Preparing Your Business for a Winter Storm

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

Winter storm in Shrewsberry, MO

Doing business in Shrewsberry, MO, means being ready for winter weather. Once a winter storm has passed, you can assess the damage and, if necessary, begin disaster restoration, but being prepared will not only help prevent damage, but also save lives and other costs down the road.

Stay Informed – and Share That Knowledge With Customers and Employees 

There are three levels of winter storm advisories issued by the National Weather Service:

1. A winter storm watch means that there is a reasonable chance of significant ice or snow within 36 hours. Stay alert!
   
2. A Winter storm warning means 4 – 6 inches of snow or ¼ inch of ice is expected within 24 hours. Be prepared!
   
3. A blizzard warning means life-threatening winter conditions that should last at least three hours are expected to hit your area soon. Seek immediate shelter!
   
   
   

As soon as practical, inform customers via social media or other appropriate means about how this will impact your business, whether it means you will be closing or can’t provide services you ordinarily would. If you have essential equipment that relies on electricity, check your backup systems and plan for key personnel to shelter safely at the business. Have phones and chargers, flashlights, spare batteries, food and blankets stocked up. Also have any de-icing supplies you’ll need for immediately after the winter storm. You’ll also need a back-up heating source, a carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher ready.

Restoration of Storm Damage

Immediately after the storm, take any urgent steps necessary to secure your business from further damage, including tarping walls or roofs that have been penetrated. Before you reopen, use salt or other de-icing methods in areas used by employees and customers – the last thing you need is a slip-and-fall lawsuit!

A winter storm in Shrewsberry, MO, doesn’t have to be terrifying if you plan appropriately. If you have suffered damage, call your insurance company as soon as you can, and hire an experienced storm remediation company to prevent further damage and fully restore your company to pre-storm conditions.