I only ever use the word "hunker" during this time of year. In other parts of the world, hunker is used to describe the process of readying oneself for hurricanes and tornadoes but here in Prince George there is something even more terrifying to prepare for: Winter.
As the first snowflakes fall and we hunker down for the next 6 months of deep freeze, businesses should also prepare responsibly for winter. This starts with a high level 'snow strategy' rolled out at your next team meeting in order to share the extra work necessary to create a safe environment for both staff and customers.
The work begins outside, starting with the parking lot which will need to be cleared and sanded after significant snowfall. Fortunately, Prince George has a number of reliable and professional snow removal companies to choose from. The sidewalks surrounding a business and all entry points must also be cleared after snowfall. It is a common misconception that because the City of Prince George has equipment to remove snow from sidewalks, it is their responsibility to do so. This is not true. According to the City's Bylaw on the Standard for the Maintenance of Property (BYLAW NO. 8425, 2012) it states in section 8.2 that "Every Owner or Occupier shall remove all accumulations of snow and ice from all footpaths and sidewalks on and adjoining the Land of that Owner or Occupier within 4 days of the snow or ice accumulating." Not only is this common courtesy but it is a safety issue as well. Customers and staff cannot safely enter a business if the walkways are not clear and kept de-iced. Steps and stairways are particularly tricky and should have special attention paid to snow removal. Another precaution is to carefully inspect the hand railings as well. Ensuring that all external railings are sturdy and undamaged is important during the winter as an unexpected fall can be mitigated by grabbing hold of the handrail. Likewise, it is important to install or replace burnt out overhead lighting which is invaluable during dark winter months.
Inside the building, it is best to locate heavy duty mats near the entrance ways and areas where customers may be standing for periods of time. It only takes a few moments for snow to melt off footwear and onto the floor, making flat surfaces unexpectedly slippery. I've even noticed in certain businesses, like at my Dentist's office, where disposable slippers are made available and clients are asked to remove their footwear at the door.
Some final reminders and suggestions on preparing businesses for winter include: having the HVAC systems maintained and the furnace inspected, preparing plugs in the parking lot for staff to hook their block heaters up to, and most importantly, stocking up on coffee/hot chocolate/ and apple cider supplies. If there's one thing that the business community of Prince George know all too well it is that even though the weather outside may be frightful, the show must go on! Until next week, stay in the black and keep coming back.
