Facility and Risk Management Tips presented by www.solidrockfacilitymanagers.com
The holiday season can be one of the busiest times for businesses, but it’s also a peak time for security threats like break-ins and vandalism. With higher customer traffic, extended hours, and many businesses closing for breaks, it’s crucial to take extra precautions. Here are five essential security tips to help safeguard your business during this high-risk season.
Ensuring safety and security at your office or business during the festive season requires a comprehensive approach covering physical premises, cybersecurity, and employee awareness.
Physical Security
Secure all entry points: Before any closure, conduct a thorough final walkthrough to ensure all windows, doors, and other accessible points are securely locked. Consider adding extra locks or security bars if needed.
Test security systems: Verify that all alarm systems, surveillance cameras, and access control systems are in working order well in advance to allow for any necessary repairs. Inform your monitoring service about your holiday schedule.
Enhance lighting: Improve exterior and interior lighting. A well-lit area is a strong deterrent to intruders. Use timers for internal lights to give the impression the premises are occupied.
Protect valuables and inventory: Store all high-value items, equipment, and sensitive documents in locked safes or secure storage areas, out of plain sight from windows.
Manage cash flow: Minimize the amount of cash kept on the premises by making frequent bank deposits.
Coordinate deliveries: If expecting deliveries during a closure, arrange for them to be delivered to a secure alternative location or held until your return. Unattended packages can attract unwanted attention.
Consider extra security: Depending on your business, consider hiring temporary security guards or a mobile patrol service for random checks during the extended closure period.
Perform fire safety checks: Unplug non-essential electrical appliances, check decorative lights for frayed wires, and ensure fire alarms and extinguishers are functional to prevent fire hazards.
Cybersecurity
Reinforce employee training: Remind staff about increased phishing scams and malicious links common during the holidays. Human error accounts for a significant percentage of cyber incidents.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for all business accounts to add an extra layer of security, even if passwords are compromised.
Back up important data: Regularly back up all critical business data to a secure, off-site location to protect against ransomware attacks or system failures.
Update systems: Ensure all cybersecurity software, including antivirus and firewalls, is up to date before the holiday period.
Employee & Personal Safety
Communicate holiday plans internally: Share office closure dates and emergency contact lists with key personnel and your security company.
Avoid sharing specific travel or closure plans publicly on social media.
Promote personal vigilance: Encourage employees to be mindful of their surroundings when traveling, using ATMs, or in crowded places. Advise them to travel in groups when possible and trust their instincts.
Prioritize well-being: Encourage employees to get adequate rest and manage holiday stress to prevent fatigue, which can lead to accidents.
Establish emergency contacts: Maintain an updated list of emergency contacts, including local law enforcement and the nearest hospital, accessible to all staff.
Ensure parking lot safety: Remind staff to lock their vehicles and remove any valuables from plain sight, especially overnight.
The holiday season doesn’t have to mean an increased risk for your business. By following these security tips, you can protect your property, assets, and people, creating a safer environment for both your staff and customers
Investing in effective patrols, reliable alarm systems, flexible staffing, and thorough risk assessments all contribute to a well-protected property.
At Solid Rock, we are behind your business success
