4
min read -
November 26, 2025

How to Secure Your Business When it’s Closed for the Holidays

By
Ranko Vukovic

The holidays are a joyous time of year, and many businesses thrive during the season. However, your office might be closed to the public for a few weeks or even months, which means that you have to take extra measures to ensure that it stays secure. 

If you don't plan ahead for your holiday closure, you may end up with unexpected problems like vandalism and theft when everyone returns. To make sure your business is as safe as possible during this time period, follow these tips from our security experts:

Check the Building is Locked and the Alarms on

It might sound obvious, but during the hustle and bustle of the holidays when people are preoccupied, coming and going at odd hours, and preparing for their time off, things like locking all the doors and alarming the building can easily get overlooked. 

Make sure that someone is responsible for closing up the shop for the holidays. This includes locking all of the doors, making sure windows or entrances are properly shut and locked, and activating the alarm system.

Contact Your Alarm Company About the Closure

If you have an alarm monitoring service in place, be sure they know about your holiday closure so they can cancel any pending false alarms caused by a forgotten door or window being left open. 

Make sure that responsible parties remember the passcode required to shut off the alarm, or have them contact the alarm monitoring service to reset it before they leave for the holidays.

Have Someone Check the Business Periodically

Have someone check the office periodically. Although it's not necessary to have someone watch your business 24/7, it's important to keep an eye on your business at least a few times a day. 

You can do this by asking an employee to come to check on things, or by hiring Patrol Security to perform strategic, randomized patrol of your business.

Patrol Security will know what to look out for and will be able to respond appropriately, but if you’re leaving it to family or friends, Make sure that they know what to look for. 

For example, if there appears to be damage around the building or if there are suspicious vehicles parked nearby, it will be important to identify this and respond accordingly.

Turn Off Water in Spaces Where it’s Not Needed

Turn off water and other utilities in spaces where they're not needed. Even if it's just for one week, this will save you money on your water bill when you get back from vacation. Not to mention, it can prevent water damage in the event of a plumbing failure. 

Use timers to turn lights on and off

Timers can be used for many purposes, including security lighting. Timers allow you to set lights to turn on at a certain time and turn them off again at another. This can help deter break-ins or vandalism while the business is closed due to the holiday season by making it appear like someone is in the building. 

Rest Easy Knowing Your Business is Secure

The best way to keep your building safe is to do everything you can to prepare. However, if you’re running short on time, like most people during the holiday season, but want to ensure that your business stays safe and secure, consider working with a professional security company, like Blackbird Security.

Our team of security professionals will work with you to provide a customized security solution to fit your business needs, even during the holidays. Whether you’re looking for ​​​​Patrol Security, Mobile Security, or something else, we have the services and expertise to keep your business safe. 
Diagram showing harmful X-rays blocked by a lead apron and harmless light passing through.

More Articles

Read our latest articles on protecting your organization
Common Retail Loss Prevention Blind Spots
Are you aware of your store’s loss prevention blind spots? This article will help you identify the retail theft risks that might be flying under your radar.
December 19, 2025
10
 min read
Loss Prevention: What Actually Works?
Learn how Blackbird Security drastically improved loss prevention for a national electronics retailer partner, recovering 68.2% more merchandise.
December 19, 2025
5
 min read
Retail Security & Loss Prevention Checklist for Store Owners
A clear plan is essential for every store, regardless of size, scale, or years in operation. Use this guide to plan and assess your retail security strategy.
December 15, 2025
5
 min read
How Retail Security Guards & LPOs Stop Shoplifters
In this article, we cover how LPOs and retail security guards stop shoplifters. Watch a live video demonstration from Blackbird's expert retail team.
December 15, 2025
6
 min read
Diagram showing harmful X-rays blocked by a lead apron and harmless light passing through.Diagram showing harmful X-rays blocked by a lead apron and harmless light passing through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services do security companies offer?
At Blackbird Security, we offer a range of security services, such as:
- On-site uniform security
- Luxury suit & tie security
- Mobile patrols
- Alarm response
- Access control
- CCTV monitoring
- Event security
- Loss prevention (undercover security)
- Tactical Security
- Concierge/Front Desk Security
- Executive Protection
- Office & Facilities Security
- Government Security
- Parking Enforcement
- Residential Security
These services work in unison to safeguard businesses, people, and assets, offering peace of mind and comprehensive protection.At Blackbird Security, we are industry leaders in providing all of these services. Our expertise ensures tailored security solutions that meet your specific requirements. Browse further to learn more: Blackbird Security Services - Blackbird Security
Can security services be customized?
Many providers offer standard security programs, but Blackbird Security emphasizes a collaborative approach to customization. By considering factors such as your industry, location, size, and specific risks, we work closely with you to design security strategies that fit your needs. This might include adjusting patrol schedules, reporting frequency, or tailoring patrol routes to align with your operations.This is possible through our dedicated Client Services team as well as our in-house Control Centre and Reporting teams. Customization is a fundamental part of how we provide effective and seamless security solutions
Are security providers in Canada regulated?
Yes, most countries and regions (including Canada) have licensing bodies and regulations that govern security providers. Check local laws to ensure your provider complies with these standards.
How do I measure the effectiveness of security measures?
Measuring the effectiveness of security measures involves tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate how well systems and personnel are meeting safety and asset protection goals. Start by analyzing incident response times, reductions in theft, vandalism, or shrinkage, and overall resolution rates for reported issues. Comparing pre- and post-implementation data helps demonstrate tangible improvements in safety and loss prevention. Regular audits, surveys, and risk assessment reports can also gauge the reliability and perception of security measures.

Key KPIs to track include:
- Incident response times: Faster responses to alarms or emergencies.
- Reduction in theft/vandalism: Compare loss data before and after implementation.
- Patrol compliance: Track patrol frequency and adherence via GPS or logs.
- False alarm rates: Lower rates ensure focus on real threats.
- Client/Employee satisfaction: Gather feedback to measure confidence in security.
- Client services: Dedicated account representative who supports ongoing needs & can adjust strategy as needed
What level of support can I expect from Blackbird Security
We ensure all of our clients have the utmost support for their businesses, and there's a few ways we do this:

- Allowing access to our 24/7 Control centre for all clients, which is based out of our head office in Vancouver, BC. Clients can call this centre and have a mobile guard swiftly deployed to their business for any spontaneous incidents that occur. We believe in operating it inhouse to ensure all services are streamlined and optimized for the best communication. Our control canter can be reached at this number for current clients: 1-888-991-2622.
- We have a dedicated client services team which directly communicates with clients on a day-to-day basis. Our client services often perform site check ups and can assist with any issues that arise at your business.

Your peace of mind is our priority. We’re more than a service provider—we’re a partner in protecting your business. With our team working tirelessly to anticipate and resolve challenges, you can focus on running your business with confidence, knowing we’re always here to support you. Together, we build safer environments and stronger partnerships, every step of the way.

Secure Your Operation Today

Talk to our security experts about protecting your facility. We’ll assess your needs and build a plan that works.
Contact
Seven diverse security personnel standing in a row outdoors with city buildings in the background, wearing security uniforms.