Winter is right around the corner and with that comes freezing temperatures, ice, and snow storms. As a business owner, it is up to you to make sure that your business and workspace is a safe environment for your employees. Having to close your business due to burst pipes or roof damage can be avoided by following the steps:

  • Make sure your heat is on 55 or above. Inside the walls where water pipes reside is colder than the office space. Keeping the temperature above 55 will help keep your pipes from freezing and bursting.
  • When business hours are over, keep doors open within the commercial space. This will help make sure that the heat is evenly distributed throughout. 
  • Have your insulation checked to ensure that heat is not escaping through the roof. When snow melts on the roof and then refreezes, it can cause an ice dam which could cause great damage to your roof, even causing it to collapse.
  • Properly seal doors and windows with weather stripping and caulking to keep heat from escaping.
  • In case of an emergency, make sure you know where the water shut off is. This can help prevent further damage if a water pipe is to burst.

Aside from keeping a safe work space, it is also important to make sure your employees are taking safety precautions while driving. When driving in icy conditions, employees should follow these simple rules to help keep them out of harm’s way:

  1. Clear the car. Make sure that the vehicle is clear of all snow and/or ice before driving. Snow and ice that pile on the car can fly off and hit other vehicles or pedestrians.
  2. Look out for black ice. Pay close attention to areas of the pavement that may look dark, wet, or like new asphalt. If you come across an icy roadway, proceed with caution.
  3. Keep calm. If you should happen to drive on an icy roadway, do not panic. Avoid slamming on the brakes or over-correcting the steering wheel. Instead, release your foot from the gas pedal and steer where you want the car to go. 
  4. Know your surroundings. Pay attention to fellow drivers and make sure to give them enough space. Leave at least 8 seconds of driving time between you and the car in front of you.