Winter can be one of the busiest times of the year for facility managers and property owners. Creating a plan and budget now is the best way to avoid being caught off-guard when severe weather hits this winter.
When it comes to planning for colder winter temperatures and snowfall, it can be difficult to prioritize planning when the weather is still nice and warm outside, but undoubtably, winter will arrive and with it, snowfall. Depending on what part of the country your facility is located, preparing for snowfall may be one of the most important planning decisions facility managers and property owners will make. That’s why it’s so important to make a winter maintenance plan before the snow begins to fall and accumulate.
While most properties will have a general snow removal plan in place, many facility managers may find themselves ill prepared when their building is covered in several feet of snow. Planning now will make your life easier when the snow begins to fall this winter. Below, we have put together some three simple tips facility managers and property owners alike may use to create a smarter snow removal plan.
Tip #1: Don’t Make Plans Based On Weather Predictions
Weather predictions are useful, but they shouldn’t be used as the foundation of a snow removal plan. Facility managers should instead budget for a colder and snowier winter than normal. Weather forecast can change daily, so it’s important to set a budget and procedures in place that covers the facility even in the snowiest of seasons. Planning for a mild winter may leave you unprepared in the event of extreme weather, such as a blizzard and can cost facility managers time and money and may lead to major safety issues.
Tip #2: Reflect On Previous Years
It’s best to review previous years and how snow removal was handled. During major winter storms, it can be difficult to adjust processes, so look back on what worked and what didn’t work, so that past mistakes are not repeated. Facility managers should pay special attention to areas of your facility that have been problematic in past winters, such as ice buildup, drains clogging or freezing over, these areas may require special attention.
Facility managers should share their observations from past years with their roofing contractor, so that adequate changes can be implemented into your snow removal plan. Identifying these problems before finalizing your plan is key.
Tip #3: Meet With Your Contractor & Make A Plan
-Now that you have a better understanding of how you should make your snow removal plan, it is now time to sit down with your preferred roofing contractor and finalize the plan. Carefully review the service contract to confirm what services are included. Facility managers should schedule a time to meet with the contractor and complete a comprehensive walk-through of the property. This provides an opportunity to discuss the management plan and ask any remaining questions. Working with the contractor, you can determine the best course of action for getting excess snow off your roof safely and make a plan on what to do with the excess snow once removed. A walkthrough is also an opportunity to discuss expectations for service during extreme conditions, such as below-freezing temperatures and high winds. The safety of customers and the contractors’ employees should always take top priority during all emergency planning.
Winter can be one of the busiest times of the year for facility owners. Budgeting and planning for snow removal now is the best way to avoid being caught off-guard when winter weather hits. Making a plan ahead of time ensures that your property, employees, and customers stay protected, and operations continue running smoothly all winter long.
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