Best practices for closing down your campground for the winter

When shutting down your campground for the colder months, it can be easier to cut corners to save a bit of time. However, this can result in costly events like floods or theft. That’s why it’s so important to take all of the necessary precautions to help ensure your campground, and your client’s property such as RV’s and trailers, are as safe as possible.

Preparing a list of key things to do before closing for the season can help ensure your business remains in tip-top shape when you return in the spring. Here are some best practices you should follow if your campground will remain vacant during the winter months:

Managing risk to buildings

Before closing up, you will want to ensure that any structures that are susceptible to damage caused by dead branches, leaves, and other debris built up over the winter are protected. If needed, you should call in a specialist to trim trees that could pose a risk to visitors, buildings, and facilities upon return.

Maintaining plumbing systems

Prior to leaving, you must shut off the main water valve and fully drain the plumbing system. The main water line should be heated to prevent water upstream from freezing. To adequately drain the plumbing system, the lowest point will have to be drained, such as opening a faucet. The faucet will need to be closed again once the water is turned back on. It is recommended that you leave a note on the tap as a reminder.

As your building will be vacant for quite a long time, it is recommended that you fill your plumbing system with antifreeze, to help it last though the colder months.

Regulating the temperature

To keep your plumbing system in working order, and to return to it being fully functional, an interior temperature of at least 18°C must be maintained. Air humidity levels should be kept below 40% to reduce the risk of condensation and mold.

However, you don’t want to keep the temperature too low, as lower temperatures may damage wall finishes or cause interior materials to contract.

Storing RVs, trailers and other equipment

If your campsite gives the option to customers to store their vehicles and equipment during the down season, it is important for both parties to sign a space rental agreement. This contract should release you from all responsibility and liability in case of an incident.

When it is time to prepare the trailers or RVs for storage, you should refer customers to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Regular inspections and supervision

If you take the time to regularly make the rounds of your entire campsite during the extended closure, you’ll increase the odds of everything being safe and secure when you reopen. You can either assign a staff member to do this task, or outsource a security team to monitor the grounds for you. It is recommended that your campsite is inspected every other day in order to prevent incidents from occurring.

Access to your site should be prohibited to pedestrians, cyclists, ATVs, and other vehicles. Signs prohibiting access should be posted at the entrances to your property. If needed, install concrete blocks (ensure they are clearly visible) around unfenced areas.

Protecting your data

As a campsite, you may be storing some of your customer and suppliers data on site. Remove important documents from your site and store them in a secure location. Also remember to secure any expensive computer equipment that is essential to operations.

You could also install an alarm system in the building where your valuable goods are stored for extra security. Lock up ladders, tools and other objects thieves may use to gain access to your buildings in a secure location.

Ensure your campsite is protected

Despite your best efforts to close down properly and with care, sometimes things can still go wrong. That’s when insurance can be helpful. To learn more about how a comprehensive policy can help protect you, your employees, and your bottom line, visit our business insurance page today!