The most predictable thing about winter weather is that it’s unpredictable. As a business owner or operator, you want to be as prepared as possible to protect your employees and your assets from winter weather emergencies.
How to prepare your workplace for winter
In this post, we’ll walk you through all the ways you can take action now so your business won’t be caught off guard by winter weather.
Understand the hazards and prepare for each threat
Impending bad weather can be scary. But if you understand the potential hazards ahead of time, you can be ready to prevent and protect against them.
- Power outages: Unfortunately, winter storms and power outages often go hand in hand. Always make sure you have reliable back-ups and fully charge any battery-operated equipment in advance.
- Damaged HVAC systems: You want to make sure your HVAC system is functioning at its best before temperatures start to drop and push it to its limits. Some proactive steps you can take are changing filters, turning up the thermostat to keep up, and making sure vents are unobstructed.
- Leaks: When water freezes within your plumbing, pipes can crack and even burst. Check for leaky pipes early on and schedule any necessary repairs before an impending storm.
Create a communication plan
Severe weather can make it unsafe to open your business for the day. If you do have to make the choice to close, you need to be able to communicate that message to your employees first and foremost.
Consider setting up a mass phone call, text, or email alert now before there’s an emergency so it’s ready to go if you need it. The last thing you want is your employees getting the notice too late and taking a risk with their morning commute.
You’ll want to set up a plan for letting your customers know about any closures as well. Social media, email, and texting are all good options. You know your customers best, so decide which methods will reach them most readily and build your plan around that.
Stock your workplace with winter essentials
Conducting the proper checks and inspections and building a plan are all important first steps. Then, you’ll want to think about what physical items you would need to have within close reach during a weather emergency.
Here’s a checklist to help you prepare.
Inside of office
Here are some items to make sure the inside of your office remains a safe place during any winter weather event.
Pantry items
You want to try your best to avoid employees – and especially customers – being stuck inside your workplace during a winter weather emergency. But if it happens, having a few pantry essentials can be lifesaving while they wait it out.
As a general rule, you’ll want to stock enough of everything to last at least three days. The following items will cover the basics.
- Bottled water: One gallon per person per day for three days.
- Canned food: Hearty non-perishables like beans, chili, and soups.
- Snacks: Chips, crackers, and cookies in sealed packages.
In addition to food, you’ll need a few more items to keep the inside of your workplace safe.
Emergency kit and safety signs
- Safety signs: Severe winter weather can cause numerous issues around your workplace. Make sure you have wet floor signs and closed restroom signs to protect people from potential hazards.
- Emergency kit: This is so important we’ve built a list for you to reference below.
Outside of office
Don’t let the exterior of your building become a danger zone. Store these pieces of equipment and supplies in a place any employee can easily find them.
- Shovels and snow blowers: Have the tools you need to keep walkways clear.
- Salt and other de-icers: Stock up on these at the start of the season to help prevent slips and falls.
Build a winter emergency safety kit
You might be all set to hunker down in the building with extra food and water, but what if a power outage happens? That’s where your emergency kit comes in.
Use this checklist to help you build an emergency safety kit for your business before a crisis strikes.
- Flashlights: Any type will work but a hand-crank flashlight could prove to be especially helpful. Some even include a radio within the flashlight.
- Battery-operated radio: Listen for important weather updates.
- Batteries: You don’t want to risk running out of juice. Include extra batteries for your flashlights and/or radio.
- First-aid kit: You should already have one or more in your workplace, but it’s a good idea to have an additional first-aid kit with your emergency safety supplies as well.
- Thermal emergency blankets: Lightweight and easy to use, these heat-reflective blankets help trap in body heat.
- Propane or kerosene space heater rated for indoor use: With central heating down, emergency heating solutions can provide life-saving warmth.
Get everything you need
As you prepare your workplace for winter, you can visit Quill’s Emergency Weather Center to easily shop for supplies and view helpful resources.
Keep up with more business solutions and tips on the Quill Blog.