Preparing Your Business for Winter: 8 Essential Facilities Management Tips

by Ellie Gilbert | Industry News

Preparing Your Business for Winter: 8 Essential Facilities Management Tips

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Winter doesn’t have to mean disruption for your business. Proactive maintenance reduces risks, saves money, and ensures smooth operations even during challenging weather conditions. From heating and energy efficiency to snow removal and safety checks, prioritising these measures helps create a safer and more functional workplace for everyone.

1. Heating Maintenance: Keep Warm and Operate Efficiently

Winter puts extra pressure on heating systems, making routine maintenance critical. Regular checks prevent unexpected breakdowns, ensuring your workplace remains comfortable and energy-efficient. Well-maintained boilers and HVAC systems reduce energy waste and minimise costly repairs.

2. Snow and Ice Management for Safety and Accessibility

Icy conditions can turn car parks and pathways into hazards. Prevent slips and falls with snow and ice management strategies like gritting and snow clearance. Keeping outdoor areas safe protects employees and visitors while mitigating potential liability claims.

3. Backup Power: Stay Operational During Outages

Unpredictable winter weather often leads to power cuts, disrupting business operations. Installing and maintaining backup generators ensures critical systems remain operational during outages, avoiding costly downtime and maintaining peace of mind.

4. Comprehensive Winter Inspections

Older buildings and poorly insulated properties are especially vulnerable during winter. A thorough winter inspection can uncover risks like damaged roofing, inefficient drainage, or faulty heating systems. Addressing these issues early prevents larger, costlier problems.

5. Weatherproofing and Flood Preparedness

Inspect your premises for gaps, cracks, and heat loss. Seal windows and doors and consider additional insulation to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. Prepare for heavy rain, melting snow, or blocked drainage that could lead to flooding. Maintain sump pumps and implement flood prevention strategies to protect your property and operations.

6. Walkway and Lighting Safety

Well-maintained and well-lit pathways reduce slip hazards and enhance security for staff and visitors. Regularly inspect exterior lighting and address faults promptly to ensure safety and peace of mind.

7. Fire Safety During Colder Months

Additional heating equipment increases fire risks in winter. Regular fire safety checks ensure alarms and extinguishers are functional, while electrical systems and appliances meet safety standards. This proactive approach helps prevent incidents and ensures compliance.

8. Stock Essential Supplies

Supply chain disruptions are common in winter. Stock essentials like salt, sand, shovels, and emergency equipment to ensure you’re prepared for any situation.


Winter weather can be unpredictable, but your facilities management doesn’t have to be.

Whether it’s preparing heating systems, safeguarding your premises from snow and ice, or implementing an effective emergency response plan, we’re here to support you.

Contact us on 01484 507986 or email enquiries@thefmcompanyuk.co.uk to learn more about how our expert facilities management services can keep your business running smoothly year-round.
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Author: Ellie Gilbert