Snowstorm Prep Checklist for Snow Removal Professionals

As snow removal professionals, we all know the feeling—listening to the weather reports and watching the radar screen as the storm clouds draw closer. While residents prepare to stay in, you're preparing to go to battle with the latest winter storm.

You know the winter and have worked in it time and again, keeping your community open for business. You’ve inspected your rig and are ready to take on the storm. But what happens if you break down or get stuck?

Whether it’s your first storm or your 100th, as a snow removal contractor, winter plowing readiness means being prepared for anything the dangerous conditions can throw at you. Use this checklist before heading out:

Emergency Storm Prep Essentials

You’ve prepared and supplied your rig with the necessary items in case you get stuck or stranded while restoring order. These emergency plow planning tips can make a big difference:

• Make sure someone knows your travel plans and route

• Keep your gas tank filled—preferably over halfway

• Protect your body heat: dress in layers but avoid sweating

• Bring more warm clothing than needed to help control body temperature

• If you break down, stay in your vehicle

• If stranded outside, remember that snow is an insulator—use it to your advantage

• Stay hydrated, but avoid eating snow

• Melting snow in your mouth or on your body lowers your temperature, which speeds up hypothermia

Recognizing Hypothermia

If you find yourself in a survival situation, it’s important to know the symptoms of hypothermia and how to slow its progression. Hypothermia happens when your core body temperature drops below 95°F, slowing vital signs and organ function.

Symptoms:

• Shivering or complete lack of shivering

• Weak pulse, shallow breathing

• Tiredness, lethargy

• Slurred speech, confusion, or irrational behavior

• Lack of coordination

• Irritable mood or attitude changes

Survival Tips:

• Get into shelter and out of the weather

• Remove wet clothing and stay dry

• Warm your chest, neck, head, and groin

• Stay still and conserve energy

Recognizing and Treating Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when skin or other body parts are damaged from freezing temperatures. Learning how to spot and treat it is critical in cold-weather emergencies.

Symptoms:

• Loss of feeling or tingling in exposed areas

• Swelling

• Hardened or waxy skin

• Red or pale skin color

• Pain in the area

• Scabbing or blistering

Treatment:

• Replace wet clothing with dry layers

• Rewarm the skin carefully

• Elevate the injured area

• Separate and cover frostbitten areas

• Keep the area still—do not rub

Emergency Plow Parts to Keep on Hand

Along with winter survival gear, every snow removal contractor should carry a set of spare emergency plow parts. This ensures you're ready for common issues during the 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 is a smart part of your emergency plow planning.

Being prepared for any situation is key. Don’t wait until you're stuck or stranded to realize what you could have packed ahead of time. Review the winter preparation survival checklist, check your gear, and make sure you’re ready for whatever the season throws at you.