As a business owner, you need to do everything you can to protect it. Many people focus too much on cybersecurity today, completely overlooking physical security. If you own a brick-and-mortar business, physical security is just as important as cybersecurity is. You could argue it’s more important, since damage to your brick-and-mortar location or thefts from it could put you out of business permanently. Protecting brick-and-mortar sites is also a lot harder than websites and digital assets. This post will explore this topic in more detail, explaining six facts that you need to know about business security.

1. Regular Risk Assessments

One of the best things you can do as the owner of a brick-and-mortar business is to pay for regular risk assessments. Having regular risk assessments performed can give you an opportunity to identify areas that need improvement, i.e., faulty alarms or windows that are not properly sealed. Finding companies to perform risk assessments won’t be difficult. A simple internet search will yield information on all relevant companies in your area. Make sure you hire the one with the best reputation and most consistent reviews. You also need to find a company that’s actually licensed to perform risk assessments. Most companies’ licensing status can be found on the header or footer of their homepage.

2. Protecting from Theft

Theft should be one of your main concerns as a business owner. While it is true that insurance companies compensate business owners when things are stolen from them, the process of making a claim for compensation can be extremely stressful. Rather than waiting until after things have been stolen from you, take pre-emptive steps to prevent thefts from occurring in the first place. The best way to protect against theft is to buy an alarm system as well as some cameras. A robust security system will deter theft since criminals don’t want to be caught on camera. Don’t compromise on the quality of your business’s security just to save money. A defense system equipped with cameras and alarms is going to cost a lot of money but it’s one of the best investments you can make and will save you a lot of money over your business’s lifetime, especially considering increasing property crime rates.

3. Fire and Natural Disasters

Fire and natural disasters should also be a concern of yours. They are, sadly, the hardest things to protect against. Fires can be especially damaging since even with sprinklers in place they can spread out of control. If you live in a part of the country that’s prone to natural disasters, i.e., the Midwest, natural disaster protection is very important. There are companies you can hire who will come to your business, inspect it, and identify areas that need immediate improvement. Definitely work with a company like this so that you can ensure your business is fully protected. Make sure that in addition to taking measures to protect your business (and limit any potential damage from fire and natural disasters), you take out an insurance policy. An insurance policy will ensure that in the event damage occurs, you will be fully protected and compensated, preventing you from sustaining financial losses.

4. Investing In Quality Equipment

You need to make sure you have quality equipment protecting your business, i.e., cameras and alarms. Ensure the cameras you have are HD so that they capture any thieves’ faces clearly. In the past, business owners have been unable to take legal action against criminals because their camera footage was too blurry to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the people arrested were guilty. There are companies that specialize in security equipment. Partner with one of these organizations and pay them to protect your business. You also need to make sure that you have alarms. Your business’s alarms need to alert police officers. Typically, alarms are monitored around the clock by private security firms. If alarms go off, these organizations then notify the police. Consider also investing in a security guard. Dogs can complement physical security efforts, making them a worthwhile investment. Security guards and dogs can be very expensive. Only pay for them if it is financially sustainable to do so.

5. Understanding What the Risks Are

Every business has its own unique risks. For example, businesses located in the heart of the Midwest are in danger of being struck by natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes. Conversely, businesses in crime-ridden urban areas are more at risk of being burgled and robbed. Before you can buy security equipment, you need to make sure that you identify your business’s unique risks. If you have no idea how to do this, you can get in touch with a private security consultant and pay them to work with you. A consultant will be able to take a walk through your business, identify risks, and provide solutions. The good thing about consultants is that in addition to offering solutions, they can put you in touch with security firms in your area, helping you to get all of the equipment you need.

6. Making Sure You Have Insurance

Finally, make sure that your business has insurance. Insurance isn’t going to deter criminals or stop a fire from occurring, however, insurance can ensure you are financially compensated in the event that something does go wrong. There are probably many different insurers active in your state, so find the one that’s right for you. A good way to do this is to use comparison sites. Comparison sites will list all of the advantages and disadvantages of working with specific providers. In addition to using comparison sites, make sure you read the reviews of your chosen insurer. An insurer’s reviews will give you a glimpse into what working with them is going to be like. Finally, think about cost. Find an insurance policy that you can afford. Many insurance companies offer very reasonable rates to business owners, so you shouldn’t have a hard time doing this.

You need to keep your business safe. If security is not something you have ever had to think about before, get in touch with a risk assessment consultancy firm and find out what your business needs to improve on in order to be completely protected. Also, take some time to think about equipment and ensure you have the best possible alarms and cameras you can afford protecting you.