Burglar Alarm technology has been around for over 100 years.  While technology has advanced, some of the terminology still in use by dealers has not, and the use of door and window “contacts” is common to our industry.

A contact is a device that is typically attached to a door, window, or other entry point that would be opened or moved if someone tries to gain access during a burglary or “intrusion.”  It is a very effective means for determining if a door is open, closed, or has moved.

The terminology refers to an early means of this detection.  Most alarm technology involves establishing an electronic “circuit” by means of establishing a closed “loop,” and interrupting that loop.  Back in the day a metal (usually brass) bar was placed on a door to complete the circuit by pressing against the similar parts connected to the wiring, thus completing the circuit.  If the bar no longer made “contact” to complete the circuit then the zone was “open” and would cause an alarm or trouble condition so the alarm could not be “set.” 

With the invention of the reed switch a magnet could be placed adjacent the switch to cause the reed to “close” and complete the circuit.  If the door opened then the magnet moves away and can no longer keep the switch closed.  This was a critical advancement because the brass bar could be damaged or corrode over time and cause troubles or false alarms.

There are now literally thousands of switches or contacts available to alarm industry professionals.  One of the older companies, GRI (http://www.grisk.com/) located in Kimball, Nebraska supplies these Made in USA products world-wide.

Wireless technology uses this method for door and window protection without the use of physical wiring from the control panel to the door switch.  These small devices have embedded serial numbers that help identify them to the control equipment, and are programmed into the control panel so they don’t get confused with other devices within range.  They are also supervised so if one goes missing or is altered (damaged or the device is opened for battery replacement) the control panel notifies the alarm company.

Advancements in alarm technology help reduce false alarms and make alarm systems user friendly, and Security Professionals is part of that effort.

TL

Click here to view the embedded video.

This “technician” claimed to have appointments, and when our customer didn’t open the door to let him in he walked around the house, presumably looking for another way in.  Kudos to her for not letting him in and locking herself in the house.  You can call the police and report this behavior.  It could be someone trying to get into your house to see if you really have a security system and what’s worth stealing.  Or worse, someone attempting a home invasion. He will probably move on to another home, so your call could prevent this, or help police catch him that much faster.

Please call the police or hit your panic button on your security system or key-fob if you are approached while outside.  Try to get a good description of the person to give to police so they know who they’re looking for.  Follow your instincts; even if you don’t know why your “spidy senses are tingling” or you feel silly don’t second guess yourself.  Analyze what happened later and I’d bet you’ll find something said or done that triggered your instincts.

I have talked to the detective investigating the case of the man trying to enter one of our customer’s homes pretending to be one of our technicians.  This is not the only rues he is using.  He carries a clip board and could claim to be just about anyone to get you to open the door.  So please be wary of strangers approaching you or knocking at your door trying to get your confidence so you’ll let them in.  Ask for their card (through the mail slot) or the phone number to the company they work for so you can call and verify their identity.  If they are legitimist this should be no big deal.  Follow through with the call though; they could be calling your bluff.

Parents, be aware if your children are home alone our technicians won’t even enter the home and neither should any other company.  Remind them not to open the door to strangers.  Teach them about the panic buttons on the keypad and how they work, you can always put the system into test and have them and you practice. I recommend this because it’s loud and scary sounding and you don’t want to freeze up.  Teach them how to dial 911 and why.

If while you’re at work and someone comes in claiming they have permission to install a security system and you have no knowledge of it, call your supervisor or the owner.  Last year a security company came into a business, belonging to a friend of mine, installed a security system while the owner was out tried to charge him for the work and monitoring and claimed he now had a 3 year contract with them.  He called the company and gave them a piece of his mind.  They removed the system, but he was left with a big hole in his wall where they had installed the keypad in his customers waiting area.

Yes, these are true stories.  This is a scary subject and it would be nice if we didn’t have to worry about these things, but since we do let’s be prepared.  We are sending this out in hopes to save our customers and whoever they share this with from becoming a victim of criminals, as well as unethical, and unscrupulous companies.

Sincerely,
Security Professionals

Many of our customers have Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) video surveillance systems for their business, and more people are adding exterior cameras to their home security systems all the time.

Honeywell now offers wireless cameras for interior or exterior use that can be viewed over the Internet, on a smart phone or even some of the new tablets.

Many of our existing security systems can be programmed to send a text message or e-mail to notify you of an alarm or other activity, such as your school-aged children arriving home when you’re away or at work.  With your camera system connected to the Internet, as with most DVR’s, you are just a few clicks away from checking live or recorded video so you can confirm those events.

And sometimes you just want to check things out.  This can be especially comforting with elderly parents, pets and of course children.

But that unexpected alarm on the weekend or at night might be the real thing.  You have just been notified of that alarm, and from your cell phone you can see your cameras within seconds, and cancel police response or hurry them along.

Security Professionals has been providing services like this to our customers for years, and we can talk to you about several different options that balance cost and effectiveness.  It’s all about peace of mind for you and family.

As always, our consulting for your home and business security needs is no cost or obligation.  Just our way of saying thanks to our many satisfied customers.  Almost all of our new business comes from your referrals, and we appreciate it.

Thom Livengood

Sales Manager

Outdoor motion detection lights are also an important part of home security, and can be decorative as well.  The newer solar lights stay on all night and are an economical way to light your yard.  A well-lit yard is less inviting then a dark yard.  This combination of a security system, well displayed security signs, motion lights, solar lights, and landscaping tips let intruders know you take protecting your home and family seriously.  Make safety a priority.

Often there is an increase in residential burglary and theft in the warm weather months. At times, we leave our windows open for ventilation when we are not home. In a vast number of summertime burglaries, the burglar gains entry through an opened or unlocked door or window. We also see an increase in theft of personal property, because there is a tendency to leave items, such as bicycles, unattended at parks.

Most of these thefts can be prevented just by giving things a second thought, rather than just “leaving them for a second.”

Home Security:

When you are away from home, close and lock your doors and windows. If you want to leave windows open enough for ventilation, but not wide enough for someone to gain entry, use a dowel for sliding glass windows cut to allow the window to open no more than 4î. For double hung windows, consider sash pins. Some windows have stops installed on the inside track, which will also prevent the window from being opened to far.

Yard maintenance:

Don’t make it easy for the burglar! Make sure even if you are just running for a quick trip or working outside that you don’t leave your doors unlocked or visibly opened. When working in the yard in the back of the home, do not leave the front door open and/or unlocked. If you have a garage or storage unit that is out of your line of sight while you are working in the yard, be mindful of what are you showing in plain view to anyone who may be walking or driving by.

Gardening tools, lawnmowers, other yard tools, ladders all tend to be stolen more in warm weather months. Make sure you lock them up in the garage, shed, etc.

Heat In Cars:

Remember to NEVER leave pets or children unattended in a hot vehicle with the windows rolled up. If you leave your car, roll the windows down enough for ventilation and provide a dish of water.

Summer security sales blitzes:

Many out-of-state security alarm dealers use the summer months to hire college students to “blitz” neighborhoods and offer home security installations.  Usually the truck and crew are just down the street waiting for the OK.  Or even worse, they “train” these cold-callers to install the system themselves!

Most areas require a low-voltage electrical contractor, such as Security Professionals, to have a contractors license and obtain a permit for the installation.  We monitor out accounts locally, and provide 24-hour service.  And our existing customers can earn free monitoring credits for referring us.  In fact, most of our business comes from referrals.  If your friends, neighbors or relatives are considering having a security system installed, please ask them to call us for a no-cost, no obligation pressure free consultation at their convenience, and then decide what’s best.  We” be here when they needs us.

Our Oregon and Washington license numbers are on our website, and please call us with any questions or concerns.

Thom Livengood

“If you are ever trapped in a fire, be prepared to crawl. Smoke and heat rise. The air is clearer and cooler near the floor. Try to escape through a door. If it’s not hot, open slowly and ensure fire and/or smoke is not blocking your escape route. If your escape route is blocked, shut the door immediately and use an alternate escape route, such as a window. If you cannot escape through a window, hang a white or light-colored sheet outside the window, alerting fire fighters of your presence.”

New Rules for Carbon Monoxide Detectors will affect Oregon and Washington homeowners in 2011.

Both the Oregon and Washington legislatures have passed laws that will affect new home construction and the purchase or sale of existing homes. Carbon Monoxide poisoning affects thousands every year, and the installation of carbon monoxide (CO) detectors will by mandated in Oregon by April 1, 2011 in Oregon, and July 1, 2011 in Washington.

If you have a specific threat from someone then do not hesitate to call authorities.  You should also employ appropriate  safety precautions for your situation.  Again the above people train you for these situations.

That being said these tips are for general everyday situations, to make yourself less vulnerable.  I’m sure I haven’t covered everything, so use this as a starting point.  Keep yourself well informed and aware.

1) Be aware of your surroundings.

• If you ware headphones don’t have them too loud.  Even then be aware that it will diminish your ability to hear what is going on around you.
• Crossing the street, even with a walk sign, check for cars.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to stop in the middle of the street because some driver didn’t see me crossing, hustle it to get out of the way of a car that came zooming out of no where, or turned into where I was crossing.  Even when there were multiple people.  Crazy I know.
• When turning a corner (on foot)  don’t cut the corner too close, you don’t know if someone is coming around it from the other side.
• If passing a darkened area, such as an ally or doorway, give it a wide birth at least 3 feet.

2) Keep an emergency kit in your car.  If you go up to the mountains carry blankets, or extra coats.  In a metal coffee carry matches, candles or sterno (melt the snow in the coffee can to drink), energy bars, flash light, a large piece of paper and a marker (to post a sign for help).  Flares are a good thing as well.  I also have a first aid kit in my car, which I use more then I would have expected.

3) If you do get stuck, be careful not to run your car for extended periods of time, not only will you run out of gas, but the fumes get into your car and can kill you.

4) Respect your intuition.  If a place gives you the creeps, steer clear of it.  If a person makes you uncomfortable, leave.  Don’t let people guilt you into things like a date or a ride.  This is where the books below will come in handy.

5) Recommended reading:  The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker,  Emotional Vampire by Albert J. Bernstein