Five Most Common Winter Related Challenges for Commercial Properties

Paul Davis Restoration
Published: December 17th, 2020

December 17, 2020 // Franchising.com // Jacksonville, FL - Paul Davis Restoration is a leading provider of fire, water, mold, storm, and biohazard emergency and restoration services for residential and commercial properties. Caleb Brunz is one of the company’s most successful franchisees. His location, Paul Davis of St. Paul and Minneapolis is very busy this season not only with their very popular service for applying disinfectant to places of business against COVID-19 but assisting commercial customers to avoid the five most common winter business problems.

Brunz shared, “Every year, we see commercial customers encountering the same five types of challenges during winter - some clearly tied to the weather and others that tend to increase in frequency at this time for other reasons. We advise planning now to prevent these problems and know how to address them if they do occur despite best efforts.” 

His recommendations are below based on weather challenges that arise: 

• Heavy Snowfall: Snowfall preparations focus on two areas: structural and procedural. Inspect buildings to ensure they will withstand the weight of snow: check supports, flashing, and sealing. Insulate pipes exposed to the cold. Inspect gutters and downspouts to ensure drainage occurs when the snow melts. Finally, ensure your snow removal crew is ready for service, able to handle large accumulations, and knows where to place the snow that is removed. 
• Slip and Falls: The frequency of these accidents, which happen outdoors more often in the winter, can be reduced in several ways: removing snow and ice regularly, treating slippery areas with ice melt solutions or salt, and placing absorbent mats atop hard flooring to catch tracked-in moisture. Ensure maintenance staff is on alert to mop up the meltwater that accumulates. 
• Vehicle Accidents: Accidents are much more common when snow, ice, and freezing weather make driving anywhere - whether parking lot or highway driving - more hazardous. The best strategy is to plan your company’s response now for implementation when the weather threatens. Plans will likely include removing snow and ice promptly, enabling employees to work remotely, closing locations in particularly hazardous conditions, and postponing deliveries. 
• Fires: With boilers and furnaces running full blast during winters, now is the time to schedule maintenance, verify safe operation, and clean flues/vents. Since many commercial fires start in the kitchen, schedule a kitchen inspection and vent cleaning, too. Review fire extinguisher locations, ensure they are maintained as required and train staff to use them properly. For many businesses, local fire marshals can inspect your property free of charge to identify fire hazards.
• Break-ins/Burglaries: As days grow shorter, the change of seasons delivers a thief’s favorite tool: darkness. Inspect the premises at night to ensure that safety lighting operates as intended - motion-activated models are ideal - and fully illuminate hidden or risky areas like loading docks or rear entries. Repair any windows or doors that don’t lock securely. Many businesses install interior and exterior security cameras. Ensure these are ready for action.

Contact your local Paul Davis franchise to discuss how to prepare your business for winter challenges.

SOURCE Paul Davis Restoration