The holiday season is a time for relaxation, joy, and family gatherings. Yet, for businesses, it often becomes a period of elevated risk. Extended closures, empty offices and warehouses, and reduced vigilance make commercial properties easy targets for thieves and vandals.
Crucially: Do not rely solely on basic security measures. Your holiday security strategy must be proactive and comprehensive.
Why Holidays Are “Prime Time” for Criminals
During the holidays, criminals exploit several key factors:
- Fewer People Around: With less staff present, there are fewer eyes, fewer patrols, and less oversight.
- Predictable Closures: Business closing schedules become predictable, making properties easy targets.
- Longer Opportunities: Thieves have more time to plan and execute their actions without immediate capture risk.
- Distracted Services: Police and security teams may be stretched thin by other festive events or emergency calls.
Your Essential Pre-Holiday Security Checklist: 7 Steps to Protection
Here is your complete holiday security checklist to ensure your business stays safe while you celebrate.
Step 1: Check and Update Physical Security.
- Locks & Windows: Make sure all doors and windows are securely locked. Consider adding extra locks for back entrances or gates.
- Lighting: Test all outside lights. Install motion-sensor lights to deter unwanted visitors.
- Fencing: Confirm all fences and gates are solid and working correctly.
Step 2: Improve Your Video Surveillance.
- Camera Function: Verify all cameras are working, providing clear images, and covering the right areas. Clean lenses if needed.
- Backup: Ensure all recordings are backed up to the cloud or other storage.
- Blind Spots: Find and fix any areas your cameras cannot see.
Step 3: Set Up Proactive Remote Guarding Monitoring.
Just having cameras is not enough. You need a system that takes action, not just records.
- Remote Guarding: Use services like OHZ Remote Guarding, where human experts monitor AI-verified alerts instantly. This provides efficient business security.
- Live Intervention: Furthermore, ensure your security solution allows for immediate two-way audio intervention (voice-down) to deter intruders before they cause damage. This greatly improves prevention.
Step 4: Create a Clear Emergency Plan.
- Contact List: All key staff (management, local authorities, OHZ contacts) should have up-to-date emergency contact information.
- Response Plan: Establish a clear plan for what to do if an incident happens (who to call first, who to notify).
- False Alarm Protocol: Train staff on how to handle false alarms. This prevents “alert fatigue” during busy holiday times.
Step 5: Protect Valuables and Sensitive Information.
- Cash & Inventory: Remove all cash from registers. Secure high-value inventory in locked rooms or off-site.
- Data Protection: Make sure all computers are shut down and sensitive physical documents are locked away. Implement strong cybersecurity measures.
Step 6: Inform Your Staff (If Applicable).
- Awareness: Remind any essential staff working during the holidays about heightened holiday security risks.
- Reporting: Encourage prompt reporting of any suspicious activity.
Step 7: Do a Final Walk-Through.
- Before Closure: Before the final holiday shutdown, have a manager or security personnel conduct a full walk-through. Ensure all items on this checklist are covered.
- Check All Entry Points: Pay special attention to less-used entry points such as loading docks, back doors, and roof access.
Don’t Just Monitor, Prevent: The OHZ Remote Guarding Difference
Relying on old-school business security during the holidays is a gamble you cannot afford. OHZ Remote Guarding offers more than just surveillance; we provide active deterrence and real-time intervention. Our AI-powered remote monitoring, verified by human experts, ensures potential threats are found and stopped before they turn into losses.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing your business is truly secure, even when you’re not there, is invaluable.
Get Your Free Security Assessment Today
Don’t leave your business exposed this holiday season. Contact OHZ Remote Guarding for a free, no-obligation security assessment. We will help you identify weak points and put in place a proactive solution tailored to your specific needs.
