7 Security Tips for Security Guards

April 18, 2022

As a security guard company in Los Angeles, you face various risks in the workplace and out of the workplace. To help protect others to the best of your abilities, you need to make sure you and your security guards feel safe too. Whether you are private security companies in Los Angeles or public security companies in Los Angeles, your main goal is to keep everyone involved safe. While each working environment presents its challenges, there are numerous steps you can follow to perform at the top of your game. Allied Nationwide Security knows that there will always be different situations ahead of you, there are still things you can prepare ahead as a security guard company in Los Angeles. Today we encourage you to read ahead for 7 ways you can keep your security guards safe, so they can keep the people around them safe too. 

Plan ahead

While most people are afraid or dislike to think about the worst-case scenario in situations, as a security guard, you need to be prepared for any event that may take place while you are on duty. If you face a tough challenge, you need to know how to handle it. So, at Allied Nationwide Security, we always advise you to plan. Take notice of where the exits are if you are in an event setting. How fast can these exits be reached from different spots? If you work as part of a security team, be sure you all work on a plan together for all types of risks, so you can all perform like a well-oiled machine when the time comes.

Get to know your environment

To perform at your best, you should learn the ins and outs of your setting. Walk your patrol routes during quieter periods or even before you are scheduled to be on duty to familiarize yourself with any obstructions, stairways, doors & exits, and safety hazards. All of these will affect how you can move through the setting in an emergency, and you should also keep on top of any structural changes that take place.

Wear body armor you may need

Depending on the setting you work in, and the crime rates in the local area, you’ll face different risks. At Allied Nationwide Security, we know that in Los Angeles, many different types of security guards are used for many different types of occasions. For example, if you work in a mall with a high number of armed robberies, you may be more at risk for possibly encountering gunfire than in a safer location another different security guard may work. Various types of body armor are available for security guards that are designed to defend against specific threats. Ranging from knives & spiked weapons to guns. Each type of armor is rated at different levels, based on the amount of protection they offer, so be sure to wear the vest best suited to specific threats.

Avoid faulty equipment

While your training as a security guard is a key factor in your safety, your equipment also plays a vital role in your everyday work. To be at the top of your game, you should avoid using damaged or unsuitable equipment whenever possible. If you find yourself asked to carry a radio with erratic functionality, you should tell someone immediately. If you are wearing a protective vest with holes or rips, or any other item you believe could pose a risk to your efficiency and security, raise your concerns with a manager. You need to feel safe to protect others.

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Check any vehicles in your control. Depending on the type of security work you provide, you may need to drive from time to time. While you’re driving, the vehicle itself is your place of work and you should use it to protect the people around you. You should ensure it offers a high level of safety at all times. Before you get behind the wheel, make sure you check the vehicle inside and out. Be sure to check the tires, look for fluid leaks, take note of any damage that may affect its performance, and make sure the headlights and brake lights work as they should. You should also make sure mirrors and seats can be adjusted safely to accommodate your needs.

Know your limits

While people depend on you for safety and security, you should never put yourself in danger unless unavoidable. Though you may be tempted to act the hero and confront dangerous individuals, you need to observe and assess situations thoroughly before you make a decision. If you can handle a situation without getting close to a risky individual or group, then you should. If you believe people may be in danger, including yourself, call the police or other emergency services as required. If you feel unsafe, that means it is time to call for backup.

Be sure you have security accessories supporting you

As we mentioned the importance of using safe, reliable equipment before, we’ll look at additional equipment designed to help you stay safe. Regardless of the environment, you work in, make sure all the items you need to support you are present: cameras to record situations or altercations, radios for communicating, alarms to keep you safe, working phones again for good communication, and hidden cameras on your uniform, if needed for your specific assignment. While you may not use all of these on a day-to-day basis, you should ensure all are in full working order, in case a situation arises that you did not think would take place. They can help you perform at optimum efficiency, and keep yourself, and others, as safe as possible.

We hope that these 7 tips can ensure optimal efficiency while working in the field. Allied Nationwide Security is your number one security service that serves Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Please visit our website or contact us at alliednationwide.com for more information.