Summer, the perfect time to prepare for winter!

This week as summer is squashing itself into a few, pretty hot days it is time to prepare for winter.

But, even though we are still anticipating warmer months ahead, it is the ideal time to prepare for the challenges that winter may press upon your office and business facility.

An ideal and cost effective way to carry out a maintenance check is by using Fairhurst Estates’ drone technology.

Over the next couple of weeks, John Thornley, managing director of Fairhurst Estates and Red Rock facilities management company, will be looking at areas where action now can save time, money and stress later.

John explains: “One of the most common problems in any facility is wear and tear, and a failure to plan ahead for cold conditions. Summer may have its challenges for facilities managers, but winter is by far the most problematic and risky season. We see callouts soar, and problems that have been invisible over summer suddenly pose urgent and costly threats.

“Now is the best time to prepare for winter”.

In the first of 2 parts, John looks at Security & Safety.

In winter, all properties are more vulnerable to burglary. Nights are longer, and there are more places for intruders to hide. John advises that surveying your building now can ensure that you’re well protected as the longer nights start to draw in.

“One key area is CCTV, which is now mission-critical for both commercial and domestic properties. Cameras need to be serviced, upgraded and maintained, and sensors should be tested and replaced where necessary.

“Visual inspection of windows and rooftop areas is best done while the weather is good, as contractors can work for longer on dry, bright days than they can in the winter. This can capture small problems, such as warped frames or broken tiles, that could develop into major emergencies if undetected.”

In part 2, John will offer his advice for interior cleaning and how a simple maintenance site inspection can help to keep your employees and tenants work running smoothly.