Risk Reporter for Camps and Conference Centers
Spring 2016 Vol. 10, Issue 1
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EmailProtection (security management)
Camp and conference center security management systems are evolving
The best way to protect your facility from crime is to put a security management system in place.
Many camps and conference centers today have the typical combination of alarms, locks, gates and monitoring equipment.
But those aren’t always enough. These days, you need to add proven security practices and procedures to complement your safety equipment.
You should conduct a thorough security assessment of your buildings and grounds, for example.
It’s not uncommon for conference centers to ask their local police departments to perform a security vulnerability assessment of the center.
Likewise, camps can request a similar appraisal from park rangers or the sheriff’s department in their area.
Either way, emergency personnel can show you where your buildings and grounds are most vulnerable. It’s a good idea to take photos of those areas too, so you can address the issues later.
You can create security teams, too.
Many camp directors recognize the importance of security teams. Many times, these teams include camp counselors and staff members who can quickly report any suspicious activity on or around the campground.
Often during a camp activity, a counselor will be the first to notice a problem. For that reason, camps are including them on in-house security teams.
Conference centers are assembling in-house security teams as well. These teams are generally made up of conference center employees, because they are familiar with the center and can identify potential risks as they occur.
Many camps and conference centers now equip their key staff members with earpieces and two-way walkie-talkies, so they can quickly report suspicious activity to a supervisor.
If possible, hire trained security professionals. Campers, employees, attendees, visitors and volunteers will all feel safer when they see a guard on duty. Having security people walking your buildings and grounds will also help deter crime.
Another security trend at campsites today is the addition of 24/7 digital surveillance cameras. Having strategically placed cameras both indoors and out can be a powerful deterrent to vandals.
Did You Know?
PROPERTY PROTECTION TIP
Today, camps are taking a closer look at their overall security. While there are several ways to review program security, it is good to start with assessing a program’s vulnerabilities. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) has developed a systematic assessment process. Log on to www.nfpa.org.
