Benefits of Security Cameras

It is impossible to hire enough physical security officers to monitor an entire facility and all its employees every second of every shift. True, with adequate money and resources, hiring sufficient officers is possible, but even the most qualified cannot be everywhere at every moment.

Cameras can monitor operations 24/7 without issue. The surveillance equipment does not get tired or need breaks like the human staff. Because of the extensive costs of fraud, theft, and workplace accidents, cameras are necessary for most operations. Employers and business owners thinking about installing a monitoring system should consider the many benefits security cameras offer:

1. Theft Deterrent

The primary advantage of installing cameras is the ways these devices help deter crimes. Theft is a significant issue, affecting even businesses with limited high-value assets. When people know cameras are monitoring the area, they are more likely to keep their hands in their pockets.

2. Workplace Safety

Cameras deter all sorts of criminal activity, including unauthorized access. Employees may feel safer working in a facility that prioritizes surveillance because they know a monitored environment is less likely to experience break-ins or physical altercations.

Also, when workers know cameras are present and recording, they may be less prone to accidents. Team members are less likely to become complacent regarding required safety practices, and this helps reduce accident risks.

3. Fraud Deterrent

Security cameras also provide an effective fraud restraint. Many businesses have experience with false injuries, insurance claims or lawsuits alleging poor working conditions. Cameras can document every square inch of a facility, keep a daily account of existing conditions, record worker behaviors and make fraudulent claims less likely.

4. Insurance Premiums

Some business owners don’t realize that installing cameras can lower insurance premiums and costs. Many insurers offer 5% to 20% discounts for companies with integrated security systems, including cameras.

5. Improved Productivity

Cameras can also help improve worker productivity. When management can review worker activity, it ensures all team members maintain focus on their jobs. Employees are less likely to take longer breaks or pause for distractions when they know they are on camera.

Regulatory Concerns of Security Cameras

Many companies struggle with how much they need to explain to employees. While the laws requiring consent for recordings vary from state to state, employers are generally encouraged to inform all employees of security cameras in and around the facility. For more information about legal requirements, management should consult an in-house legal team. However, an easy practice is also the most honest: Businesses can post signs informing all employees and clients that surveillance cameras are in use on the premises. Check out ComplianceSigns.com for all your security signage needs.

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Addressing Laws Regarding Guns in the Workplace

A recent article in EHS Today looks at this situation in some detail, and uncovers just how complicated it can be for employers who want to keep guns out of their workplace. For example, most states agree that property owners can restrict firearms in the workplace, but storing a handgun in a privately owned vehicle parked on company property is an entirely different matter. More than 15 states have laws addressing guns in the workplace, including laws that protect an individual’s right to own firearms. 

These gun laws may address the following:

• An employee’s right to store firearms in their private property or vehicle while parked in the employer’s parking lot
• The limited ability of an employer to search parked vehicles on the premises
• The ability of employers to prohibit firearms at the workplace if sufficient notice is posted
• The prevention of discrimination against gun owners
• The possibility of fines for failure to follow the state’s laws regarding firearms
• Immunity from workplace injuries if the employer complies with gun laws
• Allowance of guns at the workplace without violation of the OSHA Act

Today 26 states have “parking lot laws” that allow employees to keep legally owned guns in their vehicles, although specifics vary greatly from state to state. Parking lot exceptions can address: 

• Where a lawfully-owned firearm is stored and secured
• Where an employee can park within the employer’s parking lot
• How a firearm is transported in a locked, privately-owned vehicle

Employers may prevent firearms at the workplace under certain parking lot restrictions, including:

• Employer-owned vehicles
• Illegal possession of firearms per state
• Restricted access parking lots 
• Access to temporary secured storage prior to entering the employer’s parking area

Establishing Sound Firearm Policy in the Workplace

If an employer wants to restrict weapons, it is important to develop and distribute a policy addressing weapons possession on its premises. Proper signage is required in many states, as well. An effective workplace weapons policy should be clear and easy to understand, cover all acts of violence, prohibit employees from carrying firearms in the workplace as allowed by state law, have procedures for employees to report violent acts, and set disciplinary action for those who violate the policy.

Weapon Safety Signs:

If you’re thinking about how you can address employee weapons on company property, this article is a great start to help you understand the situation, legal complications, and what you can – and can’t – do at your workplace.

What OSHA Says about Workplace Violence

There are currently no specific OSHA standards for workplace violence. However, under the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are required to provide their employees with a place of employment that is “free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.” The courts have interpreted OSHA’s general duty clause to mean that an employer has a legal obligation to provide a workplace free of conditions or activities that either the employer or industry recognizes as hazardous and that cause, or are likely to cause, death or serious physical harm to employees when there is a feasible method to abate the hazard. OSHA has developed Enforcement Procedures and Scheduling for Occupational Exposure to Workplace Violence, which provides guidance and procedures to be followed when conducting inspections and issuing citations related to the occupational exposure to workplace violence.

OSHA identifies four types of workplace violence that companies need to address to help keep employees safe:

• Stranger violence – Random acts, such as robberies, when employees have contact with the general public
• Client and/or patient violence – Some workplaces have higher risk: hospitals, social services, government offices, schools, correctional facilities
• Employee violence – Interactions between employees and/or employers
• Personal violence – Typically involves someone who doesn’t work for you, but has a relationship with an employee

Resources:

• Read the full article here.
• Visit the OSHA Workplace Violence page.
• Guns in the workplace review (pdf)
• Browse No Weapons signs and labels.

The post Guns in the Workplace: What Employers Can – and Can’t – Do appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Don’t make your jobsites attractive targets. Here are five security tips to prevent jobsite equipment theft and keep your projects going as planned.

Identify Equipment Theft Risks Unique to Your Site

Every construction site has a unique set of risks the manager needs to account for. Specific pieces of equipment or areas of the site might be more vulnerable to theft than others. Evaluate your site and identify these high-risk areas. These items tend to get stolen the most:

• Skid steer loaders
• Wheel loaders
• Backhoe loaders
• Utility vehicles (trucks, ATVs, golf carts, etc.)
• Compressors
• Push/riding mowers
• Tractors

You also have to pay attention to the smaller details. Thieves don’t always target a whole vehicle. Sometimes they’re looking for specific items:

• Tools
• Wheels/tires
• GPS systems
• Gasoline
• Seats
• Tailgates
• Catalytic converters

It’s safe to say all of these items – both big and small – play important roles on your site, so you need to take measures to protect them. The easiest thing to do is create an inventory. Know the exact number of mowers, tractors, and other assets your site has and count them at the beginning and end of every day.

Communicate With Your Team

Get your team involved in security efforts to prevent jobsite equipment theft – and lighten your workload. Tell your trusted employees about the site’s security risks and encourage them to take extra precautions.

On the flip side, you also need to identify untrustworthy employees who might give friends access to the site and its equipment. You can’t fire them based on suspicion, so build rapport with them and monitor their job progress to deter them from making the wrong decision.

Make it clear to your staff that you take safety and security seriously. Post signs with clear images around the site that remind everyone about the consequences of thievery. Hold weekly meetings about safety rules. With enough reinforcement, your team will feel compelled to adopt your safety-first mentality and work with both eyes open at all times.

Illuminate the Site

Darkness is a criminal’s best friend, so naturally, you should eliminate darkness from your jobsite as much as possible to help prevent equipment thefts after hours. Use these security devices to illuminate your site when workers aren’t around:

• Light towers
• Motion-sensor lights
• Floodlights
• Spotlights

Light towers can stay on all night, while the other devices have specialties that will make your security harder to predict. For example, you can adjust the direction of floodlights and spotlights and randomize their timers every day so thieves can’t pinpoint a specific time or place to launch their plans.

Consider adding video cameras and/or security camera signs to deter would-be thieves and prevent jobsite equipment theft. Construction site warning signs that direct visitors to a security office can help control unauthorized people from entering. And Do Not Enter and No Trespassing signs are proven deterrents that prevent people from entering a jobsite.

Lock Down Your Equipment

Every vehicle mentioned earlier should have some sort of security device to lock it in place while not in use. Lockout/tagout procedures can be used to help prevent unauthorized equipment usage for everyone, including workers. You can also protect your equipment with these devices:

• Locks
• Chains
• Steering wheel locks
• Brake/clutch locks
• Wheel clamps
• Immobilizers

These devices will keep your equipment locked in place and stop thieves in their tracks. You should also give each piece of equipment an ID number to make it easier to identify in case a thief manages to steal it.

Use Fleet-Tracking Technologies

If a thief bypasses your security and steals something from your site, tracking technology is the only surefire way to get your equipment back. A fleet-tracking telematics system tells you when and how your equipment gets used, plus the exact longitude and latitude of each device. This system will not only prevent thievery but also discourage unsafe operating habits.

Some systems also have a geofence with virtual GPS boundaries. If a machine exits the boundaries, you get a notification via email or text message and can respond to the problem more quickly.

Secure Your Site to Prevent Equipment Theft

You can’t cover every risk on your construction site, but you can address the most problematic areas, communicate with your employees, and secure your equipment on the site. Thieves will see your well-maintained site and look for an easier target. Go the extra mile to complete these tasks and secure your site’s success.

Construction Site Security Resources:

• Equipment theft trends and information
• Construction site thefts increased during the pandemic
• Construction Safety signs
• Trespassing and Security signs

About the Author:

Evelyn Long is the editor-in-chief of Renovated, a web magazine for real estate and construction professionals.

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As soon as anyone reaches your property entrance, their safety is your responsibility. Your commitment to safety should be evident as soon as your facility is in sight. Here’s how you can make a great first impression as people arrive on your property.

Front Gate

Your front gate is literally your first impression, so make it a great one! Make it easy for anyone arriving to understand where they need to go. If your facility has certain restricted areas or areas that require PPE, the front gate is a good place to make that known. When people don’t understand where to go, they can get frustrated and end up exactly where they shouldn’t be. Having the right signage at your front gate can start off their visit on the right foot.

Parking Lot

According to the National Safety Council, there are an estimated 50,000 crashes in parking lots every year. A lot of that is due to distracted driving. Making things clear for your visitors helps eliminate distractions and keep everyone safe. Here are just a few of the signs and markings your parking lot should have displayed.

Fire Lane Signs

The last thing you need if the unthinkable should happen and a fire breaks out, is to deal with cars blocking the fire trucks’ access to your building. Those precious minutes lost could cost lives. Fire lane signs and ground markings can clearly show that area as off-limits for parking. 

Parking Prohibited Signs

Other areas may be unsafe (or simply inconvenient) for parking. Marking these areas with signs makes it easy for drivers to understand that they should not park there. It helps to avoid confusion and possibly danger. 

Reserved Parking Spot Signs

Reserving some parking spaces for certain groups can be a great way to show your business cares about people. Here are just a few examples. 

• Handicapped Parking
• New and Expecting Mother’s Parking
• Military Veteran’s Parking
• Employee of the Month Parking
• Family Parking

Customer/Visitor Parking Signs

Do you have specific parking spots where you’d like your customers or visitors to park while they are at your facility? Don’t make them guess, mark them with signs so they can leave their car and be confident that they didn’t just park in an employee’s spot or some other off-limit parking space. 

Directional Signs and Stencils

Help visitors know which way to go. If you have a directional flow to your parking lot, make it clear.  Someone going in the wrong direction can be a hazard to everyone. 

Speed Limit Signs

Posted speed limit signs serve as a good reminder to slow things down. People get distracted and tend to drive too fast in parking lots. Frequent speed limit reminders bring them back to what they are doing and pull that foot off the gas a little.

Pedestrian Crossing Signs

When it’s car versus pedestrian, it doesn’t usually go well for the pedestrian. Establishing pedestrian crossings helps both walkers and drivers understand who has the right of way. It also helps to limit the areas where pedestrians cross over traffic lanes.

Entrance and Exit Signs

This may sound too obvious, but you don’t want to forget this. Clearly marked entrances and exits save everyone time and frustration. When drivers have to search too hard for something, it takes their mind and their eyes off the road in front of them and that leads to accidents. 

Security Cameras

Using security cameras to monitor and protect your business property is a common practice. While it is not required by law to inform your employees, customers or visitors that cameras are in use, it is a good idea. Posting a sign that says “video camera in use” or “video surveillance in use” is not only courteous, but it can also reduce theft and vandalism simply by letting people know they’re being watched. If you want to keep it light, go for a “Smile! You’re on camera!” sign. 

Front Entrance

Your front entrance is another great place to make a positive safety impression. If your facility has any PPE requirements or restricted areas, this should be posted near your entrance. It’s also important to post wayfinding signage to help your visitors know where to go to find what they need. As long as they know where to go, they’re less likely to wind up somewhere they shouldn’t be that could be hazardous. 

Along with signage, keeping welcome mats near your front entrance not only helps the look but can reduce mud and water on the floor, reducing the risk of slips and falls. 

Restricted Areas

We’ve already said that you should mention restricted areas by the front gate or front entrance to serve as early warning, but the area itself needs to be very clearly marked. Be sure that anyone seeing your signs can understand who is and is not allowed to enter the restricted area and what safety hazards might be beyond that threshold.

Back Entrance/Loading Dock

You want to keep traffic flowing smoothly and safely behind your building as well as out front. Post signs to help delivery trucks find delivery entrances as well as loading and unloading zones. Keep your loading dock clearly marked so trucks do not back into it and your employees don’t go over the edge. 

Keep in mind areas where you do not want traffic or parked cars like fire lanes and in front of gates or doors. Clearly marking these areas can help avoid confusion. Even posting signs for wayfinding and identifying your trash or dumpster location can make it easier for people to navigate your backlot.

Amplify Your Safety Impression

Your company takes pride in nurturing a culture of safety. Put that on display for everyone who visits your facility from the moment they arrive. Go the extra mile and customize your exterior facility signs to add your company branding and amplify your safety impression. 

Proper signage and communication create an environment that is welcoming and encouraging. It shows that you take safety seriously and that’s a first impression every company should want to make.

Related Resources:

• 10 Ways Your Business Can Make a Good First Impression
• 8 Ways to Make a Positive Personal First Impression in Business
• Browse signs to help you make a good safety impression at ComplianceSigns.com

The post Making a Safety Impression: What People See When They Arrive On Your Property appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Many people assume workplace violence usually involves a worker seeking revenge for being disciplined or fired, but many cases involve something in a worker’s personal life spilling over into the workplace. Your company has nothing to do with causing the situation, but you’re right in the middle of the result. Under OSHA’s General Duty Clause, employers who do not take reasonable steps to prevent or abate a recognized violence hazard in the workplace can be cited.

If your company’s emergency action plan doesn’t already address workplace violence, you should begin to develop policies and procedures on the issue. Just as employees and supervisors need to know what to do when a fire breaks out, they should know what to do in a workplace violence situation.

The workplace safety experts at Safety Management Group in Indianapolis recently posted an article that shares sensible steps to prevent workplace violence. It’s well worth a read.

The post Plan Ahead to Prevent Workplace Violence appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

The victims were grateful they only lost their valuables. Many victims aren’t as lucky, in fact, the Justice Department has published much grimmer statistics. Employers have a responsibility to ensure worker safety on company property. Check these three cost-effective steps you can take to help keep your employees safe in the workplace.

Secure Your Parking Lot and Perimeter

As the Jacksonville case illustrates, company parking lots are one of the biggest safety risks for workers. Securing your parking lot and building perimeter is your first line of defense.

Install ample lighting to deprive criminals of concealment opportunities and make employees feel safer, recommends insurance provider Thomas-Fenner-Woods. Make sure your lighting is adequate to cover all areas of your outdoor perimeter, including corners and building entrances. Keep landscaping features such as trees and shrubs maintained to prevent these from being used as hiding places.

Another step you can take to make your company parking lot safe is invest in a commercial security monitoring service. A hybrid system provides the benefits of technology with a professional guard at a much lower cost than an on-site guard. Guards are professionally trained to contact law enforcement for quick response around the clock, and video is recorded just in case it’s needed by law enforcement later.

Post security and video surveillance signs at lot entrances and around the perimeter to make criminals think twice before attempting anything unlawful in your parking lot. Security notice signs are a proven deterrent to criminal activity, and also provide peace-of-mind to employees and visitors. Mount them on posts, fences or parking garage walls as needed.

Provide Secure Storage for Employee Valuables

Employee valuables such as smartphones, wallets, purses and jewelry can be a target for thieves and a source of anxiety for workers. Taking steps to protect valuable items can deter thieves and make employees feel more secure.

Encourage workers to leave valuable items at home or locked out of sight in their cars. Provide a secure, visible location to store valuables to help protect items that are brought into the workplace. Standard factory locks on desks and file cabinets are easy for thieves to break into due to standard keys and vulnerability to picking, cautions security firm Silva Consultants.

File cabinets used to secure low-value to medium-value items should be fortified with slide bars and high-security padlocks, while high-value items should be stored in burglary-rated files or safes.

Implement Safe Workplace Policies

Make employees feel safe at work by implementing strong policies to protect against workplace harassment, bullying and violence. An effective policy should be documented in writing and communicated to all workers as part of your on-boarding procedure. Specify how workers should report concerns about workplace harassment, threats or other security issues, and include the option of reporting concerns anonymously to a supervisor. Your policy statement should also describe what steps your company will take to protect employees.

The Society for Human Resource Management provides an online sample workplace violence policy you can use as a template. Talk to your company’s legal team about the wording of your own policy.

The post 3 Cost-Effective Ways to Help Keep Your Employees Safe appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Health Emergency Preparation

Make sure your staff and facilities are prepared for health emergencies:

– Employees have instructions for responding to health emergencies
– Instructions and emergency contact numbers are clearly posted
– Eye washes and emergency showers are inspected regularly
– First aid supplies are up-to-date and clearly identified with first aid signs or labels
– Employees have received “right to know” training on hazardous materials and how to find and use Material Safety Data Sheets

Fire Emergency Preparation and Prevention

Make sure that your fire prevention systems are in place and that you are prepared to respond to fire emergencies:

– Flammable materials are properly stored and labeled, safely away from sources of heat and sparks
– Sources of heat and sparks are shielded and kept clear from potential fuel sources such as paper and trash
– Fire extinguishers are accessible, identified and have been checked and maintained
– Fire exits are unlocked from the inside and accessible, with access to two exits from every point in the building and pathways to exits clear of obstructions
– Emergency escape routes are posted
– Smoke and sprinkler systems are installed and maintained, with batteries tested
– All fire exits and equipment are clearly identified with required fire safety signs

Overexertion Prevention

Overexertion injuries from activities such as heavy lifting are the most common cause of workplace injury claims, so make sure you have overexertion prevention measures in place:

– Employees who do heavy lifting and moving are trained in proper technique for injury prevention and in proper use of back support belts
– Remind workers of lifting policies with lifting and back belt safety signs
– Employees not capable of doing heavy lifting and moving are trained to leave these tasks to designated workers

Fall Prevention

Fall prevention is the safety violation category most cited by OSHA, so make sure you’re covered in this area:

– Floors provide good traction, with no loose rugs, bumps or other hazards that could cause falls
– Walkways are free of debris and spills, and are well-lit
– Materials for cleaning up spills are appropriate for potential hazards, spill kits are clearly identified, and employees are trained to clean up promptly
– Stairs are in good condition with no loose steps or handrails, clear pathways and adequate lighting
– Ladders are provided where needed and are well maintained

Vehicle, Equipment, Tools and Storage

Make sure your vehicles, equipment, tools and storage are free of safety hazards, and that employees are properly trained to use them:

– Vehicles are properly maintained and provided with maintenance logs and routine safety checklists
– Machines are in good working condition, with parts such as o-rings properly maintained and safety guards in place
– Personal protective equipment is provided, including hard hats, goggles, ear protectors, aprons, gloves and boots
– Tools are in good condition, including wires and cords
– Materials are stored in stable piles, with ladders provided where needed

Electrical and Lighting Equipment

Problems with electrical and lighting equipment can cause shocks, fires and falls, so be sure to take proper preventive steps:

– Grounds are provided for all electrical tools and cords
– Electrical equipment is in good working condition, including wires
– Wires are not routed over metal objects or through doors or windows
– Circuits are not overloaded
– Lighting is sufficient for tasks
– Emergency lights are installed and protected

Repetitive Motion Injury Prevention

Injuries caused by repetitive micro-tasks can lead to injury claims, so take preventive measures:

– Employees are trained in ergonomic performance of tasks, including when to take breaks and stretch
– Ergonomic equipment is provided
– When possible, employees who perform repetitive tasks are rotated through other tasks periodically during the day

Security

Burglaries, robberies and assaults are other hazards you should address:

– Outdoor lighting and landscape maintenance that deprives criminals of hiding spots
– Parking lots and building space is arranged so visitors and employees can be observed and cannot be trapped in closed spaces
– Outdoor and indoor security barriers and systems are installed and in working condition
– Employees who handle cash are properly trained
– Discreet, secure storage is provided for employee valuables
– Employees are trained in handling workplace violence
– Telephones are accessible from all work stations
– Security guard surveillance and buddy systems are set up

Compliance and Safety Signage

Safety signs and labels can play a major role in all these areas, but only if they are up-to-date, in good condition, and relevant. As your rules, equipment, facilities and processes change, be sure to consider the need for updated safety signs and labels, including:

• Medical / first aid equipment identification
• Fire safety signage
• Parking signs
• Machine safety notices
• PPE warnings
• Safety tags
• Restroom and other directional signs
• Custom signs for any need

The post What to Include in Your Annual Safety Inspection Checklist appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Statistically Speaking

Recent tragedies in the U.S. have made workplace safety and gun safety a central focus. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2006 to 2010, an average of 551 employees were killed as a result of work-related killings. Further, gun violence accounted for 78 percent of homicides at work.

When it comes to those who are licensed to carry a gun, 5.2 percent of adults in the U.S. have a gun permit and the number of concealed gun permits has dramatically increased from 4.6 million in 2007 to nearly 13 million in 2015.

In 2015, some 1.7 million new gun permits were issued — a 15 percent increase from the previous year. Suffice to say, more and more citizens are shopping for a firearm. With this in mind, employers are responsible for ensuring a safe working environment and adhering to guidelines that lay out safe concealed carry laws today more than ever before.

Rules are Not Hard and Fast

Employers must recognize that some of their employees may be licensed gun owners with concealed carry permits. So it is key to be knowledgeable about the importance of signage and other methods that clearly state carry policies and that guns or weapons are permitted on the premise.

Legal experts say there are no federal laws that regulate weapons at private workplaces, but some states have instilled “guns at work” laws, which protect staff members’ rights to carry concealed firearms at work. And while there are no federal laws that say it is an employer’s duty to prevent violence at work, employers do have a responsibility to provide an environment that is safe under the OSH Act.

Weapon Safety Signs:

Proper Precautions

Various states have different laws and require specific signs to be posted in the workplace regarding concealed carry rules. Further, many states have passed laws that prohibit workers from keeping firearms on the premises, even in a locked car.

Experts suggest that if you own a business where a Bring Your Gun to Work law has not been passed, you should continue to prohibit your employees from bringing firearms to work. Weapons policies should be clearly outlined in an employee handbook, as well as specific punishment for violation of the policy.

If your state does have a Bring Your Gun to Work Law, review the law to learn about your obligations and outline these in your company policies, signage and handbook. Remember, it is important for employers to protect the safety and the rights of all employees. And education is often the best first step.

Resources:

For a more detailed look at the laws in your state regarding guns at work, visit concealednation.org.
Browse a wide variety of weapons signs at ComplianceSigns.com.

The post Concealed Carry in the Workplace: Safety Measures, Laws and Best Practices appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Below you will find a brief discussion of security signs, an explanation of why and how they are used, and advice on how to make them the most effective at warding off unwelcome guests.

A Valiant Two-Dimensional Sentry

Security signs are like guards posted on duty at your home or business: they have the power to intimidate those not authorized to be on your property, simply by their presence. Signs, when combined with other boundaries such as fencing, enable you to mark your territory. And some – such as No Trespassing signs – are enforceable by law in some places, protecting you against legal retaliation if a person gets injured on your premises.

Surveys of convicted burglars demonstrate that prefer to steer clear of a house marked with signage simply because running the risk of tripping an alarm system or being caught on tape make it much more likely they will get caught, even if they are successful in taking your stuff. Security signs make the consequences of forced entry evident to would-be intruders.

Where and How to Place Security Signs

Security signs, especially video surveillance signs, should be placed conspicuously in an area with adequate light, near the exit and entryways of your home or business. More than one sign may be necessary since a burglar isn’t going to survey just one point of entry. A sign near the main entrance might not be the best option if other, more central areas offer more exposure.

Make sure the security signs are of a weather-resistant and durable material, and that they look professional and not out-of-date. It’s important as well to maintain the area so that vines or other foliage do not obscure the signs. In addition to security signs, stickers should be placed in windows and doors, especially in the rear and on the sides of your home, at eye level where an intruder will easily see them.

But Do They Work?

Those skeptical of the effectiveness of security signs alone might argue that since the practice has become common, burglars ignore them, suspecting that signs might be “just for show.” This criticism is not without merit, but for those who cannot afford video surveillance or alarm systems, this method of crime deterrence goes a long way.

Those who desire more peace-of-mind supplement their security signs with fully equipped business or home security systems. Such systems provide monitoring services that enable immediate dispatch of police, giving a sense of security that signs alone cannot always supply.

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