3
min read -
January 15, 2024

Responding in a Time of Crisis

By
Ranko Vukovic

In the early hours of June 30th, one of our clients suffered a fire at a retail store. Over the course of several hours, nearly 50 firefighters battled the blaze, which sent a plume of black smoke across many neighbouring communities.

Thankfully, no injuries or missing persons were reported. We’re thankful and proud of the actions of one of our tactical guards, Cherian, who was working at the location that night.

Quick Thinking and Training

The store was getting ready for the evening closure at 10pm on the night of June 29th. Staff were going about their usual end of shift processes, when store staff informed our tactical guard that a fire had broken out in the basement of the building. As the store was still open, Cherian’s quick thinking and training helped prevent a bad situation from becoming catastrophic.

Cherian acted calmly and professionally under immense pressure, grabbing a fire extinguisher and accompanying the member of staff to the basement in an attempt to extinguish the blaze. Cherian’s assessment was that the fire was too big to put out, and had already spread to the household appliances section of the store. After quickly checking there were no customers on the basement level, Cherian and store staff proceeded to evacuate customers from the main floor.

During their search, they found a member of staff in the staff room, which was located on the second floor. By now, the fire and smoke had spread throughout the building. Luckily, they were able to evacuate this member of staff. By this point, the Fire Department had arrived on scene, and everyone had managed to make it out of the store unharmed.

Performing Above and Beyond

We couldn’t be prouder of how Cherian acted during this highly stressful situation. It serves to highlight the importance of comprehensive training for security staff, giving them the confidence to take charge in emergency situations.

“We wish to thank him for his actions in ensuring customers and staff left the building safely,” said a representative of our client.

“We also appreciated him staying behind past his shift time; this is the second incident of fire where Blackbird Security staff have shown great composure and assistance. We appreciate the professionalism brought to the table.”

Retail Security – Blackbird is Here to Help

Ready to upgrade your security solutions ahead of a busy fall and Holiday season? Why not work with Canada’s best security company? If you’re interested in upgrading your security services, we’d love to hear from you. We offer the following range of services to clients across Canada:

 

Diagram showing harmful X-rays blocked by a lead apron and harmless light passing through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What services do security companies offer?
At Blackbird Security, we offer a range of security services, such as:
- On-site uniform security
- Luxury suit & tie security
- Mobile patrols
- Alarm response
- Access control
- CCTV monitoring
- Event security
- Loss prevention (undercover security)
- Tactical Security
- Concierge/Front Desk Security
- Executive Protection
- Office & Facilities Security
- Government Security
- Parking Enforcement
- Residential Security
These services work in unison to safeguard businesses, people, and assets, offering peace of mind and comprehensive protection.At Blackbird Security, we are industry leaders in providing all of these services. Our expertise ensures tailored security solutions that meet your specific requirements. Browse further to learn more: Blackbird Security Services - Blackbird Security
Can security services be customized?
Many providers offer standard security programs, but Blackbird Security emphasizes a collaborative approach to customization. By considering factors such as your industry, location, size, and specific risks, we work closely with you to design security strategies that fit your needs. This might include adjusting patrol schedules, reporting frequency, or tailoring patrol routes to align with your operations.This is possible through our dedicated Client Services team as well as our in-house Control Centre and Reporting teams. Customization is a fundamental part of how we provide effective and seamless security solutions
Are security providers in Canada regulated?
Yes, most countries and regions (including Canada) have licensing bodies and regulations that govern security providers. Check local laws to ensure your provider complies with these standards.
How do I measure the effectiveness of security measures?
Measuring the effectiveness of security measures involves tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate how well systems and personnel are meeting safety and asset protection goals. Start by analyzing incident response times, reductions in theft, vandalism, or shrinkage, and overall resolution rates for reported issues. Comparing pre- and post-implementation data helps demonstrate tangible improvements in safety and loss prevention. Regular audits, surveys, and risk assessment reports can also gauge the reliability and perception of security measures.

Key KPIs to track include:
- Incident response times: Faster responses to alarms or emergencies.
- Reduction in theft/vandalism: Compare loss data before and after implementation.
- Patrol compliance: Track patrol frequency and adherence via GPS or logs.
- False alarm rates: Lower rates ensure focus on real threats.
- Client/Employee satisfaction: Gather feedback to measure confidence in security.
- Client services: Dedicated account representative who supports ongoing needs & can adjust strategy as needed
What level of support can I expect from Blackbird Security
We ensure all of our clients have the utmost support for their businesses, and there's a few ways we do this:

- Allowing access to our 24/7 Control centre for all clients, which is based out of our head office in Vancouver, BC. Clients can call this centre and have a mobile guard swiftly deployed to their business for any spontaneous incidents that occur. We believe in operating it inhouse to ensure all services are streamlined and optimized for the best communication. Our control canter can be reached at this number for current clients: 1-888-991-2622.
- We have a dedicated client services team which directly communicates with clients on a day-to-day basis. Our client services often perform site check ups and can assist with any issues that arise at your business.

Your peace of mind is our priority. We’re more than a service provider—we’re a partner in protecting your business. With our team working tirelessly to anticipate and resolve challenges, you can focus on running your business with confidence, knowing we’re always here to support you. Together, we build safer environments and stronger partnerships, every step of the way.

Secure Your Operation Today

Talk to our security experts about protecting your facility. We’ll assess your needs and build a plan that works.
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