What Businesses Often Overlook:
When winter weather rolls in, most businesses are thinking about snow, ice, and whether anyone remembered to salt the sidewalk. Totally fair. But while you’re focused on staying warm and open, fire safety is one of those things that’s easy to push to the back burner—especially during cold, snowy stretches. The thing is, winter actually brings more fire risks, not fewer. Here are a few things businesses often overlook this time of year.
Heating Things Up (Sometimes a Little Too Much)
Cold weather means heaters run nonstop and, in some cases, extra heating equipment is pulled out of storage. Space heaters and supplemental heat can be helpful, but they’re also one of the biggest winter fire hazards. We commonly see a few issues.
– Heaters placed a little too close to boxes, furniture, or paperwork
– Too many devices plugged into the same outlet
– Extension cords being used longer than they should be
Fire Extinguishers Get “Lost” in the Winter Shuffle:
Winter has a way of rearranging workspaces. Coats, boots, deliveries, and extra storage all start creeping inside—and sometimes right in front of fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers should always be:
– Easy to spot
– Easy to reach
– Never blocked, even temporarily
Don’t Forget About Your Sprinkler System:
Fire sprinklers are one of the most important layers of fire protection in a building, and winter can be especially hard on them. Frozen sprinkler pipes can crack or burst, leading to water damage and putting your fire protection system out of service when you need it most. Fear not, there are things you can do to help prevent frozen pipes.
– Keep building heat set consistently, even during closures
– Make sure insulation is intact around sprinkler piping
– Seal openings that allow cold air to reach pipes
– Monitor areas like attics, exterior walls, and unheated spaces
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way:
Winter may be unpredictable, but fire safety doesn’t have to be. Staying aware of seasonal risks and keeping up with inspections helps protect your business, your people, and your property all year long—and gives you one less thing to worry about when the weather turns messy.
If you need fire extinguisher inspections, sprinkler system service, or winter-related fire safety support, we’re here to help.
📞 Call A&A Fire and Safety Company at 501-834-5353 to get scheduled.
