Winter Weather Preparedness Checklist for Commercial Property Managers
Protect Your Building. Reduce Downtime. Prevent Costly Emergencies.
Winter in the DC Metro area brings unpredictable temperature swings, ice storms, and occasional heavy snow—all of which put commercial properties at risk. Use this 10-item checklist to prepare your facility and keep tenants safe, operations smooth, and emergency calls to a minimum.
1. Inspect and Protect All Pipes
- Check exposed pipes in mechanical rooms, garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls.
- Add insulation or heat tape where needed.
- Identify any pipes previously prone to freezing.
- Why it matters: Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter disasters in the DC region.
2. Test and Service Your Heating System
- Ensure boilers, furnaces, and rooftop units are serviced before temperatures drop.
- Verify thermostat accuracy and schedule preventive maintenance.
- Make sure backup heating sources are functional.
3. Clear and Maintain Gutters, Roof Drains & Downspouts
- Remove debris to prevent ice dams and roof ponding.
- Confirm that drains flow freely and downspouts direct water away from the building.
- Inspect for prior ice-dam damage from past winters.
4. Inspect the Roof for Winter Vulnerabilities
- Check for loose shingles, membrane damage, weak seams, and soft spots.
- Ensure rooftop vents, HVAC units, and flashing are secure before windstorms.
- Document with photos for insurance preparedness.
5. Seal Windows, Doors & Exterior Penetrations
- Repair cracked caulk, weather-stripping, and gaps around utility lines.
- Prevent heat loss and block cold air infiltration that strains heating systems.
6. Prepare Walkways, Parking Lots & Entry Areas
- Line up snow removal contractors early.
- Stock de-icing materials appropriate for concrete and commercial walkways.
- Mark curbs, drains, and hazards before snowfall.
7. Test Backup Generators & Emergency Lighting
- Run full-load tests on generators and transfer switches.
- Confirm battery backups and emergency exit lighting function during outages.
- Review fuel levels and delivery plans.
8. Review Your Water Shut-Off Plan
- Ensure building engineers and security staff know the exact locations of all shut-off valves.
- Label valves clearly and test accessibility.
- Post emergency instructions in mechanical rooms.
9. Communicate Winter Protocols with Tenants
- Share expectations for snow removal, reporting leaks, temperature settings, and emergency contacts.
- Send reminders ahead of every major cold snap or storm.
10. Contract with an Emergency Restoration Partner
- Save time during a crisis by having a response plan in place.
- Contract with a trusted team like ServiceMaster NCR, who provides 24/7 rapid response for burst pipes, water damage, storm damage, and environmental hazards across Alexandria, VA and the DC Metro area.
