Winter weather can be disastrous for any business. When a snow storm hits, it could put you out of work for the day – or longer. With the right winter weather preparation, you can get your office and your staff back on their feet faster, ensuring that "business as usual" happens sooner rather than later. Find out how to protect your offices and employees this season with winter weather preparedness tips from ServiceMaster Restore.
Winter Weather Preparedness Tips for Businesses
- Talk to employees about any winter weather-related issues.
Good communication gets everyone on the same page and can motivate each individual to take steps toward personal and group readiness. In case of an emergency, your employees will feel more confident and prepared to take action if they've been briefed on what to do or expect ahead of time. Talk with staff about winter weather preparation at the start of the season and before any large storm. Here are some topics you'll want to include:
- Severe winter weather can lead to accidents, injuries and even death. Remind people to be careful and always put safety first.
- Go over the terms used by the National Weather Service to categorize storms or changing weather conditions.
- Emphasize the importance of an emergency supply kit and encourage them to keep one at home, in their cars, and at work.
- Review your office's emergency communications plans and policies.
- Hold preparedness exercises.
Going through the motions can ensure your employees are ready to take action in case a winter storm hits. A simulated emergency scenario helps define various roles, procedures and responsibilities among your staff so everyone knows what to do in the event of an actual disaster. Practicing your disaster plan helps you identify any gaps or areas for improvement, as well. That way, when a snowstorm does strike, you and your staff will be able to weather it calmly. Use the tabletop exercises for businesses from the Federal Emergency Management Association's (FEMA) Winter Weather Preparedness Playbook to get scenario suggestions, lists of what your company can do in specific winter storm conditions, and discussion points to raise throughout each exercise.
- Maintain preparedness all year.
Winter weather isn't the only risk to look out for. You should strive to keep your organization ready for any kind of disaster. Maintain your readiness all year long by holding seasonal meetings to prepare for different weather events that may hit your area. Practice communications plans and exercises for each season to make sure everyone understands their responsibilities in an emergency situation and how they can work together to keep the office safe. Winter weather preparation can go a long way toward keeping you, your business and your staff safe in an emergency. In the event that your business suffers structural damage during a winter storm or another natural disaster, ServiceMaster Restore is here to help get your business back on track as soon as possible. We offer our trusted commercial restoration services 24/7/365 to make sure you get the help you need, whenever you need it. Contact our experts today to learn more.