Innovative access control systems add an extra layer of security to your building. However, regular maintenance is critical to the effectiveness of the system. If your access control system isn’t maintained, it will degrade over time, exposing your employees and customers to security risks. Here are three reasons to make routine maintenance a priority.
Managing multiple business locations can be a logistical nightmare. Ensuring that everyone has access to the right facilities at the right time is difficult, and planning is key to making it work. Here are some questions to consider when designing access control solutions for multiple locations.
Most businesses think they’ve got their security nailed down, but they sometimes miss common security vulnerabilities. We’re going to fix that today. Here are some common workplace security mistakes. All you need to do is dedicate the resources and time to fix them.
Video verification is quickly becoming a business’s best friend. This innovative technology gives them the power to see exactly what’s happening on their property when something triggers an alarm. Reveal video verification by Security Instrument is a loss prevention method saving companies time and significant amounts of money from theft and property damage.
Video verification is a revolutionary technology changing the security industry. When a business monitored by an alarm company receives an alarm, it’s difficult for the central alarm station to know the actual cause of it. With the Reveal Video Verification solution, operators can actually see if it’s a false alarm or legitimate emergency. Reveal is a cost-effective answer to a big problem.
A primary challenge the security industry faces today is the ability to deliver video of what caused and alarm to a monitoring station. Existing video monitoring solutions are too awkward and expensive, as well as difficult to maintain and sell. Introducing Reveal-Intelligent Video Verification.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), hotel fires represent 1% of all structure fires. That may not sound like much, but it is; the NFPA goes on to say that U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 3,520 structure fires in hotels and motels each year. In figures provided in 2015, these fires resulted in annual losses of 9 civilian deaths, 120 civilian injuries, and $84 million in direct property damage.
With that in mind, it’s safe to say that hotel fires happen frequently. So, how can a hotel notify guests on the property when a fire or other emergency is identified? Does the audible sound of the fire alarm suffice? Not always – and that’s why mass notification solutions are so important.
Mass Notification Options for Hotels
Hotels have several options when it comes to mass notification of emergencies. They include:
Text notifications: Deploying personal alerts to guests’ wireless devices is a emerging as a popular mass notification solution. A scripted message can be deployed, with evacuation instructions and an assurance that guests will be notified again when it is safe to re-enter the property. Although the scripted messages can be stored as templates, there is also the capability to alter the message to address the specifics of the event.
Social media: Although social media is a broader platform that may invite outside responses, some hospitality establishments find it to be an effective mass notification tool that can supplement text notifications (which do not allow guests to reply). If your establishment is a good fit for utilizing social media notifications via targeted Facebook, Instagram and Twitter posts, consider utilizing a secondary method as well.
Audio notifications: An audio notification that emanates throughout the property can be a way to instantaneously reach everyone who is on the premises. In the event of a fire, it may indeed be the fastest way to reach everyone, particularly if the property caters to an older clientele that may not own smartphones or be familiar with their use. In the instance of a violent attacker on the premises, mass notification via audio notification can be even more valuable. Deploying an audible lockdown message can ensure everyone retreats to the safety of designated areas or uses instructed exits for evacuation.
No matter what mass notification method a hotel property uses, the content of the notification matters. It is critical that the establishment has protocols in place that ensure message content is accurate, instructional and straightforward. The goal is to notify guests, not confuse them. To discuss mass notification systems for hotels, contact Security Instrument. We will be glad to answer your questions.
About Security Instrument
Security Instrument is a full-service, independently-owned security integrator that offers numerous electronic security options. We serve thousands with residential, commercial and hotel security in Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.
Catching shoplifters is costly and dangerous according to experts, and is a that liability retailers should avoid. But loss due to shoplifting costs retailers $44 billion annually and is certainly a problem that should be addressed. Experts in the science of crime say the best course of action is to concentrate heavily on deterrence.
Criminals Assess Risk Differently
Do not expect to understand the criminal mind. Even more importantly, do not base your security strategies on what you think they are thinking– because it just won’t work. Criminals do not assess risk the same way as others and what risk they do measure is countered with whatever the perceived advantage in addition to the momentary value, which can include “the thrill of the get”. Criminologists explain that the criminal must “see, get, fear” deterrents— that is they must see them, understand what they do and fear that they work well enough to land them in jail.
Why Deterrence is So Important
Ask any retailer, catching a shoplifter is a lot more difficult than what most people may think. If you suspect a shoplifter, you must have eyes on them from beginning to end and then apprehend them at the last point of sale, or outside the building. Once confronted, the person can become violent and the situation turns dangerous. When you factor in additional costs and risks such as liability issues it is easy to see why a healthy objective would be to deter as much crime as possible in the first place.
2 Important Ways to Thwart Theft
There are two important ways to deter theft. One is by making it too difficult by the use of things like by making it difficult to take an item without notice, such as alarming displays or having the item close to store personnel. The second is by making it too risky by using things like video surveillance and CCTV and having employees make personal contact with each shopper.
These tactics may seem simplistic, but they work with human nature. Criminals know that once they are seen and that eyes are on them it is game over because they are certain to be caught.
The most effective crime deterrent is owning the crime prevention process and fully leveraging security technologies such as video surveillance and CCTV. Security Instrument has been equipping companies since 1960 and understands the retail environment.
Facilities such as restaurants, bars, and nightclubs have some important commonalities when it comes to security issues. They are all busy, serve alcohol, have high customer turnover, high employee turnover and are heavy on cash transactions. These factors all necessitate special security camera considerations, unlike those of other commercial facilities. Having a security system is really not enough. You must have one with the right technologies and components, and then optimize it for the greatest advantage in your specific facility, meeting your unique needs.
If you have a high-traffic venue with heavy cash transactions, consider these valuable tips to boost your security.
Convert to IP or Megapixel Security Cameras
Businesses such as restaurants and bars deal in large sums of cash and most of them have security cameras monitoring cash handling areas. To have a clear enough picture to consistently ensure that cash is handled properly, use IP or megapixel security cameras which provide the highest resolution possible. HD security cameras are also valuable in aiding law enforcement in facial recognition in the event of a crime.
Pro Tip: Never compromise your security. Always use professionally designed and installed security camera systems, specifically designed your needs.
Get the Whole Picture
In busy establishments, it is important to capture the whole picture. Rather than a multitude of fixed security cameras, consider installing a Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) camera, which can be controlled to cover areas of interest or a 360° camera which can capture all the action without lapses or limitations in the field of vision.
Protect Your Liquor License and in Litigation
Whenever alcohol is served there is the potential for individuals to become less in control, and combative. The industry is rife with claims of slip and fall, assault, or having been over-served and the resulting litigation is costly to the point of jeopardizing even larger businesses.
Equip your facility with enough cameras that you can cover such things as entrances and exits, the condition of floors, and provide a full view of visitors. This will provide verifiable proof of when patrons enter and in what condition. It will also verify the condition of the facility or participants in altercations.
Equip the Security Camera System for Low Light Conditions
The lighting conditions in bars and nightclubs can be challenging and can impact the quality of your security camera footage. To avoid this problem, use cameras that are designed for day and night usage and ones equipped with infrared technologies. Cameras that are ill-fit for the lighting conditions cannot provide the results you might need for confirming activities.
Opt into Remote Monitoring Smart Security Camera Systems
The nature of the job keeps owners and managers busy, and sometimes off premises. Smart security systems provide remote viewing capabilities so you can (nearly) be two places at once. This can allow you to address issues in real-time, even when you are attending to other business matters outside of the facility. This also allows you to view and manage more than one facility at once.
About Security Instrument
Never compromise your security. Always use professionally designed and installed security camera systems, specifically designed your needs. Security Instrument Corp serves thousands of customers throughout DE, MD, NJ, and PA with advanced security solutions.
Students are returning to school soon, so now is the time to re-assess your security practices to improve campus safety. With fewer staff and students, it’s easier to evaluate what’s working and not working with your security plan. Here are three successful security protocols to consider implementing if they aren’t already in place.
Upgrade Inexpensive Security Equipment
Some security repairs and upgrades aren’t as expensive as you think. Functional lighting is critical to campus security. Check all of the lighting on campus around pedestrian sidewalks, buildings, and parking garages and lots.
Also, make sure to upkeep the landscaping properly. Overgrown bushes and trees create perfect hiding places for criminals, and if the lighting is out in these areas, it’s very unsafe.
Dormitory Security
Many sexual assaults, thefts, and robberies happen in or around dormitories. Ensure that all door locks work and that the entries are protected. Add video intercoms so that students and RA’s can visually verify the identity of visitors before letting them into the dorm. Consider adding emergency stations around the dorms so that students can report crimes in progress or emergencies quickly.
Evaluate Areas Where People Can Use a Vehicle as a Weapon
Criminals often utilize vehicles as weapons. Installing concrete or metal bollards prevents someone from crashing into a crowd of people or a building. These barriers can be designed as concrete planters with flowers in them as well as trashcans or benches.
Put up specialized fencing made from the same material used to stop jets when they land on aircraft carriers. These cables can withstand a large truck driving 50 mph. Line the roadways with this fencing to keep vehicles on the road.
Collaborate with local and campus police to identify problem areas that need attention. Ask for their advice on what’s wrong and what’s changed since they patrol the campus every day. They can provide great advice and work with your security integrator to develop the best safety plan for the school.
About Security Instrument
Security Instrument is a full-service, independently owned security integrator that offers numerous electronic security options. We serve thousands with commercial and home security in Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.
About Us
Security Instrument is Delaware’s largest full-service independently-owned security firm with over 75 employees serving thousands of customers throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland.
Locations
Wilmington, DE
309 West Newport Pike
Wilmington, DE 19804
(302) 633-5621
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Milton, DE
28340 Lewes Georgetown Hwy.
Milton, DE 19968
(302) 645-2212
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