Winter weather is unpredictable, unmanageable and, if not properly prepared for, can wreak havoc on your establishment. From slips and falls to frozen pipes, just the thought of winter precipitation is overwhelming. As disappointing as it is to hear, there is no foolproof way to ensure an accident-free winter. However, there are ways to prepare for and handle these situations as they arise. Here are 8 procedures your restaurant can implement to ensure the safety of your customers and the efficient operation of your restaurant equipment when winter weather arrives. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Make a Plan Having a plan in place for winter weather is critical in the restaurant business. The plan should include a list of the names and numbers of scheduled employees, as well as a list of employees willing to brave the elements to cover calls. Knowing each employee's proximity to the restaurant is also important so you can predict calls and adjust your schedule accordingly. The plan should also include a list of emergency numbers to quickly consult in the event of an accident on or off your location. The last thing in your plan should be a list of shutoff valves and their location in case of a power outage. Make your employees aware of the plan and its location for quick reference. Remove snow from sidewalks and parking lots. Snow and ice must be completely removed prior to venue opening (if applicable) with continued removal throughout the day as needed. If you cannot remove the snow/ice sufficiently, you should hire a contractor. When dealing with a contractor it is very important to have clear and specific guidance on what you expect and how often they will return during the day. Pay particular attention to high-traffic areas, as well as walkways, stairs and ramps. The use of deicers and/or abrasives should be used to melt ice and provide traction. Encourage your employees to report any areas that need attention and to monitor external areas often so you can remain proactive, not reactive. Prepare for Power Outages Understand that a power outage is a very real threat during winter storms. To prepare for power outages, make sure generators are running to provide power for refrigeration, emergency lighting and basic kitchen equipment. If you don't have a generator, it's important to have an updated inventory of products that need refrigeration. Also, educate all your employees about temperature risk zones so food can be handled properly. Have your energy provider's number handy so you have an idea of ​​how long the power will remain. This will help you determine the action plan best suited to your establishment. Preventing Pipes from Freezing As the temperature drops, the water in the pipes can freeze resulting in a complete loss of water in your facility. The best way to prevent this is to be proactive. Make sure all water pipes are properly insulated; this will prevent them from freezing completely and leaving your establishment without water. If you're not sure whether your pipes are insulated and the threat of winter weather leaves you with little time to prepare, you can prevent your pipes from freezing by opening.