While sitting poolside, sipping lemonade, winter can feel so far away. Out of sight, out of mind. It can be difficult to be bothered about bundling up and preparing for winter storms. However, it is during those times we should be making arrangements to stay one step ahead of Jack Frost. 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.

When to Fill Your Shed?

Winter Preparation Timeline

Putting off thoughts snow is a risky gamble. Just a couple years ago, the western United States learned a valuable winter preparedness lesson. In October 2019, when fall had just barely started, a plunging cold spell enveloped the west. Temperatures plunged and shattered multiple records. Here in Utah, the lowest recorded temperature reached -43° F! Anyone who left their deicing decisions until  mid fall was left scrambling to acquire supplies. Let’s look through our recommendation for how and when deicing decisions need to be made to help you prepare for the winter.

Midsummer

Midsummer is the perfect time to take advantage of good weather to make changes  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 and spring storms?
• Was our stockpile easy to access, even in the middle of winter?
• Are we satisfied with the performance of our equipment and deicing supplies?
• Do we need to research/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 the worst case scenario?

As you ask yourself these questions, you can plan for the following winter.

• Plan to repeat the successes and avoid the 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 product, budget for more supplies.
• If you have leftover deicing product, protect it during the summer. Click here to learn more about what to do with leftover product.
• Organize your storage so leftover deicing materials are used first.
• Perform storage area maintenance to make sure paths and roads are clear and structures are secure.
• If you are dissatisfied with your previous deicer selection, thoroughly research available products to help 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 making the needed plans and preparations, late summer and early fall are the best time to stock up. Too many people don’t give a moment’s thought to winter stockpiles until snow appears on the doppler. Here are a few deicing purchasing and storing tips to help you manage your stock to stay ahead of the weather.

• Acquire your own onsite stockpile that can be readily accessible for surprise fall storms.
• Avoid waiting until the first storm hits; that is when deicing vendors get hit with panic ordering and it can be difficult to get the supply you need as quickly as you hope.
• Closely follow your deicing manufacturer’s guidelines for storage (for outside stockpiles, use a layer of sand to help reduce surface crust on your deicer, keep deicing bulk totes stored away from the sun to reduce hardening).
• Place older product in a location where it can be used before new product.
  
  

  Ice Slicer^® is at the ready to give you peace of mind this winter by helping you with your preparations. Contact us today to secure your stockpile and be ready to roll when the first storm hits!

  For more helpful hints on managing your stockpile visit the EnviroTech Services site.