How to Make a Commercial and Municipal Snow Removal Plan

As we move into the colder months, snow and ice pose an increased risk to asphalt and concrete surfaces. Wintry mixes left unattended and unplanned pose a serious safety hazard. Pedestrians can be injured by a nasty fall on ice. Vehicles can get stuck in snowy parking lots or even damage other property by slipping and sliding. Inaccessibility from improperly removed snow can increase delays in operation and delivery.

At Team Cam, we understand the threat snow and ice are to both commercial properties and cities and towns. Winter weather can result in unexpected liability and expense. Hiring a snow removal professional to handle your ice and snow is one of the most important safety, legal, and financial decisions you’ll make all year.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR STRESS-FREE SNOW

The key to a stress-free winter season is planning ahead. Prior to first snowfall, there are many steps that can be taken to reduce winter risk.

Late summer to early autumn is the best time to review your existing contracts with a snowplowing contractor, negotiate a new contract, and/or look for a new service provider. The Snow and Ice Management Association recommends starting no later than early September to be ready for winter weather, but in warmer states such as Maryland, the end of October to mid-November is the latest to begin your snow plan.

Choose the contract that best fits your needs and budget. You don’t want to have un-shoveled sidewalks but plowed parking areas, or vice versa. Nor do you want to misallocate your budget if this winter is especially snowy. In particularly harsh winters, you may need large snow piles in your parking lot removed. There are also services available to de-ice pavement after a storm as well as pre-treat pavement before a storm. It’s always best to contract for as many services as you need and for the whole season in order to maximize consistency and budget.

It is best to work with a contractor to develop a comprehensive response plan before winter hits. Expectations should be set for each service and for each type of weather event so that all parties are on the same page. This would include expected response times, locations for each service, and equipment and products needed for any situation, expected or unexpected. A reputable service provider will be happy to work with you to develop a solid plan that maximizes your budget and also minimizes time spent under snow and ice.

Make sure to walk the area with a contractor to identify locations to avoid when blanketed by snow. Identify sidewalks, curbs, and other necessary areas that need clearing as well as locations where it would be appropriate to pile snow if need be. A good contractor will also ask to what depth the snow can be piled before you’d like it to be removed.

FINDING EXPERT HELP

Before you seek out help, be sure to determine a scope of work that outlines your expectations for services and timeline. Be as specific as possible when creating your plan. Include your budget and any requirements you may have for outside service providers.

You’ll want to find a snow plowing/removal contractor who will be your winter weather partner, not your winter weather enemy. By hiring an experienced contractor, you won’t lose time spent on snow shoveling nor will you put yourself at risk for liability to snow-related accidents. Ultimately, using a reputable commercial snow plowing service ensures a safe and happy property or community.

Seeking commercial or municipal snow removal services for Baltimore, Maryland or a surrounding Maryland county? Call Team Cam today at 443-304-2237 or fill out the form below for fast, reliable service and reasonable prices for snow preparedness, snow removal, and more.