Security Partner or Salesman

This entry begins like a bad joke and the punch line isn’t very funny, either.  A woman whose home had alarm sensors at every opening called a reputable construction company to inquire about upgrading the windows in the home.  She chose high quality materials.  She discussed the alarm system with the project manager and together they determined that the alarm sensor wires should be left exposed for reconnection after the windows were installed.  It was a great idea, but in the end, the style of window that was installed, and the way the screens fit in the opening precluded the installation of any standard type of hard-wired window sensor.

I am only drawing attention to the fact that if her alarm company had been involved from the beginning she may have saved a substantial amount of money by not having to upgrade her alarm system.  Of course a solution still exists, but it is expensive.

By comparison, a client of mine called with a similar inquiry, involving the replacement of her exterior doors.  I met with the contractor and the homeowner to plan to accommodate the alarm sensors.  Then I went back out on the day the doors were installed to ensure the alarm system wasn’t compromised.  Having the contractor drill the necessary holes also meant that the warranty on the door system stayed in force.

The lessons to be learned here are threefold.  First, make sure you deal with a reputable security company.  Second, stay in touch with your security company representative.  Finally, any time you make renovations to your home, or when your home situation changes significantly, get in touch with your security provider to make small adjustments to the security system that better suit the new situation.

Some situations that might cause your security needs to change are:

·         Retirement or change in occupation

·         Middle school children who come home to an empty house for an hour or two each day

·         More extensive travel for work or vacation

·         Hiring or changing household staff, such as a nanny or house keeper

·         Acquiring a new pet

·         Finding yourself with an “empty nest”

·         Changing insurance companies

·         Increased criminal activity in the area

·         Changing phone companies or services

·         Home improvement or renovation

·         Caring for an aging or disabled family member

The security of your home and family should feel like a partnership between you and your security professional.  This is the difference between a security professional and a run-of-the-mill alarm salesman.  Stay tuned to this channel for some tips on choosing your security partner.

Summertime Security

Here's an oldie, but a goodie... It's been a long time since a client faced the dilemma of securing a window that is regularly left open for fresh air circulation.  It's a ground floor, crank out window which when closed is relatively secure, unless broken.  This is monitored by breakage detection.  But if left open intentionally...well then you have to be creative.  Security screens.  A security wire is interwoven in the mesh of the screen to keep it from being cut and sound the alarm if it is damaged, and a simple, normally closed, button style contact sensor ensures that the alarm sounds if the screen is removed.  An elegant solution, and if cost is a factor, perhaps not all of the windows have to be left open for adequate ventilation, eh?

Even though every security solution should be customized for each family's situation, sometimes design aspects of the system can become predictable and formulaic.  It is good to be reminded that every situation warrants exceptional investigative technique to help ensure that the alarm system works within the framework of normal household operation.  The normal function of a family should be considered when designing an alarm system. 

Granted, sometimes being safe is a pain and presents obstacles.  Somewhere, even on some ethereal level, there could exist a list of which estates are most desireable as a target for intrusion or robery.  Another list might prioritize kidnapping targets.  In extreme cases, security might become, necessarily, intrusive.  Think of a presidential daughter, upon her arrival at an otherwise ordinary school dance, being escorted from the limo by a handsome fellow and five or six armed Secret Service people.   In some cases, then, security may be inconvenient, however warranted. 

Here's the thing, most of us don't need that level of protection.  Every week I meet people who are moving into homes that have existing alarm systems.  If every family worked the same, perhaps taking over an existing alarm system, as currently installed, would be sufficient.  Another such scenario is when a builder or architect or general contractor includes a standard, pre-wired security system.  Of course they are qualified to run wire to doors and maybe a keypad or two, but design requires the input of the occupant of the home and a professional who knows the latest security equipment available and how to employ it for the comfort and convenience of the end user.

Participate with an alarm professional.

Of course all opinions and suggestions manumitted here are subject to your own better idea. I'm not proud.

How Can Cameras Enhance Your Security at Home?

I read part of a discussion about how some companies are using free cameras as a loss leader product to open doors for residential alarm system installations. Not a bad ploy from a business perspective, but for a while I had trouble accepting that this really bolstered the security of the home. But, I strive for honesty, and many times, when I confer with potential clients, I admit that the deterrent value of a security sign in the front yard is a substantial part of the overall system. Most burglars will say that they avoided homes with alarm systems.
I was reminded of something I heard when I worked in the commercial and retail side of the security house..."cameras keep honest people honest." The trouble is that companies that use cameras as a foot-in-the-door fail in many cases to maximize the effectiveness of surveillance equipment. It is a novelty; a toy to impress the neighbors and a testimonial to the level of concern that particular company has toward security. (I despise a "hit and run" alarm salesman.) However, cameras can enhance home security when properly deployed. Here are some tips if you want to consider CCTV...

The first trick is that they should be conspicuous. This will take full advantage of the deterrent factor. Of course this works best on a person who is normally well behaved, but who might be tempted to mischief if a tantalizing opportunity presented itself and the risk of being caught was low. A determined thief might risk it anyway, which leads to The next tip.

Cameras are relatively cheap, especially when it is only connected to a viewing device. A burglar might gamble on there being no video recording machine because he knows the recorder is the single most expensive component in a CCTV system...they don't give those away with an alarm system. They also might gamble that they will be able to make off with the recording unit, thereby taking the evidence with him. The suggestion is that the video recorder be well secured and out of plain sight.

When putting the record in a safe location, remember that from time to time, you will want to review recorded footage. To make this simpler, it is convenient to have a viewing monitor close to the recorder. Some recorders come with remotes that can also solve this issue.

You should note that any VCR or Digital Video Recorder can record your camera footage. Pictures of intruders can assist the authorities in identifying a culprit, but not all video is valuable for prosecutorial purposes as evidence. Criteria for evidentiary video include, but may not be limited to time and date stamps embedded in the video. Security DVRs can be costly depending on hard drive space, available channels for camera connections, search and review software. My suggestion is to purchase a substantial unit even though it may cost more. You'll want to avoid having to make that significant investment twice.

As for cameras, pay attention to variables such as operating temperature, iris ratings which determine how much dynamic range (how much light is required for a quality picture), and understand the field of view required. Take some measurements of the areas you want to survey and your camera salesperson can identify a good lens for your application. Unless you have plenty of money to invest, you'll be looking at fixed lens cameras. Pan, tilt and zoom cameras are ultra-cool and have some appropriate applications, but they are expensive.

If you have the chance, you are better off having a professional security person, preferably someone with experience in a residential setting, design the layout and equipment with you.

I invite you to send me questions directly if you'd like more detailed information.