Hardly a month goes by without hearing about a violent tragedy. Terrorist attacks, though rare, seemed to be on people’s minds in public venues and businesses. The more common occurrences are thefts and robberies. Today, small business owners are forced to add the stress of security to their long list of responsibilities. But where do you start? How do you protect your employees and businesses? Here, Rick and Brandon invite Alan Burton, President and CEO of NEPS Worldwide Security to give some tips about where a business owner can start in the area of security.
- What is the first place to start for a small business owner? Know exactly the policies of security and licensing. Insurance, workers comp. What kind of coverage do you have? It changes as you grow. The number of employees. You should not have to shell out money due to larger loss.
- What should a small business owner know about hiring an armed guard? Look to see what they are responsible for? What are their limitations? If they fail, are you out of business?
- Should employers train their workers? How?Train your workforce to be alert and understand the business itself in relation to security. Knowledge of the business is not enough. Symptoms of a robber: In and out of the store; hands in pocket; show videos of incidents and discuss once a week. Locks on doors, buzzers. Drills with employees. Entire lockdown in case there is a bomb threat or active shooter. Give the employee an idea because they have experienced it.
- What about Independent contractors? Is a business owner responsible for them? Independent contractors that work for you.
- Why do you need a security program? What are your concerns, what do you want to do? The threat causes over-react and then let their guard down.
- Terrorists seemed to dominate the headlines, especially in San Bernadino. What should a business owner do about that risk? Sensitivity training to help employee relations. No videos because you start a fear in employees and disrupt employee morale. Security personale usually don’t have terrorist training. Do employee terrorist drills.
