This week's small dose of the white stuff should serve as a reminder that the season of snow is upon us. Although there aren't any imminent storms, the time to be prepared is now. Don't let yourself get caught by surprise when the snow flies. Here are some of the steps you'll want to take to make sure you, your staff, and your Residents are ready:
SNOW STORM PREPAREDNESS
Property Preparedness
• Make sure snow removal equipment is ready and accessible – that storage shed may be
snowed in during the storm – have equipment stored where it can be easily reached.
• Snowblowers should have a full tank of gas with a supply of extra gas readily on hand –
snowfall is expected for more than 24 hours so ongoing snow removal will be critical.
• Check supplies of snow melt and sand – get extra if necessary
• High winds are expected – secure the outside of the building – remove any objects that
may come loose in high winds a pose a danger – hanging decorations, light furniture, etc.
• Check trees for potential loose limbs and remove any hanging or dangerous limbs in
advance of high winds
• Check your generator fuel levels and ensure that fuel levels are at maximum capacity
• Test all equipment – snow blowers, generators, emergency lighting, etc.
• Turn up the heat – get the building warm in case of power outages if you will lose heat
during a power outage
• If your site serves meals – have ready to eat provisions on hand – canned meals that can
open without an opener (and/or have a manual can opener on hand), granola bars, etc.
• If your site is staffed 24/7 discuss coverage with staff today and have an emergency plan
in place
• POST EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
• Have your property insurance contact information readily available in the event that there
are damages that need to be reported.
Staff Preparedness
• Advise maintenance staff and others who will be outdoors to dress in layers and ensure all
exposed skin is covered
• Stay hydrated – hydrate before beginning physical activity (such as snow removal), hydrate
during and after
• Have all cell phone, radios and communication devices fully charged and ready
• Have an emergency contact plan ready so staff can stay in touch
• Safe snow removal –
o Begin early and often – remove snow in an ongoing effort which will reduce the risk of
heavy lifting
o Dress in layers and in water repellent clothing
o Take breaks – snow removal is aerobic activity – drink water
o Keep your vision clear to prevent injury
Resident Preparedness
• Distribute memos to all residents today (the earlier the better) reminding them to prepare
o Ensure that adequate supplies of prescriptions in the event that roads are impassable
or power goes out for a prolonged period of time
o OXYGEN – residents who depend on oxygen should have an adequate back up
supply in the event of power outage
o Plan for relocation in the event of a prolonged power outage – talk to family members
and make a plan
o Have flashlights at hand with adequate batteries
o Charge cell phones continually throughout the storm so they are fully charged in the
event of power outage
o Consider having a battery operated radio on hand to stay connected in the event of
power outage
o Have food on hand that can be eaten without being cooked (ready-made canned
food, energy bars, etc.)
o Have adequate water supplies for staying hydrated
• Remind residents to have adequate warm clothing for the outdoors in the event they need
to relocate – coats, gloves, hats
• Remind residents not to drive during an ongoing storm unless absolutely necessary
• Fill cars with gas today – remember in a prolonged power outage the gas stations shut
down
• Pet supplies – for residents with pets make sure they have a food supply
Post Storm
• Check in with your trash removal vendors regarding status of weekly pick-up post storm.
You should advise the vendors of the status of the dumpster area (date it will be cleared
for pick up) and see if they have any changes in their scheduled pick up due to the snow.
• Consider advising residents to adopt the buddy system if they have to go out. Check in
with a neighbor before going out to walk a dog or retrieve an item from the car. Check
back in when you return. If your “buddy” has not heard back from you by a set time they are
checking in and letting someone else know.
• Be sure that fire hydrants on your property are cleared and accessible to emergency
personnel and fill pipes for fuel tanks as applicable.
• Please ensure that the main entryway to your building is cleared and accessible by
emergency personnel. Please emphasize with plow contractors that this is priority
one when clearing snow from the facility.
• Check your roofs and gutters –get out the roof rakes and clear affected areas. Make sure
that entrances are clearly marked and/or cordoned off during roof snow removal so
residents are safe.
• Check ground level or below grade apartments to ensure that windows are clear for
emergency egress.
• Treat walks and parking areas with sand/salt as necessary to minimize slippery
conditions -- complete your snow removal logs throughout noting date, time, conditions and
any material applied (sand, salt, snow melt)
• Check all boiler rooms and building vents to ensure that vents are clear and proper air
circulation is maintained.
• Maintain staff communication and check in with your emergency call service for any reports.
• If possible, have staff that are able to get into the site check on residents.
Links to Helpful Information:
Preparing for Winter Storms and Extreme Cold - ready.gov
Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist - redcross.org
7 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors - care.com
Preparing to Stay Healthy in Winter - 4elders.org
Know a good link for more info? Share it in the comments!
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