Winter is coming. The cold temperatures, snow, hail, high winds and more can really impact your business. Power outages make your business vulnerable to attacks. Understanding the impact of severe winter weather means that you can plan ahead and know what to expect. Taking the right steps today will really impact your future.
1). Power Outages & Battery Backups
With snow and cold temperatures comes power outages. You want to have a business security system with a battery back-up. Otherwise, your business is at risk. Battery backups mean that the business is protected until power is restored. There will be no interruptions. Just make sure to ask how long the battery system lasts so you can be prepared.
2). Back Information Up
When the power goes out, you want your information to be protected. Many businesses invest in cloud or online backups so that even if a computer or database goes down, content is saved and able to be accessed from another location.
3). Communication Becomes Harder
Extreme weather makes it hard to communicate with employees and to monitor the business itself. It helps to have cellular monitoring of security systems if the internet goes down and policies and procedures for how to communicate with employees. This ensures everyone is safe and that physical locations are protected from theft and vandalism.
4). Emergency Services Blocked
Winter weather means that more people will need support. After all, accidents happen when there is extremely high winds or snow that traps people. It is smart to have a battery-powered radio to receive weather updates and to invest in a power bank for cell phones.
5). Employee Safety
Severe weather makes it hard for employees to travel to work or perform duties. It is important to invest in an emergency kit at the business in case employees are unable to drive. Such kits should have food, water, batteries, flashlights, first aid materials, blankets and more. Also, surveillance cameras are strongly advised to monitor and avoid misinformation.
6). Completing Tasks
Snow makes it hard for people to access a physical business. This is why it is important that information is backed up online so employees can work remotely.
7). Limited Customer Support
Customers with issues may not be able to access a business due to the weather. However, having a remote call center means that people can still get the answers they need. Have key emergency contact information listed on the website as well as on business automated systems.
8). Facility Itself
Snow, wind and cold temperatures can affect a business’s facility itself. An annual review of windows, the heating system and the security system protects the business.
9). Equipment Issues
Power surges are common during severe winter weather. This can overload or ruin key equipment. Having warranties and support from professionals means computers and other equipment can be fixed or replaced quickly.
10) Vulnerable to Online Attacks
Hackers might use a winter storm to attack a website or key information. Having round-the-clock security systems in place protect the business. Investing in the right technology now protects against attacks during a storm.