Fall has fully made its presence known, and besides the beauty of the season, we know that it also means winter is coming. Once the freezing, cold, snowy weather begins, it can be a very trying time for owners and managers to keep their buildings safe. Here are a few suggestions that you can do now to make sure that you're structure is safe and prepared for winter.

1. Roof Inspection: Now is the time to do a thorough visual inspection of the roof. Don't forget that soon pretty much everything will be covered in snow, so flaws won't be readily noticed. Protect skylights, add railings, and all make sure that all fall protection is in and secure.

 2. Discover Leaks: Freezing and melting ice will only make vulnerable leaky areas worse, so this is the time to determine where leaks are and fix them. Check roof-edge waterproofing, roof drains, flashings, and other areas.

 3. Tree and Snow Removal: Snow-laden tree branches can become heavy and break off, creating a hazard to a roof and surroundings below. Look over precarious limbs and potential hazards, and trim back the branches before they freeze. And be sure to prepare for snow removal whether it means getting vehicles up to speed or hiring someone in advance.

 4. Clean Gutters: Clean gutters are critical for keeping leaks at bay, and overflows that can lead to even more headaches.

 5. Inspect Rooftop Equipment:  Make sure any fall protection and / or guardrail systems are good to go and will hold up to a sudden onset of cold temperatures, wind and snow loads. Also, make sure any personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees’ use is in good shape, i.e. harness’s, lanyards, safety glasses, respirators and other gear important gear.

 With some prep and planning, things can run much more smoothly once old man winter decides to visit. And it's always a smart idea to consult with safety experts to make sure you're prepared in the best ways possible.

 GSS can help you have a safe winter.