September is one of my favorite months of the year. It’s also one of the busiest. It seems no matter how much work I do throughout the spring and summer, fall sneaks up on me with winter closely ensuing.

The final loads of firewood need to be split, hauled and stacked, the chimney needs a cleaning before the wood stove fires up, the rototiller, lawnmowers and weed trimmers need to be winterized, and at the same time the snowblowers come out of summer hibernation. As a simple homeowner, it can seem like a lot, but it pales in comparison to the seasonal preparations many of you face. 

As the designated National Preparedness Month, September is the perfect time to look ahead and make sure your team, equipment and business plans are ready for what’s coming next. Blizzards, ice storms and heavy snow can wreak havoc on communities in certain areas of the country, and even though we are still in the midst of hurricane season, it’s in your best interest to think ahead and prepare for the seasonal shift. 

Even for companies stationed in the south, it pays to prepare as you never know where severe winter weather will hit. For example, this month’s profile subject is Environmental Solutions, a business offering a suite of services that fit the recovery sector. Headquartered in Louisiana with multiple locations also in Texas, they found themselves in a position to help a winter-battered Houston some years ago. An atypical weather event for that area. 

They didn’t get in that position by chance. The company was ready and prepared to serve well before the cold weather set in. Here’s how you can do the same. 

PRE-SEASON PLANNING

Conduct thorough reviews of existing emergency plans, ensuring they address winter-specific scenarios like power outages, blocked roads and extreme cold. Update communication protocols, evacuation procedures and resource allocation strategies. 

Ensure a well-stocked inventory of winter gear, including heavy-duty winter clothing, shovels, ice melt, snow tires or even tire chains for vehicles, and generators as well as options for backup and portable heat sources.

Schedule maintenance and winterization of all equipment, including trucks, generators and specialized tools for snow and ice removal. In certain areas that experience extreme freezing conditions like we often see here in northern Wisconsin, equipment like generators may require oil with a lower viscosity, so make sure those are set for the upcoming conditions.

It’s also wise to establish clear protocols for safe travel during winter storms, including designated routes, communication during travel and bad weather contingency plans. Train crews on winter safety protocols, including safe driving techniques on icy roads, avoiding hypothermia and frostbite, and working safely in hazardous winter conditions. Equip crews with essential first-aid skills and winter survival knowledge to handle emergencies during deployment.

COMMUNICATE

You may notice this topic recurring in this column, and that’s because it’s a crucial part of running a business. Prepare clear communication strategies to keep clients informed about response times, service limitations and safety protocols during winter emergencies.

Along with that, make sure communication protocols in house among crews are clear and reliable and that communication channels are established with local emergency management agencies, utility companies and other relief organizations for coordinated response during disasters.

PARTNER UP

Partner with local businesses like tow truck companies, snow removal services and building material suppliers to ensure a smooth flow of resources during winter events. Building relationships with other contractors is not only a good way to help your company tackle a project effectively, it can be a big help in establishing new business down the road. 

Thanks for reading this month’s issue, and as always, please contact me with any questions or ideas!