Dec 16, 2025

As the holiday and winter seasons approach, businesses and property owners face a unique set of security challenges. Extended travel, reduced staffing, earlier nightfall, and harsh weather conditions create an environment where risks increase—both from criminal activity and environmental hazards. Prioritizing property security during this time of year is essential to safeguarding people, assets, and operations.

The first winter-specific concern is reduced visibility and early darkness. Shorter days provide more opportunity for theft, vandalism, and unauthorized entry. Ensuring exterior lighting is bright, functional, and strategically placed around entrances, loading areas, and parking lots can deter unwanted activity. Regularly check bulbs, timers, and sensors to ensure they’re working properly through the season.

The holidays also bring increased traffic around commercial properties—customers, vendors, deliveries, and seasonal staff. Access control becomes crucial. Businesses should confirm that doors, gates, cameras, and alarm systems are functioning correctly, and that only authorized personnel have entry privileges. Reviewing visitor procedures, updating key cards, and reinforcing expectations with employees can significantly reduce avoidable security gaps.

Winter weather adds additional exposures. Frigid temperatures, ice accumulation, and heavy snow can create damage risks if buildings are not proactively maintained. Frozen pipes, roof leaks, and power outages can disrupt operations or force unexpected closures. Regular inspections of heating systems, insulation, roofs, gutters, and emergency power backups help prevent costly disruptions. Clear snow and ice around walkways to protect both employees and visitors.

Finally, with many businesses adjusting hours or closing for holidays, creating a seasonal property security plan is essential. This includes checking alarm systems, updating emergency contacts, communicating schedules to key personnel, and ensuring surveillance cameras continue recording uninterrupted.

A secure property is a resilient property. By addressing lighting, access control, weather-related risks, and operational readiness, organizations can navigate the winter and holiday season confidently, keeping people safe and protecting their assets.