Winter Storms and Your Business

Severe winter weather can lead to property damage, employee illness or injury, and possible business closures. Preparing before the storm can help you protect your employees, minimize damage and recover quicker following a winter storm situation.

Use this checklist to prepare your business and employees before, during, and after a winter storm situation.

Winter Storms and Your Business [PDF]

Find winter weather forecasts for your area

Understanding Wind Chill
Information on wind chill temperature and what the risks are for you.
National Weather Service (NOAA NWS)

Winter Weather Forecasts
Website with winter weather forecasts, including probability maps.
National Weather Service

Before a Winter Storm

Stay informed and monitor for severe winter weather in your area.

Stockpile emergency materials.

Standby electric generator for emergency power.
Sandbags, shovel, road salt or ice melt.

Establish shelter locations on your property.

There should be enough room for all employees, any customers or suppliers who may be at your business during the hazardous situation.
Stock the shelter with emergency supplies (e.g., flashlights, battery powered radio, first aid kit, food, water, and blankets).

Make plans regarding customers.

Determine the likelihood of customers being present if a severe storm situation.
Have an emergency plan for customers; review it with employees regularly.

Have a business emergency/continuity plan.

Be prepared for power outages that often accompany severe weather.
Determine any essential equipment or processes that rely on electrical power.
Have emergency power (e.g., backup generators) available for these items.
Maintain an inventory of all equipment and assets for your business in the event of structural damage.
Install surge protectors to protect electronic equipment.

Determine a back-up heating source in case the power goes out.

Use heating sources only in a well ventilated room to avoid build up of lethal carbon monoxide gas.
Keep a fire extinguisher close by.

Install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated.

Test them monthly.
Replace batteries twice yearly.

If employees work outdoors,

Schedule work during the morning and late-afternoon hours, if possible

Avoid strenuous activities outdoors.

Postpone nonessential tasks.

During a Winter Storm

Stay informed.

Listen to local news and weather channels for situation developments and road closures.

Ensure employee and customer safety.

Stay safe while indoors.

If backup power supplies are needed,

Never use an electric generator indoors, inside the garage, or near the air intake of your home because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Do not store gasoline indoors where the fumes could ignite.
Use individual heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords to plug in other appliances.

After a Winter Storm

Clear away the snow safely.

Avoid overexertion. Strain from the cold and the hard labor can lead to a heart attack - a major cause of death in the winter.
Pace yourself, work slowly, and rest frequently.
Make sure you have good footing when lifting the snow shovel.

Assess the situation.

Make sure heating systems and water pipes are working.

Look for any damage that may have occurred to your business.

Never use an electric generator indoors, inside the garage, or near the air intake of your home because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Do not store gasoline indoors where the fumes could ignite.

Use individual heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords to plug in other appliances.

Account for your inventory.

Check buildings for damage (e.g., downed power lines or trees, accumulated snow or ice)

Additional Winter Preparedness Resources

Ready.gov: Winter Weather
What to do before, during and after a winter storm as well as information on possible flooding.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Severe Weather 101: Winter Weather Basics
Website providing winter weather basics.
NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory

Winter Weather: Before, During, and After
How to prepare for winter storms and prevent cold temperature-related health problems
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Employee Health and Safety

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Fact Sheet
Factsheet with important steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Preventing Frostbite
Information on frostbite - how to recognize the signs and what to do if you suspect frostbite.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Preventing Hypothermia
Know the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and what actions to take
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Quiet Killer (video)
CDC Health Matters video (3.14 min) on the risk and dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can occur from improper generator and equipment use during power outages.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Protecting Your Property

Ice Dam Prevention on Roofs: Simple Ways to Alleviate the Problem
Factsheet discussing way to prevent ice dams on roofs.
University of Wisconsin Extension

Protecting Plumbing During a Winter Storm: Care of Utilities and Appliances When the Power is Out
Factsheet discussing measures to take to reduce the chance of frozen pipes and what to do when pipes freeze.
University of Wisconsin Extension