Winter’s worst precipitation often peaks in January and February in the northeastern United States. New England especially gets walloped during these two blustery months with blizzards, snow squalls and ice storms.
Most hardy New Englanders are accustomed to these types of weather conditions. Likewise, property managers need to be on high alert for snow and ice removal to keep driveways and walkways safe for renters and visitors alike.
Why Professional Snow Removal is Needed
The data speaks for itself: January and February are the snowiest months on the Eastern Seaboard (Boston averages over 14 inches in each!). This isn’t just a minor inconvenience for renters; it’s a significant liability for property owners and managers. Early preparation for winter precipitation is key to keeping your properties safe and mitigating risks like slips and falls. Don’t wait until the first flake falls; your tenants are depending on you.
Snow removal is a critical component of the property management tasks for several reasons, including:
- Ensuring safe walking and driving conditions for pedestrians and vehicles
- Preventing slip-and-fall accidents for renters and guests
- Complying with local snow removal regulations
- Protecting your property from snow and ice damage, including hardscape damage on walkways, driveways and stairs
Preplanning for Snow Removal & De-Icing
Plowing, shoveling and distributing de-icing materials over key walking areas is a critical part of a property manager’s responsibility during the winter months. Planning for snow and ice events is essential to stay on top of the weather and respond in real time as snow starts to fall.
Secure Contracts for Snow Removal
Each autumn, property managers should review and schedule the third-party vendors responsible for plowing and clearing the property. If this task is an in-house project, ensure your equipment is in good working order and that supplemental employees are hired if the job requires them.
Remind Renters About Car Adjustments During Plowing
A snow management plan should also be a part of fall planning for property managers or landlords. This includes not only signing contracts with plow drivers and shovelers for the upcoming snowy season, but also effectively communicating with the community about their responsibilities. These include clearing cars from the parking lot when the time comes to plow. Notifications via email and text message should be sent promptly when bad weather is in the forecast, reminding them of the required car movement for snow removal.
Purchase Needed Materials & Equipment
Purchasing ice melt, or your chosen de-icer, should also be a top priority before winter sets in in earnest. Avoid the rush on ice melt when the weather takes a turn for the worse by purchasing in advance, and when possible, in bulk to get the best prices.
Key Takeaways
By prioritizing a comprehensive, proactive snow management strategy, property managers can effectively address the challenges posed by peak winter weather in the Northeast. This preparation is essential not only for ensuring the safety of tenants and guests but also for mitigating the significant financial and legal liability from slips and falls.
A solid plan involves securing vendor contracts, preparing in-house equipment, communicating tenant responsibilities, and purchasing de-icing materials in advance. Taking these critical steps before the first snowfall guarantees a compliant, safe, and smoothly managed property throughout the blustery winter months. Contact Thayer & Associates for your property management needs, whether it is snow removal or a comprehensive list of tasks for your property.