The job of a security guard has become more important than ever as the world fights COVID-19. Around the globe, security guard companies are stepping up with increased surveillance to keep businesses, schools, and neighborhoods safe. Here at Apex Security, we are enhancing our service offerings to provide key protection for essential businesses by offering security guards to screen people seeking to enter buildings by taking their temperatures and providing hand sanitizer.
Security officers are often the first responders to local and national crisis situations, and COVID-19 is no different. Today, officers are taking on the additional responsibility of measuring the body temperature of each visitor and employee who enters a building. Temperature Check Stations are set up at every entry point to the building. Apex Security Guards also ensure that no one enters the office without using sanitizer, and wearing a mask, if the business requires it. An elevated temperature is one of the first signs of novel coronavirus, so security guards prevent any person with a temperature higher than 98.6 degrees from entering the building. Our Orlando security guards wear masks and gloves while providing the screening and sanitizing service. Guards also inform employees and visitors of the workplace policies that reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission while in the building.
While protecting property and employees from COVID-19, it’s also vital that security guards follow safety protocols. Each Apex Security team member follows these Center for Disease Control (CDC) law enforcement and security protocols:
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of COVID-19. The symptoms may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms after exposure can appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days.
- Protect yourself from exposure. Try to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other persons, particularly those exhibiting the above symptoms. Practice proper hand hygiene and do NOT touch your face with unwashed hands. Have trained EMS or EMT personnel assess any persons who are suspected of having COVID-19 and have them transported to a medical facility. Know your agency’s plan for exposure control.
- Recommended Personal Protection Equipment: At a minimum, have disposable latex gloves, disposable single use isolation gown, coveralls, NIOSH approved particle respirator and protective eyewear. And use them! They do you no good left on your belt or in your vehicle.
- If close contact is made with any individual suspected of having COVID-19, clean and disinfect your belt and other gear prior to re-use. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the product label. Follow standard procedures for the containment and disposal of a used PPE. Follow standard procedures for containing and laundering clothes. Avoid shaking the clothes. Make sure that you document any possible exposure.
The Department of Homeland Security classifies “Private Security Guard Forces” as a critical infrastructure sector. Our security company is fully operational during this crisis. During the COVID-19 crisis, Apex Security is not only continuing to provide exceptional service to our clients, but we also are assisting in community and government efforts to combat the novel coronavirus. Each member of the community can assist in our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent the disease from harming more people in Central Florida. Remember to be aware of who you are coming in contact with and watch for signs of exposure. If you are a Central Florida business owner, feel free to reach out to Apex Security for help in keeping your premises and employees safe. Each individual has a part to play in combating the coronavirus and keeping our Central Florida community safe, so stay safe and stay healthy.
For more information visit the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-law-enforcement.html
Do you need security guards to staff Temperature Check Stations at your Central Florida property or business? Protect your employees, clients and guests by reducing potential exposure to the deadly novel coronavirus. Contact us at Apex Security, we have guards available to provide this essential service.