Preparing Your Business for the Harsh Winter to Come

Leading forecasters are predicting another brutally cold and snowy winter. And, after this past weekend's unexpected snow, now is the time to prepare with this winter weather preparedness checklist.

WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST
Severe winter weather can lead to property damage, employee illness or injury, and possible business closures.The following checklist will help you identify the areas of your business that are most susceptible to winter hazards.

To minimize damage and recover quicker following a winter storm situation, it is a good idea to develop a plan of action for your business and your staff to be ready for this type of interruption. Below you will find critical information and preparedness tools to assist in protecting your business and the most critical element of your business – your people.

Before the Storm

• Check your insurance coverage for protection against winter hazards.
• Check your procedure for restoring electrical services on an item?]by?]item basis.
• Establish a procedure for relocating salvageable and undamaged stock and supplies.
• Add the following supplies to your disaster supplies kit: rock salt (to melt ice on driveways), sand (to improve traction), and snow shovels (or other snow removal equipment).
• Determine your greatest risk potential: loss of heat, frozen pipes, and/or loss of access due to snow/ice.
• Identify who is responsible for keeping heating equipment in good working order: business owner or landlord.
• Identify who is responsible for snow/ice removal: business owner or landlord.
• Determine what equipment needs to be protected from freeze?]up, i.e. computers, telecommunications, manufacturing equipment, etc.
• Are portable heaters or other emergency equipment needed?
• If snow and/or ice prohibit access to your business, are there alternative ways to enter your premises?
• Seal all openings with caulking and insulation where cold air can enter.
• Repair walls and roofs to prevent drafts; inspect roof drains for debris.
• Make sure storm windows are effective, if appropriate.
• Make sure heating and heat?]producing process equipment is in good condition and operating efficiently.
• Arrange for snow removal from driveways, doorways, and roofs.
• Drain all idle pumps and compressors, making sure jackets are vented.
• Provide proper lubrication for cold weather operation (i.e., emergency generators, snow blowers).
• Test cold weather equipment.
• Clean and inspect boilers and firing mechanism/controls.
• Maintain automatic sprinkler protection in idle buildings; promptly handle sprinkler system impairments; notify local fire department.
• Monitor building temperature especially in hard?]to?]heat areas containing vulnerable equipment.
• Keep temperatures above 40°F.
• Mark hydrants near your business for ease in locating and clearing after a heavy storm.

During the Storm

• Locate heaters, snow blowers, generators, and cold?]weather equipment should it be needed.
• Keep driveways, walkways, and doorways clear of snow and ice.
• Open water faucets slightly to let them drip in order to keep water flowing through the pipes that are vulnerable to freezing. Ice may still form, but the open faucet helps prevent the pipe from bursting by allowing relief for any built up pressure.
• Keep names and phone numbers of your heating contractor, plumber, fire department, insurance agent, and building owner easily accessible.
• Assign someone to check indoor temperatures should your place of business be vacant for long periods of time.

Source: Agility Recovery