Security and Alarm Systems Blog

There is a secret that not many people know, and it is a way to get much more out of your security system. The secret is that almost any sensor or electrical measurement component can be wired into a security system. This allows for an almost limitless array of add-ons, but specifically for you there are probably only a few.

An almost universal add-on is a panic button. We have added many panic buttons into existing security systems here in the San Diego area. Most offices have a lobby with a desk, so it makes sense to put a panic button under that desk to notify the police as soon as a situation begins.

Other add-ons we have installed are very specific to an industry or need. In one case, we installed temperature monitoring sensors in massive refrigeration units to detect when a refrigerator has failed, and needs to be fixed. This install was for a major food distributor, and it saves them thousands in lost inventory when a refrigerator fails because the food can be moved quickly and saved from exposure to heat. What is great about this is that we were able to save then money by tying their specialty sensors into their security system. This arrangement allowed them to avoid having to purchase an entirely new system.

Another case where a security system add-on helped a customer was for a maritime museum in San Diego. There are two boats the have fire systems. They are floating in the harbor, and have visitors daily, so a fire system is a requirement. However, they also need to know if the ships are taking in water. We installed water sensors at the bottom to give an early notification if there maybe a leak. Again, this is tied into a Fire Alarm system, so our customers didn’t have to buy an entirely new system.

Call us today if you would like to talk about adding some specialty equipment to your existing system, or if you need a security system in San Diego or across California.

Many City and County police departments now fine households when the police are dispatched due to a false alarm. The cause of the false alarm can be from faulty equipment, operator error, pets set off security system, or a number of other causes. All will lead to a fine. This makes it so much more important to do business with a reputable security installation company. Ask to see their state license, and ask for a clients list.

After the system is installed, false alarms can be prevented by putting time and thought into your call list. If the central station only has your cell phone, and the line is busy, then the next step is to send the police. But, if your list includes your home phone number, spouse’s cell phone, your cell phone, and several neighbors or friends, then there’s a much better chance that a false alarm will be caught by someone before the police are sent. The video below is definitely worth watching if you wish to learn more about false alarms.

I just came across a comprehensive study of five years of statistics by researchers at the Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice (SCJ) in Newark, New Jersey. Their research found that residential burglar alarm systems decrease crime. While other studies have concluded that most burglars avoid alarm systems. Other studies have concluded that most burglars avoid alarm systems or displace burglaries to other cities, this is the first study to focus on alarm systems while scientifically ruling out other factors that could have impacted the crime rate.

Specifically, a house with a burglar alarm system installed is less likely to be burglarized. The study also found that a neighborhood with more houses with security systems installed is targeted less by burglars. One of main reasons the study attributes lower burglary rates to homes with security systems is the availability of higher technology equipment in home alarm systems. In recent years, security equipment that was only in the price range of commercial security applications a few years ago.

Of course it is common sense that if a burglar sees a house with a security system sign, they are going to burglarize their neighbor with no security. However, this study looks at several areas that go beyond common sense, and dives into the probabilities of burglary in certain neighborhoods. If you would like to view the full report, click here.

We recently had the honor of being listed in the “50 Best Safety and Security Blogs,” by Forensic Science Technician.

The Security and Alarm Systems Blog was praised as “A great resource for information on home alarm systems. This blog will let you know about scams, what the best deals are, and even step by step instructions on installation. There are also posts on fire alarms and security also.”

We strive to bring the best information about security systems, and the security and life safety industry. However, we are a very young blog, so we are very excited to be mentioned as the 18th best blog on the topic of Home Security.

I just wanted to let you know that I wrote an article on the topic from Feb 23rd. This article covers how to use security systems to prevent employee theft. I think I make a good case for protecting your company from fired or laid-off employees with security systems. Please read the Employee Theft Article if you are interested.

Six out of every 10 employees stole company data when they left their job last year, said a study of US workers. Most American businesses fail to take important steps to prevent data theft.

You are probably asking yourself “How can I stop an employee from stealing company data, and not interfere with their productivity.”

Company Data theft can be taken into two categories: Computer-based and physical. To remedy any holes in your computer-based security, constantly consult your IT department (or IT company) to see if they feel your company is up to date on information security software and processes.

Progressive Technology Security Systems can’t help you with information theft, but we do offer some very viable solutions to keep employees from restricted areas, and keep people honest while in your business. First, we offer state-of-the-art door access and intercom solutions, which keep employees from entering restricted areas. One strategy to keep your information safe is to allow only your most trusted managers to vital areas of the office, such as the server or IT room. Door Access Control will prevent anyone without a magnetic card, keyfob, code, or a specific fingerprint, to gain access to areas with sensitive information.

Another great security tool is surveillance. People just act better if they know that they are being watched. A Camera Security System is a great way to keep employees in line, without creating a culture of mistrust. Everyone just assumes that a camera system is just to record an intruder in the night, but there are so many workplace applications.

If you are interested, and would like to know more about Door Access or Camera Security, please click on the links or call us at (800) 577-2527.

Here is a funny news story you may have heard about. A Washington man heard burglars in his house. He went outside to find their van, running. The rest is Darwin Awards history:

“Patrick Rosario was working in his basement last Tuesday when two burglars broke down the front door. When he saw them pulling out his TV, he ducked out the back door while calling 911.”

“He got to the driveway, saw their getaway van was running, and jumped in.”

Click Here to see the news story.

On the TV show Mythbusters, the two smart and daring hosts directed their efforts towards beating a fingerprint scanning door access device. The first attempt involved a plastic mold of a fingerprint. It did not work the first try, but it did work after warming it with his breath.

Next, a gelatinous mold of a finger was used, and this also opened the door. So far, I’m not very impressed with this piece of hardware, and I’m wondering what brand it is (it is definitely nothing we use, I have never seen this door access device before in my life).

The grand finale is when they scan a copy of a fingerprint and hold the piece of paper to the fingerprint scanner. It actually opened the door. You will notice they keep saying that the manufacturer says that no one has ever cracked their device. Well, now someone has, and on national television. Too bad for you. Just goes to show that crackpot equipment has no place in the Security industry.

You can save up to 20% of your homeowners insurance by submitting a form from your Security Provider, stating that you have a monitored Security System at your home. Insurance companies take into account that homes with Burglar Alarms are 3 to 4 times less likely to be burglarized. This means that there is a lower chance that you will have to file a loss claim with them, and your risk (in their eyes) is lower.

If you would like more information on how to protect your home, please call us at (800) 577-2527. We will send a Security expert to your house for a free Security Evaluation and quote.

“We are here to do the work that ensures no other family members have to lose a loved one to a terrorist who turns a plane into a missile, a terrorist who straps a bomb around her waist and climbs aboard a bus, a terrorist who figures out how to set off a dirty bomb in one of our cities. This is why we are here: to make our country safer and make sure the nearly 3,000 who were taken from us did not die in vain; that their legacy will be a more safe and secure Nation.”

— Barack Obama, Speech in the U.S. Senate, March 6, 2007

The first responsibility of any president is to protect the American people. Below is a list of the Initiatives of the Department of Homeland Security:

Defeat Terrorism Worldwide
Prevent Nuclear Terrorism
Strengthen American Biosecurity
Protect Our Information Networks
Improve Intelligence Capacity and Protect Civil Liberties
Protect Americans from Terrorist Attacks and Natural Disasters
Protect Critical Infrastructure
Modernize America’s Aging Infrastructure