The Building

• If the alarm system loses power while the building cannot be occupied, arrange for alternate security.
• If your business is an “always open” operation like a hotel or media station, keep your guests and staff safe.

 

Communicate

Internal Staff:

• Designate times for key staff members to dial into conference calls for situation overviews.
• Update status of operations on:
  • Phone: Text/Emergency hotlines
  • Digital: Intranet, Email

• •  

External Customers:

• Update customers if your business is closed for a period of time.
  • Website
  • Social media

 

Whether you got a few inches of ice or snow or a few feet, there are things you need to deal with after a winter storm.

 

Keep Your Business Going

• Activate your business continuity plan.

 

Ensure Everyone Is Safe

• Make sure guest, clients, and/or employees are safe.
• Be prepared to evacuate if structural damage from snow and ice makes a building unsafe.
• Stay away from downed powerlines.

 

Begin Snow Removal

• If it’s warm enough outside, it’s best to shovel after each snowfall. Keep parking lots and sidewalks surrounding the building free of snow and ice.
• Place a deicer on the ground to prevent slips and falls.
• Place nonslip mats in front of entryways to prevent slipping as employees and customers enter/exit your property.

 

Monitor and Clear Your Roof

• Conduct an assessment (visual and/or measurements) of the snow and ice equivalent. Compare the estimated loads to the loads determined by a structural engineer. Ensure it does not exceed the roof’s maximum snow load.
• If you have excessive snow or ice dams, have your snow removal team safely remove the snow and ice dams.

 

Check the Inside of Your Building

• Watch for signs of snow load damage, such as creaking sounds, a sagging roof, cracks in the ceiling or walls, water stains and door or windows that no longer open and close correctly.
• Inspect for frozen pipes. If there are water flow issues it could be a frozen pipe. You will need to raise the temperature of the frozen pipe using a portable heater or heating cable.

 

In Case of a Power Outage, Use Your Generator

Note: Using a generator does pose certain risks that must be addressed for safe operation, including fire, damage to electrical equipment, and even injury or death to those operating the generator.

Portable generator 

• Portable generators should be operated outside in a well-ventilated area. A garage or docking bay may not provide enough ventilation which is required to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator’s engine exhaust. Use extreme caution when determining where to operate the generator.
• Portable generators should never be run unattended and should be checked periodically (review manufacturer recommendations).
• Do not fuel portable generators while hot.
• Keep the generator dry. Do not let snow accumulate on top.

Permanent Generator 

• Permanent generators are more self-sufficient but should be monitored periodically while in operation.

 

If You Find Significant Damage To Your Building

• Stay safe and contact your insurance agent.
• Take photos and videos to document any losses.
• If it’s safe to do so, remove property from damaged area.
• Keep all receipts and documentation for services rendered. Create an electronic file for this information in a cloud storage account so you can access it from anywhere.