As a business owner, you know that snow and ice can be a significant pain – not to mention a hazard. Clearing your parking lot, walkways, and entryways is essential to keeping your customers and employees safe – but it’s also important to do it right. With a few simple tips, you can make sure that your business is ready for whatever winter throws your way.
With some time before the first snowflakes fly, now is a great time to develop a strategy to remove snow and ice from your property.
Depending on the size of your business, you may want to consider contracting a professional snow removal company. But even if you plan to handle the snow yourself, it’s crucial to have a plan.
Parking Lot Snow Removal – Large parking lots can be challenging to clear, especially if you don’t have the right equipment. If you plan to complete snow removal in-house, ensure you have a large enough snow blower or plow to finish the job quickly. You should watch the forecast and the weather outside your window carefully and be prepared to clear the lot as soon as the snow accumulates.
Walkway Snow Removal – It’s essential to clear your walkways and entryways as soon as possible after a snowstorm. Snow and ice create safety hazards for your customers, and business owners could be liable if someone slips or falls on your property. Remember, shoveling snow by hand is time-consuming and could be dangerous, so consider using a snow blower or a small plow to clear the area quickly.
Salt And Sand – Using salt or sand on your walkways and the parking lot is an excellent way to prevent ice from forming. But be careful not to overdo it – too much salt can damage concrete and vegetation and harm pets. Remember, a little salt or sand goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
Snow Fences – If you have a large parking lot or open area, you may want to consider putting up a snow fence. With their innovative design, snow fences are effective at redirecting snowdrifts and keeping your property clear. In addition, erecting these fences before a storm hits can save you a lot of time and effort in removing snow accumulation later.
How To Prepare Ahead Of An Anticipated Snowstorm
When considering the Northeast averages over 30 inches of snowfall each winter, it is vital to be proactive and not wait until the first flakes start flying to develop a game plan. Below are helpful tips on how to best prepare your business ahead of an anticipated snowstorm:
Develop A Winter Weather Policy – It’s a good idea to have a written policy for dealing with winter weather. This policy should include who is responsible for clearing the snow, when they should do it, and what type of snow removal equipment you plan to implement. Having this policy in place ahead of time can avoid any confusion or disagreements later on.
Stock Up On Supplies – Make sure you have all the supplies you need to remove snow and ice, including a snow blower, shovels, salt, and sand. It’s always a sound idea to have extra supplies in an emergency.
Clear Debris – Before the snow starts to fall, take some time to clear any debris from your parking lot and walkways. Removing cumbersome debris makes it easier to remove the snow later and helps prevent any accidents.
Plan For The Worst – It’s always better to be safe than sorry. In a significant snowstorm, make sure you have a plan to keep your employees and customers safe.
This plan may include having an emergency kit, a backup power source, or having arrangements in place for employees to work from home, if feasible.
By following these snow removal tips, you can be sure your business is ready for whatever winter throws your way. With time and planning, you can ensure the snow doesn’t slow you down.
Do you need truck equipment to help with your business’s snow removal? Brake & Clutch is a leading truck equipment supplier serving clients throughout Massachusetts and the Northeast.
We carry a complete line of truck equipment, including snow plows, salt spreaders, and snow blowers. Please reach out to our truck equipment professionals today to learn more about our products and services.
Whether you’re an independent business owner who needs to clear your parking lot or provide commercial snow removal services to others, following these tips will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.
