Category: company security blog

Tragic events at schools have underscored the need to ramp up security efforts to ensure the safety of students, teachers and administrators. Schools across the United States are now implementing stronger safety and security protocols with the hope of preventing an attack. In this post, we will examine the best practices for school security and emergency preparedness planning.

Make Property Improvements

Basic safety procedures in schools include finding ways to make the property as inaccessible to intruders as possible. This can include everything from installing a fence or other type of security perimeter to setting up surveillance cameras and implementing an access control system. Key areas that require close monitoring include entrances, parking lots, student common areas and playgrounds. A consultation with a capable security professional can help you determine your facility’s areas of vulnerability.

Limit Building Access During School Hours

One of the most essential safety precautions at school is monitoring who is entering and exiting the building during school hours. Designate only the main entrance for guest access and post signs on other external doors that direct visitors to this entry point. Require all visitors to sign in at the office and issue them a visitor’s badge that must be clearly displayed at all times. Instruct teachers and students to report the presence of anyone who appears suspicious. Keep external doors locked during instructional periods and whenever they are not actively in use.

Develop a Plan

Developing an emergency preparedness plan that thoroughly addresses procedures such as lockdowns, evacuations and emergency communications is vital for maximizing safety in a school. The plan should be coordinated with local law enforcement and public safety officials and be updated on a regular basis as needed. Conducting regular drills is also a critical step to ensure that the plan will be executed as quickly and efficiently as possible during a crisis.

Create a Security Team

An active shooter situation or similar event is likely to cause a panic. One of the most important safety measures in schools is to have a team consisting of teachers and administrators in place that can take charge when a security issue occurs. Each team member should have a specified role to execute during an emergency.

Focus on Improving Student Relationships

As we have seen in the past, violent acts at schools are sometimes perpetrated by emotionally troubled students. Creating a safe, supportive environment where students feel comfortable approaching teachers and administrators if they have an issue can allow them to seek the help they need. Teachers should watch for students who appear withdrawn or upset and get parents involved whenever necessary.

Titan Alarm, Inc. has extensive experience providing innovative security solutions to schools throughout Phoenix and Maricopa County, AZ. We can work with you to design and install a custom security system that can increase the safety of schoolchildren, teachers and administrators. Contact us to schedule an on-site security consultation today.

Learn More About Commercial Security

• How Schools Can Better Protect Students and Teachers
• Keeping Your Kids Safe in School
• Top School Safety Technology

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 2, 2018.

If you are a builder, construction company operator or contractor, you know how difficult it is to monitor the activities of workers and visitors – some of whom may feel free to help themselves to any tools and equipment they can get their hands on. A construction site can also be a prime target for theft, vandalism and other criminal activities when no one is there. Fortunately, you can use construction site remote video surveillance to keep your sites under constant watch at all times.

What to Consider When Implementing a Construction Jobsite Surveillance System

With the advancements in security system technology, it is now easier than ever to create an effective, fully customized construction site surveillance system consisting of wireless video cameras and other high-tech devices. However, it is important to take several important factors into consideration prior to making an investment in surveillance equipment:

• What are your most critical security risks? Is your jobsite located in a high-crime area where theft and vandalism pose a constant threat? Have you had a lingering problem with internal theft, perhaps due to the inability to keep a close eye on your workers?
• What security measures do you currently institute at your jobsites? Evaluate your current security procedures and protocols to determine their strengths, and more importantly, their vulnerabilities. For instance, if your jobsites typically have many blind spots or hidden areas, you may need to place highly visible security cameras at these locations to deter theft and/or unauthorized access.
• Do you seem to have an issue with perimeter breaches? There’s a good chance that if the perimeter at your jobsite has one vulnerable areas, an enterprising thief will find it. Placing cameras that can closely monitor gaps in fencing and other unsecured areas can prove to be an extremely effective perimeter security step.
• Do you have any unguarded tool/equipment storage areas at your jobsites? It may be impractical at many temporary construction sites to keep tools and equipment under lock and key. Implementing a fixed video surveillance camera system at storage areas may be the only way to prevent expensive theft losses at your jobsites.
• Are you choosing a reputable, experienced construction jobsite-surveillance system provider? When selecting a video surveillance system provider, it is imperative to choose a company that understands the risks that are specific to construction sites, and that also offers the most reliable, technologically advanced security solutions on the market.

Reasons You Need Video Surveillance for Your Construction Site

Do construction sites need video surveillance? When you consider the numerous risks that are present at virtually every site such as theft, vandalism and liability, it’s easy to see why installing an advanced camera system makes good sense for site owners, project managers and safety coordinators.

Construction site video surveillance benefits include:

1. Theft prevention: Construction sites typically contain lumber, steel, copper pipes, power tools and other valuable materials and equipment — all of which make attractive targets for enterprising thieves. A construction site surveillance system can deter internal and external theft and provide video evidence when a theft occurs.
2. Vandalism prevention: Vandalism is a serious issue at many construction sites, and the resulting damage to the structure or heavy equipment can derail the progress of a building project. A camera system will provide 24/7 monitoring that enables the detection of vandals and trespassers even when the site is unoccupied.
3. Improved site safety: Worker safety is always a concern at construction sites. Video surveillance gives site safety coordinators the opportunity to monitor workers to ensure they are adhering to all applicable safety guidelines. It can also help to identify areas where additional training is necessary.
4. Increased efficiency: Project managers and supervisors cannot monitor the actions of every worker throughout the entire day. However, video surveillance does enable a review of live and recorded camera feeds so they can target specific areas of the site and determine if the work is progressing in an efficient manner.
5. Liability protection: Construction sites present the risk of injury to workers and passersby — which poses a potential liability issue for site owners. Video surveillance can help to prevent unfounded worker’s compensation claims and frivolous liability lawsuits.
6. Remote monitoring capabilities: Another valuable benefit of video surveillance for construction sites is the ability to monitor camera feeds via smartphone, tablet or Web-enabled computer. The site management team can monitor activities on a 24/7 basis from home, the office or anywhere else.

Elements of a Construction Site Surveillance System

Wireless surveillance systems work well for construction site security, as they provide flexibility for camera placement to cover the most vulnerable areas. They also enable a faster setup and removal than hard-wired systems, which is more compatible with use at temporary job sites. Vandal-proof night vision security cameras with HD resolution ensure clear video feeds around the clock.

While remote monitoring is an optional feature with most video surveillance systems, it makes sense for construction site environments due to their high risk and the fact that they are usually unoccupied during the nighttime hours.

Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. for Your Construction Site Surveillance Needs in Phoenix

If you operate construction sites in the Phoenix, AZ area, Titan Alarm can develop and install a video surveillance system that will provide the around-the-clock protection you need to protect your workers and equipment and reduce your liability risk. Contact us for more information and to schedule a no-obligation security consultation today.

Learn More About Commercial Video Surveillance

• Electronic Surveillance Make Employees Perform Better
• Employee Theft Prevention
• How To Install A Security Camera Quickly
• How To Survive A Robbery

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Relocating your business can be an exciting time, but moving into a new facility can also pose quite a challenge. You need to be sure everything is in order so you can continue to provide excellent service to your customers both during and after the move. Use the following business moving checklist to help make the process a bit easier and less stressful for you, your staff and your customers.

What to Consider When Moving a Business

Keep in mind the following to help you determine what do do when moving a business:

• Don’t wait until the last minute: A successful move requires careful long-term planning. Begin the planning phase approximately nine months out if possible.

• Establish a preliminary relocation budget: Determine the amount of money you will need to fund your move and create a budget that meets your relocation requirements.

• Conduct a comprehensive site survey and facility review: This should include a careful evaluation of key aspects such as your space, technology, communications, furniture and equipment requirements. Narrow your options to two or three suitable facilities at most.

• Select your new facility: Finalize your site selection and begin the process of negotiating a lease with your landlord and planning any necessary site or facility improvements.

• Plan your office layout: You should begin to evaluate this item on the checklist for moving an office premises about five months prior to your move. This includes areas such as designating office space and ordering new office furniture and equipment. This is also a good time to provide realtor information to your staff so they can begin their personal relocation preparations.

• Order your new security system: At approximately three months out, you should begin to explore your security system options. Depending on your type of business and the layout of your facility or office, your integrated system should include features such as intrusion detection, access control, video surveillance and video verification.

• Implementing your move plan: When you get to the one-month mark, you should begin to put your moving plan into action. This includes taking steps such as installing your new phone system, tagging furniture and equipment and developing a new office extension directory and wall map (so your employees can find their way around when they move in). This is also a good time to do a final walk-through of your new facility to make sure everything is in order.

• Days prior to the move: Within a few days before the move you should back up your office computers and begin to have your staff pack up their desks and workspaces. If you have a security system that requires keycard access, now is the time to pick them up and distribute new ones to your staff (assuming your new security system also features an electronic access control system).

At this point, all the hard work and preparation should be complete, helping to make moving day as stress free as possible.

Contact Titan Alarm for Your Business Security Needs

If you are relocating to the Phoenix area and you’re not sure what to do when moving a business in terms of security, be sure to contact the Phoenix commercial security experts at Titan Alarm. We can design and install the most appropriate security system for your needs and budget.

Learn More About Intrusion Detection

• Commercial Security
• Prevent Business Break Ins

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

If you operate a retail store or any other type of business that sells goods, keeps cash on hand or stores sensitive information, you are at a high risk of a break-in or vandalism. Even if you are covered by insurance, it might not compensate you for the totality of your loss. If a thief gains access to confidential customer information, it could lead to a loss of trust in your business that you may never be able to earn back.

Consequently, preventing breaking and entering should be a top priority for virtually every business owner these days. What follows are a few helpful tips regarding how to prevent break-ins at your business and protect everything you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Provide Adequate Lighting for the Interior and Exterior

Burglars are attracted to dark areas where the risk of detection is minimal. One of the most vital security steps any business owner can take is to keep the interior and exterior of the property lit during nighttime hours. Thieves will think twice about entering a property where they are easily visible to passersby. A well-lit storefront or parking lot that is ablaze in floodlights will also serve as an effective deterrent to vandalism and other criminal activity.

Store Valuables in a Safe

A safe offers an extra layer of defense in the event a burglar is able to defeat your other security measures. Use it to store cash, important documents and smaller, more valuable items. Choose a safe that weighs at least a ton and be sure to bolt it to a solid building structure. Place your safe in a location that is not visible from the street and provide adequate lighting for it during nighttime hours.

Invest in an Electronic Access Control System

While there are a number of locks that are difficult to defeat, such as pin-tumbler cylinder and deadbolts, they may not prevent a skilled, enterprising burglar from breaking in. A more reliable alternative is an electronic access control system that requires the use of a code to gain entry. A keyless access control system also eliminates the need to provide keys to employees that could easily be duplicated or fall into the wrong hands.

Install a Security System

A professionally installed security system equipped with cameras and motion detectors can help you and law enforcement catch burglars in the act. Visible security cameras are also an effective deterrent for preventing break-ins. Be sure to include a high-quality video surveillance system that enables you to record what is going on in key areas in and around your facility at all times.

Titan Alarm Inc. Can Meet Your Security Requirements in the Phoenix Area

If your business is located in the Phoenix area, the experts at Titan Alarm can provide the best commercial security system for your needs and budget. Contact us to learn more about how to prevent a business burglary at your facility and to schedule a no-obligation on-site security consultation today.

Learn More About Intrusion Detection

• Types Of Businesses Targeted By Thieves
• What To Do After Your Business Was Robbed

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.