Let’s face it – we’ve all made adjustments for the economic downturn. Many businesses are in high gear with a new mix of strategies and tactics for what is happening in today’s marketplace. Staffing levels have been trimmed. There is more work to do, and fewer staff to do it.
Management professionals, nimbly doing more with less, are quickly modifying business security systems to function as remote management surveillance systems. Adding these management tools to an existing security camera system is one oversight element used to juggle more direct reports at multiple locations and keep tabs on off-site locations in times of emergency.
Some wearily wonder what more can go wrong when business is anything but usual. That’s an excellent planning question. Let’s look at how prepared you and your team are to manage a natural disaster onsite or at on or more remote locations.
As most of world witnessed in recent years, careers have been made and lost based on critical performance during severe weather related conditions, natural disasters or other states of emergency. Take steps now to create awareness, readiness, preparation, communication and accurate information gathering, the hallmarks of successful emergency management.
First, don’t assume that your company’s security, safety and emergency policies and procedures are top of mind with your employees. Memories do fade quickly. Create awareness and a sense of urgency to get and stay prepared. An employee emergency preparation training update can be executed quarterly with a simple power point webinar, though some teams will require live onsite training.
Second, get current. It is important to walk through all elements and documents of the emergency plan with key personnel in place today. Inspect the emergency plan paper binders and make sure they are up to date – staff will go to the hard copy when the power fails or the server is down; clarify emergency procedures and reporting systems. It is critical to make these updates after a staff reduction or when an on-site management position is vacant. Be sure that all contact information for the on-site emergency response team is accurate, well detailed and shared with team members. Clearly define a communication plan that includes a reporting chain of command in an emergency so they will know what they can handle independently and when to call you immediately.
Finally, getting back to business after an event is the third critical piece of the plan. Update documentation and procedures to include a “before”, “during” and “after” emergency response check list for personnel and facilities. Include a post event inspection checklist used prior to re-opening and ramping up post emergency operations.
Begin your plan now to stay in touch and in control during an emergency. Inspect back-up emergency power for critical systems. Business security systems can continue to provide real time and DVR recorded footage of your site(s) in times of crisis when properly engineered with back-up power support. Cameras can be protected with high impact, durable housing that will often withstand severe weather related conditions, natural disasters or other states of emergency.
Plan to remain calm and informed using your internet remote surveillance system. In earthquake prone greater Los Angeles communities like Beverly Hills and Malibu earthquakes are an expected business occurrence. The only question remaining is how big, when and where. In the Southern California communities of Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties wildfires are common during dry Santa Ana wind conditions. Successfully managing a crisis or emergency requires pre-planning, continuous communication and up to date accurate information. A well engineered remote internet security system is an important tool for keeping you in touch, informed and better managed during times of threat and emergency.
About The Author
Teresa Penza, founder and President of NetCam LA, has been in the security industry for more than 10 years. She has designed and engineered business security systems for a wide range of small business, retail, warehouse, commercial, industrial, government and healthcare applications. A partial list of Net Cam LA clients include Starbucks, Victoria’s Secret, Blockbuster, Taco Bell, Emerson, Closet Maid, Los Angeles County, ML King Hospital, UCLA Hospital and ADP Tax and Financial Services. You can visit her at the NetCam LA website www.netcam-la.com.
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