How to Handle the Aftermath of a Snowstorm in Westchester County, NY

A 14-inch snowstorm in Westchester County doesn’t end when the plows leave. For commercial offices, condo associations, and residential buildings, the days after the storm are when safety risks, property damage, and liability exposure are highest.

According to guidance from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and local municipalities, untreated snow and ice are among the leading contributors to post-storm slip-and-fall incidents.

This guide outlines what property managers should do immediately after a major snowstorm — and why it matters.

What should be addressed first after a major snowstorm?

Safety and accessibility come before appearance.

Priority areas include:

• Building entrances and exits

• Sidewalks and pedestrian walkways

• ADA ramps and curb cuts

• Fire lanes and emergency access points

The NYSDOT emphasizes that pedestrian pathways must be cleared promptly and kept free of refreeze conditions to reduce injury risk.

Plowing alone is not enough. Snow packed by foot traffic quickly turns to ice, especially in shaded areas and near building entrances.

How do you prevent ice buildup after heavy snowfall?

Ice formation is the most dangerous post-storm condition.

Best practices include:

• Salting immediately after snow removal

• Re-salting during freeze-thaw cycles

• Paying special attention to north-facing and shaded walkways

According to the CDC, falls are one of the leading causes of injury during winter weather events, often occurring after snow has stopped falling due to refreezing.

Why is post-storm interior cleaning so important?

Snowstorms bring salt, slush, and moisture deep into buildings.

Common post-storm interior issues:

• Slippery lobby and hallway floors

• Salt residue damaging tile, VCT, and stone

• Wet carpets leading to odor and deterioration

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notes that wet floors significantly increase slip hazards in commercial environments.

Frequent mopping, floor mat maintenance, and proper drying are essential in the days following a storm.

How should floor mats be managed after a snowstorm?

Floor mats are critical — but only if maintained correctly.

Recommended steps:

• Increase mat coverage at all entrances

• Rotate or dry saturated mats daily

• Ensure mats lay flat to avoid tripping

Wet or curled mats can create more risk than protection.

What areas are most often overlooked after a snowstorm?

Many post-storm hazards occur outside primary walkways.

Commonly missed areas:

• Parking lots and garages

• Stairwells and secondary exits

• Dumpster and recycling enclosures

• Sidewalk edges near snow piles

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises inspecting all access points after major weather events, not just main entrances.

Should roofs and building exteriors be inspected after heavy snow?

Yes — especially after a 14-inch accumulation.

Post-storm inspections should include:

• Roof snow load and potential ice dams

• Icicles forming near entrances

• Blocked drains and downspouts

Ice dams can lead to water intrusion days or weeks after a storm, even when temperatures rise.

Why documentation matters after a snowstorm

Proper documentation protects building owners and managers.

Keep records of:

• Snow removal times

• Salting and re-salting efforts

• Inspections and corrective actions

Many insurance providers and municipalities expect documentation showing reasonable post-storm maintenance efforts.

When should professional cleaning support be used?

Large snowstorms often exceed the capacity of in-house staff.

Professional support is especially valuable for:

• Continuous ice management

• High-traffic interior floor care

• Stairwells, lobbies, and elevators

• Day porter services during recovery days

The goal is not just cleanup — it’s restoring safe, functional operations quickly.

Final Takeaway for Westchester Property Managers

A 14-inch snowstorm requires ongoing attention, not a one-time response.

Effective post-storm management includes:

• Multiple inspections per day

• Active ice control

• Coordinated exterior and interior cleaning

• Preventive maintenance to avoid long-term damage

Handled properly, buildings recover faster, safer, and with fewer incidents.

Looking for Post-Storm Cleaning Support in Westchester County?

Commercial offices and residential buildings benefit from experienced cleaning teams who understand local weather patterns, liability risks, and building needs.

Winter storms are unavoidable — but post-storm problems don’t have to be.