The sun may be shining now, but once summer peaks, it’s only a matter of time until winter comes calling. Keeping those snowflakes and winter storms on your radar now can help you be ready when the cold sets in – helping you keep your property safer and more accessible throughout the long winter. See what you should prioritize and prepare for, and how working with your snow removal service provider before the snow flies can set you up for success.
Prepare The Facilities
Winter weather brings with it the usual suspects – snow, ice, wind – and while those immediate concerns are critical to address, there are other issues that may pop up if they’re not taken care of ahead of time.
Water management – Just because the snow is removed from parking lots and sidewalks doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. When the snow melts, or if it rains on top of it, all that water needs a place to go, and without a good stormwater system that not only funnels water away from buildings, walkways, and other low areas, but also moves it effectively to a catch basin or other receptacle, you should consider evaluating your stormwater management.
Protect your plants – Frost, snow, or de-icing agents can damage plants and trees, so make sure your green assets are protected whenever possible. Ensuring that shrubs and other plants are safe from the rigors of winter will help them get a jump on the growing season, and since they’re most likely near walkways and in other high-visibility locations, that’s a win-win.
Winterize where necessary – To avoid issues in the spring, irrigation systems should be winterized accordingly, and any required maintenance should be performed before the ground freezes. Perform a water management audit periodically to ensure that your system provides the water your landscape needs to look its best and maintain resiliency throughout the growing season.
Build Your Team
As a property manager, you know there’s a never-ending to-do list, and coordinating service providers and on-site staff can be a delicate balancing act. Choosing the right partner for snow and ice management not only makes your life easier, it can also help prevent issues throughout a harsh winter.
Find a contract - A fortune teller can’t give you insight into the coming winter season with 100% accuracy. Snowfall can vary substantially from year to year, even with seasonal forecasts, so be sure your provider offers a snow and ice removal contract that fits your property’s needs based on your location and historical weather data.
Prepare and prioritize – Knowing traffic patterns, exit and entrance locations, and any other logistical nuances your property may have can help you determine where to focus efforts in the event of an emergency, weather event, or other issue. Allowing people to get in or out of your property can help provide a safer environment during the winter months. Once your plan is established, communicate these priorities to your partners and staff so they’re ready to act when the time comes.
Maintain constant communication - Open lines of communication are vital for property managers, especially in winter. It boils down to trust, and the knowledge that there’s someone there who will pick up the phone and help you solve the problem or answer your questions. When the weather turns, having a single point of contact is critical to get things done quickly and effectively.
If you’ve dealt with a harsh winter on your commercial property, you’re well aware that planning and prevention go a long way when the flakes start flying. From winterizing your property to choosing the right provider, it’s a crucial time of year, and if you wait until fall, you may already be too late. Start your winter planning today and stay ahead of the curve.
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