Business owners across the nation have been affected negatively in recent months. The COVID-19 pandemic closed many businesses or completely changed their way of operations. Just as businesses were beginning to reopen, riots and looting have left many businesses dealing with smashed windows, and stolen equipment.
The Impact of Riots and Looting on Businesses
Apart from big businesses that have been hit recently, small business owners and mom-and-pop shops have experienced property destruction and damages. Many business owners have expressed despair and devastation over the hit, especially while many are still weathering the storm that is the coronavirus pandemic.
It is difficult to predict when a riot will occur or which businesses will be targeted. Generally, riots and looting target businesses and properties by virtue of their closeness to the heart of the riot, not the type of business. Because of the uncertainty of it, business owners need to be prepared at all times for potential dangerous events that put their businesses at risk.
What can business owners do to protect their valuable assets and livelihoods during periods of rioting and looting? Highlighted below are some steps businesses can take to protect their assets during these periods:
Make an assessment of your property for vulnerabilities.
Part of being prepared for an emergency is understanding where you are most vulnerable. Do a thorough evaluation of your property, including the surrounding businesses, parking lots, alleys, and streets. Which one has a higher risk? Where are the gaps in your security? Take action now to put security measures in place. This information will also be helpful when hiring a security guard company to protect your business from looters.
Remove valuables and money from the premises.
Cash, merchandise, and equipment should be removed from the premises to whatever extent possible. Removing valuables beforehand will minimize your losses if your business becomes a target. If you do remove your assets from the property, post signs that indicate that there is nothing of value on the premises. Although not a surefire deterrent, looters may be less inclined to target your business if they know that anything of value has been removed from the store.
Do not attempt to handle looters on your own.
Although the desire to protect your business may be strong, do not attempt to deal with looters yourself. Without the proper tools and training, you run the risk of seriously injuring yourself and others. If the situation is uncontrollable, your property could become the easiest target.
Instead of taking laws into your own hands, hire temporary security guards to protect the premises. Expertly trained guards know how to handle emergency situations such as rioting and looting. They have the professional skills to prevent looters, deescalate threats, and act with composure in the face of dangerous or uncertain situations.
Contact local authorities for further guidance.
Look to local authorities, including police and fire, FEMA, and other city officials for guidance. Your local officials and community organizations can educate you on the emergency response protocols in your area and plans specific to the current unrest. They may also be able to provide you with resources for protecting your business now and picking up your business later.
If you own a business in a city experiencing riots and looting, contact Ranger Security Agency today to learn how you can get qualified, competent security guards on-site to protect your business. Our team can deploy guards when and where you need them for temporary and short-term assignments. With Ranger Security Agency, you can rest assured that there is a security professional standing guard to protect your valuable assets.
Contact Ranger Security Agency today for affordable and reliable security guards to protect your business from riots and looting in Houston, Austin, and Dallas.
