Winter is coming in Western Canada and with it are additional security concerns related to less daylight hours, snow banks that can provide perfect hiding places for criminals and snowy weather that reduces the number of bystanders and can help conceal criminal activity. 

The good news is there are a few things businesses can do to help improve security during the winter months. Here are some of the top ways you can improve your business’s security over the winter months: 

Make sure you have enough lighting

Make sure your business is well-lit, both inside and out. This will help deter intruders and make it easier to see any potential threats. You may also want to consider installing motion sensor light around the perimeter of your building. Having them come on abruptly can help make passerby more aware of someone lurking near your building. 

Keep snow banks low

If you have a lot of snowfall in your area, make sure to keep the snow around your building shoveled and at a manageable level. Tall snow banks can provide perfect hiding spots for criminals, so keep them low to help improve visibility and deter potential threats. If there’s no way to avoid a large snow bank, try and keep it as far away from your building as possible and ensure it isn’t blocking site lines to your doors. 

Implement a buddy system

When employees have to work late or come in early, it’s a good idea to ensure they aren’t alone. Implementing a buddy system can help keep your employees safe, deter criminals who would take advantage of people on their own and ensure there’s someone else around to contact authorities if an accident happens. 

Have a plan for power outages

Snow storms can lead to power outages. Make sure you have a plan in place for how to deal with them. This may include having a backup generator or keeping a supply of flashlights, batteries, food, water and other emergency supplies on hand. It should also include procedures on how to secure the business while ensuring customers, vendors and guests are also taken care of appropriately. 

Keep snow and ice cleared

Keep sidewalks, parking lots and entrances clear of snow and ice. Not only is this important for safety reasons, but it will also help you spot potential hazards, like broken glass or suspicious items. You also want to ensure your security cameras don’t have a build up of snow and ice on the lens. 

Keep valuables safe

Thieves are always on the lookout for easy targets. Keep any valuables, such as cash, out of sight and in a secure location. This will help deter thieves and protect your assets in the event of a break in. For additional security, consider using managed access control systems to restrict access to certain areas of your business. This will help you keep track of who is coming and going and prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining entry to your premises.

Be extra vigilant

When the weather is bad, criminals often take advantage of the fact that people are less likely to be out and about. Be extra vigilant in monitoring your property and report any suspicious activity to the police.

Train your employees

With the holiday season and bad weather approaching, it’s the perfect time to make sure your employees know what to do in case of an emergency. Hold regular safety meetings and drills to ensure everyone is prepared and be sure to discuss how winter weather and activity changes your everyday security procedures. 

Install a verified security system

A security system can be a valuable tool in deterring crime and helping to keep your business safe. If you don’t have one already, now is the time to consider installing one. If you already have a system installed, inspect it and make sure it is up to date and in good working order. If the system is older, you will want to consider updating it with newer technology that is smarter, provides higher quality audio/video and better protects your business. 

The best type of security system is a verified security system. Verified alarms actually verify whether a threat is real or not, dramatically reducing false alarms and improving apprehension rates. Full verification makes it easy for you to protect your business. 

By taking these precautions, businesses can help ensure they are ready for whatever winter throws their way. Are you looking to improve your security solution? Get a free security plan from Sonitrol Western Canada!