Christmas is one of the only times of year where nearly all businesses close down and shut up shop for a few days to enjoy the festive break. Whilst we should all be able to enjoy a rest over the festive season it is wise to be aware of the risks that come with leaving your premises empty. Being aware of the risks means you can put some simple steps in to place to minimise the risk from potentially opportunistic thieves as well as weather related hazards.

Don’t leave in a rush

Christmas can be a busy time of year but don’t let this put you off your normal checks. Make sure you lock up properly – all windows, doors and access points to your premises such as gates should be locked securely before you leave. If you have a burglar alarm, make sure that it is set and likewise, if you have any CCTV in place it may be advisable to leave this on. Also make sure fire alarms etc are all in working order.

Prepare for the weather

It is a good idea to check the weather forecast before you close for the break. During the winter there is the increased risk of freezing pipes if the weather does get very cold. If the forecast is suggesting freezing temperatures, then it is advisable to leave your heating system on. You can do this at a lower level than you would if you were occupying the building, but it will just ensure that your pipes don’t freeze. Frozen pipes can cause significant water damage if they do burst so this is definitely something to factor into your planning.

Don’t make it obvious that your premises are empty

As you would do with your own home, it is a good idea to make it look as if your premises are occupied if you can. It is possible to fit systems which switch your lights on automatically at different intervals throughout the day.

If your business premises are nearby others who may be around during the Christmas break do ask neighbours to check in on your property or to keep an eye out for any unusual activity.

Check your insurance cover

Ahead of leaving your property empty it is probably a good idea to just double check your insurance cover and make sure you are covered for everything you believe you are insured for. If any of your details have changed throughout the year make sure you notify your insurer. If you don’t have business interruption cover it may also be worth considering as this can help protect your income if your business is unable to trade following a loss caused by an insured event such as flooding or a fire.