A Simple Checklist for Fire Inspection

Similar to a smoke alarm with no more juice, it can be tough to recognise when your fire sprinkler system is operating without a look at the engine. Your fire protection service provider needs to be examining system pressure indicators, the condition and efficiency of valves, sprinkler heads. The expert should also be identifying indications of deterioration so you don't find an unexpected drip which could have been averted. Failing to carry out inspections might not just result in increased fire damage, it could reduce the likelihood your insurance company will cover claims. Is your fire suppression system checked out on a regular basis according to your insurance provider's specifications?

If you have a significant amount of storage space, you may be aware of fire code specifications related to how much is in storage, where it's being kept and the way in which it's organized. Are your stored items being stored in accordance with the fire code?

Fire extinguishers have to be assessed annually and serviced every three years. Similar to any device, extinguishers must be checked to make certain they are functional. They can deteriorate, show signs of corrosion and leak. Are your fire extinguishers being inspected on a steady basis in compliance with your insurance provider's specifications?

Smoking in the workplace is unquestionably a fire hazard, so be sure your staff know what is allowed and what isn't. Are there smoking polices established with published signs around your facility?

Particular chemical substances and paints are flammable and have particular storage requirements away from combustible fluids such as cooking oils, lubricating oils and motor oil. Are you correctly keeping flammables away from combustibles?

A growth of flammable solid waste materials can pose a fire risk. Is trash being removed from your location routinely?

Every time a circuit breaker trips, you can tell a security problem is at hand. Outlets are not so informative. Dangerous electric outlets and cables can begin fires, especially if they're overstressed and weakened. Are all of your plugs, switches and cords in good repair and in secure places?

Pieces of technology and devices make life less difficult, however they should not be overlooked. Space heaters need to be removed from drapes and paperwork. Coffee makers and other break room items should be unplugged when not in use. Be sure significant heat-producing devices like clothes dryers manufacturing machines are well ventilated and that those ventilation solutions are clear to do that chore. Are the heat-producing machines within your building being used safely?

Cleanliness is next to godliness - and fire protection. Piles of old paperwork, loads of cardboard and spills coming from equipment can be fire threats. In case a fire does break out and you need to get out, your goal is to be sure that doorways, stairs and corridors are not impeded.

Have a fire escape program and be sure everyone within your property understands what it is and how to follow it. It must be plainly marked and put up. Exits - always left unlocked from inside for the duration of working hours - also need to be plainly marked, in many cases with a lighted sign.

When your smoke alarm isn't operational, it doesn't do you a lot of good. Using a test button on the majority of versions, verifying the battery power is not difficult. Is your fire alarm functional?

If a fire is small,, a portable fire extinguisher can be extremely useful in extinguishing flames or keeping them from spreading. Do you have a fire extinguisher mounted, on hand and obvious?

Fire hydrants and connections need to be extremely visible and straightforward for the local fire department to find and use. Is the area surrounding your hydrant clear of clutter and flora?

The fuses in your fusebox must be labeled, and access to them ought to be quick. In case a firefighter needs to shut down electricity at your location because of a fire, be certain it's not hard to do. Is your electrical control box labeled and easily accessible?

It is very important to keep your fire safety inspection archives handy so that you can quickly supply them should they be required. Are your records accessible?

In the event trash containers are located too close to a combustible wall, roof overhang, door or window, a fire inside of them can spread to a building.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6909905

Home Security Burglar Alarm System - Protect Your Home While You're on Holiday

A home security burglar alarm system is something that a lot of people don't really think that they need. The reality of the situation is, however, that anyone can benefit from a security alarm that can protect their home from unwanted guests. Whether you are home or away, having the peace of mind that your home is safe is priceless. It's hard to know how to protect your home when you're away and most people would just as soon hope for the best. However, with an alarm system, you can know that you're safe.

If you are not sure what a basic security system and package should consist of, we have outlined a few things to look for below:

- free initial inspection, advice and quotation on the right system for you
- two passive infared sensors (if you have pets, it might be worthwhile asking about intelligent pet exclusion analysis that checks the speed, mass and shape of the target in digital form, therefore preventing your alarm from sounding every time the cat or dog decides to stroll past the sensor!)
- a keypad
- an internal siren
- an external siren with a flashing light
- batteries
- installation costs incorporated with the overall price
- the option to include extra features (for an extra cost) such as: panic switches, extra sensors, remote control units and intercoms
- 24 hour, seven day a week monitoring service

You should also consider putting lights on staggered timers to ensure that your home is safe while you are on holiday. You should never put your lights on the same timer or schedule your timers to come on at the exact same moment because burglars know to look for this. If you have one light come on after another or have different lights on and off at different points throughout the day, it will look more like someone is home and less like you are trying to make it look like someone is home.

Investing in a home security burglar alarm system offers you the ultimate defence against the bad guys. You will be able to go on holiday, enjoy your time, and never even worry about your home because you will know that it is protected. You should really look into a home security burglar alarm system before your next holiday. It might seem like quite an investment, but when you feel that peace of mind for the first time, you'll understand just how priceless a secure home really can be. Before you leave town, invest in a security alarm to prevent problems before they occur.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6098909

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from Safe Side Security! 

"May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!"  

~Author Unknown

Security Camera - Surveillance Camera Systems For Home And Office

In this day and age of uncertainty it is no small wonder that security systems have been a booming industry. They have always shown strength in numbers, but not as much as they have in the last 5 years. There are a myriad of systems that one can choose from, but none better, in many respects than home security cameras.

Security cameras, though not the least expensive of options, is probably the most sound in your decision as a business or homeowner. Surveillance cameras that will spy into any number of nooks and crannies of your business or home, offer unbridled protection in the form of visual proof; proof that without a security camera system would have never been attainable prior to its installation.

Your home security camera central core should be placed in a protected area of your home, an office or second bedroom. You place your security cameras where they can be seen and not seen, in areas where you may otherwise be blind. Your home security camera system should, naturally, cover your entry and exit points.

We know that home security cameras are a formidable crime deterrent, but there are so many home camera system choices currently on the market. The very first thing you should do is decide on just what type of home security camera system you need. No matter your choice, be it a wireless security camera system or hard wired, there is no question that it should include security cameras.

Wireless security cameras for the home aren't a bad idea. They allow you ease of use and installation. You can also move them when you need to upon finding holes in your home security system needs. Other options may be weighed as well such as DVR system or tape recording which comes hand in hand with your home security camera system.

Your business is important to you. For that reason it's important to not get a security camera system meant for a home or a wireless security camera system. You want the stability and reliability that hard wired security camera systems offer you. Though popular due to ease of use, wireless security cameras are less effective than direct connected security camera systems as the quality of picture is not as good. They are, however, perfectly useful as a home security camera system.

No matter what your situation may be, home or business, the answer to the question of personal security is never difficult. You can not replace the effectiveness of a security camera system to aid in your family's well-being. Choosing a security system, be it a wireless security camera system or some other such system you will feel better knowing that would be criminals will be less than eager to break into your home or business when knowing that their chances of being caught are much greater.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/704990

No Property Is Safe Without Home Security Systems

Keeping your property safe has never been more challenging than it is today. In the past, it used to be as simple as having a few guard dogs on your property to keep everyone safe. Now, you need much more than guard dogs. You need to look at several different home security systems so you can find one that will give your place the protection that it needs.

Did you know that you can decrease your risk of home invasion with alarm equipment in your home? If your place is ever broken into, all is not lost. Thanks to the alarm capabilities that home security systems have, the authorities will know if someone has gained access to your property illegally. The alarms that would be triggered will alert the authorities to come and investigate what is going on. If you have a silent alarm system in place, the chances of the deviants being caught in the act are much higher. Once they are caught, yours and every other property on the block will be much safer.

When it comes to choosing between home security systems, there are a few things you should take into consideration. You should make sure that any equipment you purchase has a control panel, siren or alarm, motion detector, keypad and control panel. The control panel allows you to set when and where the alarm system will be active on the property. If the alarm is accidentally triggered, you can turn it off before the authorities make an empty trip to your place. You want an alarm that is at least 110 decibels so that it will deter any intruders and scare them away from your property. The motion detector will be able to detect any changes in your home's environment when you and your family are away.

You can choose between two different types of home security systems. There is the kind where you can record and monitor what is happening on your property yourself. And there is the kind where a third party monitors your property through equipment that they install in on your premises. They are referred to as unmonitored and monitored home security systems.

Decide which type of monitoring method will work best for your property. If you have a good relationship with your neighbors and they are around most of the time, you could consider the unmonitored method. If your alarms are triggered while you are away, it is up to your neighbors to alert the authorities. While this may be the cheaper method, it is not always the most reliable. If you decide you want the monitored method, then you will need to shop around for a monitoring service provider. Keep in mind that many of these providers require a time commitment. If you are not familiar with who offers the best and most affordable service, ask about trial period offers for new customers. No matter what you choose to use to keep your property safe, make sure that you have every nook and cranny covered.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7389623

Where to Mount a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer and is a lethal gas that is all too often present in high volume within our homes. Opinions vary regarding the best place to mount a carbon monoxide detector. It may seem logical to simply plug-in your CO detector at the nearest power source available, namely a floor level wall socket, but ground level is going to be the wrong answer. Choosing an inefficient or ineffective location to mount a carbon monoxide detector is a common mistake many home owners often make. Here are a few simple things to keep in mind to keep your household safe from the dangers of CO poisoning.

The chemical properties of CO are such that it is slightly lighter than air, meaning in a stable environment with little cross-breeze CO will generally collect from the top down in a closed room. For this reason the first thing to consider when you mount a carbon monoxide detector is relative height compared to ground level. The best bet is to mount your carbon monoxide detector on the ceiling just like you would with a typical smoke detector.

Keep your CO detector mounted away from bathrooms, laundry rooms, or any other area that gets more humid than the rest of the house. Humidity interferes with the internal working of most CO detectors. Also be sure to mount a carbon monoxide detector at between ten to twelve feet away from any gas power appliances or cooking devices. Having a carbon monoxide detector mounted near these areas may give a false positive alarm and cause undue wear-and-tear to your device, not to mention wear-an-tear on your nerves. Garages are also another source of many false alarms automobiles moving in and out and laundry appliances usually installed here. Garages are often too cold for proper operation in areas of the country that experience extended cold temperatures.

No matter how big or small your home may be, it is always best to install more than one device in the event either one fails to successfully alarm if CO reaches dangerous levels. A good general guideline is to have one device per level of your home, including the basement, or no less than two devices in a one-story dwelling. Always mount CO detectors near bedrooms or areas where you may often sleep, like family rooms or lounge areas. The idea here is to get woken up when the alarm sounds.

When you mount your carbon monoxide detector, take your time and think about how CO is likely to accumulate within your home. Also be mindful of where placement will most likely alert you if the danger threshold is reached. With these things in mind your family will sleep safe from the dangers of CO poisoning.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4862552

Burglar Alarm Monitoring Service - One of Five Essential Business Features

When you start a business, you have a lot of different elements to consider. It takes a little bit of time and effort to get everything in order, but it can be done if you are willing to make the effort. Start your process by figuring out exactly what things you must have in your business in order to be efficient and productive. In terms of technology and electronics, there is plenty that will be useful to your business. Choosing the proper tools is going to make all the difference. Here are five must-have features for any business:

- Proper phone system. Your business needs to have communication covered in all aspects. Starting with a phone system that suits the size demands of your business is essential. Make sure that you get a working phone system in place quickly.

- Computers and technology. Whether you have a small business or a large one, you should be taking advantage of technology. Implement computers and other IT services where you need them so that your business can run smoothly.

- Proper furnishings. While things like desks and other furnishings might seem like an obvious element, some people put them on the back burner. You need to make sure that your business is furnished so that presents itself well to employees and customers alike.

- Security cameras. If you have any type of investment in this business, you should want to know what is going on at all times. There is no better way to keep an eye on the building and everyone in it than with a proper security camera network.

- Burglar alarm monitoring service. This is perhaps one of the most essential features of your business. You really need to implement a professional, secure alarm system that will allow you to monitor your business at all times. Your system should include a 24-hour burglar alarm monitoring service and extra features that will give your business the security that it deserves.

There are a lot of features for any business to consider, but there is nothing to think about with a burglar alarm monitoring service. You simply must implement a system into your business so that you are protected against anything that could go wrong. These systems are affordable and come in many styles for you to choose from, making it easier for you to get peace of mind when it comes to your new business.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6527957

Home Alarms Provide a Powerful Defense Against Intruders

Security is one of the top concerns that every homeowner has. The less a homeowner has to worry about the security of his house, the greater the likelihood that he can find peace of mind. Your home consists of things and people you cannot replace - your family, your family's pictures, and other keepsakes and sentimental pieces. No homeowner would like to take the risk of exposing their loved ones to the threat of intruders. The prospect of having burglars or other intruders breaking into your house can be quite frightening, but you can take certain steps to avoid it from ever happening. It is possible to install security systems in your house that will work twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and will help protect your home from break-ins.

No matter where you reside, you'll be pleased to know that there usually are multiple quality alarm systems to choose from. Security systems can be wired into the local police department's network, sending a silent alarm if someone breaks into your home. Of course, these need to be customized and installed properly so that the police aren't summoned over every false alarm.

An increasing number of homeowners are shifting towards the DIY movement, since it empowers them to make some top notch decisions, while saving costs. However, a word of caution is needed here. Not every project is a good one for DIY status. You're going to need to think about getting a professional to handle your security needs. As mentioned earlier, this is something that affects your family. Do you really want to leave it to chance? If you are very much into DIY projects, you might feel slightly offended that we would suggest not doing something yourself. However, even the most ardent DIY enthusiasts delegate some tasks to professionals. If you were to take it upon yourself, you wouldn't have any warranty of guarantee to fall back on. Yet if you were to purchase a good security alarm from a local professional, they would install it for you at a reduced cost. This cost would also include checking the system to make sure that it has been installed properly. That is much better than just going out on faith and hoping for the best.

When it is time to contact a security professional, you want to choose an option that is as local as possible. There are generally plenty of security companies to choose from, no matter where you live. They can normally be reached by phone or by email. Even if they do not get in touch right away, the companies generally try to have a security system installed as soon as possible. They may ask some questions to determine what the homeowner is looking for and how to assist them better. That's perfectly fine, as it is just part of the process.

What homeowners need to do from thereon is to trust the process. It's okay for homeowners not to handle every security need of theirs on their own. Alarm systems are a key part of the security process, but aren't the be all and end all of it. Homeowners should make sure that all doors and windows are equipped with sturdy locks. No compromises should be made when investing in high-quality locks. If you have been the unfortunate victim of a home invasion, you will need to change all the locks, before you start installing the new alarm system.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7394963

How to Protect Your Home During the Holidays

By Sarah Tann | Yahoo! Homes 

With crime on the rise during the holiday season, follow these five tips to help protect your home and family.

The holidays: They're a time for getting together with family, sipping chocolate by the fireplace, opening up presents, and…getting burglarized?

Surprisingly, that's a yes to all of the above. In fact, nearly 400,000 burglaries take place in the United States between November and December each year, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

In fact, the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) says that families should be extra vigilant during the winter months, especially if your home is filled with shiny new gifts or if you have impending travel plans.

So what can you do to protect your family? Keep reading for five tips on how to keep your home safe during the holidays…

Tip #1 - Protect Your Home with a Home Security System

We've all seen the "Home Alone" movies that make Christmas break-ins look like fun and games. But there's nothing amusing about putting your family in harm's way.

That's why Ron Walters, director of the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), suggests that all families invest in a home security system.

"The biggest deterrent for burglars is an alarm system," says Walters, who's also a former burglary detective.

According to statistics from a 2009 study by the Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice, Walters may be on to something. The study found that an installed burglar alarm makes a home less attractive to intruders by 20 percent.

The study also notes that "Neighborhoods in which burglar alarms were densely installed have fewer incidents of residential burglaries than the neighborhoods with fewer burglar alarms."

Tip #2 - Don't Advertise Your Travel Plans

There's a reason why airports are a nightmare during the holidays - and it's not just the torrential winter weather. No, airports are a mess during the holidays because everyone is travelling. That is, everyone except burglars, who instead will be scheming ways to take advantage of your empty home.

In fact, burglars prefer to break into homes that are unoccupied because if they're caught in the act, it's considered by law to be less of a crime than if they were to burglarize an occupied home, says Walters.

Because of this, Walters offers this bit of advice for travelers: "However your house would normally look when you're at home, that's how you want it to look when you're travelling. If you could leave a car in the driveway, you should. "

Basically, the more "lived-in" your home can look - the better. The Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department offers some holiday safety traveling tips:

• Get an automatic timer for your lights.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow, and park in the driveway from time to time.
• Don't forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, it's a sure sign you're gone.

Tip #3 - Don't Show Off Your Gifts

Whether you're celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah, it's almost a given that once December hits, presents will start rolling into your home.

Unfortunately, your kids aren't the only ones excited about their holiday gifts. Burglars will be keeping tabs, too.

For that reason, the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department notes that "Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home."

The Police Department also says that you should keep your gifts under wraps - even after they've been unwrapped.

"In too many cases, residents make it easy for burglars to figure out which homes to target by putting boxes that identify their new gifts in plain view with their other garbage," says the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. "Some burglars actually look inside garbage cans for evidence of holiday gifts."

To avoid becoming a victim of holiday burglary, Walters says you should cut up the boxes that your presents came in - especially if they're related to pricey electronics, like a flat screen TV or laptop. Most importantly, he says not to throw boxes away on the street.

Tip #4 - Update/Secure Your Home's Entry Points

Burglars: They're lazy. Yes, you read that right.

As much as they want to steal our belongings, burglars prefer to take the easy way out and go after homes that are an easy target.

Less-than-sturdy windows and doors, for example, could attract burglars to your home during the holidays.

On top of that, Walters says the biggest misconception people have is that a deadbolt lock will keep them safe. However, "If you don't reinforce the area around the lock, it takes no strength to break into a home," he says.

A report on the burglary of single-family homes by the U.S. Department of Justice offers similar sentiments.

"Poor building materials can make houses more vulnerable to burglary," notes the report. "Older houses may have rusting, easily compromised locks or worn and decaying window and door frames, while newer houses may be built with cheap materials."

So, what can you do to better burglar-proof your home this holiday season?

"Go to the home improvement store," says Walters."Look at the different items that are there, talk to the salespeople, and ask them how you can secure your home and strengthen the area around your dead bolt lock."

Tip #5 - Be Very Aware of Your Surroundings

This tip sounds a little ominous, we know, but with safety and holiday cheer at stake - it's best to be overly cautious.

Here's why: "Most burglars live in the neighborhood where they commit the crime," says Walters.

"So you want to be careful when bringing in gifts or items into your home," Walters adds. Before unloading your car, make sure that you weren't followed back home from the shopping mall, or that there's no one suspicious lurking on your street.

Something else you might want to consider during the holidays: travelling in a pack.

"If there's any opportunity to have more people around you, then make sure you do," says Walters. "Burglars won't likely approach you if you're with three or four other people."

Source: homes.yahoo.com

Surveillance and Security Alarm Systems Can Help Keep Homes and Businesses Safe

Although the threat of crime can never be totally eliminated from any residential or commercial setting, there are technological solutions to security that offer the next best thing. With choices ranging from surveillance camera systems to wireless alarm systems, there are many options for crime prevention and access control that can fit almost any budget.

A few generations ago, people could supposedly leave their doors unlocked and not worry about being robbed or victimized. Whether or not this is just a romanticized version of the past, the risks of failing to secure your home or business today are much higher. Dependable locks are a good first step to protecting your valuables and your family, but a technological solution can provide a much higher level of safety and peace of mind. Regardless of property values or the character of your neighborhood, there's always the possibility that potential burglars or intruders might be passing through the area or casing the neighborhood, so a security system can be a good investment for almost any home or commercial space.

When does it make sense to start shopping around for residential alarm systems? It's probably a safe bet to say that most homes would benefit from a security audit and some heightened security measures, but some neighborhoods and lifestyles pose a higher risk than others. Families that do a lot of weekend or vacation traveling would be good candidates for home security systems. Homes can be vulnerable when no one's there for a period of time, so a burglar alarm system can help ensure that intruders are kept out. Other reasons to opt for a security system include the presence of valuables in your home, children who stay home alone for any period of time, and/or recent break-ins in your general vicinity.

Video surveillance systems, for both home and business use, can be another effective strategy for preventing crime and monitoring suspicious activity. DVR surveillance systems can not only enable you to keep an eye on people and activity on your property, but they can also capture digital images that can aid law enforcement. Most businesses can benefit from security surveillance systems as both a preventative measure in terms of inventory control and as a strategy for monitoring staff as well as customers. Knowing what's going on in a parking lot, a warehouse, or at the cash register, for example, can be a powerful tool for business owners in controlling crime and preventing losses. Many businesses, organizations, and institutions are also at a risk for everything from vandalism and violence to corporate espionage and sabotage, so there's a compelling need for options like business security systems, alarms, and access control.

In homes and businesses, whether you opt for a standard security system or a video surveillance solution, these versatile options can provide various types of protection for your family and company. In fact, many security systems are now available with fire alarm systems that can help protect a building and the safety of its occupants. If you've been contemplating the level of security your property requires, contact your local burglar alarm or commercial security system company to explore your options and secure the peace of mind you deserve.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7047953

Do's for Home Security and Surveillance

Home security is important to you because you want to keep your family and your home free from harm. One of the most important elements of home security is preventing burglars from gaining access to your property. Having a security and surveillance camera and alarm accessories is a good idea but it is only the start. You also must know the dos as they relate to protecting your castle.

Do secure all of your windows and doors when you leave for work, an evening out or on vacation. No matter where you are going, even if it a trip to the grocery store that is only five minutes away, check to make sure that all of the doors and windows in your home are secure before you leave the premises. Home security and surveillance equipment can do a lot but you need to be smart about things as well!

Burglars love sliding glass doors because they are so easy to open. Yours does not have to be though! Do purchase a bar or lock from a security and surveillance store and secure the doors so thieves are not able to enter your home. If you are short on cash, place a broom handle or a wooden dowel in the door track to keep it closed.

Do not leave any garden tools or lawn equipment outside as it could prove to be tempting to a would-be thief. Put away your ladder, lawnmower, rakes and any other outdoor items. Make sure that they are locked up. Having a ladder in plain view would be a resource that a criminal could use to break into your residence. Do not give a crook a reason to target your house!

As a security and surveillance measure, do walk around the perimeter of your house and try to think like a burglar. Are there any entry points that are not secured? Doors and windows need to be secured but so do exhaust systems and roof openings. Are there any areas of weakness that you observe?

Scrutinize your property and look around with the most discerning of eyes. Get your spouse or another family member to take a walk about after you do. This may sound a little paranoid but when it comes to preventing a break-in, you can never be too careful!

When you are on your way out, leave your curtains open to a position that is normal. In other words, make it look as you are at home. You do not want to do anything to call unnecessary attention to your windows. This could potentially cause suspicion.

When you arrive home, always have your house key in hand and ready to insert in the lock. You do not want to stand at your front door fumbling around in your pocket or purse for your keys. A prowler in the neighborhood could take you unaware. This is security and surveillance at its most basic!


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7387631