Freezing temperatures and winter storms can have serious consequences for the well-being of both your business and employees. Preparation is a vital part of minimizing the impact of cold-weather conditions.
Know your areas risk for winter storms and monitor weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms.
Prepare your facility with insulation, caulking, weather stripping. Insulate pipes and know how to shut off water valves in case pipes freeze and burst.
Recognize that extreme winter weather may leave your facility without utilities or other services for an extended period of time.
Be prepared to evacuate if you lose power or heat
Equip fleet vehicles with roadside emergency items such as jumper cables, battery jumpers, flashlights, blankets and flares.
Prepare for potential isolation or sheltering-in-place by storing essential supplies sufficient to support your employees for several days.
Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
Learn the signs of, and basic treatments for, frostbite and hypothermia.
Consider buying emergency heating equipment, such as a wood- or coal-burning stove or an electric or kerosene heater.
TIPS TO RESPOND AND RECOVER
Know your areas risk for winter storms and monitor weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms.
Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms.
Prevent slips and falls by clearing snow and ice from walking surfaces and spreading ice melters as quickly as possible after the storm.
Monitor workers’ physical condition during tasks, especially new workers who may not be used to working in the cold, or workers returning after spending some time away from work
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators outdoors.
Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters or gas-powered generators to avoid buildup of toxic fumes.
If ice or heavy snow has damaged your buildings, make sure they are structurally sound before entering.
Winter Preparedness
