HOMELAND SECURITY REPORT: Buildings’ Security Systems Are Still Less Than Secure a Year After 9/11

NEW YORK—The one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks has come and yet the faltering economy has kept building owners and managers from totally revamping their security systems. Cost-cutting has left little money for security equipment upgrades, according to OnlinEnvironments by Syska Hennessy Group.

Officials from the consulting firm, which specializes in designing fail-safe security systems, say an effective security program must have policies and procedures that include proactive evaluations, first-aid training, and safety instructions from police and fire departments. Above all, companies should be able to determine the number of employees, the size and type of facilities and the communications systems required to sustain a minimal level of functionality. These continuity plans go hand-in-hand with security system upgrades.

Security dealers can help existing and potential customers by offering the following steps to improve security for all types of businesses:
1. Advise clients to conduct background checks on anyone having access to sensitive data, funds or equipment.
2. Help determine who can access the building. In multitenant buildings, the management company can issue everyone the same key card to closely monitor who is entering and exiting the property.
3. Offer to update the CCTV system with digital video recorders (DVRs) so archives are stored on a CD. (No need to change cameras, monitors, cables and power supplies already in place.)
4. Advise clients to additionally protect building entrances with barriers to create a standoff distance from the building.

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