More than ever, Americans are aware of the need to protect their businesses. There is a huge responsibility to protect the occupants and assets inside of your building from all kinds of aggressors including criminals, disgruntled employees, vandals and other miscreants. There are many ways to improve the safety of your building. Creating and implementing a building security checklist is an excellent idea. Below are some great ideas on improving your building’s security.
Limit Entrance Points
One easy and proven way to improve the security of your building is by limiting the amount of entrances there are. Having a central entrance to come in and leave through is a deterrent for many trespassers because it means that it could be easier to get caught. If more than one entrance is necessary, a great feature to have are automatic locks installed on the doors that lock automatically when someone leaves.
Regular Gate/Door Maintenance
In some instances, keeping your building secure could be as easy as keeping it maintained. Be sure to continually check the entrance doors for any damage or faulty hardware. Pay special attention to the locks, latches and hinges. Installing face plates on you doors can also help prevent them from being jimmied open. Inspect all exterior lighting and replace as needed. Well-lit areas are a great deterrent to trespassers.
Implement Visitor Logs
Having each visitor log in is another way to enhance your building security. Security logs can either be done through paper log books or through newer technology. Many businesses today are implementing digital systems for guests to check in with. A digital visitor log system provides an accurate, and easier to access, audit trail of all visitors. When businesses use paper for logging visitors, it is easier for information to be illegible and even falsified. There are many benefits of having an electronic visitor management system. Some benefits include added security, accuracy of visitor information and ease of reporting in case of evacuations and police involvement.
Visibility of Expensive Items
Having expensive items and equipment visible from the outside of the building is never a good idea. It can be very tempting to criminals. Keeping expensive items in areas where they cannot be seen through windows will keep your building more secure from potential break-ins.
Consider Gated Parking
Limiting access to the parking area and building is another way to improve building security. Not only do they reduce unauthorized entry of vehicles, they also limit foot traffic as well. For many businesses, reducing traffic is a big step in securing the premises and deterring criminal activity.
Hire Security Guards
One of the best options a business can do to ensure their building is secure is through hiring security guards. There are many benefits to hiring security officers for your business and the following are some of those benefits:
Sense of Security– Having a security guard can offer peace of mind and a sense of security to the owner of the business, its employees and customers.
Prevention– A security guard is proven to be a great crime deterrent. Thieves will think twice before targeting a business that has a guard.
Customer Service– Security officers are also great as customer service agents. They can keep control of a central area and work with customers and clients as well as maintain the security of the area.
Handling of Crime– Security officers are highly trained to observe and report any type of criminal activity. They can be in charge of making sure the police are contacted immediately and are experts at taking down details of any incidents that occur.
Monitoring– Not all guards spend their days patrolling the property of the business. Some are able to monitor video surveillance cameras, check for contraband, restrict areas when needed and also check credentials.
When it comes to the security of your building, it is best not to leave it up to chance. Take away as many of the variables as possible through following the tips outlined above. Make certain that you have made every effort to keep your property, employees, and visitors protected. Finally, you should consider having your security measures evaluated by a reputable company. At Sterling Protective Services, we offer a free security consultation for businesses. We will take the time to meet with you to discuss your security needs.
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