How you can prepare your business for winter storms

Winter storms can pose significant challenges to businesses, impacting operations, employee safety, and customer service. Being prepared for these weather events is essential to ensure the continuity of your business and the well-being of your employees and customers. Here’s a checklist of what your businesses can do before, during, and after a snowstorm and how AccuWeather's Snow Warning Service™ can help you best prepare. 

Before the storm

Before a snowstorm hits, businesses should take the following steps to prepare:

• Monitor weather forecasts closely: Keep an eye on weather forecasts from reliable sources, such as AccuWeather. This will help you stay informed about the storm's timing, intensity, and potential impact on your business.
• Develop a snowstorm emergency plan: Create a plan that outlines the steps your business will take before, during, and after the storm. Communicate this plan to all employees and ensure that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.
• Stock up on essential supplies: Make sure you have enough supplies such as rock salt, snow shovels, and sand to keep your premises safe and accessible.
• Clear walkways, driveways, and parking lots: Ensure that all walkways, driveways, and parking lots are cleared of debris so crews can remove snow easily.
• Inspect and service heating systems, generators, and snow removal equipment: Make sure your heating systems, generators, and snow removal equipment are in good working condition. This will help you avoid any unexpected breakdowns during the storm.
• Verify emergency contact information for all employees: Ensure that you have up-to-date emergency contact information for all employees. This will help you reach them quickly in case of an emergency.
• Backup critical data and documents: If possible, back up critical data and documents and ensure remote work capabilities. This will help you avoid any data loss or disruption to your business operations.
• Identify critical business functions: Identify critical business functions that need to be maintained during the storm. This will help you prioritize your resources and ensure that your business can continue to operate smoothly.

During the storm

During a snowstorm, businesses should take the following steps to ensure the safety of their employees and customers:

• Follow your snowstorm emergency plan: Follow your snowstorm emergency plan and prioritize the safety of your employees and customers.
• Monitor weather updates continuously: Continuously monitor weather updates from AccuWeather's expert meteorologists and adjust plans accordingly.
• Keep walkways and entrances clear of snow and ice: Keep walkways and entrances clear of snow and ice for safe entry and exit.
• Deploy snow removal crews as needed: Deploy snow removal crews as needed to maintain safe conditions.
• Keep communication lines open: Keep communication lines open with employees and customers for updates.
• Be prepared for potential power outages: Be prepared for potential power outages and have backup power sources ready.

After the storm

After a snowstorm, businesses should take the following steps to recover and resume normal operations:

• Assess the damage and prioritize cleanup efforts: Assess the damage and prioritize cleanup efforts based on the severity of the storm.
• Ensure the safety of employees and customers when reopening: Ensure the safety of employees and customers when reopening your business.
• Communicate any delays or closures: Communicate any delays or closures with customers and employees.
• Review the response to the snowstorm: Review the response to the snowstorm and update your emergency plan if needed.
• Restock supplies used during the storm: Restock supplies used during the storm to prepare for future events.

How AccuWeather's Snow Warning Service™ can help

AccuWeather's Snow Warning Service™ is a valuable tool that can help businesses prepare for winter storms. Backed by proven Superior Accuracy, this service warns businesses of snowstorms, allowing them to take proactive measures to protect their employees and customers. 

The service includes:

• Customized alerts: Receive customized alerts based on your location and business needs.
• Expert meteorologists: Get access to AccuWeather's team of expert meteorologists who provide accurate and timely weather updates.
• Real-time monitoring: Monitor weather conditions in real time and adjust your plans accordingly.
• 24/7 support: Get 24/7 support from AccuWeather's team of experts.

AccuWeather's Snow Warning Service can help businesses stay ahead of the storm and take proactive measures to protect their business. Contact us today for more information.  

Get an EXCLUSIVE look at the winter weather forecast. Watch AccuWeather's Get Your Business Winter Ready: 2023 Seasonal Outlook webinar.