Do you, as the property owner, have a procedure for inspecting, cleaning and repairing your property and building?  If not, here are some things to consider, especially prior to the onset of cold weather and/or a storm: Are the gutters free of leaves and debris which could cause water to back-up under the roofing or overflow the gutter?  Are the gutters and downspouts maintained in good operating condition?  Are the downspouts designed to take melting snow/ice and rainwater away from the building’s sidewalks and walking surfaces?   Does someone walk around the office looking for large icicles that could fall from overhead and strike people walking below?   If you have large trees on the property, has a tree trimming contractor removed dead branches that could break under the added weight of snow or ice and drop to the sidewalk below? Are parking lot storm drains arranged in such a manner that runoff flows easily into them? Runoff can pond on the roadway surface and refreeze after sunset which can pose a potential slip and fall concern for individuals walking through this area. Is the parking lot free from holes and cracks that could further develop as ice and snow thaw and refreeze inside these defects? If your practice is in a suburban or rural area snow may be blown across open spaces and deposited adjacent to your practice. If drifting snow is a concern some type of temporary fencing could be installed upwind of your parking lot and driveway. Do you have a portable emergency power generator on-site? If so, this unit should be serviced and tested on a regular basis as per the manufactures guidelines.  You might also have a battery powered back-up uninterrupted power supply for your office computer system. Maintenance of these battery units is important to ensure that they operate properly should a power failure occur. Are the exterior parking lot lights, sidewalks lights and interior exiting lights uniquely identified to provide a quick method of repairing and/or replacing light bulbs? Remember to change any automatic timer that controls light circuits when the time changes, failure to change the time can result in dark parking areas or sidewalks. If you or your tenants decorate outside during the holidays (insert picture) consider the following: ·         Use only UL labeled lights ·         Ensure that the electrical circuits (GFCI circuit protection)are not overloaded ·         Check all cords, plug ends and wiring for any worn, frayed, cracks or loose ends ·         Don’t place cords where they can present a trip hazard and near any heat sources  What proof do you have that this activity is actually completed? Make regular surveys of your property, and document those surveys. Instruct office staff to report any hazardous conditions especially during periods of inclement weather. Winterizing, Page 3