How to Conduct a Physical Security Audit
Protecting your livelihood is at the top of every business owner’s mind, but how do you know if your business is truly protected? By performing a physical security audit, you can fully assess any threats that your business might be subject to and take the necessary steps to mitigate those threats. During a physical security audit, each aspect of the business and its security system are evaluated for functionality while lesser-known threats or opportunities are also exposed to close any gaps that might exist.
Securing Access
When it comes to security, there are some obvious necessities like functioning locks on windows and doors and ensuring they are closed appropriately. Also, if you already have a security system in place for your business, is it functioning optimally? We’ve outlined several tips below that might not be so obvious.
- Are vehicles able to enter the premises freely, or is the property gated?
- Do doors and windows close automatically?
- If your business has a dock or loading bay, does it remain locked when not in use?
- If large windows are present, are they laminated to prevent easily being broken?
- Are all access points well-lit to prevent someone from hiding to gain entry?
- Are access points monitored to see who has previously used them?
- Is your business monitored for smoke and fire along with security?
- If your business is monitored for fire and intrusion, is it by staff or a third-party?
For an added layer of security, many businesses employ security staff, but the level of security that these guards provide can vary greatly. Are they present 24/7 or only after hours? Do they verify the identity of each person coming and going from your business or inspect vehicles? Also, if your guards do security checks and perform patrols of the property, make sure they vary their patrol patterns to reduce the likelihood of criminals taking advantage of a routine.
Keeping a Watchful Eye
If your business utilizes a closed-circuit television (CCTV) or surveillance system, measures must be taken to guarantee that it’s able to function properly. Here are some items to consider when it comes to getting the most protection out of your CCTV system.
- Do your cameras provide adequate coverage of all aspects of your business to include the outside of the property, the building’s perimeter, and the entirety of the building’s interior? The fewer blind spots, the better!
- Are your cameras able to seamlessly switch from daytime to nighttime mode without issue?
- Are your cameras constantly monitored, or are they only reviewed following an incident?
Making It Count
Performing a security audit should become part of every business owner’s routine. This should include both scheduled and unscheduled audits to ensure that security stays at the forefront of each employee’s mind. While these tips and tricks can have you on your way to a more secure business, a professional security audit will better educate you and your employees on how to fully protect your business. FSS Technologies can easily help you identify the security risks that are unique to your business and supply you with a custom-built security system that fully suits your needs. Schedule your audit and consultation today!
Explore Our Other Blogs
What Are the 5 Classes of Fires?
While it can be hard to tell the difference at first glance, different types of fires occur based on the materials that fuel them. Just as you wouldn’t try to put out a grease fire with water, specific ways to extinguish each fire class exist and depend on what sustains it. Some atypical classes of…
Fire Systems for Commercial Properties
Commercial property management companies have portfolios varying in scale and specialty. Still, they all share the standard responsibility of understanding and implementing fire safety measures for their operations. Fires pose a significant but avoidable threat to your properties, occupants, and sources of revenue. While not all fires can be prevented, some can cause catastrophic damage…
Testing Fire Alarm Call Points
Most large commercial-grade fire alarms today are addressable systems. Unlike conventional systems that use fire alarm zones, addressable fire alarm systems assign a unique “call point” to every device. Each one sends a digital signal to the main panel, creating a two-way line of communication that shows activations and status updates. An addressable panel can then identify…
The Cost of Alarm Monitoring vs. the Cost of a Break-In
Property crime in the United States is costly. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, property crimes in 2018 resulted in an estimated $16.4 billion of losses. The Cost of Crime Larceny-theft is the most common of all property crimes, accounting for 73.4 percent. Larceny-theft is defined as the unlawful taking, carry, leading,…
What to Do if Someone Breaks into Your House
Arriving home to find that your home has been burglarized is one of the worst feelings someone can have. You’re left feeling raw, vulnerable, and angry. In this time of high stress, it may be hard to put your thoughts together to remember everything that now needs to be done. We have put together a list…
How to Deter Burglars
While owning a home security system automatically decreases your chances of being burglarized, there are many common mistakes and oversights that can compromise its reliability. Here are the most important safety precautions you can take in conjunction with your security system to ensure your home is safe from thieves. Create the Illusion that Someone is…
What is the Difference Between Dome Cameras and Bullet Cameras?
Security cameras are an integral part of a security system in any home or business. They give you access to a video stream of what is happening inside a building or on your property while also giving the owner the ability to look back on footage if necessary. There are many different types of CCTV cameras out…
How to Choose a Security Monitoring Company
A security monitoring company is one that specializes in monitoring your alarm system. If the system detects an issue, such as a fire, break-in, or another emergency, it notifies a response team at the central monitoring agency, and sometimes, it will even inform emergency responders such as police or firefighters. Most reputable monitoring companies can…
Will CCTV Work Without Internet?
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is a TV system where the signal isn’t publicly broadcast but is watched and monitored, usually for surveillance and security purposes. From city streets and highways to retail stores and banks, CCTV cameras are placed in most places to protect property and deter crime. Learn whether a commercial CCTV system can work…
How Poor Security Can Cost Your Business
Poor security practices have hidden costs With the many expenses that business owners must juggle for day-to-day operations, security often falls by the wayside. Even though it seems like an easy way to save money, the cost of handling a break-in can surpass the money you’d spend on installing and maintaining a security system. Here…