Preparing Restaurants for Winter Prevents Problems Later
W
ith colder temperatures on the way, it’s important to make sure your restaurant is prepared for wintery weather. Regular seasonal maintenance helps keep your store warm and welcoming and your food-service equipment ready for business all season long. With the right preparation, you can reduce your risk of accidents and claims.
Make an Emergency Plan
2020 Issue 3 |
THE
SCORE
22
emergency supplies, including first aid kits, weather radios, flashlights, batteries and tool kits. Having the necessary supplies on hand can help protect your customers from slip-and-fall accidents, keep your team safe during inclement weather, and protect your franchise and its contents from weather damage.
Service Your HVAC System
Help your team take the right steps in case of a severe weather event by putting a plan in place now before the weather gets bad. When a snowstorm hits or the power goes out, everyone should know what to do. Have the plan handy for quick reference and include a list of emergency contact numbers and safety instructions for backup generators, shut-off valves and emergency procedures. Effective emergency planning with your team can help minimize the risks of weather incidents, equipment damage, personal injuries and business disruption.
Before colder weather arrives, service your furnace and heating system. Schedule a service call to take care of routine maintenance for the whole system and address any problems. Remember to replace air filters, clean ducts and vents, and ensure air is blowing at optimal capacity. A well-maintained HVAC system is important not only for the comfort of customers in the front of the house, but also to ensure equipment in the back of the house is kept at a safe operating temperature. Equipment operated at the proper temperature will last longer and lead to fewer problems.
Stock up on Winter Supplies
Consider Cooling the Kitchen
Winter storms can come on suddenly, making it tough to stock up on short notice. Order the supplies to manage snow and ice hazards, including ice melt, snow shovels, winter floor mats and wet floor signage. Check outdoor lighting and replace dim or burnt-out bulbs. Now is also a good time to check your
Heating the kitchen is crucial for protecting your equipment but running the heat in a space where ovens, fryers and stoves are always on can cause other problems. An uncomfortably hot workplace could impact the safety of your team members, and many restaurants now cool kitchens in winter. Zoned heating
