Keeping Your Office Secure Over Summer
Office security is a worry for business owners all year round, but as the summer approaches, seasonally specific security concerns increase the risk to your premises and assets. It is because of this that it’s important to re-assess the security measures at your workplace periodically and consider how to mitigate additional summer-related risk factors.
When we think of office security, we typically consider how to protect your physical premises and property from intruders and vandalism but ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your employees is equally important. The risk to your employees can be greatly increased during the hot summer months due to rising temperatures, lone working caused by the annual leave of colleagues, and the need for circulated air.
Here’s seven useful tips on how to keep your office safe over the summer.
- Ensure windows and doors are locked
Over the summer, there is every likelihood that windows and doors will be regularly opened to allow air flow and reduce the temperature of your office. However, neglecting to close and lock these entry points at the end of the day can significantly increase your risk of unauthorised access. Ensuring that all windows and doors are securely locked is one of the simplest ways to decrease the risk of intruders into your office after hours. Allocating this responsibility to a specific individual, or to whomever is last to leave the premises is a great way to ensure that these checks are thoroughly completed, as accountability increases the commitment to the task at hand.
- Maintenance of exterior security lighting
While state-of-the-art technical solutions often take the headlines, simpler, easy to implement security measures like the use of exterior security lighting is often just as effective in deterring intruder access.
When well maintained and working correctly, an exterior security light system can be a great crime deterrent by scaring burglars away, as well illuminating any intruder to make them easily identifiable by passers-by and on CCTV systems.
- Installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV)
The installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) can act as an effective crime deterrent for any size of commercial building, and at any location. Most criminals will not want to run the risk of being caught on camera as they commit an offence, so if CCTV cameras are visible in and around your office, the chances of an intruder or vandal moving onto a less well protected building are high.
- Keep hedging and vegetation maintained
Don’t give potential intruders an easy hiding place this summer. Make sure that any hedging and vegetation at your offices are regularly pruned and maintained. Overgrown shrubbery can provide great cover for intruders wanting to go undetected on your premises, and during the summer months hedgerows and bushes tend to grow more quickly.
- Lock valuable goods away and out of sight
Locking expensive equipment and valuables away at the end of each working day or night is a simple, yet effective way to deter a burglar from breaking into your office. What’s more, if your valuables are securely locked away and an intruder does happen to gain access to your office, they will not be able to easily locate or access these items. What they can’t find, they can’t steal!
- Regularly service your intruder alarm system
Many offices invest in expensive intruder alarm systems but fail to have them regularly serviced. The regular servicing of an alarm system is an important and cost-effective security measure for any business to take, with a correctly functioning alarm system alerting the Police or persons nearby to the intruder quickly, enabling fast response.
Servicing of intruder alarm systems should be carried out every 6 to 12 months, with an experienced, qualified engineer checking that all alarm components are working correctly.
- Invest in a smart security system
Keep an eye on your office space from anywhere in the world via your mobile device or laptop with a smart security system. Smart security systems can be an expensive but worthy investment for any type of business. You can receive alerts and notifications when alarms or sensors are activated, and where CCTV is installed, you can also view a live feed of the building – a great way to keep your business safe during the summertime.
Keep your office safe this summer with FireCare Security & Electrical
At FireCare, we provide pragmatic, comprehensive security systems and services to businesses throughout Hampshire, Dorset, Surrey, and London. We have a large range of security products and services to suit your requirements and budget. For further advice or information on our security services please contact our friendly team via our contact form, or email info@firecareandsecurity.co.uk.