While most employees have already begun counting down the days until the Christmas holidays, for business owners, the Christmas shut down can bring with it a lot of anxiety. Although it may only be for a week or two, leaving your business premises empty over the Christmas break leaves it susceptible to vandalism and theft and so it is more crucial than ever that you have robust security measures in place.
This blog will help to soothe some of your Christmas shutdown anxieties, providing you with an easy checklist for before you leave, over the break and when you and your colleagues return to work.
Before You Leave
- Secure all entry points: Make sure that all windows and doors are securely locked. If you feel it is necessary, you can also use deadbolts or security bars for extra protection.
- Check all security systems: Ensure that any alarms, security cameras and motion detectors have been tested and activated and are unobstructed. If you use electronic access systems on your premises, you may also want to consider deactivating access for anyone who will not need it during the shutdown period, including external vendors and contractors.
- Update your security company: If you have a security company, inform them of your closure dates and provide updated contact details for a key holder.
- Add visible deterrents: Intruders are unlikely to target somewhere that appears to have a high level of security, so by adding warning signage, CCTV towers, perimeter fencing and visible alarm systems, you can help deter criminals from your premises.
- Prioritise valuable items: If you’re securing an office, think about storing your valuable technology off site. If you’re securing a construction site, try to store your sensitive and hard-to-secure equipment as far away from the public eye as possible. If intruders cannot verify valuable assets, they are far less likely to attempt theft in the first place.
- Outline Emergency Procedures: Make sure that you have emergency procedures in place for various security threats e.g. break-ins, data breaches and fires.
During the Closure
- Hire Additional Security: Consider hiring security guards or arranging for mobile patrols so that you have immediate response to any issues.
- Keep Keyholders Informed: Ensure your keyholders know who is responsible for responding to any alerts.
- Leverage Technology: If your CCTV and security systems are monitored, you can use online applications to keep an eye on your premises and ensure that your security systems are functioning properly.
Returning To Work
- Refresh Security Policies: Use the returning to work period as a moment to review any changes in security policies and procedures that may have been implemented before the break.
- Post-Shutdown Check: Perform a thorough check of your premises when you return from the break and ensure everything is secure before re-opening.
- Update Access: It is recommended that you change any codes or credentials that were used over the Christmas period, especially if employees have left the company.
By following these easy steps, you can ensure that your premises are secure and protected from thieves and vandals over the Christmas break. This means you can sit back, relax and be ready to hit the ground running when operations resume in January!
At IDS Security, we are experts in the design, installation and maintenance of a wide range of security systems, so if you’re looking to secure your property over Christmas with bespoke cutting-edge security, get in touch with us today and book a FREE security survey!
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