8 Tips for Protecting Your Office Building
As a business owner, you have a duty to protect your office building and its staff. Unfortunately, though violent crime in the U.S. is down, property crime is up.
According to a recent report, property crime per 100,000 inhabitants jumped to 1,954.4 in 2022 compared to 1,832.3 the year before.
To protect your employees and property, you must have robust security policies and practices in place.
Here are some ideas to get started:
1. Pick the right building location
If you still haven’t chosen a location for your office building, aim for an area with a low crime rate. You may also want to opt for a commercial area, where you can join other businesses in a “business watch” program. This means watching out for each other and alerting the police if you notice any intruders in neighboring office buildings.
2. Install a fire suppression system
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were 116,500 non-residential building fires in 2021 that resulted in 115 deaths, 1,025 injuries, and $3,697,200,000 in damages. Between 2012 and 2021, there’s been a 20% increase in fires, a 70% increase in deaths, and a 21% increase in damages.
To avoid becoming included in these statistics, install a fire suppression system. These are better than fire sprinklers because they use chemicals that cause less damage and put out fires more quickly due to their extremely cold temperature.
3. Hire security staff
It’s crucial to hire security staff who can patrol your building’s premises day and night. Trained security staff know what suspicious activity looks like and can act as a deterrent against potential intruders. They’ll add to your security expenses, but just one avoided disaster can justify the cost.
4. Implement access control
Access control refers to limiting who can come in and out of the building or into certain rooms within the building. The truth is that not everyone in the company needs access to the entire building, and certainly not strangers. By implementing a robust access control system, you can help ensure that only people who belong get to come in.
Also, avoid giving unnecessary access. Only let employees access areas that are necessary for them to do their job.
5. Have an alarm system
Most burglars and vandals commit crimes quickly. They want to be in and out as fast as possible to avoid detection and possible punishment. Consequently, building owners must have a strong alarm system set up to alert law enforcement. That way, they can be on the scene quickly and minimize any damage or loss. Furthermore, an obvious alarm system that you advertise may serve as a deterrent for some criminals.
6. Surveillance cameras
Surveillance cameras, or closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, can add another layer of security by deterring criminals and providing valuable evidence in the event of a security breach. Installing security cameras will require an upfront investment, but again, it’s well worth the cost. You can sleep easy at night, knowing your office building is under constant surveillance.
7. Design emergency and evacuation plans
Should a natural disaster or other emergency hit your office building, you need an evacuation plan. This lets staff know how to exit the building fastest and where to meet so you can ensure everyone is accounted for. Work with a professional to develop an efficient plan and then share it across the company.
8. Install effective lighting
Lastly, consider installing more lighting around the office building. Most burglaries take place at night because the dark can add extra cover for criminals. By installing more lighting, you make it easier to see potential trespassers (and deter them). Use motion-activated lights to save on your energy bill.
The bottom line
At the end of the day, your office building can never be too secure. If you’re worried about potential financial losses and legal liabilities due to insufficient security, consider implementing some of the tips above. You won’t regret it.