Ten Security Tips to Protect Vacant Buildings During Lockdown 

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• Ten Security Tips to Protect Vacant Buildings During Lockdown 

17 February 2021

With many employees still working from home in 2021, security experts are urging facilities managers to ensure that vacant buildings are kept safe and secure in the wake of increased security threats.

When buildings are temporarily mothballed, there are several factors to consider, from HVAC maintenance to optimising energy consumption. One of the most important concerns for building managers is maintaining the safety of a site, particularly as non-essential businesses may face more periods of closure this year.

Unoccupied Buildings at Risk

Tim Isaac, Security Advisor at 14forty, the integrated facilities management services arm of Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “The pandemic has brought the business-critical issue of premises security to the fore. While we have seen a renewed community spirit in many aspects of society, criminals, such as thieves, are taking advantage of this national crisis, targeting locked-up properties or those where occupancy levels are lower than usual. Implementing robust security measures to protect premises is therefore more critical than ever.”

Here are 14forty’s top ten tips for businesses looking to bolster their security as the coronavirus pandemic continues:

1. Identify and adapt – Conduct, continually review and update risk assessments based on new and evolving security threats, such as the likelihood of crime as restrictions are eased. Update operating procedures and action plans to suit.
2. Update incident response procedures – Ensure procedures reflect the changing working landscape and remote working. Test command, control and communications capabilities to make sure they are fit for purpose.
3. Regularly review security provisions –This will help benchmark contract performance in the case of facilities management providers, as well as ensure technology is up to date and secure against current threats.
4. Implement phased return to work procedures and staffing – As the government eases lockdown restrictions, some staff may need retraining in aspects of their work or navigating security protocols. Bring staff back gradually.
5. Train security staff – Significant developments in global threats mean training requirements are different to five years ago. Ensure security staff complete the Protect Duty and Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) Awareness training packages to stay up to date and relevant.
6. Audit and review access control systems –This will ensure both physical and electronic security provisions are both up to date and conform to any current legislation ensuring the site is safe and secure. Penetration testing and tabletop security exercises as part of the site training program are also advisable especially after long absences of staff from site.
7. Protect building perimeters – This is critical to limiting and managing access points, where criminals could enter properties. Lighting and CCTV can be utilised more efficiently within a protected perimeter.
8. Embrace CCTV – Technological advancements means companies can use CCTV for much more than just evidence gathering. CCTV can monitor capacity in areas and allow operators to judge COVID-19 safety measures, control access into buildings for individuals or vehicles, as well as check building temperatures and alert fire safety systems if there are any dangerous fluctuations.
9. Employ security officers – Still the most robust and vital tool in keeping people and premises safe and secure. Use them to regularly patrol buildings, inform and educate employees on COVID-19 safety measures, conduct temperature checks to reduce the risk of transmission and manage occupancy levels.
10. Ensure that security measures are highly visible – Visible and vocal security teams, cameras and signage is an additional deterrent factor and will help to reassure returning employees.

Picture: a photograph of a security guard wearing a hi-vis waistcoat

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 17 February 2021

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