5 New Year Security Tips for Your Business
As we head into the New Year, there are plenty of things to worry about, from the pandemic that keeps changing the rules to an increase in unrest and crime in the news. As a business owner, you have more to worry about than the average citizen. Business owners have to protect not only themselves but their livelihood, their employees, their property, and in some cases, even their clients. There is a lot of information on what the best methods are, but we hope these five New Year security tips will help you start the year with a little peace of mind.
Is Your Property Secure?
Now that the holidays have come to an end and we’re getting into the New Year, it’s time to take a closer look at your security measures. It’s time to see if there is anything that needs to be updated.
Criminals often already know more about your business than you would like them to. Likely, they’ve at least already given your property a once over. They’re looking for the security measures you already have in place. That’s why it is crucial to look at your outside security protocols and see if they’re up to par. The less soft a target you can be the more likely criminals are to leave your business alone.
Working with a security guard helps, but there are other measures that you can take to further safeguard your property.
Security cameras are one of the first things that criminals will look for. They make a great deterrent, but it’s critical to make sure that you cover all the most likely areas where someone could enter your property.
Darkness is Dangerous
Another thing that criminals of all types always look for in a dark area. Dark parking lots, dark back lots dark alleyways are all dangerous. They pose a severe security threat to not just your business but your employees. If you have employees that leave after dark, it’s imperative to ensure that they have a well-lit area to leave from.
Lighting will also help your security cameras. A brightly lit business will deter someone looking to cause almost any sort of trouble. But it will also ensure that whatever happens is caught clearly on your security system. There are all different types of outdoor lighting you could install. Constant lights mean that they stay on all the time, making the area bright and safer. However, you might also want to opt for motion sensor lighting that will light up when a team member walks to their car at night.
One study even found that a well-lit property could reduce the likelihood of crime rates by up to 36%. With modernized lighting, it’s more affordable than ever to install outdoor lighting.
If you’re working with a property patrol guard, having lighting also means it will be easier for them to spot and prevent any kind of trouble.
Know who is Coming and Going
Being ahead of the criminals is how you prevent crime. One of the ways to do this is to ensure you are monitoring who has access to your business. Maybe this isn’t something you’ve ever had to consider, but as you grow into the new year, it’s not something you should overlook.
There are several ways you can monitor people coming in and out of your business’s buildings or gates. Card access points are one way to keep records and ensure that no one without the proper access can get into specific areas.
Some businesses prefer to have log sheets. It all depends on what works best for your particular company. However, you should not allow unfettered access to your business’s property. If something is stolen or someone is hurt, this gives you a record and recourse to follow.
Another way to ensure you know what’s happening inside your business is to install internal security cameras. This allows you to monitor what’s going on, who is entering the building, and why.
Educate your Team
Employees are one of the weak points in any business’s security plans. That’s why it’s highly recommended that you thoroughly train your employees on your business’s security protocols.
They may be the first line of defense, so it’s crucial that team members can identify a security problem and know what they should do about it.
It’s also important to monitor who your employees bring to work with them. It’s fine to allow guests into your business, but you should implement some form of system to track who those guests are and when they were there. Again, this way, there is a record if you have a problem.
Security badges might be necessary if you have areas of your business that should be expressly off-limits to guests. Badges allow those areas to be locked to anyone without the proper access.
Is it Time for an Upgrade?
Technology has significantly advanced over the last ten years, and the security industry is no exception to that.
Suppose you’re still using traditional locks and old-fashioned security methods. In that case, it may be time to consider putting in the investment to upgrade. Upgrading your security systems can ensure that your business keeps up with the times.
One of the upgrades you may want to consider is something like smart access. These lock systems work similarly to badge systems and allow you to rapidly change access. For example, suppose you have an employee that is no longer with your company. In that case, you can immediately restrict their access to buildings and even computer systems.
Working with a company that knows all the ins and outs of the security business is the best way to protect your livelihood. These professionals will have the right advice for your business, from guards to consultations.