Fall Checklist for Businesses

Close the summer. Prepare for winter. Strengthen resilience.

With the fall season comes the return of the unexpected: storms, cold weather, staff absences, or technical issues. Instead of waiting for the first crisis, get ahead of the curve. We are pleased to share with you a fall checklist, designed with prevention and continuity in mind, that highlights key areas you can adapt and expand based on the needs of any organization, regardless of size or industry.

The goal is not to provide an exhaustive list of every possible action, but rather a solid and practical starting point. Each business can adjust, personalize, or enhance this checklist according to its operational realities and strategic priorities. The key is to turn this into an annual reflex: prepare for winter in advance instead of being caught off guard.

1) Human Resources & Organization

• Updated contact information: Confirm employees’ phone numbers, email addresses, and emergency contacts.
• Absence planning: Ensure fall vacations and holiday leave are scheduled with designated replacements.
• Health and prevention:
  • Promote flu vaccination and reinforce hygiene measures for the seasonal virus period.
  • Review the sick leave policy to include remote work obligations for contagious illnesses (flu, respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, etc.).
  • Review cleaning contracts to ensure enhanced disinfection measures are in place during flu season.
• Winter telework readiness: Confirm all employees have the tools and access required to work remotely during storms.
• Internal drill: Run a short test or refresher on emergency communication protocols.

2) Buildings & Infrastructure

• Heating systems: Inspect heating, ventilation, and air filters.
• Generators and backup power:
  • Establish a testing schedule for generators and UPS.
  • Perform full load tests.
  • Check fuel levels and UPS battery condition.
  • Verify fuel supply contracts for emergencies.
• Roofs & gutters:
  • Clear leaves to avoid water or ice buildup.
  • Inspect roofs to prevent leaks.
  • Identify specialized roof snow removal contractors ahead of time.
• Access & parking areas: Confirm snow removal contracts, abrasive supply, and exterior lighting.
• Lighting:
  • Test emergency lighting systems.
  • Ensure high-risk areas (indoors and outdoors, including parking lots) are properly illuminated.
• Safety equipment: Update fire extinguishers, test emergency exits, and alarms.
• Surveillance systems: Ensure cameras, recording devices, and access control systems are fully functional.

3) Technology & Operations

• Backups: Verify frequency, integrity, and offsite accessibility.
• Disaster recovery plan (DRP): Test partial or full restoration.
• Critical equipment: Maintain servers, UPS, power units, and IT room cooling systems.
• Remote connections: Confirm VPNs and cloud solutions are functional and secure.
• Interruption scenarios: Review procedures for extended power outages.

4) Supply Chain & Logistics

• Critical inventory:
  • Review and increase buffer stock levels to prevent shortages during winter.
  • Reassess minimum and maximum thresholds and recalibrate as needed.
• Suppliers: Confirm delivery capacity during severe weather and document alternatives.
• Transport: Verify transport contracts (e.g., weather delay clauses).
• Preventive maintenance: Service vehicles, equipment, and machinery before winter.
• Seasonal flows: Anticipate workload fluctuations linked to fall and holiday activities.

5) Plans & Communication

• BCP/CM Plan: Update with new contacts, team changes, and supplier adjustments.
• Emergency plan: Review procedures specific to winter storms.
• Fire Safety Plan (FSP): Update the plan, inspect detection devices, and test the fire alarm panel.
• Communication continuity plan (CCP): Review content for accuracy and relevance.
• Internal communication: Confirm employees know how to receive alerts (text, email, calls).
• External communication: Prepare templates for clients/suppliers in case of unplanned closure.
• Quick test: Send a test message to the organization to validate distribution lists.

6) Health, Safety & Prevention

• Emergency kits: Check and restock first aid kits.
• Seasonal equipment: Install anti-slip mats, test CO₂ and smoke detectors.
• Outdoor risks: Secure trees, temporary structures, signs, and outdoor furniture before high winds.
• Training: Refresh procedures for falls, ice events, or heating failures.
• Well-being: Implement measures to reduce fatigue and stress during peak workload periods.

Conclusion — A step ahead secures the season

By treating fall as a key prevention period, you reduce the risk of interruptions, protect your teams, and maintain client trust. It’s better to prepare now than to react under pressure: these proactive actions will strengthen your resilience throughout the winter.

Strategic support to prevent interruptions
At Benoit Racette Services-conseils inc., we help organizations safeguard their critical operations, protect their teams, and maintain client trust—even in the face of major disruptions.

With over 27 years of specialized experience in business continuity, crisis management, emergency planning, and disaster recovery, Benoit Racette provides guidance with rigor and confidentiality, turning complex challenges into concrete, tailored solutions.

🔍 Resilience diagnostics
🛡️ Updated business continuity plans
🚨 Functional crisis management plans
💾 Realistic disaster recovery plans
🧪 Tests and exercises to validate plans and strengthen teams
🎓 Targeted training in continuity, crisis management, and operational preparedness

These are the tools that distinguish organizations that merely endure… from those that respond with confidence. Want to analyze your vulnerabilities, update your plans, or strengthen your preparedness?

👉 Contact us: [email protected]