It’s hard to believe that winter is almost here again! You’d think we’d have preparing for the season down to an art, but alas — it seems that the cold weather and snow always arrive with a shock. This isn’t just true individually but for small business owners, too, who’ll have to deal with extra considerations to prepare for the ice and cold.
In this guide, we will help you prepare your small business as best you can for the winter ahead, keeping your team members and customers as safe and comfortable as possible.
Invest in Mats and Runners
Ice, snow, wet boots — it’s a recipe for a slip. Investing in runners for hallways and rubber mats for the entrances to your business will reduce the risk of a fall. It’s also a good idea to advise team members to bring a change of footwear so that they can leave snowy shoes at the door and to put up ‘wet floor’ signs when the inevitable happens — a precaution that’s likely also a legal requirement.
Hire Contractors
If it’s your responsibility to maintain the sidewalks outside your office, make sure you have salt deliveries scheduled and a team member is primed to clear the outside perimeter. Otherwise, make sure you’ve hired a local contractor to clear the sidewalks before your office opens each day.
Think About Historic Seasonal Impacts
It’s worth considering how the weather has impacted your area through the years. For example, if your building is prone to power outages during heavy winter storms, see how viable it is to invest in a backup generator (a likely boon to business if power-outs happen frequently).
It’s also likely beneficial to procure tools like flashlights and stair chairs (like those supplied by Evacuscape) if your business is above ground level. Evacuation chairs empower the safe evacuation of individuals with a physical disability, temporary injuries (like a broken ankle from a slip in the snow), and seniors from buildings when the power has gone down, rendering elevators and lifts inoperable.
Another precautionary measure? Prepare a list of contact information for team members so that you can advise them of a business closure when the winter weather gets perilous.
Basically, consider how your workplace has been impacted in the past and take measures to counter these results should they happen again.
Test Your HVAC
If you haven’t already, schedule a seasonal tune-up of your HVAC system to ensure your heating is in good working order. While regional legislation will vary, the general standard is that indoor temperatures must be at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
A fully operable HVAC system won’t just keep your team members cozy and comfortable, but it can also help to prevent your pipes from freezing.
Claim Your Google Business Profile
If you haven’t yet claimed or added your profile on Google Business Profile, consider doing it now. Not only is this an excellent tool for showcasing your small business locally, but you can also update your business hours in quick time — which will be ideal if poor weather has forced you to close early and you don’t want to disappoint potential customers.
And Lastly …
The most important takeaway is to prioritize employee and customer safety. When possible, let team members work from home, thus omitting the need to commute or take transit in dangerous conditions.
