As the unmistakable sight and sound of Christmas fills the air, there’s no mistaking that the holiday period is around the corner, and this means there’s a rush coming for businesses. The retail sector was, of course, born ready for this rush, but they’re not the only part of the business world that needs to step up preparations as the nights get longer and the customers more numerous.
As much as winter is about Christmas prep for so many of us, there’s more to bear in mind at this time of year. While we’re all distracted by tinsel and reindeer, it’s all too easy to forget that being prepared for Christmas is one thing – but being prepared for winter is another entirely. As well as being the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be the most disruptive so, whatever your business may be, make sure you’re ready for the three following seasonal challenges:
#1. Are you prepared for a power outage?
Adverse winter weather conditions can threaten the power supply the local power grid. This is not something that any business wants to happen, particularly in a period where days are colder and darker anyway. You can do your business a lot of favors by having alternative arrangements on hand such as a generator. The likes of Fuel Box usually have red diesel available so you can count on a reliable alternative to grid power; and who knows, it could attract extra business if you’re the only place able to keep running amid the chaos.
#2. Is your water supply secure?
Although you may doubt whether your business relies on water, just pause for a moment to think how you would go through any day, at home or at work, without a running water supply. Now multiply that by however many employees you have, and you can see there is a recipe for disaster. Always make sure that your pipes are working fine without leaks, and then ensure that they are insulated – because a frozen pipe can burst and cause untold problems, particularly if this takes place while the premises are closed over the holidays.
#3. Can employees get to work?
Of course, your premises may survive a severe weather snap intact, but this doesn’t always mean you’ll be able to open up and get to work as planned. It’s always more difficult to navigate the roads and sidewalks when there is snow or ice to deal with, and it’s a good idea in business to have an extreme weather contingency plan. Maybe some members of staff can work from home? If your business is a retail one, then in the event of people being unable to make their scheduled shift can you call up workers who live closer and can make it safely? Either way, make sure that you have plans in place to ensure you can deal with extreme weather.
There’s a lot to love about winter, but if you’re a business owner, you’ll know all too well about the less pleasant aspects of the season. That’s why it’s important to remember that planning ahead can solve a lot of problems.
