1st Alarm El Paso Home Security Systems Archives - Page 8 of 11

The Benefits Of A Modern Commercial Fire Alarm System

Moments matter when a fire ignites. The typical fire doubles in size every 60 seconds. It can double even faster if flammable liquids or explosives are ignited by the blaze. A commercial fire alarm system won’t prevent a fire from igniting, and it won’t slow it down, but it will give people the warning they need to evacuate the area. These moments matter and often mean the difference between life and death. These are the real benefits of a commercial fire alarm system.

A Commercial Fire Alarm System is an Inexpensive Investment in Early Warning

Installing a commercial fire alarm system in a new building runs roughly $2 per square foot of coverage area, and slightly more if the alarm is being installed as part of a retrofit. However, the real investment is in the safety of your employees, clients, and visitors to your property. A functioning fire alarm ensures that if a fire ever erupts that they won’t get caught off guard and suffer potentially fatal burns and smoke inhalation. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, the majority of fire related casualties are not caused by burns, rather they are the result of toxic smoke inhalation.

A Commercial Fire Alarm System Reduce Insurance Premiums

Many insurance companies will reduce a company’s insurance premiums by 5 to 10% if a commercial fire alarm system is present. This discount can reach 15-20% if the fire alarm is coupled with a fire suppression system such as sprinkler. These savings add up quickly and it is often the case that the premiums that are saved more than cover the installation cost within the first year.

Remote Monitoring Provides Peace of Mind

Modern commercial fire alarm systems have come a long way from being simple smoke detectors. Modern systems can detect everything from carbon monoxide to rising temperatures. Most modern commercial fire alarm systems are connected to a receiver that transmits a signal directly to emergency personnel when a problem arises. This expedites the response time of first responders and provides a reliable layer of coverage that protects the business long after everyone has gone home for the day. In fact, most fires start at night when no one is around and a fire alarm is a 24/7/365 employee that is always on the job.

Advanced Warning Reduces Repair Costs

Most businesses that experience a fire have to shut down while repairs are being conducted. The more significant the damage, the longer the closure will last. Each day the business is closed is a day when revenue drops and savings are depleted. A commercial fire alarm system can help minimize the damage to property and inventory while reducing the downtime required to put everything back in order.

Modern Commercial Fire Alarm Systems are Compliant with NFPA 72

Building codes are constantly evolving. In addition to the increased possibility of malfunctions, older systems simply may not be compliant with modern building requirements. NFPA 72 is the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, and modern systems are designed so that they are in compliance with the standards that are set forth regarding everything from fires and floods to terrorist events.

Modern Commercial Fire Alarm Systems Provide More Information

Fighting a fire effectively depends on having as much information as possible about the fire itself. Modern fire alarm systems transmit data regarding the speed of the fire, the location, the temperature, etc. Firefighters use this information to prepare a strategy to fight the fire fast and effectively.

The 1st Alarm Team Understands your Commercial Fire Alarm System needs

The team at 1st Alarm understands that you will have many burning questions on your mind when it comes time to choose the right commercial fire alarm system to protect your property.

1st Alarm is one of the biggest and best security companies in the region that specializes in both residential and commercial alarm systems as well as commercial fire alarm systems. Serving Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland / Odessa, El Paso, Abilene and San Angelo, we pride ourselves on buying local and hiring local whenever possible. We are committed to offering high quality, professional service with the utmost level of integrity. 1st Alarm is the best commercial fire alarm system company in our region as well. We have personnel trained and certified to meet your fire alarm system needs. To learn more about how our commercial fire alarm systems may be a great fit for your company, Request a Quote online or give us a call at 800-276-5559. You can even visit our office near you.

Save Money With The Installation Of A State Of The Art Commercial Fire Alarm System

Installing a state-of-the-art commercial fire alarm system in your business will save you money. The use of detectors and basic smoke alarms work well, but a commercial fire alarm monitoring system will take your fire safety to the next level. When you have one of these systems professionally installed, you are adding another level of protection for your building, belongings, the people who work for you, and on yourself. You not only have more protection, but you will also save money.

A Commercial Fire Alarm System Saves on Insurance Premiums

The cost of having a commercial fire alarm system installed will be offset by the amounts you will save on your business insurance. The insurance company will see the system as a way of protecting their investment and most offer discounts to customers who have them installed. With a monitoring system, you will be able to reduce the loss a fire can cause during the night hours or while your business is closed. Reduced loss is a plus for both you and your insurance company. Studies show those who install a fire alarm monitoring system can save up to 20% on insurance premiums.

Early Detection Means Loss Prevention Savings

Seconds count when a fire breaks out. A state-of-the-art commercial fire alarm system will detect when there is a fire or even the threat of a fire. These systems are able to detect smoke if a fire is beginning to smolder, if there is a change in temperature indicating a fire may be eminent, when there is actually a fire present, and any other circumstances indicating a fire is a real threat. A fire alarm monitoring system sends an alert to the Fire Department immediately. When the Fire Department receives this alert, they are able to respond much faster to reduce your losses.

Seconds count when a fire breaks out, and the sooner the Fire Department can reach your business; the better your chances are of not suffering a complete loss. A fire can spread quickly and depending on the age of your structure; it can consume the entire building in minutes. Having a faster response time by the Fire Department can be the difference in losing your entire business or just a small portion thus providing you significant savings in loss prevention.

Save Money on Personal Injury

Fires are incredibly destructive and dangerous. With a state-of-the-art commercial fire alarm system, you and your employees will be alerted to the first threat of danger. This alarm will give you and those in your building time to reach safety and reduce or eliminate personal injuries that can occur from the effects of the fire.

A state-of-the-art commercial fire alarm system will save you money and help you prevent destructive fire loss or damages. Preparing today for what could happen tomorrow starts with your installation of a fire monitoring system.

The 1st Alarm Team Understands your Commercial Fire Alarm System needs

The team at 1st Alarm understands that you will have many burning questions on your mind when it comes time to choose the right commercial fire alarm system to protect your property.

Fundamental Configuration Of A Commercial Fire Alarm System

A commercial fire alarm system is crucial to saving lives when tragedy strikes or accidents happen. With a system in place, you and your employees are alerted immediately when a fire or smoke is detected, so everyone has an early warning and a chance to reach safety. The main benefit of a commercial fire alarm system is the early warning advantage; however, they are also cost effective for your smoke and fire protection. Even though these systems are necessary and beneficial to have installed, you don’t need to understand their design, but you should have a fundamental idea of their configuration.

Why it’s important to understand your commercial fire alarm system’s fundamental configuration

A commercial fire alarm system installed in your building is connected to a remote monitoring station, so help is called immediately. You are aware of the danger right away and are able to evacuate your premises quickly before the fire spreads. The system will also ensure medical help is notified in case of emergency and notify the fire department, so they are able to reach your business and hopefully reduce your loss. These systems are life-savers, and you should be aware of their fundamental operation in case you need to perform emergency work.

Basics to understand for your commercial fire alarm system

The basics for you to learn include knowing how to disarm the control panel, troubleshoot the horns and pull stations so your system goes back online as quickly as possible. Problems with these areas can occur, and you want to understand how to restore them, so fire protection is back in place right away.

How detection occurs

The commercial fire alarm system works through a control panel that connects devices such as your smoke detector and heat detector. The panel’s function is to notify of impending danger posed by a fire and to create an alarm. There are different types of systems with elements varying on how they work together. Understanding those systems will help you understand their fundamental operation.

Conventional systems

The Conventional System only has two states, alarm and normal. This method is able to provide information to the necessary personnel alerting them to the fire’s location and what type of device started the fire.

Intelligent systems

An Intelligent System has the alerting devices using a two-way communication method to send messages to the control panel and provides more detailed information than the conventional method. Not only does it provide exact location and device responsible, but it can also determine the sensitivity of the detector and if it’s dirty.

Other systems

There are other systems available that do not rely on software and some that use microprocessors to control the outputs of the system including notification appliances.

Control panel

The control panel is the heart of the system. Understanding how the panel contains the power supplying your entire system and the circuits for the initiating devices will enable you to make sure your commercial fire alarm system is functioning properly and able to keep you protected.

You are not required to understand the fire alarm design or how to install a system, but fundamental information is needed to keep your system functioning properly. Learn the basics of your system before tragedy strikes and make sure you and your business stay protected.

Contact the professionals at 1st Alarm

The team at 1st Alarm understands that you will have many burning questions on your mind when it comes time to choose the right commercial fire alarm system to protect your property. We invite you to contact us to learn more about the alarms we recommend and the monitoring services we offer that can cover your business beneath a blanket of protection.

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems For The Office

Fires can happen at anytime. A spark from an industrial machine, an overheating copier, a lit cigarette in a trashcan, and any one of a thousand other causes can start a fire that can spread quickly throughout the building. A commercial fire alarm system can’t prevent the causes of fires, but it can provide employees and customers with sufficient warning to evacuate the area. It takes mere moments for a fire to grow in size, and these moments can make all the difference in saving lives and property.

Moments Matter

The typical office fire doubles in size every minute. The more fuel that is present, the faster the fire will grow and the typical office has plenty of fuel to fan the flames. While some pieces of office furniture may be made from fire retardant materials, the vast majority of furniture, clothing, and of course, paper and plastics are not. That is why, when you buy from Brisbane’s leader in high quality office furniture, you have to treat all of your new furniture with care and respect. When a fire breaks out, it is often these common materials that fuel the fire and give it the ability to travel throughout the office. In Amarillo, the average response time is 4 and 1/2 minutes. In El Paso, it is about 4 minutes. Most other fire departments in the area respond within these ranges. Fire is becoming an increasing problem in the area and fire departments in the area are bracing for a continued increase in calls over the next five years as the region grows and more and more businesses open their doors. The faster an alarm goes out from a fire alarm system, the sooner the fire trucks will arrive at the front door. Moreover, modern commercial fire alarm systems can gather information regarding where the fire started which can help in fighting and extinguishing the blaze. The moments a fire alarm saves can provide sufficient opportunity to evacuate and help blunt the damage that a fire can cause.

Where to Install a Commercial Fire Alarm System

Each business is different, and every office has needs that vary depending on the size, layout, and tasks conducted within the space. At a minimum, fire alarms should be installed within storerooms containing combustibles such as cleaning agents, paper, and wood. Fire alarms should also be installed in kitchen areas, break rooms, and any area where machines such as copiers, computers, and industrial machinery are present. Should something start to smolder in any of these areas, the alarm will trigger and alert everyone in the building that there is a threat present.

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems are Worth the Investment

In addition to the cost to lives and property, a fire can put a business out of business until the damage is repaired. It’s also important to remember to hire an effective commercial cleaning service to deal with anything that’s left behind after a fire! A commercial fire alarm system coupled with fire suppression systems including sprinklers or clean agent fire suppression systems, and handheld fire extinguishers can minimize the downtime and the overall cost of repairing the damage. Dollar for dollar, the cost of installing and maintaining a high quality commercial fire alarm system is far less than the cost of remediation following a fire. Fires can happen for any number of reasons, and no amount of planning can completely remove the possibility that a fire will break out. However, if a fire breaks out, a fire alarm can provide the timely warning employees need to evacuate and fire departments need to respond. We invite you to contact 1st Alarm to discover more about the fire alarms we install and the steps we take to ensure our clients have the highest degree of protection against fire within their commercial properties.

The 1st Alarm Team Understands your Commercial Fire Alarm System needs

The team at 1st Alarm understands that you will have many burning questions on your mind when it comes time to choose the right commercial fire alarm system to protect your property. 1st Alarm is one of the biggest and best security companies in the region that specializes in both residential and commercial alarm systems as well as commercial fire alarm systems. Serving Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland / Odessa, El Paso, Abilene and San Angelo, we pride ourselves on buying local and hiring local whenever possible. We are committed to offering high quality, professional service with the utmost level of integrity. 1st Alarm is the best commercial fire alarm system company in our region as well. We have personnel trained and certified to meet your fire alarm system needs. To learn more about how our commercial fire alarm systems may be a great fit for your company, Request a Quote online or give us a call at 800-276-5559. You can even visit our office near you.

A Commercial Fire Alarm System Is Essential To The Security Of Your Business

Your business needs a commercial fire alarm system to ensure early warning can be given if a fire breaks out in your complex. Fire alarms are able to be installed in almost any location within a commercial building and will give you more cost effective smoke and fire protection. With greater detection and early warnings, your business is more secure not only for your employees but for your customers as well.

Why a commercial fire alarm system is essential to the security of your commercial business

When you connect your business to a commercial fire alarm system, you can be assured of an early warning when or if a fire breaks out in your building. Early warning is important so evacuation of your employees can be completed before the fire spreads. These systems are able to notify emergency teams in case there are any injuries. The Fire Department will also be notified immediately for a faster response time.

Types of commercial fire alarm system detectors

You can use a particular kind of detector or a combination of them. The different detectors work by sensing one or more elements associated with a fire. The most common include the smoke detector, heat detector, and flame detector.

The smoke detector will alert you if there is evidence of smoke particles present. They are able to respond quickly to even the smallest particle of smoke resulting from flames or hot fires.

The heat detectors are generally used in businesses that generate a dense smoke during their normal operation process. These sensors react to a broad temperature change or at a predetermined temperature you’ve set for them.

The flame detector looks for specific types of infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light which are emitted by flames. When this kind of light is detected, it sends a signal to your alarm.

Why you should install a commercial fire alarm system

The best way to minimize a disaster is prevention. A commercial fire alarm system is essential to preventing a disastrous fire. The top reason and benefit of the system is that it can save the lives of you, your employees, and in some cases your customers.

Early detection of a fire is also your key to preventing expensive property damage. Fire can spread quickly and depending on the age of your structure just a tiny flame can quickly become a full building burn. With early detection, you can receive quicker response time from the Fire Department, so you do not experience a complete loss of your structure.

A commercial fire alarm system is also on the job 24/7, so you can focus on the operation of your business and not worry about fires in the middle of the night. The right fire system not only sends an emergency alert to the Fire Department, but it will also send a message to you regarding the emergency.

Importance of fire detection in your workplace

It doesn’t matter what type or size of business you operate. Any business in any sector needs to be aware of their fire risks. Fire Departments advise that in a fire emergency, seconds count in saving lives. A commercial fire alarm system provides those needed seconds for alerting persons in your building of the danger and giving them the added seconds to reach safety.

Prevent commercial fire emergencies and install a fire alarm system in your building. Fire alarm service companies are available to help you determine the system that will work best for you.

Contact the professionals at 1st Alarm

The team at 1st Alarm understands that you will have many burning questions on your mind when it comes time to choose the right commercial fire alarm system to protect your property. We invite you to contact us to learn more about the alarms we recommend and the monitoring services we offer that can cover your business beneath a blanket of protection.

Proper Positioning of Video Surveillance Cameras

Proper Positioning of Video Surveillance Cameras There are different reasons for businesses to decide it’s time to install video surveillance cameras in their buildings or outside on the property. One big reason is to reduce and prevent theft, and some want to monitor employee behaviors. Some businesses have been able to improve productivity by installing video surveillance cameras, especially factories. In the retail sector, video surveillance cameras have resolved many disputes that arise between employees and the public. Whatever the reason is for your need in putting video surveillance in your business, the first decision is where to position them.

Conduct an Analysis

To determine the best place to install your video surveillance cameras, begin by performing an analysis. Choosing which security camera works best takes the same consideration as where you are going to place one. The security cameras that ‘pan’ from side to side are not the best choice as they can be pointing to the left, while an incident occurs on the left. The best financial sense is to use two Megapixel video surveillance cameras versus the ‘pan’ style.

Choosing a Location for Video Surveillance Cameras

If you are changing your video surveillance camera to a newer model, you may want to look around the environment and see if there have been any changes. Look to see if trees have grown any taller or any other structures added that might obstruct the view of the surveillance camera. If you are purchasing a new video surveillance system, check the surface of the area you intend to mount the camera as it may require an additional bracket to hold it in place, depending on the camera you’ve chosen.

Night Vision and Orientation

Will your video surveillance be required through the evening hours? If you are going to need the ability to see in reduced light or even no light, you will need a security camera with infrared illuminators. To determine where to place these cameras, use your smartphone and use the compass app to find which hallways or views are Westerly or Easterly. These are the areas that will be backlit during the early morning hours and in the afternoon. These areas will need a Wide Dynamic Range camera to tone down the backlight and increase the darker area, so you are able to make out more details and not just silhouettes.

Height of the Location

If you are going to place your video surveillance cameras higher than 12 feet they will need to be a remote focus model; otherwise, you’ll need a scissor lift to reach the camera. Being able to adjust any settings on your camera remotely is a great advantage.

Entrances

Most times when a person decides to enter a business illegally, they begin by checking the front and back doors first to see if they were accidentally left open. They will also check the surrounding area to see if any key has been left and knock on the door to see if anyone opens or if a dog is on the property. A video surveillance camera over the entries will capture anyone attempting to enter.

Positioning of Video Surveillance Cameras

You will save a lot of money and produce a more efficient system if your video surveillance system contains the right number of cameras and they are in the right place. Security cameras are an investment in safety and protection that offers significant dividends. They are an integral component of a security system you can depend on. Easy to set-up and operate, no business or homeowner can afford to ignore the features and flexibility they offer.

Choosing 1st Alarm to install your video surveillance system will give you the protection your business needs. 1st Alarm has trained technicians with the experience and knowledge to protect any size business for any reason. Call 1st Alarm today to receive the proper security your business needs on a budget that works for you.

If you are considering adding a security system or security cameras to your home or business, contact 1st Alarm today. We are conveniently located in Abilene TX, Amarillo TX, El Paso TX, Lubbock TX, Midland TX / Odessa TX and San Angelo TX. We have the expertise and technology to help you secure your premises at an affordable price. Let us help you with all of your security needs for your business and your home. Call 800-276-5559 today. Request a Quote online or come by our office nearest you.

A Video Surveillance System Can Protect More than just Gas Stations

Crimes are often committed when the opportunity is there, and the risk is low. When a criminal sees an opportunity of breaking into a business with little or no danger of being caught, that business becomes vulnerable. Gas stations are known for placing video surveillance around their pumps and inside near their registers and are becoming known for this form of security. This knowledge is sending criminals towards other, less protected businesses. Video surveillance is not just for gas stations; it is now affordable for even modest shop owners to protect their businesses with proper monitoring.

A Video Surveillance System Helps Deter the Criminals

Criminals are discouraged from committing illegal activities at businesses where they know their movements are being recorded. When they decide to rob a place they generally check if a video surveillance system is installed and how many customers frequent the store. When they see your business has a lot of foot traffic and no surveillance to protect it, you are opened up as a target. This scenario refers even to the stores that are located in what are deemed ‘good’ neighborhoods. If you want to deter the criminals from targeting your business, you need a video surveillance system.

A Video Surveillance System Helps Protect Your and Your Employees

During a robbery, circumstances can often become uncontrolled, and the risk of you or one of the employees becoming seriously injured is high. The best protection against this threat is to deter the robbery from ever happening. Most criminals will not commit a crime if they know they are being watched. Since criminals look for businesses easier to rob than gas stations and convenience stores, it’s in your best interest to install a video surveillance system.

How Does a Video Surveillance System Protect You?

There is a multitude of concerns for business owners where security is concerned. A video surveillance system gives you the peace of mind you and your management needs to run your business successfully. This security can be effective if there are only a few employees or there are hundreds. A video surveillance system can be effective in deterring criminals from robbing a business, track employee performance, secure high-security areas, and prevent employee theft.

Choose the Right Video Surveillance System for Your Business

Whether you are the sole owner of a small business or own a large warehouse or campus, 1st Alarm has trained technicians and the experience to protect you. The knowledgeable security team with 1st Alarm will help you choose the video surveillance system that will work for your needs. They will work with you to design a commercial security system that not only works for your business but also with your budget. Call 1st Alarm today and secure your peace of mind and your business.

Choosing 1st Alarm to install your video surveillance system will give you the protection your business needs. If you are considering adding a security system or security cameras to your home or business, contact 1st Alarm today. We are conveniently located in Abilene TX, Amarillo TX, El Paso TX, Lubbock TX, Midland TX / Odessa TX and San Angelo TX. We have the expertise and technology to help you secure your premises at an affordable price. Let us help you with all of your security needs for your business and your home. Call 800-276-5559 today. Request a Quote online or come by our office nearest you.

What Type of Fire Alarm System Do I Need and Where Should I Put It?

What Type of Fire Alarm System Do I Need and Where Should I Put It? Choosing a fire alarm system isn’t a very exciting activity, but it can save you from plenty of unpleasant excitement down the road. The right fire alarm system in the right position can save property and lives so it’s something that you want to give considerable thought to. When choosing a fire alarm system, we advise clients to keep the following things at the forefront of their decision-making process.

Selecting a Fire Alarm System

There are two primary types of fire alarm sensors; Ionization and Photoelectric. Ionization alarm sensors detect invisible particles generated by fast moving fires, while photoelectric sensors detect visible fire particles generated by fires that smolder before erupting into flames. Each of these types of fire alarms will provide strong protection against fire, however, many manufacturers and fire professionals recommend installing both types of sensors within the home or office for maximum protection.

You may also consider installing a fixed temperature heat detectors or carbon monoxide detectors for use within areas such as kitchens or garages where engine fumes and burned dinners can sometimes trigger false alarms. The downside to using these devices is that they don’t trigger until after combustion has taken place which reduces the warning time and protective benefits.

If you have a “smart” home, you may want to consider installation of a wifi enabled smoke detector. This can provide a considerable blanket of protection and also makes it easier to respond to alarms that may trigger while you are away from the home or business. These interconnected fire alarm systems can be controlled from a smartphone, tablet, pc, etc. Some devices can even collect audio recordings that can be stored and used as evidence to show fire progression and events that occur prior to and during the evacuation of the structure.

Positioning & Maintaining Your Fire Alarm System

Fire alarm systems should be positioned so that they provide as much warning time as possible of an imminent threat. Maintaining a fire alarm system is simple and requires little more than replacing the batteries when they lose their charge and die, and replacing the fire alarm system every ten years as they typically lose their effectiveness around this time. It is also important to place fire alarm systems in positions where airflow is not restricted or unduly affected by air currents generated by fans or ventilation systems.

Residential Structures

Within residential structures, fire alarm systems should be installed in each bedroom and within the corridors of every level of the home including the basement and garage. It is also a good idea to install a fire alarm system in the kitchen and laundry room as these areas typically contain a host of flammable materials. When placing your fire alarms in these rooms, it’s advisable to place them no closer than 10 feet from cooking surfaces and washers/dryers. This will minimize “false alarms” caused by burnt steaks and vent exhaust.

Commercial Structures

Fire alarm systems should be placed in corridors and within any areas that contain flammable materials. Local fire codes related to your industry and building function will most certainly vary so it is important that you discuss placement with the Fire Marshall prior to making a final decision regarding where, how many, and the necessary functionality of your devices.

The team at 1st Alarm Home Security understands that you will have many burning questions on your mind when it comes time to choose the right fire alarm system to protect your property.

The Importance of Functioning Fire Alarm Systems Within Your Home

The Importance of Functioning Fire Alarm Systems Within Your Home Moments matter when a fire begins to consume a residential structure. As the fire engulfs the home it will consume precious oxygen, make corridors impassable and block routes of escape. Often, it is mere seconds that separate survivors from fire victims. A fire alarm system gives homeowners the moments and seconds they need to get everyone in the family out of the home and away from danger.

Fires Have Voracious Appetites

Many people are surprised to learn that fires can double in size every minute. Depending on the fuel sources available, a fire can go from smoldering to free burning in seconds. The heat and smoke generated during the combustion process can ignite confusion, fear, and make it impossible to evacuate.

The typical house fire burns at temperatures exceeding 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. Fire alarm systems equipped with heat detectors are designed to detect the growth of a fire. When the heat detector and sensors determine a rapid rise in temperature is occurring within the home, they trigger the alarm. This trigger point is usually set somewhere between 117 and 136 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, fire alarm systems are designed to detect fire early before it has had a chance to engulf rooms and passageways in flame.

Fire Alarm Systems Save the Day

Fire alarm systems are designed to sound when they detect the slightest whiffs of smoke and heat. This alerts you, your family, and those in the immediate vicinity to the presence of a fire.

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that the fatality rate within homes that do not have a properly functioning fire alarm system is more than twice as high as for those that do. Without question, a fire alarm gives homeowners the immediate warning and precious seconds needed to evacuate the home.

Fire Alarm Systems Provide Peace of Mind

When everyone’s tucked in for the night and drifting off to dream, the whole family can rest easy knowing that the fire alarm system is keeping a vigilant guard over the home. As visions of sugarplums and sheep waft through your minds, you can relax knowing that the fire alarm system is making sure puffs of smoke aren’t wafting through the home.

This peace of mind is even greater when your fire alarm system is connected to a home automation system or a home security system. Doing so makes it possible to monitor your home and keep it safe from fire when you are out of town on business or enjoying a relaxing vacation.

Fire Alarm Systems are Affordable Investments

Fire alarm systems are inexpensive investments in protection. Thus, alarms can be placed in every room within the home without burning a hole in your wallet. Moreover, insurance companies love homeowners who install fire alarm systems. These companies offer discounted premiums and deductibles to homeowners who install fire alarm systems in key positions within the home such as the kitchen, laundry room, bedrooms, garage, etc.

Moreover, monitored fire alarm systems that trigger an immediate response from the fire department can also help protect property. Because fires grow rapidly, the minutes a monitored system saves can help protect personal possessions and the structure. This can make it easier and less expensive to recover and rebuild from the ashes.

No one ever expects to have a house fire. It is a tragic experience that happens to “someone else” until the day it happens to you. Homeowners who install and maintain fire alarm systems within their home will be ready when and if that day ever comes.

Benefits of Installing Security Cameras in the Workplace

Benefits of Installing Security Cameras in the Workplace Modern digital technology has made commercial security cameras affordable and easy to install. Once upon a time, it only made sense for major corporations to invest in surveillance cameras. Now companies of all sizes can purchase a security camera system without breaking the bank. If you’ve been on the fence about purchasing surveillance video security cameras for your business, consider the following benefits they offer.

Deter criminal behavior with 24/7 video surveillance

The mere presence of security cameras is enough to prevent most criminal behavior before it ever occurs. Potential criminals consider robbing or vandalizing a local business will skip right over a company as soon as they learn there’s a security system running. It’s important to place a security system sign and several video cameras in prominent locations so anyone approaching the premises will be aware of the alarm system. The presence of security cameras also deters theft and vandalism within the company. An employee will think twice about spray painting the parking garage or stealing breakroom supplies, knowing the cameras are capturing the criminal activity.

Prevent other workplace issues by using security cameras

In addition to robbery and vandalism, there is a host of other issues that may occur in the workplace, such as bullying and sexual harassment. It’s all too easy for an off comment to escalate quickly, turning into a major problem between two employees. When employees know the security cameras are watching, they’re much less likely to engage in sordid behaviors in the workplace. In the event an incident does take place, you’ll have the entire encounter on record. Instead of having to take one employee’s word over the other, you’ll be able to make a sound decision based on hard evidence.

Improve employee productivity with helpful video oversight

Most employees won’t steal outright from their company, but they won’t think twice about engaging in minor offenses, such as spending long stretches of the workday playing games on their computers or taking social phone calls. When there are multiple employees exhibiting time stealing behaviors, the company’s bottom line suffers significantly. Installing security cameras in the workplace greatly reduces this issue. The presence of security cameras also discourages employees who are considering more major offenses, such as outright theft.

Before you install a security camera system in the office, notify employees of the new development. If you don’t let employees know about the cameras, you run the risk of an employee filing a lawsuit. Notifying employees about the new system doesn’t mean you have to disclose the locations of the security cameras or even the areas of the office that you’ll be monitoring. It’s unlawful to monitor any areas of the office reserved for employee personal needs, such as restrooms. Some states also prohibit video surveillance in employee break rooms and lunchrooms.

Some employers don’t want to install visible video cameras because they think the cameras detract from the appearance in the workplace. Modern video surveillance cameras come in all sizes and shapes, many of which are very small and blend right into the office or can be hidden behind small objects. Leaving a few visible cameras and concealing the remainder of the system is sufficient for deterring criminal activity and won’t compromise the company’s aesthetic.

Reputable security camera providers are happy to offer a complimentary on-site consultation to assess your company’s security needs and discuss video surveillance solutions that best fit your workplace. You should feel confident about the system you’re investing in before you put down any money. Make sure you get your questions answered so there are no surprises.

1st Alarm caters to busy professionals across the state of Texas. With offices in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo, it’s easy to set up an appointment at your earliest convenience. Call us today to learn more about our commercial security solutions.