Preparing Your Business for Winter Storms

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

Winter weather is upon us. Are you taking the right precautions for your business to be prepared this winter season? Make sure winter storms don’t take you and your business by surprise by following these simple tips:

• Stay alert for storms by monitoring your local weather channel. Know your weather terminology and listen for these three terms:

• Winter Storm Watch: Severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, are possible in the next 12 to 36 hours. Prepare now. 
• Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter conditions are expected in the next 12-24 hours; 4-6 inches of snow or sleet, or 1/4 inch or more of ice is expected. Seek shelter. 
• Blizzard Warning: Snow and strong winds (gusts up to 35 mph or greater) can produce a blinding snow (near zero visibility), deep drifts, and a life-threatening wind chill that is expected to occur for three hours or longer.

• Stay prepared by having a stockpile of emergency resources. These may include flashlights, first aid kits, battery-operated radios, water, blankets, food, extra toiletries, cell phone chargers, and food just in case the storms get severe. 
• Invest in a backup electric generator. It is also beneficial to have sandbags, road salt or ice melt, and shovels. Keep any walkways and driveways clear of snow, and salt the sidewalks to prevent mishaps.
• In severe winter weather, establish space on your property for sheltering. There should be room for all persons currently on your property, such as employees, customers, and so forth.
• Have a contingency plan. Be prepared for power outages, and determine essential equipment that would require the use of a generator.
• Stay warm indoors and have a backup heating source. But guarantee that the room you are heating is well-ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Use battery-powered smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Once the storm has passed, assess any possible damage to your business. Make sure that there is no damage that could possibly hurt customers or employees.

Stay safe and warm this winter season. If the weather is unfavorable, it is ideal to stay indoors until the storm passes. After the snow melts, make sure your business stays mold and water free as mold grows easily when there are high levels of moisture. If you encounter any mold damage or water damage to your business after the weather clears, contact us, SERVPRO of North Nashville, so that we can take care of it for you.