Will Your Premises Be Vacant This Autumn? A Fire & Security Checklist
As the days get shorter and the nights draw in, some commercial premises may be left vacant or unattended for longer periods.
Whether it’s an office, warehouse, industrial site or other commercial property, an empty building can present additional security and fire safety considerations.
If your premises will be vacant at any point this autumn, here are some areas worth reviewing.
1. Check your intruder alarm system
Before leaving a property unattended, make sure your intruder alarm is fully operational. Check for outstanding faults and ensure the appropriate people know what to do if the alarm is activated.
2. Review your CCTV coverage
Autumn brings longer hours of darkness, making effective CCTV coverage particularly important. Check that cameras are working correctly, key areas are adequately covered and footage is being recorded as expected.
3. Test external lighting
Good external lighting can support your wider security measures. Check entrances, car parks, loading areas and other vulnerable points around the building for failed or poorly positioned lighting.
4. Don’t overlook fire detection
A building being empty doesn’t remove the risk of fire. Fire alarm and detection systems should continue to be appropriately maintained, particularly when a premises is going to be left unattended.
5. Secure access points
Doors, windows, gates and other access points should be checked before an extended period of vacancy. It’s also worth reviewing who currently has keys, access cards or security codes.
6. Review monitoring and response procedures
If an alarm activates while nobody is on site, what happens next?
Businesses should understand how their systems are monitored, who receives alerts and who is responsible for responding to an incident.
Prepare your premises for autumn
A few simple checks can help ensure your fire and security systems continue to protect your premises even when nobody is there.
Shield Services Group’s Fire & Security team supports businesses with the installation, maintenance and management of fire and security systems across commercial and industrial environments.
If your premises are likely to be vacant or unattended for longer periods this autumn, now is a good time to review the systems you rely on to protect them.
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