Security considerations for home-based businesses in Riverside, CA

For small businesses in the Riverside, CA area that choose to work from their home many essential items are needed to get set up: computers, fax machine, paper shredder, desks, increased Internet speeds and storage for inventory just to name a few. However, many forget the added security needed to properly secure your investment.

When looking into home security for your Riverside, CA home based business, having alarm system is only the first step of creating a secure and safe environment within your home. Home security is a mindset, more than it is a piece of equipment, because it represents a process of thinking that includes a safety, security, peace of mind and anticipation of situations that may be devastating to your home based business.

Here are a few useful tips to consider for security of your home based business.

Consider What You Are Protecting!

Beyond taking steps to protect your home and family, when you choose to have a home-based business the scope of protection becomes greater. Computers, equipment, products and documentation can be a significant investment for setting up a home-based business in Riverside, CA. During a home invasion or catastrophic event such as a fire, irreplaceable items such as paperwork and computer files could post a financial burden; or even shut the business down.

Insurance can replace computers, equipment and products but will not be able to replace paperwork and programming. You should also take into consideration that if you are storing customers credit card numbers that appropriate PCI compliance guidelines are followed. During a home invasion the breach of that stored data could propose financial liabilities they can easily reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Take Advantage of the Latest Equipment

If a tree falls in the woods does it make a sound? By that same token if a security alarm goes off and nobody hears it… Does it do you any good! When choosing a home security service for your Riverside, CA home based business, it’s important to make sure that you utilize technology that allows communication beyond the audible experience, to that of notification.

With rapid developing technology in this area you can now receive alert notifications via a pager system or smart device… As well as direct communication in to the emergency dispatch center in your local area (where available). We are also highly recommending the use of HD cameras around your Riverside, CA home based business. There is no greater asset to public safety officers and insurance investigators than a quality video recording of the incident taking place.

When strategically placed around your Riverside, CA home you can really help provide the necessary information to help take criminals off the street, as well as, help fire investigations determine the cause of the fire based upon video evidence. Spend a few extra dollars to get the off-site recording that is gathered through Wi-Fi so that, regardless of the outcome of an incident, you still have the video evidence to help you in your insurance claim.

Choose the Best Security Service, Not the Cheapest.

While it is tempting for home-based businesses in the Riverside, CA area, especially those just starting up, to look to cut corners on their overhead; security is not the place to cut. Choose a company that puts your home based business security in the hands of those with rapid response capabilities, don’t be afraid to step away from the name brands for this reason. Don’t rely on the statistics that the national chains provide but rather look for independent reviews of their response time and performance.

NOTE: Many national chain home security companies advertise instant response; however, independent studies have found that most national chain home security company’s response time averaged 90 seconds after the alarm went off. Then, even after the alarm was sounded, a passcode process needed to take place that, at times, might be difficult to remember with 115 dB worth of sound blaring in your ear. Not to mention 90 seconds is a lifetime if there is an aggressive intruder in your home or a grease fire burning.

Local based companies in the Riverside, CA area (which we admit are very few) have response averages that are faster than those national chain home security companies. Some local home security companies have worked with their local public safety divisions to establish a direct tie into the local 911 emergency dispatch system. While this level of direct response is still developing it’s definitely something to look for; it means a direct line of communication to those that have the ability to help. If you decide to use a national home security service be sure to research their claims independently to make sure that you’re getting the best quality service for your Riverside, CA home. (Your life might depend on that!)

Take the Common Sense Approach

We all hate nosy neighbors here in Riverside, CA; but for hundreds of years they’ve been the best line of defense against home intruders and fire. In our attempt to shut out the nosy neighbor we have isolated, at times, our homes with high fences, high hedges and heavy foliage; while this might give us a greater sense of privacy it also creates the perfect storm for home intruders. We recommend a more moderate approach with low fencing, waist high bushes (8 to 10 feet or more from the home) and keep the trees trimmed. Home intruders in Riverside, CA will typically skip the home that presents the challenge, targeting those homes that they can practice their craft without being discovered.

Get Some Light on the Subject

Utilizing landscape lighting for your to illuminate the front of your Riverside, CA area home not only makes the home very attractive, but also makes it less desirable for home intruders.

Around the back and sides of the home, put in motion sensors with spotlights that are 10 to 12 feet off the ground. Shadows are the home intruders friend, utilize lighting that overlaps as to not cast shadows making it more difficult for intruder to find a way into your home through the shadows. Again, the end result is to make your home less attractive for those that may be looking for an easy target.

When Experience Counts

Precision Sign and Graphics is a locally owned and operated sign company that utilizes the latest technology, top industry graphic design talent and state-of-the-art equipment and materials to produce our the very best product available in the Riverside, CA. area (or anywhere else for that matter). We seek to build long-term relationships with our customers by treating every customer with respect, understanding the diversity of opinions and a partnering mindset desiring to see your business succeed. Call to let us quote your next sign project today!

Useful Links

For more information or to contact us for a Free Quote: CLICK HERE

To find the answers to some of our frequently asked questions: CLICK HERE