Recently, the LGBT community was devastated by a gunman’s attack on Oslo Pride. The LGBT community and LGBT business owners must turn to security solutions to secure their businesses and take a stand against these horrific attacks.
But how can LGBT-owned businesses create safer properties for their employees and patrons?
Keep reading as we discuss the best security solutions to protect your business’ assets and your people, creating a safe work environment for your employees, customers, and clients. Attacks on the LGBT community are rife, and it’s essential to consider the safety of your business’ patrons and employees.
Consult A Security Contractor
In light of recent events, you should consult a security contractor who will help you to determine the vulnerabilities and security threats that could affect your business. You can analyze the assets you must prioritize in your security strategy and identify key vulnerabilities independently.
However, a security contractor will have a wealth of experience and knowledge that equips them to spot vulnerabilities and provide security solutions you might miss in your assessment. So, it’s best to consult a security contractor and ask for a risk assessment and recommendations for security solutions.
You should also remember that risk assessments aren’t a one-off service; you’ll need to perform regular risk assessments to keep up with changes in the security sphere and any developments in your business that increase your exposure to security threats.
Invest In Convenient Access Control
Access control is the cornerstone of building security for any business. Access control helps you to enforce strict access restrictions, preventing unauthorized third parties from gaining access to your building.
Cloud-based access control is one of the most popular solutions in the security sphere right now, as it increases convenience for the user and provides system administrators with more agile security management.
With a cloud-based access control system, your system administrators can manage security remotely using a mobile application or cloud-based control center. So, they can lock doors remotely, unlock doors remotely, and view security data from anywhere – which is an invaluable asset to a business operating in a hybrid or remote work model.
Cloud-based keyless entry for commercial doors offer solutions that facilitate mobile-led access. If your employee or client needs to enter the building, they don’t need a keycard or fob. Instead, they can enter using access credentials stored on their mobile devices. With Bluetooth, cellular, and WiFi-enabled access control, users can enter the building without removing the device from their pocket. They can simply wave their hand over the access reader to trigger remote communication and enter without touching anything (which provides more hygienic entry, preventing the spread of germs).
Unfortunately, retail stores can only enforce access control for staff areas, which leaves them vulnerable to crimes committed by patrons. Recently, a beloved LA Starbucks, affectionately called the ‘big gay’ Starbucks, shut down due to their inability to protect the business from crime and the rising number of anti-LGBT incidents.
Add Surveillance With Video Management
Surveillance cameras are another staple in your security strategy. They help to deter crime if strategically placed at your building’s entrance. They also provide documentation and evidence should a crime occur at your workplace, especially if your business is located in popular areas where there is high traffic.
As with access control, cloud-based video surveillance is becoming increasingly popular due to its accessibility. With cloud-based video surveillance, your security staff can view the security camera feed from anywhere on their mobile for more visibility.
And cloud-based video surveillance comes with open API integrations that allow you to integrate AI and analytics with your camera system. Rather than having your security staff monitor the video feed by watching it, you can automate the process. AI and analytics will analyze your security feed for anomalous data and notify your team via mobile alerts when a threat is detected. Not only does this free up your security team’s time to focus on more critical tasks, but it also removes the potential for human error – your security team could miss security threats on the footage, leading to a security incident.
Install Alarm Systems And Building Sensors
Alarm systems and building sensors are essential to speed up emergency response procedures. You should invest in alarm systems that meet industry requirements and ensure compliance with health and safety standards such as fire alarms and smoke detectors. You can also invest in gunshot and glass break detection sensors to ensure your business does not fall victim to a violent security threat, allowing your security team to initiate lockdown procedures and escort building occupants to safety.
Meet ADA Requirements
Another element in ensuring your employees, visitors, clients, and customers feel safe and comfortable at your business place is to provide you meet ADA requirements. You’ll need to make all areas of your business place wheelchair accessible with ramps and lifts, and you should also consider how accessible your bathrooms are for those with disabilities.
For employees and customers on the spectrum, you also need to consider sensory triggers – you should remove bright and flashing lights, eliminate loud noises, and any other aspects of your business that could cause overstimulation.
Summary
Now more than ever, LGBT-owned businesses need to place emphasis on providing air-tight security to keep their employees, customers, and clients safe at their business place. Keep these considerations in mind when planning your security strategy, and keep security top of mind for your business planning.
