Going to the Gym? Ways to Stay Safe

You decided 2017 is the year to get in shape!

You are on a mission to lose those 20 stubborn pounds, so off to the gym, you go.

It’s a place where you can get your body moving, socialize and have a little “me” time.

You may feel at home at your gym, but the steady stream of traffic makes these facilities prime targets for theft and vandalism.

Here are a few tips for both gym goers and the facilities themselves.

Leave Valuables at Home

Your locker should only contain extra clothing, hygiene products and replaceable items.

If you are unable to leave items of valuable at home, store them in your car’s trunk.

Make sure you place these items in the trunk at home rather than in the gym parking lot where someone may be watching.

Use a Disk Lock

Secure your locker items with a disk lock. Disk locks are difficult for thieves to cut off because the shackle is small.

Consider Location

When choosing a locker, consider the location. Choose a locker that is closest to the locker room door.

Thieves will avoid the ones located near heavy foot traffic.

Watch Out in the Parking Lot

Be aware of your surroundings in the parking lot, particularly if you are entering or exiting at night or early morning.

Try to walk out with others if you are leaving at night.

How Gyms Can Protect Their Members

If you own a gym, your member’s safety is your top concern. Here are ways to keep them safe.

Identify Risks

Identify potential security risks and perform a full assessment of your facility. Look for vulnerabilities in your policies and procedures, building structure and exterior areas.

Examine environmental elements such as lighting, visibility, and ease of accessibility to various areas of your facility.

Perform Background Checks

Conduct full background checks on employees. There have been cases of employee theft, vandalism and assault in the news.

Make sure you are hiring trustworthy employees that will work with you, not against you, to create a safe environment.

Perform Locker Room Checks

Have a staff member perform locker room checks at regular intervals.

While the exterior of a locker room can be monitored by cameras, privacy laws restrict video surveillance inside the room.

Install a Security System

Install a security system to monitor activity and identify hazards immediately. A security system is a necessity for all gyms, especially those open 24 hours a day.

Benefits include:

• Access control that requires all visitors to verify their identity (usually via a card they swipe) before accessing the premises. This tip prevents unauthorized individuals from entering the facility.
• Video surveillance which can deter theft, vandalism and other illegal activities. Parking lots can be monitored with video surveillance too.
• An alarm system that will alert staff to emergency situations such as a break-in or authorized entry into a certain area of the facility.

Let us ensure your business is safe and secure! Contact us a 281-506-8466 or visit us online!

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