Keeping your Business Secure during the Holidays

During the holiday season like Christmas, many businesses remain closed, and employees may be away for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, that can prove to be an opportune time for ill-intentioned individuals. To keep your business safe and secure during the holiday season, follow these security tips and best practices.

Test all of your security equipment

If your business will be closed for an extended period of time and will have different operating hours during the holiday season, be sure to test your fire alarms, security cameras, access control system and more, so you know they’re working and reporting properly.

By doing this at the beginning of the holiday season, you’ll allow for ample time to make any needed adjustments or repairs, so you can leave your business with peace of mind that it’s protected. Also, make sure your monitoring provider is aware of your holiday hours and has an updated call list, should any alarms go off in your absence.

Make sure your facility is properly locked and armed

While it’s normal procedure to lock up when leaving, if you’ll be gone for an extended period of time, I recommend going around to every exterior door to make sure they’re locked and secured prior to departing.

Ensure decorations don’t obstruct security systems

Many businesses put up decorations for the holidays. When doing so, it’s important to take into consideration where you put them, so they don’t obstruct your security systems.

Make sure your decorations aren’t hanging near security cameras, especially outside where the wind could cause them to move and potentially cover the cameras. Additionally, make sure that any hanging decorations inside your business aren’t in the view of a motion detector, as the decorations could cause a false alarm if they fell. Finally, make sure that larger decorations outside don’t create a hiding spot for intruders. 

Unplug all unnecessary devices

Prior to leaving for the holidays, you should survey the interior of your business and unplug anything that isn’t required to be on or running while you’re closed. It’s not uncommon for employees to leave space heaters plugged in during the winter months, but these should always be unplugged after use, especially when left unattended.

Also consider unplugging electronics, such as computers, copiers, coffee makers and more, so that if an unexpected power outage/surge occurs, you’re not returning after the holiday break to electronics that are damaged or destroyed.

Don’t leave cash behind

It seems obvious, but be sure to remove all cash from your business, so it’s not left unattended during the holiday break. Don’t believe that cash on-premises are secure in any way, even if it’s in a safe. Unanchored safes are easy targets for thieves.

So, if you are closing your business on this holiday season, then get help from Bamis Tech Solutions for any security system installation and maintenance.