The company party during the holiday is the fun part of December. But any HR manager is aware of how fast it can be spoiled in a moment. An intruder at the gate, a drunken scuffle or stolen notebook can haunt months. This is why intelligent businesses are now viewing Christmas party security as a planning aspect. A good security is always largely invisible and, thus, your team is free to relax and even rejoice. This guide addresses the actual risks, a checklist and the time on which guards should be hired.
Why Holiday Parties Need a Security Plan
Holiday parties are a combination of alcohol, colleagues, husbands, and late evenings in a small room. This is usually an excellent combination, and all are happy going home. However, when something goes wrong, it is very quick and in public view. Employers in California already have to have written plans of preventing workplace violence in the form of SB 553. Company events are a continuation of work and as such, those safety responsibilities do not go away. That is, with a bit of planning, you save your people, reputation, and budget.
The Risks Companies Actually Run Into
Any event planner will tell you about the same few problems every year. Intruders trespass, particularly in hotels and places where multiple parties take place on a given night. Next is the overdrinking, which creates innocent jokes into an argument or fight or even a harassment complaint. There are cases when coats, purses, gifts, and company laptops disappear off unmarked tables or racks. Sometimes an ex-employee or a jealous ex-spouse comes to cause trouble. Towards the end of the night, the greatest threat is posed by impaired drivers.
Your Holiday Party Security Checklist
This is our Christmas party security checklist that we go through with HR teams. Not all the items suit all the parties but they all seal a general gap.
1. Control the Guest List
Begin with a final list of guests plus-ones, and any VIPs. Then provide guards with an online copy to verify names at the door. It is easy to identify an out of place individual by wearing a wristband or name badge.
2. Plan Safe Rides Home
This could be the most crucial component on the whole checklist. Provide drinker rideshare codes, a Shuttle or a hotel block. Exit guards will be able to monitor anyone bumbling to the parking lot with a key. They can then drive that individual to a ride rather than their car.
3. Protect Belongings and Gifts
Install a manned coat check in case of guests carrying bags, gifts or laptops. Tables of gift exchange and raffle prizes must have someone who is on guard all night. Frankly speaking, a guard is sufficient to ensure that everything is in its place.
4. Prepare for Harassment and Conflict
Holiday parties are one of the most common work harassment complaints of each year. Pre-inform the employees that the company conduct policies apply even during all work events. Then assign one HR contact guests can involve in the event of anything that discomposes them. The guards can intervene before things get to be worse and can separate individuals.
5. Watch for Known Threats
In case you are concerned about a termination or restraining order, notify your security team in advance. A short description and a photo are used to make help guards identify a person at the door. In that manner, issues are stopped beforehand, before anybody indoors even realizes that something is wrong.
6. Light and Patrol the Parking Area
Actually, many of the late-night events occur in parking garages or dark lots. Request a guard to patrol and provide escort to cars past midnight. It is a minor thing, yet the staff member will truly recall feeling taken care of that night.
7. Safely Close the Night.
The final hour can be the most dangerous, when exhaustion and alcoholic beverages take their toll. So call last call early, and get guards to assist in getting out. They can then go around the room searching for lost phones, bags and forgotten gifts.
How Many Guards Does Your Party Need?
There is no magic formula to Christmas party security staffing, although there are some factors to help. One guard per hundred guests is a general guideline. But bring it in a little more when there is an open bar, several doors, or when the executives are present. Big parking lots and tardy completion hours tend to warrant an additional officer. An excellent supplier will take you round the place and propose achievable figures.
Armed or Unarmed Guards for a Holiday Party?
In the majority of company parties unarmed friendly officers are the best choice. They blend, assist guests, and maintain the atmosphere jovial instead of stingy. Nevertheless, military personnel can reason when the executives are exposed to realistic and direct threats. Inquire about suit-dressed guards, making it a more relaxed and festive appearance.
When to Book Holiday Party Security
One of the busiest months of Christmas party security in LA is in December. Weekend dates book quickly and it is a Friday this year on Christmas. So book when you enter into the venue contract, preferably before the end of November. A late-December waiting time may get you fewer choices and a significant rise in short-notice charges.
What Does Holiday Party Security Cost?
Prices are based on the number of guests, days, place and armed or unarmed guard. Most providers have minimum lengths of shifts as well, even in case of a three-hour party. Premiums may also be holiday premiums, such as parties around the time of Christmas or the New Year Eve. Nevertheless, it is often a small price to pay compared to a single lawsuit or a tarnished reputation.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
Before hiring any security company, seek these quick questions with the security company to prevent future surprises.
– Is the license of your Private Patrol Operator active and are all the guards registered?
– Have your officers done corporate holiday parties, and do you have references?
– What is your minimum shift length and are there any holiday premium rates?
– Will guards be in suits and will there be a supervisor that night?
– Lastly, will you include a brief incident report at the end of the event?
Why LA Companies Trust Eagle Eye Pro for Holiday Events
Eagle Eye Pro is a certified security firm that is located in downtown Los Angeles. The number of our Private Patrol Operator license is 17233, which can be verified. Besides, over 600 clients in Southern California have confidence in our trained, screened officers. All the guards undergo background checks, drug tests and a thorough interview process. Our Christmas party security personnel deal with guest lists, coat checks, parking and exits. We provide both unarmed and armed guards, according to your guests and dangers. And our professional, punctual guards are frequently mentioned in the online reviews of the clients.
FAQs
Is there any need to secure a small office party?
Probably not at all, even in a small, alcohol-free, get-together in your own office. But open bars, public houses, late closing is a quick-answering change.
Are guards not allowed to reject individuals not on the list?
Yes, during a private party, the guards have the right to refuse entry to uninvited persons. They would normally consult with your event lead, to ensure that they do not cause embarrassing mistakes.
What is the dress code of guards at a holiday party?
That is at your own discretion and most companies embrace business casual or suits. Nevertheless, a guard in uniform at the door provides visible discouragement at the appropriate places.
Can security stop someone from driving drunk?
Guards are not allowed to forcibly take keys, but may highly persuade another ride. And in case a driver insists on driving impaired, he or she can be alerted by the guards to inform the police.
When should we make reservations with book guards in December?
Reserve well before your date and venue six weeks in advance. Weekends in December are rapidly booked and last minute requests tend to be slightly higher.
Will security render the party less appealing?
Not on the right team, since good guards are friendly, relaxed, and low-key. Indeed, the majority of guests are more likely to be relaxed when they know someone is keeping a vigilant eye.
Final Thoughts
A warning to January should not be your holiday party. Most of the way is furnished by guest lists, alcohol regulations, and safe rides. Then the rest are taken care of by trained guards, and your team can have fun during the night. Eagle Eye Pro is prepared to assist with security at a Christmas party in Los Angeles. You do not need to worry about the door, coats and parking, we will do it.
Get Your Free Holiday Event Quote.
Get your free quote today, Call Eagle eye Pro at (213) 221-9005. Or you can inform us about your event via our contact page, then we will respond.
