Winter Storm Readiness: Protecting Your Facility Before the Freeze Hits
Winter storms can create significant challenges for commercial facilities. Cold temperatures, ice, and snow place added stress on building systems, exterior surfaces, and critical equipment. When temperatures drop suddenly, even a small vulnerability can lead to frozen pipes, leaks, power outages, or operational downtime.
Preparing your facility before winter weather arrives is the best way to prevent costly disruptions and keep occupants safe.
Plumbing & Pipe Protection
Plumbing failures are one of the most common winter storm issues for facilities. When water freezes inside a pipe, pressure increases rapidly leading to cracks, ruptures, and flooding.
Key readiness actions include:
Insulating exposed or vulnerable pipes
Inspecting backflows and exterior connections
Eliminating drafts in mechanical rooms, crawl spaces, and dock areas
Ensuring adequate heat reaches all water lines
Conducting a pre-winter plumbing inspection
A small amount of preparation goes a long way toward preventing major water damage.
Roof, Drainage, and Exterior Readiness
Snow and ice create additional weight and stress on roofs, gutters, and building exteriors. Freeze–thaw cycles can cause long-term damage if not addressed early.
Strengthen your facility by:
Clearing debris from roof drains and gutters
Inspecting flashing, caulking, and seals for deterioration
Verifying rooftop units and vents are secure
Ensuring downspouts direct water safely away from the building
A well-prepared roof system helps prevent leaks, drainage issues, and structural concerns during winter storms.
HVAC & Electrical System Preparedness
Mechanical and electrical systems are essential for maintaining safe temperatures and preventing freeze-related issues inside commercial buildings.
Recommended winter readiness steps:
Inspecting HVAC components, belts, and motors
Cleaning coils and filters to optimize airflow
Testing emergency heat and freeze protection settings
Checking electrical panels for corrosion or loose connections
Verifying generators and backup power equipment are operational
Reliable heating and electrical systems help maintain building comfort and stability during severe weather.
Snow & Ice Planning for Facility Grounds
Icy walkways, parking lots, and loading areas present safety risks and liability concerns.
Prepare your exterior grounds by:
Confirming snow removal providers and response timelines
Stocking de-icing materials and verifying storage locations
Marking curbs, walkways, and equipment areas before snowfall
Planning safe pedestrian pathways during and after storms
A proactive approach reduces slip-and-fall risks and keeps your facility accessible.
Communication & Emergency Coordination
During winter storms, clear communication is essential for building safety and continuity.
Strengthen emergency coordination by:
Identifying facility-specific points of contact for weather events
Confirming who receives storm alerts and how decisions are communicated
Reviewing evacuation or shelter-in-place procedures
Ensuring teams know how to escalate issues like leaks or power interruptions
Effective communication helps facilities respond quickly and prevent small issues from escalating.
Performing a Winter Readiness Walk-Through
A focused, pre-season walk-through helps facility teams identify vulnerabilities early. Typical inspection areas include:
Mechanical and electrical rooms
Roof access, drains, and gutter lines
Exterior doors, seals, and overhead dock doors
Parking lots, lighting, and signage
Areas where freeze potential is historically high
Documenting and addressing these areas before temperatures drop strengthens overall facility resilience.
Preparing Now Helps Prevent Emergencies Later
Winter storms don’t have to bring costly downtime. With proactive planning, seasonal inspections, and strong communication, facility leaders can prevent many of the most common cold-weather failures.
