Closing time tips for your business

Close-up on a closed sign in the window.
3 minute read  

When shutting down your business for the night, it’s easy to cut corners to save a bit of time. But that can lead to costly events like fires or theft. That’s why it’s so important to take all of the necessary precautions to help ensure your business is as safe as possible, especially when leaving for a long weekend or vacation.

Preparing a list of key things to do before leaving for the night can help ensure your business remains in tip-top shape. The list can be shared with employees, so they know exactly what steps to take before leaving for the day.

Below, we outline some key tips to help keep your business safe after you’ve shut it down for the night.

Have overnight lights for your storefront and sales area

Leaving lights on inside your business overnight may discourage thieves from entering. And even if they do enter your building, the lights will ensure they’re more clearly visible from the street. If you want to make it easier to see any intruders, you can clear the front windows of your building of any posters or merchandise, so there’s a clear, unobstructed view into your building.

Keep exterior lights on

Exterior lights can help ensure no unwanted visitors enter your business. But having the front entrance of your business illuminated is not enough. Ensure that you also have lights near any back or side entrances. If you have any burnt out lightbulbs, replace them before you head out for the day.

Lock up cash registers and other valuables

When you or an employee handle cash at the end of the night, ensure you have a detailed procedure to follow. Some things that could be included in that procedure are taking a different route each time you’re making nightly deposits, leaving an empty and unlocked cash register on site at your business, making use of a safe, and removing any cash or valuables from rooms that are accessible by windows or external doors.

Secure equipment and stock

If someone plans on robbing your business, they may not be interested in cash. Certain equipment and stock can be of great interest to thieves. That’s why it can be a good idea to empty displays and move any excess stock to a locked or secure spot in the store before closing up for the night. Even simply moving stock away from windows and doors can make it more difficult for thieves to attempt a smash and grab.

Turn off equipment that could lead to a fire

Before closing your doors for night, ensure someone checks that all equipment on the premises that could lead to a fire if left plugged in, has been powered down. Depending on your line of business, the list of equipment to turn off will vary, but it could include things like portable heaters, decorative lights, cooking appliances, and other heating equipment.

Store flammables and combustibles in secure locations

To help prevent a fire from breaking out at your business, you should also make sure that any flammables and combustibles on site have been moved away from heating appliances and heat sources, and then placed in property storage containers. The containers should also be clearly labelled.

Ensure no customers remain on the premises

This may seem obvious, but be sure to check that no customers are still inside of your business after you close the doors. Check back rooms, stockrooms, bathrooms, and change rooms to make sure no one is left with access to your property once you or your employees leave for the night.

Lock all windows and doors

It’s easy to remember to lock the door behind you as your leave, but what about any other exterior doors or windows? Before closing shop for the night, ensure that all windows and doors have been locked so no unwanted guests can easily enter the building.

Turn on your security system

The last thing you or the employee who’s locking up for the night should do is turn on the security system. There are a range of security systems available with capabilities, from silent alarms to video surveillance. These systems can be incredibly useful to a business as they can discourage thieves from entering the premises and if a robbery does take place, they can also alert security teams about it.

Ensure you’re covered

By following these tips when you close your business, you can help prevent theft, fires, or vandalism at your business. But sometimes things can still go wrong, even if you take preventative measures, and that’s when insurance comes in handy. Visit our business insurance page today and find out how TruShield can help your business!

This blog is provided for information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information and will not be responsible for any loss arising out of reliance on the information. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply to coverage. See policy for details.