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Heed These 10 Essential Tips to Winterize Your Business

By Contributor
Insurance

Before the Storm

By Lisa Eugin

 

As winter approaches, business owners need to prepare for colder temperatures, possible snow, and other seasonal challenges that can disrupt operations. Taking time to winterize your business can prevent costly repairs, ensure employee safety, and help maintain smooth operations during harsh weather. Here are some essential tips to help protect your business this winter.

 

Inspect and Maintain Your Heating System

A properly functioning heating system is critical for keeping employees comfortable and protecting your building from extreme cold. Schedule a professional inspection to ensure your heating system is operating efficiently. Replace filters regularly and address any issues immediately to prevent breakdowns during the coldest months.

 

Lisa Eugin

Lisa Eugin

“Taking time to winterize your business can prevent costly repairs, ensure employee safety, and help maintain smooth operations during harsh weather.”

 

Check and Insulate Pipes

Frozen pipes can lead to severe damage and expensive repairs. Inspect pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements or exterior walls, and wrap them with insulation to prevent freezing. Keep the heat on during extremely cold days, even in rarely used areas, to further reduce the risk of frozen pipes.

 

Clear and Salt Walkways

Icy walkways can be hazardous to both employees and customers. Make a plan to keep walkways, steps, and parking areas clear of snow and ice. Apply salt or ice melt regularly, and consider contracting a snow-removal service for larger areas. This proactive approach reduces the risk of slips, falls, and potential liability claims.

 

Inspect the Roof and Clear Gutters

Snow accumulation can be heavy and cause roof damage. Before winter fully sets in, inspect your roof for any weaknesses, clear gutters to prevent ice dams, and trim any overhanging branches that could fall under snow weight. Clearing snow regularly can prevent excess buildup, but be sure to use a safe method to avoid damaging your roof.

 

Seal Doors and Windows

Energy loss through poorly sealed doors and windows can lead to higher heating costs. Add weather stripping and caulk any gaps to keep the warmth inside and drafts outside. This not only saves on energy bills, but also maintains a comfortable environment for your employees and customers.

 

Have a Backup Power Plan

Winter storms often bring power outages. Ensure your business can continue to operate by investing in a backup generator. For businesses that rely on refrigeration or heating for sensitive products, a power outage plan is especially critical.

 

Test Emergency Alarms and Sprinklers

Fire risks increase in the winter due to higher heating demands. Make sure your fire alarms, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems are in good working order. Test these systems regularly, and keep a clear path to fire exits for safety compliance.

 

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Reviewing your insurance policies is an essential step in preparing for winter. Make sure you have coverage for potential winter hazards, including property damage from snow, ice, or freezing. Having the right coverage can protect your business from unexpected losses.

 

Create a Communication Plan

In the event of extreme weather or closures, ensure employees and customers are well-informed. Use email, social media, or text alerts to communicate closures, delays, or other essential information. This helps manage expectations and ensures everyone’s safety.

 

Stock Up on Winter Supplies

Be prepared with essentials like ice melt, shovels, safety cones, and emergency supplies. Having these items on hand allows you to respond quickly to winter challenges without delays. If possible, designate a storage area to keep winter supplies organized and accessible.

 

Conclusion

Winterizing your business takes a little time and preparation, but can make a huge difference in protecting your property, keeping operations running smoothly, and ensuring safety.

 

Lisa Eugin is manager of Marketing and Administration at Encharter Insurance in Amherst.

 

Ten Tips on How to Approach a Difficult Topic

By Contributor
Senior Planning

Start the Conversation

From the AARP FOUNDATION

The reality is that some conversations are just plain difficult — even with the people to whom you feel the closest. When preparing to discuss a difficult topic like senior care needs, it helps to follow the ground rules below to ensure that everyone’s feelings are respected and viewpoints are heard. To help make the conversation as productive and positive as possible:

1. Try not to approach the conversation with preconceived ideas about what your loved ones might say or how they might react. “Dad, I just wanted to have a talk about what you want. Let’s just start with what is important to you.”

2. Approach the conversation with an attitude of listening, not telling. “Dad, have you thought about what you want to do if you needed more help?” — as opposed to “we really need to talk about a plan if you get sick.”

3. Make references to yourself and your own thoughts about what you want for the future. Let them know they are not alone, that everyone will have to make these decisions. “Look, I know this isn’t fun to think about or talk about, but I really want to know what’s important to you. I’m going to do the same thing for myself.”

4. Be very straightforward with the facts. Do not hide negative information, but also be sure to acknowledge and build on family strengths. “As time goes on, it might be difficult to stay in this house because of all the stairs, but you have other options. Let’s talk about what those might be.”

5. Phrase your concerns as questions, letting your loved ones draw conclusions and make the choices. “Mom, do you think you might want a hand with some of the housekeeping or shopping?”

6. Give your loved ones room to get angry or upset, but address these feelings calmly. “I understand all this is really hard to talk about. It is upsetting for me, too. But it’s important for all of us to discuss.”

7. Leave the conversation open. It’s okay to continue the conversation at another time. “Dad, it’s OK if we talk about this more later. I just wanted you to start thinking about how you would handle some of these things.”

8. Make sure everyone is heard — especially those family members who might be afraid to tell you what they think. “Susan, I know this is really hard for you. What do you think about what we are suggesting?”

9. End the conversation on a positive note. “This is a hard conversation for both of us, but I really appreciate you having it.”

10. Plan something relaxing or fun after the conversation to remind everyone why you enjoy being a family. Go out to dinner, attend services together, or watch a favorite TV program.

These are just a few suggestions of things you, your loved ones, and other family members can do to unwind after a difficult conversation.