Keeping Your Business Safe This Winter: Some of us love winter and some of us hate it. It can be good for business for many of us, due to the holiday rush but it can also bring a lot of complications due to the weather and the increase in illnesses like the flu. So, it’s safe to say that it’s a bit of a mixed bag, but the good news is, there are lots of things you can do to keep your business safe and functional this winter, as you will see below.
Start by Winter-Proofing the Building
Your first step in surviving the season is making sure your building isn’t secretly plotting against you. Drafty windows, aging insulation, and flimsy weather stripping can send your heating bill straight into the stratosphere. Even worse, cold spots can cause pipes to freeze, and if those pipes burst, you’ll have more than just chilly employees to worry about.
If you suspect anything in your plumbing system might be lurking on the edge of disaster, schedule an inspection before temperatures drop too low. Having a reliable team, like Bluefrog Plumbing, check for weak pipes, slow drains, or hidden leaks can save you from a midwinter emergency that shuts down operations.
Keep Walkways and Entrances Safe
Few things can torpedo employee morale faster than slipping on an icy footpath before even reaching the front door. Make sure your parking lot, steps, and walkways are regularly cleared of snow and treated for ice. Stock up on ice melt early (before everyone panic-buys it during the first cold snap), and if you rely on a snow removal service, confirm they’re ready for the season.
Inside, place floor mats at entrances to stop melting snow from turning your tile floors into accidental skating rinks. Your staff and customers will thank you, and so will your insurance provider.
Watch Your Heating System Like a Hawk
Heating systems always seem to break down at the exact moment you rely on them the most. Schedule a maintenance check before winter hits, change filters regularly, and keep an eye on unusual noises or uneven heating. If your office suddenly feels like the Arctic, don’t wait for it to “fix itself.” Call a technician before productivity freezes over.
Protect Your Inventory and Equipment
Cold temperatures don’t just affect people, they can wreak havoc on electronics, machinery, and stored goods. If your business keeps inventory in warehouses or outdoor units, check that temperature-sensitive items are properly insulated. You don’t want to discover that your products have turned into popsicles overnight.
Similarly, make sure backup systems and surge protectors are in good shape. Winter storms and power outages go hand in hand, and the last thing you need is a fried computer server because of one rogue ice storm.
Create a Winter Emergency Plan
Even with all the prep in the world, winter loves to surprise us. That’s why every business should have a simple emergency plan covering things like early closures, staff communication, who to call when something breaks, and where important shut-off valves are located. A quick team meeting now can prevent frantic confusion later.
Winter comes whether you ike it or not, so best to be prepared.
