Any homeowner would agree that home protection and security guards are vital these days. From burglaries to property damage, choosing not to protect your home in some way is leaving you vulnerable to these types of challenges.
Moreover, you or your family could face potentially life-threatening circumstances without proper protection. People will sometimes hire residential security guards to protect their property from intruders or thieves if they don’t feel they can adequately defend themselves or their families.
Your home must be protected, as you likely have high-end, expensive items in your home worth a pretty penny. You want to ensure that you, your family, and your assets are safe and out of the hands of would-be criminals.
Suppose you’ve already hired a residential security company to protect your home. What should these guards be equipped with to perform their jobs well? What equipment is necessary for a home security guard?
Let’s discuss the role of residential security and six important steps you can take to properly equip your guards with the tools they need to protect you, your family, and your property.
The Role of a Residential Security Guard
Security guards have varying responsibilities for protecting your home, and there are many benefits to hiring one or more security guards. Some benefits include:
- Guards prevent crime by acting as deterrents to would-be criminals
- Guards can intervene if a crime is being committed
- Guards act as surveillance to the surrounding areas
- Some guards can take on more than just security responsibilities
- Guards can help to handle crises before emergency services arrive.
- Having residential guards provides peace of mind for you and your family.
The role of the residential security guard is multifaceted, but it all boils down to the idea that your home and family are protected during emergencies. However, to perform well on the job, home security guards need to have the necessary equipment.
Without any equipment, a security guard is not as valuable to you. Guards need to rely on certain types of security equipment to offer the best protection.
Steps for Equipping Your Security Guards
Let’s explore six necessary pieces of equipment that will keep your guard ready to handle any situation that comes their way. You must take these steps to equip your guard with the tools they need to handle crises.
1. Uniform and Protective Apparel
First and foremost, it’s vital to give your security guard proper attire to wear while on the job. Make sure they can easily be identified as a security guard, either with a patch on their chest or the word security across their back. This will help you and your neighbors identify them and know that they can be trusted.
Providing guards with protective apparel, such as bulletproof vests, comfortable footwear, and even ballistic helmets, for example, will help to keep them safe, especially if they face an intruder who has a weapon. If a lightweight, ballistic helmet is worn by a guard, the most vital organ, the brain, is protected. Be sure to equip your guard with enough protection, so they are kept safe as well.
2. First Aid Supplies
Suppose your guard gets a minor injury. In that case, having first aid supplies on hand will make dealing with those injuries easier.
Here’s what you may want to include in the kit:
- Bandages of all sizes
- Safety pins
- Alcohol-free cleansing wipes
- Antiseptic spray
- Painkillers or ibuprofen
- Tweezers
- Medical scissors
- Gauze
You never know what type of situation the guard will deal with in the future, but giving them access to a basic first aid kit is wise.
3. Lighting and Communication Devices
It’s a wise idea to consider installing a home security system that uses lighting as a criminal deterrent. However, it would be best to let your guard know that a security system is in place. Teach them how the system works and show them where you’ve installed security cameras.
Ensure that your guard is equipped with a flashlight so when they go on security checks around the perimeter of your home, they’ll be able to see during the night. Additionally, give your guard some communication device, whether a smartphone or two-way radio. This will make it easier for you to contact them, for them to contact you and keep an open line of communication.
4. Weaponry
Choosing to arm your home security guard is a decision you and your family will need to make together. Be sure to have an open discussion with your spouse about the benefits and drawbacks of arming your guard. Keep in mind that guards should be fully trained and skilled in using a gun if you decide that a firearm is necessary to protect your home.
If you’d rather your security guard not use a gun, you can equip them with other non-lethal weapons, such as batons, pepper spray, stun guns or others. It’s a good idea to give your guard or guards some self-defense weapon so they can protect your family and their own lives.
5. Surveillance Equipment
A major responsibility home security guards have is surveilling your home and the area surrounding your home. They should always be on high alert and remain vigilant, as it is their job to protect your property.
If you have a home security system, make sure your guard has access to any video feeds that capture your home. They may be able to spot an intruder that slipped past your front gate and call the police immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to home security, and keeping your guard in the loop will make it easier for them to perform their duties.
Keep these steps in mind when equipping your home security guard with the tools they need to protect your home successfully.
Equip Your Guards for the Ultimate Home Protection
Residential security guards are necessary for some homeowners, especially those who live in high-end, expensive neighborhoods. If you don’t have a guard, consider getting one to protect your home. If you have hired a security guard, be sure to follow the tips above and ensure they’re equipped with the tools they need to protect you and your family.