As snow removal professionals, we all know the feeling—listening to the weather reports and watching the radar as a winter storm approaches. While residents prepare to stay inside, you're preparing to head out and keep roads, parking lots, and properties accessible.
You've inspected your rig and you're ready to take on the storm. But what happens if you break down, get stuck, or become stranded?
Whether it's your first storm or your 100th, winter storm preparedness means having the supplies, equipment, and emergency plan you need to stay safe in dangerous conditions. Use this winter preparation checklist before heading out.
Personal Safety & First Aid
• First aid kit — bandages, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes and ointment, gauze, and other essentials
• Blanket, gloves, socks, hat, and warm clothing
• Hand warmers
• Hand cleaner
Food & Water
• Bottled water and long-lasting, high-calorie food — canned nuts, granola bars, raisins and dried fruit, peanut butter, and similar foods
• Can and waterproof matches for melting snow for water in an emergency
• Tealight candles
Navigation & Communication
• Physical road maps
• Compass
• Cell phone charger
Tools & Vehicle Recovery
• Tool kit or multitool — such as a Leatherman or Swiss Army knife
• Bag of sand or cat litter for added traction on ice or snow
• Jumper cables
• Tow rope
• Shovel
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Canned or compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair
• Duct tape
Lighting & Emergency Signaling
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Brightly colored cloth, road flares, or reflective warning triangles
You've prepared and supplied your rig with the necessary items in case you get stuck or stranded. These simple winter storm preparation steps can make a significant difference:
• Make sure someone knows your travel plans and route before you leave.
• Keep your gas tank filled—preferably over halfway.
• Protect your body heat by dressing in layers and avoiding excessive sweating.
• Bring more warm clothing than you think you'll need.
• If you break down, stay in your vehicle whenever possible.
• If you're stranded outside, remember that snow can provide insulation from the cold.
• Stay hydrated, but avoid eating snow.
• Melting snow in your mouth or against your body can lower your body temperature and increase the risk of hypothermia. If you need water, use a safe method to melt snow before drinking it.
Hypothermia and frostbite can become serious quickly. If you or someone else is experiencing severe symptoms, prioritize getting out of the cold and contacting emergency medical services.
Along with winter survival gear, every snow removal contractor should carry a set of spare emergency plow parts. Having critical replacement parts on hand can help you address common equipment issues and get back to work during a storm.
If you're a BOSS Snowplow owner, you can get an Emergency Parts Kit for both Straight Blades and Power-V plows. These kits include:
• Cutting edge bolt kit
• Eye bolt kit
• Power unit solenoid kit
• Hydraulic fluid
• Hose
• Trip return spring
• 12-volt relay
• Dielectric grease
• Ratchet strap
Regardless of the brand you use, keeping a few critical spare parts in your truck is a smart part of emergency plow planning.
Winter storm preparedness isn't just about having the right plow. It's also about being prepared for what happens if conditions change, your vehicle becomes disabled, or you become stranded. Review your winter preparation survival checklist, check your gear, and make sure you're ready for whatever the season throws at you.