Author : Frank Fourchalk
When I do a small business security check, I always start with the exterior of the building checking the fences, gates,walls and entrances for upkeep. A run down building exterior with lots of obstacles and materials lying around can be an invitation to a burglar.Check air ventilation systems and gratings for easy burglar access. In some cases you may have to install heavy grills or bars over those vulnerable areas.Concrete barriers like planters, curbs or my favorite, bollards (concrete posts) are effective in stopping vehicle attacks. It's always a good idea to consult your landlord or the city for permission to install this type of security.Examine all exterior doors carefully, checking for solid core construction and no less than 13/4 inches in thickness. Make sure all exterior doors have at least two number one grade deadbolt locks on all entry doors and drop bars on non entry doors where allowed by the fire department. Make sure mail boxes are not located near the lock areas.Laminated glass is an effective way to add strength to glass areas, you may also want to consider securing your windows with metal grills. (You must check with the fire department before adding grills to windows).Another effective option are roll shutters which over the last few years are becoming a favorite with several business owners. Please keep in mind if you decide to install roll shutters, a vehicle could still penetrate them, so team them up with concrete barriers in those vulnerable areas.Don't forget about your roof! All access routes to the roof should be restricted. In some cases you may have to incorporate measures to prevent burglars from scaling the walls to gain access to the roof. This is done by keeping trees near the building well-trimmed and making sure all fire escape ladders are secure.Skylights, open fan systems or vents should be checked for easy entry and secured with internally fitted bars or security grills. Make sure you abide by the cities bylaws when deciding to secure these areas.Remember, the rear of your business is the most desirable area for a crook, so why not turn them off by installing lots of direct lighting and showcase their bad intentions.Make sure you install lighting high enough to prevent the thieves from unscrewing the bulbs. If you can't get your lighting high enough, install a cage around them to protect the bulbs.Install an alarm system in your business and make sure you monitor it. After all you have a lot to protect, and you want to generate a police response as quick as you can. You will be notified in the event of a break-in by the monitoring company as well, giving you the option of attending while the police make their rounds.Spend a little extra and install a cellular back-up on your business alarm system. This will assure the police will be notified in the event of a phone line cut.Frank Fourchalk is widely recognized for his sustained commitment to education in Home and Business security throughout North America as a result of his syndicated newspaper columns. Mr. Fourchalk has written for The Toronto Star, The Vancouver Province, and several other daily newspapsers including the New York Post. For more information on your home security check out www.yourhomesecurity.ca
Category : Home-and-Family:Home-Security
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