Be Prepared, Be Safe, Be Proactive: Cold Weather Tips from the ELM Snow Pros

Posted by Eastern Land Management on

We New Englanders love the beauty of winter. But from Snowmageddon to SNOMG, there’s little to love when hazardous conditions, sub-freezing temps, and personal and property health and safety are at risk.

Our snow pros offer the following guidelines for commercial building tenants, patrons and employees to minimize risk and injury:

  • Snow/ice programs treat parking lots and pathways to improve vehicle and pedestrian safety. Be aware that snow and ice will likely exist in parking lots even when sidewalks have been cleared and deiced.
  • During sub-freezing weather, thawing and refreezing can occur following snow and ice clearing. Assume ice exists and take caution if temps fall below freezing.
  • Don’t assume that what appears to be cleared is slip-free. Black ice can form after snow is cleared and may even be hard to see, making it even more dangerous. Wear appropriate footwear with heavy treads for increased traction. 
  • Be aware of changes in walking surfaces. Many falls are caused when transitioning from non-slippery surfaces to slippery ones. 
  • Step down and not out when getting out of vehicles. Swing both legs out. Place both feet on the ground and use hands for support.
  • Focus on your footing. Watch where you walk. Concentrate on getting from point A to point B safely.
  • Free up your hands. Use a carrying case with a shoulder or cross-body strap for laptops and files.
  • Avoid carrying heavy loads that may compromise your balance.
  • Don’t use your cell phone or otherwise multi-task while walking to or from parking lots or when using stairs.
  • Use handrails on stairways and don’t rush.
  • Walk using short, slow steps.
  • Step down off curbs, not out. Landing on your heel first instead of flat-footed can cause a fall.
  • Use authorized paths. If it’s not cleared of snow, don’t use it. No shortcuts.
  • Report unsafe conditions to a supervisor, maintenance manager, or snow professional immediately.

ELM is a long-standing member of SIMA (Snow & Ice Management Association) and ASCA (Accredited Snow Contractors of America), and actively participates in training and credential programs to advance its professionalism, reliability and expertise in snow, ice and winter management.  

ELM’s founder and CEO Bruce Moore Sr. received the Snow Magazine Leadership Award in 2018 for leading the company’s reputation for continued excellence in winter management.

To learn more about winter services for your commercial property, contact Bruce Moore Jr. at 203-316-5433.