Before the winter weather event:

• Make sure you have easy access to heaters, snow blowers, and generators if needed.
• Keep parking lots, driveways, and walkways clear.
• Check and secure HVAC exhaust fans and outside sprinkler valves.
• Keep fire hydrants clear and accessible.
• Let faucets drip during extreme cold weather to prevent freezing.
• Park your commercial auto fleet in a garage.
• Prepare for power outages.

During the winter weather event:

• Keep the heat at 55 degrees or higher.
• Set faucets to a slow drip.
• Monitor the location with cameras, sensors, and personnel to respond quickly.
• Turn off the water IF pipes burst.
• If there is a power outage, bring electrical loads back online carefully to prevent power surges.

After the winter weather event:

• Check the roof.
• Clear the snow.
• If flooding, clean up pools of water, dry damp areas, and move damp items outdoors.
• Be sure to notify your insurance company’s claims team immediately if there is damage.
• Protect the property from further damage.

General maintenance tips to get ready in advance:

• Assess your exposure. Do you get snow regularly or seldom? Do you get below freezing temperatures regularly or seldom? Do you have any of these exposures that are at risk of freezing: parking lot, sidewalks, roof, trees near your property, or electrical wires near your property?
• Create a Business Continuity Plan that includes what to do in a severe weather event and test the plan. 
• Create internal (employees) and external (customers, clients, vendors, delivery services) communication plans.
• Create a snow and ice removal plan.
• Identify in advance tree removal services, generator rental or purchase supplier, and snow removal services.
• Ensure HVAC and heating systems are inspected, cleaned, and working.
• Perform regular property maintenance for trees and shrubs close to the property.
• Check exterior pipes, shut off and drain them.
• Clean gutters.
• Install early water-detection systems to provide early detection of broken pipes or valves. Have emergency backup power lined up if needed.