Early morning and late night shifts are likely quiet times for your business, as customers have yet to arrive or have just left. However, it is also the time when you’re most vulnerable to break-ins and other types of criminal activity. Whether your employees are the first to arrive or the last to leave, having opening and closing procedures can help protect your staff and your business.
Here are some security guidelines to consider as part of your opening and closing procedures.
Opening and Closing Checklist
Prior to entering, have the manager drive around the premises, look for suspicious activity, and check the entire location before others enter.
Offer ongoing employee training on safety and security, especially for those who may work during opening or closing.
If possible, have at least three people to open and close, including a manager. Consider having a security guard as part of your opening and closing crew.
One hour prior to closing, move all employee vehicles close to the exit door.
Thirty minutes prior to close, check the entire location and make final trash disposals, and take a cell phone or headset with you.
Lock all doors after checking areas where someone could hide, such as storage areas, closets, and restrooms. Be sure to take a phone or headset with you.
Count money only after all customers and employees who are not closing are gone.
Do not allow anyone inside the premises once the doors are locked.
Ensure no employee (including managers) stays in your business location alone.
In addition to your daily security tasks, it’s important to establish relationships with local law enforcement to ensure they are familiar with your business and can respond if something appears out of the ordinary.
At Folks Insurance Group, we can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 631.589.5100 or send us a note at jfolks@folksinsgrp.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected!