This blog is designed for Houston-based business owners and facility managers who want to stay one step ahead. From fire alarm checks to staff training and equipment protection, these winter fire safety tips will help you prepare your building, protect your people, and prevent costly incidents during colder months.
While Houston isn’t known for harsh winters, the city has experienced dramatic cold snaps in recent years. The 2021 freeze is a prime example: broken pipes, disabled fire systems, and delayed emergency response created chaos for many businesses across Texas. Cold-weather failures don’t just happen up north.
Even brief temperature drops can cause cracked fittings, frozen sprinkler pipes, failed fire pumps, and non-functional alarm panels, all of which can leave a building vulnerable when it matters most. This checklist helps prevent those failures before they start.
This winter safety checklist empowers Houston businesses to proactively address cold-weather fire risks. From insulation and heating equipment to sprinkler and fire alarm readiness, each tip offers clear, preventative steps to avoid disruptions. Winter safety tips like these help ensure systems remain functional, facilities stay compliant, and occupants are protected during Houston’s unpredictable cold spells.
Check your building for exposed pipes, risers, and valves along exterior walls or in unconditioned spaces like attics and crawl spaces. Add pipe insulation or apply UL-rated heat tracing systems where needed. Focus on sprinkler system mains, standpipes, and backflow preventers. Even a few hours of freezing temps can crack metal components or trigger leaks. Don’t forget to inspect areas above ceilings or behind exterior-facing walls where insulation may be inadequate.
Dry sprinkler and standpipe systems are less vulnerable to freezing, but only if properly maintained. Ensure all low-point drains are clear and the system is correctly pitched for water to exit after a hydrostatic test. Monitor air pressure and consider a professional service check before the coldest months arrive. Improperly pitched piping or unnoticed blockages can leave standing water in the lines, which becomes a serious hazard during a freeze.
Malfunctioning heating systems are a top cause of winter fires. Schedule furnace and boiler inspections to identify worn parts or buildup in flues and vents. Clean dust and debris from heating elements and verify that safety shutoffs are functional. Also confirm that mechanical rooms remain at a stable temperature above 40°F to protect critical fire equipment. If you use space heaters as a backup solution, ensure they are rated for commercial use and kept away from flammable materials.
Get a licensed fire protection contractor to evaluate your entire system before the season changes. Many businesses wait until December or January to act—but by then, scheduling can be tight. Proactive inspections in the fall can catch corrosion, faulty valves, or dead alarms before they fail in cold weather. Contractors can also recommend additional seasonal protections based on your building layout and occupancy type.
Heating must be maintained in all rooms housing fire pumps, risers, and control valves. Use thermostats or temperature sensors to set alerts if the space dips below 40°F. Keep doors sealed and weather-stripped to retain warmth, and inspect for drafts, leaks, or inadequate ventilation. Ensure backup heat sources are in place in case of HVAC failure and that staff know how to monitor these critical spaces.
Learn about fire sprinkler budgeting, understand installation costs, and explore cost-effective fire protection options for your commercial property.
Power outages are more likely during winter storms. Confirm that emergency lighting and illuminated exit signs function properly on backup batteries. For critical facilities, test your generator, review refueling plans, and keep backup power equipment in ready condition. Include lighting in stairwells, corridors, and mechanical rooms on your inspection list to prevent egress delays during blackouts.
Verify that fire extinguishers are accessible, properly rated, and up to date on inspections. Cold weather may require review of pressurization or contents depending on the extinguisher type. Class K extinguishers should be readily available in kitchens or food-service areas with increased winter usage. Train key staff in proper extinguisher use and post instructions in visible areas.
Update your staff with reminders on winter fire hazards, including the safe use of space heaters, reporting of electrical problems, and how to respond to a triggered fire alarm. Even long-term employees may need a refresher as seasonal threats change. Encourage them to notify maintenance of drafts, heater issues, or blocked exits. Make fire safety part of your winter operations briefing.
Overloaded circuits and extension cords are a common winter hazard, especially with the use of supplemental heaters. Inspect panels for signs of overheating or improper load distribution. In retail or warehouse spaces, ensure outlets and surge protectors are not overused or hidden behind clutter. Avoid daisy-chaining power strips, and consider upgrading outdated panels before peak seasonal use.
Keep your fire protection documentation organized and accessible. If you need to file an insurance claim or pass an unannounced inspection, up-to-date records are critical. Document all winterization efforts, inspections, service visits, and system tests in one centralized location. Digital logs with time-stamped entries make compliance easier and demonstrate proactive maintenance.
While every building is different, certain fire risks are more prevalent during colder months in the Houston area:
Each of these hazards can be mitigated with routine inspections, proper maintenance, and a proactive safety culture.
Even mild winters can wreak havoc on fire sprinkler systems if they’re not prepared for a cold snap. Pipes that freeze and burst can disable the entire system or cause significant water damage. Businesses should ensure their sprinkler heads are not obstructed and that pressure gauges are functioning correctly. Dry and pre-action systems should be checked for trapped moisture and tested by a qualified technician before seasonal shifts.
Avoid the seasonal rush by scheduling your inspection in early fall. This allows time for repairs and prevents delays during the peak of winter service calls. Some insurance policies also require documented seasonal system reviews to maintain coverage.
If your system hasn’t been serviced in over a year, or if you’ve recently added new tenants, equipment, or build-outs, a winter-specific evaluation is especially important. A thorough walkthrough can catch minor vulnerabilities before they become major compliance violations.
Winter doesn’t have to bring added risk to your commercial facility. With early planning and a reliable fire protection partner, Houston business owners can minimize hazards, protect property, and keep occupants safe year-round.
From alarm systems to sprinklers and beyond, BMF Solutions delivers complete fire safety support backed by local code knowledge and fast service response. Contact us today to schedule your commercial fire inspections.
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