Property managers can prepare for the first snowstorm by securing a snow and ice management contract, inspecting exterior areas, winterizing building systems, and communicating the plan to tenants. Completing these tasks early helps keep the property accessible, reduces safety concerns, and prevents avoidable damage when winter weather arrives.
- Finalize Your Snow and Ice Management Plan
A snowstorm can create problems quickly when the service expectations are unclear. Before snow appears in the forecast, confirm who will clear each area, when service begins, and how the property will be monitored during changing conditions. Your snow and ice management plan should define:
- The snowfall depth that triggers plowing
- Priority entrances, sidewalks, loading areas, and fire lanes
- Expected response times for each part of the property
- De-icing and anti-icing responsibilities
- Procedures for overnight or extended storms
- Who receives service updates and documentation
- Identify Snow Storage Areas Before the Storm
Plowed snow needs a designated place that will not disrupt daily operations. Select snow-stacking areas before winter so crews do not block parking spaces, loading zones, drainage points, signs, or important sightlines.
Leave enough room for additional accumulation later in the season. Property managers should also discuss snow relocation or hauling in advance, especially at busy commercial properties where available storage space may disappear after several storms.
- Inspect Walkways, Parking Lots, and Exterior Areas
Small exterior problems become more difficult to manage once they are hidden beneath snow or ice. Walk the property before winter and note any conditions that could affect pedestrians, vehicles, or snow removal equipment. Check the property for:
- Cracked or uneven sidewalks
- Potholes and damaged pavement
- Loose curbs or parking stops
- Low branches that could break under heavy snow
- Poorly lit entrances and walkways
- Blocked drains and catch basins
- Faded markings around fire lanes and loading zones
- Prepare Building Systems for Freezing Temperatures
Snow removal is only one part of preparing a commercial property for winter. Heating, plumbing, roofing, and safety systems should also be checked before temperatures fall far below freezing.
Schedule an HVAC inspection, insulate exposed pipes, disconnect outdoor hoses, and confirm that exterior water supplies are shut off correctly. Clear debris from gutters and roof drainage areas, keep furnace exhaust vents accessible, and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout shared spaces.
- Stock Essential Winter Supplies
Even with a professional crew handling exterior snow and ice, the management team should keep basic supplies available for immediate needs. Ordering them early helps prevent shortages when the first major storm enters the forecast.
Useful supplies may include:
- Ice melt appropriate for the property’s surfaces
- Sand or another traction material
- Snow shovels and pushers
- Wet-floor signs and entrance mats
- Reflective markers for curbs and fire hydrants
- Flashlights, batteries, and basic emergency supplies
- Keep Tenants and Staff Informed
A clear message before the storm can prevent confusion once snow begins falling. Tell tenants, employees, and vendors when clearing will occur, where vehicles should be moved, and how they can report a hazardous area.
Clarify who is responsible for private entrances, balconies, or other spaces that may not be included in common-area service. Provide an emergency contact for heating failures, frozen pipes, leaks, or urgent access concerns, and share updates if storm timing changes.
- Document the Property Before and After Each Storm
Photos and service records give property managers a clearer view of what work was completed and when it occurred. Before winter begins, photograph pavement conditions, snow-stacking areas, curbs, drains, and other features that may become covered.
After each storm, retain plowing times, de-icing records, weather notes, route logs, and photographs. Organized documentation can help answer tenant questions, track recurring problem areas, and maintain a useful record if an incident occurs.
Dependable Commercial Snow and Ice Service for Twin Cities Properties
North Ridge Outdoor Services provides commercial snow and ice management for properties throughout the Twin Cities metro. We conduct a pre-season site audit to map parking areas, sidewalks, entrances, salt zones, and snow-stacking locations before winter begins.
Our contracts can include 2-, 4-, or 6-hour response windows, 24/7 weather monitoring, plowing, sidewalk clearing, de-icing, anti-icing, GPS-tracked service logs, timestamped photo reports, and snow relocation planning. A dedicated in-house crew and named contact help property managers stay informed before, during, and after each storm.
Prepare Your Property Before the First Snowfall
Do not wait for the first winter weather alert to begin planning. Contact us today to schedule a free site audit and establish a clear snow and ice management plan for your commercial property. We will help identify priority areas, choose an appropriate response window, and prepare for snow storage or relocation. Put the right plan in place now so your property is ready when the first storm arrives.