Why Tulsa & OKC Fire Sprinkler Monitoring, Service, & Inspections Are Needed

Fire sprinkler systems are of course one of the most important parts of a Tulsa or Oklahoma City fire protection system. Fire sprinklers can help control or even extinguish a fire before fire departments arrive on the scene. Sprinklers play a vital role in saving lives and reducing property damage in the event of a fire.

But, you may be saying, “I know this. That’s why I have fire sprinklers installed in my building.” However, is your OKC or Tulsa fire sprinkler system monitored? Is your fire sprinkler system regularly inspected and tested? If not, how can you be sure it will protect your building in the event of a fire?

Fire Sprinkler monitoring as well as regularly testing and inspection helps to ensure that the fire sprinkler system will work properly. In addition, regular testing and inspections are required by law and must follow the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes as well as any other authorities having jurisdiction. Monitoring of your fire sprinklers may also be required by law as well. Why do we say “may be required”?

While all new commercial fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems are required by code to be monitored at a central monitoring station, however, this did not become a requirement until the mid-1990s. And, this code isn’t retroactive, so some fire sprinkler systems and fire alarms may not be monitored. Could this potentially be dangerous?

Fire alarm and fire sprinkler monitoring is essential to better protecting lives and property. When fire protection systems are monitored by a central station, fire departments can be immediately notified and respond to a fire much faster than an employee calling 911 or a passerby noticing a fire.

In addition, fire sprinkler monitoring can prevent expensive property damage and repairs by monitoring any changes in the system and allow workers to fix any leaks or other problems before they cause serious problems. Waterflow detectors help to ensure there is a proper flow of water going to the sprinkler heads. Valve supervision switches can detect unauthorized operation of the valve or any incorrect settings of the valves. These monitoring systems can ensure that your system will work properly in the event of a fire and quickly catch any issues with the system as well as report whether the sprinkler has been activated in the event of a fire.

MacNet wireless fire alarm monitoring can be used to effectively monitor your new or old fire alarm and fire sprinkler system. MacNet uses a wireless mesh radio communications network to send signals to the central monitoring station in 2 seconds or less. Using a redundancy of multiple signal pathways ensures that the signal will always reach the central station. And with its standalone communications, there are no third-party fees with MacNet wireless monitoring.

To better protect your employees, customers, and property, make sure your Tulsa or OKC fire sprinkler system is monitored as well as regularly inspected and serviced. Mac Systems, Inc. can handle all of your fire sprinkler system design, installation, inspection, and monitoring needs.

(First photo by Tyco)

Nitrogen Generators Prevent Fire Sprinkler Pipes from Corrosion & Freezing

Tulsa & OKC automatic fire sprinkler systems can be in danger of freezing up if they are not in a temperature controlled area. Fire sprinklers in Tulsa and Oklahoma City are also susceptible to a devastating type of corrosion called Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC), which causes premature failure of the sprinkler system. Both of these dangers can result in life threatening fire control problems, costly repairs and maintenance, and property damage. Many companies though are now using nitrogen generators to prevent these devastating sprinkler system issues.

Traditionally, compressed air is used in these dry and preaction fire sprinkler systems, but the oxygen and moisture present with this type of supervisory gas causes the system’s piping to corrode as well as freeze up in uninsulated areas. On the other hand, using nitrogen as the supervisory gas in these fire sprinkler systems inhibits MIC as well as galvanic corrosion and dries out the piping system, thus preventing ice blockages.

“Nitrogen can absorb significantly more moisture than compressed air. The dew point of 95% Nitrogen is -40°F which enables Nitrogen to dry out any residual moisture left in the FPS with cyclic venting,” South-Tek Systems, a leading manufacturer of nitrogen generators, noted.

As an inert gas, nitrogen is dry, clean, and nonflammable, and also does not support the corrosion process, South-Tek noted.

“By using Nitrogen to completely dry out a system, the absence of water will completely eliminate the potential threat of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC),” South-Tek reported.

And because nitrogen is not a chemical additive, there are no chemical hazards with using nitrogen generators. Nitrogen is eco-friendly and has been called by South-Tek, “The Green Solution for Inhibiting Corrosion.”

In addition, using nitrogen in place of compressed air in a fire sprinkler system can help to extend the life of the system. The Potter’s Corrosion Solutions team recently conducted a study on the corrosion-inhibiting effects of nitrogen on a dry pipe fire sprinkler system and published their findings in Fire Protection Engineering.

“Using 98% nitrogen gas in lieu of compressed air increases the life expectancy of a dry or pre-action system on an average of 5.3 times,” the study showed.

As the article noted, using nitrogen gas in piping as a supervisory gas has been employed in a wide variety of industries including oil and gas, pharmaceutical, and marine transit.

Using high purity, low pressure nitrogen in fire sprinkler systems can mean less operational costs and maintenance and most importantly, knowing corrosion or ice-blockages won’t prevent your fire sprinkler system from working effectively in the event of a fire.

For more information on how nitrogen generators can safely and effectively help prevent corrosion and freezing in your Tulsa or OKC fire sprinkler system, call the fire protection specialists at Mac Systems, Inc. We can help design and install the best fire sprinkler system to meet your unique needs, and we can regular test, inspect, and maintain the complete fire detection and suppression system.

(Photos via Viking, a distributor of these South-Tek Systems nitrogen generators)

Why Every Tulsa & OKC Home Should Have Residential Fire Sprinklers

Fire sprinklers can often be seen in Tulsa & OKC businesses, but these fire suppression systems are not as common yet in residences. In fact, only 4.6% of occupied homes (including multi-unit) had sprinklers in 2009, according to the 2009 American Housing Survey. But the benefits of residential fire sprinklers are overwhelming.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 85 percent of all fire deaths in the U.S. happen in the home. And these fires most often occur at night when families are asleep. A fire can become deadly in as little as 3 minutes, the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition noted. This is when flashover happens – when the combustible materials in the room burst into flames, making it difficult to escape. At the same time, the Coalition noted that it often takes fire departments 9 to 12 minutes to arrive after a fire has started.

But what happens in the event of a fire when a home has fire sprinklers? The sprinkler closest to the fire will activate and can often contain or even extinguish the fire before the fire department even arrives, meanwhile giving family members time to escape safely.

Home fire sprinklers have been shown to have a direct impact on saving lives and reducing fire-related injuries. In Prince George’s County in Maryland an ordinance was enacted in 1992 mandating the installation of fire sprinkler systems in new one- and two-family structures. A study of this area conducted over a 15-year period (1992-2007) showed that in homes that were not protected by fire sprinklers, there were 101 fire deaths and 328 civilian injuries. However, there were no fire deaths in sprinklered-structure fires during that period, and only six civilian injuries! Thus, home fire sprinkler systems are invaluable in saving lives.

In addition, fire sprinklers can greatly reduce the property damage caused by a fire. Although a common myth about sprinklers is that all of the sprinklers will spray when even just one is activated, this is simply not the case. Only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate, and that one sprinkler can often extinguish the fire before it spreads. Thus, other rooms in the home are protected from fire, heat, and smoke damage. In fact, another 15-year study of sprinklered homes in Scottsdale, AZ showed that the “average loss per sprinklered fire incident was $2,166 compared to more than $45,000 for unsprinklered homes,” the Coalition reported.

And the cost of installing fire sprinklers in your Tulsa or Oklahoma City home? According to the NFPA, the average cost of installation for home fire sprinklers is $1.35 per sprinklered square foot.

Mac Systems in Oklahoma City and Tulsa can design, install, and maintain a complete fire sprinkler system for your home or multi-dwelling unit project. Call us today to see how we can help you better protect your family with a residential fire sprinkler system.

(Photos via Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition)

Why MIC Testing for Tulsa & OKC Fire Sprinkler Systems Is Important

Tulsa and Oklahoma City fire sprinkler systems are essential to the safety of people and property, but they do have an enemy that should nor be overlooked. Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is “an electrochemical corrosion process that is concentrated and accelerated by the activity of specific bacteria within a fire sprinkler system, which results in the premature failure of metallic system components,” Bruce H. Clarke, a fire protection/loss prevention trainer wrote in Fire Protection Engineering.

This corrosion, which can quickly attack metal piping in the sprinkler system or create obstructive deposits of bacterial colonies, is why MIC testing and treatment is so vital.

But doesn’t some corrosion normally happen with metallic systems? Yes, general corrosion does normally occur and, as Clarke wrote, is generally not a major concern in fire sprinkler systems because it doesn’t “change the pipe’s interior surface roughness (i.e., C-factor) . . .” General corrosion is a slow rate of decay that happens pretty evenly throughout the pipe. But MIC is both concentrated and accelerated which poses a much greater threat to the integrity of the fire sprinkler system. While it doesn’t create a new corrosion process, MIC results from the activity of specific bacteria that cause this “rapid system destruction” by accelerating and concentrating the general corrosion process. This, in turn, causes “premature failure.” How premature?

According to Clarke and Anthony M. Aguilera, director of loss prevention and risk management for Honeywell Aerospace, many of these documented failures due to MIC happened only after 5 to 20 years of service, and in some cases systems began to show signs of MIC in less than one year. This is much less than the normal life expectancy of a fire sprinkler system. “. . .with proper maintenance a sprinkler system is typically expected by the industry to last over 50 years before major repairs are required,” Clarke and Aguilera wrote.

This premature failure due to MIC can happen in two ways. MIC can cause pinhole-sized leaks that require component replacement or can cause obstruction of the piping system because of a build-up of biological growth often called biofilm or biosludge. This biological build-up can cause full blockage of the piping and sprinklers so that the system fails to work in a fire.

Thus, MIC causes serious fire control problems that can be life threatening and result in costly repairs or even liability issues. Signs that your Tulsa or OKC fire sprinkler system may have a problem with MIC include pinhole-size leaks, a rotten egg smell, or discolored water (black or rust-colored) from the fire sprinkler system.

The fire sprinkler system specialists at Mac Systems in Tulsa and Oklahoma City can conduct a thorough MIC testing and analysis of your system to determine if your system has been affected by MIC and then provide the best treatment to ensure your fire sprinkler system will work properly during a fire.

“In most cases of MIC, it has appeared that after treatment of the affected areas, healthy systems can be expected to exceed this normal life expectancy,” Clarke noted. So Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) testing and treatment are crucial to the life safety of your organization and the life of your fire sprinkler system.

Business Fire Alarm Systems – Why Test & Inspect Regularly?

As an OKC or Tulsa business owner, you know that business fire alarm systems are essential to the safety of your company, employees, and customers. But fire alarms are probably one of the last things on your mind during the busy workweek. However, fire alarm systems are not something that can simply be installed and left on their own. To be effective, a business fire alarm system must be tested and inspected regularly.

Why is regular fire alarm testing and inspection essential? Here are the top reasons as noted by firealarmtesting.org and your local OKC & Tulsa fire alarm company – Mac Systems.

Maintain life safety.  You’ll need to have the fire alarm system tested regularly to make sure that it will work properly in the event of a fire. How will you know if something is wrong in the system if it’s not regularly inspected? Have the peace of mind for your company in knowing that your fire alarm system will do its job in saving lives in the event of a fire.

Ensure you’re up to code. Having your OKC or Tulsa business fire alarm system inspected and tested regularly is required by law. The NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code stipulates certain requirements for testing and inspections of fire alarms. In addition, there can be other local and state fire alarm testing requirements, so check with local authorities or Mac Systems in Tulsa and OKC to make sure you stay in compliance.

Prevent costly false alarms. Regular testing can help to lower the number of nuisance alarms your system has. False alarms can be quite expensive with some cities charging fines for these nuisance calls. In addition, false alarms needlessly take up a fire department’s valuable time and money. Regular inspections can also help to prevent more costly repairs.

Lessen your liability risks and maintain insurance requirements. Not staying in compliance with all fire safety regulations including testing and inspections can cost a company greatly in the event of a fire. A properly working fire alarm system can help to make sure that all employees and customers can get out safely, preventing injuries and costly litigation. And how much more expensive could the liability litigations be if injuries happened where there wasn’t a properly working or inspected fire alarm? Proof of inspections and testing are usually also required by insurance companies, especially in the event of a fire, so that the claim is not denied.

Thus, not having your business fire alarm system regularly tested and inspected is really too costly, both in terms of life safety and property damage as well as fines and liabilities.

Although some lesser visual inspections may be able to be done by a qualified employee, the extensive testing and inspections required must be done by a professional, licensed fire alarm company.

Mac Systems in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City can conduct all of the necessary fire alarm testing, inspections, and maintenance for your business. We can inspect and service any type of fire alarm system or brand, and we offer NICET certified inspections annually, semi-annually, quarterly, weekly, and daily. Make sure your business fire alarm system is always working properly and stays code compliant with our 24/7 service and support.

How to Get More From Your Tulsa or OKC Business Security System

As an Oklahoma City or Tulsa business owner, you know how important having a commercial security system in place is to protecting your business and employees. But are you really getting the most out of your business security system? Here are a few tips to maximize the benefits of your security system.

Make sure it’s up-to-date. How long has your current security system been in place? Is it time for an upgrade? Older alarm systems can often cause costly false alarms. Make sure all of your commercial security and fire protection equipment is up-to-date with regular testing, inspections, and maintenance provided by Mac Systems. We can check to make sure there are no wiring or equipment issues that could inhibit your security system. With regular professional inspections, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your security system is at its peak performance.

Enable video monitoring. Remote video monitoring allows business owners to easily access and control their security system from their laptop, smartphone, or tablet. For instance, with Honeywell’s Total Connect Video Solutions, you can receive video notification or pictures of activity at your business when it occurs. These mobile viewing technologies can give you increased flexibility and greater peace of mind when you’re away from the office. Call your Tulsa and OKC security system specialists at Mac Systems to see how you can take advantage of this great feature.

Access control technology. Another great way to make sure you’re getting the most from your security system is to add an access control system. If you’ve had a commercial security system in Tulsa or OKC for some time, your business has probably grown and changed. You may now have areas of your business that need additional security measures or areas where only certain employees need access. Access control systems help you manage and monitor admission to your facility and prevent unauthorized entry, even with utilizing multi-level access control. These systems can be as simple or as complicated as you need them to be, controlling access to either one door or a hundred doors. Limiting access to specific areas can help ensure your business stays safe.

Make sure your business is completely covered. Along with making sure your alarm system is up-to-date, you’ll also want to make sure you have sufficient and up-to-date video surveillance coverage for your business.

“Video surveillance can provide invaluable evidence for investigations of criminal activity and other events that have taken place within or around your facility,” Honeywell noted.

You may have CCTV cameras in place in your facility, but are the outdoor areas around your business also protected by video surveillance? Areas such as the parking lot, backdoors, gates, or delivery and loading zones can be entry points for criminals if they’re not well monitored by video surveillance.

Make sure your business has the best alarm monitoring. If a security situation does happen at your business, you want to make sure the police will be notified as soon as possible. Advanced wireless alarm monitoring by MacNet in OKC and Tulsa can give you the fastest and most reliable alarm monitoring service available. MacNet signals are received by the central station in 2 seconds or less. And because MacNet doesn’t use any third party communications like telephone, GSM, or the Internet, there are no third-party fees, sunsets, upgrades needed, or trade-outs. With MacNet, there’s also no worry of jamming or problems with the alarm monitoring service because of weather, problems with the phone company, or accidents.

As a business owner, you know the value of investing in your company and you’ve also invested in a security system for your business. So, protect your investment and get the most out of your business security system by making sure it’s up-to-date and by adding the latest security features and alarm monitoring. Call Mac Systems, Inc. today to see how we can help you better protect your business.

 

 

 

(Photos by Honeywell)

Wireless Fire Detection from NOTIFIER Protects Challenging Applications

Installing fire detection systems in some areas of an Oklahoma City or Tulsa building can present many challenges. Running wire through concrete walls or decorative ceilings, especially where materials like asbestos are present, can be problematic, costly, and even potentially dangerous.

As an answer to protecting these challenging situations, NOTIFIER developed a new wireless fire sensing system that can easily overcome these dilemmas. The Smart Wireless Integrated Fire Technology (SWIFT) is a system of detectors and modules that forms a Class A, mesh network of wireless fire detection.

Because every SWIFT detector device acts as “a repeater with redundant path communication,” the system is robust and self-healing, providing highly-reliable fire detection, NOTIFIER reported. The strongest paths are automatically located within the network and unique mesh IDs in the SWIFT network prevent miscommunication.

Eliminating the need for wired fire detectors offers more flexibility with installation and could significantly reduce installation costs in challenging applications, as well as building expansions, NOTIFIER said, and any location where mounting detectors is difficult.

“Hybrid applications where both wired and wireless detection can be used are perfect for SWIFT,” Mike Lynch, vice president of engineering for Honeywell Fire Systems, said. “If you’ve got an ornate interior that makes detector placement difficult, or places like parking garages where drilling through concrete is costly, SWIFT is the ideal solution.”

Currently these devices include photoelectric, photo/thermal, standard heat, and rate-of-rise heat detectors, as well as a monitor module. They operate just like their wired analog/addressable counterparts, NOTIFIER reported, are UL Listed, and can be integrated with new and existing NOTIFIER fire alarms.

The mesh network aspect of the SWIFT system may remind Mac Systems’ customers of our MacNet wireless alarm monitoring service for commercial fire alarm and security systems. MacNet also uses a mesh radio communications network to provide highly-reliable, cost effective alarm monitoring to businesses in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas. MacNet also uses a redundancy of multiple signal pathways to a central station to deliver complete reliability. MacNet also eliminates the need for third-party communication services and fees and will always be up and running regardless of weather.

For more information on the new SWIFT wireless fire detection system from NOTIFIER or MacNet wireless alarm monitoring, please call us at 918-582-3736 or 405-842-7900.

Security Company Offers Tulsa & OKC Retailers Security Tips

According to the National Retail Security Survey of 2012, inventory shrinkage, or loss, costs US retailers a disturbing $44 billion annually. The two largest causes of this inventory
shrinkage were employee theft and shoplifting including organized retail crime (ORC). Sadly, employee theft has been the “single most significant source of inventory shrinkage” over the past two decades, according to the survey, with 41% attributed to this in 2012. Shoplifting and ORC attributed to about 33% of the losses. “. . . the survey estimates alone show that stealing by shoppers cost American retailers a staggering $14.6 billion over the past year.” What can retailers do to better protect their stores?

Make sure your security system and video surveillance cameras are working properly. 

Have your Tulsa or OKC security company check your security system and CCTV cameras to ensure everything is up-to-date, that the cameras are positioned well, are capturing clear images, and video recording is working properly. Having an employee designated to continually monitor the CCTV cameras can help to stop shoplifters before they get away or even prevent shoplifting by identifying suspicious activity in real time

Make your security mirrors, motion sensors, and security cameras visible to customers to deter shoplifters. Having signs warning shoplifters of the consequences of stealing can also be a deterrent.

Let your security and alarm monitoring company know about any changes to your store hours for the holidays. Make sure your Tulsa or OKC security company has the correct contact information for who in the company to notify if a security breach or emergency occurs.

Make sure your retail environment isn’t vulnerable to shoplifting. 

When hanging holiday decorations, make sure these don’t obstruct the view of the security cameras or the view of the store entrance for employees.

Make sure that merchandise and displays can clearly be seen by employees from a variety of vantage points by positioning taller displays farther back in the store and shorter displays closer to the registers. Keep expensive items locked in display cases. Make sure registers are staffed at all times.

Train employees to be aware and visible. 

Help employees know how to spot a shoplifter by their behavior such as wandering aimlessly, lingering in hard-to-monitor areas, repeatedly leaving and returning to the store, or avoiding eye contact.

Train even seasonal employees to know how to react to any suspicious activity. Often greeting every customer, asking if they need any help, or if they’re ready to pay for the item can help to prevent shoplifting.

Remind employees to double-check merchandise during the purchasing process to ensure the customer hasn’t hidden extra items, especially in merchandise like purses or bags.

Have employees stationed at dressing rooms to assist customers and limit access to the dressing room.

Implement access control measures for employees. 

Especially for staff hired just for the holiday season, use an access control system to only allow seasonal employees entry to the specific areas they need access to and only during working hours.

To help reduce employee theft, it may be wise to limit all employee access to just areas that their specific job requires. For instance, not all employees may need access to the stockroom or other areas.

Watch for signs of employee theft. 

There are often tell-tale signs that an employee might be taking advantage of his or her position. Be aware of employees with calculators next to the cash drawer or a separate receipt book. Check that deposits are being made on a regular basis, and check the cash-to-credit purchase ratios. Random, unannounced visits to your store including unexpected register checks can also be helpful in deterring employee theft.

For help to ensure your business is security during any season, call the Tulsa and OKC security experts at Mac Systems. We can make sure your security system and video surveillance cameras are at their peak performance and ensure there are no gaps in your security that could leave you vulnerable to shoplifting or employee theft. We can also design and install a complete access control system for your company.

Advantages of Local Tulsa & OKC Fire and Security Alarm Monitoring

In today’s world, your business can be monitored from just about anywhere, but using a local Tulsa and Oklahoma City alarm monitoring company can make a huge difference. Why is that? What are the benefits of using local alarm monitoring services?

Fast, Reliable Response

Early detection and a quick response to security breaches or a fire are crucial. Having a local Tulsa or OKC alarm monitoring service means we are right here by you to provide the quickest response possible. We know and have worked with the local police and fire departments, and we know Tulsa and Oklahoma City and the crime patterns in various neighborhoods. And because we’re local, we’ll know if there are local weather issues or other local problems in the community. If a disaster should occur, we’ll be right here to help.

On top of providing the fastest response because of our locality, our alarm monitoring service itself offers the most reliable and fastest response compared with traditional alarm monitoring. MacNet Wireless Alarm Monitoring is a private mesh radio network that uses redundancy of multiple pathways to a central station to deliver unmatched reliability. MacNet signals are received by the central station in 2 seconds or less. And because it uses a mesh radio network, there are no third party communications fees and your system will always be up and running regardless of weather, natural disasters, accidents, etc.

Being locally owned and operated means we can provide the fastest and most reliable service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you need us, we’ll be there. We have a fleet of more than 60 field vehicles and a team of licensed and experienced technicians that can find the most dependable solution for any security system or fire alarm issues you may have – with 24-hour emergency service.

Better Personalized Customer Service

We are your neighbors. When you call, you won’t be talking to a person half way across the country or an automated service. You’ll be talking to someone you know and who knows and understands your business and its unique needs in Oklahoma.

As a local Tulsa and OKC alarm monitoring company, we care deeply about our reputation and providing the best customer service possible, so we’ll do our best to deliver the highest quality service and support. We’ll make sure you’re completely satisfied with your system and alarm monitoring service. We’re interested in our communities and the people that live and work here.

Hiring a local alarm company also means you’re helping the local economy to flourish and stay strong.

One-Stop-Shop Service

Sometimes people may think that a local alarm company can’t provide products and services like a larger national company, but really we offer complete state-of-the-art systems and services. And we can provide everything you need from start to finish. From design and installation of the fire alarm or security system to inspections, testing, and maintenance, we offer a comprehensive array of products and services. Thus, you can just have one company to work with that can provide the 24-hour alarm monitoring along with all of the equipment needed – all at a competitive price.

This no-hassle service and support from people you know can give you invaluable peace of mind about the security and safety of your company and employees.

Our local Tulsa & OKC alarm monitoring service gives you more reliable, more dependable monitoring without the hassles and added expense of cable, phone lines, cellular networks, or Internet fees. Discover how MacNet Wireless Alarm Monitoring can better protect your business.

Improve Your Tulsa or OKC Security to Prepare for Today’s Terrorist Risks

Sadly, active shooter incidents and terrorist attacks are becoming increasingly more common. An FBI study revealed that the number of active shooter incidents more than doubled between 2000 and 2013.

“An average of 6.4 incidents occurred in the first 7 years studied, and an average of 16.4 occurred in the last 7 years,” the FBI study reported.

Seventy percent of these shootings happened in either a business or an educational environment. And as we know all too well, Oklahoma is not immune to terrorist attacks and violent assaults in the workplace such as the recent horrific attack at Vaughan Foods in Moore.

Thus, in today’s world, a business’ security plan must take more into account than just burglaries. What can Tulsa and Oklahoma City business owners do to make sure their companies are protected from terrorist-like attacks?

Close any gaps in your Tulsa or OKC security system. 

Businesses can is to make sure their security system is up-to-date and working properly. Then, check to secure areas that could otherwise be overlooked or minimized such as underground parking areas, loading and shipping areas, backdoors, and any other points of access. Having CCTV surveillance camerasoutside of the building in the parking or loading/backdoor areas can help increase security in areas where attackers may look for an easy-entry. Also, improving the lighting outside your facility in these normally dim-lit areas, such as parking garages or back alleyways, can help make it more difficult for someone to attack. Today’s access control systems can do much to help make a company more secure and prevent an attacker from gaining access to the company and employees.

Reevaluate your business’ security risks. 

Your business may not appear to be a likely candidate for an attack, but as recent incidents have shown, an attack could stem from a variety of reasons, and business owners need to identify those risks.

“Even buildings that don’t immediately stand out as potential targets should be given a second look,” Sean Ahrens, a senior security consultant with Schirmer Engineering, told FacilitiesNet.

As the FacilitiesNet article noted, even if your building isn’t a target, a building next door or nearby could be. The article suggested conducting a thorough risk assessment of your business, “looking at what type of activity occurs in the building on a daily basis, what role the location of a building plays in its appeal to possible attackers and where the occupants of the building travel.” Once owners have identified the possible risks, they can work to minimize those risks as much as possible.

Help employees be more aware of their surroundings. 

The article also noted that educating occupants on how to be watchful for suspicious activity is key. Attackers will often ‘scout out’ a facility to identity patterns in a business’ activity that they can manipulate to best gain access to the building. Employees can be helped to know what to look for when it comes to suspicious activity and what to report.

“All of a building’s occupants – not just the security personnel – should be educated and trained to look for possible signs of trouble, be it suspicious actions by other individuals or activity in and a facility,” the article reported.

Of course, it’s also vital that employees know exactly what to do in the event of an attack or another emergency. Regular training and drills for these events are important to protecting employees and customers.

The Tulsa and OKC security system specialists at Mac Systems can design, engineer, install, and maintain the best security system for your particular company’s security needs. We can help you assess your security risks and design a complete system that will help to minimize those risks and keep your business safe from attack.