OnlinEnvironments.com offers tips for cost-effective security upgrades

September 18, 2002—Corporate cost-cutting has kept building owners and managers from totally revamping their security systems and left little funding for equipment upgrades, according to Syska Hennessy Groups OnlinEnvironments.com.

Company vice president Terry Gillick, who specializes in designing security systems, cautions that an effective security program must have policies and procedures that include practice evaluations, first-aid training and safety instructions from police and fire departments. “A thorough threat assessment is the first step in protecting people and property against unforeseen threats,” said Gillick who outlined the following steps to improve security for all types of companies:

1. Conduct background checks on anyone having access to sensitive data, funds or equipment. False background documents often hide criminal records or expired work visas.
2. Look closely at who can access the building. In multi-tenant buildings, the management company can issue everyone the same key card to closely monitor who is entering and exiting the property.
3. Update the Closed Circuit TV system with digital video recorders so archives are stored on a compact disc. The disc can be quickly searched using a keyboard as opposed to scanning hours of videotape. Theres no need to change the cameras, monitors, cables and power supply already in place.
4. Protect the building entrances with barriers made of large potted trees, concrete benches and ground plantings that create a standoff distance from the building. The greater the standoff distance from the building, the more the effects of an attack are decreased. Existing planter beds can be raised eight inches off the ground to stop a vehicle from slamming into the building.
5. Create a corporate strategy that involves the highest level of management. A core group of decision makers should be empowered to make the necessary actions and move the plan forward.

Above all, said Gillick, every company should be able to determine the number of employees, the size and type of facilities, and the transportation and communications systems that are required to sustain the minimal level of functions that the firm deems critical to its short-term and long-term ability to remain in business. Business continuity plans go hand-in-hand with security system upgrades, he added.

For more information, contact onlinEnvironments.com.