Shutting down your business for the time-being? Here are some tips on how to protect your business during this time

The worst thing that can happen during this shutdown is that you find your business broken into upon your return. Products are gone, your property is vandalized, even your company vehicles have been broken into.

The spread of COVID-19 and the unexpected quarantine and shutdown of many businesses around the globe have caused much fear and concern. The unexpected order to shut down businesses have increased anxiety for the security of property, assets, and products. I write this with the goal of sharing quick tips you can utilize to increase the protection of your businesses during this time.

This is not an all-encompassing security strategy to protect your business, but rather some quick tips to increase the protection of your business during this unexpected shutdown. When looking at the security of your business, these are three key factors you may want to consider.

Key 1: Multiple deterrent layers: An effective security strategy is one that has multiple security layers.

1. Outer Perimeter: The outer perimeter consists of fences and gates that protect the business property. You want to do a walkthrough before shutting down to ensure that there are no breaches in your fence and confirm that your gates are properly closing and are locked. A walk around the property should be taken before leaving to ensure everything appears normal.
   1. Lighting & Security Personnel
      • Lighting: Proper lighting is very important to the protection of a business. If the lights are censored, make sure they are turning on and functioning correctly with the timer. Thieves and trespassers tend to target properties with low lighting and surveillance blind spots. Remember that lighting is synonymous with alertness. Lighting also increases the visibility when monitoring through your surveillance system.
      • Security Personnel: If you have or will be having security personnel, you will want to ensure your team is aware of your modified closing hours. Ensure your security personnel have the appropriate contact information in case of an emergency. If your business will be stocked with product, merchandise, containers loaded with product, or you simply want a peace of mind, it would be a good idea to consider hiring an insured security firm that can provide on-site security guards or consistent vehicle patrols. The security firm should assess your security layers and advise on any potential threats or weaknesses in the security of your business.
2. Visual Perimeter: The visual perimeter is very important in determining what occurred while you were not there. Make sure your cameras are properly positioned both inside and outside of your business. Check for blind spots and confirm the lenses are clean (no spider webs, smudges). Most important of all, ensure that your surveillance system is actively recording. Many camera systems allow for remote viewing, so make sure you are able to view your cameras remotely.
3. Access Control: Many buildings and properties have keypad access control gates and doors. You want to ensure that they are properly working before leaving. Sometimes gates don’t close all the way, or doors are left propped open. Prior to closing your business, you want to guarantee that all access points are properly secured. This includes all doors, gates, windows, emergency exits, dock doors, train track access points, and any other access points leading to your business.
4. Alarm Systems: You’ll want to ensure that your alarm systems to detect fires, intruders, and burglars are properly working, as well. For any properties undergoing construction, you will need to ensure before locking down that alarm systems are placed in ideal locations and properly working in these areas. In cases where you operate a business that depends on the continuity of power, you want to make sure that the alarm systems for power outages are properly working. In case of any power outage, the alarm should trigger the backup generator to turn on.

Key 2: Valuables are secured away from public eyesight: To discourage trespassers, it is key to keep valuables away from public visibility. If a person looking to steal cannot see anything of value at first glance, you’ve added an additional layer of crime deterrence. Common items that are potential encouragements for thieves include pallets, construction equipment, power tools, company product/merchandise, raw materials, copper, pallet jacks, and the list goes on. The idea is to ensure that anything of value is not left out in the open, where it is visible. All items of value should be stored inside the building or storage area where alarms will sound if a burglar is detected.

Key 3: Test! It is important to test all of your security layers. Each layer serves a purpose, and you want confirmation that each is working as intended.

I hope this article provided you with valuable tips on how to protect your business during this unprecedented shutdown.

If you have any questions on how to protect your business, feel free to contact me at info@dinastysecurity.com or call me at 866-308-8806 EXT1.