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If you manage a construction site, then you understand how many moving parts make projects come together. When one element is off, it can negatively affect the entire job. And at the end of the day, that reflects on you. And you don’t want that.
To make sure everything stays in working order and to minimize risk, it is important to monitor a site with quality security measures. However, we know it’s hard to keep an eye on an entire site at one time.
You will feel more secure by hiring security personnel. However, it’s also easier now than ever before to keep watch over your area. Through the power of surveillance cameras, you can keep your area secure 24/7.
Read on to learn about the top 3 things to consider when buying construction site security cameras.
Why Invest in Security Cameras
There are many reasons to purchase a surveillance device, but the most important reason is protection. You should invest in a security camera for businesses with HD quality to protect equipment, deter burglars, and seek justice from vandalism.
If you can supervise employees, deliveries, and more with the help of a camera, you will have greater peace of mind about your team. You will worry less about monitoring your staff because your camera is there to do that for you.
With these benefits in mind, consider which camera you buy based on the following factors.
1. How It Will Be Powered
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for a device is how it will be powered. You don’t want to buy a camera that’s incompatible with your site.
Because a construction site might take many months or years to complete, a constant power source isn’t always a given. There may be no source of electricity whatsoever, or the source is unreliable.
If that is the case at your site, don’t worry. There are several options you can choose instead of a traditional device powered by direct electricity. The two most popular options include:
- Solar-powered cameras
- Battery-powered cameras
Solar Powered Security Cameras
This a great choice for your power source, especially if you live in an area with year-round sunlight, like California, Florida, or another sunny area of the world. The average solar-powered security camera has a built-in solar panel that allows it to harness the sun’s energy and power the device.
If you do choose to use a solar-powered option, you can also take pride in the fact that it is an environmentally-friendly decision for your company. However, if your site is primarily indoors, you may want to consider the following option.
Battery Powered Security Cameras
Besides solar power, you can also turn to a battery powered security camera. Once you install it in one or more locations, just put in the batteries and let it do its thing. However, make sure you know how long the average set of batteries will last for the type of camera you end up purchasing. The last thing you want is to miss an important moment because the batteries died!
Some models even feature a hybrid of solar power and battery power. With this kind of model, you get the best of both worlds. Plus, you don’t have to worry when it’s overcast outside.
2. What Kinds of Features You Want in a Camera
Another thing to think about when you are researching cameras to buy is what types of features you want in a camera. Not all models are created equal.
There are many different manufacturers out there, each with different approaches and ways of making cameras. What you should look for ultimately depends on your needs. But some of the most common features include:
Video Quality
When choosing a surveillance device, you want to make sure it captures critical moments with clarity. That is why a camera with high video quality is so important. You should look for models that offer at least 1080p. It is also a good idea to find something that has high-quality video even at night. The late-night hours are when sites are most susceptible to break-ins.
Accessibility
Another important feature is the accessibility. You want a model that you can access when you need to the most. If you have the camera connected to a monitor somewhere in an office or other location, this is one good way to access recordings.
In recent years, it has also become popular for people to access footage through their smartphones and mobile devices. This allows you to check in on the progress at your site and watch for any suspicious activity even when you aren’t around. If you have to travel or take care of things at home, remote-control is a great option.
Portability
You want a surveillance device that you can take with you from one job and bring it to the next. For that reason, it should have some degree of portability. You don’t want to waste days trying to uninstall something. It should be able to be broken down without much hassle.
Resistance to Water
If your project is outdoors, this is a must-have feature. Don’t assume that your outdoor camera will be safe, even in sunny California; every region has stormy days. This kind of technology is valuable, so you don’t want it to break as soon as it rains. You should find a waterproof model. Also, it will help if the device is resistant to some of the other elements, especially if it is outside for extended periods. Most modern models will offer this feature.
Wires
A construction site is a busy place, full of workers, building materials, and complex equipment. To make your security approach simple, look for a wireless camera. Wired models may end up cluttering up the workspace you are trying to manage. If there are too many wires involved, workers may damage them. A wireless option will ensure that nothing interferes with the device.
Zoom Capabilities
If you can find a security camera with adequate zoom capabilities, this will benefit you in the long run. You will be able to see small details. For example, if you capture theft on camera, you can use the zoom feature to identify the perpetrator. Or you may be able to use it to capture other identifying features, such as a vehicle license plate number.
3. Time and Money for Maintenance and Repairs
Once you know how your device will be powered and what kinds of features you want it to have, think about how you will use it.
Of course, you will want to know where you want to install it, what angles you will shoot, and so on. But another thing to think about it is how much you will use it and how that will affect its performance.
The longer you have construction site security cameras, the higher the chances are that it will need repairs or maintenance. You should budget for repairs and maintenance with care. If you can’t afford the upkeep for a reliable security system, you may have to consider other solutions. However, video surveillance is a smart investment that could save you thousands of dollars by preventing any theft on the premises.
Other Ways to Strengthen Your Construction Site Security
In addition to installing a camera on your construction, there are several other things you can do to strengthen your security. Some of them include:
- Keeping things locked up– Never leave your valuable items unsecured. You should be able to lock them up or store them in a secure location when they are not in use. After the workday is over, have a protocol in place for locking things up and make sure everyone on staff knows the protocol.
- Hiring personnel that you can trust– You want to have trustworthy people working on and around your site at all times. This includes the workers that are on staff. Get to know them. Conduct background checks. Whatever you need to do to vet them. Also, it isn’t a bad idea to hire security guards as additional reinforcement.
- Placing identifying markers on equipment and materials– Try marking your equipment and materials in some way that allows you to identify them as yours. Some people will paint or engrave them as a simple solution. If someone steals these, this will make your valuables easier to find. For heavy and extremely expensive equipment, some people add GPS tracking.
Final Thoughts
The more you invest in security for your construction site, the greater your peace of mind will be. You will feel like you are in control of the situation. Plus, it will look great to current and future clients. If you can talk to them about all of the incredible security measures you have in place and your top-of-the-line camera, it will be an extra perk that makes your business seem more reliable.
A great camera might be expensive, but just remember that you are investing in you and your business.
