The statistics are alarming – nearly 1 in 5 structure fires in U.S. commercial properties happen during vacant hours. This fact becomes even more concerning while businesses prepare their holiday shutdown checklists.
The holiday season creates dangerous conditions for business security. Theft rates increase by a lot during holidays when properties sit empty. A single theft can cost businesses around $25,000. Commercial fires cause average damages of $341,000, and frozen pipe repairs can reach six-figure costs. No business owner wants to return from sending holiday closure notices to find their facility compromised. A complete holiday shutdown notice that has proper security measures gives you peace of mind.
This piece will show you everything to secure your business during holiday closures. We’ll help protect your investment with practical steps – from security audits to foolproof checklists. These tools will keep your property safe while you enjoy the holiday season.
Understand the Risks of Holiday Shutdowns
Businesses face a perfect security storm during the holiday season. Criminals know that organizations put year-end activities ahead of security measures. This creates an open window for attacks.
Empty offices lead to higher security risks. The holiday season sees a 30% spike in cyberattacks, and 68% of businesses admit they let their guard down during this time. Physical security becomes a major concern too – all but one of these burglaries happen when businesses shut down for holidays.
Money talks when it comes to these threats. Data breach costs hit USD 4.88 million globally in 2024, marking one of the biggest jumps over the last several years. On top of that, retail and commercial crime drains tens of billions from companies each year.
Small businesses face an even darker reality. A full 60% shut their doors within six months after a cyberattack. This shows why a full picture of holiday business shutdown steps is a vital part of planning.
FBI data shows ransomware attacks spike during holidays, with criminals demanding 23% higher ransoms. So when you draft your holiday shutdown notice to clients, mentioning your security measures can build trust and remind your team about the right protocols.
Your business investment stays protected only when we are willing to see these growing risks.
Identify and Fix Security Gaps
A detailed security audit should be your priority before closing for the holidays. The statistics are eye-opening – over 30% of commercial break-ins happen through rooftops and service entrances. These areas rarely get enough attention in standard security protocols.
Your holiday business shutdown checklist should start with a detailed look at vulnerabilities. Check the perimeter at different times to spot sight lines, lighting conditions, and routes that criminals might use. Locations like warehouses and satellite offices with less foot traffic need extra attention.
Most commercial properties have major blind spots in their loading docks, side entrances, alleyways, and back parking areas. Security cameras also tend to miss critical spots like stairwells, upper-floor windows, and skylights.
Outdoor security cameras that work in all weather conditions can protect your rooftop. Laser scan sensors are even better – they monitor entire surfaces instead of just entry points and give better protection against intruders who might try to break in through the roof.
Old security systems create a serious weak point. Systems that are over a decade old might not handle today’s threats. Remote security monitoring combines physical security with advanced technology and leads to better decisions.
Take photos and notes of everything you find to help you tackle improvements in order of importance. Adding these security measures to your holiday shutdown notice shows clients your steadfast dedication to protecting their sensitive information and physical assets.
The Essential Holiday Shutdown Checklist
A complete security checklist is vital to protect your business during holiday closures. Your physical security needs attention first. Double-check all doors, windows, and loading docks. The access control systems need updates. Revoke credentials for seasonal staff and make sure alarm systems connect to monitoring centers properly.
Your video surveillance setup requires attention next. Look for blind spots in camera placement and test if you can view footage remotely. Motion detection alerts should be set up in sensitive areas to maintain alertness while away.
Fire safety measures need verification. Test smoke detectors and check holiday lights for damage. Make sure fire extinguishers are available. Your building needs protection from environmental hazards. Temperature sensors should detect freezing conditions that might damage pipes.
Kitchen appliances and office equipment should stay unplugged to prevent fire hazards and save energy. Space heaters, toasters, and air fryers can create much risk when left plugged in too long.
The core team needs clear protocols. Monitoring providers should have emergency contact lists. Staff members need training on proper system arming and disarming procedures. Return-to-work inspection protocols must be in place. Test all alarm and monitoring systems before you leave. This ensures everything works correctly during your absence.
Final Thoughts
A well-planned holiday shutdown does more than protect your building—it protects the future of your business. Even with the strongest security measures, unexpected events like fires, theft, or weather damage can still happen. That’s why pairing these preventive steps with the right insurance coverage is essential.
If you want to make sure your business is properly protected this holiday season, Nickerson Insurance Services, INC. is here to help. Our team can review your current policies, identify coverage gaps, and recommend solutions tailored to your risks.
Before you lock up for the holidays, make sure your insurance is as secure as your building—contact Nickerson Insurance Services, INC. for expert guidance and peace of mind.
