It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – people getting together for office parties or huddling around an open fire, creating and sharing memories with our nearest and dearest.

For the vast majority, the holiday season comes and goes without a hiccup, thanks to good habits and general common sense. But before you close the doors on your establishment for a few well-deserved days with your family, it’s a good idea to make one last inspection to make sure you come back to your property intact in the new year.

We’ve made a list of things you should check, whether you’re leaving your home for a few days or closing your commercial property and taking a few days off. Let’s take a look!

Electrical Devices and Appliances

Unplug them all before you go. If there are things you can’t unplug for an extended period of time, like a freezer – be sure to check that it is closed properly and you haven’t left any flammable materials nearby. Cardboard boxes or other storage items should be stored well away from electrical devices and appliances.

Check your fire alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are in working order. Change the batteries if necessary – although you might not hear them if they ring, neighboring properties may be able to sound the alarm in case of fire, limiting the possible damage.

Open Fires and Chimneys

The nostalgia of an open fire at Christmas is hard to beat. We can enjoy their warmth and ambiance safely, by checking the flue for birds’ nests and other foreign objects before lighting the fire. Always use a fireguard. Be mindful of the materials you burn – throwing plastic packaging on the fire might seem like an easy way to get rid of your rubbish, but it wreaks havoc on the environment.

If you are using a gas fire, due diligence is also of primordial importance. Make sure your gas inspection is up to date if it is connected to the mains, and if you are using canisters, general common sense applies – don’t smoke near the bottle, keep it in a well-ventilated space, and ensure you turn the key into the off position when not in use.

Winter Water Damage

Depending on the climate where you are, frost and snow can become your enemy when it comes to property maintenance. Aside from the obvious inconvenience of heavy snow, it can freeze your water supply and cause burst pipes.

Did you know, the reason most pipes burst isn’t because of the ice itself? It’s due to the pressure of the water. More often than not, the most critical moment is when the ice in the pipes is thawing – water begins to rush through the pipes again causing unexpected pressure.

If your budget allows, you can install a leak detector system, which will prevent any water damage in your property. It can be devastating, so it is well worth the investment, whether you are in a cold region or not.

Ensure your windows and doors are well-sealed. Just like with heavy rain, snow and ice can penetrate poorly-sealed entry points and cause water damage to the structure of your property and your possessions and assets – not to mention the mold that can grow in a damp environment.

As a final tip, if you are leaving your property for a few days, take five minutes to clear the gutters of leaves and debris, and test its efficiency by pouring some water down them. If they are blocked, they are bound to cause a backup of water in case of rain, snow or frost, and potentially damage the guttering itself or worse, the property. Unwanted costs and inconvenience in any case.