Winter Weather 101: Blizzard Prep

Crisp, cool air. The crunch of leaves underfoot. Pumpkin spice lattes are back on the menu. This can only mean one thing: winter is coming!

So, how can you help your facilities and assets be ready (and get ahead) when cold weather means snow and blizzards?

For maintenance and operations (M&O) teams, it’s all about the prep. The cold season will arrive differently depending on where you are, but starting in late summer to early fall should give you enough time to be ready for any winter storm.

5 ways M&O teams can prep for blizzards 

For many organizations, M&O departments play an essential role in preparing grounds and facilities for blizzards. To help your team tackle inclement weather, we’ve gathered five actions you can take to proactively prepare for winter storms.

1. Winter equipment readiness

Before the first flake of snow hits the ground, it’s a good idea to dust off any winter-weather equipment and ensure they are in working order. If your team leans on an asset management solution to help track and schedule your overall preventive maintenance activities, adding a reminder to not only locate but check if the winter-specific equipment is functioning before you’re snowed in will help you be ready for any kind of storm.

A few lines to add to your to-do list:

• Confirm that all snow removal equipment, such as plows, snow blowers, and salt spreaders, are in good working condition.
• Regularly maintain and service winter-related equipment to prevent breakdowns during a blizzard or ice storm.
• Remember, prices go up when demand is high. Stock up on spare parts and essential supplies for equipment repair before you need them.

2. Establish a plan for snow and ice removal

Whether it’s just exterior walkways and the parking lot or if your organization has machines in use outdoors, you’ll want to develop a comprehensive snow and ice removal plan that includes things like designated routes, priority areas (such as emergency access points), and timelines for clearing snow and ice. You should assign specific tasks to team members and remember to establish a clear chain of command for decision-making during a storm or blizzard.

3. Order your supplies early

When snow hits, it’s already too late. If you use your asset management system to track inventory, you’re already ahead of the snow day! Set a reminder to check supplies early so you can have everything ordered and stashed where you can find it — when you need it.

It’s good practice to

• Maintain an inventory of de-icing materials, such as road salt, sand, or calcium chloride.
• Stockpile adequate fuel for equipment, as well as maintenance supplies like lubricants and replacement parts.
• Ensure enough snow shovels, snow plow blades, and other tools are available.

4. Develop communication and coordination strategies

When a blizzard happens, it can be M&O’s chance to shine — who else is gonna clear all that snow or make sure everyone gets in the door safe and sound?

You’ll want to establish reliable communication channels within the M&O team and with other relevant departments or agencies. It can be helpful to establish contact with local weather services to stay updated on storm forecasts and changing conditions, or at least have a designated source to turn to. For some businesses, coordinating with neighboring organizations is a great way to share resources and information.

5. Have an emergency response plan

If disaster strikes—or just a boatload of snow falls—everyone will want to know what they should do, where they should be, and how they can help.

Develop a detailed emergency response plan that outlines actions to take in case of severe blizzard-related incidents, such as power outages, equipment failures, or hazardous material spills. It can be helpful to conduct drills and simulations to ensure that team members are well-prepared for various emergency scenarios, and establish protocols for employee safety, including guidelines for cold weather exposure and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

A Brightly-er forecast: It’s just a little snow

It’s never too early to start critical preventive maintenance to protect your assets and prepare for winter storms. In a blizzard, the right asset management system (like Asset Essentials™) can be your greatest friend.

M&O teams lean on Brightly to:

• Help with training. Consider having your experienced team members record how-to videos or provide ongoing training on tasks such as safe snow removal practices or the proper use of equipment.
• Keep track of documentation. Use an asset management solution to keep detailed records of maintenance activities, equipment inspections, and snow removal efforts to facilitate post-blizzard evaluation and future planning.
• More effectively manage inventory. An asset management solution can help centralize inventory so you know what you have available and where it is, before the next storm rolls in.

By getting proactive, M&O teams can minimize disruptions and ensure the safety of personnel — and your facilities. Want to learn more? Check out our Winter is Coming infographic, or schedule a call with a Brightly expert today!