SA businesses urged to secure their premises over Easter season

Adam Samie, CEO of Lion of Africa Insurance

South African business owners are urged to take adequate measures to ensure that they are protected from the increased security risks associated with closing a business during the Easter season and other holidays. This is according to Adam Samie, CEO o

“Some of the biggest risks facing businesses tend to intensify over the holiday periods and weekends as many manufacturing premises are left unattended for an extended period of time.

“In the case of retail businesses, which experience their highest traffic volumes, daily routines are also often very different as higher levels of stock and cash are kept on site. This can result in a lack of accountability in terms of security on the premises while at the same time, an increased risk of burglary.”

Samie urges business owners to ensure that all security measures surrounding their premises are functioning. “This includes simple measures such as ensuring an alarm system is in good working order. This includes testing the alarm in a ‘real-time’ scenario so that you can also gauge the response time of the contracted security company.” He also advises that if possible, all visibly expensive materials or equipment should be packed away or removed from premises that will be left unattended.

Samie says that standard business insurance policies often do not contain exclusions for premises being left unattended over this period, but he warns that insurers do insist on adequate security provisions being in place for any businesses that do close.

“Apart from potential burglary, a building that is left unoccupied for an extended period of time is at risk of other damages such as leaks or even a fire that could go unnoticed. Business owners must take note of the location of their premises and make provisions for the risks that are specific to that area.

“For example, Gauteng's Highveld region is particularly prone to violent thunder storms over the festive season, which could lead to flood damage in an unoccupied business. From a Western Cape perspective, local businesses need to ensure that they have adequate fire safety mechanisms in place.”

In addition, Samie advises that offices that utilise electrical decorations at the end of the year to take them down before closing, in order to minimise the risk of any electrical fires. “Also ensure that any additional stock being held over the weekend or holidays is not blocking intruder alarms, sprinkler systems or fire exits.”

Samie has some key tips for businesses to limit any security risks. They include the following:

§ Make sure that your business is appropriately covered and that all premiums are paid and up to date.

§ Test all alarm and sprinkler systems and ensure that security is adequate.

§ Make sure that all electrical components are safely secured and unplugged to avoid any electrical faults or damage by lightning.

§ If you are taking on extra staff ensure you do proper background checks and train them in all safety and security procedures.

§ Implement a system whereby additional cash during peak business hours is regularly removed from your premises.