As temperatures drop and winter settles into Northern California, it’s easy to assume our region isn’t at risk for harsh weather. But every year, local workplaces face winter-related challenges: heavy rain, high winds, power outages, flooding, black ice, and colder-than-usual temps that can impact employee safety and business operations.
Whether your team works indoors, outdoors, or travels between job sites, winter is the right time to make sure you’re prepared.
Why Winter Readiness Matters
While Northern California doesn’t experience the extreme cold seen in other regions, the risks are real:
- Storms and power outages can disrupt operations and delay emergency response times.
- Cold stress and hypothermia can occur even at temperatures above 40°F when employees are wet, tired, or working in windy conditions.
- Wet or icy roads lead to collisions, especially during early-morning commutes.
- Flooding and mudslides can affect access to workplaces, especially in rural, wooded, or hilly regions.
Preparing now helps protect your team and keep your workplace running safely all season long.
Build a Winter-Ready Workplace
A general “home emergency kit” isn’t enough. Workplaces need site-specific, employee-specific readiness plans. Here’s what employers should consider:
1. Update Your Workplace Emergency Kit
Include:
- Fully stocked first aid kit
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Weather radio
- Backup power banks
- Emergency blankets
- Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
- PPE appropriate for cold and wet conditions
- Extra jackets, gloves, beanies, or rain gear for employees who forget/lose theirs
- Copies of safety procedures and emergency contact lists
For workplaces with outdoor staff, contractors, or field teams, provide extra cold-weather gear and portable warming options where possible.
2. Prepare Vehicles for Winter Travel
Many Northern California employees commute long distances or drive fleet vehicles for work. Create or update a winter vehicle kit that includes:
- Blanket or emergency bivy
- Bottled water and snacks
- Cell phone charger
- Jumper cables
- Small shovel
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Traction aids for wet or icy driveways (sand, cat litter, or traction boards)
Encourage staff to inspect tires, brakes, wipers, and headlights regularly during the winter months.
3. Train Teams on Winter Hazards
Winter brings unique medical and environmental risks. Now is the time to refresh your team on:
- Cold stress symptoms (early hypothermia, frostnip, trench foot)
- Slips, trips, and falls prevention on wet surfaces
- Emergency communication procedures
- Basic first aid, CPR and AED, especially for high-traffic, high-risk workplaces
Hands-on training increases confidence and response times when every minute counts. If your team needs certification updates, this is the perfect season to schedule a training.
4. Plan for Power Outages & Storm Interruptions
PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and strong winter storms can lead to unexpected outages. Evaluate:
- Do you have backup power for critical systems?
- How will you maintain lighting and communication?
- Can staff work remotely if needed?
- Do employees know what to do if power fails during business hours?
5. Stay Aware of Local Conditions
Northern California weather changes quickly — sometimes dramatically. Encourage employees and fleet drivers to check conditions before traveling.
Recommended resources:
- Caltrans QuickMap (road closures, chain controls, incidents)
- National Weather Service Sacramento (storm updates and alerts)
- Local county emergency alert systems
Knowing what’s ahead helps prevent workplace injuries and costly delays.
Protect Your Employees. Protect Your Workplace.
Winter safety isn’t just about compliance — it’s about keeping people safe, confident, and prepared. A small amount of planning now can prevent injuries, reduce downtime, and improve your organization’s overall resilience.
Need to train your team?
Safety Training Pros offers on-site CPR/AED, First Aid, Stop the Bleed and Workplace Safety training across the Greater Sacramento Area and Northern California. We help organizations stay compliant, prepared, and confident year-round.