Quarterly 4th Q 2021

GETTING THE PROPERTY READY FOR THE WINTER
BY CAROL MIXON-KRENDL, OWNER OF SKILCHECK SERVICES, INC.
This topic really depends on which part of these beautiful United States that you live and
work in. Since I am from Tucson, Arizona, we have very little winter weather, but we do get a
sprinkling of snow on occasion. And, typically in July and August we experience our monsoon
season with heavy rain and lots of lightning. So, depending on the climate where you live
and work, it will make a huge difference in how you prepare your storage property for winter
weather and the holiday season.
• Watch and maintain roofs
• Add pipe insulation to protect your plumbing and
prevent frozen pipes
• Ensure that all smoke and carbon monoxide
detectors are in working order
Let’s start with assessing your store’s risks. There
are several hazards businesses need to watch out
for when it comes to cold weather.
Winter Weather Threats
Here are just a few potential winter hazards to consider as
you evaluate your specific risks:
• Slip and fall injuries, slippery sidewalks, hallways, and
office floors
• Unsafe driving conditions even on the property
• Road closures
• Hypothermia and frostbite (yes, there have been frozen
bodies found in storage spaces)
• Structural stress and damage
• Fire activity – customers using space heaters in the
storage unit
• Power outages
Make a plan for bad weather and identify your risks. It
is a good idea to sign up for winter storm warnings.
Decide specific triggers (e.g., Power outage, snowstorm,
etc.) and how you are going to operate the property in
as safe a manner as possible. Keep in mind that many
homeowners keep generators, snow blowers, etc. in their
storage space. They will want access to their space prior
to and sometimes during storms. Generally speaking,
some owners open the main gates and allow customers
to enter. Other owners may choose to close the property.
If you close the property, it would be nice and prudent to
notify the customers by email that the gates will be closed
during the storm.
Before storms hit, consider taking these
preventative and preparedness measures:
• Keep a variety of portable chargers and batteries to
charge cell phones, radios (my kids laughed at this
one), flashlights, etc.
• Winter Weather Advisories are the least severe
weather designation and suggest light wintery
precipitation is expected which could create slick
conditions and impact travel.
• A Winter Storm Watch is the National Weather
Service’s designation for storms anticipated to
produce heavier precipitation resulting in snow,
sleet, or ice.
10 | On The Move