Important security and fire safety preparations for winter

We may have been enjoying the last throes of summery, warm weather this weekend, but September is the perfect time to plan ahead and get your property winter-ready. In terms of fire safety and security, there are a number of important checks to make, and you still have time to carry out any necessary maintenance or servicing too.

Lighting

The nights are already starting to draw in and it’s not long until the clocks go back, so now’s the perfect moment to make sure your security lighting is in good order.  Security lights are an excellent deterrent to would-be intruders and also help to make the building’s occupants feel safe as they come and go. Whether for the home or workplace, such lighting is a security essential.

If your security lights are on a sensor, check that the sensor is clean and all wiring is sound. If the lights have metal fixings or casings, assess them for rust damage and replace if necessary. You want to prevent water getting into the housing during wet or cold weather, so look for cracks or weak points. Check bulbs and make sure you have a spare.

CCTV

CCTV cameras are increasingly popular as a deterrent and an important monitoring tool, both inside and outside. Check that your external cameras are sited correctly and cover all the main vantage points. Again, make sure that fittings and fixtures are in good condition to prevent them becoming damaged during storms or high winds. If we experience another bad winter with heavy snow, it’s also important to keep checking that your cameras are operating properly during and after snowfall (if they are moving ones, very cold temperatures could freeze the mechanism).

Before winter sets in, we advise getting your camera system serviced (ideally by the company which installed them) to be sure that everything is in good working order.

Alarm testing

It’s also a good idea to get your alarm system serviced before winter. As part of your fire prevention programme you should be checking alarms weekly anyway, but for a more thorough assessment of their condition, call in the professionals.

This applies to all types of alarm too, including smoke alarms, fire alarms and intruder alert systems.

Heaters

With the gorgeous hot summer we’ve had this year, it’s unlikely that your heating system has been in use over recent months! Before temperatures drop and you reach for the on switch, give the system the once-over.

Some types of heater pose a particular fire risk, such as gas, electric or oil-fired space heaters. Firstly, check that they are in good working order, but also think carefully about how you use them. The greatest risk with these heaters is unsafe behaviour, such as people standing or sitting too close, allowing clothing, curtains or other items to get too close or leaving heaters on overnight or unattended. Whether in the home or workplace, ensure that people understand how to use such heaters safely.

Chimney sweeping

There are around 7,000 chimney fires every year in England but they are largely preventable with good maintenance. A blocked flue can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning, so keeping your chimney clean is imperative. 

If you have a real fire – whether in an open hearth or a log burner – annual sweeping of your flue is essential (or more often, for certain types of fuel). Book a certified chimney sweep for the end of the summer and don’t use the fireplace until the flue has been swept. Also think carefully about the type of fuel you use and, if burning wood, make sure it is well-seasoned and dry.

There is more useful advice on chimney safety on the Cheshire Fire & Rescue website.