Winter brings unique fire risks to construction sites – colder temperatures, darker days, reliance on temporary heating, and year-end shutdowns. To support safer, compliant sites this winter, we’ve created the 12 Days of Fire Safety: a practical day-by-day guide to help teams prepare, check, and secure their sites during the winter period.
We’ll be sharing each day’s tip across our channels throughout December – here is the full overview.
Day 1 – Plan Your Winter Fire Safety Strategy
Start the season with a clear, up-to-date fire safety plan that reflects winter conditions, site layout changes and your year-end shutdown period. Consider whether you will require additional automatic detection over the shut-down.
Day 2 – Check Your Temporary Alarm System Health
Test your temporary fire alarm system to ensure it’s working properly. If a maintenance visit is due, book it now – ahead of the last-minute rush before Christmas.
Day 3 – Plan a Fire Drill
Run a fire drill to ensure everyone understands evacuation procedures and to highlight any areas that may require improvement before the festive shutdown.
Day 4 – Inspect Fire Points & Extinguishers
Check that fire points are clearly visible, unobstructed and protected from the weather. Confirm extinguishers are correctly placed, accessible and properly maintained.
Day 5 – Keep Escape Routes Clear in Poor Weather
Snow, ice, mud and darkness can hide or block escape routes. Ensure paths are well-lit, gritted and kept free of obstructions throughout the site.
Day 6 – Review Site Layout Changes Before the Break
Scaffolding changes, temporary works and phased handovers can all affect evacuation routes. Review your layout and update muster point plans accordingly.
Day 7 – Update Your Fire Log Book & Documentation
Record all checks, changes and briefings. Accurate documentation is essential for compliance – and for a safe return to work in January.
Day 8 – Brief Your Team on Alarm Tones & Procedures
Ensure everyone on site, including temporary or rotating teams, knows how to raise the alarm, what the alarm tones mean, and where to evacuate.
Day 9 – Manage Fire Risks from Heaters & Power Tools
Winter increases reliance on temporary heaters, drying rooms and fuel storage. Keep combustible materials clear and ensure equipment is operated safely.
Day 10 – Prepare for Site Shutdown Fire Watch
Assign responsibility for final end-of-day checks, remove ignition sources and ensure alarms are ready for a period of reduced activity. If your site uses remote monitoring, check it is working correctly.
Day 11 – Secure, Test & Protect Your Alarm System Before Closure
Carry out a final system test. Protect devices from frost, tampering and storm exposure to ensure full functionality over the shutdown period.
Day 12 – Plan a Safe Restart for the New Year
Schedule a January fire safety briefing and prepare your first-week inspections. Consider CPD training to refresh knowledge and reinforce best practice for 2026.
Supporting Safer Sites This Winter and Beyond
Whether you’re managing a single small refurbishment site or a multi-phase construction programme, good planning and robust temporary fire safety measures are essential at this time of year.
If you’d like advice on temporary alarms, winter planning or shutdown protection:
➡ Contact us to speak with our team.
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