We prepare for hurricanes in Florida for several months of the year. While we see snow or ice less frequently, it’s still necessary to have a plan in place for winter weather. Self-storage operators and managers can save money, avoid hassles, and protect the facility’s reputation by preparing before the season arrives. Customers expect to have access to their storage units, whether or not there have been icy or snowy conditions. It can be awful for business if tenants can’t access the premises, open frozen shut doors, or if frozen pipes cause damage. Keeping self-storage facilities accessible is necessary year-round. The following tips can help ensure you’re ready for whatever the cold season brings.
- Inspect
- Repair
- Insulate
- Plan
Inspect
Conduct a thorough inspection of the property to determine what repairs are needed and what weak spots may cause an issue during a winter freeze or storm. Check the roof, gutters, doors, windows, concrete, and exterior fencing. Inspect the video surveillance system to ensure functionality daily. Knowing the condition of your property in advance of a winter storm that might bring freezing temperatures and precipitation will provide information to help you make repairs, insulate as needed, and plan for the worst case.
Repair
While inspecting your property, you may have noticed that the gutters need cleaning, there’s a low spot in the sidewalk that holds water, and the seal on several unit doors is failing. These types of problems are small but can create bigger issues down the road. Fix whatever issues were noted on the inspection. With low-lying spots on concrete, it will be important to prep the ground with salt or sand before it sleets or snows. This will keep any rain from freezing where tenants might be walking. Whatever repairs are needed, make those before the bad weather hits.
Insulate
Cover and insulate every exposed pipe or water spout. In a pinch, a split pool noodle is an excellent insulator for exposed pipe. Water spouts should be securely covered and checked daily to ensure the cover has not come off. A burst pipe or water spout is a nuisance to deal with in the midst of cold weather.
Plan
Plan for the worst. Depending on a property’s location, that will mean different things. In beautiful, sunny Florida, the worst may be some cold temperatures and freezing rain that doesn’t last. In a location like Kansas or Pennsylvania, it’s good to have a plan for shoveling snow and dealing with ice for several days. If your business is in an area prone to snow and ice, hire expert snow removal services and provide the contractor with a site map of your property. This will help avoid costly mistakes when they arrive to provide snow removal services.
It’s also necessary to keep caution signs on your property and place them in wet or slippery areas. Other winter supplies may be helpful as well. The goal is to avoid any accidents on the property. Winter is the season when the most expensive slip-and-fall accidents occur. These items are necessary for any well-prepared self-storage facility:
- Ice Melt – there are many options available including some that are pet-friendly
- Caution signs – use in areas that are known to be slippery or where customers will walk frequently
- Snow shovels – to use as needed and in between visits from the snow plow contractors
- Floor mats for all entrances – tracking wet into the lobby makes for a slippery surface
- Mop and bucket – as needed for wet shoes to clean up puddles inside
Location matters a great deal when it comes to severe winter weather. Every business should have a plan in place and supplies on hand before a winter storm. Even if it seems unlikely, it is unwise to be unprepared.
At Coastal Storage, you will find experts on self-storage investment. We also work to equip our investors with knowledge to help them successfully manage their businesses. Call us today at 904-591-0140 to find your next self-storage investment.