Many offices close or operate with limited staff during the holiday season. While this gives employees a well deserved break, it also creates a period when buildings are more vulnerable. Fewer people on site, irregular schedules, and long stretches of vacancy can make businesses an easier target for break-ins, theft, and equipment damage. A little preparation before closing up for the holidays can go a long way toward preventing unwanted surprises when everyone returns.
Check That All Access Control Systems Are Functioning Properly
Before your staff heads out, verify that all access points are secure. Make sure your card readers, fobs, mobile credentials, and door schedules are operating correctly. If your system allows it, temporarily tighten access permissions for the holiday week. Many businesses reduce active user credentials, restrict visitor access, or activate holiday-specific door schedules during this time.
If you use electrified locks, confirm that they are responding properly and that doors latch as they should. A single door that does not close fully can create a serious security gap during a long closure.
Review Camera Coverage and Recording Health
Video surveillance is one of the most important tools during holiday shutdowns. Check that all cameras are online, focused, and free of obstructions. Review your system’s storage health to ensure it is recording without interruptions. If your platform offers smart alerts or AI based detection, consider enabling notifications for after-hours motion or unusual activity.
Businesses with construction areas, warehouses, or exterior storage should pay extra attention to outdoor cameras, since these locations often have less foot traffic during closures.
Confirm Alarm System Readiness
Alarm systems protect your building when no one is around to notice suspicious activity. Before shutting down, test your intrusion sensors, motion detectors, and glass break sensors. Make sure communication with your monitoring center is stable and that alarms trigger properly.
If your system includes environmental sensors, check those as well. Flood detectors, temperature sensors, and smoke detectors are especially important in winter when freezing pipes or heating issues can cause serious damage.
Secure Deliveries, Mailrooms, and Inventory
Many buildings still receive packages and mail even when offices close. Thieves know this, and unattended delivery areas can become easy targets. If possible, reroute deliveries, lock internal mailrooms, or use secured storage areas where drivers can leave items safely. Businesses with valuable inventory should double check that storage rooms and equipment areas are locked and monitored.
Prepare the Building for Reduced Foot Traffic
Walk the building before closing to make sure all exterior doors are locked, unused rooms are secured, and lights or automation schedules are set correctly. If your building uses turnstiles or access gates, confirm that they are functioning and that their schedules align with your holiday hours.
A Safer Return After the Holidays
Holiday closures should not put your business at risk. Taking time to confirm that your access control, cameras, alarms, and delivery areas are secure will help you avoid problems during one of the quietest weeks of the year.