According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, 46.5% of burglaries in Texas in 2020 occurred at non-residences. Making sure your commercial building is properly secured is a significant concern for many business owners. You want to avoid damage from smoke or fires while also preventing criminal activity, such as break-ins or vandalism.
While it might seem overwhelming to ensure your building and its inhabitants are safe, there are some key steps you can take to secure the building. Let’s take a look at the top tips you should know when it comes to commercial security systems.
Related: How to Select A Business Security System
How Do You Secure a Commercial Building?
There is a wide variety of ways to secure a commercial building. The easiest and simplest way is to ensure your doors, windows, and gates are solid and locked. These entry points should be strong enough to withstand some force. However, you should also make sure to close and lock all entry points whenever they are not in use.
Some business owners also choose to hire a security team. This is an effective way to monitor the premises and have someone ready to respond. However, it is outside many budgets.
One of the most effective and affordable ways to ensure the security of your commercial building is to install a security system. With a security system, you can prevent issues, monitor for problems, and respond as needed.
Which Are the Two Types of Commercial Security?
In general, commercial security systems fall into two categories, fire and security. In many systems, the two components are actually integrated in some form. For example, they may both be monitored from the same point or use the same closed circuit TV monitors. Either way, you want to make sure your commercial security system includes both of these functions.
Fire
At a minimum, the fire detection portion of your system should be able to detect smoke and create an alarm to notify people inside. Alarms will allow occupants to evacuate in a timely manner until the danger is gone.
However, many business owners also add other features that better protect their buildings and inhabitants. For example, you may want to include a more robust fire and gas detection system. Adding central monitoring to this is a helpful way for security personnel to see the situation if one occurs.
A fire suppression system can be critical in many buildings. In many cases, this can be an integrated sprinkler system. The sprinklers can dampen out smaller fires. However, if there is a larger one, they can suppress the fire’s growth until the fire department can get to the building.
Related: 10 Reasons Your Business Needs Security Cameras
Security
Security is the other critical component of a commercial security system. But, there are many different ways this can be implemented. The one you choose will depend on what your concerns are and how you wish to protect your building.
One popular building security system feature is a system of cameras. These mounted cameras can allow your security team to monitor activity throughout the building.
Security alarm systems and access control are also popular. With an alarm system, the alarm can be triggered by specific events, such as a door opening or movement where it shouldn’t be. Audible alarms are an efficient way to deter criminal activity, but you can also have the alarm notify certain personnel to respond.
With electronic access control, you can restrict access to certain areas, or the whole property, to only those who should be there. Usually, this entails giving credentials such as a passcode or keycard to unlock the door.
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Choosing a Commercial Security System
You’ll be met with a lot of different commercial security systems and features. Working with a security expert can make the process of selecting a security system much more manageable. However, there are a few factors that you will want to consider.
Ease of access and interoperability can be essential. You want your system to be understandable so you can monitor and respond to threats. By connecting it with other building systems, you’ll have the opportunity to customize it as your need change.
You should also consider how easy or difficult the system will be to install. Some systems are straightforward to set up. However, others utilize different wiring systems that can turn installation into a big project. Your expert will be able to point you towards systems that use standard wiring if this is something you want to avoid.
Your budget is usually a primary consideration. Many business owners look only at the up-front costs but forget about the cost of maintenance. Make sure to ask about fees for onside maintenance, subscription services, and the cost of future upgrades.
Finally, you want to work with a security company that has solid customer support. If there is ever a problem, such as a system bug, you need to know that they are responsive and will help you fix any concerns that arise.
Related: Why TriStar Is A Top Security Company In Texas
Which Is the Main Requirement of Commercial Security?
The main requirement of commercial security is that it protects your property and meets your needs. You’ll need to balance your budget with the features you choose.
Start by selecting features that will have the most significant positive effect on your security. For many, this is a system with motion and fire sensors and alarms that alert you and first responders. This will give you an excellent base to monitor for problems and quickly respond.
From here, you can choose additional features that will make your life easier. Or, if you have particular concerns about crime, you may want to choose more robust security features. The choice should depend on your needs.
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Keep Your Commercial Property Safe
A commercial security system can prevent your property from falling victim to fire or crime. Make sure to consider what your biggest concerns are and choose features that will help give you peace of mind by addressing these concerns.
By discussing your needs with a commercial security expert, you’re sure to get the best security system to protect your property.