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Physical security may not always be top of mind, but the safety of your premises, assets, and people contribute to the long-term success of any business. A single security incident, whether it’s a break-in, theft, or even an employee mishap, can lead to financial loss, disrupted operations, and harm to your business’s reputation. Let’s dive into the top physical security mistakes many small businesses make and how you can avoid them.

Physical Security Mistakes Small Businesses Make

1. Failing to Conduct a Thorough Security Assessment

One of the most common mistakes made regarding physical security is not conducting a thorough assessment of the premises. Security assessments reveal vulnerabilities specific to your business location, layout, and operations. Without a comprehensive assessment, it’s nearly impossible to understand who might be a threat, how they might attempt to exploit your business, and what potential outcomes could be.

To understand your risks fully, an assessment conducted by Safe Haven explores:

• Who might be a threat, including burglars, vandals, or insiders
• When they might strike, including after hours, or during busy times
• Where your premises are most vulnerable, such as unsecured windows or unmonitored entry points
• What resources they could target such inventory or data
• How likely these scenarios are on a daily, weekly, or annual basis

For instance, you might learn that a rear entry is poorly lit, making it an attractive entry point for burglars. Identifying these details lets you set up preventative measures, like reinforcing entry points, improving lighting, and adjusting your surveillance coverage.

How to avoid this mistake: Invest in a comprehensive, professional Physical Security Risk Assessment and reassess your security annually, or when you make changes to the premises, add assets, or adjust operating hours. By proactively identifying risks, you can allocate resources to the areas where they’ll have the most impact. Our security firm offers assessments that can help you understand your specific vulnerabilities.

2. Relying on Employees in Emergencies Without Providing Proper Resources

Employees are valuable assets to your business. In an emergency, you may expect them to step up and help, but this only works if they are equipped with the right resources and training. Treating employees as your only security line without providing them the necessary tools or knowledge can be a costly error.

For example, a sudden fire or a break-in requires more than good intentions. Employees need clear, rehearsed protocols and access to tools that can help mitigate harm, such as emergency kits, secure communication channels, and quick access to exits. Many small businesses fall short by assuming that common sense alone is enough, overlooking the importance of structured protocols

Assets also aren’t just physical things. People, data, equipment, intellectual property, and client records all qualify. Without clear policies, employees may inadvertently mishandle or fail to secure these valuable assets in an emergency.

How to avoid this mistake: Establish emergency procedures for various scenarios, from fire evacuations to dealing with a hostile intruder, and hold training surrounding these protocols. These sessions should include clear instructions on how to use emergency equipment and who to contact in different scenarios.

You will also want to equip your premises with emergency supplies, clear evacuation maps, and secure lock mechanisms. With a clear protocol and accessible resources, employees can act confidently in a crisis.

3. Believing It Won’t Happen to Your Business

A “not my business” mindset is harmful to security. Many assume they’re not a likely target due to their size, location, or industry. However, statistics show that small businesses are indeed vulnerable. They often lack adequate defense systems, making them easy targets. Physical threats, like burglary and vandalism, also disproportionately affect smaller companies, as they may have limited security resources.

This thinking can leave your business exposed. Criminals may actually prefer to target smaller businesses, as they are often less equipped to handle security breaches. These crises can have an outsized impact on smaller businesses, as a single setback can lead to a considerable financial hit.

How to avoid this mistake: Adopt a proactive mindset and understand that security risks exist for every business. Recognize that your business is vulnerable and conduct realistic assessments of potential risks. Physical security doesn’t have to be terribly expensive. Start small by securing entry points, installing surveillance, and using visible deterrents like security signage. As your business grows, scale your security measures accordingly.

Prioritize Security for Long-Term Success

Physical security is an investment that can save a small business from significant financial and operational losses. Take the time to have an assessment conducted of your premises, equip employees with resources, and acknowledge that threats are real. This is how you begin to create a safer and more resilient business environment. It’s easier and more cost-effective to prevent incidents than to recover from them.

If you’re ready for peace of mind, reach out to discuss your Physical Security Risk Assessment and security needs.