Print it, tape it in the shop, and check it off. A storm is a bad time to find out the spinner motor is dead.
Pre-season (October)
- Walk every site; mark curbs, islands, hydrants and drains with snow stakes
- Photograph sites before snow (existing cracks, damage, drainage)
- Calibrate every spreader and sprayer; tape charts in cabs
- Service plows, spreaders, blowers, generators and heaters
- Lock in material: fall pre-buy, delivery schedule, storage plan
- Stock pallets of ice melt for walks and entrances
- Confirm contracts: triggers, areas, refreeze responsibility
- Set up your documentation app or log sheets
- Train crews on routes, rates and logging
48 hours out
- Check forecast timing, precipitation type and pavement temps
- Anti-ice bridges, ramps, entrances and shaded drives (unless it starts as rain)
- Top off salt and liquid; order resupply now, not mid-storm
- Fuel trucks, cans and generators; charge radios and lights
- Confirm crew schedule and backups
During the storm
- Plow before you salt; don't salt deep snow
- Treat by pavement temperature and trend, not habit
- Prioritize entrances, ADA routes, ramps, shaded walks
- Log every visit: times, conditions, material, photos
- Report hazards to owners in writing
- Rotate crews; warm up and eat. Tired crews make mistakes
After
- Check for refreeze at dusk and before dawn
- Push back piles away from walks and drains
- Sweep and reuse leftover salt on dry pavement
- Wash and grease equipment; check brine pumps and lines
- Reconcile tons used vs. plan; reorder before the next storm
Next in the guidePavement temperature beats air temperature →
