Read Again: Winter is Coming: Time to Fortify Your Fortress

With colder weather just around the corner, it’s time to ready your school against the elements to keep it as safe as a well-guarded fortress

Winter is coming! Is it just us or can nobody say that without hearing Sean Bean’s voice? While thankfully our winter season is considerably less dramatic than the Game of Thrones version, it still brings its own set of challenges that require some preparation.

Turning up the heat

Maintaining an optimal heating system is essential not just for the safety of the building but also for the comfort of everyone inside. By keeping the system in top condition, you can create a safe, cozy environment throughout the winter while minimising energy costs.

One of the biggest risks to property during the winter months is a burst pipe, which can lead to extensive damage. To prevent this, it’s crucial to ensure that all pipes are properly sealed and to maintain a steady building temperature of around 15°C.

Equally important, but often overlooked, is the condition of your windows and doors. Broken seals can allow heat to escape, leading to higher energy bills and a colder environment. By ensuring that windows and doors are in good repair, you can prevent heat loss and improve energy efficiency. It’s also a good idea to keep interior doors closed, which helps control the flow of warm, humid air and prevents condensation in cooler rooms.

Securing the fort

Securing your building during the winter months is crucial to defend against seasonal threats—namely, the forces of nature! Heavy rain, strong winds, and snow can wreak havoc, particularly on doors, windows, and the roof.

To safeguard your property, ensure all locks and seals are in good condition. No one wants to walk into work on Monday morning to discover a flooded school because of a faulty door seal! Regular roof inspections are also essential, especially with extreme weather on the horizon.

Don’t forget to check any trees near your building—winter storms can easily bring down branches, and the last thing you want is for one to cause damage to your property.

Assuring your access

An icy car park can pose significant risks, not only to your property but also to the safety of everyone using it. It’s essential to inspect the car park surfaces regularly and secure anything that might be loosened by strong winds, such as signage. Additionally, ensure you have the necessary supplies on hand to clear snow and spread salt or sand when needed.

During winter, the car park will likely be used in low visibility or during dark mornings and evenings. To keep everyone safe, check that all lighting is functioning properly, and that signage is clear and unobstructed. Regular inspections should also be conducted to remove any debris or trash that could become a hazard.

Contingency plans

Are all your staff fully prepared to handle bad weather conditions? Now is the time to ensure that all relevant policies are up to date, including contingency plans for emergencies like school closures. Start by reviewing and updating your emergency procedures, making sure that all staff members are familiar with them. This includes ensuring that emergency contact details for your insurance company are readily available and that key personnel have copies of these details.

In addition, clear communication is critical during severe weather events. Make sure you have a system in place for promptly notifying students, parents, and staff of any changes, such as school closures or schedule adjustments. This could involve multiple channels, such as email, text alerts, social media updates, and the school website, to ensure everyone receives the information quickly.

It may feel like winter is still a few months off, but as we all know, this time of year can fly by at dragon speed. By making your checks and preparing now, you’re safeguarding yourself and the school against any sudden or unexpected seasonal challenges.