Are You Secure In A Pandemic?
Covid-19 has blazed into 2020 crisscrossing the world, causing amok wherever it goes. We’re now all in a global lockdown as government’s stand side-by-side with medics and scientists in the fight against the pandemic. The effects of such a devastating disease are far reaching, but for FM Managers the implications on a building’s security are alarming. Darren Hyde, MD, VIP Security Services gives us his thoughts and top tips on how to cope with the crisis.
All Facilities Managers will have a series of wide-ranging contingency plans for a whole host of events, attacks and crises. But not many had made full provision for the security implications for a global pandemic reaching their organisation’s doorstep. In recent weeks I’ve met with many FM Managers helping to develop stringent measures to keep their retail complexes and commercial warehouses and office blocks secure. To support all FM Managers through challenging times, I’ve developed ten top tips to ensure your premises are kept safe and secure.
1. First off, develop a bespoke security plan/policy to suit the needs of your organisation based upon three principles: deterrents, break-ins and securing a building post-emergency. Reflect upon your existing security arrangements and step-up support where needed. Each organisation’s needs will be unique, but if employees are still coming to and from the premises it would also be prudent to develop a fresh risk assessment to pre-empt their needs and the reasons for them to be at work, and how you are keeping them safe.
2. Consider measures to deter break-ins or squatters taking-up residence. A vacant premise becomes vulnerable as soon as it is unoccupied, it becomes even more susceptible to break-ins if the assets inside are seen as desirable to those on the outside. Think about what stock/assets you hold within your company walls and your proximity to nearby towns or built-up areas? Perhaps consider moving key assets to a more secure location.
3. These are unprecedented times; it is vital you outsource your keyholding and let professional security guards manage alarm activations during a crisis. You may well have a well-oiled keyholding system set-up within your organisation, but it’s not acceptable to expect a member of staff to attend an alarm activation during the current situation. By outsourcing your keyholding responsibilities you’ll ensure no employee is put into a situation they are not skilled to handle or are put at risk; this will also protect your organisation from costly personal injury claims and further loss of revenue.
4. Take a walk around your premises with a fresh pair of eyes and review all of your security needs. Ask yourself these questions: does your CCTV provide an adequate deterrent? Is CCTV still being monitored? Are your perimeter boundaries safe and secure, are they covered? Would you benefit from metal grills on some of your windows? What measures have you developed to keep a ‘check’ on your premise? Are groups of people likely to congregate? Are you vulnerable to squatters? Do you have goods that would be attractive to looters? Here it is probably essential that all security is stepped-up during a pandemic with a strong security guard presence on all sites 24/7 to deter crime.
5. Ensure you have an up-to-date inventory of all assets, you’ll need to evidence all stock and assets in the event of a breakdown, so make sure you’ve been prudent in your planning. Also check the small print in your insurance policies and ensure your vacant buildings are being protected with the right security measures. Remember if you do have a break-in, you’ll also need a team member to attend the scene, along with the police to make an assessment of damage and stolen goods.
6. Often burglars will break into a premise by vandalising a CCTV system, damaging alarm systems and breaking windows or doors. Make sure you know what you would do, should this crisis arise. If you’re working from home, ensure you have the same emergency contacts available to you as you would in your office to help you.
7. The first priority after a break-in is to secure the premises post emergency and to keep assets safe. Here you will need security guards to patrol the premises, until boarding-up or glazing services can arrive to secure the building, can you upgrade your padlocks and chains.
8. After a burglary the CCTV and alarm system will need to be repaired/replaced. If at this stage you don’t feel the alarm has met your needs, upgrade - it will be worth every penny spent. Again, don’t leave your property vulnerable until a new system is in place, hire 24-7 security guards onsite to patrol the perimeters and buildings.
9. Security guard patrols can be set-up to provide checks on your premises. Partner with a professional security company that offers GPS tracking equipment to ensure security guards are delivering a thorough, professional, accountable and transparent service. Specialist GPS tracking equipment can be used to monitor guards and ensure they’ve made regular visits to each checkpoint whilst on duty.
10. Once the complex/premise is secure, review all your security processes and step them up a level to ensure another crisis is averted.
