Winter storms can be a huge disruption to businesses, especially if you’re unprepared. While it’s impossible to predict exactly what will happen during a winter storm, there are steps that you can take to prepare your business in advance. Here in Connecticut where winter storms have had a history of wreaking havoc on the roadways, it’s important to ensure you’re always ready.

Here are our tips for preparing your business for a winter storm:

Stay up to date on weather reports.

Make sure to stay up to date on the latest weather reports. This is important for businesses that rely on customers coming to you from the outdoors – such as restaurants and retailers. The NWS website has a simple menu where you can find links to current weather conditions in your area or by city, as well as forecasts for the next five days. Weather apps are also a good way to keep tabs on what’s happening with the storm—you can download them for free onto your smartphone or tablet, keeping you informed about any impending bad weather wherever you go. Radio stations will often broadcast updates from their local meteorologists during severe storms.

Make sure you have enough supplies & employees are prepared.

If you are a business owner, one of the most important things you can do is make sure that you have enough supplies to last through the storm. It is helpful if you have batteries, flashlights, and other emergency supplies on hand as well. 

As an employer, you have a responsibility to ensure that your employees are prepared for the storm. You should review winter storm contingencies in the business continuity plan and set realistic expectations with employees and keep them informed before, during, and after the storm. 

Protect the outdoor entryways and access points. 

In addition to hiring a professional snow removal company for your property, you should always add ice melt to sidewalks as a preventive measure to help stop the possibility of slips and falls. If your walkways are in bad shape get them repaired ASAP. It’s a good idea to also use non-slip mats and have fans set up to help with water removal around building entrances.

We hope that you’ll find these tips helpful for preparing your business for a winter storm. We know that preparing for emergencies can be stressful for everyone involved, but it is important to remember that if one person does not prepare their business properly then there will be consequences for all those who depend on them. Remember that preparation is the first step toward being ready!

Maintain the right insurance.

Since winter storms can threaten your company in so many ways, it’s important to ensure that everything is protected by the correct insurance policies. Things like burst pipes, roof collapses, and even forced shutdowns can all impact your business. Having the right coverage will keep you safe during these times.

If you’re searching for the right insurance to fit your Connecticut business’s needs, look no further than the independent business insurance agents at Petruzelo. From general liability to group medical, commercial auto, commercial property, and more.