The new year is a time when many companies assess their procedures for efficiency, productivity and profitability. It’s a natural time, both personally and professionally to institute new habits or practices that will help you or your business improve. We’d like to encourage you to take stock of your business security in the new year and consider ways to strengthen it. Some things to keep in mind as you do this security review would be the following:
Secure Any Unmonitored Entrances
For efficiency, and in case of fire or other emergencies, it’s helpful (and required by law) to have multiple entrances and exits to any building, especially large ones. While an asset in an emergency situation, these entrance points can become a security liability, especially if you have to rely on your staff to lock up after themselves each time. A simple way around this is to ensure that all but the main entrance doors are self-closing and only open from within. This ensures you have multiple functional and accessible exits, and one main entrance that can be more easily monitored.
Keep a Log of Comings and Goings
Keeping track of the people coming and going from your premises can be an incredibly effective crime deterrent, as any person with criminal intent will be far less likely to commit a crime knowing that their visit has been recorded. This also is a strong deterrent to casual trespassing which can often lead to crimes of opportunity, such as theft. This sometimes can be seen as an unnecessary complication by employees and their guests, but an efficient process can be set in place that doesn’t result in a slow and inconvenient check-in.
Due Diligence when Hiring
Most companies employ some sort of pre-hire screening process, at the very least inquiring as to whether a potential employee has any sort of criminal history. The number of companies that go on to verify the information that they’ve been given is a different story, however. This important step is frequently overlooked and can lead to employees of questionable character. It is every company’s responsibility to find out what sort of people they employ.
Employee Safety Should be Prioritized
The new year is also a great time to verify your employees are being taken care of in whatever ways possible. Ensuring that your parking lot is visible, well lit at night, and that employees are escorted, or make their way to their cars in small groups is an excellent starting point. The other points outlined in this post will provide additional help in ensuring employee safety while on the clock.
Consider Beefing up your Security
While all of the above points are very valid ways to improve your security, all of them will be enhanced by the addition of an on-premises security presence, like a security guard. An alert and highly visible security officer is a major deterrent to misbehavior, and can assist logging visitors, manning the main entrance, patrolling the facility and ensuring employee safety is given the attention it deserves.
These pointers will help you improve your security, but if you own a business in Dallas, Austin or Houston, you should seriously consider contacting Sterling Protective. Our trained staff will meet with you and make a recommendation tailored to your situation, budget, and other case-by-case factors.
Request a free consultation today!
