Securing Your Healthcare Facility Against Burglary and Theft

HIROC Communications
Image of a facility like a hospital at night, facility is well lit.

We know safety is top of mind for our Subscribers – and that includes keeping your facilities safe and secure. Construction projects, maintenance, and even just day-to-day operations can leave facilities vulnerable to burglary or theft of materials.

With a global copper shortage and rising tariffs driving up its value, incidents of copper theft are surging. Widely used in construction and critical equipment, copper has become a high-value target, posing an added threat to healthcare facilities already managing a complex web of infrastructure and property-related risks.

As your proactive partner in safety, HIROC works with FM and other insurers to share reminders and tips around all things property.

“The potential for theft and burglary is not new, but in these evolving times, we are asking our Subscribers to work with us in remaining vigilant in keeping healthcare facilities safe,” says Jean Asuncion, HIROC’s Senior Account Executive.

Do not hesitate to reach out to Jean ([email protected]) should you have any coverage or risk mitigation questions. We are here for you!

 

 

Facilities Reminders from FM

We encourage Subscribers to share these reminders with your facilities and security teams.

Operation and Maintenance

Basic safeguards should be taken whenever the possibility of burglary or theft exists. They include:

  • A careful round at closing by a responsible employee to make sure that all windows, doors, skylights, etc. are closed and securely locked. If the property is fenced, gates should be locked.
  • Properly maintained interior and exterior lighting
  • Properly maintained fences, doors, windows, etc.
  • Provide surveillance at high-risk points outside the building:
    • Entry and exit points
    • Parking lots
    • Yard storage
    • Power and cooling facilities
  • Protective lighting that is continuous in the following areas:
    • Entry/egress points
    • Pedestrian/bicycle pathways
    • Vehicle routes
    • Parking structures and lots
    • Signage
    • Loading areas
    • Yard storage
    • Trash collection areas
    • Building utility services (e.g., transformers, emergency generators)

Building Access

Control access to buildings in accordance with the security program. Include the following as applicable:

  • An access control system to identify visitors and contractors and prevent unauthorized personnel from entering unsecured-protected, secured-controlled, and secured-restricted areas.
  • The minimum number of entry/egress points for safe and efficient operation of services and in accordance with local codes.
  • Do not use locks that require electrical power, e.g. electromagnetic locks, to secure physical access.
  • Secure access control to the building with the following:
    • lock(s) or electronic key systems
    • automatic closing and securely latching entry/egress points
  • Visitors should be supervised for the duration of their visit
  • If the shipping and receiving area of a building is to be secured, do the following in accordance with the security program:
    • Provide an area for screening and authorization of shipments into the facility.
    • Ensure shipments being received are identified with corresponding purchase orders or requisitions.
    • Do not accept undocumented deliveries.
    • Inspect packages for tampering or damage. Report any damaged or suspicious packages to the carrier.
    • Document and track receipt of hazardous materials.
    • Have couriers entering the building identified.

Mitigation Guidelines Checklist
 

Buildings 

  • Exterior lighting covers 10 ft around fences and 40 ft near entrances
  • Windows are barred or screened (especially ground-level or accessible ones)
  • Doors are solid (min. 1.5 in thick) with deadbolt locks extending 1 in
  • Fences are at least 7 ft high with barbed wire angled outward
  • Tenant areas are separated by solid masonry walls
  • Visitors are supervised at all times
  • Alarm system is FM Approved and connected to a central or police station
  • Alarm system includes perimeter and area protection as needed
  • Alarm system is tested monthly
  • False alarms are logged and reviewed
  • Watch service is provided during alarm outages or construction

Yards

  • Yard is fenced, well-lit, and gates are locked
  • Exterior perimeter alarms are installed if risk is moderate or high
  • Watch service or key stations are used if alarms are not feasible
  • Alarm systems are tested monthly and maintained

Alarm System Design 

  • Perimeter protection includes doors, windows, walls, ceilings, and floors
  • Area protection uses motion or sound detectors
  • Spot protection is used for high-value areas within a facility
  • Line supervision and line security are implemented where required

Watch Service

  • Rounds are conducted at least once per hour, randomly
  • Guards are trained and dedicated to security/fire duties
  • Quick communication with authorities is available
  • Watch service covers all areas including yards and trailers

Other FM Resources For Your Consideration

For more information or questions on these reminders, please contact HIROC's Jean Asuncion, Senior Account Executive, at [email protected] or [email protected].