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7 Reasons Your Business Should Use CCTVs

Info provided by vizocom.com

One of the most cost-effective ways to provide security in the workplace is with CCTV Security or Video Surveillance Systems. The highly advanced technology of modern security cameras allows businesses to lower costs and risks by protecting their assets with continuous and seamless monitoring of their facilities. These relatively inexpensive cameras have for the most part replaced expensive security guards while increasing the reliability and accountability to near 100% by providing real-time remote video surveillance.

Here are six reasons why CCTV systems are crucial and extremely necessary for businesses today:

  1. Reduce Cost and Risk

CCTV security systems prove themselves as the best investment as soon as they are installed. Full view of your premises and real-time recording as well as remote online access by owner/manager lowers the risk and prevents costly incidents such as burglary, fire, vandalism, etc.

 

  1. Prevent and Deter Crime

Criminals target buildings and facilities when they see there is no monitoring or watchdog. The very presence of CCTV cameras on an installation is enough to deter potential criminals and prevent their action at the outset. Similarly, by the sight of a safety hazard, employees can take the necessary action to reduce the risk and alleviate the source in the shortest possible time.

  1. Fool-Proof Coverage

A well-designed CCTV infrastructure is practically impenetrable and can provide 100% coverage. Multiple cameras keeping an eye on each other’s blind spots in addition to keeping an eye on the most vulnerable areas of the property, full monitoring is not hampered by human errors such as the guard being on shut-eye or being busy with something else. Remote online access as well as a recording of the events documents everything should it be needed by the police or judge.

  1. Keep Your Employees Honest

CCTV cameras on the outside prevent break-ins by outsiders, but if installed inside the facility to monitor sensitive materiel, goods, and assets, as well as vulnerable areas of a facility, it will prevent wrongdoing by company employees. Even if something happens, the recorded video will prevent wrong accusations and a lack of trust among all staff.

  1. Encourage Good Behavior

CCTV cameras help in creating discipline among employees and customers alike.  CCTV cameras encourage employees and buyers to be on their best behavior alike. It also gives customers a sense of security and safety as they know they are protected and gives them confidence in doing business with you.

  1. Prevent Safety Incidents

CCTV cameras can be installed in high-risk areas of a business facility or establishment. These high-risk and accident-prone areas include locations where fires can break out as well as locations where a potential danger to the building and personnel exists. Properly selected cameras can prevent potential damage because emergency measures can be taken immediately with careful monitoring.

 

  1. Assist Law Enforcement

CCTV recording of the scene of the crime, allows law enforcement agencies to use the footage and release photos and videos of the culprits to the public. A picture or a video record of the suspect can make a huge difference when it comes to making an arrest and getting dangerous criminals off the street.

So there you have it! We hope that we have enlightened you on the importance of CCTV Security Systems for your business. If you wish to know more about CCTV systems, contact FSP today!

4 Fire Prevention Tips for Your Business

by Justin Metz

Reducing the risk of a potential fire at your business is one of the most important things you can do to help protect your customers, employees, and property.

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that more than 111,000 nonresidential building fires occurred in 2017. Those fires caused 1,200 injuries and more than $2.7 billion in damages. For business owners, these damages can extend beyond physical repairs. It could mean weeks, or even months, of lost revenue while your property is restored.

So what steps can you take to help ensure a crisis like this doesn’t happen at your business? Give these four tips a try:

1. CHECK POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARDS.

According to the American Red Cross, there are a number of common hazards in any home or business that are likely to be the source of a fire. Conduct a survey of your business and examine these potential problem areas:

  • Make sure machines and equipment are clean and well maintained.
  • Keep any combustible objects away from space heaters or furnaces.
  • Properly store flammables away in cabinets and away from ignition sources.
  • Check appliance cords and replace any broken connectors or cracked insulation.
  • Use only one extension cord for each power outlet.
  • Allow room behind any appliances to allow air to circulate and prevent overheating.

2. ENSURE YOU HAVE THE PROPER SAFETY EQUIPMENT.

Every business should have functioning fire extinguishers. But it’s also wise to consider smoke detectors, sprinklers, or a fire alarm. Remember, the life expectancy of a smoke detector is only 8-10 years.

Look into a specialized fire suppression system if your business has large operations or machinery that is capable of overheating; commercial cooking equipment; or especially flammable materials on site.

3. MAKE SURE YOUR EQUIPMENT IS UP TO DATE.

Did you know that fire extinguishers have a shelf life of between five and 15 years – even if there is no expiration date listed? Over time, these pieces of equipment can lose their pressure. So make sure your extinguisher is working properly by checking the pressure gauge every month. If the needle is in yellow or red, it may need to be repaired or replaced.

Be sure to replace your extinguisher if you notice any of these signs:

  • The hose or nozzle is cracked, ripped, or jammed.
  • The locking pin is unsealed or missing.
  • The handle is missing or unsteady.
  • The inspection sticker or service record is missing.

4. COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR STAFF.

Preparation is one of the most important elements of fire safety.  In a crisis, having an emergency plan is a critical element to successfully prevent injuries, loss of life, and property damage. To help keep your employees safe, be sure to regularly communicate your fire safety procedures.

  • Describe where they should go if evacuation is needed.
  • Explain how you will notify them of an emergency, whether it’s through voice communication or a sound like a bell, whistle, or horn.
  • Make sure your evacuation plans accommodate employees with disabilities, such as someone with hearing loss or who uses a wheelchair.
  • Provide training, such as fire drills, to practice your emergency plan.
  • Remind your employees not to store anything on stairways or along your fire escape routes.

As a business owner, you expect your insurance to be there when things go wrong. But did you know that Fire Systems Professionals is here to help you reduce risks in the first place?

Contact our team of experienced professionals with over 20+ years in the business can help your business remain up to date and safe from potential hazards. Click Here to get in touch with us today!

Does Your Business Have a Security Plan?

Kim Zimmermann, BusinessNewsDaily Contributor

You probably won’t find many small businesses who have a head of security, but that does not mean they shouldn’t have a plan to prevent loss of property or even life in the event of a burglary or other event.

The most important asset are the lives and safety of all staff, experts agreed, but there are other things that need to be protected, including the physical assets and infrastructure of the business itself as well as stock and finished goods. This usually requires a business alarm system. Any security strategy needs to include protection for both the critical infrastructure, such as telecommunications and technology, as well as the intellectual property, including documents related to research and development.

“A small company faces both internal and external security risks,” said Niall Kelly, the CIO of Netwatch USA, a remote-visual-monitoring company. “Most importantly, however, it is essential that companies provide a risk-free and safe working environment for their employees.”

The best way to address security risks is to carry out a full company risk assessment analysis to identify the key areas of concern and determine the necessary procedures to take to secure all of the company’s assets, experts said.

“From an exposure point of view, the largest risks are being negligent in providing adequate protection to a company’s people,” said Mike Gauer, vice president of business development for Datawatch Systems, a managed security solutions provider for commercial office buildings. “‘Adequate’ is the operative word. What is ‘adequate’ in Toledo, Ohio, may be grossly inadequate in New York City. Accordingly, the goal is to strike the correct balance relative to the risks in a given demographic.”

 

How should a small business owner go about developing a security plan?

“A security plan is essential because it ensures the resulting security system is protecting the right vulnerabilities,” said David Gottlieb, director of marketing communications for Honeywell Security Group, a security equipment provider. “Generally speaking, a small business should first conduct an audit to determine those vulnerabilities. Once those vulnerabilities are identified, the right type of security system can be designed and installed.”

Gottlieb said that questions to ask could include:

  • Is the immediate neighborhood free of crime generators, including late-night social or retail establishments, etc.?
  • Are visitor entry points clearly identified?
  • Is the property designed in such a manner that visitors have to check in at an administrative office or desk before they can access other parts of the building?
  • Are exterior doors not used as designated entry points locked to prevent entry from the exterior?
  • Are all exterior windows easily locked?

The security plan needs to outline how the company’s sensitive data will be protected. “The No. 1 threat is not the bad guy or teenager hacking into your computer system, it is the physical loss of the machines where all of the data is stored,” said Matt Pahnke, senior manager of product marketing for the commercial business unit of NETGEAR, a networking and data-storage provider. He said there should be a clear plan for backing up data offsite, be it on a redundant drive or in the cloud.

Security plans should be flexible enough to cover internal as well as external thefts, experts said. “Do you have a code of conduct and/or employee manual that states how thefts will be handled?” said Annie Searle, principal, Annie Searle & Associates, a risk consulting firm. “Do you spend time explaining to employees what belongs to the company — i.e., intellectual property — and what is available for the benefit of the employee?”

Gauer added that many businesses of all sizes often neglect to outline the precautions to be taken by employees walking to their car if leaving work late at night.

Another area that doesn’t get a lot of attention is the disposal of computers and other devices. “Once these devices have outlived their usefulness, they are often thought of as fair game for employees,” said Kyle Marks, the founder of  Retire-IT, a company that manages the retirement, recycling and remarketing of unwanted computer equipment.

He suggested a reverse procurement process. “You wouldn’t accept a shipment of 99 computers when you were supposed to get 100,” he said. “You should have the same accounting for your computers as they go out the door, and make sure they are wiped clean of all sensitive information.”

Experts said business owners have to use technology to streamline the security checkpoints, especially when it comes to inventory management. “Any security plan has to include information on how you are managing and security your inventory, which can be greatly helped with the use of technology, but sometimes small business owners might want to take shortcuts or rely solely on paper records,” said Elijah Shaw, CEO of Icon Services Corp. “There are so many things that might be in any inventory that would have value on the black market.”

Small business owners can’t just develop the plan and store it away, said security experts. “Preparing for something like a robbery is essential because you want to practice your reaction,” Shaw said. “It is like a scary movie. Once you’ve seen it three or four times, it is no longer quite as scary.”

 

The Most Important Winter Fire Safety Tips

Winter Fire Safety Tips

It’s that time of year when the snowflakes start to fall and temperatures drop to a bitter low. During the winter months, we tend to spend more time at home with our family and loved ones, so what better way to protect them than by making sure your home is protected from any fire hazards.

Have Your Furnace Checked

Although this is something that many people believe they can do themselves, it is often safer to invest in hiring a professional to come and inspect your furnace annually. It’s always better to know when something is not working properly than to have it abruptly break down in those cold winter months when you need heat the most.

Check Your Chimneys And Vents

Fireplaces can produce creosote which has the capability of igniting. If your family lights the fireplace often, you most likely need an annual chimney inspection to make sure that there are no hazards capable of starting a fire. It’s important to always remember that when burning wood, use dry, seasoned wood that produces more flame with less smoke.

Test Your Smoke Alarms

You always want to double-check that your batteries are fresh and will last you through the winter. Always place smoke alarms in the kitchen, bedrooms, and laundry room.

Extension Cord Overload 

In the freezing months, we’re often using a lot of electronics since we’re spending more time indoors. Too many things plugged into one extension cord can be dangerous. This is especially true for any extension cords or outlets in the kitchen that are close to appliances or other heat sources.

Always Cover Your Fireplace With A Screen

Either a metal screen or tempered glass will suffice to protect any sparks from leaving the fireplace. Still, you always want to make sure to keep kids and pets at least three feet away from a burning fireplace.

Beware Of Lit Candles

Although candles can set the mood for a relaxing and calming evening, they can be easily knocked over by kids or pets. Only light candles when you are alert and able to watch them, blowing them out whenever you intend to leave the room.

Beware Of Space Heaters

These devices require a good amount of space to be used without any fire hazards. Just like fireplaces, children and pets should not sit closer than three feet in front of a space heater. Avoid placing heaters near curtains, tablecloths, or other flapping fabrics. Always make sure your space heater has an automatic shut-off switch, which forces the heater to shut-off as soon as it reaches a dangerously high heat level.

Commercial Building Fall Maintenance: Top 8 Tips

While each commercial building’s needs will be different according to the tenants it holds, its purpose, and its location, consider the following tips when preparing your property this season.

  • HVAC:

Before tenants start to crank up the heat to combat colder temps, make sure your building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is running efficiently and effectively. Replace filters, inspect and repair broken parts, identify and respond to cracked duct work, drain line clogs, and make sure your HVAC system is the proper size for your unit. While doing so, store or cover air-conditioning units that will go unused during the fall and winter seasons.

  • Fire: 

Service your fire prevention and safety equipment, making sure all sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and fire alarms are in working order. Also, update emergency fire procedures and schedule a fall or winter season drill so tenants can practice how best to respond.

  • Outdoors:

Winterize your landscaping, including trimming trees and shrubs to reduce exterior damage. Ensure that vegetation and grass are properly graded to avoid water and ice sitting against your property’s foundation. This can lead to interior water damage. Also, inspect the exterior of your building for cracks, stains, and leaks, which could lead to potential for safety and security breaches. 

  • Lighting:

Decreased daylight means your tenants may be more at risk for falling should hazards not be easily identifiable. Install proper exterior lighting on your commercial property, and check bi-annually that light bulbs and fixtures are clean and in working order. If public walkways have cracks, potholes, or other trip hazards, repair and seal to reduce hazards, or install signage to make people aware.

  • Roof:

Inspect and repair your commercial property’s roof for loose shingles or damage to existing flashing. To prevent the potential for ice dams to form, clean gutters and make sure they are properly secured to the building. Fall is also a good season to increase the insulation in existing attics. Doing this can decrease heat costs while also further reduce ice dam formation. 

  • Windows:

Inspect windows both inside and outside to ensure they are properly sealed. Doing so can reduce energy bills while simultaneously preventing excess moisture and mold risks. Replace windows that are showing signs of aging to avoid potential interior or exterior building damage.

  • Plumbing:

Colder temperatures put pipes at higher risk for freezing and bursting. Leaving your commercial building at risk for ater damage. Avoid the wet mess by insulating and sealing cracks and openings around exposed pipes. Also, set internal thermostats (and instruct tenants to do the same) to keep interior temperatures at 55 degrees Fahrenheit. 

  • Tenants:

Check in with tenants regarding any maintenance requests or building concerns they may have. Living and/or working in your commercial property means they are on constant alert to their surroundings. If they see–or hear or smell–something, ask that they say something.