A Business Owner’s Guide to Building Security

security camera used to protect a business

As a business owner, building security is crucial to protecting your property and staff.  According to statistics provided by the FBI, 60% of burglaries occur outside of working hours. Why? Outside of working hours, your staff is typically less equipped to respond quickly and efficiently to the incident. In some cases, the staff may not even notice the incident is occurring.

Additionally, following the COVID-19 pandemic, more business owners are managing their business remotely. Not being at their building in person can cause business owners to feel concerned about the security of their business, but they don’t have to!

With the right protocols and systems in place, business owners can feel confident that their building is secure and safe, whether they are clocking in upstairs or from their living room.

Let’s dive into how to make this possible.

First, How Can Improved Security Benefit Your Business?

We understand–business owners have a lot on their plate and security may not always be the first priority. However, the right security can provide a host of benefits for your business. For example:

  • Improved customer confidence in shopping on the premises
  • Prevention of issues like break-ins, vandalism, or robbery
  • Heightened employee safety both during and outside of business hours

Let’s Talk about Integrated Security Systems

Integrated security systems provide a solution to many security challenges faced by business owners. Let’s discuss what integrated security systems are and how they can protect your building and business (even after business hours or from home!).

Intrusion and Detection Alarm Systems

Intrusion systems are designed to use your existing IT infrastructure to increase efficiency. These solutions are scalable, reliable systems used for a wide variety of applications. They can be utilized in spaces such as mixed-use commercial office complexes to high-risk facilities.

How do Intrusion and Detection Alarms Work?

State-of-the-art technologies in intrusion systems implement event notifications sent to mobile phones and remote system management. These technologies can keep you up-to-date with the status of your facility, even when you are not there.

Closed-Circut Television (CCTV)

Closed-circuit television, or CCTV,  is a television system in which signals are monitored for surveillance and security purposes. These signals are not publicly distributed.

How Does CCTV Work?

CCTV relies on the strategic placement of cameras as well as the consistent monitoring of the footage. CCTV cameras communicate with monitors and/or video recorders through private coaxial cable runs or wireless communication links. This allows the communication to be private and allows only the intended audience to be able to view the footage.

Access Control Systems

As the name implies, access control systems manage access. These systems control who enters the building or site and prevents unauthorized visitors from entering the facility. Access control systems are designed to maintain control over who comes into the building without impeding the work of those who are authorized.

How Do Access Control Systems Work?

While the details can vary depending on the types of access control and system the business owner selects, the main elements of an access control system are typically the same. These elements include:

  • The tag
  • Tag reader
  • Access control panel
  • Lock(s)

These elements cooperate to create an easy and simple experience for the user.

Further, these systems can be scaled from small businesses to multi-location companies with thousands of employees.

Video Monitoring Systems

Video monitoring systems provide an array of benefits for a business, such as improving employee safety and productivity.  Hybrid digital and analog camera systems deter theft by preventing unfounded lawsuits and reducing incidents of work-site harassment.

How Do Video Monitoring Systems Work?

Video Monitoring systems can be analog, digital or hybrid. Business owners can select which of these options works best for their business and their budget.

A digital video surveillance system is “a surveillance system capable of capturing images and videos that can be compressed, stored or sent over communication networks. Digital video surveillance systems can be used for nearly any environment.” Depending on the system, internet protocol (IP) cameras may be used. These cameras require only a local network.

Analog systems use traditional cameras you see in camera systems. These cameras record images to a video recorder and send them through a coaxial cable to a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). Analog systems tend to be simpler than digital surveillance systems.

Need Help With Building Security For Your Business?

We got you covered. At LSM, offer comprehensive security systems to keep your business or property safe and secure. From intrusion detection, video surveillance, environmental monitoring, to system automation and access control, we want you to have all the systems in place to be sure your property is protected the way you need it to be.

Learn more about our security solutions, here.

What You Need to Know About Fire Suppression Systems

fire extinguishers in fire suppression systems

Your needs as a commercial real estate owner vary on the type of building you own. You’ve likely heard of many various fire protection systems, but do you know the key differences between a fire sprinkler system and a fire suppression system? It’s important to understand these differences.

Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems

Clean agent fire suppression systems utilize environmentally-friendly chemical reagents to put out fires. These are typically found in sensitive areas, such as data centers. The chemicals used are water-free and safe for the environment. Once a clean agent system is activated, clean-up is minimal. 

Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems

Carbon dioxide systems use CO2 colorless, odorless gas to extinguish a fire. These systems are an incredibly efficient and cost-effective approach to fire protection. Clean-up following the activation of a carbon dioxide system is minimal.

These systems are currently being used by the U.S Navy in commercial shipping applications. It is common to find these systems in industries that handle steel and aluminum. 

Industrial Fire Suppression Systems

Industrial plants need extra attention when it comes to fire protection, as most of the areas are in high-hazard environments. The fires that occur in these areas typically involve some type of chemical, liquid fuel, or other hazardous materials, therefore proper fire protection systems are essential. These systems typically use dry chemicals to extinguish the fire. 

Restaurant Fire Suppression Systems

Kitchens require specific fire suppression systems. Kitchen fire suppression systems are designed to put out grease fires that would be worsened if you attempt to put them out with water. They typically utilize wet chemicals in a mist form to extinguish the fire quickly and effectively. 

Fire protection systems needed for high-hazard areas are among the most technical and specialized fire equipment systems. 

LifeSafety Management has a long history of protecting mission-critical equipment for all types of businesses. If you have a commercial kitchen, including those that are mobile, a pre-engineered system designed for such environments will be required. In addition, computer server rooms, paint spray booths, industrial machinery, aircraft hangers, fuel farms, and marine environments can be protected by specific suppression systems.

Learn more about our fire suppression systems, here.

How to Prepare for Hurricane Season in Florida

hurricane incoming for hurricane season

It is important for building owners in Florida to know what to do to prepare their facilities for a potentially devastating storm. Why? Florida has been hit by more hurricanes than any other state. In fact, Florida has been hit by more than twice as many hurricanes as the next closest hurricane-prone state, Texas. Wow! In addition to that, more than 41% of hurricanes that hit the United States make some kind of landfall in Florida.

This means that building owners need to make significant efforts to protect their property for hurricane season. When it comes to natural disasters, taking preventative measures is key for protecting your commercial property.

Let’s discuss some methods building owners can employ to protect their property during hurricane season in Florida.

Know The Risks

Hurricanes can cause severe damage to property. These storms are characterized by strong, high-speed winds, tornadoes, torrential rains, and storm surges. Further, hurricanes in Florida are more likely to be severe; experts classified almost a third of hurricanes to hit Florida as Category 3, with winds from 111 to 128 mph. Because of this, owners with buildings in Florida should prepare their facilities to withstand these elements at their strongest intensities.

Create a Plan

Based on the above factors, create an action plan for your commercial property. Ensure all employees understand this preventative plan thoroughly.

Some factors to consider for a hurricane plan include but are not limited to:

  • A shelter plan
  • Company-wide communication
  • Evacuation route
  • Emergency warnings and alerts.

Get Other Resources Ready

Additionally, building owners should consider:

  • Reminding your staff about guidelines and/or policies that should be implemented or followed in the event of a hurricane.  All employees should be aware of their specific responsibilities in an emergency.
  • Reviewing your insurance policy to ensure that your business facility is protected from the losses resulting from hurricanes or other natural disasters.
  • Checking that their emergency kit includes essential items such as generators and hand tools
  • Backing up and securing all important data.

Prepare Your Property

A small act of preparation might save your building. When walking through your commercial property, there are a few key steps to take:

  • Clear all gutters and drains
  • Install check valves in plumbing
  • Trim and remove trees close to your building
  • Add sandbags as necessary (water pumps can be covered by water insurance in some cases but is not guaranteed)
  • Financial Preparation
  • As a business owner, it is crucial to understand your insurance policies and exactly what is covered. For example, most property insurance policies have a surface water exclusion. Have a safety fund available in case of the worst-case scenario.

What to Do After the Hurricane

An emergency response team should assess the building before people are allowed back to the premises. The purpose of this assessment is to identify any structural damage or hazard that needs to be fixed before the building can be occupied again.

Building owners and staff should only access the building after authorities give clearance.

Marine Fire Safety

Some of the key points to remember with marine safety are properly managing your:

  • Certifications and Documents
  • Fire Safety Equipment
  • Hurricane Preparedness Equipment
  • Engine Room Maintenance
  • Deck Maintenance and Crew Readiness
  • Emergency Equipment

Unfortunately, there is a long list of natural disasters to prepare for, like fires. And news flash, fire suppression, and fire sprinklers are not the same thing!

Need a Little Help? Consider LSM

LifeSafety Management has been providing fire protection and life safety services in South Florida for over 20 years—we are your resident life safety experts. LifeSafety is your single-source provider for any of your fire protection needs: fire alarms, sprinklers, fire suppression systems, security systems, and beyond. We can start from the very beginning to design and install your systems, then maintain and repair your systems as needed.

Learn more about us and our solutions here.