How Coronavirus is Impacting the Security Services Industry
In the wake of COVID-19, industries all across the country are faced with unprecedented challenges. In the security industry, we’ve seen a significant uptick in client requests during this time, as many essential facilities must remain open and continue providing services to their local communities.
At Signal Technologies, we want you to know that we’re taking all necessary precautions to protect our employees and our partners. We’re here for you during this challenging time. As one of our partner facilities, you can continue to count on us for the quality service and support that you’ve come to expect from Signal.
COVID-19 and Signal Technologies
When coronavirus first hit the United States, the team at Signal experienced a significant influx of calls. Our partner facilities suddenly had new security needs to cope with, particularly when it came to access control and wandering protection.
We received many after-hours calls from facilities that needed to update their campus access, locking doors which typically remain unlocked under normal operating conditions.
In many instances, healthcare facilities have had to make significant changes in order to care for patients and residents during the pandemic. We have worked with healthcare facilities to repurpose old rooms and expand existing areas to accommodate the need for social distancing, or bring units online quickly to address overflow needs. These changes and additions have led to an increased need for nurse call technology to give patients and residents the ability to reach nursing staff efficiently and reliably.
As the situation surrounding coronavirus evolved, our partner facilities began to receive guidance from government authorities regarding how they were expected to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many facilities needed to secure doors, introduce body temperature screening, rethink their approach to access control, and add more nurse call systems to accommodate their new capacities.
Each step of the way, Signal Technologies has been in regular contact with our partner facilities to discuss how we can help them cope with these new regulations. We’ve ensured that all of our technicians take the necessary precautions so that they can continue to work on-site. This includes wearing the necessary personal protective equipment, following guidance from our partners on where and when they can work, coordinating with facility staff escorts, and in some instances, working on exterior doors from outside of a facility to avoid ever having to enter.
Access Control and Security: What Your Organization / Facility Should Consider
Hospitals, long-term care facilities, universities, schools, private businesses, and other facilities are dealing with new security challenges as a result of COVID-19. Here are some considerations to take into account if you find yourself needing to make some updates to your security systems.
Some security systems use keypads to make changes to panels. Newer systems almost always have a hands-free credential that doesn’t require touching the panel to use. Modern systems also utilize software instead of manual entries at the doors. For example, when it comes to access control, a hand-free system allows facility staff to unlock doors using their smartphone. This hands-free approach helps to reduce the potential for infection, eliminating the need for a card reader or pin code system.
With a modern access control system, facilities can lock and unlock doors remotely and update access settings as needed. This reduces the need for staff to be physically present on-site to make system changes or unlock doors for employees outside of regular operating hours.
IP security cameras allow for 24/7 facility monitoring, something that’s more important than ever given the current circumstances.
Asset tracking and real-time locating systems (RTLS) technology allows for facilities to track and locate its residents, patients, and staff to help ensure they are all safe within the building.
These technologies keep facility occupants safe and allow for rapid response in a continuously evolving situation. If your facility doesn’t currently have these technologies in place and you need to update your security system, we’re here to help.
Signal Technologies: A Partner You Can Count On During the COVID-19 Crisis
At Signal Technologies, we understand the importance of safety, especially during these difficult times.
The health and safety of our clients and staff is our top priority. To that end, we continue to monitor the situation surrounding COVID-19 and maintain close contact with our partner facilities.
At present, we are fully operational and are continuing to provide our partner facilities with the highest level of service. We will communicate any changes to our operations immediately.
If you need to reach us at any time, we’re here for you.
Need Assistance? Contact Signal Technologies
We know that under normal circumstances, every facility’s needs are unique. This is even more true as facilities must cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. If your facility needs to increase security, update your access control system, introduce body temperature screening, or make any other changes to your security system, we can help.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you might have. You can reach our support team anytime day or night at 1-803-670-8805, or you can fill out our contact form here. We offer complimentary consultations and can help you talk through your security services needs. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you during these difficult times.