Winter is fast approaching, and with it comes the snow. While making snow angels, igloos, and sledding down hills with the family are just some of the great things you can do to enjoy it, there is the responsibility of safely and correctly clearing it from around your commercial property.
Depending on your business type, there are several do’s and don’ts that you need to follow to ensure safety in these cold times. Preparing before the snow becomes too deep and excessive will save you time and money when it hits in full force.
What You Should Do
The safety of your staff and customers is paramount in the winter, and making sure you correctly remove the snow and ice that accumulates during the season should be at the top of the priority list. By understanding what you need to do, you can begin to look into how you do it.
Bylaws
Bylaws govern every city or town and help to protect businesses and residents alike. These bylaws dictate things like noise levels at certain times of the day and night, correct placement of dumpsters, plastic straws and bags for takeout, where you can place snow mounds, and what areas you are responsible for when clearing snow.
Make sure to be fully aware of what applies to you, as you could face fines and penalties should you not adhere to these.
Designated Snow Mound Areas
Once you know the bylaws surrounding snow clearing for your commercial property, designate the appropriate area for the placement of snow mounds and make sure that your employees and customers are aware.
If this is in your parking lot, tape off the areas with hazard tape or cones, have signs placed near the entrance of the parking lot and have notices displayed or emails sent out to make everyone aware ahead of time.
Backup Designated Snow Mound Areas
When making designated areas for snow, an essential thing to know is how much snow you can expect over the winter. If necessary, you may need to have a designated backup area should the snow exceed that for which you are planning.
There may also be something in the bylaws about the height and width of the snow mound, so having additional or backup sites is highly recommended.
Know Where You Are
Be aware of your surroundings, and take some pictures of the property in the summer to help guide you when the snow flies. You need to be cautious and not destroy things like planters, landscape features, or small walls that become buried. Knowing where things are, you can navigate the frozen wonderland more efficiently and have less maintenance and repairs in the spring.
Appropriate Ice Melt Solutions
A wide range of ice melt products are available for different situations. Depending on your business, you need to get the right one. A vet clinic, for example, would choose an ice melt that is pet and animal-safe over one that isn’t. Also, ice melts are safe to use in areas with planters.
Snow Storms
Having a plan in place before a storm hits is a valuable tool. It will help you navigate what you need to do if one hits. Knowing your obligations and the time limits you need to respond will save you time and money in preventing falls and fines from not clearing the area in the stated time frame.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy enough to feel that winter is still far away and that you have all of the fall to prepare. However, winter sometimes comes earlier, so what may seem like a fair enough time to get ready isn’t.
Wait
Waiting for the first snow to fall is the worst mistake, as you need more time to prepare and set up a plan. Time waits for no man, and the snow indeed doesn’t. So, hiring a commercial property maintenance company with expertise and knowledge about removing snow safely and correctly from your commercial property is essential.
Only Clear What the Client Sees
While your clients’ and customers’ safety will be costly if neglected, you should also take your employees’ safety seriously. Don’t just clear away the snow from the front entrance and sidewalks but also from side doors, warehouse docks, and staff parking lots. Ensure that ice melt is applied to these areas as well.
Use the Correct Equipment
Knowing how to remove the snow and having the right tools to help you will save you time and money. An adequately outfitted bobcat and plough will be beneficial if you have a large area. Smaller sidewalks, however, can be done with the right-sized shovel.
The incorrect equipment can result in injury, property damage, and lost time. You could do these expenses without adding to next year’s budget.
JW Landscaping takes the guesswork out of what you need to be successful in the snow removal game. Being fast and attentive to the weather 24/7, our team can be on-site and take care of your snow needs routinely in the event of a sudden snowstorm.
With access to the most up-to-date technology in snow removal, parking lots and sidewalks are cleared quickly and efficiently without you having to worry about not having the right tools on hand.
De-icing services protect your clients and staff from slips and falls. Owners can add them to any service package. These packages are tailored to your needs, considering your size and budget.
Call our friendly and knowledgeable team at 905-512-6549 or contact us here to get your commercial snow removal plan in place, sit back, enjoy the snow with the family, and make those snow angels on us.
