As the snowpack softens, water finds new paths. A safe property in the morning can refreeze into a slick entry by evening. These quick checks help keep customers and tenants on their feet.
Morning check
Clear downspouts and roof edges so melt drains away from walkways.
Sand or gravel any overnight refreeze on stairs, landings, and Arctic entries.
Verify lighting at entries and transitions. Replace one bulb now rather than one report later.
Midday and closing check
Walk the route customers actually use. Look for meltwater crossing the main path.
Re-apply sand or melt where shade holds cold.
Keep a simple incident log and camera snapshots of conditions for the day. Good records help everyone.
If someone is injured on the property
Help first and call for medical care if needed.
Photograph the scene and the surface as it is.
Document witness names and contact information.
Make a report to the business or property insurer.
For an overview of duties and timelines, see Premises Liability and our plain-English FAQ.
Residents can use a similar approach at home. A few minutes with a shovel and a bag of gravel make a real difference for neighbors.