The Essential Building Security Checklist
As a leader in access control systems, Delta Scientific understands that building security is vital in today’s business environment. Layered systems bring a comprehensive approach to physical and digital assets. Use this essential building security checklist to build a multi-layered approach.
A Step-By-Step Checklist for Building Security
The following steps are critical to ensuring building, grounds, and employee safety. Customize them to the level of security necessary at your facility. Keep in mind that using layered security measures enhances the overall effect. If one is ineffective, there is another layer in place to stop a threat.
- Establish a secure perimeter around the facility
- Install access control systems around and throughout the site
- Monitor actions and enhance communication with interior security systems
- Plan for emergencies and natural disasters
Along with implementing these suggestions, you should always perform proper maintenance of systems and have annual inspections to check their operation.
Perimeter Security
Perimeter security is your first line of defense. An effective perimeter controls traffic and deters intruders. A combination of passive and active controls is often most effective.
Fencing and Gates
Security fencing acts as a physical barrier against intruders. Anti-climb fencing, tamper-resistant gates, and electronic locks improve its effectiveness. Always use clear signage on fencing to indicate where your private property or restricted areas begin.
Lighting
Well-lit areas and surveillance cameras reduce the likelihood of someone gaining access through other perimeter security measures. All entry and exit points should have fixed and pan-tilt-zoom cameras. Bullet cameras with AI integration are another solid option. Motion lighting is effective in areas with less traffic.
Vehicle Barriers
Permanent and portable barriers serve to restrict car and truck access. Mechanized or manual controls allow you to restrict access based on specific credentials. You can pair them with guard booths at entrances and exits to increase security.
Deploying crash-tested barriers at access points stops unauthorized access. Retractable bollards and wedge barriers are an excellent option for high-security areas, such as at government or research facilities.
Access Control Systems
A crucial step in any building security checklist is installing control systems to restrict access to secure areas. Bollards, barriers, and biometric readers each serve a distinct role in a comprehensive access control system.
Bollards are excellent tools for controlling the flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. They clearly mark restricted areas and serve to block entry to them. When placed outside secure buildings, bollards can effectively stop a car or truck from crashing through the structure.
Wedge and beam barriers keep vehicles from entering restricted spaces. Crash-tested barriers are available in permanent and portable designs for increased flexibility. Sliding and security gates restrict access to interior spaces.
ID cards coupled with biometric readers ensure that only authorized personnel and visitors enter secure buildings. All employees should use RFID-enabled ID cards when entering and exiting the facility, with enhanced biometrics at high-security access points.
Interior Security Systems
What happens inside a building is just as important as what goes on outside, and your interior security measures should reflect that. If someone bypasses your perimeter security and access control systems, you want to be able to identify them. These measures also work to facilitate communication about possible problems inside the facility.
Place security cameras at building entrances, stairwells, and other high-value areas. Video analytics can automatically detect unusual or suspicious behavior. Intrusion alarms on emergency exits, doors to restricted areas, and data storage rooms serve as a warning of a possible breach.
Staff at reception and high-security areas should have a panic button that alerts responders for emergency use. Intercoms and other alert systems are an effective way to notify all employees of a threat.
Emergency Preparedness
Building security should also consider response plans for emergencies and natural disasters.
Floods, fires, and tornadoes are a few examples of disasters that could easily destroy your buildings and their contents. Medical emergencies and security breaches are additional incidents that warrant planning.
An incident response plan is a step-by-step protocol for how you will respond to natural disasters, security breaches, medical emergencies, and other threats. It should include assigned roles for staff and a clear communication plan.
Fire alarms, smoke detectors, and suppression systems are critical to securing your facility if a fire breaks out. Each should undergo regular inspections and updates. Additionally, all fire exits should be clearly marked and accessible. Backup power is crucial for keeping security protocols in place after a disaster and maintaining data integrity.
Build a Customized Building Security Checklist
Each physical plant will have unique requirements and threats; a building security checklist should directly address those. Our team at Delta Scientific has decades of experience designing customized access control solutions. We can help you choose the right systems to secure your building against anticipated threats. Request a quote to get started.
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!