Is Your Facility Ready for Winter?

As we bring in our Jack-o’-Lanterns and start thinking about replacing our cobwebs with garland, we accept that the frigid days of winter are getting closer and closer. With the snow and cheer that usually accompany the season also comes salt damage and slick floors. There are many things to consider to keep our buildings safe and ready for those who enter. Don’t worry, Nichols is here to help you stay on top of your preparation in time for the first snowfall! Before we start stringing the lights, let’s think, is your facility ready for winter?

Don’t let the buzz around Spring Cleaning hold you off from tackling dirt and grime. Sanitize, scrub, sweep – start your season off right with a deep clean! Going into winter with a clean slate, literally, will make upkeep and regular cleaning easy to maintain. When it starts to warm up again and it’s time for the regularly scheduled Spring Cleaning, you’ll be thankful you got a head start months ago.

Stay on top of your maintenance and make sure things working accordingly are crucial in the colder months. Do your air filters need changed, do your batteries need to be replaced or charged, are there any lightbulbs that have gone out? Making a simple checklist is a great way to ensure you’re remembering the little things before they turn into big problems.

Salt, though beneficial when raging against the icy ground, can be a real killer to your floors. Don’t put off maintaining your floors until it’s too late, keep up with your floors throughout the winter months to prolong the shine and protection. Routinely cleaning off ice melt and keeping entryways clear will help significantly in the lifespan of your floor. In high traffic areas such as entrances or main hallways, protecting your floors with the proper mats is an option to consider as well. Not only will this keep salt from settling onto your floors, but it will also protect those entering your facility from slipping on wet, slick surfaces.

Consider the people who are entering your facility most; faculty, customers, students, patients – do your part to keep them safe! Masks help prevent the airborne spreading of germs, especially during cold and flu season; providing masks, gloves, and other PPE options to those in your building give a sense of safety to those who want additional protection. Keeping hand sanitizer present in individual bottles or mounted dispensers is an easy way to encourage frequent and proper hand hygiene.

Keeping these tips in mind is a simple way to make sure not only your facility, but those who enter, are as prepared for winter as possible!