Keep Your Property Safe With This Autumn Security Checklist
Autumn is a season of transition, bringing shorter days and cooler temperatures to all areas across the country. It’s also a critical time to ensure your home or business is prepared for the challenges that come with the change in weather and the later seasons of the year.
At Nomico Fire & Security, our mission is to provide comprehensive fire and security solutions for commercial and residential properties across Essex, London, and the Home Counties. We are not only skilled but passionate about our work and have helped many clients over the years protect what matters the most to them.
In this autumn safety checklist, we aim to guide you through the necessary processes you should follow to safeguard your home or business as we move into the colder seasons.
Autumn Fire Safety Checklist
Fire safety is important in every season, but this transitional weather makes it the perfect time to update your safety solutions and ensure everything is in prime working order. As the darker nights and cooler temperatures begin to settle in, many properties will be relying on their heating more frequently – which can lead to fire hazards without the proper checks.
With our expertise and supply of fire safety solutions, we have developed this autumn safety checklist for all kinds of fire hazards, helping you to take an active role in protecting your premises during this new season.
When working to improve your fire safety for the autumn, the following autumn safety checklist should be used:
1. Check and Maintain Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are your first line of defence in the event of a fire and therefore need to be well maintained to ensure they can provide the protection you need.
For this autumn safety checklist, you should make sure that all smoke detectors within your property are functioning correctly. This can be done by testing each unit and replacing batteries where necessary.
At Nomico Fire & Security, we offer professional servicing and maintenance to all security and fire systems. Our team offer fire alarm installation, testing and repairs, helping you stay prepared all year long and maintain high levels of fire safety at all times.
In addition to testing and repairing fire alarms this autumn, it is advisable to vacuum around the detectors. This will remove any dust or debris that could impede the detector’s functionality and deliver an additional layer of security to the premises and its occupants.
2. Service Your Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers should be serviced annually by a certified professional and autumn is the perfect opportunity to book this appointment. The changing seasons and abrupt drop in temperatures are a sign that time is passing, and this may be the reminder you need to get your fire extinguishers serviced this year.
Our team at Nomico Fire & Security offer a complete fire extinguisher service, where our certified professionals will cover all areas of the extinguishers to ensure they are in good working order and in line with the current fire safety regulations.
During this service, we will check the pressure gauge on the fire extinguishers, to ensure it’s in the green zone, and examine the extinguisher for any signs of damage. These can then be replaced and repaired promptly by our team.
If you don’t have fire extinguishers installed, consider adding them to key areas across the premises as part of your autumn safety checklist. Fire extinguishers are ideal in a range of locations, particularly kitchens and any rooms with electrical equipment.
3. Review Your Fire Escape Plan
Whether it’s a family home or a commercial building, everyone should be aware of the fire escape plan.
As part of your autumn safety checklist, review your fire escape plan and inform all occupants of the process. Now is an ideal time to perform fire drills to ensure everyone knows the quickest routes to safety.
This is especially important in commercial settings where new employees may not be familiar with escape routes and older employees need reminding.
4. Inspect Heating Equipment
With the cooler weather setting in, heating systems are likely to be turned on which can be a hazard if they are not in the proper working order or line with regulations.
This autumn, make sure all heating equipment, including radiators, boilers, and space heaters, are in good working order. It is recommended to have them all professionally serviced to avoid any fire hazards resulting from malfunction, ensuring they can be safely used as the temperatures continue to drop.
Security Autumn Safety Checklist
Much like with fire safety, security needs to be a priority all year round but the onset of autumn is a great opportunity to double check everything once more.
With these seasons comes longer periods of darkness, which can pose significant security risks to your home or business if you are not prepared. The end of the year is also a good reminder to get any annual checks performed on your security systems or to even consider upgrading them for better protection in the future.
As part of your autumn safety checklist for security, consider the following:
1. Upgrade Your Security Systems
Autumn’s early sunsets can provide cover for burglars and trespassers, meaning your home or business may be more at threat.
This is why a key element of your autumn safety checklist should be servicing all your existing security systems to ensure they are up-to-date. If you are concerned about the safety of your premises, feel as though your current systems are not up to scratch or simply want to provide additional security, autumn is the perfect time to upgrade.
At Nomico Fire & Security, we offer a wide range of modern security systems from access control to CCTV, all of which come with advanced features, to provide the utmost protection to your home or business.
All of our security systems can be integrated into a centralised control system to make them easier to control, offering enhanced security at your premises when you need it the most.
2. Secure Windows and Doors
Checking the locks and closures across your premises should be a regular inspection, and the changing seasons are a great reminder to do this once more. This autumn, inspect all windows and doors across your premises for any weaknesses that could be exploited, as these can lead to significant security hazards if left undetected.
Install high-quality locks to all entry points, and consider adding security bars or grills for additional protection. It’s also wise to invest in reinforced doors for vulnerable entry points as these limit access and make it more difficult for burglars to break in.
3. Enhance Outdoor Lighting
Darkness falls earlier in autumn, which can make your property more susceptible to break-ins and intrusions during this season. This is why enhancing outdoor lighting is a significant element within your autumn safety checklist and should be at all premises.
You can enhance outdoor security by installing motion-activated lighting around your premises. These will trigger at the sign of any movement, which not only deters potential intruders but will also provide safety for occupants returning home or leaving the office after dark.
4. Integrate Smart Technology
Smart technology can significantly enhance security and should be considered if you are looking to upgrade your safety.
Systems like smart doorbells, automated lighting, and remote surveillance can give you peace of mind by delivering higher levels of protection than ever before. These are available for all kinds of premises, and our team can help recommend the best solutions for your needs.
With these systems, you can monitor your property in real-time and receive alerts if any suspicious activity is detected allowing you to stay one step ahead at all times. Now that the end of the year is in sight, it is the perfect opportunity to invest in better security and protect your premises from all kinds of hazards.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Autumn brings with it a drastic change in weather for the UK, meaning additional work may be needed across your premises to keep it safe.
Consider adding the following chores to your autumn safety checklist to ensure your entire premises, and everything inside is safe this season:
1. Clear Gutters and Drains
Fallen leaves and debris can clog gutters and drains, leading to water damage and potential fire hazards. Throughout the autumn, make sure you are regularly clearing any blockages in the gutters to ensure water can flow freely and limit internal damage.
Not only does this chore help prevent fire hazards, but also dampness and mould which can compromise the structural integrity of your building.
2. Trim Trees and Bushes
Overhanging branches and dense shrubbery can pose a fire risk and provide cover for potential intruders, making your premises a target.
To maintain high safety standards during the autumn now is the perfect time to trim back any foliage that is too close to the property and maintain this until they enter their winter dormancy. Doing this will not only improve security by removing the potential hiding spots that foliage and trees can provide but also reduce the risk of fire spreading from outside sources by limiting the debris.
3. Maintain Chimneys and Fireplaces
If your property has a chimney or fireplace, have it inspected and cleaned before the colder months set in. A blocked chimney can lead to dangerous build-ups of carbon monoxide, which is a silent killer.
With regular maintenance, you can ensure that your fireplace operates safely and efficiently.
Conclusion
By following this autumn safety checklist, you can significantly enhance the safety and security of your home or business as we transition into the final months of the year.
At Nomico Fire & Security, we are committed to providing top-tier fire and security solutions to our clients in Essex, London, and the Home Counties and can help keep you safe, no matter the season.
Contact Us Today
If you’re interested in upgrading your fire and security systems or need professional advice, please contact us. Our experts are here to help you create a safer, more secure environment.
