Top 10 Tips to Protect Your People, Property and Possessions

1. Control the keys.
   Can your keys be duplicated without your knowledge? If you answered, “yes” to this question, consider a master key system or an electronic access control system. The master key system gives individuals access only where needed. An electronic access control system uses credentials (cards, biometrics, and codes) in lieu of keys. These cards can be de-programmed quickly and easily, ending access to a particular area or door.
2. Use commercial grade locks and hardware.
   Does it look like you could jimmy your office lock with a credit card or break it with your hammer? Is the type and quality of the hardware consistent throughout your office or building(s)? High quality, heavy duty security locking hardware can make the difference between safe and sorry. Upgrade your hardware as appropriate.
3. Get a security assessment.
   If you are a tenant in an office building or lease the entire property, you probably don’t think too often about what people, possessions, or property are vulnerable to loss. Well, someone must. Request a security assessment—often free—from a vendor you trust. Expect them to meet with you to review your issues and conduct a thorough evaluation of the premises. They should return at a later date with a written summary and recommendations which you can act on right away or work into your operational planning.
4. Schedule regular maintenance.
   Security systems in commercial settings get a work out. Constant use and abuse in high-traffic areas can compromise the effectiveness of any system. Do not wait until something bad happens. Put professional maintenance in the budget and on the calendar now, and have your security or maintenance staff do regular spot checks for wear and tear.
5. Consider leasing to get the security you need.
   Many businesses upgrade nearly everything else—furniture or computers or phone systems—more often than their security. Often they do so by entering into a lease agreement for these items. The lease allows a business to have the most recent and appropriate tools for its operation and spread the cost for it over a manageable time period. You can do the same with your security system. Get a security assessment. Learn what system is appropriate for your business and ask about leasing as a solution.
6. Rekey your upgrade.
   When upgrading to a higher level of electronic security, don’t forget the second part of this change in your access control system—make certain your current mechanical locks are rekeyed so users cannot bypass your new electronic system with an old key in a mechanical lock.
7. Get a safe safe.
   Did you buy a $100 safe at Costco to protect $100,000 in business assets or invaluable and irreplaceable business records? Think about the value of what you are protecting. What does that tell you about what you should purchase to protect it? Work with a security professional to assess the job you expect the safe to do and to select the safe that is best able to do it.
8. Have a back up system in place.
   Avoid being locked in, or locked out. Do you have an electronic access control system? Be prepared in the event of a power outage. Have a battery backup in place so that the building remains secured. In addition, have mechanical backup on at least one door to access your building with a key during an emergency when battery backups are active.
9. A picture is worth…
   Do you need to see who is coming and going throughout your business? Closed circuit television is not just for retailers, high security operations or the big companies. It might be an appropriate solution for you. Ask yourself if your business would be best served by a high-quality, customized surveillance solution.
10. Let someone else be the expert.
    Few decision makers have the time or inclination to stay on top of all their business’s security system issues. Make it the responsibility of your security staff or your professional security vendor to give you regular written updates on the key product and service developments, maintenance issues and upgrade requirements.