Winter storms pose serious risks for commercial buildings—risks that can interrupt operations, endanger occupants, and create costly property damage. Understanding what to do before severe weather hits, and how Fortivo Property Services can help, ensures your property stays protected throughout the season.
Why Do Winter Storm Hazards Need to Be Addressed Early?
Winter-related threats escalate quickly and create life-safety concerns if not proactively managed.
What owners should understand:
- Roof collapses can occur without warning under heavy snow loads.
- Frozen sprinkler lines can disable fire protection systems.
- Flooding near electrical systems creates shock and fire hazards.
- Blocked exits violate safety codes and endanger occupants.
What owners should do:
- Conduct a full winter-readiness inspection before temperatures drop.
- Identify high-risk areas, including flat roofs, mechanical rooms, and basements.
- Train maintenance staff on storm procedures and emergency actions.
How Fortivo Property Services can help:
- Perform pre-winter hazard assessments for your facility.
- Identify vulnerabilities that could lead to water, fire, or structural damage.
- Provide emergency plans and rapid-response support when issues arise.
How Should You Monitor Roof Loads to Prevent Structural Failure During Winter Storms?
Snow and ice add thousands of pounds of pressure to commercial roofs—especially flat roofs.
What owners should do:
- Schedule a pre-winter roof inspection to check membrane seams, drains, flashing, and overall condition.
- Clear gutters and roof drains so meltwater can escape.
- Mark the locations of roof drains so staff can locate them under snow.
- Retain a snow-removal contractor familiar with your roof load limits.
- Inspect ceilings for signs of stress, including bowing, cracks, or stains.
Why it matters:
- Snow can weigh 20–40 pounds per cubic foot, creating severe structural stress.
- Blocked drains lead to ponding, leaks, and collapse risks.
How Fortivo Property Services can help:
- Provide emergency roof tarping after damage or collapse.
- Perform water extraction and structural drying for interior leaks.
- Document damage thoroughly for insurance claims.
- Coordinate with roofing partners for repairs and reconstruction.
How Can You Ensure Your Generator Is Ready for Winter Power Outages?
Power outages can shut down heating systems, freeze pipes, and disrupt business operations.
What owners should do:
- Conduct full-load generator tests before winter.
- Check fuel levels and confirm delivery agreements.
- Test automatic transfer switches.
- Keep generator rooms clean and well-ventilated.
- Provide staff with written emergency generator procedures.
Why it matters:
- A failed generator during a winter storm can lead to freezing temperatures, pipe bursts, and unsafe tenant or employee conditions.
How Fortivo Property Services can help:
- Respond immediately to freeze-related damage caused by heat loss.
- Perform water extraction and dry structural materials.
- Inspect mechanical rooms and electrical components for moisture damage.
How Can Your Commercial Property Prepare for Snowmelt-Related Flooding?
The biggest winter flooding risk often occurs after the storm when temperatures rise and snow rapidly melts.
What owners should do:
- Ensure downspouts and drains direct water away from the foundation.
- Test and maintain sump pumps—including generator backup capability.
- Inspect waterproofing systems in basements and garages.
- Install water detection sensors in vulnerable mechanical or storage areas.
- Elevate valuable equipment and files above floor level.
Why it matters:
- Rapid snowmelt can overwhelm drains and seep into lower-level spaces.
- Floodwater near electrical systems poses safety hazards.
How Fortivo Property Services can help:
- Provide immediate water extraction and drying.
- Document intrusion points for insurance and future prevention.
- Inspect for mold within 24–48 hours of flooding.
- Restore affected walls, floors, and mechanical rooms.
How Can You Prevent Frozen Water Lines and Fire Suppression Failures?
Frozen pipes and burst sprinkler lines are among the most costly winter losses for commercial buildings.
What owners should do:
- Insulate pipes in exterior walls, garages, crawlspaces, and unheated mechanical rooms.
- Maintain consistent temperatures throughout the building.
- Seal drafts around loading docks, doors, and utility penetrations.
- Let faucets drip in extreme freeze conditions.
Why it matters:
- Frozen sprinkler systems leave your building unprotected during a fire event.
- Burst pipes can cause catastrophic water damage across multiple units or floors.
How Fortivo Property Services can help:
- Respond 24/7 to burst pipe emergencies.
- Provide structural drying, moisture mapping, and mold prevention.
- Coordinate plumbing repair and reconstruction.
What Should Be Included in Your Commercial Winter Emergency Response Plan?
A formal, written emergency plan ensures your team knows exactly what to do during winter storm events.
What owners should include:
- Emergency contacts for restoration, HVAC, roofing, electrical, and generator service
- Evacuation procedures and shelter-in-place instructions
- Priority snow removal agreements
- Tenant and staff communication plans
- Maps of mechanical rooms, shutoff valves, and drainage systems
Why it matters:
- A clear plan minimizes downtime, prevents confusion, and reduces risk during an emergency.
How Fortivo Property Services can help:
- Help develop your winter emergency response plan.
- Provide first-call priority during winter events.
- Offer professional documentation to support continuity planning.
What Should You Do If a Winter Storm Causes Damage to Your Commercial Property?
Even with preparation, unexpected failures can occur—fast action reduces repair costs and downtime.
What owners should do:
- Evacuate areas where structural collapse or flooding is possible.
- Shut off water or electricity if it is safe.
- Document all visible damage.
- Notify tenants and adjust building access if needed.
- Contact a professional restoration company immediately.
How Fortivo Property Services can help:
- Provide 24/7 emergency response.
- Handle roof leaks, collapses, burst pipes, stormwater intrusions, and mechanical room flooding.
- Perform moisture mapping, structural drying, and buildup removal.
- Restore damaged spaces to pre-loss condition with minimal business disruption.
Fortivo Property Services is committed to protecting commercial buildings before, during, and after winter storms. With proactive planning and expert support, your property—and your operations—can stay safe all season long.
How Fortivo supports you:
- Provide preventive seasonal inspections.
- Respond 24/7 to water, fire, mold, or structural emergencies.
- Manage restoration from initial mitigation through full rebuild.
- Deliver white-glove service that keeps your operations running and your occupants safe.
Fortivo Property Services stands ready to partner with property managers throughout the fall and winter seasons. Whether you’re preventing issues—or responding to an unexpected emergency—we’re here to protect your building, your occupants, and your business continuity.
Fortivo Is Here to Help Restore and Protect Your Home
Fall should be a season of comfort—not catastrophe. By taking preventive steps and staying aware of fire risks, you can enjoy the season safely. If fire or smoke damage does occur, Fortivo Property Services is ready to respond with expert restoration solutions to protect your home and peace of mind.
About the Author
Jason Gates, Co-Founder and CEO of Fortivo Property Services, brings more than 17 years of leadership, construction, and property restoration expertise to the work he does every day. Raised in a family of builders and craftsmen, Jason combines hands-on industry knowledge with high-level program management experience from overseeing large, complex national operations. His guidance is grounded in real-world field experience, risk-management strategy, and a commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality restoration solutions for commercial and residential clients.
