Weather in the UK has always been unpredictable, but in recent years it is fair to say that it is becoming even more so. This means that it is important to prepare for all types of conditions, all year round.

If your warehouse is unprepared for extreme weather, it could mean having to close, contributing to a loss of valuable business – a prospect that no company wants to face.

Read on as we look at how to prepare your warehouse against extreme weather including storms, floods and heavy snow.

What is extreme weather?

Extreme weather refers to any bad, or frequent, weather event that can cause a major disruption. In the UK we have been seeing an increase in extreme weather as global temperatures are on the rise as a result of climate change.

For the last few summers, the temperatures have reached extremes in the UK. However, this is not the only extreme weather that we need to contend with. Over the last few decades, rains have continuously become heavier. When it rains it is wetter and it rains for longer than we’re used to and this can cause flooding which can have a devastating effect on any business. 

With these heavy rains, we’re also seeing an increase in the number of storms with strong winds, downpours of rain and plenty of thunder and lightning. It doesn’t stop there either. In the winter we have been experiencing significant amounts of ice and snow and this is something that as a country we are ill-prepared for. Even the smallest snowfall can cause hazardous driving conditions and can impact the loading bay and other parts of your warehouse.

Conduct a risk assessment

The first step that you should take to prepare your warehouse for extreme weather conditions is to conduct a risk assessment. This will help you to identify any potential weather-related hazards and vulnerabilities that may exist and that are specific to your location and buildings.

Risk assessments might include any flood-prone areas or that may cause issues in strong winds. It is also important to evaluate the potential impact that these hazards may have on your warehouse and your employees in practical senses.

Develop an emergency response plan

Once you have been able to identify any potential risks you need to develop an emergency response plan tailored to the needs of your warehouse. This plan should outline any procedures that you might need for evacuation or shelter as well as emergency communications in the event of severe weather. It is a good idea to designate roles and responsibilities to key employees. Plus, ensure that all employees are trained to understand how to respond to emergency protocols.

Your emergency response plan should be reviewed and updated regularly to account for any changing conditions within the warehouse. It’s a good idea to check whether there have been any changes in key employees and adapt to any lessons you might have learned from previous events.

Regular maintenance

You must carry out regular maintenance on your buildings to ensure that they are not damaged. This includes checking the roof for any loose panels that could come off during heavy winds. You should also ensure that your guttering is clear in case of flooding and even that your door seals are undamaged. That way, in the event of a particularly cold spell, the temperature in your buildings will not drop too low.

Having a robust plan in place and checking it regularly will help you to ensure that your warehouse is prepared for any extreme weather. Ensure that your staff are trained and up to date when it comes to dealing with extreme weather in your warehouses. More importantly, keep monitoring weather conditions to ensure you are fully aware when extreme weather is headed your way.