Stop Shoplifting-4 WC blog 374
Checkpoint Security System-3
Weather Emergencies And Other Crisis; How Do You Prepare, Respond, Recover and Do You Still Stop Shoplifting? Part 3
In Parts 1 and 2 of this series on Emergencies and Crisis that can impact a retail store, I spent time sharing a number of stories of incidents I have dealt with as a Loss Prevention Manager. I also talked about how store management needs to be aware that if a store is open pre or post emergency, there still needs to be an awareness of the need to stop shoplifting if possible and keep Checkpoint Security Systems operating until a store closure is necessary.
Checkpoint Security Systems are the first line of defense to stop shoplifting. The pedestals at the doors can detect electronic article surveillance tags on merchandise and sound an alert and activate flashing lights so employees can respond and prevent a theft. Many EAS hard tags are tamper proof and will alarm if someone tries to force them off of a piece of merchandise. While staff are busy trying to react to crisis situations, the Security System maybe the only thing to prevent shoplifters from cleaning out a store.
In creating an emergency action plan for your store keep in mind that each store is different and varies in building layout, number of staff members, number of managers, locations of exits and so on. It is also important to remember a store in Wisconsin doesn’t need to plan for a hurricane but a store in Florida should put this near the top of their planning. So here are some tips for things to include in your action plans as you complete them:
• Remember that the protection of employees and customers should be your number 1 priority. All other things regarding the protection of property and merchandise are secondary concerns. Keep this in mind as you begin your planning.
• If the emergency is a hurricane, in most instances you will have advance warning through tropical storm watches and warnings which grow into hurricane watches and warnings. Make sure your employees know you are monitoring the situation. If employees are getting nervous as the storm nears and they ask to leave so they can get their families to a safer location, allow it. I have seen the effect anxious employees can have on those around them and it can be infectious. You don’t want that as you are preparing for the event. The same can be true for severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado watches. It may be difficult to run the store with fewer people but in the long run you help yourself.
• When there is advance warning, start to shut down non-essential equipment to avoid power surge damage and if possible cover those items with plastic bags to protect against water damage in case of roof leaks. Leave enough cash registers operating to serve customers and don’t power down your Checkpoint Security Systems until absolutely necessary. If patrons are still in the store potential shoplifters are too and you need it to stop shoplifting while running through our preparations.
• For emergencies that give little time to prepare, have an emergency binder and make it a daily task to review how to respond to a different contingency and once you have reviewed everything, start over. Repetition helps reinforce information and makes it easier to respond.
• Have Flashlights located near an emergency binder in multiple locations in the store. One at the service desk, one at a fitting room, and one in your stockroom. Place a first aid kit at each location and if possible an AED kit (Automated External Defibrillators). I would also recommend a small fire extinguisher at each of these places too.
• Have a pre-planned safe place where you will send your customers and employees in the event of a tornado. If you have a lot of people to protect, find an interior room or location that is away from doors and windows.
• For building evacuations due to fire, gas leaks, earthquakes, etc. have a pre-planned rally point that all employees know about. This allows the manager on duty to account for everyone or identify if someone is missing and report it to authorities.
• If at all possible have an emergency generator hooked up to a natural gas source that can run a few registers and lights if power goes out so you can run your business and not lose all business.
These are only a few suggestions to put include in a plan. It is important to keep in mind that a store should have a more detailed action plan in place. Just remember customer and employee safety is first but don’t forget that it is important to try to stop shoplifting at the same time, if at all possible.
Need information on Checkpoint Security Systems? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
In Parts 1 and 2 of this series on Emergencies and Crisis that can impact a retail store, I spent time sharing a number of stories of incidents I have dealt with as a Loss Prevention Manager. I also talked about how store management needs to be aware that if a store is open pre or post emergency, there still needs to be an awareness of the need to stop shoplifting if possible and keep Checkpoint Security Systems operating until a store closure is necessary.
Checkpoint Security Systems are the first line of defense to stop shoplifting. The pedestals at the doors can detect electronic article surveillance tags on merchandise and sound an alert and activate flashing lights so employees can respond and prevent a theft. Many EAS hard tags are tamper proof and will alarm if someone tries to force them off of a piece of merchandise. While staff are busy trying to react to crisis situations, the Security System maybe the only thing to prevent shoplifters from cleaning out a store.
In creating an emergency action plan for your store keep in mind that each store is different and varies in building layout, number of staff members, number of managers, locations of exits and so on. It is also important to remember a store in Wisconsin doesn’t need to plan for a hurricane but a store in Florida should put this near the top of their planning. So here are some tips for things to include in your action plans as you complete them:
• Remember that the protection of employees and customers should be your number 1 priority. All other things regarding the protection of property and merchandise are secondary concerns. Keep this in mind as you begin your planning.
• If the emergency is a hurricane, in most instances you will have advance warning through tropical storm watches and warnings which grow into hurricane watches and warnings. Make sure your employees know you are monitoring the situation. If employees are getting nervous as the storm nears and they ask to leave so they can get their families to a safer location, allow it. I have seen the effect anxious employees can have on those around them and it can be infectious. You don’t want that as you are preparing for the event. The same can be true for severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado watches. It may be difficult to run the store with fewer people but in the long run you help yourself.
• When there is advance warning, start to shut down non-essential equipment to avoid power surge damage and if possible cover those items with plastic bags to protect against water damage in case of roof leaks. Leave enough cash registers operating to serve customers and don’t power down your Checkpoint Security Systems until absolutely necessary. If patrons are still in the store potential shoplifters are too and you need it to stop shoplifting while running through our preparations.
• For emergencies that give little time to prepare, have an emergency binder and make it a daily task to review how to respond to a different contingency and once you have reviewed everything, start over. Repetition helps reinforce information and makes it easier to respond.
• Have Flashlights located near an emergency binder in multiple locations in the store. One at the service desk, one at a fitting room, and one in your stockroom. Place a first aid kit at each location and if possible an AED kit (Automated External Defibrillators). I would also recommend a small fire extinguisher at each of these places too.
• Have a pre-planned safe place where you will send your customers and employees in the event of a tornado. If you have a lot of people to protect, find an interior room or location that is away from doors and windows.
• For building evacuations due to fire, gas leaks, earthquakes, etc. have a pre-planned rally point that all employees know about. This allows the manager on duty to account for everyone or identify if someone is missing and report it to authorities.
• If at all possible have an emergency generator hooked up to a natural gas source that can run a few registers and lights if power goes out so you can run your business and not lose all business.
These are only a few suggestions to put include in a plan. It is important to keep in mind that a store should have a more detailed action plan in place. Just remember customer and employee safety is first but don’t forget that it is important to try to stop shoplifting at the same time, if at all possible.
Need information on Checkpoint Security Systems? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
