When snow starts falling and icy roads turn dangerous, making the call to close your business isn’t just about protecting profits—it’s about protecting people. Clear, proactive communication with your employees and customers is crucial during inclement weather, ensuring everyone stays safe, informed and connected.
In this blog, we’ll explore modern, effective ways to notify your team and customers about weather closures at your business, helping you to weather the storm while maintaining trust and productivity.
When it comes to keeping your employees informed, timing and clarity are critical. Here are actionable tips for notifying your team effectively:
Before the weather hits, send out a proactive email or hold a team meeting to discuss the potential storm. Use this opportunity to:
Inform employees of the conditions that may lead to closures. Whether you follow local school district closures or use specific criteria like snowfall amounts or freezing temperatures, keeping your team updated as the forecast evolves helps them feel prepared.
Use multiple communication channels to ensure everyone receives the message. Popular tools include:
If you commit to notifying your team by a specific time and through specific channels, follow through consistently. Last-minute decisions or delayed notifications can erode trust and put employees at risk.
Are you uncertain if you can require employee attendance on inclement weather days? What about pay? See what our experts have to say >>.
When severe weather forces you to close your business, timely and accurate communication is essential to maintain trust and avoid frustration.
Here’s how to notify your customers effectively:
Google is often the first place customers check for business hours. Log in to your Google Business Profile and update your hours of operation to reflect the closure.
Use the “Special Hours” feature or post an announcement in the updates section to inform customers about the weather-related closure and any additional details, such as rescheduled appointments or extended promotions.
Record a clear voicemail explaining the closure, expected reopening and relevant information about rescheduling, refunds, or ongoing promotions.
Notify your email subscriber list or SMS contacts with a concise subject line, such as “Closed Today Due to Weather.” Include important details, like reopening times and how to contact your team for questions.
Share updates on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn to reach your audience where they’re most active. If your business operates during extended hours, consider posting multiple updates throughout the day.
Use a banner, pop-up, or updated hours of operation on your homepage to ensure website visitors see the closure information.
For local traffic, post a large, clear sign on your storefront indicating the closure due to inclement weather.
In today’s fast-paced world, technology has revolutionized how businesses communicate during emergencies like inclement weather. Gone are the days of relying solely on phone trees or word-of-mouth updates. With tools like mass messaging platforms, mobile apps and automated notifications, you can ensure your team, customers and vendors stay informed with minimal effort.
Check out this blog for 12 different ways area business owners communicate with their team during bad weather >>
Inclement weather can be unpredictable, but your communication strategy doesn’t have to be. At Axcet HR Solutions, our health and safety consultants are here to help you craft policies, establish communication plans, and ensure compliance with evolving safety regulations. Whether it’s improving your notification systems or ensuring your workplace is prepared for winter storms, we’ve got you covered.
Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can support your business in navigating weather-related challenges with confidence and care.
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