A Major Winter Storm Is Coming — What Really Matters Beyond Milk, Bread, and Eggs

When a major winter storm is forecasted—bringing heavy snow, high winds, and freezing temperatures—most people rush to the grocery store. While stocking up on essentials is smart, from a building maintenance and property management perspective, there are far more critical items that often get overlooked.

For residential buildings, commercial properties, and managed facilities, preparation isn’t about comfort—it’s about preventing damage, avoiding emergencies, and keeping occupants safe. Here are five commonly overlooked building maintenance priorities that should be addressed before the storm arrives.

1. Clearing and Securing Roof Drains & Scuppers

Snow and ice don’t just accumulate—they melt, refreeze, and create blockages. Roof drains and scuppers that are already partially clogged with leaves or debris can quickly turn into a serious problem once snow begins to melt.

Blocked drainage can lead to:

• Ice dam formation
• Roof ponding
• Interior leaks and ceiling damage

Making sure roof drainage paths are clear before snowfall is one of the simplest ways to prevent costly water damage.

2. Checking Backup Power and Emergency Lighting

Power outages during winter storms are common—and dangerous. Emergency lighting, exit signs, and backup generators are often assumed to be “fine” until they’re suddenly needed.

Before the storm:

• Test generators and fuel levels
• Confirm emergency lighting is operational
• Verify battery backups are charging properly

When temperatures drop, failures escalate quickly. Preparation here protects both life safety and liability.

3. Protecting Exposed Pipes and Mechanical Rooms

Frozen pipes remain one of the most expensive and disruptive winter emergencies. Mechanical rooms, basements, crawl spaces, and exterior pipe runs are especially vulnerable during prolonged cold and wind exposure.

Overlooked risks include:

• Inadequate insulation around exposed piping
• Drafts near vents, louvers, and access doors
• Thermostats set too low in vacant areas

A burst pipe during a storm can mean flooding, shutdowns, and extensive repairs—often when emergency response is limited.

4. Pre-Treating Walkways and High-Traffic Areas

Waiting until snow accumulates is a mistake. Pre-treating walkways, entrances, loading zones, and ramps helps prevent ice bonding to surfaces, making snow removal faster and safer.

This step is often overlooked but critical for:

• Reducing slip-and-fall risks
• Maintaining access for emergency services
• Limiting refreeze conditions after plowing

Proactive treatment saves time, reduces salt usage, and lowers liability exposure.

5. Securing Loose Exterior Items Before Wind Hits

High winds combined with freezing temperatures can turn loose exterior items into hazards. Dumpsters, fencing, signage, outdoor furniture, and construction materials should be checked and secured ahead of time.

Ignoring this can lead to:

• Property damage
• Blocked emergency exits
• Injury risk from flying debris

A quick exterior walk-through before the storm can prevent avoidable incidents once winds intensify.

Final Thought: Preparation Is Prevention

Winter storms don’t just test patience—they test buildings. The most effective property management response happens before the first snowflake falls. Addressing these often-overlooked items can mean the difference between a manageable storm and a costly emergency.

At All Shore Management, we focus on proactive building maintenance to keep properties safe, operational, and protected—no matter what the weather brings.