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While no two small businesses are the same, they share commonalities when it comes to what they want in a security system. Most small business owners want to do three things:

• Protect their people, property, and assets from fire

• Protect their people, property, and assets from theft

• See what is happening in their business even when they aren’t there

Protect their people, property, and assets from fire

Protect their people, property, and assets from theft

See what is happening in their business even when they aren’t there

With these basic needs in mind, here are some common features you should look for when setting up a small business security system.

Fire Prevention

Fire prevention is one of the first needs small business owners must tackle. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), your local Authority Having Jurisdiction, and your insurance company will let you know what type of fire protection system you are required to have in your business to meet national and local codes.

Fire protection systems include:

• Smoke detectors – Smoke detectors emit a local alarm to alert people in the area of the detector to evacuate.

• Fire extinguishers – Fire extinguishers are used to extinguish small fires with jets of water, foam, or gas.

• Fire alarm systems – Fire alarm systems usually consist of one or more smoke detectors that connect to a central alarm system. If smoke is detected by any of the detectors or if someone manually activates the system, visible and audible warnings will sound to alert people throughout the building to evacuate. The system may connect to a central monitoring station, which will alert the proper authorities to respond.

• Sprinkler systems – Sprinkler systems help keep the fire from spreading through a building by spraying water in an area where a high temperature is detected.

Smoke detectors – Smoke detectors emit a local alarm to alert people in the area of the detector to evacuate.

Fire extinguishers – Fire extinguishers are used to extinguish small fires with jets of water, foam, or gas.

Fire alarm systems – Fire alarm systems usually consist of one or more smoke detectors that connect to a central alarm system. If smoke is detected by any of the detectors or if someone manually activates the system, visible and audible warnings will sound to alert people throughout the building to evacuate. The system may connect to a central monitoring station, which will alert the proper authorities to respond.

Sprinkler systems – Sprinkler systems help keep the fire from spreading through a building by spraying water in an area where a high temperature is detected.

Theft Prevention

 A small business can best tackle theft prevention with security cameras and sensors.
Security cameras are a small business owner’s best friend. At a minimum, they should be placed at the main entrances and exits of your building.  If you are running a retail business, you should also place them by the cash register and in the stock room.

In addition to cameras, small business owners can also use security sensors to prevent theft.  The most common sensors chosen by small business owners are door sensors, window sensors, motion detectors, and glass break sensors.  

Convenience Is Now in Your Pocket

With today’s technology, keeping an eye on your business even when you aren’t there is easier than ever.

Fire alarm systems, cameras, and sensors can all connect to your security system through wired or wireless technology so you can monitor them through your smartphone.  This will allow you to arm and disarm your security system, lock and unlock doors, receive instant text alerts when a sensor goes off, and watch surveillance videos, right from your fingertips.

Ensuring the safety and security of your people, property, and assets is an important part of managing your business. Fire and security systems today offer more features and are easier to use than ever before.

Contact FSS today for a customized security plan to protect your business.