When you think about security in your business, you probably don’t consider what goes on outside of your business.
Is your business prepared to deal with the potential impact from location events? Events bring in a variety of new security issues and if you’re not prepared, the results could be catastrophic for your business.
Planning is the key to understanding the risks. When you know what you’re facing, it’s much easier to implement security and safety measures to keep your business and employees safer.
How Location Events Impact You
Location events might not seem like a big deal, but consider how many people are suddenly in the area. An innocent downtown concert could easily bring in hundreds or even thousands of people who aren’t regularly near your company.
In a crowd like that, it’s much easier for someone to break in to or vandalize your business. The problem is it’s difficult for police to keep an eye on everything at once. They try, but large crowds are difficult to monitor.
Of course, some location events are random. For instance, Baltimore was suddenly faced with protests and riots in 2015 after the death of Freddie Gray. A shocking 350 businesses were damaged in the process. The number might have been lower if businesses had been prepared.
Look At Potential Risks
It’s important to look at the potential risks your business faces. For instance, if a location event is near your business, some risks might include:
- Break-ins
- Vandalism
- Visitors taking over your parking lot
- Blocking the entrance to your business
- Increase in customers
- People wanting to come in to use your bathroom (could pose a security risk)
- General loitering
Once you’ve established all the ways an event could impact your business. It’s time to start taking steps to prevent the risks.
If you’re having trouble figuring out your risks, contact other businesses to learn what risks they faced during large events.
Add Signs And Fencing
If your business isn’t open to the general public or isn’t a retail business, an easy way to boost security is by adding fencing and gates for parking areas and entrances. You’ll also need to add signs that discourage trespassing and direct employees and clients.
For even better security, use gates that require a key card or access code to enter. This helps limit event visitors from entering your property.
Add Security Guards
If you’re not using security guards currently, location events may be a great time to start. Guards patrol the perimeter of your business and can also monitor traffic in and out of entrances, parking lots and more. They can help you turn away anyone who doesn’t have permission to be on your premises.
If you already have security guards, you may want to temporarily add a few more. All the extra people in the area pose a great security risk. Having more eyes helps boost security. This is especially important for retail businesses. A sudden influx of new customers while the event is going on
This is especially important for retail businesses. A sudden influx of new customers while the event is going on is both great and terrible for your bottom line. More customers mean more purchases, but it also makes it easier for shoplifters to get away with your products. Extra security guards dressed as civilians blend in and keep an eye on the additional traffic.
Monitor Security Cameras
It’s not uncommon for businesses to have security cameras that just record footage. Businesses only look at the footage if something happens.
During location events, you need to be more vigilant. You need to monitor your cameras in real-time to keep an eye on your business inside and out. Having a few extra guards means you’ll also have someone to watch the cameras and report to the other guards when they notice something suspicious.
Contact BOS Security
Do you need additional security for your business during a big event? Contact us today at 404-793-6965 to find out how we can help boost security and help you with long-term security too.
Trying to better understand your security risks? Start with our free Security Needs Assessment to find out today.
Image: Nataniel Susantop