Winter Weather

Wintry weather brings with it many seasonal threats that can result in business interruption, from a flu outbreak that decimates your staff to flooding caused by frozen pipes that explode to an ice storm that knocks out your power. Don't be caught by surprise... if you haven't already done so, start now to make a plan to keep your business operating, despite the worst of winter weather. This week's articles can help you write or update a winter preparedness plan.

Don't let early snowstorms catch you by surprise - prepare now! (Item #1)   Advance preparation can help to mitigate winter weather impacts on your operations and business continuity. (Item #2)   Small businesses also have winter weather challenges. (Item #3)  

Plan now for inclement weather... not after the snow falls. (Item #4)   Here are some tips on how to minimize the effects of winter storms on your building. (Item #5)   Share this article from FEMA with your employees so they will be prepared at home. (Item #6)  

As always, we look forward to hearing your comments & insights regarding business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, email me at [email protected].

Bob Mellinger, President
Attainium Corp

1. Don't Let Severe Winter Weather Put Your Business in a Deep Freeze!

Before winter sets in with a vengeance, inspect your premises and conduct routine maintenance and repairs, which can help prevent costly damage and a lengthy shutdown. The following checklist from IBHS will help you identify your winter weather maintenance/repair priorities and includes links to articles that provide greater detail about specific tasks.
http://disastersafety.org/commercial_maintenance/don%E2%80%99t-let-severe-winter-weather-put-your-business-in-a-deep-freeze/

2. Winter Weather Precautions

Winter weather events mixed with a lack of preparation can lead to building damage, freeze-up, flood, and business interruption losses. Advance preparation can help to mitigate winter weather impacts on your operations and business continuity. The checklist that follows, though not all-inclusive, can be an effective part of your organization's loss control program. The issues highlighted herein should be addressed by appropriate personnel within your organization so that severe winter weather impacts may be more successfully alleviated.
http://usa.marsh.com/Portals/9/Documents/4420%20MA5110534
%20Winter%20Weather%20Precautions%20RB.pdf

3. Winter weather advice for small businesses

Winter weather is on its way, leaving many employers to deal with problems regarding pay and absence caused by ice, snow and now floods. Now is the perfect time to review your 'bad weather' and business continuity policies to make sure your business can cope if a crisis occurs.
http://www.fpb.org/hottips/509/Winter_weather_advice_for_small_businesses.htm

4. Business Continuity Planning for Inclement Weather

Don't wait until you're digging out from beneath several inches (or feet) of snow to revisit your firm's inclement weather business continuity plans. Even if your building is not forced to close during a storm, there are still a number of important challenges to consider. In this article, we will examine a few things to think about when preparing your firm for this scenario.
http://www.eci.com/blog/88-winter-is-in-full-swing-business-continuity-planning-for-inclement-weather-part-two.html

5. Is Your Business Prepared to Weather a Winter Storm?

Lack of preparation for winter weather can have significant consequences-including building damage, business closure, and reduced profitability. With some advance planning, you can minimize the effects of winter storms on your facility. The follow checklist of items will help you get started.
http://members.questline.com/Article.aspx?accountID=1&nl=10019&articleID=3428

6. Winter Storms & Extreme Cold

Remember that your employees may have to cope with the impact of weather as well. This information from FEMA discusses what to do before, during and after a storm. Share with your employees, so they will be as prepared at home as they are at work.
http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather