How to Secure Your Business During Summer Travel & Reduced Staffing

Summer is prime time for business owners to take a break—but it’s also when break-ins, vandalism, and security issues tend to spike. With school out, longer daylight hours, and fewer people on-site, crimes of opportunity—including vandalism from bored teens—often increase. Between staff vacations, reduced hours, and lighter foot traffic, many local businesses in Temecula and Murrieta are more vulnerable than they realize.

If you’re planning time away from your store, office, or warehouse—or just navigating a leaner summer crew—now’s the time to review your business security setup.

At A-Bell Alarms, we help Southern California businesses stay protected year-round. Here’s how to make sure your business is covered when you’re off the clock.

1. Review Access Control for All Staff

Summer often brings schedule changes, new hires, and reduced crews. Don’t let that create security gaps.

• Assign unique alarm codes for each employee
• Remove access for former seasonal staff
• Use the Total Connect app to track who arms and disarms—and when

This also lets you know if someone forgets to lock up or disarm during off-hours.

2. Test Your Entire System Before You Leave

If you’re heading out of town or working remotely, make sure your alarm system is ready.

• Arm the system and walk your perimeter to check sensor coverage
• Test your motion viewers and cameras
• Make sure notifications are going to the right phone numbers and emails

Need help? Contact our team for a quick walkthrough or summer service call.

3. Simulate Occupancy

If your business will be closed for days or weeks at a time:

• Use smart lighting to mimic open hours
• Schedule thermostat activity and signage lighting
• Keep a few staff cars in the lot, if possible

A business that looks busy is less likely to be targeted.

4. Upgrade to Motion Viewers for Real-Time Alerts

Don’t rely on cameras alone to alert you to problems.

• ProSeries motion viewers detect movement and send 10-second video clips to your phone
• This allows you to verify activity quickly and avoid false alarms
• Helps responders assess the situation faster

It’s the perfect add-on for businesses without a full video system or as an upgrade for high-risk zones like rear doors.

5. Check Life Safety Devices

Warmer weather means more electronics, HVAC use, and occasional fire hazards.

• Test smoke and CO detectors
• Confirm panic buttons work at front counters or employee stations
• Replace outdated detectors (7+ years old)

Monitored life safety systems provide protection even when no one’s on-site.

6. Automate What You Can

Automation keeps your business running smoothly while you’re away.

• Arm/disarm on a schedule
• Turn lights on before dusk and off after close
• Get alerts if anything is out of the ordinary

Smart automation reduces human error—especially when your team is stretched thin.

Stay Covered While You’re Away

Whether you’re taking a family trip or just working reduced summer hours, your security shouldn’t take time off.

With A-Bell Alarms, you get:

• Trusted ProSeries equipment
• Local technicians who understand your property
• Monitoring and support that doesn’t stop when you’re out of office

📍 Schedule a summer check-in before you hit the road. We’ll make sure your system works exactly how it should—so you can truly relax.