Protect your New Paltz business from the harsh Ulster County Winters!

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

Make a solid plan every year to do all you can to keep your Ulster county commercial property, and it's tenants, safe in the winter months!

Even though there are some great weather forecasters out there, it can still be a hit or miss, especially in the winter months in Ulster County. We do know that living in Kingston, Saugerties, Kerhonkson, New Paltz, Highland or Woodstock has taught us to never underestimate the power of Mother Nature (ahem- Icemageddon on 2/4/22). Protecting your business or commercial property in the winter months is just as important as the winter preparations you do for your home.

Here are some of our best tips to help prepare your business for winter and the future, as well as to help give you some piece of mind:

-Check the external areas of the building or common areas for downed tree limbs and branches. Be especially mindful should you come across any stray roof shingles on the ground or anything else from the building that isn't right.

-Inspect the walkways and parking lots of your property for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazards, icing problems, trip/fall hazards, potholes and cracks and repairs needed to keep those areas free and clear (this is a good idea all year long). If needed, keep a bucket of rock salt located nearby. Repair dangerous areas immediately to avoid injuries. 

-If you have a parking lot at your building, keep it free and clear of snow and ice, keep lots of salt handy and use it often. If you have a snow removal company, have them inspect and attend to any areas on a very regular basis. Parking lots are known to be prone to icing and frozen run off areas, keep the liability away!

-Check all handrails, stairwells and entry ways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present. Large orange cones can also be helpful in areas that need to be avoided for the time being. Water absorbing floor mats are especially helpful in doorways and entrances where ice, snow and water can collect.

-have the roof inspected yearly for any problems that could lead to leaks and have the gutters cleaned bi-annually.

-Eliminate any drafts with caulking or weather stripping, as gaps around windows and doors run up heating bills.

-Keep vacant areas heated on a low setting, 55 degrees is ideal and will help prevent pipes from freezing. Burst pipes have costly repercussions and can cause significant structural issues and potential mold growth. Flooding from burst pipes can affect other businesses in the building and cause them to stop operations until the remediation is complete, no business owner wants that.

-Don’t forget about outdoor watering systems, these need to be winterized properly as well. They could lead to frozen pipes as well at the building level.

-Consider hiring a facilities manager or property management company to help keep an eye on things for you, especially if you aren’t able to be at the property often or live out of state. They're a great way to have problems taken care of quickly in your absence.

The best way to reduce business interruption following a disaster is to plan for it NOW. Ask SERVPRO of Kingston/New Paltz about starting an Emergency Ready Profile for your business. It’s FREE and a great resource to have at your fingertips in case of a disaster.

If your commercial property suffers any kind of fire, water, sewage, storm or mold damage, we’re here to help 24/7. We’ll get you back to business quickly, "Like it never even happened." (845)255-4334.