As we sit poolside, sipping lemonade, winter can feel so far away. Simply out of sight and out of mind. It is understandably difficult to bother ourselves with concerns of bundling up and preparing for winter storms. However, it is during these times that we should make arrangements to stay one step ahead of Jack Frost’s unpredictable arrival. Let’s look at how and when you should prepare your winter deicing plan, acquire your supplies, and fill your shed for the months to come.
Putting off thoughts of fighting winter snow is a risky gamble. Just a couple years ago, the western United States learned a valuable lesson in winter preparedness. In October 2019, when fall had just barely started to show its face, a plunging cold spell enveloped the west. Temperatures plunged and shattered multiple records. In Utah, the lowest recorded temperature reached -43° F! Those who left their deicing decisions until the fall were left scrambling to get supplies quickly. Let’s look through our recommendation for how and when deicing decisions need to be made to help your winter preparations.
Midsummer
Midsummer is the perfect time to take advantage of good weather and make changes or adjustments to your layout, storage needs, and winter supply infrastructure. Spend some time looking at your winter plans from last year and ask yourself some questions:
- What went right? / What went wrong?
- Did we run out of supplies? / Did we have leftover deicing materials?
- Were we ready for surprise fall or spring storms?
- Was our stockpile easy to access, even during the winter?
- Were we satisfied with the performance of our equipment and deicing supplies?
- Do we need to research and budget for a more efficient snow fighting arsenal?
- Does our storage area need to be expanded to make room for more product?
- Are we prepared for worst case scenarios?
As you ask yourself these questions, formulate a plan for the following winter.
- Plan to repeat successes and avoid shortcomings from the previous winter
- If you were unprepared for surprise fall and spring storms, adjust your current purchasing and shipping timelines accordingly
- If you ran out of deicing supplies, budget for more product
- If you had leftover deicing product, make sure it is protected during the off season. (Click here to learn more about what to do with leftover product.)
- Organize your storage so leftover deicing materials are used first
- Conduct storage area maintenance and make sure paths / roads are clear and structures are secure
- If you were dissatisfied with your previous deicer selection, thoroughly research other choices to help you better equip yourself for the coming winter
- If you plan on purchasing more supplies, ensure you have ample storage for new product
Late Summer/Early Fall
After planning and preparing, late summer and early fall are the best time to stock up. Too many people don’t think about winter stockpiles until snow appears on the doppler. Here are a few deicing purchasing and storing tips to help you stay ahead of the weather:
- Acquire your own onsite stockpile that is readily accessible for surprise fall storms
- Don’t wait until the first storm hits (that is when deicing vendors get a lot of panic ordering and it can be difficult for you to quickly get the supply you need)
- Follow your deicing manufacturer’s storage guidelines
- Place older product in a location where it will be used before any new product
EnviroTech is ready to give you peace of mind this winter by helping you with your preparations. Contact us today at 800-369-3878 to secure your stockpile and be ready to roll when the first storm hits!
- Click here for more helpful hints on managing your stockpile.
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