When winter weather is around the corner, it’s easy to underestimate how quickly the first snowfall can arrive—and how much it can impact your day-to-day routine. Preparing early and securing professional snow removal services can make a major difference in keeping your property safe, accessible, and protected from winter damage. From inspecting your home to lining up reliable snow removal services, these five simple steps will help you stay ready for whatever the season brings.
Taking a few simple steps before the season starts can make a big difference in keeping your home, business, and community safe when the snow begins to fall. Here are five important things you should do before the first snowfall to help you stay ready, prevent damage, and keep everything running smoothly all winter long.
1. Prepare Your Property for Snow and Ice
Before the first storm hits, take time to prepare the outdoor areas around your home or business. Start by checking walkways, driveways, and parking lots for cracks, uneven areas, or drainage problems that could worsen with freezing temperatures. Clearing leaves and debris now will also make it easier for driveway snow clearing and plowing once snow accumulates.
If you’re a business owner, mark curbs, hydrants, and other obstacles with snow stakes so they stay visible to plow drivers. For homeowners, storing salt, sand, or ice melt in an accessible spot ensures you can treat slippery areas quickly and safely.
This is one of the first things a team offering professional snow removal services will check when preparing a property for winter. Preparing early will also help homeowners and businesses reduce risks and avoid last-minute searches for snow removal services near me when storms arrive unexpectedly.
Pro tip: If you use sprinklers, drain and shut them off before freezing weather. Any leftover water in the lines can expand and crack pipes.
2. Schedule Your Professional Snow Removal Services Early
Once the first snow arrives, finding an available service can be tough—especially if you’re searching for “professional snow removal services near La Plata” or a local snow removal service at the last minute. Booking early allows you to secure reliable professional snow removal services and discuss your needs in advance.
Not all snow removal needs are the same, so think about what makes sense for your property.
Residential snow removal focuses on keeping your driveway, walkways, and steps clear for safe access. This often includes driveway snow clearing, de-icing, and shoveling smaller areas that plows can’t reach.
For businesses, commercial snow removal services cover larger spaces like parking lots, entrances, loading zones, and sidewalks. Many companies offer commercial snow plowing contracts or seasonal agreements, ensuring your site is cleared automatically after each storm without the need to call each time.
When comparing providers, ask about:
- Service frequency and storm response time
- What areas they cover (driveways, walkways, roofs, etc.)
- De-icing methods and materials used
- Safety and insurance policies
Setting up a contract for snow removal services before winter hits guarantees your property will be a top priority once the snow starts falling—and helps you avoid the last-minute scramble when everyone else is calling for help.
If you’re unsure which option fits your needs—residential or commercial—consult with a team that offers professional snow removal services. They can assess your property and recommend the right plan based on snowfall patterns in your area.”
3. Check Gutters, Roofs, and Drainage
A well-maintained roof and gutter system can save you from costly repairs during winter. Remove leaves, sticks, and debris from gutters to prevent ice dams that can cause leaks or roof damage.
If you live in an area with frequent heavy snow, consider arranging a roof snow removal service or professional inspection before the season begins. Clearing small problems now—like loose shingles or clogged downspouts—helps prevent leaks and structural stress once snow and ice start to build up.
Businesses with large buildings may also need a roof inspection as part of their winter checklist, especially if they already rely on commercial snow removal services for parking lots and entrances.
Pro tip: Make sure downspouts drain at least five feet away from your foundation. Otherwise, melting snow can refreeze and create slippery ice sheets near doorways or garages.
4. Get Your Equipment and Supplies Ready
Don’t wait for the first storm to discover that your snow shovel is broken or your snowblower won’t start. Test all your winter tools in advance, including snowblowers, spreaders, and ice melt containers. Refill or replace supplies like salt, calcium chloride, and sand.
If you manage a larger property, check that vehicles and plows are serviced, fueled, and ready for action. Whether you handle smaller cleanups yourself or rely on commercial snow removal services, having everything in place before the snow arrives will save you time and stress.
If clearing snow alone feels overwhelming, working with a local snow removal service ensures your walkways, driveways, and entry points stay clean even during back-to-back storms.
Pro tip: Stock up on gloves, ice scrapers, and windshield washer fluid. A frozen car can slow down even the best-prepared plan.
5. Plan for Safety and Emergency Situations
Winter weather can be unpredictable, so make sure you’re ready for more than just snow. Have warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, and non-perishable food on hand in case of power outages or travel delays.
For business owners, keep emergency contact numbers visible for your property manager, maintenance team, and snow removal service. Staying informed through local alerts or the Ready.gov Winter Weather Guide is also a great way to learn about storm warnings, generator safety, and how to protect your family and employees during extreme cold.
Businesses especially benefit from professional snow removal services, since they reduce liability and keep entrances clear for customers and employees.
According to Ready.gov, winter storms can bring risks like power outages, car accidents, and frostbite. Their key safety recommendations include:
- Keeping generators outdoors and at least 20 feet from doors or windows
- Avoiding overexertion while shoveling snow
- Watching for early signs of hypothermia or frostbite
- Preparing an emergency kit for your home and car (with blankets, food, water, flashlights, and batteries)
Many homeowners combine emergency kits with pre-scheduled visits from a professional snow removal service, ensuring both safety and access are maintained during severe winter weather.
Bonus: Don’t Forget About Vehicle and Walkway Preparation
Snow doesn’t just affect your property—it impacts how you move around it. Before the first snowfall, take a few minutes to get your vehicle and walkways winter-ready.
For your car or truck, check tire tread and pressure, replace worn wiper blades, top off windshield washer fluid with a winter-grade formula, and make sure your battery is in good condition. Keep an emergency kit in your trunk that includes jumper cables, a flashlight, gloves, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. These small steps can make a big difference if you get caught in bad weather or a power outage.
Around your home or business, focus on walkways and entrances. Apply a light layer of salt before storms to reduce ice buildup, and keep shovels or small push plows near main doors for quick cleanups between professional visits. If you expect heavy snow, plan ahead for where plowed snow will be placed so it doesn’t block driveways or drainage areas.
These small steps, combined with reliable residential snow removal for your property, help reduce winter hazards and make daily routines much easier during heavy snowfall.
Winter Weather Quick Checklist
Here’s a quick recap to make sure you’re fully prepared before the snow arrives:
✅ Clear gutters and outdoor drains
✅ Schedule snow removal or plowing services
✅ Inspect your roof and seal any leaks
✅ Mark driveways and curbs with snow stakes
✅ Stock up on salt, sand, and winter supplies
✅ Service snowblowers or plowing equipment
✅ Build your home and vehicle emergency kits
✅ Review the Ready.gov Winter Weather page for official safety guidance
Preparing before the first snowfall isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, accessibility, and peace of mind. Whether it’s checking your gutters, stocking up on supplies, or securing professional snow removal services, these simple steps help ensure your home or business is ready when winter weather arrives.
For those living in Southern Maryland, preparation is especially important. Snow and ice can hit quickly in the area, so planning ahead helps keep your property safe and fully accessible all winter long.
Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the season knowing you’ve taken the right steps before the first snowfall.
If you’re ready to explore your options, contact us today for a free estimate. We proudly provide fast, reliable, and professional snow removal services throughout Waldorf, Clinton, La Plata, Welcome, White Plains, Port Tabasco, Hughesville, Indian Head, Bryans Road, Charlotte Hall, and surrounding Southern Maryland areas—helping homeowners and businesses stay safe and prepared all winter long.
