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For business owners and property managers who operate commercial properties like hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues, keeping customers and visitors safe and secure is a top priority. Negligence in property maintenance and security can lead to personal injuries, accidents, and crimes against guests. The property or business owner may also be subject to costly negligence claims or lawsuits.
To prevent personal injuries, security incidents, or potential liability, business owners and property managers must take necessary measures to improve security on their premises. In this post, we will provide some insightful tips to improve security on commercial properties and make the place safer for customers, visitors, and the general public.
Install Good Lighting
Good lighting is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve security on a commercial property. As the business owner or property manager, you should ensure that bright exterior lights are available to illuminate parking areas, walkways, entrances, and loading zones. There must not be any dark shadows where criminals can lurk on the property. The lighting must also cover the entire property’s surroundings.
Inside the property, you should make sure all hallways, stairwells, public restrooms, and other common areas have sufficient lighting. You can install motion sensors in areas that are often vacant at night. Good lighting will help improve visibility for visitors and allow surveillance cameras to capture clear footage. It will also discourage trespassers who are seeking dark areas or shadowy hiding spots.
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Upgrade Entrance and Exit Security
Unsecured public entrances and exits can increase the possibility of property crimes and personal injuries from unsafe conditions. Upgrading door security with strong locks, alarms, and tamper-resistant frames can help prevent unwanted entries and hazards. Also, you can install metal security gates or barricades on large exterior doors. There should be high-grade locks and electronic access control systems at interior doors that lead to areas that are only accessible to employees.
Install Surveillance Systems
According to a recent survey of convicted burglars, about 60% said they would avoid a property with visible security cameras. Visible security cameras can help discourage criminals and ultimately reduce crimes on commercial property. Also, it can provide a means of investigating security incidents. Therefore, business owners and property managers should display cameras or CCTVs to monitor entrances, lobbies, elevators, corridors, parking areas, and other public zones.
Restrict Access to Sensitive Areas
Controlling public access to certain areas is important for commercial security. Prohibit guests from entering spaces like pools, fitness centers, or conference rooms without staff present to prevent injuries, damages, or crimes. You should also implement various policies that issue temporary badges to visitors for restricted areas. A good way to limit room entry permissions is to install electronic credential systems like card readers, fingerprints, or coded keypads. The access control systems should be connected with the surveillance cameras to maintain detailed logs and track all entries or exits.
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Maintain Property Safely
Poorly maintained commercial properties can create major safety hazards for customers and guests. There may also be concerns about premises liability claims or lawsuits. Hence, it is important to regularly inspect the entire facility for any issues that need prompt repairs. These include:
- Loose railings, uneven flooring, or damaged stairs that can lead to trips and falls.
- Leaks, pest infestations, moisture, or ice that can create slippery or wet floor conditions.
- Burnt-out lighting in hallways, stairwells, or parking areas.
- Non-functional locks or entry gates that allow unauthorized access.
- Parking lot hazards like potholes or debris that could damage vehicles.
Having a repair and maintenance schedule can help prevent possible injuries and accidents. It will also show that you care about your guests, customers, and visitors.
Install Emergency Alert Systems
In case of fires, crimes in progress, or other unexpected emergencies, alert and communication systems can protect customers and visitors. Also, the emergency personal can quickly respond to the situation and reduce risks. You can install smoke or fire alarm systems, emergency exit signs and lighting, and panic buttons at entrances and service desks. There should also be a public address system to broadcast information to everyone present on the property.
Train Staff on Guest Safety
Many preventable customer injuries or crimes usually occur due to undertrained staff. They may be unaware of potential hazards or security blindspots around the premises. Hence, business owners and property managers should train both new and existing staff about guest safety and security regularly. They should be able to monitor surveillance feeds, inspect the facility for risks, safely address conflicts, enforce rules, and respond to emergency.
Secure Parking Areas
Parking lots and garages are common places for vehicle break-ins, assaults, and slip or trip injuries for visitors. You can take the following steps to keep these areas secure:
- Install proper lighting, reliable entrance or exit gates, fencing, or barricades.
- Post clear signs that direct guests to designated parking zones only.
- Place security cameras and emergency call boxes throughout the parking area.
- Place security guards to patrol and verify registration during busy hours.
Also, you can implement additional access control measures for underground or multi-level garages.
Promote Security Partnerships
Apart from official policies, business owners should prioritize customer and visitor security by developing a relationship with all parties involved. Communicate protocols and procedures for reporting security incidents on the premises. Property managers can also hold regular meetings with staff and guests to review any safety concerns. This transparent partnership can help create a uniform security and safety culture that everyone will uphold.
Continuously Evaluate Risks
Finally, security needs are always changing, including crime trends, safety threats, and technologies. The precautions you put in place yesterday may not properly safeguard customers today. To avoid obsolete security measures, business owners and property managers should evaluate risks and update their security protocols regularly. You can also research and implement the latest security best practices to keep the premises safe.
Conclusion
As a business owner and property manager, ensuring optimum security and safety on your commercial property is crucial. By implementing these vital tips and best practices, you create a safe environment for customers and guests while reducing potential liabilities. A little effort to further improve security on your business premises can reduce or prevent incidents and give your customers and visitors peace of mind.
Contact Us for Affordable Lawsuit Loans
Do you have a pending premises liability claim for inadequate security? You can apply for a risk-free lawsuit loan before your case concludes. Contact us today at High Rise Financial for a simple consultation. Our dedicated representatives can enlighten you about your possible legal funding options and walk you through the application process.
Call or text (877) 735-0016 or fill out our form to apply today for free.