At Veteran Security Services, we realize the need to stay safe in Houston. Here are some important Houston Safety Tips to remember for your home or business:
Tip 1: Security Patrol
One of the best ways to deter criminals is to have a physical security presence at your business. Whether it be through Veteran Security or through someone else, we strongly encourage you to acquire a security officer to protect your assets.
Tip 2: Security Survey
Tip 3: Lights
Proper lighting eliminates shadows, which burglars use for cover. Light up all points of entry, including those on the roof. Leave lights on inside just as you would do at home. Install lighting at the front and back in addition to any side doors of your business. Criminals love anything that will cover their activities, especially darkness. Use sufficient illumination, and replace burned out lights promptly. Have a regular maintenance plan in place for inspecting current lighting and to recommend additional lighting.
Tip 4: Doors
As with windows, check for signs of any structural weaknesses. Use heavy and solid constructions, and material that is drill-resistant. You can also reinforce the backs of doors with crossbars. Be sure the doorframes cannot easily be jimmied.
Tip 5: Locks
Secure doors, windows, skylights and other openings with the best possible locks. No lock is burglar proof, but the longer and harder a burglar finds it to break in, the more likely they simply give up or are caught. Use deadbolts and be sure to change the locks every time an employee with access to them leaves. It is recommended you change locks periodically. Some former employees may have bad intentions and want to break in to get into the safe or steal high value goods.
Tip 6: Windows
Check window frames to see if they are loose or rotting, and ensure that the windows offer visibility. Arrange merchandise so that a passerby can see into the store. The store employee needs to be able to notice dangers outside and let witnesses see trouble inside. So keep windows clear of obstructions, from stacked boxes on the floor to high shrubs beside the walkways. Covering windows with bars or grills for added protection may be necessary. Install burglar-resistant glass or use wire mesh or iron bars over all glass.
Tip 7: Safes
Reduce how much cash you have on hand after hours. If you have cash or other valuables, keep them in a safe anchored to the floor. The area should be illuminated with video cameras. Change the combination if staff, who are familiar with it, are separated from employment. Use a drop safe. Limit how much cash is in the register and post signs stating that a drop safe is used and registers have only limited cash.
Tip 8: Store displays
Keep your expensive merchandise away from the windows, toward the center of the store.
Tip 9: Roof
Check ventilation system to ensure it cannot be used to gain entry.
Tip 10: Fences
Tip 11: Signage
Use signs to remind parking lot users to take precautions, such as “Secure Your Belongings/Take Your Keys/Lock Your Car.” Some garages have sheets of paper at the elevator or stairs that a person can pick up to remind them where they are parked. A person wandering a parking garage is an easy target for a criminal.
You can also warn potential criminals through signs like “No Trespassing,” “Security Patrolled” or “Lot Monitored by Video Surveillance”(but only if it is true; you do not want to give a false sense of security).
Tip 12: Facilities Design
Reduce hiding places for criminals and maximize visibility for any patrols (or for potential witnesses to a crime).
Keep exterior walls and foliage less than three feet, and trim any tree branches below six feet.
