Making Commercial Security a Priority in California

Your commercial compound has a lot of valuable assets, and the last thing you want is to arrive and discover that everything’s been stolen. Thus, securing your commercial lot in California is of utmost importance.

If you want to make your lot an impenetrable fortress, here’s what you need to do:

Conduct a Thorough Risk Assessment 

Implementing a tight security system starts by looking for all the possible weak spots. These are places criminals and vagrants can exploit to gain access your facility, undetected.

Since most commercial spaces are located in industrial areas typically out of sight, this—and a chance to score some valuable loot—is a big reason criminals are so attracted to them.

When sussing out potential vulnerabilities, here are the areas to pay attention to:

• Access points: is your facility completely fenced in, or can anyone gain access to the lot?
• What kind of surveillance exists, and does it provide a clear and complete view of the lot that can be viewed remotely?
• If someone were to enter the site, how long would it take for someone to notice?
• How valuable are the assets on the property, and how detrimental would a loss be to overall operations?

In California there are other threats as well. Wildfires are a real risk that’s only projected to get worse. Thus, the property should be viewed from a defensible space perspective as well.

Integrate Physical Security Systems

Physical security involves setting multiple deterrents that criminals view as barriers to entry.

Here are some of the most effective ones:

• Securing the compound with a fence and only granting authorized personnel access
• Having minimal entry and exit points which are controlled by a gate
• Ensuring the lot is well-lit
• Hiring private security to patrol the lot

Onsite security is one of the biggest deterrents there is, and one of the best ways to keep your commercial space safe from a variety of threats. 

Additionally, your security service can help you conduct a comprehensive security evaluation and offer recommendations based on their training and experience.

 Integrate Tech-Related Security Systems

Technology is an excellent adjunct that can help tighten existing security, and is becoming more and more cost-effective.

Here are some ways you can leverage technology to keep your business secure:

• Invest in high-quality surveillance systems that allow remote access and issue alerts
• Restrict access with smart card systems or biometric control
• Be vigilant about cybersecurity as well—make sure your network is secure, and your employees are aware of the variety of cyber threats

Many surveillance systems have AI-powered analytics which help reduce false-alarms since they’re “trained” to spot the difference between relevant and irrelevant events.

Enact Emergency Preparedness Protocol

It’s important to have a comprehensive emergency preparedness protocol with step-by-step guidelines on how to deal with different types of events.

Here are some of the potential steps to take and situations you need to create a plan for:

• Employee safety—make sure that all OSHA standards and other industry-related regulations are clearly understood and followed. Have a comprehensive plan in place if an employee is injured.
• Create security and fire protocol, and conduct regular drills to make sure employees are prepared
• Reach out to local law enforcement and let them know about your business
• Make sure you have a safety protocol based on the variables of your particular industry

While it may not be necessary to conduct a drill for each emergency scenario, make sure that employees are properly trained on handling large-scale emergencies, such as an onsite fire or injury.

Additionally, each employee needs to be aware of and abide by the security protocols for your commercial site.

Keep Security Top of Mind

Securing your commercial space in California must always be a top priority.

Here are the recommendations for maintaining a highly secure lot:

• Update your security protocols regularly. Change network passwords, and always be on the lookout for potential vulnerabilities
• Make sure staff security-related training is ongoing
• Ensure your tech systems are up to date and easily accessible

Be proactive. Anticipate the worst-case scenarios and implement a plan for each that prevents it from occurring. By doing so, you’re way less likely to arrive one morning and discover everything’s been stolen.

If there are other commercial spaces nearby, connect with those businesses. Combine forces to keep the area safe. Share information you may have about suspicious comings and goings and what you’re doing to keep your business secure.

Finally, keep your insurance company up to date on all the security measures you’re taking, as it may lower your monthly rate.

Conclusion:

Most people learn the hard way. It’s only after they’ve been robbed and business screeches to a halt that they decide to bulk up their security.

Ask them, they’ll be the first to tell you: They wish they’d paid a little more attention to keeping their lot secure. Then, they’ll politely excuse themselves to call their insurance once again, and check up on the status of their claim.