How to Keep Your Business Safe in the Face of Heightened Threats

Having a visible security presence is an important way to keep your business safe, serving as a measure to prevent incidents before they even occur. Security personnel as well as technology act as a visual deterrent, control public access points to enable the orderly movement of people, and guard restricted access points to protect sensitive locations, equipment and VIPs. 

However, the visible side of security is just the beginning; when it comes to major incidents and emergencies, only a well-thought-out and properly executed escalation plan can protect your business, assets and employees from serious damage and harm. 

Businesses are facing growing threats

Regardless of whether it is referred to as an escalation plan, business continuity plan, disaster recovery plan, threat mitigation plan, or emergency response plan, its purpose remains the same—to safeguard your organization against critical incidents, including natural disasters, IT failures, and security breaches.

The importance of an escalation plan is highlighted by the growing threats businesses are facing. One report on the state of physical security for businesses found that 25% of respondents saw an increase in physical security incidents in 2023, while 32% said they experienced project delays because of physical security incidents, and 30% reported damage to assets. 

Why a well-thought-out escalation plan matters

A solid plan not only helps reduce incidents but also prevents situations from intensifying. It can also minimize the financial and practical burdens that inevitably follow such events.

Escalation plans ensure security personnel and employees know how to react in various scenarios, protecting both personnel and property. Quick, effective responses increase safety and help the business continue operating smoothly. In short, escalation plans are a centrally important part of any overall security program.

Effective escalation plans require back-up support

Having an escalation plan means your on-site security personnel are not acting alone; they are supported by a back-up control center, where they can periodically check in or request assistance. If they don’t check in as expected, an appropriate response is triggered to secure the safety of both the client and the officer.

Security personnel also have the option to reach out to support staff when they’ve witnessed suspicious or illegal behavior, suffered an injury or health issue, engaged in an altercation, discovered damage to property, and encountered someone suffering an injury or health issue. The support staff then choose how to respond to the situation, which might include sending more personnel or contacting emergency services.

Building a rock-solid plan

Here are a few of the key components your plan should include:

Pre-determined protocols: For an escalation plan to function properly, all departments and employees must be informed on protocols, including the company’s executive team. The plan should also designate specific roles to specific stakeholders in the event of an emergency as well as a back-up person, and these individuals should be given decision-making authority to carry out all aspects of their role. 

Built-in flexibility: While some scenarios allow for precise protocol planning, emergencies and incidents can take many forms and evolve as they unfold. That’s why response plans need to be flexible. Situations such as fires, medical emergencies, hazardous spills, power outages, natural disasters, and labor disputes all require adaptable strategies. 

Contingency funding: Emergency responses also typically require ad hoc spending, so contingency funding should be identified and set aside. Where the funding will come from and who has the authority to spend it should be clearly documented. Insurance can help, but not in the immediate aftermath of a crisis.

Ensure your escalation plan is thorough by testing it

Ideally, testing should occur in three phases

1. The first is a thorough plan review by all the stakeholders.
2. Then, it’s important to conduct a "tabletop test" during which all the stakeholders, whether in a meeting or on the phone, walk through specific scenarios.
3. Finally, there should be a simulation test in which stakeholders actually perform their roles for a particular type of emergency, such as a fire drill.

Following any escalation plan test, you can document the steps taken, evaluate how it went, and revise as needed.

Want to know more about escalation plans or learn how we can help?

At GardaWorld, security is our expertise, including reliable escalation plans. If you're looking to strengthen your security strategy with a rock-solid escalation plan, we're here to help. Contact us today.