When it comes to keeping your business secure, it can feel as though there are hundreds of things to think about, and thousands of options our there to help you. A lot of businesses put most of their focus on cyber security, since that’s what many companies and even the news tell them is their biggest threat. But it’s important to remember your physical security as well – especially when so many businesses are finding themselves unable to access their properties for weeks at a time. So to help you keep your business safe, here are some of our top security tips for 2021.
Invest In & Understand Your Security System
Having a security system in place is essential to protecting your business premises. Even the most basic security equipment is a step in the right direction, but if you really want to protect your premises, equipment, stock and staff, you need to make an investment in your security systems. Smart security solutions are equipped with advanced features like two-way audio, motion-sensing technology and remote monitoring, which can act both as a deterrent to criminals, but also allow you to respond to problems as fast as possible. Even something simple like security grilles on shopfronts, working CCTV systems (instead of dummy cameras, which criminals can identify) and secure safes can keep your assets safe, and can be enough of a deterrent that criminals decide against targeting you. We recommend you talk to a security expert (like us) who can assess your current systems and advise you what can be improved.
Develop & Practice Emergency Drill
According to the Federation of Small Businesses, almost 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster. But at the same time, many small business owners fail to understand how much a physical disaster could impact their business. And while the UK might have generally mild weather, we’ve all seen just how severe it can get, and when coupled with things like fire and flooding within a building, disasters can shut down your business very fast. In this situation, the right training can go a long way in making sure you and your employees are prepared, and your business can be protected. Your emergency drills should cover how to identify an emergency, and lay out a strategy for handling each one. Each plan should include how to evacuate the premises, and how to secure the premises as it is evacuated. Of course this will not always be possible, but by including something as simple as ‘lock the door when the building is clear’ in your emergency drill, you could protect your premises and your staff.
Manage Your Access Points
Every business has access points – and probably more than you realise. Every door, window or hole in the brickwork represents a possible entry point for unauthorised people into your building. So you need to make sure each and every one is managed properly. You wouldn’t believe the number of businesses we come across who don’t realise that the bathroom window can be used as an access route, and so forget to lock or even close it when the building is empty. Ideally, these access points should be fireproof and lockable, and if you have a business security system in place, that each door is secured and on camera. When you’re taking stock of these access points, you should also take steps to ensure all the fire exits in your building are clear and accessible, that employees know where they are, and that they’re easy to reach in an emergency.
At Securifix, we specialise in keeping businesses like yours safe from intruders and criminals. Our team of experts have a vast knowledge of physical security systems, so we can help you choose the perfect solution for you. We offer a free consultation and evaluation, with no-strings-attached advice one your current security system and what you could do to improve it. If you would like to know more, please get in touch to book your consultation with us today.
