Is Your Building Ready for the Holiday Shut-Down?

Finally, we about to end this unprecedented year of 2020! For some, this means holiday shutdowns and hopefully a little rest and end of the year vacation. If you own a business that will shut down, then now is the time to plan so you can rest peacefully while you’re gone.

Here’s a helpful closing checklist that is efficient and productive.

1.  Notify Essential People

Don’t forget to let employees, customers, and clients know you’ll be closing for a bit. This should include exact dates and times that the building will be shut down. Don’t tell the world, however. You don’t want to advertise that your building will be empty during this time. Include delivery services, postal services, cleaning and maintenance services, and your landlord. Set up an email autoreply and a new voicemail message as well.

2. Check Fire Alarms and Equipment

Test all your fire alarm systems and switch out any batteries before the break. Consider having an electrical contractor come in and check that everything is working properly.

3. Turn Down the Heat

Save a little energy and money by turning down the heat. Consider having an energy management system installed that adjusts airflow and temperature based on time of day and number of occupants. When the building is shut down, set the temperature lower, but not too low! You don’t want to come back to any broken pipes!

4. Unplug Equipment Wherever Possible

Unplug equipment that does not need to stay powered up. Don’t forget those “Vampire Appliances” that suck up and use energy when plugged in throughout the year. This can use hundreds – even thousands of dollars of energy by just staying plugged in and reduce the risk of an electrical fire. Not everything can (or should) be unplugged, but equipment and appliances that don’t have to stay on while you are away can save you plenty in energy costs. These include:

• Computers
• Routers
• Modems
• TV’s
• Printers
• Chargers
• Monitors
• Microwaves
• Anything remote control

5. Don’t Go Completely Dark

Put timers on select evening lights to make it appear there are occupants. This can help reduce the risk of burglary or theft.

6. Check (or install) Security Measures

Take steps to prevent the risk of theft. Check that all security or alarm systems are working properly. This includes security cameras, locks, alarms, and other security devices.

7. Back It Up!

Backup your data before you unplug your computers. Most important – back up your servers and data. You don’t want a power surge or other emergency wiping out your data.

8. Double-Check Your Digital Protection

It is reported that Cyber breaches are more likely over the holiday breaks because hackers and thieves know that most computers and tech is left unobserved and unmonitored.

Need help with a closing checklist? We can help. Whether you need an energy management plan revised or wiring for fire and security systems, we’re here to help you be safe and secure at any time of the year.

Happy Holidays!