5 Tips To Minimize Commercial Winter Storm Damage

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Follow These Tips and Minimize Commercial Winter Storm Damage in your Park City, UT property.

For businesses in Park City, UT, a harsh winter storm is a given, not a maybe. Although Mother Nature may be unpredictable, there are ways to help protect your business from the snow, ice, sleet and wind. Below are five tips to minimize damage and keep your business thriving during harsh conditions.

1. Create a Business Continuity Plan

While storm damage may not be completely unavoidable, developing a business continuity plan helps a business better handle an unwanted disruption. These plans are essential to protect assets and employees while still getting the job done. A plan should include a detailed outline of all business procedures and steps to take when bad weather hits. This should include backup sites to conduct business, team member responsibilities, vendor contact information and a risk assessment.

2. Watch for Weather Warnings

Maintaining a pulse on potential bad weather is essential. Regularly check forecasts to be better prepared for adverse weather coming your way. By doing so, business owners will have more time to make preparations for the impending winter storm. Luckily, there are many apps for smartphones that provide instant updates on any weather warnings or approaching storms. It also may be worth assigning a person to be in charge of this task.

3. Prevent Pipes From Freezing

Winter weather may bring ice and snow to mind, but flooding from a pipe break is also a common concern. If the building's pipes are not insulated, now is the time to call a plumber to make that happen. If cold weather hits, ensure that the building’s temperature doesn’t dip below 55 degrees. Make sure that any outdoor irrigation systems or hoses are drained.

4. Stay on Top of Roof Maintenance

Heavy snow, high winds and ice dams can do a number on your roof. Since its job is to protect your business, it’s vital to stay on top of roof maintenance and repairs. It is ideal to have the roof inspected by a professional annually. Regular checks should also be done after any type of storm. Even a minimal amount of damage may turn into a severe problem when snow piles up.

During inspections, check for any supports that are compromised or missing material. Once snow sits on these areas, it may lead to a leak or collapse. No matter the time of year, never wait to make a roof repair.

5. Get a Generator

Doing business in the modern era often means investing in a significant amount of electronic equipment. From servers to scanners and desktop computers, a power outage means that business comes to a grinding halt. A generator is a smart investment to keep the lights on and the business running as normal. It will also help ensure that the temperature remains above freezing, which will also help reduce the risk of frozen pipes.

As the cold season sets in, a winter wonderland may easily turn into an expensive endeavor if your property sustains damage. By staying on top of maintenance and being prepared, business owners are able to minimize the effects of a winter storm.