Plan for weather-related costs

It is winter in Connecticut. We have chosen to live and stay here. Some of our fellow residents have headed south for the winter. During the snowstorm this past Monday, many of us wished of sharing the warmer climes.

Weather, and in particular snow, is expensive for all of us. When the snow causes transportation systems and roadways to be closed, organizations across the state lose a day’s worth of revenue and production. Additionally, there may be additional costs for snow removal from parking lots and sidewalks.

On the state level, it has been reported that the Department of Transportation estimated the 24-hour-plus snow event will cost $4 million for equipment, manpower and material.

Additionally, the state could lose as much as $3.8 million in sales tax revenue. To gain a more complete picture of the snow’s impact on a statewide basis, you would have to add to those totals with the costs of local snow removal, emergency personnel, private contractors and materials for each of the 169 municipalities. Heavy snowfall is expensive.

Most of our organizations were closed Monday. One lost day of revenue has an impact on the financial plan of any organization.

For planning purposes, review your past three years and determine the number of snow- and weather-related closures for your organization.

Insert that loss of revenue and production into your planning for this year and future years. If we have a light year and you overestimate the snow impact, consider it a bonus. On a personal level, snow offers a number of challenges. Every season, there are reports of people who expire while shoveling snow.

I have noticed that there is an absence of young men who come around neighborhoods to shovel snow for hire. As a youngster, a snow day was not only a day off from school, but it was a payday for myself and a few friends.

During the recent snowstorm, I had the following observations.

For those who can telecommute to work, there was no productivity lost from not being able to physically get to work. Perhaps you should reevaluate the benefits of telecommuting for your organization.

Four-wheel-drive vehicles, with proper tires, perform reasonably well in snow. However, stopping on snow and especially ice is hazardous regardless of the drivetrain of your vehicle, so be cautious.

There were those stout souls who made it to work; they are the manifestation of quality customer service.

When you encounter them, as I did one women who operated a coffee stand alone on Monday, tell them, “thank you,” and leave a tip.

Last but not least, a big “Thank you” to all of the health care professionals who stayed at work, providing for others, until their replacements arrived.

We have 41 days until spring. A little planning and precaution could make this winter less expensive.

Cornell Wright Plan Well + Execute