Snow and ice don’t just cover your property — they create hazards across every surface people use to access your business. A parking lot buried in snow is a problem, but icy sidewalks can be just as dangerous, exposing you to liability, compliance issues, and tenant complaints.
For facility managers, a winter weather action plan is essential. It ensures parking areas remain usable, sidewalks stay safe for pedestrians, and your property projects professionalism even during severe storms. But a strong plan involves much more than simply calling a plow after the snow starts. It requires preparation, coordination, and proactive steps for every part of your property.
Pre-Treatment Before the Storm: Proactive Snow and Ice Management
Effective snow and ice management starts before flakes hit the ground. Pre-treating lots and sidewalks with de-icing materials reduces the bond between ice and pavement, making plowing and shoveling faster and safer.
Properties that skip this step often deal with stubborn patches of ice, higher labor costs, and greater liability risks. Pre-treatment is one of the simplest ways to reduce slip-and-fall incidents on sidewalks and to keep parking areas accessible from the start of a storm.
Reliable Commercial Snow Plowing and Sidewalk Clearing
Plowing the lot is only part of the equation. Sidewalks, stairs, and entryways must be cleared consistently and thoroughly to prevent accidents. A complete plan specifies:
- When plows and shoveling crews will arrive
- How much accumulation triggers service
- Where snow will be piled so it doesn’t block walkways, drainage areas, or sightlines
A lot that looks clean but sidewalks that remain icy still put your property at risk. The plan should cover every surface people walk and drive on.
Salting and De-Icing for Lasting Safety
Snow removal alone isn’t enough. After plowing and shoveling, surfaces need salting or other de-icing treatments to prevent re-freezing. Sidewalks, in particular, require extra attention because pedestrian areas are high-risk zones for slips and falls.
Another factor is supply. Salt shortages are common during harsh winters. If your plan doesn’t address sourcing and storage, you may run out of material when you need it most. Partnering with a company that manages its own supply ensures consistent coverage for both lots and sidewalks all season long.
Signage and Traffic Flow for Winter Property Maintenance
Snow piles, narrowed lanes, and icy walkways can change how people move around your property. A complete action plan should include signage and temporary adjustments to direct both vehicle and pedestrian traffic safely.
Marking cleared walkways, placing cones near icy patches, or redirecting vehicles around snow piles all reduce confusion and prevent accidents. Even small details like these reassure tenants and customers that their safety is your priority.
Communication Protocols That Keep Everyone Informed
During winter storms, silence is costly. If you don’t know when crews will arrive or what work has been completed, you can’t answer questions from tenants, executives, or customers. Your plan should clearly define:
- Who your point of contact is
- How service updates will be delivered
- What kind of documentation you’ll receive
With the right communication system, you stay in control, avoid guesswork, and can confidently report on the status of both lots and sidewalks.
Why Partnering With a Commercial Snow Removal Company Matters
Creating and executing a winter weather action plan that covers both parking lots and sidewalks safety requires resources most facility managers don’t have in-house. It takes 24/7 weather monitoring, dependable crews, reliable equipment, and access to large quantities of de-icing materials.
That’s why partnering with experts is critical. A professional snow and ice management company doesn’t just clear surfaces — they anticipate storms, prepare materials, and execute a plan that keeps your property fully operational and safe.
Earth Development specializes in building customized winter weather action plans for commercial properties. Our crews handle everything from pre-treatment and plowing to sidewalk clearing, salting, signage, and communication. With proactive strategies, we keep every surface of your property safe, accessible, and compliant.
Get Ahead of the First Storm
The time to plan isn’t after the snow arrives — it’s now. By creating a winter weather action plan before the first storm, you prevent costly emergencies, reduce liability, and reassure everyone who sets foot on your property that their safety comes first.
Earth Development can design and execute a customized action plan for your parking lots and sidewalks. Contact us today to prepare before the first snowfall.