More than a week after a salon employee was killed in Philadelphia’s East Mount Airy neighborhood, women who work in small businesses are calling for additional security measures to protect themselves and their customers.
The concerns follow a deadly attack at Abba Blessed Beauty Salon on Stenton Avenue on Nov. 2.
Police say a man entered the salon, killed 34-year-old Bellaniris Hernandez and attacked two other women.
The salon’s owner, Arisleidy Perez, survived the attack and is now calling for additional security at small businesses.
As a memorial outside the salon continues to grow, women who work in businesses across Philadelphia say the attack has them reconsidering their own safety measures.
Some want additional protections, including buzzer systems that allow employees to control who enters their businesses and emergency alarms that could help them respond to dangerous situations.
Customers are also concerned about their safety.
“It’s very important because I like to feel safe where I’m at and know I’m gonna be safe no matter what,” salon customer Emma Garcia said.
What security assistance does Philadelphia offer businesses?
Philadelphia offers financial assistance to eligible business owners through its Business Security Camera Program.
The program provides up to $3,000 to cover as much as 75% of the cost of exterior security cameras.
Philadelphia police also offer crime prevention guidance, including recommendations for better lighting, securing entrances and developing emergency plans.
However, security cameras alone cannot prevent someone from entering a business and some owners say more assistance is needed.
“We need more support,” business owner Stella Paulino said.
Business owners who spoke with NBC10 said they would welcome financial assistance for emergency alarms and buzzer systems that would give employees greater control over who enters their storefronts.
They also emphasized that concerns about safety extend beyond East Mount Airy to other parts of Philadelphia, including West Philadelphia, North Philadelphia and Northeast Philadelphia.
NBC10 asked the city whether it would consider expanding its security assistance program to help cover the cost of emergency alarms and buzzer systems but had not received a response at the time of reporting.
For now, business owners are considering what additional security measures they can install and how much those improvements would cost.
Philadelphia’s Business Security Camera Program is available to eligible businesses throughout the city, including women-owned businesses. Click here for more information.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication.