Crime in the U.S. has increased during the pandemic. Meanwhile, wildfires have also been putting businesses at risk of fire. Business owners are always looking for ways to make their facilities safer and more secure. While many things must be considered, here are some of the most critical safety features any business facility should have.
Access Control Systems
An access control system is an excellent way to improve safety at a business facility. It restricts access to certain facility areas based on employee clearance levels. This helps prevent unauthorized people from entering areas that could potentially cause harm. Access control systems can also be used to track employee comings and goings, which can be helpful in the event of an emergency.
To control who can enter an area, an access control system uses devices such as key cards, ID badges, or fingerprint scanners. These devices are linked to a control panel that grants or denies access to particular areas of the facility.
Security Cameras
Another important safety feature for any business facility is a security camera system. Installing security cameras is one of the best ways to deter crime and keep your business, employees, and customers safe.
The cameras can help deter crime and collect evidence in the event that a crime does occur. The footage they capture can help solve crimes that have already been committed by identifying suspects and providing evidence of their actions.
Most security camera systems include surveillance cameras that capture video footage in real-time, as well as digital video recorders that store the footage for later viewing. Some systems also include motion detectors, which can trigger the cameras to start recording when movement is detected.
When choosing security cameras, it is important to choose ones that have high resolution and offer night vision capabilities. They should be placed in strategic locations throughout the facility, such as near entrances and exits, in hallways, and in areas where valuable items are kept.
Security cameras can be used to monitor activity both inside and outside the business facility. They can also be used to monitor employee and customer activity and provide a record of what happened in the event of an incident. This helps create a safer environment for employees and customers alike.
Security Alarm System
A security alarm system is also an essential safety feature for any business facility. A well-designed alarm system can be connected to the police. When it detects intruders, it automatically notifies the authorities.
The noise can scare away intruders and help deter crime from occurring. It will also make criminals think twice about returning. If a break-in does occur, the alarm can enable authorities to come quickly.
Alarm systems usually consist of sensors that are connected to an alarm panel. The sensors are triggered when someone breaks into the business, and the alarm panel emits a loud sound that alerts the people in the building. Notification to the authorities is also sent automatically. Some alarm systems include motion detectors that trigger the alarm if someone is moving around inside the business after hours.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are another essential safety feature for any business facility. They are designed to detect smoke and trigger an alarm to notify people in the event of a fire. This gives people time to evacuate the building and avoid injury or death.
Smoke detectors can be either battery-powered or hardwired into the electrical system. They should be placed in strategic locations throughout the facility. It is also a good idea to have them in areas where fires are most likely to start, such as kitchens and storage rooms.
Smoke detectors must be paired with security cameras so that it is easy to pinpoint the source of the smoke. The system can also be connected to the local fire department, so they are automatically notified when an alarm is activated.
Fire Rated Metal Doors
Business facilities are required by law to have fire-rated industrial hollow metal doors equipped with panic hardware. These doors help protect people and property in the event of a fire because they are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. They are made of hollow metal to resist heat and are typically insulated to help keep the temperature inside the building cool.
Panic hardware such as push bars, push plates, or crash bars allow people to easily exit the building in an emergency. They are mounted on the inside of a door and can be operated with one hand.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are another important safety feature required for any business facility. They are designed to put out small fires before they have a chance to spread. This can help prevent damage to the facility and injuries to employees and customers.
Fire extinguishers should be distributed throughout the facility. All employees must be trained to use them as part of the emergency preparedness plan of the company.
Keeping Your Business Facility Safe for Everyone
Ensuring the safety of your business facility is essential for the well-being of employees and customers. By installing security cameras, a security alarm system, smoke detectors, fire-rated doors, and fire extinguishers, you can create a safer environment for everyone.
These safety features will help to deter crime, alert people in the event of an emergency, and put out small fires before they have a chance to spread. Make sure to train all employees on how to use these devices in case of an emergency.
