Every season of the year poses safety and security challenges. In the fall, the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, providing greater opportunity for thieves and vandals. Falling leaves can make walkways slippery, increasing accident risks. The following tips can help you reduce the risks for your business during the autumn months.
Install Proper Lighting
We have fewer hours of daylight in the fall. If your business is not well-lit, it could attract burglars and other criminals at night. Adequate interior and exterior lighting can discourage break-ins and make it easier to identify intruders.
Invest In a Professional Security System
A proper alarm system and high-quality surveillance equipment can go a long way toward protecting your business. Many modern security cameras have night vision features, making them effective deterrents against vandalism and burglary in the dark hours.
Drill Security Protocols
Have emergency protocol and alarm system procedures in place, and make sure your employees know them. Get them trained on workplace safety and drill them on emergency procedures. Review arming and disarming the security system with your team.
Update Your Security System for the Fall
Daylight Savings Time ends and the clock falls back an hour on November 3rd. Many businesses run on a different holiday season schedule beginning at Thanksgiving. This can affect card access systems on automatic lock schedules and the opening and closing of alarm systems. Make sure to update all security systems to the correct time.
Clean Up Your Exterior and Landscaping
Overgrown shrubs, trees that need pruning, fallen leaves, and debris can present safety and security hazards. Autumn leaves can make walkways slippery and increase the risk of a fall. Overgrown shrubbery gives criminals a place to hide and can obscure the line of sight for officers or security guards on patrol. Maintaining your landscaping and exterior can not only improve your business image but also reduce safety and security risks.
Be Alert for Shoplifters
When the weather cools down in the fall, people are more likely to wear bulkier clothing. This makes it easier for shoplifters to hide items they are planning to steal. Train your staff to greet customers as they walk in the door (as a courtesy and to let them know they are noticed) and be alert for shoplifting. If a customer is behaving suspiciously, instruct your staff to ask if any help is needed. This lets potential shoplifters know they are being watched.
Have Staff Walk Out Together After Dark
Criminals take advantage of the darker, colder months when it is easier to hide and there are fewer people around to observe them. Instruct your staff to be alert when walking to and from your business, and to walk out together in groups or pairs for greater security.
Review Your Business Insurance Coverage
It is important to have sufficient business insurance for protection against theft, vandalism, accidental injury, or assault on your premises. Fall is a good time of year to review your policies. Our agent can help you find the coverage you need at the best available rates.