🏢 BUSINESS WINTER STORM PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST
Getting Your Business Ready for Ice & Winter Storms (24–48 Hours Ahead)
BEFORE THE STORM (24–48 HOURS AHEAD)
❄️ 1. Confirm decision-makers and communication plan
Identify who makes open/close decisions and how staff and customers will be notified.
❄️ 2. Fully charge business devices
Charge phones, tablets, POS handhelds, radios, rechargeable lights, and backup batteries.
❄️ 3. Back up critical data
Ensure cloud backups are current for POS systems, accounting, schedules, and customer data.
❄️ 4. Secure cash access if applicable
Have small bills on hand if card systems or internet service go down.
❄️ 5. Fuel company vehicles & generators
Top off fuel for delivery vehicles, service trucks, and generators.
❄️ 6. Review staffing plans
Identify essential staff only; plan for delayed arrivals or closures.
❄️ 7. Identify shut-offs and controls
Know where water shut-off valves, electrical panels, and gas controls are located.
❄️ 8. Adjust thermostat and refrigeration
Lower temps slightly to help maintain safe levels during outages.
FACILITY & PIPE PROTECTION
❄️ 9. Drip faucets on exterior walls
Especially in older buildings or spaces with poor insulation.
❄️ 10. Open cabinet doors under sinks
Allow warm air circulation around pipes.
❄️ 11. Disconnect hoses and outdoor lines
Prevent frozen and burst exterior plumbing.
❄️ 12. Insulate outdoor spigots and exposed pipes
Use covers or temporary insulation.
❄️ 13. Fill water containers if water service is critical
Useful for restrooms or limited cleaning if water pressure drops.
INVENTORY, FOOD & SUPPLIES
❄️ 14. Reduce perishable inventory
Avoid over-stocking before a potential power outage.
❄️ 15. Freeze ice packs or water bottles
Help maintain cold storage temperatures if power fails.
❄️ 16. Have coolers ready
Move temperature-sensitive inventory if needed.
❄️ 17. Confirm manual workarounds
Manual credit card imprinters, paper invoices, handwritten order forms if applicable.
❄️ 18. Secure critical supplies
First-aid kits, paper towels, gloves, salt or ice melt, flashlights.
EMPLOYEE & CUSTOMER SAFETY
❄️ 19. Prioritize employee safety over operations
Make closure decisions early to avoid risky travel.
❄️ 20. Communicate clearly and early
Use text, email, social media, and voicemail updates.
❄️ 21. Plan for remote work if possible
Identify roles that can operate from home during closures.
❄️ 22. Identify one safe “warm zone”
If staff must be on site during outages.
❄️ 23. Test smoke and CO detectors
Especially if alternate heating may be used.
❄️ 24. Never use generators indoors
Or near doors, windows, or vents.
POWER OUTAGE & IT CONTINUITY
❄️ 25. Unplug sensitive electronics
Protect against power surges.
❄️ 26. Use surge protectors
For POS systems, servers, and office equipment.
❄️ 27. Keep one battery radio or weather alert system
Do not rely solely on internet or cell service.
❄️ 28. Limit refrigerator/freezer openings
Maintain safe temperatures as long as possible.
❄️ 29. Know your utility reporting process
Report outages directly to providers, not emergency services.
VEHICLES & OPERATIONS
❄️ 30. Avoid non-essential travel
Suspend deliveries or service calls once ice begins.
❄️ 31. Stock emergency kits in company vehicles
Blanket, water, snacks, phone charger, gloves.
❄️ 32. Park away from trees and power lines
Especially overnight.
❄️ 33. Assume travel disruptions
Communicate delays to customers and partners.
PROPERTY & LIABILITY PROTECTION
❄️ 34. Secure outdoor signage and furniture
Prevent damage from ice and wind.
❄️ 35. Salt or treat entryways early
Before ice accumulation.
❄️ 36. Photograph property and inventory
For insurance documentation before conditions worsen.
❄️ 37. Review insurance contacts and claim procedures
Have policy numbers and contacts accessible offline.
DURING THE STORM
❄️ 38. Close if conditions are unsafe
Safety and liability come first.
❄️ 39. Treat all downed lines as live
Keep staff and customers away.
❄️ 40. Limit on-site staffing
Only essential personnel if absolutely required.
❄️ 41. Monitor building systems
Watch for leaks, temperature drops, or alarms.
AFTER THE STORM
❄️ 42. Inspect pipes and ceilings for leaks
As temperatures rise.
❄️ 43. Check refrigeration temperatures
Discard unsafe food or product.
❄️ 44. Inspect walkways and entrances
Address refreeze hazards before reopening.
❄️ 45. Document damage immediately
Photos, videos, notes for insurance.
❄️ 46. Communicate reopening plans clearly
Set expectations with staff and customers.
KEY REALITY FOR ICE EVENTS
❄️ A ¼ inch of ice can cause scattered outages and unsafe travel.
❄️ ½ inch or more can shut down operations for several days.
❄️ Ice events often cause longer power restoration times than snow.
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