Fireproofing Your Business During the Festive Season: How to Stay Safe While Closed or Running on Skeleton Staff

As the festive season approaches, many businesses close their doors for a well-deserved break or operate with reduced staff. While it’s a time of rest and celebration, it’s also a period when fire risks can increase. Empty buildings, limited staff, and potential electrical or equipment issues can all combine to create dangerous situations. For businesses where festive season closures can stretch over several weeks, fire prevention is not just a safety issue, it’s a critical part of protecting assets, people, and long-term operations. At RST Risk and Security Solutions, we believe that preparation is key. Here’s how you can fireproof your company during the festive season:

1. Conduct a Pre-Holiday Fire Risk Assessment

Before closing for the season, walk through your premises and identify potential fire hazards that need attention:

• Faulty or overloaded electrical outlets need to be sorted out or unplugged altogether.

• Flammable materials (chemicals, papers, cleaning supplies) need to be stored correctly and safely according to manufacturer’s suggestions.

• Check appliances in kitchens or staff canteens and unplug anything non-essential.

• Fire doors and extinguishers need to be checked thoroughly to ensure they are in working order.

A proactive inspection ensures you don’t overlook small risks that could become major problems later.

2. Unplug, Switch Off, and Secure Equipment

Electrical fires are one of the most common threats in empty buildings. Before leaving for the holidays, make sure all non-essential equipment like computers, heaters, kettles, and other appliances are unplugged. For machinery that has to remain on, ensure it is properly serviced and in a safe location with no combustible materials nearby.

3. Make Sure Fire Protection Systems Are Functional

Your fire protection systems are your business’s first line of defence while you’re away. Now is the time to test and service everything, including:

• Smoke detectors and fire alarms.

• Sprinkler systems.

• Fire extinguishers (make sure they’re serviced and not expired).

• Emergency lighting in case of a power outage.

If these systems aren’t functioning, a small fire could become catastrophic before anyone notices.

4. Train Skeleton Staff in Fire Safety

If your business operates with a small team over the festive season, ensure that they are trained in fire safety protocols. Staff should know:

• Where fire extinguishers are located and how to use them.

• Evacuation routes and muster points.

• How to quickly contact emergency services.

Even minimal training can make the difference between a contained incident and a devastating fire.

5. Keep Your Fire Safety Documentation Updated

Emergency contact lists, evacuation plans, and fire safety checklists should all be current and accessible. Update your staff on any seasonal changes in security or fire safety arrangements.

6. Partner with a Fire Safety Expert

Professional guidance ensures no stone is left unturned. At RST, we provide fire risk assessments, fire safety training, and tailored solutions to keep your business protected all year round – especially during periods of closure.

RST’s Festive Season Fireproofing Checklist

Before you close for the holidays, make sure you’ve covered these essentials:

• Book an RST fire risk assessment.

• Unplug or switch off all unnecessary electrical equipment.

• Ensure fire extinguishers and alarms are working properly.

• Lock away flammable or hazardous materials.

• Train skeleton staff on fire safety and safety protocol in the event of an incident.

Why Choose RST?

The festive season should be a time of rest, not worry. RST is more than a service provider – we’re your partner in protecting lives, property, and peace of mind. Whether your business is closed for weeks or running on limited staff, our team can help you ensure that fire risks are minimised, and systems are ready to respond. This festive season, make RST your fire safety ally, knowing you can walk into the new year without fear.