Winter in Wichita can bring with it unpredictable weather, including icy roads and walkways, heavy snowfall, and bitter cold temperatures. For facility managers, these months are a critical time to protect properties and maintain safety standards. A winter maintenance plan keeps your facility running smoothly and helps ensure that your employees, tenants, and customers stay safe.
At City Wide Wichita, we want to help you be fully prepared for the winter season. We’ve put together a comprehensive Winter Facility Maintenance Checklist to make sure your facility is ready for the season.
Exterior, Grounds, and Floors
- Monitor and Treat Entrances, Walkways, and Parking Lots
The last thing you want is for someone to get injured while entering or exiting your facility. Indoor and outdoor walkways and parking lots should be monitored closely and treated as needed throughout the winter season.
- Apply de-icing materials on walkways and in parking lots before storms hit.
- Patch cracks or potholes to prevent further winter damage.
- Ensure snow removal procedures are in place.
- Keep your entrances and floors clean and dry at all times.
- Check Exterior Lighting
Winter days are shorter, and that means more businesses operate in the dark. Bright, functional lighting will keep your facility safe.
- Replace burnt-out bulbs.
- Inspect motion sensors and timers.
- Clean lighting fixtures to maximize visibility.
- Clear and Monitor Gutters and Downspouts
Before winter even hits, you should ensure that your gutters are free from leaves and other fall debris. Heavy snow and ice can also clog drainage systems, so if you notice an issue with drainage or leaks, you should call in the experts to inspect your gutters.
- Clear leaves and debris.
- Ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation of your property.
- Check for loose or damaged brackets.
HVAC and Indoor Environment
- Get a Heating System Inspection
You want your HVAC system prepared to handle the coldest temperatures winter will throw at you. Before winter hits, you should:
- Inspect furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps.
- Replace air filters.
- Test thermostats and schedule programmable settings.
- Get a professional inspection and tune-up, especially if your system isn’t new.
- Check Insulation and Weatherproofing
Small drafts lead to big energy bills and an uncomfortable facility.
- Inspect door seals and window caulking.
- Add insulation to vulnerable areas.
- Check for cold spots or air leaks around loading docks.
- Ensure Indoor Humidity Control
Winter dryness can affect comfort and equipment function. It’s important to be aware of humidity levels in your facility and plan accordingly for humidity regulation.
- Test humidifiers and air handlers.
- Monitor indoor humidity levels.
- Protect sensitive materials from overly dry conditions.
Plumbing and Water Systems
- Prevent Frozen Pipes
Freeze-thaw cycles, common in Wichita during the winter, can wreak havoc on your facility’s piping systems. It’s important to prevent pipes from freezing, as this leads to larger issues like bursting and water damage.
- Insulate exposed pipes.
- Seal wall penetrations and cold areas.
- Maintain minimum indoor temperatures, even in unused spaces.
- Check Water Heaters and Boilers
Give your system a quick check-up before fall ends. Look for leaks, strange noises, or temperature issues. Regular maintenance ensures reliable performance all winter long.
- Flush tanks if needed.
- Inspect for leaks or corrosion.
- Verify safety valves and settings.
Safety and Emergency Preparedness
- Inspect Fire Safety Equipment
Cold weather increases electrical and heating-related risks.
- Inspect fire alarms, sprinklers, and extinguishers.
- Ensure fire exits remain clear of snow and ice.
- Have Emergency Supplies and Backup Systems
No matter your facility type, prepare for outages or extreme weather events by:
- Testing backup generators.
- Stocking ice melt, shovels, and emergency kits.
- Reviewing emergency communication protocols with staff.
- Make Slip-and-Fall Prevention a Priority
Slips and falls are one of winter’s biggest facility liabilities. It’s imperative that you prioritize continued cleaning and safety procedures throughout the season.
- Place mats at entrances.
- Clean up melted snow promptly.
- Add signage where floors tend to get slick.
Fleet, Equipment, and Operations
- Service Utility Vehicles and Equipment
If your facility uses snowplows, maintenance carts, or service vehicles:
- Check batteries, fluids, and tire tread.
- Inspect snow removal equipment.
- Stock extra fuel and maintenance supplies.
- Review Vendor and Service Contracts
Make sure all plans are in place. With City Wide Wichita, you never have to worry about this. We’ve got you covered, all year long.
- Confirm snow removal response times.
- Review HVAC maintenance schedules.
- Ensure your facility solutions partner is ready for emergencies.
Interior Cleanliness and Comfort
- Increase Cleaning of High-Traffic Areas
Winter brings in salt, moisture, and debris. For safety and aesthetic reasons, your facility should be inspected and cleaned often.
- Protect flooring with mats.
- Increase mopping and vacuuming near entrances.
- Clean HVAC vents to maintain air quality.
- Ensure Restroom and Breakroom Readiness
Bathroom issues can cause inconvenience and the spread of germs in your facility. Make sure your bathrooms are good to go, so that’s one less thing you have to stress about during the winter months.
- Ensure hot water functions properly.
- Stock frequently used items.
- Monitor plumbing for leaks or slow drains.
Is Your Wichita Facility Ready for Winter? If Not, We Can Help.
A well-maintained facility promotes safety and efficiency through the coldest months of the year. If you need help preparing your Wichita-area facility for winter, or you want a team that handles seasonal maintenance year-round, our facility solutions managers (FSMs) are here to support you.
Stay safe this winter with City Wide Wichita. Contact us today!
