As the Southeast braces for another season of intense storms, it’s the perfect time to talk about protecting access control equipment and keeping your security installations safe when Mother Nature decides to put on a show. Guardian Access Solutions provides commercial security access installation and maintenance services in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. From severe thunderstorms to hurricanes and tornadoes, all three states have their fair share of severe weather.
Guardian knows that lightning, severe storms, and hurricanes can pack a serious punch, so we’ve put together some tips to help you weatherproof your security installations.
Storm-Proofing Commercial Security Systems
A comprehensive security system includes industry-leading automated gate systems, access control, parking equipment, cameras, and overhead doors. We’ll break our weatherproofing tips down by access control category so you can keep them safe and working efficiently through good weather and bad.
Security Gates and Overhead Doors
- Apply a protective lubricant to all moving parts to minimize rust and corrosion. The lubrication also helps them open and close smoothly during harsh weather.
- Consider a backup battery or connecting electric gates to a generator to keep things moving if/when the power goes out.
- Secure swing gates at the end of the gate frame opposite the hinges.
- During severe weather, open and power down slide gates.
- Remove arms of barrier gates during high wind and store them in a wind-protected location.
Access Controls
- Install a protective covering to mitigate exposure to the elements and keep access control devices sheltered.
- Reinforce mounting brackets and hardware so access control systems can withstand high winds and heavy rain.
- Properly seal all openings and junction boxes to prevent water intrusion, which could cause electrical short circuits.
- Install surge protectors to protect access control systems from potential power surges from lightning storms.
- Verify your access control system’s backup power source is functioning properly. An uninterruptible power supply or generator is crucial for keeping your system operational during a power outage.
- Schedule regular maintenance and system checks to ensure everything is in tip-top shape. This includes:
- Checking electrical connections
- Testing battery backups
- Testing card readers, keypads, locks, and other components
CCVE/Video Surveillance
- High winds can cause cameras to shift, so secure them and adjust angles as needed to capture crucial footage.
- Properly secure and shield all cables from the elements. Storms can easily damage loose cabling.
- Surge protectors can help safeguard video surveillance systems from power surges during storms. Make sure your wireless signal strength is strong enough to handle stormy conditions.
- Consider upgrading to weather-resistant cameras if your location is a severe weather hotspot.
Secure Parking
- Make sure your parking equipment housing (on payment machines and entry terminals) is weatherproof and properly sealed to prevent water intrusion.
- Verify backup power systems are in working order and will continue operating during power outages.
- Secure loose items near your parking equipment as they can become projectiles in high winds.
Planning ahead and being prepared is the best way to minimize damage from severe weather. By taking these steps, you can protect your access control systems function optimally in every season.
The Power of Preventive Maintenance
Just like we visit the doctor for check-ups, your security installations need regular TLC too.
Before the storm, schedule regular maintenance checks with Guardian Access Solutions. We can check all electrical connections, test battery backups, and verify all parts are in working order. This includes systems we didn’t install, too. After the storm, look over your equipment for potential damage. Clear away any debris the storm may have blown up against your equipment, and if anything seems damaged, call the professionals at Guardian to take a look. We’ve made protecting access control equipment our priority for more than thirty years, so you can trust the security of your commercial premises in our hands.
Guardian Access Solutions keeps up-to-date with the latest equipment enhancements. We use access control manufacturers that offer new equipment with new designs, improved features and benefits, more efficiency, better durability, stronger integration, and more. Contact Guardian Access Solutions for a free proposal to upgrade your access control equipment and systems so you can keep your commercial premises safe and secure this storm season.
