No-one likes audits.
It is an intimidating process with bookkeepers scrutinising every little thing you did and every single cent you spent. It serves an especially important purpose, though, and helps keep your company on the right track to achieving success.
“Doing an audit of your home and business security systems at this mid-point of the year could play just as important a role,” said Charnel Hattingh, group head of communications and marketing at Fidelity Services Group.
“By asking the right questions you can quickly find out what parts of the security system you installed is still working and what aspects may need to be repaired or even replaced.
She explained where homeowners should look and what questions to ask when doing a mid-year audit of the security measures installed at your place of work and at your residence.
“In both cases, it helps to look at the exercise through the eyes of a criminal. How easy would it be for you to break into your own home or even at your office? What are the immediate security flaws you see that could give an unwanted visitor easy access.”
Some of the security audit questions to ask of your residence:
- Do all the alarm sensors still properly work and detect when a door or window is opened and closed?
- Can you see any of the alarm system’s wires that may be frayed or broken?
- If you experienced recent heavy rains or extreme weather, have you checked that all outside elements are still in good working condition?
- When last did you replace the alarm system’s battery back-up? Batteries have a finite lifespan and offer an important buffer when there is any kind of electricity disruption
- Does your wall or security fence still effectively prevent anyone from gaining access to your property?
- Does your armed response company still have your latest contact details?
- And, have you assessed whether its monitoring centre still receives any panic alarms or other emergency communication from your system?
“When it comes to the security of your place of work it can also help if you ask these very questions,” said Hattingh. “There are other things to consider as well, depending on the size of your company and the type of industry you work in.”
Business owners should consider if they have consulted a legal expert to confirm all security measures that are legislated for your industry are in place. Be sure to do an induction course or even a refresher session with your staff to show them how they can help protect the company. Remember where the panic alarm buttons are.
“Make sure all CCTV cameras are still working and effectively recording movement at the office,” said Hattingh.
“Meeting with fellow business owners in your area to discuss security and safety concerns for the area could be helpful. If you are not sure where to start or what to look for, please contact your armed response company today. They can send a technician or a consultant to give you advice on what to do and what to fix.”
