Worldwide, millions of people will practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:20 a.m. on October 20, 2016, during The Great California ShakeOut. Participating in the annual event is a great way to make sure you are prepared to survive and recover quickly from substantial earthquakes – whether you are at home, at work or traveling.

Does this scenario sound familiar? You relied on your security services provider to hire the best staff and ensure everyone received the right training. But a handful of them have already quit and moved onto the next company, leaving your facility’s security at risk. New security professionals are being hired and trained, but the gap in security has you feeling uneasy. Your expectation was that you would have a consistent security presence.

Whether you are securing an extended corporate campus or a facility that closes at the end of the business day, it is important to ask yourself this question: Does security extend far enough? A comprehensive security program must address all aspects of your property – at all times. Areas that are out of sight for you and your employees or stakeholders are never out of the minds of criminals. The back hallways, the far parking areas, the facilities closed for a plant shutdown or just overnight are vulnerable if not included in your security plans.
 

With new threats emerging every day it is critical that security officers maintain a constant state of vigilance. When violence erupts in our communities it is an important reminder that we must all See Something, Say Something, and work together in these challenging times.
 

The security officers that we rely on every day are such an expected part of our society that they sometimes go unnoticed. But who are these individuals? 

The security professionals patrolling a transit station or monitoring access at an office building could include a college student, retiree, transitioning military sergeant and a young professional will management aspirations.

Recent events have made terrorism a critical issue. As the world changes, so must our planning and preparedness efforts. Active shooter events have received much media attention and are an overwhelming cause for concern in terms of workplace safety. While it can be difficult to predict an active shooter event, that does not negate the need for preparedness. When workplaces are prepared to respond, through planning, practice and drills, the potential for consequences of violence and disruption in the workplace can be lessened. 
 

You have real opportunities to improve your organization’s readiness to manage a crisis. Developing emergency preparedness plans is critical, but a challenge arises when the planning efforts end with the plan creation. While it is better to have a plan than to be completely unprepared, a constant state of readiness is only possible if the plan is challenged and practiced.
 

There is an even greater need for security today than ever before. Emerging threats, coupled with a stronger emphasis on safety and evolving business environments, have prioritized the need for security.

You worked late. As you get into your car in the parking lot, you answer an incoming email. The car door is unlocked as you sit behind the wheel focused intently on typing your response. Then suddenly, a gunman jerks open the car door…

Two important concepts are at play that led up to this personal crisis: dissociation and its accompanying lack of vigilance. Being prepared for emergencies and crises of all sorts requires readiness. 
 

Security is important, especially in today’s environment. Hiring a security company to protect your business is a step in the right direction. However, making the wrong choice could be detrimental. In order to maximize the safety of your employees and facilities as well as your investment, here are a few questions to ask before hiring a security guard company.