18 winter preparation tips for business offices
Now that we are deep in winter, safety and preparedness for businesses will keep your space warm and welcoming. While there’s nothing anyone can do about temperatures dropping, snow blanketing the ground, and winter storms arriving with very little warning, there’s always preparation.
These following tips can help businesses prepare for winter. They show what managers can do to keep their offices safe and protect them from the harsh effects of the season.
Hold a winter emergency kit
Assemble a winter emergency kit for your office in case of a power outage or a scenario where one cannot leave. Include blankets, flashlights, batteries, and First Aid supplies. These kits should be accessible and designed to ensure readiness regardless of the winter scenario.
Hire snow removal
A key part of winter prep for a business is hiring a company to come during snowfalls to clear away your property. Ensure you understand what to expect with post-storm snow removal. Hire a qualified, insured snow removal service to assist you.
Insulate windows and doors
If gaps exist around windows and doors, apply caulk or weather stripping to block cold air from entering. This will also keep warm air from escaping and help optimize your building’s total heating costs.
Consider thermal curtains
Install thermal curtains for added insulation to help maintain warm indoor temperatures.
Create an inclement weather policy
Outline procedures for snow days and emergencies at your business office. Include all protocols and options related to remote work. Ensure employees have a copy of this policy at the beginning of the winter.
Have a business continuity plan
Have a plan that outlines how your business will respond to a storm. What will your return look like if the business shuts down early or briefly? Have a list of critical business processes to check in on to ensure your business can be continued smoothly.
Inspect the roof
Before winter’s next big storm, inspect your roof for damage, leaks, or weak spots. If there are clear collapses or a high risk of leaks, these are the roofing issues you want promptly addressed to avoid costly emergency repairs later in the season.
Clear out gutters
Ensure the gutters are free of clogs. Remove all debris and keep them clear so that when snow melts, it easily drains off your roof.
Properly light outdoor walkways
Winter is visually a darker season. Install outdoor lighting to enhance safety and security, and keep walkways lit. Many businesses turn to motion sensor lighting and timers for this work.
Stock up on magnesium chloride
Magnesium chloride is one of the best de-icing agents. It can be used on walkways and parking lots to keep them ice-free. The primary benefit of bulk magnesium chloride is that it is less corrosive than traditional salt and still effective at low temperatures.
Maintain your parking area and sidewalks
New business owners do not necessarily understand that they play a key role in keeping sidewalks and parking lots clear and safe. Magnesium chloride can also be tremendously helpful in reducing the likelihood of a slip-and-fall in these areas.
Secure outdoor equipment
If you have outdoor furniture or equipment, ensure it is removed or bolted down. High winds and winter, in addition to exposure to harsh weather causing unnecessary wear, can damage the exterior of the building and anything that is left out in the open.
Confirm heating alarms work
Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to verify that they are all functional. If the batteries have not been replaced within six months, replace them.
Ensure fire extinguishers are available
Have fire extinguishers accessible and fully charged. Inspect them to ensure they are still ready in case of fire.
Test emergency generators
If you have emergency generators, perform a load test to ensure they can handle your office’s electricity needs. If worn, broken parts or a lack of maintenance are present, now’s the time to make repairs.
Insulate exposed pipes
If your business office has exposed pipes, insulate them to prevent freezing and bursting. This prevents a situation where a frozen pipe bursts and causes potentially extensive water damage.
Inspect your heating system
Ensure your HVAC system is operating efficiently. Has an HVAC professional inspected it? This is especially needed if you notice high energy costs or are experiencing difficulty getting a consistent performance. Clean out air ducts and vents to improve air quality as well.
Replace air filters on your HVAC
To maintain optimal airflow in your HVAC system, add a new air filter or clean your existing one. Dirty filters can reduce heating efficiency and potentially contribute to bad smells.
