Winter storms can be extremely hazardous. They pose an increased risk for car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite and carbon monoxide poisoning – as well as being harmful to our health in terms of carbon monoxide poisoning and carbon monoxide exposure.
Before the winter storm hits, it is vital to prepare both yourself and your home properly. Here are a few points you should keep in mind: Create and practice an emergency communication plan among family members;
1. Get a Plan in Place
Severe winter weather presents businesses with numerous obstacles. Blizzards and heavy snowfall can disrupt travel plans, knock down power lines and cause substantial property damage – which makes preparation and execution of an appropriate natural disaster response plan even more essential in such circumstances. To lessen any negative consequences caused by severe winter storms it’s crucial that they are put in place as early as possible to minimize potential impact and loss.
Create a communications plan with third parties who may need to be informed in an emergency situation, including vendors, insurance carriers and landlords. Outline how you will contact them as well as what actions they must take to stay prepared during winter storms.
Make sure you have both a Go-Kit and Stay-at-Home Kit ready, including items like jumper cables, sand, blankets, flashlights, water and nonperishable food in case your power goes out. Also have an emergency car ready with full tanks of gas as well as extra antifreeze and windshield washer fluid in case downed powerlines occur nearby and avoid overexertion by shoveling snow or walking in cold temperatures.
2. Have a Snow Removal Schedule in Place
Snowstorms, blizzards and winter ice can cause power outages that leave homes or businesses without heat and other essential services – leaving stranded without heat and other essential services – as well as dangerously low temperatures, icy roads and strong winds which make driving impossible or near impossible.
Implementing an effective snow removal plan can prevent disaster and ensure people remain warm and safe. With Jobber, you can set up custom work flow workflows easily communicate them to your crew during storm events.
Some cities impose fines for driveways and sidewalks that aren’t cleared within a specified amount of time after a winter storm has hit, making having an effective snow removal schedule necessary to avoiding these fines and ensure clients’ driveways, parking lots and walkways remain clear for family, friends and employees to use safely. Plus it can save your business money when it comes to labor and fuel costs!
3. Stock Up on Snow Removal Supplies
Winter storms and blizzards can wreak havoc on homes and businesses alike, leading to disruptions in transportation, power, heat and communication services. To limit such consequences, it’s wiser to be ready prior to a winter storm hitting your area.
At all times, it is essential to have all of the tools needed for snow removal – shovels, scrapers and salt. In addition, it is wise to have an emergency first aid kit including bandages, aspirin, antibiotic ointment and cleansing wipes on hand in an event of an accident or emergency situation.
Make sure that you have an adequate supply of drinking water and non-perishable food in case the power goes out during a storm, including extra batteries for hand-crank radio. Also important are cat litter or sand for tire traction as well as flashlights and battery-operated lanterns – plus maps with local street directions in case you need help during an emergency situation. Finally, ensure your car is filled up with gas and oil prior to leaving home.
4. Hire a Professional
Snowfall during winter is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you must shoulder its burden alone. Shoveling snow is labor intensive work that can harm your back or cause heart attacks; hiring professional services could save your back while also protecting property damage from occurring.
Commercial snow removal professionals possess the equipment needed to swiftly and effectively clear away snowfall, while being well-versed in local ordinances and the necessary safety regulations after an icy blast.
Retaining one crew will also ensure consistency of service throughout the winter, eliminating miscommunication between snowstorms and delays in cleanup, inconsistent results and inconsistent plowing/de-icing schedules which is especially critical if your business relies on foot traffic; having consistent plowing/de-icing services ensure your parking lot remains safe for pedestrians.