Smart security isn’t just about protecting homes! CPI Security proudly protects businesses as well. Setting up your small business with a security system has never been more important than it is now. Sadly, there has been a rise in crime against small businesses.
According to a CNBC article from 2022,
- 54% of small businesses have reported an increase in shoplifting year-over-year.
- 1 in 4 small businesses said that they have to deal with shoplifting once a week.
Don’t let your small business become another statistic. Level up your small business security protocol with these five tips to help protect you, your employees, and your livelihood.
5 Ways to Improve Small Business Security
Tip 1: Invest in the right number of small business security cameras and alarms.
Before diving into the specifics of the number of cameras and alarms you should invest in, it is important to note the difference between the two.
Many business owners share a common misconception that because they have cameras, they also have security. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Cameras help you visually keep tabs on what’s happening in and around your business. With security cameras, you can monitor, record, and review security footage of your facility and adjacent spaces like alleys, sidewalks, and parking lots.
Alarm systems detect break-ins that occur around the perimeter of the business—doors, windows, etc. These systems can provide a pivotal layer of security by alerting you whenever an intruder has broken into a door or window of your business. When paired with motion detectors, glass break detectors, and more, they can also alert authorities of the presence of criminal activity within your business.
It is only when your cameras are integrated with an alarm system that they become truly powerful security tools. CPI offers award-winning 24/7 monitoring based right here in the U.S. So, when an alarm is triggered at your business, our professional team of experts can use your camera footage to verify the alarm and emergency. This allows us to contact authorities more quickly and dispatch them directly to your location.
To truly keep your small business safe, it is essential to use both systems. Cameras to record the perpetrator in action and monitored alarms to notify key individuals and law enforcement when a situation actually takes place.
We’re proud to offer our small business neighbors a robust assortment of security options, including systems that combine alarms and cameras. These work for any business vertical and include 24/7 monitoring to ensure that your business is always protected by our award-winning team.
How Many Cameras and Alarms Does My Small Business Need?
The answer honestly varies based on the specific layout of your property and your security goals. Every business and building is unique, and CPI Security systems are customizable to fit your space and your unique needs.
At a minimum, you’ll want cameras that cover key entrances and the surrounding areas. You’ll always want to install cameras inside your business at any critical or secure areas like a main office or cash registers.
Likewise, it would be best to have enough alarms to ensure that your space is adequately covered and protected. CPI Security’s installation experts will go over your property with you to point out blind spots and areas of enhanced vulnerability to keep you and your employees safe.
Tip 2: Track Who is Coming and Going with Access Controls
Small business crime doesn’t just happen during off-business hours. It’s also important to monitor and track who is entering your business during a regular working day. Having a security protocol in place that requires employees to use a badge to enter your business can help secure your company and track the movement of unauthorized employees, vendors, and delivery personnel.
CPI offers an access control security system that enhances your business’s security. It allows you to provide each employee with a unique badge that they can use to enter your business. Through this system, you can also assign unique key codes to employees. That way, you’ll receive notifications on your app when specific employees arrive, open the doors, and lock up for the day.
These advanced insights can help catch any fraud or time mismanagement and help you protect your business from unauthorized visitors.
Tip 3: Enhance Onsite Safety to Reduce Workplace Hazards
Improve the security of your small business by ensuring that your employees are operating in a safe workplace environment. Start by making sure that the most common workplace hazards (electricity, fire hazards, injuries) are clearly addressed. And make sure that your employees know what to do in case of an emergency.
For more information, read our blog on avoiding common workplace hazards to improve your business’s onsite safety.
Tip 4: Have a Clearly Defined Evacuation Plan
A little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring the security and safety of your business and employees. As such, it is critical for your small business to have a detailed employee evacuation plan in case of an emergency. These can be incredibly helpful and even save lives in a fire, earthquake, security breach, or other unforeseen disaster.
To start, create maps of the business floorplan and escape routes. Post these maps in offices, break rooms, and relevant hallways. Review the maps and plans periodically with all of your employees. Include them in your employee handbook. The roles and responsibilities of everyone should be clear in order to avoid confusion and keep people safe.
Tip 5: Ensure your Business Is Up to the Local Fire Code
No one wants to think about the unfortunate event of a fire at their small business. But these things can happen. It’s best to be prepared for when they do. Protect your business and stay fire code compliant by:
- Identifying any critical fire-starting risks (combustible materials, heat-producing machinery, etc.). Regularly audit and review these risks to ensure proper storage and maintenance.
- Keeping all fire exits clear of blockages.
- Not letting flammable trash or package materials build up.
- Installing a fire and light safety system to help guide your employees to exits in the event of smoke obstruction.
CPI offers 24/7 fire alarm monitoring services for all business verticals. Because regardless of your type of small business, fire incidents can and do happen!
Since the difference between a minor incident and a total loss often depends on how quickly the fire department arrives, CPI’s system is a pivotal tool to protecting your building. Ensure your business is protected through early detection measures and the fast emergency response of CPI’s alarm monitoring team.
Business Security Systems Cost
Of course, the answer to the cost of business security varies from company to company. But imagine if a break-in, security breach, or fire did occur and you lost everything. Comparably, the cost of a properly installed and professionally monitored security system is low when stacked against the cost of stolen equipment or facility damages.
The value of security systems only increases depending on the security provider you choose. Especially when you consider the peace of mind that comes with knowing the system you choose has been properly installed by professional security technicians. And that you are protected with 24/7 monitoring and emergency response.
When you consider all the time, money, and work that you’ve put into your small business, a fully integrated security system is an easy choice. Keep your business, your employees, and your livelihood safe with CPI.
*CNBC, “Fed up with the rise in thefts and shoplifting, small-biz owners across U.S. are taking action.”
