Preparing Your Snow Removal Team with Mock Storm Training

As the winter months approach, snow removal companies need to be fully prepared for whatever challenges Mother Nature throws their way. While snowstorms are inherently unpredictable, there are many aspects of snow removal operations that can be planned for in advance—especially when it comes to team training.

Levi Jett, CEO of Jett Facility Consultants, recently shared his unique approach to mock snowstorm training with Phil Harwood on the Snowfighters Institute podcast. His approach helps teams mentally prepare for the high-pressure environment that comes with a major snow event. Rather than waiting until the storm hits, Levi advocates for preparing well in advance—during the off-season and early winter—so that teams can make decisions with confidence when the real thing arrives.

This training is more than just a practice run for operations; it’s an opportunity to engage your entire team, improve communication, and enhance decision-making under pressure. 

Three Types of Mock Snowstorm Training

Levi categorizes mock snowstorm training into three distinct types, each serving a different purpose in preparing snow removal teams for storm season. These training exercises vary in intensity and timing, but all aim to build skills and confidence for the real thing.

1. Deep Dive Mock Storm

• When to Conduct It: Early to mid-summer (off-season)
• Duration: Half a day
• Who Should Be Involved: all personnel involved in snow removal (operators, foremen, field supervisors, office staff)
• Purpose & Goal: Examine your snow operations at a granular level

This training allows teams to analyze their current practices and identify areas for improvement. It’s a great opportunity to make widespread changes or updates to processes while there’s still ample time before the winter season. The goal is to improve efficiency, troubleshoot potential issues, and ensure that every aspect of the operation is covered in the event of a real storm.

2. Dress Rehearsal

• When to Conduct It: 48–72 hours before a snowstorm (usually in November or December).
• Duration: 1 hour
• Who Should Be Involved: Full operations team
• Purpose & Goal: Ease the team into storm season by shaking off the rust and practicing decision-making in a low-pressure environment.

By using real forecasts to simulate an impending storm, teams can mentally prepare for what’s to come, without the stress of an actual event. The goal is to build confidence, clarify roles, and address any questions or uncertainties before the storm actually hits.

3. Full Storm Lead-Up Simulation

• When to Conduct It: Mid-season, or during training forums or events.
• Duration: 2 hours
• Who Should Be Involved: Entire team, with a focus on junior and mid-level employees
• Purpose & Goal: Test the team's adaptability and decision-making abilities under pressure, as well as provide leadership and succession planning opportunities. 

This simulation involves a multi-day storm lead-up, where the forecast and operational scenarios evolve over time. During this exercise, team members will need to manage changing conditions, shifting priorities, and potential team member absences. Junior employees will get the chance to make decisions, think critically, and take on leadership roles as needed.

A Closer Look: The Dress Rehearsal Simulation

Now, let’s take a deeper dive into the dress rehearsal simulation, as it’s the first step in preparing for the storm season. This training is designed to be relatively light and should take place in the days leading up to a storm, giving your team the opportunity to mentally prepare for what’s ahead.

In the dress rehearsal, the goal is to simulate the storm without the actual stress of a real event. Here’s how Levi sets up and runs this training:

Real Forecasts:

• Start by using actual weather forecasts for the impending storm. This gives the team a realistic basis for the simulation, helping them focus on the specific conditions they’re likely to face in the coming days.
• The team will discuss the forecast, review storm details, and anticipate the needs of different areas, such as road treatment or clearing priority zones.

Light Scenario Challenges:

• During the rehearsal, Levi will throw in a few scenarios that could arise during the storm. These are not full-scale problems, but light challenges to help the team practice problem-solving and communication.
• For example, a team member might suddenly report that a truck has broken down, or there could be a delay in getting materials. These challenges help the team prepare for disruptions without the pressure of a live snowstorm.
• Levi encourages using this time to answer questions, refine processes, and clarify responsibilities.

Role Clarification and Confidence Building:

• The goal of the dress rehearsal is to ensure that every team member knows their role and responsibilities before the storm hits.
• As questions come up during the simulation, Levi encourages open discussion. This is an opportunity to clarify any uncertainties and refine communication channels within the team.
• By practicing in this low-stakes environment, team members can become more confident in their ability to handle real challenges when they arise.

Debrief:

• After the dress rehearsal, Levi suggests holding a short debrief with the team. Discuss what went well and what could be improved. This is a key part of the learning process.
• The debrief also provides a chance to identify any gaps in the operation and make final adjustments to strategies or roles before the storm season begins.

The Benefits of Scenario-Based Training

Mock snowstorm training is crucial for snow removal teams for several reasons. It helps build teamwork, improve decision-making, and ensure that everyone on the team is prepared for the chaos of a live snowstorm. By running through realistic scenarios, your team will be more capable of handling the unpredictable nature of winter weather.

Additionally, scenario-based training promotes critical thinking and succession planning, ensuring that your team isn’t caught off-guard if someone has to step up into a more senior role unexpectedly. Whether it’s a dress rehearsal to mentally prepare, a deep dive to refine operations, or a full storm simulation to test adaptability, each type of mock snowstorm training will help strengthen your team.

By preparing your team in advance, you ensure they’re ready to handle whatever challenges the winter season brings, and ultimately, you set them up for success during the most critical time of the year.

Listen to the full podcast below for many more insights and specifics on mock snow storm training 👇