These are difficult days. The Coronavirus Pandemic has pervaded pretty much every aspect of our collective lives. It’s a vicious virus and one that not only infects physically, but emotionally as well. This COVID-19 crisis has inflicted a lot of fear in people on so many levels. Staying safe is top of mind; enhancing security measures during these uncertain times can provide some much needed peace of mind at a time we all could use a bit more.

The shutdown of non-essential businesses have left many facilities vacant – and vulnerable. While business as usual has come to an abrupt stop for many, theft, vandalism and other crimes, sadly, have not. Perimeter protection is paramount for facilities, especially sensitive facilities that are now standing empty. Perimeter protection is also just as important, if not more, for those facilities that are essential – and open – but with far less staff on site. Although most organizations already have robust access control and video surveillance systems in place at their facilities, adding additional layers of security – and separation – during these difficult days makes good sense.

Those facilities that are remaining operational could benefit from installing temporary loudspeakers outside of their building. A calm voice can go a long way during a time of uncertainty. And, if someone unknown is trying to access your facility from an obvious point of ingress, such as the parking lot, the ability to have voice communication, even if only in one direction, can settle an unsettling situation. Outdoor loudspeakers can broadcast voice commands by a Security staffer over longer distances than normal. They can function as a stand-alone solution or as an add-on to an existing technology.

Two-way communications devices that feature an active speaker for high volume penetration and a microphone are another ideal option. Packaged together in a single, weather-resistant housing, they’re typically used in outdoor or wide area coverage applications, and feature both listen and talk-back capabilities.

Enhanced lighting can also go a long way in improving the security of entrances, particularly rear entrances or stairwells leading to employee parking lots, and particularly at night. Facility managers may want to consider replacing traditional vapor flood lights with bright BLUE flood lights as a way to create an enhanced sense of security and discourage unauthorized and/or suspicious people from trying to come closer. People are used to seeing an area or facility lit up with traditional security flood lights and, consequently, often don’t even notice them. But, areas lit up with blue security lights do prompt people to pause and likely avoid the area.

Now is the time to get creative with solutions that can add a layer of security and separation between your staff and anyone wanting to access your property. We at NextGen are here to help you stay safe. Contact us today to discuss viable options that are right for you and your facility.[vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html]