Ways to Prepare your Campuses for Winter Weather

Mark Twain said, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute!” I think we can all agree that this is true when it comes to Texas weather. Preparing now for winter conditions will help prevent damage and costly repairs during the coldest months.

Here are some preventative steps* you can take to better protect your campuses before the cold weather sets in:

1. HVAC Maintenance

Make sure HVAC equipment is in good working condition. A good preventative maintenance program will keep systems clean and repaired before winter conditions create an emergency situation. Before the temperature dips, inspect and service your entire HVAC system including changing all filters.

2. Technology

If you haven’t already done so, invest in programmable thermostats. Keeping buildings heated to at least 55 degrees can help prevent pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes can burst resulting in significant water damage. Equipment monitoring systems allow staff to remotely monitor building systems and send real time notifications of power disruption, critical equipment failures and alarm activity. Have a plan for backup monitoring if power is out and system are not transmitting.

3. Inspections

• Roofs and Gutters – A comprehensive roof inspection schedule will help avoid leaks and possible damage. Check roofs for split seams or areas where water may pool. Make sure roof vents are in good working order with no dents, tears, rips, or holes. Remove tree limbs and clear gutters.

• Pipes – Winterize exposed pipes with insulation material to prevent pipes from cracking or breaking due to freezing conditions.

• Electrical Equipment – Where possible, critical equipment should be kept off the floor to avoid water damage.

• Inspect all windows, doors, and outside dampers to verify they close tightly and operate properly.

4. Communication

Update contacts in your school notification system. There will be changes since the start of the school year. Have a plan for winter weather related school closures, delayed starts and early release situations. As part of your winter plan, have emergency numbers for heating system repair companies, local utility department personnel, disaster recovery contractors, weather updates, etc.       

5. Bus Fleet

Ensure that cold weather maintenance has been performed on your bus fleet. Make sure the tires are in good condition and the heaters work. Establish a system to report real-time road conditions to dispatch to determine if routes are too dangerous to dive on. 

6. Water Shutoff Valves

Make sure staff knows exactly where the water shutoff value is located and is well trained on how to cut off the water supply to each building. If there is a broken pipe, staff will need to react quickly to shut off the water supply to avert further damage.

7. Power Outages

Severe winter weather can cause power loss and downed wires. When electricity is restored, sudden surge of power can damage critical electrical equipment. If there is a loss of power, unplug or disconnect electrical equipment. If critical equipment must remain energized, make sure it is protected by surge protection devices. Re-energize equipment one unit at a time after normal power is restored. Do not turn off boilers without consulting manufacturer.

Want to learn more about how else you can protect your campus? Click the link below to learn more.

*All recommendations are general guidelines and are not intended to be exhaustive or complete.