7 Key Fall and Winter Preparation Tips For Facility Managers
Fall isn't here yet, but it's coming. Considering all of the things that cold weather preparation can involve -- on top of regular facility maintenance tasks -- it's important for facility managers to get ahead wherever they can. If you've already gone through these winter preparedness measures, here are seven best tips to make sure your facility is ready before fall and winter hit:
1. Get ready for winter heating challenges.
With a new strain of the novel coronavirus making the rounds, many areas are mandating that masks be worn indoors again. That means that facility managers are once again going to have to walk the thin line between heating their buildings, and ensuring that they get enough ventilation to reduce the risk of spreading respiratory illnesses. It's also time to perform all of the necessary maintenance for heating and cooling units. Check filters -- if you've switched to less efficient filters for energy savings, it might be time to replace them with higher efficiency filters that are better at catching viral particles. Make sure ducts are clean and free of dust. If your facility has UV sanitizing units, ensure that they're working properly and replace any bulbs as needed.
2. Secure entryways.
While winter weather means wet and slippery entryways, the novel coronavirus adds new challenges to securing entry points. Now is a good time to make sure that entries are equipped with sanitation stations with hand sanitizer and disposable masks. Even if COVID-19 isn't a major concern in your area, these are also effective at preventing the spread of colds and the flu. If you think the novel coronavirus will be an issue, it might be time to revisit strategies for screening visitors for signs of illness.
3. Check your exterior lighting.
During winter, it's not at all uncommon for people to arrive for work before the sun's up, and leave when it's already gone down. That means that your exterior lighting becomes more important than ever. It can help your visitors and employees feel safer and more comfortable, reduce your facility's appeal to thieves, and help prevent slips and falls by increasing visibility. If any of your exterior lights have broken bulbs, replace them. If you identify any areas that are unlit, schedule a visit from an electrician to install adequate lighting.
4. Inspect and seal basements.
Even if your downspouts do a good job of directing rain and snowmelt away from your building's foundation, moisture can still find a way in. Look for any cracks in the walls of your basement or gaps around windows or vents. If your building has a sump pump, make sure it's rated for the amount of water it needs to remove. If it isn't, it may run continuously, waste energy, and still allow water to enter the basement. Consider running a dehumidifier to help evaporate minor leaks and remove the humidity after heavy rains.
5. Seal cracks in paved areas.
Cold weather is a surefire way to worsen or create cracks in the pavement. As rain falls or snow melts, water infiltrates these gaps. When it freezes, the ice expands and forces them farther apart, expanding existing cracks and creating new ones in an endless cycle. To save the hassle and expense of having to fix serious problems in the future, seal over cracks now, before they have the chance to worsen.
6. Check your facility's insulation.
Insulation isn't something that often needs attention, so it's good to give it a once-over every so often. Make sure it's thick enough, evenly distributed, and doesn't block the soffit vents around the attic's perimeter. It can be attractive nesting material for mice and rats, so make sure there aren't signs of pests, like droppings, holes, or caches of food. Since heat rises, an inadequately insulated ceiling can cause a dramatic increase in power bills through heat loss. Many attics also have fire control lines running through them, which can freeze, break, and become useless during an emergency. Make sure these lines have adequate insulation, too.
7. Check for signs of termites.
This applies primarily to facilities in wet regions that experience mild winters. These bugs need moisture to live, so if your building is in an area that has rainy winters, it might accidentally become a termite buffet. Make sure to keep any kind of wood as far from your building as is feasible. Don't place mulch directly adjacent to your foundation. If your building has any wooden elements that contact the ground, like steps, consider replacing them with metal or concrete. When cold weather hits, you don't want to be caught unaware. Fit these tasks into your regular maintenance schedule now, and you'll be fully prepared before autumn rains and winter snow show up.
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