Car Wash Security Leave a comment

Surveillance cameras are invaluable to all businesses and car washes are no exception. With a vast amount of vehicular traffic coming and going on a daily basis, car washes are highly susceptible to accidents and property damage. They are also locations where it is hard to know just exactly who visited your establishment and when. Car wash security cameras can help you manage your business and keep a safe environment for your customers and employees.

Why install surveillance cameras:

Installing surveillance systems in car washes serves a number of purposes. Primarily, they can help identify who is at fault when property is damaged. With vehicles coming and going all day, paying little attention to one another, accidents are bound to occur. Whether this is due to car on car collisions or accidents with equipment, security cameras can provide a valuable insight into liability.

Additionally, surveillance cameras can help solve problems with crime and vandalism. Car washes are susceptible to criminal activity just like all other businesses. Therefore, it is important to have the ability to collect and provide evidence in the case that an event does occur. Installing security cameras is also a valuable asset in instances of personal injury. Footage can be reviewed later to solve possible issues and prevent future occurrences.

Where to install surveillance cameras:

With an understanding of why surveillance cameras are important, let’s examine some prime locations where they should be placed. One major area of traffic for car washes is the outside cleaning area where detailing and vacuuming often occurs. This is also the area where accidents are most likely to happen as cars are entering and exiting without paying much attention. Surveillance cameras should be placed on the outside of the building to cover these areas in case an incident does occur.

Further, you will want to install security cameras inside the washing tunnel to ensure both your machines and your customers remain undamaged. This is an important section to cover because they are not often viewable by employees and without cameras, you would have no way to know what is going on inside. You will also want to place cameras in any waiting areas frequented by customers to complete your surveillance system and get the full picture. This allows you to ensure your workplace is safe and free to operate as it should.

What features you should look for:

Now that we’ve examined where to install surveillance cameras for optimal coverage and effectiveness, let’s take a look at what types of cameras you should look for and what features they should have. One of the first features you should look for when deciding on cameras for your car wash is ingress protection rating. It is important to select waterproof cameras for both outside of the building and inside the tunnel. Surveillance cameras are no good if they get destroyed immediately after installation. Additionally, you will want to select vandal proof units to ensure they are safe from any attempts to damage. Finally, your security cameras should have IR and wide dynamic range capabilities to allow them to capture clear footage at nighttime and during harshly contrasting lighting conditions.

Any other considerations:

Before installing a surveillance camera system, there are a few factors you should consider. First off, you will want to know the legality of video and audio surveillance in your area to ensure that you are complying fully with the law. You will also want to make sure that the views from where you want to place cameras does not incorporate other nearby businesses that may not wish to be recorded. Finally, you may want to consider putting up proper signage to alert customers and employees that they are being recorded on the premises for complete transparency.

Wrap up:

If you are looking to upgrade or install a surveillance security system, log on and give us a call today! We have a great team of highly experienced salesmen, installers and technicians that would love to help you out. We can walk you through the process start to finish and help you select the best cameras for you and survey your property to decide on the most optimal locations.

Read Previously: Best Surveillance Systems for Restaurants and Bars