Your Small Business Safety Checklist for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time of joy, community, and celebration, but for small business owners across the North Country, it’s also one of the busiest (and riskiest) times of the year. Whether you’re running a cozy café in Glens Falls, a boutique in Plattsburgh, or a small office in Potsdam, the combination of increased foot traffic, seasonal hiring, and unpredictable winter weather can bring added exposure to liability and loss.

At Northern Insuring, we know how important it is to keep your business protected, especially during the holidays. That’s why we’ve put together this simple pre-holiday safety checklist to help you manage risk and focus on what matters most: serving your customers and enjoying the season.

1. Property Protection: Prepare for North Country Winter

Snow and ice are part of life here in the North Country, but they can also pose serious risks. Before the first big storm, make sure your property is winter-ready:

• Inspect your roof and gutters to prevent ice dams or leaks.

• Clear walkways and entryways regularly to reduce slip-and-fall hazards.

• Check your heating systems and ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.

• Review your property insurance to confirm you’re covered for winter weather damage, burst pipes, or other seasonal risks.

A quick tip if you operate a storefront – keep a log of snow and ice removal efforts. It can be valuable documentation in the event of a liability claim.

2. Liability Coverage: Expect More Foot Traffic

With holiday shoppers, community events, and end-of-year gatherings, your business may see more visitors than usual. That means more potential for accidents. Make sure your general liability insurance is up to date and that it includes:

• Slip-and-fall protection for customers and visitors

• Product liability coverage if you sell goods or holiday merchandise

• Event coverage if you host parties, promotions, or pop-up markets

Even a minor incident could result in a costly claim, so review your limits before the season gets underway.

3. Seasonal Employees: Keep Training and Safety in Focus

If you’re hiring temporary or part-time help for the holidays, take time to train them on safety, customer service, and emergency procedures. It’s also a good idea to verify they’re properly listed on your workers’ compensation policy, since coverage requirements apply to all employees – even seasonal ones.

4. Cybersecurity: Stay Vigilant During Peak Shopping Season

Between online sales, digital gift cards, and holiday promotions, cyber threats tend to spike this time of year. Protect your business by:

• Using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication

• Keeping point-of-sale systems and software updated

• Training employees to spot phishing emails or suspicious links

• Backing up important data regularly

If your business handles customer payment or personal information, cyber liability insurance can help cover costs related to a data breach or cyberattack – something more North Country businesses are adding to their policies each year.

5. Review Your Coverage Before Year-End

The holidays are also the perfect time to review your overall insurance portfolio. Things change throughout the year – equipment upgrades, new hires, expanded inventory – and your coverage should change with them. A quick year-end check with your insurance provider can help make sure you’re protected heading into the new year.

Running a small business during the holidays is no small feat, but a little preparation goes a long way. As we always say, 'tis the season to connect with your agent and discuss how your insurance product applies to your employees, customers and business.

At Northern Insuring, we’ve been helping North Country businesses manage risk for 95 years. From property and liability to cyber and workers’ comp, our local team is here to help you find the right coverage for your business before the snow starts to fall.

Get Help When You Need It

Need help? Contact the team at Northern Insuring Agency. Our professionals are eager to assist you. They can help you identify which personal insurance policy is the best option.

In today's ever-changing world, having the right coverage is more important than ever.

Get in touch today for a quote! Northern Insuring will simplify the complicated world of insurance.