Ways to Make Sure Your Practice is Prepared for Nature’s Next Tantrum

Spring is the month of robin redbreasts and geese returning and Spring cleaning, but it is a well-known fact that Spring is also the season of unpredictable weather. Winter is on its last legs, but sometimes it has to be dragged out kicking and screaming, leaving behind a tantrum of winter storms in its wake. Just a couple weeks ago, North Eastern states and central Canada were attacked by one such tantrum called Stella, bringing with it up to 80 cm of snow in some places and winds stronger than 100 kilometers an hour. Schools, daycare centres, and even businesses had to be shut down, highways closed, and flights cancelled. It was a monstrous tantrum that could not be contained. A storm with this kind of ferocity is also known to knock out power and cause computer shutdowns. They are impossible to avoid and sometimes even too difficult for some of our best meteorologists to predict.

(Image: Montreal Gazette)

However, with the storm now over, even though it is hard to think about storm preparation, this is actually the perfect time– this lull between the last storm and the next one. You have an obligation to your practice, your team, and your patients to be prepared for the next tantrum, whether it be a Winter blizzard or a Summer thunderstorm. Ask yourself if you’re ready, and if you don’t think you are, we have provided just a few suggestions to help outfit your practice in the proper preparation attire.

Plan for snow and ice removal

Canada is known for its winter storms and intense blizzards. If you live in Manitoba, I’m sure you remember the blizzard of 97. In order to keep your walkway safe and clear no matter how much snow falls, plan for it in advance. In some cases, rain will fall, freeze, and turn to black ice. This not only makes for a dangerous trek for you, your team and your patients but a legal hazard as well. Be ready for snow or freezing rain on the walkway in front of your practice by having shovels or other snow removal equipment on hand, an ice pick, and sand or salt to melt the ice.

Protect your office building

It’s important to inspect your building for any weaknesses, including cracks near doors, any kind of visible leaks, and loose trim. If you find any weaknesses, have them tended to sooner rather than later.

Backup, backup, backup!

Heavy winter storms can have a huge and devastating impact on equipment in your office. Computers are especially at risk because of power surge threats, knocking out and even eliminating important documents. Backup everything! If you have a flash drive or a larger hard drive, store everything on it. If you have cloud backup (of which Maxident provides — click here to see details about MaxiVault), take advantage of it.

Keep a detailed inventory

In the event of a blizzard (or any storm for that matter) that has the capacity to knock out your power, it is important for both you and your team to know what you have and where it all is. It’s very difficult to maneuver in the dark never mind attempt to find supplies you desperately need. Consider pinning an emergency plan of action on the wall, including a list of important items and where they all are in the office.

Restock emergency supplies

You should always have emergency supplies on hand. Check your stock and if you are running low, restock and be safe rather than sorry. These are just some of the items you should have in your arsenal:

Rock salt to melt ice on walkways. Sand to improve traction.
Shovels and other snow removal equipment
Blankets to keep you warm in case you lose power
Flashlight
Water
Snack food
Matches
First-aid kit with pocket knife
Booster cables

Keep yourself, your team, and your patients safe and prepared for anything this unpredictable season might bring. And to avoid permanent loss of critical data, be sure to have a backup plan in place. Always be prepared for the worst even if the worst doesn’t happen.

Please. Tell us a story. What terrible weather events have you survived through and let us know in the comments section below just what kind of strategy you used to get your practice back up and running again?

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