The Essentials of Getting Your Business Ready for Winter

Have you gotten your business ready for winter? If you’re scratching your head at this point and wondering what winterizing your business is all about, chances are that you’re not prepared for the cold months.

A couple of adjustments and preparations will create the perfect atmosphere during the winter, boosting productivity and making employees feel really cozy in their workplace. Most of these changes are relatively easy to implement, if you’re aware of the main challenges stemming from the cold weather.

Get Insurance

Winter storms, heavy rainfall (and snowfall), strong winds and other extreme weather conditions could cause damage to your facilities. This is why you need to get the right insurance or renew an expiring policy before the start of winter.

There are various types of insurance that business owners should consider, some of them being more important than others. Property insurance will provide coverage in the case of building damage. In addition, some of these policies will also cover losses stemming from damaged equipment and inventory.
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Commercial auto insurance is another good idea because the harsh weather conditions and the riskier driving during the winter may also lead to some serious problems. It’s better to get a bit more insurance than what you think you need in order to 100 percent safe.

Protect the Floors from Damage

The substances used to treat streets and sidewalks against ice (salt being one of the most common picks) can easily be brought inside the office. Though these substances and chemicals aren’t damaging to asphalt and concrete, they can have a serious negative impact on the beautiful floors in your office.

On top of salt, shoes will be bringing moisture and dirt inside. These can damage hardwood floors and turn the carpets into the ideal breeding grounds for bacteria or mold.

Welcome mats are probably one of the simplest and most effective options for protecting the floors. Increasing the number of times that the floors are vacuum cleaned and mopped during the week will also be quite effective. You need the right cleaning company and you should also reach an agreement about increasing the frequency of doing floor maintenance.

Look for Leaks and Other Problems

Make sure that the building is in a good condition before winter starts. Making repairs when the weather is cold and wet will be a big challenge. One of the most important things to do is identify leaks. These can remain undetected for a long period of time, leading to the waste of large amounts of water. In addition, the leaking water could freeze during the winter, making the issue even more problematic.

Another good suggestion is to check on insulation and caulking. If everything is in perfect condition, you’ll get to keep the office properly heated while reducing the environmental impact of the process.

The AC units should also be examined, especially if you’re going to use those for heating purposes. Get the filters thoroughly cleaned or changed, if necessary. Taking these measures in advance will help you enjoy a warm and comfortable office throughout the winter.

Get Ready for the Removal of Snow and Ice

To reduce the risk of getting snow and ice inside the office, you may want to think about their proper removal from the external premises like the company’s parking lot.
There are treatment options that will prevent ice from forming bonds with the ground. Use such opportunities before December and get the area surrounding your office treated. One of the simplest things you can do is either salt down the area or use a bit of sand.

Whichever option you choose, getting rid of snow and ice will be essential for ensuring your corporate operations. This is particularly true for corporate premises that welcome customers or are used for business meetings.

Buy a Backup Generator

Power shortages are common in the winter, especially if you live in a place where storms are a common occurrence.
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A backup generator gives you peace of mind and enables you to continue working for a few additional hours in the case of electricity being shut off. The market has many options to offer and choosing a generator will depend entirely on your budget and individual preferences.

In essence, you should prepare for the worst. Even if winter isn’t as harsh in the city where you work, there could still be a few emergencies during the cold months. Prepare the office building and buy the necessary equipment to guarantee productivity regardless of the weather. Such equipment will definitely come in handy one day and the purchase should never be considered a waste of money.

By Cliff Derksen
Owner of First Impressions Janitorial