It goes without saying that good security measures are a necessity for businesses ALL year round. That means functioning CCTV, effective remote monitoring, access control, security lighting and more. However, at this time of year it is advisable to to ensure your security is maintained and fully optimised. Here are 7 simple Autumn Security Tips to consider…
Seasonal security measures are often neglected or overlooked, but as we edge into the colder, darker months it’s important that businesses start to think about specific changes to improve security during the Autumn season, that’s why Farsight wanted to share these Autumn Security Tips with you…
Below we’ve listed 7 simple Autumn security tips that we believe businesses should be looking at during the Autumn months, to make sure their security is still up to scratch:
1. Review security lighting
Security lighting is absolutely pivotal in Autumn. It can make a huge difference to how effective CCTV is. With the Autumn weather often meaning lower light conditions as the longer nights start setting in, it can mean the cover of darkness gets even longer for intruders to conceal themselves, security lighting can be a hugely important, providing effective security.
There are many types of lighting options available including LED and Infrared. In sensitive areas where light pollution needs to be minimised, Infrared (IR) lighting can be a good option. IR lighting can be picked up by CCTV cameras, but is invisible to the naked eye – meaning intruders are left in the dark but those monitoring your CCTV footage are not.
To help with lighting considerations, Farsight have produced a simple animated video about lighting and how our team can help you ensure your lighting is optimised:
Security lighting can have some further surprising benefits, that are applicable year-round but particularly during the Autumn and Winter months. Make sure you read our blog on the topic, covering Why security lighting makes all the difference
2. Check cameras are ‘all-weather ready’
Despite headlines seeming to, every year, claim that we will face months upon months of harsh weather it’s hard to predict whether we really will be in for tough slog throughout the Autumn and into Winter. It’s important sites are prepared for the worst to make sure their security systems do not go down come torrential rain, high winds or leaf drifts.
It’s essential that security systems are ready for any weather scenario. Make sure CCTV cameras are housed properly and that there is no risk of cameras coming loose or cables being disconnected.
Ensure the mechanisms of PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) CCTV cameras are still functioning correctly. Keep an eye out for any areas that may not necessarily cause immediate issues but may be detrimental if winds pick up. For instance, look for any wear and tear on cables and ensure the camera is still stable.
3. Remember the clocks go back
This one is surprisingly simple but is often forgotten. Make sure the time is updated on all security systems and CCTV cameras when the clocks go back. This year in the UK the clocks will go back on 31 October at 2am.
If you do not update the times on cameras, or if the time is incorrect, then it may make CCTV footage impermissible as evidence in court. If the end of summertime hours affect your business or if you are considering revised hours for the remote monitoring of your business, contact your remote monitoring station to let them know.
4. Check perimeters
Check all perimeters of a site. It can be surprising what Autumn foliage and leaves can conceal, whether it’s broken perimeter fencing or items left near to boundaries that could potentially make it easier for intruders to enter sites. It’s crucial that you check perimeters year round but particularly as the seasons change.
Check there aren’t any areas of your perimeters that simply need a bit of TLC. High winds may cause fencing to come loose or heavy rain may shift items near your boundary and cause on-going issues.
5. Essential Site Maintenance
If a site is not maintained effectively, your security systems may not work efficiently. For example, CCTV cameras are there to detect unwanted visitors, but if the surroundings are left uncared for they can start to detect other objects causing false alarms. Keeping your site maintained is essential which may include clearing way leaves blown on to your site. Animals and insects can also cause false alarms, as can wind blown flags and bunting as well as rubbish and loose objects.
Farsight’s YourSight fault reporting platform is also there to help you stay on top of this type of false alarm, reporting these in real-time to notify so you can action any repairs or maintenance issues that may affect your security optimisation. This video explains:
A poorly maintained site can lead to your security measures missing what they are really looking for and it is worth doing regular inspections of your site, especially during the Autumn season.
6. Check for Obstructions
Ensuring your CCTV cameras have a clear view is so important, as cameras allow your remote monitoring partners to see what is going on at your premises. If a camera image is dirty, distorted or obscured it can be harder for CCTV operators to help secure the premises.
Here are a view examples of issues that can cause obscured camera views: fallen leaves or foliage from overgrown trees or shrubs, cobwebs and spiders (which become far more visible in Autumn), and other insects or wildlife close the camera lens.
Our fault reporting platform – YourSight, can help you stay on top of anything that may obscure your cameras views, reporting Obscured view issues to you so you can take action to resolve them to get your security back on track and working efficiently. This video explains:
7. Check for Blind Spots
The above image shows how a objects on site can cause potential blind spots for CCTV cameras.
It is also worth considering if any obstructions such as rubbish, trees & shrubs, piles of leaves, vehicles parked close together, high sided vehicles or plant equipment or stock pallets. These can cause blind spots that can conceal intruders and obscure your camera’s line of sight. Again, regular site inspections are essential to ensure your sites are clear of any objects that can cause blind spots and reduce your security efficiencies.
Farsight’s animated video explains some of the main causes of blind spots in more detail, along with processes we have in place to help you stay on top of these:
The above 7 Autumn Security Tips are just some of the things you can do to ensure your site security is optimised this Autumn, but important ones that are worth taking the time to review considering the startling crime statistics that we reviewed in our article: 2019/20 Crime Statistics Revealed
Want to talk about optimising your security?
If you want peace of mind that your property, people and assets are being protected by proactively preventing incidents with CCTV remote monitoring, Fire & Intruder alarm monitoring or even Lone Worker Protection– we can help. Or if you are an installer looking to partner with us, we would love to speak.
Our remote monitoring experts are on hand to answer your queries and tell you about our cost effective remote monitoring packages, simply complete the contact form. Alternatively, feel free to give us a no obligation call on 0845 371 0101 or you can request a call back or complete the contact form below and we’ll be in touch…
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