help you if you haven’t taken steps for safety during the storm. Consult the Winter Preparedness Guide for the State of Michigan to ensure that you, your home, and/or your business have taken the proper precautions for the safest possible outcome. We’ve also written some helpful posts on preparing for winter you might want to check out!

Safety during the storm is not your only concern. You must also deal with the aftermath. That’s why in addition to articles detailing how to prepare your home and your car, the Winter Preparedness Guide also offers the following advice for staying safe outside after a storm:

• Avoid overexertion when shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow. Sweating can lead to chill, hypothermia, and abnormally low body temperatures. Cold weather puts extra strain on the heart, so elderly with heart conditions should be especially cautious when out in the cold. This is a good reason for businesses to consider professional snow removal services, rather than asking employees to shovel after snowstorms.
• Be careful when walking on snowy or icy sidewalks and take actions to be sure walkways and parking lots are safe for customers and employees.
• If you are in the weather, do your best to keep clothes dry. Change wet socks and clothing quickly to prevent loss of body heat. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothing in layers, with a waterproof outer layer. Wear a wool hat and mittens. Understand the hazards of wind chill. As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from a person’s body and can lead to severe hypothermia.

With so much danger inherent in storm clean-up, it’s good to let professionals do the heavy lifting for you. Remember that we here at Sneller Snow & Grounds stand ready to meet all commercial, West Michigan snow-removal and ice management needs. If you own a business located in the Grand Rapids or Lansing MI areas, please contact us to discuss your needs and get a free quote.