How to Protect Your Business Premises This Winter

With the colder weather creeping in, it is time to start thinking about getting your business ready for winter, so you are in a position to carry on providing an uninterrupted service, and so that your premises are well protected during the colder months and any seasonal shutdown periods. A winter security plan should feature in your preparations.

Often, the best approach, when it comes to getting ready for winter, is to plan for the worst.

The Met Office says that 43 per cent of small businesses lack a continuity, disaster recovery or crisis management plan. So, if bad weather hits, anything from traffic delays to power outages could spell disaster.

Business in the Community (BITC) has put together a ‘Would You Be Ready?’ guide and checklist for small businesses to check if they’re prepared for the unexpected, including floods and cyber-attacks.

Create a winter checklist and undertake a risk assessment

It is good practice to create a winter checklist and undertake a risk assessment ahead of the colder months and any shutdown periods, in order to avoid surprise expenses and potential business interruption.

Checking for broken roof tiles and guttering, and ensuring the heating system is in good working order, are just some examples of the important things you should be doing at this time of year.

Whilst it may be tempting to switch off the heating system in a building during shutdown periods, it is important to remember that failure to maintain a temperature of at least 12 degrees Celsius could lead to frozen pipes.

Escape of water is another major winter-related issue, and is a problem that has been on the increase for more than ten years. With the average cost of a commercial escape coming in at over £5,000, it is clear to see the importance of engaging a professional to carry out regular assessments of your water system. It may even be an idea to consider installing a ‘Leakbot’, a smart water leak detector that spots hidden leaks before they turn into major issues.

Your winter security plan

From a security point of view, there are various issues to look at, especially if you are planning to shut down your business premises for winter. Even if you are not shutting down, the fact that the hours of darkness are much extended during winter presents a risk in itself.

Enhance perimeter security

For starters, it is vital that additional steps are taken to protect the premises from the outside. Perimeter security solutions have become increasingly sophisticated of late, incorporating cutting edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart sensors, drones and thermal imaging.

Perimeter security choices should always be made in conjunction with a security expert who understands your risk levels, and who knows precisely what solution would best suit your needs. They will help you assess any specific threats to your premises, particularly in terms of seasonal risks, as well as looking at the level of security required, which of course will vary depending on the nature of your business.

Secure valuables

If you are shutting down your premises for winter, you should ensure that no valuables are left onsite that could prove an incentive for thieves.

Be sure to bank any cash; lock valuables and data storage devices in a secure, fixed safe; and close blinds or use window and door shutters to keep prying eyes at bay.

Ensure servicing and maintenance plans are up to date

Your CCTV, intruder alarm and fire alarm systems will all need to be in perfect working order if they are to protect your premises over winter and during any period of closure. It is important, therefore, to ensure your maintenance and servicing plans are up to date.

Take time to check your paperwork, and make sure that any advisories listed during your most recent inspections have been actioned.

Check your door closers

Cold weather can have an adverse effect on automatic door closers. As the temperature drops, oil can congeal and slow down the closing of the door. Adjustments are necessary during this time, and servicing is a vital step that should not be overlooked.

During stormy weather, adjusting the speeds of the closing and latching sweeps is essential, as doors are buffeted by strong winds. It may also be necessary to have the hydraulics recalibrated. It’s always important to seek professional advice when it comes to maintaining your door closers over winter.

Consider lone workers

If you have staff working alone who will be on duty or leaving the premises after dark, it is important that you take steps to ensure their safety. Panic alarms (portable or fixed), access control, door entry systems and security lighting will all help to safeguard any staff who may be vulnerable.

You may also consider hiring a security guard to escort any lone workers to their vehicles at the end of the day. Our guide to lone worker security provides detailed advice on protecting staff who are exposed to greater risks such as lone working.

Seeking professional advice on protecting your business premises during winter?

If you are seeking professional guidance on protecting your business premises during winter, talk to Barry Bros Security. We have been taking care of businesses of all sizes throughout London and beyond for more than seven decades.

Our showroom in central London is staffed by experts ready and waiting to provide you with tailored assistance. You can also give us a call or drop us a line to arrange an onsite visit.