Sales: 1.888.978.7759
en-US
US - English
English
selectedCheck




Snow & Ice Storms Emergency Preparedness: Be Ready When Temperatures Drop

Why Preparing for Snow & Ice Storms Matters

Severe winter conditions can disrupt operations, endanger employees, and damage facilities. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can cause disruptions including outages, supply delays, and accidents. Preparation is key to protecting assets, maintaining continuity, and keeping teams safe while minimizing downtime and recovering quickly.

Team Safety Team Safety

Team Safety

Keep staff safe from winter hazards including cold temperatures, slippery ice, snow drifts and more.

Business Continuity Business Continuity

Business Continuity

Maintain operations & productivity during ice or snow storms and infrastructure outages.

Facility & Equipment Care Facility & Equipment Care

Facility & Equipment Care

Protect building, equipment, and inventory from freezing conditions.

Download Our Winter Preparedness Checklist!

Get Prepared Today - Download Our Winter Preparedness Checklist!

Download Our Winter Preparedness Checklist!

Get the essential steps and supplies to stay safe before, during, and after Snow & Ice Storms.

Download PDFDownload PDF

Before Before Snow & Ice Storms: Plan and Prepare

Winter storms bring snow, ice, and freezing temperatures that can halt operations and threaten safety. Inspect roofs, walkways, and parking areas for hazards, stock salt, sand, and emergency supplies, and ensure backup power and heating systems are functional.

Preparing your Facility for Snow & Ice Storms

Extreme winter weather can create hazards for your facility—from slippery, icy walkways and roof damage caused by heavy snow to frozen pipes and power outages. Preparation for these hazards ensures your building, equipment, and employees stay safe while operations continue.

Inspect Facilities

Inspect Facilities

Inspect & clear roofs, gutters, and walkways of hazards.

Stock Winter Supplies

Stock Winter Supplies

Keep salt, sand, shovels, and emergency kits ready.

Check Heating & Power

Check Heating & Power

Test backup generators, heating, and fuel supplies.

Update Safety Procedures

Update Safety Procedures

Review slip prevention, cold exposure, and communication plans.

Plan Operational Continuity

Plan Operational Continuity

Identify critical functions and contingency procedures.

Creating Snow & Ice Storms Evacuation Plan

Winter storms can strike quickly, creating hazards like icy roads, power outages, and structural damage. A well-defined evacuation plan ensures employees know how to exit safely, where to go, and how to stay informed during emergencies.

Identify Winter Hazards

Identify Winter Hazards

Pinpoint icy walkways, snow-covered exits, and slippery areas.

Map Winter-Safe Routes

Map Winter-Safe Routes

Choose roads that avoid areas where snow, ice, and other winter hazards are common.

Assign Winter Response Roles

Assign Winter Response Roles

Designate staff to guide evacuations and monitor hazardous conditions.

Practice Winter Drills

Practice Winter Drills

Conduct drills in simulated winter conditions to ensure readiness.

During During Snow & Ice Storms: Stay Safe and Operational

When snow, ice, and freezing conditions hit, follow safety protocols and monitor hazards closely. Keep staff informed, limit exposure to dangerous areas, and maintain essential operations until conditions improve.

Safety Tips To Follow

Hazardous winter weather increases the likelihood for slips, falls, and other accidents. Following practical safety measures helps protect employees, reduce risks, and maintain operations during severe winter conditions.

1 Wear Appropriate Gear

Wear Appropriate Gear

Use insulated clothing, boots with traction, and gloves.

2 Keep Walkways Clear

Keep Walkways Clear

Use shovels & snow blowers to remove snow, and apply salt or sand to patches of ice.

3 Limit Exposure

Limit Exposure

Rotate staff working outdoors and schedule breaks in warm areas.

4 Monitor Conditions

Monitor Conditions

Stay updated on weather alerts and adjust operations as needed.

After After Snow & Ice Storms: Assess, Recover, and Resume

Once snow and ice melt, check roofs for leaks, walkways for lingering ice, and pipes for freezing damage. Clear debris, restore equipment, and address any operational disruptions. Acting quickly ensures employee safety, prevents further winter-related damage, and gets your facility back to full productivity.

Steps to Recover Safely

After snow, ice, and freezing conditions, restoring a safe environment is critical. Inspect your facility for hazards, remove lingering ice or debris, and ensure all systems and equipment are functioning properly. Taking a structured approach protects employees, prevents accidents, and helps operations resume efficiently.

Clear Remaining Ice

Clear Remaining Ice

Remove patches from walkways, roofs, and entrances.

Inspect for Water Damage

Inspect for Water Damage

Check ceilings, walls, and pipes.

Check Systems

Check Systems

Test heating, generators, and electrical equipment.

Address Slippery Floors

Address Slippery Floors

Dry surfaces and apply non-slip treatments.

Review Response

Review Response

Evaluate your winter plan and update for next time.

Additional Resources & Expert Guides

Find practical guides, checklists, and expert advice tailored to Snow & Ice Storms emergencies. Use these resources to strengthen your evacuation plans, maintain safe operations, and respond effectively to snow, ice, and freezing conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stay informed with answers to common questions about planning, safety, and operations during snow, ice, and freezing conditions.

What should be included in a Snow & Ice Storms emergency kit for my facility?

Essential items include salt or sand, shovels, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, blankets, and emergency communication tools.

How can I protect my building from snow and ice damage?

Regularly inspect roofs, gutters, and walkways. Clear snow and ice promptly, and reinforce weak structures before winter storms.

When should I consider closing operations during severe Snow & Ice Storms?

Monitor local weather alerts and follow safety protocols. Close operations if conditions endanger employees or prevent safe access to the facility.

What are best practices for employee safety during winter storms?

Provide proper winter gear, limit outdoor exposure, rotate shifts for staff working outside, and ensure clear communication of hazards.

How can my business quickly recover after a winter storm?

Inspect for damage, clear remaining snow and ice, check equipment and systems, document hazards, and communicate updates to staff to restore operations safely.