It can be challenging for Florida office building owners to keep their buildings safe, especially when the time changes to Daylight Savings Time. As the days get shorter and it gets darker earlier, people who leave their offices late may be more vulnerable to security risks. It is critical for the safety of your tenants, your protection as a landlord, and the reputation of your property that the building is visibly safe at night. The end of Daylight Savings Time every year is the perfect time to conduct an annual security check of your office property.

To improve security, here are a few important things to keep in mind.

Shine the Lights on Your Property: Why Good Lighting Makes All the Difference

Show your tenants that you have their security at the top of your list by keeping your property’s exterior lights shining brightly after sunset. Exteriors and parking lots that are well-lit will not only make your tenants feel safer, but they’re more likely to scare off anyone looking for easy targets. 

• Evaluate and improve: Carefully evaluate the current lighting systems you have in place and mark the spots that need to be better illuminated. In addition, ask your male and female tenants where they think the lighting could be improved.

• Think about color and brightness: Use LED lights because they are bright and last longer. Keep in mind the surroundings of the area you are trying to light and consider if some lights need to be brighter, whiter, or another color that makes it better to see within the context of the surroundings. 
• Scheduled maintenance: Create a regular maintenance schedule to ensure all of the lights on your property are working properly. In addition, make adjustments to the on/off schedule to accommodate for the beginning and end of Daylight Savings Time. 

You could also take this opportunity to check on and update other timer-reliant systems you may have in place such as sprinklers, electronic door access, and interior lighting. 

Advanced Surveillance: How Cameras Help Deter and Solve Crime

Security cameras do two things: they are a powerful deterrent and if a crime is committed, they can provide clues that could solve the crime and identify the suspects. 

• Strategic placement: Position cameras at all entrances, exits, parking lots, elevators, stairwells, and hallways to ensure all strategic access and connecting points are covered. 
• Leverage technology: To make sure your camera captures what it needs to see, consider motion sensing and night vision technology. 
• Access and monitoring: Set up systems that allow you to live stream and view your property remotely in real-time, and make sure that police can quickly access video footage if they need to.

On-the-Ground Security: The Human Side of Safety

• Well-trained security guards add a human deterrent that cannot be achieved by technology alone. They can help tenants feel safer by responding right away to any issues and they add an extra set of eyes on the ground that help thwart crime in a way that cameras and surveillance cannot. 

Communication: Keep Tenants Up-to-Date and Involved

Let them know security is a top priority and show them what actions you are taking to optimize security at your property. Keep your tenants in the loop about the security measures you are implementing, establishing clear lines of communication to report any issues. 

What Technology Can Do for You: Automation and Efficiency in Security

Security technology has come a long way over the past few years. When evaluating security solutions, consider a comprehensive system instead of purchasing components ad hoc. A complete protection system will not only work better together, but it will also likely be less costly. 

• Complete protection: For comprehensive security, install a security system that includes cameras, alarms, remote live stream access, and entry controls. 
• Mobile solutions: Consider apps on tenants’ phones that let you know about problems, allow quick communication for alerts, give them access to entry systems, and send them tips.

With the recent time change, now is the perfect time to walk your property and see how lighting and security could be improved. A safer, more secure property will protect you, your property, and your tenants.