Annual Alarm Checklist
Just like you give your employees an annual review or evaluation, your security system needs one, too. As a business owner, you must remain vigilant in making sure your alarm system is up to date and still functional for the company’s needs. Take the time to conduct an annual checklist to double-check your alarm’s performance.Â
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Is your contact list up to date?
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Is there anyone you need to add or delete from your list?
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Are all of the contact phone numbers the same?
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Do you recall your password?
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Have you tested your system in the last month?
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Have you identified potential changes in your security coverage?
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Have you done any remodeling that included new doors, windows, etc or building improvements such as dehumidification?
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Have you changed your phone provider in the last year?
Setting Up Individual Alarm Codes
Are you worried about having a security system that everybody has the code to? Now you can set up individual codes for different employees to better monitor your business. By setting up individual alarm codes, you can receive reports of who is activating and deactivating the alarm at certain times. If your company has a high turnover rate, you don’t have to worry about old employees still having access to your security system and new employees constantly having to remember new codes.
Video Surveillance Systems
One of the best investments you can make in regards to your business’s security is in a video surveillance system. Many businesses have found these types of security systems to be extremely beneficial in securing the company internally and externally. With the installation of security cameras, you will be able to keep eyes on your employee’s and your customers even when you are not there. Also, crimes are less likely to happen when potential threats are aware of a reliable security system and knowing that someone is always keeping close tabs on them.
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Traditional Home Security Camera: This is the most inexpensive option out of all of the security cameras. Although a traditional camera is hard wired, it is still completely capable of providing users with high quality, colored images thanks to it’s interchangeable lenses and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
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Dome Cameras: Many businesses choose to install dome cameras. The dome covering over the camera makes it a great fit for an indoor or outdoor surveillance setup. This system can cover a large vantage point taking high resolution images. Dome cameras are also available in smaller, more discrete sizes than many other cameras.
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Infrared (IR) Cameras: If your biggest security concern is monitoring at night, the infrared camera may be great for your business. Although the camera takes high quality pictures, these images are in black and white which may be harder to identify a person if photographed.
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Internet Protocol (IP) Cameras: Data collected over IP cameras are transmitted wirelessly. If your purpose for investing in a video surveillance system is to monitor your business remotely, this option may be the best for you. IP cameras are available in indoor and outdoor versions.
Security Tips
In addition to investing in a reliable security system, there are other things you can do to have a safe business.
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Look into a badge system: Employees in government agencies and big corporate offices often have to wear an ID badge. While this may not be feasible for every business, it may be for yours. This is a great method of knowing which employees are where and verifying that only employees are in authorized areas.
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Know when your peak danger hours are: For many businesses, during opening and closing hours is when it’s most likely that a crime would occur. Employees are often times distracted by duties involved in opening and closing to pay attention to the possibility of a crime happening.
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Securing your property with adequate lighting: Not only is this important to eliminate potential hiding places for burglars, having proper lighting is essential to keeping your employees safe. Remember to have a well-lit parking lot in addition to a well-lit building especially if your business has after-dark business hours.
Recent News
Video surveillance has been proven very helpful in business burglaries.
According to Wesh Orlando, a local news channel, Orange County Florida caught a man on surveillance videos burglarizing 21 restaurants earlier this year. One restaurant owner believes her surveillance system surprised the burglar when the system suddenly turned the lights on. The videos were able to capture a clear view of the culprit on camera so officials could identify him.
Whether  your business has been burglarized before or your business is in a safe location, you should consider a security system. It is better to be proactive than deal with the inconvenience and loss that could result due to a burglary. With a security system in place, you can focus on what really matters, your business.