Get Your Offices Ready For The Festive Shutdown

When preparing for the festive break, it’s crucial to ensure that your office is safe and secure during the Christmas shutdown. Here are some key steps you can take to protect your workspace in Glasgow, Edinburgh, or anywhere else:

1. Electrical Safety: Unplug all non-essential devices. Over the holiday period when offices are empty, there’s no need for equipment like printers, computers, and coffee machines to be left on standby. This not only reduces fire risk but also saves energy.
2. Fire Alarm Checks: Make sure your fire alarm systems are fully operational. Test them before you leave and ensure that any automatic notification systems are set to alert key personnel.
3. Emergency Lighting: Verify that emergency lighting is working, particularly in exit routes. This is essential in case of power outages or emergencies during the shutdown.
4. Heating Systems: Avoid setting your heating to turn off completely. A low, constant temperature can prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, which could cause significant water damage.
5. Secure All Entrances and Exits: Check that all doors and windows are locked and that security systems are armed. Consider motion detectors or timed lighting to deter intruders.
6. Clear Exits and Pathways: Ensure that all fire exits and escape routes are clear from obstruction. This is vital for safety and is often required by fire safety regulations.
7. Remove Waste and Combustible Materials: Dispose of all trash, especially flammable materials like boxes and paper waste, to reduce the risk of fire.
8. Check Your Fire Extinguishers: Ensure that all fire extinguishers are in place and have been serviced within the last year.
9. Review Your Fire Safety Plan: Make sure all employees are aware of the fire safety plan and know what to do in an emergency, even if the likelihood of someone being in the office is low.
10. Assign a Safety Officer: If possible, assign a safety officer to check on the premises periodically during the shutdown.

By following these steps, you can enjoy the festive season knowing that you’ve taken the necessary precautions to keep your office safe. Remember, safety is not just for Christmas—it’s a year-round commitment. Happy holidays from all of us at Safe and Sound Fire!