Guidance How to Keep Your Premises Safe & Secure

Unoccupied Premises are normally at much higher risk of damage/loss than when occupied, from water damage, arson, theft etc. Our Insurer partners have provided us with some “Best Practice” Guidance

• Site Security – check perimeter fences and gates are in good state of repair and operational

• External lighting – check lighting and that any associated movement sensors are operational

• Building Physical Security – check that window and door locks, and any security shutters, are operational. The use of external key safes should not be used

• Access Control – check to ensure this is operational and maintained

• CCTV – check to ensure this is operational and maintained, including recording and any remote monitoring

• Intruder Alarm (If installed) – check to ensure this is fully operational and maintained, including offsite remote monitoring. Any reduction in Police response or keyholder availability needs to be advised to us.

• Automatic Fire Alarm (If Installed) – check to ensure the system is fully operational and maintained, including offsite remote monitoring

• Fire doors – ensure all internal fire doors and shutters are closed

• Letterboxes should be sealed

• Where large car parks are vulnerable to incursion and potential fly-tipping, additional denial of access security measures should be considered.

• Where the site is temporarily closed, where possible arrangements should be made for a weekly internal and external site inspection, with guidance sought as to whether this can be supported whilst adhering to social distancing

• Waste – internal and external waste to be removed from site with external storage located a minimum of 10m from the building

• Utilities (electrical, water, heating) – shutdown and isolate / drain any non-essential utility services that are not required for operational reasons, maintaining minimum temperatures to prevent freezing, or for protection

• No money should be left on the premises unless kept in an approved safe

As always our team are ready to answer any questions or concerns you might have, please contact us on the form below and we will come back to you.