the State of California has been cracking down on unlicensed contractors for years. Now, the Department of Consumer Affairs offers an “Inquire before you hire” website offering information to enable consumers to hire licensed contractors. A section of the website even has horror stories from people who hired unlicensed contractors, which includes a story about an electrician who was caught installing spy cameras in peoples bathrooms.
In the Security Industry, there is a different spin to this problem, however. This is because sub-contracting is an industry standard, where you might sign a contract with ABS security company, who then hires Joe Smith to install the system. There are very few companies who don’t practice this in the security industry. It is important to verify that your security company is licensed AND that they are going to have their own employees install your system.
We have an Alarm Company Operator Permit and a C-10 electrical license. Its not easy obtaining these, but we enjoy having the support of our state behind our business.
In a case that will likely change the face of the security industry (in a good way), a settlement by a nationwide alarm company will offer refunds to over 1,200 customers who bought security systems from unlicensed salespeople. Attention was drawn to the sales force for this security company when Washington county was flooded with complaints of “pushy” salespeople.
This is the first time I have heard of any refunds being offered to customers based on a company not being licensed, and some experts have even claimed that any contract signed by an unlicensed alarm salesperson could be void.
What does it mean to be licensed? Well, the security industry is one which is obligated to exclude people with a felony, misdemeanor or any questionable judgments in their past. This is for obvious reasons. An Alarm license involves a background check. Most companies (i hope) get their state’s proper alarm licenses for their installers and managers, but there are some companies that choose to bypass this procedure.
In my own experience, it costs about $100 per employee, and takes as long as 6-9 months. But, California is not known for having a speedy administration.
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.
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.
About SystemLink
The SystemLink Software package by Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) is an end-user alarm panel management software solution that allows you to easily maintain important panel operations from your personal computer. Through System Link, you are able to setup new alarm system users and System Link operators, configure new panel accounts, monitor system status, silence alarms, and more. SystemLink operates with all DMP Security Control Panels.
SystemLink and your Security System
With SystemLink, you can easily make changes to your user codes, track your systems usage with opening/closing reports, and even silence and alarm. One practical use that a homeowner found for SystemLink was busting his maid. She told him she had worked for ten hours, but upon tracking the times that the security system recorded doors opening and closing, she had actually worked 5 hours. So much for the honor system.
If your home or office is broken into, SystemLink can isolate the point of entry, and give insight into other details of the break-in such as which motion detectors were set off, and in what order. This recreation of a burglary could help a detective find key evidence.
For more information on DMP SystemLink Software, please call us at (800) 577-2527.
I recently came across a page on the San Diego Police website which outlined some very thoughtful ideas on theft prevention. These ideas relate to how the police operate in keeping citizens and their property well protected. Here are the tips, and below is a summary of each.
Controlling Access Providing Visibility Maintaining Your Property Protecting Your Home and Property When You Are Away Making Sure the Police Can Find Your Home Identifying Your Property
Controlling Access
Use good Locking Hardware, and install it properly
Change the locks in a new home
Secure your yard with solid gates, and keep them locked
Keep trees trimmed, so they don’t allow easy access to the upstairs
Put “neighborhood watch” and Security stickers on your windows
Install a quality Security System
Monitor your Alarm System, so Police are notified
Make sure your Alarm company is licensed in California
Your Security System should have a battery back-up
Providing Visibility
Leave outside lights on after dark
Keep trees trimmed for good visibility across your property
Install a wide-angle peephole in your front door
Maintaining Your Property
Replace broken windows or screens
Repair broken fences or gate locks
Keep property in good condition, neglect will advertise “loose” security
Protecting Your Home and Property When You Are Away
Notify your Security Company, and update your call list
Use timers on lights when you leave town
Leave your itinerary with a friend or neighbor, so you can be contacted
Stop mail and newspaper deliveries
Making Sure the Police Can Find Your Home
Your street address number should be visible
If you live in a gated community, give Police the entry code
Identifying Your Property
Etch your drivers license number on anything that could be stolen
Photograph valuables that cannot be etched
Keep a detailed up-to-date record of your valuables
Security system installation services in San Diego, Irvine, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Orange County. We install burglar alarms, CCTV security cameras, surveillance systems, intercom systems, door access control, and fire alarm systems in Southern California.
