Snow Storm

It is the end of the workweek from hell for most properties in WA state. However, my little one somehow managed to avoid major issues. Maybe Someone up there is sparing me because I am new. Maybe it's because we were prepared. Nevertheless, this is my first snow storm, and I now consider myself "experienced" in snowy weather conditions.

I have noticed already that no matter how prepared you think you are for an emergency, you are never fully prepared until you live through it and know exactly what you will need. Nevertheless, here is a list of things to know about managing a property successfully through a snow storm to help YOU be prepared:

1). Prepare yourself mentally:

~to shovel, even though you are an office worker, because your maintenance is unreachable

~ to be jailed at your property, by yourself, for the duration of the storm

~ to wake up at the crack of dawn, and brave weather conditions, if necessary, in order to be at the property and make sure you do due diligence in order to avoid a lawsuit

~ to work with, and potentially stand your own with upper management, which will be sending you a snowplow on days you don't need it and refusing to do so on days you do

~ to push cars that are stuck

2). Have a list of vendors handy for:

~ snowplowing

~ car towing

~ roof repair (for broken carports, rooftops, garages)

~ tree removing services in case they snap

~ emergency plumbing (for broken pipes, floods)

3). Have enough supplies to last a week:

~ ice-melt

~ sand

~ shovels -- enough for all office stuff, plus residents who would like to borrow a shovel and help with sidewalks or to dig up their cars

~ gasoline in your car -- after a few days of storm, many gas stations have issues with their pumps. If you are stuck at the property you may need to venture out for food/supplies.

~ weather appropriate clothing in the office. Jeans, "boots with the fur," coats, hats, gloves!

~ at remote properties -- food. Basic, but vital! One that doesn't need to be prepared or refrigerated (think tuna and mayo) works best in case of a power outage.

~ candles, firewood, warm blankets, flashlights with good batteries, charged cell phone

4). Have the right phone numbers at your fingertips:

~ make sure you have your supervisor's number, company's media contact, and utility company's power outage number already in your phone. In case of a power outage or an emergency, you won't have time/internet access to find the numbers.

5). Focus on delivering great customer service:

~ Make sure your elderly and disabled residents have what they need. That means that you may have to go to the grocery store to get them something.

~ Help people push cars

~ Shovel

~ Clear carport roofs of snow BEFORE there is too much of it on top and they start caving in

~ At the beginning of the storm distribute safety warnings, encouraging customers to use caution when walking/driving on the property, and reminding them not to use grills inside in case of power outages, as they produce carbon monoxide -- a deadly gas that is odorless and colorless.

~ Talk and be friendly to residents who are coming in to chat simply because they are bored and stuck at home for a week!