Fire safety isn’t a one-time checklist — it’s a year-round responsibility. As the seasons change, so do the risks. Whether you’re a homeowner wanting to keep your family safe or a business owner safeguarding your property and staff, adapting your fire prevention strategy to the season is essential.
Here’s the Hartson Fire guide to seasonal fire safety tips to help you stay protected all year long.
Spring: Clear the Clutter and Inspect
Key Risks: Flammable debris, neglected equipment, electrical faults
Spring is the perfect time to freshen up — and that includes fire safety.
Tips for Spring Fire Safety:
· Clear outdoor debris like dry leaves, branches, and rubbish, especially near structures.
· Inspect electrical appliances and wiring for winter damage, particularly in garages and sheds.
· Test and replace smoke alarms and fire extinguisher units if needed.
For businesses: Service your fire alarm systems and extinguishers and ensure emergency exits are still clearly marked and unobstructed after any rearrangements.
Summer: Outdoor Caution and High Heat Awareness
Key Risks: BBQs, bonfires, overheating electronics, lightning strikes
Summer brings sunshine — and fire hazards. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a commercial kitchen running overtime, it’s important to be vigilant.
Tips for Summer Fire Safety:
· Keep BBQs and fire pits away from buildings, fences, and overhanging branches.
· Never leave cooking unattended, even outdoors.
· Avoid overloading power outlets with fans or AC units.
· Install lightning surge protectors for sensitive electronics, especially in office environments.
Businesses: Review fire safety plans for outdoor events or temporary structures.
Autumn: Prepare for Heating Season
Key Risks: Portable heaters, candles, increased indoor activity
As temperatures drop, fire risks rise — especially indoors.
Tips for Autumn Fire Safety:
· Have your heating system serviced, and clean chimneys or flues.
· Use space heaters safely, keeping them away from curtains and furniture.
· Never leave candles unattended and opt for LED alternatives where possible.
Check and update fire safety signage in workplaces, particularly with darker evenings setting in earlier.
Winter: Stay Warm, Stay Safe
Key Risks: Electrical overloads, holiday decorations, faulty heating equipment
With more time spent indoors, and festive lights and heating systems working overtime, winter requires extra care.
Tips for Winter Fire Safety:
· Inspect all holiday lights for frayed wires or loose connections. Don’t daisy-chain extension cords.
· Keep Christmas trees away from heat sources, and water real trees regularly to prevent them from drying out.
· Don’t block exits with decorations or furniture.
For businesses: Check heating systems and ventilation regularly, especially if operating in closed or poorly ventilated spaces.
Seasonal Fire Extinguisher Servicing
Seasonal fire extinguisher servicing is crucial to ensure that extinguishers remain fully functional and ready to use in the event of a fire. Over time, changes in temperature, humidity, and general wear can affect pressure levels, seals, and hose integrity — especially during the colder winter months or hot summer periods.
Regular seasonal checks help identify issues like corrosion, leakage, or expired units before they become a hazard. Whether in a home, office, or industrial setting, timely servicing guarantees compliance with UK fire safety regulations and gives peace of mind that your extinguishers will work effectively when every second counts.
Hartson Fire
When it comes to protecting your home or business, Hartson Fire is your go-to fire safety professional for reliable, expert support. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including fire extinguisher supply and servicing, clear and compliant safety signage, and tailored fire safety solutions to meet the unique needs of your premises.
With years of industry experience and a commitment to customer care, our qualified engineers ensure that your fire protection equipment is maintained to the highest standards and fully compliant with UK regulations.
Trust Hartson Fire to keep you safe, prepared, and protected all year round.
