At this writing, the Midwest is in the midst one of the most brutal winters on record, and consequently safety is of the upmost concern. As a property manager or building owner, failing to take action against the frigid cold, bitter winds, constant snowfall, and lurking ice puts individuals and property at risk. Proactive arrangements can be taken however, to reduce risk and increase peace of mind.

The fourth coldest and sixth snowiest winter* in our history demands escalated vigilance in fighting to keep businesses and residences safely accessible. It’s important to consider who’s tending to your parking lots, access roads, loading bays, sidewalks, and doorways. Little Timmy and his neighborhood buddies might do a nice job shoveling your driveway for 20 bucks, but when it comes to making sure your employees and tenants can go about their day without the risk of injury to life and limb, you go to the pros.

Thinking about snow in the sultry days of summer could seem counter-intuitive, but choosing the right vendor before the season starts can make worlds of difference once the snow begins to fall. You should feel confident that your provider is taking care of your needs so that you can focus on your own daily responsibilities. Discuss with suitors the extent of their capabilities beyond simply removing the snow with plows and shovels. Do they have access to heavy machinery required for site specific challenges? What types of chemical are available for ice prevention? When temperatures drop below the effective range of ordinary rock salt, as we’ve seen recently, some companies provide alternative deicing options for their clients.

There are a multitude of service options available from the best in the business, so it’s important to choose a contract that reflects one’s best interests in preventing incidents and headaches. Additionally, ease of communication cannot be underestimated. When there’s an issue during the wee hours of an early morning snowstorm, it’s more than a luxury to be able to reach a live person and know that a resolution is imminent.

Promoting caution in dangerous conditions can go a long way towards staying out of harm’s way in the winter months. Posted signage concerning slippery conditions can serve as a helpful reminders for those leaving the safety of the indoors. It’s also not unreasonable to request that salt bins be placed near doorways to allow for reapplication at a moment’s notice. An alarming amount of slip and falls occur within feet of facility entrances, so special attention should be given to such areas.

Louis Pasteur said, “Chance favors the prepared mind.” While humanity has no say as to what Mother Nature will dish out, we can choose to be ready for it. A bit of research and thoughtful planning goes a long way towards stress prevention in the future; and ultimately, when it comes to protecting the personal safety of individuals, there is no excuse for a lack of due diligence.

* YTD statistics as of February 14, 2014.

For more information, you may visit Tovar’s website at www.tovarsnow.com, or contact member representative Eric Hartmann at (630) 549-3032 or ehartmann@tovarssnow.com.