There are all kinds of ways to keep a community safe. Many, however, require the participation of residents and neighbors to be successful. Community watch comes to mind quickly, as well as giving support to the local authorities. Some your support takes the form of relaying suspiciaous activity, or it could include voting in a new millage to maintain the force.
But on a smaller scale, a little bit of cooperation can keep the bad guys out of your community. Here are a few ways to involve the neighbors:
1. If you are away for any length of time, arrange to have your lawn mowed, or the snow removed from the drive and walk ways. Be the neighbor that performs these tasks for some else from time to time. Especially if there are abandonned or unoccupied buildings on the block. No one needs to have squatters in the neighborhood and keeping the property up will tend to deter vandalism and other deviant behavior.
2. If your neighbor has an extra vehicle, ask if they'd mind parking it in your driveway while you are gone.
3. Ask a neighbor to pick up the random papers and leaflets that are left on your property. Some one might assume that if there are a few days worth of advertising laying around that no one is home, thus making it a target.
4. Temporarily stop the mail and the papers. The post office will hold your mail until your return if you ask. This could also be collected by a helpful neighbor.
5. Trash day can also indicate a home that is not currently occupied. If possible, a neighborly neighbor might be convinced to put one of their cans in front of your empty home, or you might put one of your trash cans in front of a vacant property.
Lots of light is often an effective deterrent, and anything that makes a place look lived in and cared for will help avoid criminal activity at a vacant or otherwise empty home.
If you are planning to start a community watch in your area, a fantastic outline for such an endeavor is to be found at http://www.nationalserviceresources.org/node/17501 This is one of the most thorough "how to" articles I've seen concerning setting up a new community watch program.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
How to Drive 'Em Crazy
After years in the industry, I am beginning to see a pattern of things that drive alarm installers to the brink of insanity. I thought these should be compiled, sorted and organized and then printed for the general public, to perhaps reduce the frequency of such burdensome occurences. I have tried to exclude those issues that just reflect an installer or service person in a bad mood, being a baby. So, here is a partial list.
1. When the sales person asks what kind of telephone line you have, there are basically four answers: no phone line (in which case you will have to buy an additional piece of equipment for communications to the alarm monitoring facility); POTS line, which is the traditional phone line with carrier voltage on the line; VOIP, which is provided by cable companies and other internet providers; and satelite phone (which will also require you to purchase additional equipment. The installer will be frustrated if the phone line is not what they expected.
2. Clutter. Depending where you want the control panel to be placed, you may need to clean out a closet, or a path in the basement. In cases where the system will be wired into the home, the installer will need access to a large portion of the basement. They are not furniture movers, so be sure to provide access to device locations, too.
3. No one likes to work in an attic, though many will if they have to. If a system will have to be wired through your attic, please consider allowing the installer to place a wireless system in the home. (See earlier blog entry for wireless vs. hard wired debate)
4. Of course your children and pets are precious, and everyone would prefer to play with lego or throw a ball to the dog than work. It's just that those activities don't pay well for the person who is there to install your alarm system.
5. Installers are trained to install devices where they will do the most good. Most of the time, they will consult with you where the issue is purely aesthetic, such as keypad and control panel locations. Even then, there may be some compromise required.
I don't even know if these are the top five, but certainly effect the job of the installer and could have consequences in how you feel at the end of the installation. It's a partnership of form and function that they installer and home or business owner must balance.
1. When the sales person asks what kind of telephone line you have, there are basically four answers: no phone line (in which case you will have to buy an additional piece of equipment for communications to the alarm monitoring facility); POTS line, which is the traditional phone line with carrier voltage on the line; VOIP, which is provided by cable companies and other internet providers; and satelite phone (which will also require you to purchase additional equipment. The installer will be frustrated if the phone line is not what they expected.
2. Clutter. Depending where you want the control panel to be placed, you may need to clean out a closet, or a path in the basement. In cases where the system will be wired into the home, the installer will need access to a large portion of the basement. They are not furniture movers, so be sure to provide access to device locations, too.
3. No one likes to work in an attic, though many will if they have to. If a system will have to be wired through your attic, please consider allowing the installer to place a wireless system in the home. (See earlier blog entry for wireless vs. hard wired debate)
4. Of course your children and pets are precious, and everyone would prefer to play with lego or throw a ball to the dog than work. It's just that those activities don't pay well for the person who is there to install your alarm system.
5. Installers are trained to install devices where they will do the most good. Most of the time, they will consult with you where the issue is purely aesthetic, such as keypad and control panel locations. Even then, there may be some compromise required.
I don't even know if these are the top five, but certainly effect the job of the installer and could have consequences in how you feel at the end of the installation. It's a partnership of form and function that they installer and home or business owner must balance.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Does The Dog Dial "911?"
Many lame reasons people have for deciding against an alarm system are entertaining and not well thought out. Here is one such excuse. As the title indicates, there are people who rely on man's best friend for home protection. I will agree that some breeds of dogs lend themselves well to deterring break-ins; the German Shepherd, the Rotty and various Bulldog breeds are in the mix. I will also admit that a yappy dog, that barks it's yappy head off at anything that moves can serve as an alert mechanism, should some one be home to hear it. Even then the animal is more likely to be silenced without a second thought than actually cause a person to investigate the possiblity that their privacy has been invaded.
The most likely scenario where a dog is expected to protect a home from intrusion and burglary is that the unfortunate gate keeper becomes the first victim of the crime. People who don't respect your property or your privacy are not likely to respect your pet, either. The best that can be hoped is that the intruder merely provides the animal with a distraction such as a dog treat or piece of meat. They might even make a friend.
Even some dogs that are very protective of their owner and their family, may not care to protect a giant plastic soda bottle full of change, or cameras, jewelry, guns, baseball card collection, grandmother's hand-knitted afghan or even the food in the refrigerator, which dogs like very much.
During such an event, the dog will have difficulty notifying the homeowner while they are away at work. Most dogs don't know how to dial "911," and if they do, their report would be vague...dare I say "ruff." After such an event, the descriptions dogs give to investigators is sketchy, at best. They find it difficult to express just what the intruder smelled like, or what they said. On the bright side, dogs are color blind and less likely to profile intruders based on any stereotype.
This is all stated before advanced fire notification is mentioned: or carbon monoxide, flood, etc.
One item you should take into account as you protect your home and family with a proper alarm system is to make sure the monitoring center knows that you have pets in the home. Have the facility note the likely location of your animals during the day (if you know). The police, responding to a burglar alarm will want to avoid any misunderstandings on the part of your pet, especially if it is the man-eater you think it is, like a Pit-Bull or a Chijuajua. The fire department may also be able to rescue a trapped pet if they know where it hangs out in the house, and if doing so won't be too risky for a fire-fighter.
The most likely scenario where a dog is expected to protect a home from intrusion and burglary is that the unfortunate gate keeper becomes the first victim of the crime. People who don't respect your property or your privacy are not likely to respect your pet, either. The best that can be hoped is that the intruder merely provides the animal with a distraction such as a dog treat or piece of meat. They might even make a friend.
Even some dogs that are very protective of their owner and their family, may not care to protect a giant plastic soda bottle full of change, or cameras, jewelry, guns, baseball card collection, grandmother's hand-knitted afghan or even the food in the refrigerator, which dogs like very much.
During such an event, the dog will have difficulty notifying the homeowner while they are away at work. Most dogs don't know how to dial "911," and if they do, their report would be vague...dare I say "ruff." After such an event, the descriptions dogs give to investigators is sketchy, at best. They find it difficult to express just what the intruder smelled like, or what they said. On the bright side, dogs are color blind and less likely to profile intruders based on any stereotype.
This is all stated before advanced fire notification is mentioned: or carbon monoxide, flood, etc.
One item you should take into account as you protect your home and family with a proper alarm system is to make sure the monitoring center knows that you have pets in the home. Have the facility note the likely location of your animals during the day (if you know). The police, responding to a burglar alarm will want to avoid any misunderstandings on the part of your pet, especially if it is the man-eater you think it is, like a Pit-Bull or a Chijuajua. The fire department may also be able to rescue a trapped pet if they know where it hangs out in the house, and if doing so won't be too risky for a fire-fighter.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Medical Monitoring
One aspect of the alarm industry that is routionely overlooked is it's applicability to senior care. You've heard it said a hundred times that people are living longer and healthier lives. Senior Citizen apartments, Senior housing and various levels of nursing care have opened up to become a thriving industry, even bulging at the proverbial seams. There are companies who specialize at "in home" nursing care, visiting nurses and even public programs whereby a mini doctors office can roll in and treat patients in home.
Medical monitoring is another level of senior care whereby an elderly person might maintain a significant level of independence, living in their own home with an emergency call button for instant communication to friends and loved ones, should an emergency arise. People become confused sometimes, thinking that the "panic button" automatically calls medical response or a fire department. Actually, the person wearing the device chooses whom to notify in case of an alarm.
These medical pendants can be used in conjunction with other senior services for even more freedom and independence. In cases where there is a chronic disorder and regular nursing care is necessary, a medical pendant might be programmed to call both this service provider and a friend. Having a medical emergency can be a very lonely experience. Calling a friend can be comforting, while waiting for medical response.
Most medical alert appliances are equipped to handle two way voice communication. This is also comforting to a person who is suffering.
During these difficult economic times, when homes are difficult to sell and sell for less than their value, it may be impractical to move an elderly person into a nursing care facility. It is hard to count on the revenue from the sale of a home to last very long when used to pay for senior living facilities.
If this is a service you may look into, I suggest finding a company that uses a monitoring facility that specializes in medical monitoring. The system will likely be a rental or lease arrangement, with rates between $30 and $50 per month. Many alarm companies offer this type of service. It is preferable that some one from that provider come to the home where it will be installed to properly evaluate the situation. A reputable company will also let you know if the situation requires more care than a medical pendant and emergency communication device can afford. Contact me about this if you wish. I know a guy...
Medical monitoring is another level of senior care whereby an elderly person might maintain a significant level of independence, living in their own home with an emergency call button for instant communication to friends and loved ones, should an emergency arise. People become confused sometimes, thinking that the "panic button" automatically calls medical response or a fire department. Actually, the person wearing the device chooses whom to notify in case of an alarm.
These medical pendants can be used in conjunction with other senior services for even more freedom and independence. In cases where there is a chronic disorder and regular nursing care is necessary, a medical pendant might be programmed to call both this service provider and a friend. Having a medical emergency can be a very lonely experience. Calling a friend can be comforting, while waiting for medical response.
Most medical alert appliances are equipped to handle two way voice communication. This is also comforting to a person who is suffering.
During these difficult economic times, when homes are difficult to sell and sell for less than their value, it may be impractical to move an elderly person into a nursing care facility. It is hard to count on the revenue from the sale of a home to last very long when used to pay for senior living facilities.
If this is a service you may look into, I suggest finding a company that uses a monitoring facility that specializes in medical monitoring. The system will likely be a rental or lease arrangement, with rates between $30 and $50 per month. Many alarm companies offer this type of service. It is preferable that some one from that provider come to the home where it will be installed to properly evaluate the situation. A reputable company will also let you know if the situation requires more care than a medical pendant and emergency communication device can afford. Contact me about this if you wish. I know a guy...
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Choosing Your Knight Protector
In the alarm industry there are just a few manufacturers of alarm equipment that all of the hundreds of alarm companies use, so the equipment from one company to the next is pretty much the same. Monitoring facilities of reputable companies should be listed or rated by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Any low voltage electrician should be able to run wires or program a wireless alarm, as there is really no secret there. The real difference comes in sales and service. Sales people should be adequately trained, not only in the art of “closing” the sale, but how to best protect a business or family based on individual, specific threats and anxieties. Service should be prompt. Call backs should be timely and service calls should be few and far between.
Another place where you find disparity between companies is their purchase policy. Some companies only lease equipment, requiring contracts that state that you will never own the equipment. Other companies will sell the equipment to you and still require a contract for monitoring. Then there are companies that charge the fair installation price for the equipment and will monitor your system on a month to month basis. Pay as you go or pay to play, whatever you call it. The latter method ensures that you will get prompt service. It is logical that if a company fails to perform, you should be allowed to fire them without penalty.
In closing, I urge caution when dealing with companies who have as many attorneys working for their collections department as they have sales people working in their sales department.
Another place where you find disparity between companies is their purchase policy. Some companies only lease equipment, requiring contracts that state that you will never own the equipment. Other companies will sell the equipment to you and still require a contract for monitoring. Then there are companies that charge the fair installation price for the equipment and will monitor your system on a month to month basis. Pay as you go or pay to play, whatever you call it. The latter method ensures that you will get prompt service. It is logical that if a company fails to perform, you should be allowed to fire them without penalty.
In closing, I urge caution when dealing with companies who have as many attorneys working for their collections department as they have sales people working in their sales department.
System Take Overs
One of the first things folks do as they move into a new home is change out their locks on the doors, which is absolutely the right thing to do. Unfortunately, security planning often stops right there. Many new homes are constructed and pre-wired for basic security system installation, with wires running to at least the doors, a keypad location and a motion detector location. There’s no real secret to where the devices will eventually be installed. There is also little difference in the equipment from one manufacturer to another, with the exception coming when wireless devices are required to be installed.
Here is the real meat of this entry. Just because an alarm company puts a sticker or embosses a logo on the system does not necessarily mean that there is anything proprietary about it. Every system installation requires an installer code which can cause minor difficulty for a subsequent monitoring facility. In this case the system has to be manually reset, but still shouldn’t require any substantial investment.
It is a good idea to get the code to any existing system from the previous owner of the property, though you should not be required to use the same monitoring service as they, even if the equipment has been marked or branded. Practically speaking, even of the branding company has a right to the equipment, it is not likely they will spend resources to come and retrieve the system components. Second, nothing says that they have to be granted access by the new owner of the home.
Here is the real meat of this entry. Just because an alarm company puts a sticker or embosses a logo on the system does not necessarily mean that there is anything proprietary about it. Every system installation requires an installer code which can cause minor difficulty for a subsequent monitoring facility. In this case the system has to be manually reset, but still shouldn’t require any substantial investment.
It is a good idea to get the code to any existing system from the previous owner of the property, though you should not be required to use the same monitoring service as they, even if the equipment has been marked or branded. Practically speaking, even of the branding company has a right to the equipment, it is not likely they will spend resources to come and retrieve the system components. Second, nothing says that they have to be granted access by the new owner of the home.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Start Fire Training Early
Did you know that many times, children do not wake up for a smoke alarm and unless they are taught what to do if they hear it, they tend to hide, rather than run or crawl to safety? It is never too early to begin this training and it is good to quiz them regularly. Recently I was grilling my own children on what to do in case of fire. My six year old daughter correctly informed me that when we hear the smoke alarm, we meet on the neighbor’s porch. I was proud. I asked my four year old son what we have to do if our clothes catch on fire at which he looked down at what he was wearing and responded “we have to buy new Mr. Incredibles jammies.” Pride goes before a fall.
This time of the year, in cold weather like we are having, the reports of fire related injury and death always rise. Fire is our tool to keep us warm and cook our food and dry our clothes but it can turn tragic very quickly. Of course a quality alarm system can minimize the damages and loss from such tragic occurrences, by quickly reporting to fire and EMS. Standard smoke detectors do not call the authorities, and in most cases, can’t even be heard by the neighbor. Some guidelines to think about when deploying smoke detection devices follow as well as other fire safety tips.
1. Test smoke detectors monthly. There should be at least one on every level of the home.
2. Have the family run the evacuation plan, even blindfolded. Understand that thick, black smoke can make it impossible to see your way out.
3. Teach them to crawl low to the ground to stay clear of unbreathable hot air.
4. Make sure children know not to hide from fire-fighters.
5. Teach them to stop, drop and roll if their clothing is on fire.
6. Change the batteries in all smoke detectors at least every year.
7. Replace smoke detectors that are more then ten years old or according to manufacturer recommendations.
For more information and to find kids coloring pages on fire safety, visit www.usfa.fema.gov, and for assistance in planning your fire safety strategy call ADT at (248) 629-3175 because “Your Safety Matters.”
Of course all opinions and suggestions manumitted here are subject to your own better idea. I'm not proud.
This time of the year, in cold weather like we are having, the reports of fire related injury and death always rise. Fire is our tool to keep us warm and cook our food and dry our clothes but it can turn tragic very quickly. Of course a quality alarm system can minimize the damages and loss from such tragic occurrences, by quickly reporting to fire and EMS. Standard smoke detectors do not call the authorities, and in most cases, can’t even be heard by the neighbor. Some guidelines to think about when deploying smoke detection devices follow as well as other fire safety tips.
1. Test smoke detectors monthly. There should be at least one on every level of the home.
2. Have the family run the evacuation plan, even blindfolded. Understand that thick, black smoke can make it impossible to see your way out.
3. Teach them to crawl low to the ground to stay clear of unbreathable hot air.
4. Make sure children know not to hide from fire-fighters.
5. Teach them to stop, drop and roll if their clothing is on fire.
6. Change the batteries in all smoke detectors at least every year.
7. Replace smoke detectors that are more then ten years old or according to manufacturer recommendations.
For more information and to find kids coloring pages on fire safety, visit www.usfa.fema.gov, and for assistance in planning your fire safety strategy call ADT at (248) 629-3175 because “Your Safety Matters.”
Of course all opinions and suggestions manumitted here are subject to your own better idea. I'm not proud.
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