When it comes to the safety and security of your workplace or office building little steps can make a big difference.  It doesn’t matter if you are a small community based organization or a large office building- safety and security should be your priority.  You can easily implement all or some of the tips below right now- for free.

1. Teamwork

• Creating a safer and more secure environment has to be a shared goal.  From your staff to visitors everyone can be helpful.
•  Add safety and security as a topic at your office meetings, this helps make it a priority and keeps it on everyone’s mind.
• Post signs that show how much you value safety and security at your company and/or organization.

2. All emergency contacts and phone numbers should be easily accessible.

• 911 may not be the only number you need in case of an emergency.  Make a list of all relevant emergency contacts- you can include  facilities management, the property manager, maintenance, the security desk, etc.
• Get to know your local police district and the officers assigned to your neighborhood.
• If your police department has a community police liaison, get to know them.  They can be an valuable resource and keep you abreast of the what is happening in your community.

3. Conduct inspections once a week.

• Create a list of what needs to be checked in your office or at your facility.
• Assign a staff member to be responsible for weekly security checks, be sure to rotate the job so that there are always fresh eyes.
• Regular inspections will allow you to ascertain quickly if something is amiss and it will help law enforcement assist you better.

4. Screen all guests and visitors.

• Have your security guard or receptionist greet all visitors and guests.
• It is important that you know who enters your building or office and where they are going.

5. Secure your keys.

• Use a lock box for all of your important keys and control the lock box code.
• Create a sign in and sign out procedure for keys and make sure all keys are returned.

6. Secure your equipment.

• Know your inventory and keep detailed records.
• Tag all of your inventory and equipment.
• Keep all serial numbers and equipment models in a secure place.
• Use identification stickers.  Slice a ‘X’ through the stickers with a razor blade this will make them harder to remove.

7. Check your exterior surroundings.

• Utilize external lighting to deter potential criminal acts- make sure the lights are turned on and working.
• Make sure all gates and windows are locked.
• Trim all bushes and shrubbery to make sure that there are no spots that can serve as hiding spaces or camoflauge.
• Don’t prop open doors.