Be prepared for snow, ice, and winter weather

Reduce snow, ice, and winter weather risks with policies and planning

Start with these areas:

• Adopt a snow and ice management ordinance or policy.
• Have a written snow and ice management plan that records your entity’s snow removal efforts on streets. Records can be used in defense of claims or lawsuits, and are a good reminder of what needs to be done.
• Develop or review your snow and ice management operating procedures annually.
• Consider re-reviewing these policies each spring to evaluate effectiveness and make needed procedure updates.
• Order supplies before winter to stockpile, then order more as needed.
• Perform maintenance on all equipment to keep it in peak working order when needed.
• Train (and document the training) of your staff according to your operating procedures.

Contact RMSA staff or MRSC for assistance with your policies.

Now that you’ve got the right policies in place, preparing your staff and your assets for winter weather is vital. Don’t forget these items:

• Develop emergency communication plan during extreme winter weather, and make sure your employees know what the plan includes – before winter weather hits.
• Establish a stock supply kit of rock salt, sand, snow shovels and other snow removal equipment so you can be prepared when the weather hits.
• Determine what, if any, equipment needs protection from snow and ice buildup and then protect it.
• Repair and seal any wall or roof openings to prevent water damage – ideally this should be done in the summer months, but can be done in winter when necessary.
• Pay attention to cold weather warnings. Drain all idle pumps, pipes and compressors before a storm hits.
• Place non-slip floor mats at public entrances and change them regularly.
• Clear roof gutters and drains. Make sure to shovel snow off flat roofs.
• Maintain building heat to at least 50 degrees during storms to avoid major damage.
• Mark hydrants and other right of way adjacent structures for ease of locating and avoiding when clearing snow after a heavy storm.

Driving in winter weather – ensure staff are prepared and being safe

Make sure your employees practice these safe driving tips every time they use a municipal vehicle.

• Defrost and de-ice all windows before driving.
• Always drive with the headlights on.
• Remove all snow from the roof, hood, and trunk surfaces.
• Keep a minimum of 4 seconds between the front of your vehicle and the rear of the vehicle ahead of you.
• Be prepared for longer stopping distances on slick roads.

Important! RMSA Member Standard – Driving: Don't forget that all employees (including volunteers, staff, and law enforcement) who operate member owned vehicles need to complete an AWC RMSA-approved defensive/distracted driving course upon hire and every three years onward. RMSA-U provides a pre-approved course on this. Reach out to RMSA staff for approval if there is a different course you'd like to take.