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Winter storms can pose significant risks to multifamily properties, from power outages and burst pipes to damaged infrastructure. As a property manager or multifamily complex owner, preparing for these storms is essential to protect your property and residents. This winter storm preparedness checklist will guide you through the necessary steps to ensure safety, minimize damage, and have a plan in place before, during, and after a storm.
At CAMP Facility Services, we specialize in preventative maintenance and emergency response for multifamily and commercial buildings. We offer services such as roofing repairs, safety inspections, and more. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate winter storm preparation.
Plan Ahead: Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist
Planning ahead is the most critical step in storm preparedness. Before the storm hits, ensure that all emergency contacts, vital documents, and property areas are fully accounted for and secured.
- Complete an Emergency Contacts List: Ensure that all essential emergency contacts are up to date and easily accessible. This should include contacts for your property management team, emergency services, and CAMP Facility Services.
- Take Photos of Inventory Items: Document any valuable items or equipment within the building. This will be useful for insurance claims if damage occurs.
- Have Plans in Place to Access Critical Files : In case of power outages or evacuation, make sure critical files—such as resident information, insurance documents, and emergency protocols—are backed up and easily accessible remotely.
Gather Supplies for a Winter Storm
It’s essential to have the right supplies on hand for both your team and your residents in the event of an extended power outage or extreme conditions.
Stock up on the following items:
- Battery-powered Radio, Flashlights, and Extra Batteries: Ensure you have a reliable way to receive emergency updates and navigate the property safely if the power goes out.
- Generators, First Aid Kit, and Sandbags: A generator can help maintain critical functions like heating. Sandbags are essential for flood-prone areas, while a fully stocked first aid kit ensures you can handle minor injuries until help arrives.
- Extra Clothes, Blankets, Canned Food, and Bottled Water:
Having basic supplies will help keep everyone safe and comfortable during prolonged outages or if residents are unable to leave the property.
Stay Safe During the Storm
Once a winter storm hits, resident safety becomes the number one priority. Follow these key actions from your winter storm preparedness checklist to ensure everyone remains safe:
- Call 911 if Anyone Has Been Injured: Address any medical emergencies immediately, prioritizing life and safety over property concerns.
- Address Life and Safety Issues on a Priority Basis: Focus on making sure common areas are secure and any hazardous conditions—such as ice, fallen debris, or electrical issues—are quickly addressed.
- Carefully Check Damaged Apartments for Injured Residents: Inspect any damaged areas in the storm’s aftermath to ensure no residents are injured or trapped.
Protect Your Residents and Property
Protecting your property from the elements during a winter storm can prevent costly damages and keep your residents safe. As part of your winter storm preparedness checklist, consider the following:
- Inspect and Prepare Riser Rooms—Ensure Heat is Functioning:
Make sure riser rooms are warm to prevent pipes from freezing, which can cause significant damage. - Inspect and Prepare All Exposed Pipes and Exterior Spigots: Insulate exposed pipes and shut off exterior spigots to avoid freezing and bursting.
- Drain Irrigation Systems and Turn Off Water During Freeze: Make sure all irrigation systems are drained before freezing temperatures arrive to avoid costly repairs.
- Review Evacuation Routes and Be Aware of the Closest Shelter: Clear evacuation plans should be in place, and all residents should be informed of the nearest emergency shelters in case an evacuation becomes necessary.
- Open Property Gates and Disconnect Power to the Gate System:
In the event of a power outage, manually open property gates to ensure access for emergency personnel and safe evacuation.
Count on CAMP Facility Services for Emergency Response
CAMP Facility Services provides comprehensive emergency response and restoration services to help property managers through winter storms and their aftermath.
Our 24/7 emergency response team is ready to assist with:
- Emergency Power:
We provide backup power solutions to keep critical systems running.
Site Security and Cleanup - Site Security and Cleanup:
We can secure damaged areas, board up broken windows, and provide site cleanup after the storm. - Complete Roofing, Exterior, and Interior Restoration:
Whether it’s a roof repair, exterior damage, or water damage inside the building, our team will restore your property efficiently and professionally.
Be Prepared with a Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist
Having a winter storm preparedness checklist is crucial for ensuring the safety of your residents and the protection of your property. By planning ahead, gathering supplies, and relying on trusted services like CAMP Facility Services, you can confidently face winter storms. Don’t wait until the last minute—start preparing today to avoid costly repairs and ensure the well-being of your residents.
If you need emergency services, please call 888-596-2137. We are available 24/7/365.
