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Over the weekend, winter storms were responsible for a number of deaths, and the weather forecast predicts more of the same storm conditions for the near future in various parts of the country. Accidents, sickness, and power outages are only some of the issues for which you have to be prepared when the weather turns wintry. The articles below can be helpful to you as you make preparations to keep your organization and your employees safe through the next several months.

NOAA Still Sees Above-Average Temperatures for Most of the U.S. and Below Normal Precipitation across the South (Item #1) Many winter deaths are related directly or indirectly to winter storms. (Item #2) Here's how to reduce the prevalence of "slip-and-fall" accidents this winter. (Item #3)

If winter weather keeps employees out of the office, telework could be the answer to maintaining productivity. (Item #4) Maintaining constant thermal conditions in the office is important... even minor deviation from comfort may be stressful and affect performance and safety. (Item #5) Because of its immediate payback in energy savings, energy efficiency is the most cost-effective step a business can take towards a greener building. (Item #6)

As always, we look forward to hearing about your concerns with regards to business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like to see covered, please email me at bmellinger@attainium.net

Best Regards,

Bob Mellinger
President
Attainium Corp

Quote of the Week

"Every mile is two in winter"
- George Hurbert -

Articles

1. NOAA Issues Final U.S. Winter Outlook for the 2007-08 Season
In the final forecast update to the U.S. winter outlook, NOAA Climate Prediction Center forecasters remain confident in predicting above average temperatures for much of the country - including southern sections of the Northeast - and below normal precipitation for the southern tier of the nation. Above average precipitation is still anticipated for the Pacific Northwest, and in the Great Lakes and Tennessee Valley.
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2007/20071115_winteroutlook.html

2. Winter Storms: The Deceptive Killers
The U.S. Department of Commerce (National Weather Service) and the Red Cross offer a helpful booklet with information on winter storm dangers and preparations.
http://www.weather.gov/om/brochures/winterstorm.pdf

3. Winter Safety Advice that's Worth Its Salt
Business owners can help to reduce winter injuries by making sure that their driveways, walkways and parking lots are clear of ice and snow. During a snowstorm, shovel often to avoid letting snow pile up. In areas where you don't have control of snow and ice, use appropriate footwear.
http://www.memic.com/news/PressRelease.asp?ID=34

4. Don't let a winter storm disrupt your work-Let telework make your day
When an emergency keeps your employees from their offices, minimize business disruption and maintain services by having in place a business strategy that lets them telework from home. More organizations have already discovered the bottom-line saving capabilities of this concept during all types of emergencies -- snow and ice storms, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, bomb threats, cyber attacks, political unrest, explosions, fires, power outages, transportation strikes and other labour disputes.
http://www.ivc.ca/emergencies/teleworkguys/teleworkguys.htm

5. Thermal Comfort for Office Work
To have "thermal comfort" means that a person wearing a normal amount of clothing feels neither too cold nor too warm. Thermal comfort is important both for one's well-being and for productivity. It can be achieved only when the air temperature, humidity and air movement are within the specified range often referred to as the "comfort zone".
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/thermal_comfort.html

6. Businesses Can Save Energy this Winter with Help from EPA and ENERGY STAR
Energy efficiency plays an important role in reducing emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change. Improving the energy efficiency of buildings and industrial facilities as winter approaches will not only save on utility bills, it will also prevent carbon dioxide emissions and improve the reliability of the nation's energy supply.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=business.bus_winter