Key Ways to Secure the Exterior of Your Business
The exterior of your business provides a buffer between the outside world and your business’ assets. Business assets include:
- Confidential information
- Computer systems
- Human life
Many businesses are so focused on protecting their internal assets they overlook their building’s exterior. Here are two key ways to secure the exterior of your business.
1. Install a Security System
Install a security system that can monitor and detect criminal activity are the key components of building security.
Add a layer between your business and outside threats. Do so with an alarm system, video surveillance and computerized access control features you can control remotely.
2. Environmental Design
One way to protect your business is through environmental design, a concept that uses physical design to limit the opportunity for crime.
This type of natural surveillance decreases the likelihood someone will commit a criminal act and increase the likelihood someone will see suspicious activity.
You can structure your business and its external areas in ways that increase visibility and deter criminal activity, as well as deny access to unwanted visitors.
Deter and Detect
- Place security mirrors in blind spots such as recessed doorways, corners or enclosed areas.
- Keep the grounds maintained and free of unnecessary objects that limit visibility.
- Provide sufficient lighting in parking areas, building corners, backdoors or alleys. Lighting should be consistent and evenly spread to reduce the presence of shadows.
- Ensure sidewalks and other paths are clear, well-light and located in a public, visible area.
- Avoid design elements such as enclosed walkways that isolate individuals and obscure them from public view.
Deny Access
Businesses can employ access control features such as doors, fences, shrubs and other physical elements to prevent unwanted individuals from entering the building undetected.
Also, design elements can help direct foot and car traffic in ways that decrease the likelihood of criminal activity.
- Limit the number of public entrances and exits into a building. Entryways should funnel individuals into a building by providing a direct path in and out of the building. This tip ensures someone is unable to enter a building unseen through another entrance.
- Make sure you close windows and other openings such as vents.
- Lock doors that are not main entrances. Check the locks regularly to ensure they are in good condition.
- Purchase windows with shatterproof glass to prevent them from being easily smashed.
- Use “psychological” barriers such as signs that warn against trespassing or announce the presence of video surveillance.
- Install rumble strips in your parking lot to prevent cars from driving through quickly. This tip may deter individuals who think they can make a quick getaway.
- Have clear boundaries between your business’ property and public property. You can use fences, landscaping and signs to achieve this.
Save Time and Money
You can save valuable time and money by having professionals install your security system.
Let us ensure your business and home are safe and secure! Contact us a 281-506-8466 or visit us online.
