Working Late? Safety Tips for Working Alone at the Office

Everyone else has gone home for the night, but you're determined to finish that project for your boss. The corridors are dark, the cubicles are silent, and you can finally get some peace and quiet. While this situation might be conducive to productivity, it is also the perfect set-up for violent crime. If you're fond of working late and you're often at the office alone, make sure you follow these safety tips to protect yourself against assault or burglary.

Safety Tip #1: Check Exterior Doors

Your colleagues might have claimed that they locked up when they left for the night, but do you really want to base your personal security on a promise? If you're working late and alone at the office, check all exterior doors yourself to make sure they're properly locked. It only takes one open door to invite a criminal to enter, and if he thinks no one is there, you could be in danger. If you surprise a burglar, he could resort to violence in a panic.

Safety Tip #2: Leave Lights On

You've seen the movies: The guy only gets whacked when he's sitting at his desk, the only illumination generated by the glow of his computer screen. Don't put yourself in this position by leaving the lights off when you're working late. Any time you're alone at the office, have at least one or two overhead lights burning so people outside know the building is occupied. This alone can prevent many burglaries. and it will be more difficult to catch you unaware.

Safety Tip #3: Notify Security Guards

Accidental shootings are more common than you might think, so make sure security guards know you're working late and will be at the office alone after hours. If you're mistake for a burglar, you could wind up dead or wounded because the guard didn't take the time to request identification. And if you startle someone in an empty hallway, you're just asking for trouble. It's also a good idea to let custodial employees know you'll be there, too.

Safety Tip #4: Make Noise