While maintaining a property during the winter, it is extremely important to keep sidewalks and common areas free from ice and snow.
Each year, a community association should review their plan for winter weather emergencies. This should include a breakdown of who will be in charge of what during a weather emergency. If the association has employees, their plan should include guidelines for late openings or early closures. Attention should also be focused on how communication about such events will be passed on to employees, board members, tenants and any necessary emergency organizations.
Physical preparation is also important. Check the integrity of all shovels, plows, ice scrapers, salt spreaders, etc. before the season begins. This will provide extra time to replace or repair any faulty equipment before it is needed.
The association should determine a spot to gather shoveled or plowed snow. This should not be near any main entries, sidewalks, fire hydrants or sprinkler control valves. Mark all fire hydrants and fire department connections so the plow doesn't cover them up. It is also important to note where the snow pile will melt. Ensure the pile will not melt or freeze in the middle of a busy parking lot, roadway or sidewalk.
There are many techniques that can be used to limit the amount of ice that forms on a property during a winter storm. From salt to pre-wetting, it is important for community associations to choose what is most effective for their particular needs. To read more about these options, click here.
