Security spending jumped an astonishing 233% in the first quarter of 2020. Why the growth? Businesses are spending more on preventative measures rather than the cost of pursuing and recovering from theft. Physical security is the protection of personnel, assets, and property from physical actions and events that could cause serious loss or damage. Physical security is an important business practice, but is often overlooked or replaced with surveillance security.  Enhancing physical security measures can help reduce loss and improve a business security plan.

SECURITY PERMIMETERS 

Basic barriers, like walls, fences, and entry doors are basic security measures used to protect a business. Depending on the size of the facility and/or type of industry (MARSEC, CFATS, etc), may require an additional layers of physical access control prior to access to the facility. Secured areas should be protected by entry control measures, including gates and security officers, to ensure that only authorized personnel are permitted access.

Security surveillance equipment may be required for larger facilities where areas may be missed due to poorly lite areas or areas that patrols are infrequent.

Highly sensitive or computer systems should be located in rooms with doors and windows that are locked and secured when left unattended.

EMERGENCY PROTECTION

Physical protection against the damage from fires, floods, hurricanes and other forms of environmental or human-made disasters should be part of a physical security plan. Smoke and/or heat-activated fire detectors and alarms, and appropriate fire suppression systems should be implemented throughout facilities, with special attention to secure areas containing flammable materials and information systems.

Information and data systems should be located in secured areas. Special attention must be made to reduce environmental risks from threats and hazards and reduce opportunities for unauthorized access.  All supporting utilities, such as electricity, natural gas, water supplies, sewage and HVAC systems, should also be accessed by authorized personnel only.

Back-up generators and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) should be implemented to support equipment that is critical to business operations during natural emergencies. Emergency lighting should be installed and regularly tested to ensure it is operating correctly in case of a power failure. Emergency power-off switches should be located near emergency exits in data centers and equipment rooms to facilitate a rapid power down in case of an emergency.

SECURITY PLAN EVALUATION

Security leaders should ensure that a comprehensive physical security program is developed and implemented consistently across the organization. Organizations that do not could potentially overlook a pivotal security function or leave a physical security vulnerability unaddressed. By developing a comprehensive physical security program, organizations can avoid key physical control pitfalls for effective overall security.

Not sure where to start? Lofton Security Service, can provide a security assessment for your business site. Contact your local Lofton office where a representative can come out to your business location to learn your security needs and concerns, take a complete inventory of your current security practices and your structure, identify where any potential weaknesses may be, and help provide valuable solutions. Remember, price does not determine quality…Quality determines price.

About Lofton: Founded in 1979, Lofton Services offers clients the best of all worlds. We provide the responsive, personal service and flexibility of a small local firm while having the technology, resources, and infrastructure to deliver the benefits of the biggest players in our industry. Lofton Staffing can deliver the right people, with the right skills, right when you need them. Contact us today.