Commercial security systems Archives - Page 15 of 16

The Advantages of Wireless Security Cameras for Home and Business in Amarillo Texas

Higher-end security systems usually include video cameras. These typically wireless security cameras are great for monitoring activities inside and outside the house. They provide evidence in case someone chooses to commit a crime within their view. They also act as a deterrent to potential criminals who don’t want their activities captured on camera. The benefits of having cameras are obvious, but does your home or business need wired or wireless cameras?

The wireless security camera is revolutionizing home and business security

Just a few years ago, if you had a video camera included in your security system, it was hard-wired into place. Installing a hard-wired camera involves pulling cable through the walls and ceilings to the point where the camera is mounted. The other end of the cable attaches to a video recorder where the footage is captured and stored. Today, the wireless security camera is changing the landscape of both home and business security. Instead of needing to pull cables through walls to mount a camera, a wireless model can be mounted just about anywhere. Some wireless cameras require access to an outlet for power. Some, however, come with high-end battery capacity which makes it truly wireless.

Wireless security cameras offer flexibility

Because there is no need to tie your security camera to a fixed cable, the cameras can be positioned just about anywhere in range of the wireless receiver. This provides the utmost flexibility to meet your home or business monitoring needs.

Wireless security cameras are also easy to reposition. If you decide to move a wired camera, you would need to have the technician move the cable which can make a simple re-location more difficult and more expensive. With a wireless security camera, that is not a problem. The technician turns the camera off, puts it in its new location and then turns it back on. Easy.

Wireless security cameras are smaller and easier to conceal

Wireless security cameras are smaller than their wired counterparts. That is due to their use of digital and wireless technology. Though wired cameras are smaller than they used to be, they still need to have room for the parts which send signals through the cables to the recorder. The small size of most wireless security cameras makes it possible to put them into out-of-the way places. Also, because there are no attached cables, it is very easy to conceal a wireless security camera. This is good if you want to monitor a babysitter or housekeeper in your home. It also works well to monitor employee activities when you are not in your business.

Wireless security cameras typically come with cost savings

As described above, wired cameras connect with the video recording device via cables pulled through walls. Installing even a single camera can be labor intensive, which drives up installation costs. Plus, wired cameras tend to be more expensive than their wireless counterparts. Despite being wireless, the signal from wireless cameras is usually of the same or higher quality than wired cameras. The technology is digital and it keeps improving all the time.

If you are considering adding a security system or a security camera to your home or business, contact 1st Alarm. They have the expertise and technology to help you secure your premises at an affordable price. They can help you with all of your security needs for your business and your home. Call (800) 276-5559 or (806) 352-5000 today. Request a Quote online or come by the office located at 3501 S. Georgia Street in Amarillo, Texas.

Should Video Surveillance Be Used In Care Homes?

The question of whether or not video surveillance should be used in care homes is based upon the safety concerns of residents, family, and staff. Care homes, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities and residential care homes, have a great responsibility to residents and their families. Both clients and family members trust that the staff within a care home will treat their residents with dignity and keep them safe. However, trust is often broken by staff who neglect or abuse a care home resident.

These breaches of trust have brought up the subject of placing video surveillance cameras in care homes, to monitor staff and ensure resident safety and well being. It is good to understand arguments that are for and against video surveillance in these facilities, as well as the reality of running care homes. Understanding these factors can help you understand why using video surveillance can help protect both staff and clients.

Arguments for and against using video surveillance in care homes

Those that support the installation of cameras in care facilities believe it would help end resident neglect and abuse. Video surveillance would also improve the quality of care available and keep vulnerable patients safe. This type of security would keep staff members from abusing or neglecting residents because they know their actions are being monitored. Theft of personal items, along with other petty crimes that occur in some care homes, would also be reduced. Some patients suffer with nursing home abuse while in the hands of people they thought they could trust. Abuse in care homes such as assisted living facilities happens all over the world. Luckily, you can get a lawyer involved who can help you with assisted living abuse (or as the Spanish would say “abuso de vida asistida“). It doesn’t matter where in the world you are, there is always someone who can help you.

Those that argue against video surveillance in care homes believe it is an invasion of privacy for both the residents and the staff. Even those that might consider this type of security want to know who would have access to the video footage. Other concerns include if the system would be monitored through an internet connection and if the video could be turned off during private moments.

The reality of running care homes and using video surveillance

Care homes serve vulnerable populations, but sometimes staff members may get frustrated and act out against a resident. Neglect becomes a possibility due to high stress levels. Without video surveillance to monitor staff and residents, small problems can turn into large problems.

Video surveillance offers a way to keep monitor care homes, without the need to hire additional staff. This type of security lets facility managers see how staff members treat residents or if a resident is not being cared for within prescribed guidelines. If issues do occur in a care home, video surveillance can stand as evidence in a court of law.

Although there are concerns about using video surveillance in care homes, more and more are choosing to use them as part of their security systems.

Using video surveillance in care homes can protect staff and residents

There are certain measures that a care facility should take to balance privacy concerns and safety when installing and using a video surveillance system.

Personal privacy for residents must be a priority for care homes. Video cameras in common areas should be clearly marked with visible signs, which alert both staff and residents to the presence of cameras. Cameras should not be used in private areas like restrooms, changing rooms, or shower areas.

If the care facility decides to add video cameras to resident rooms, there are a few things that need to addressed before installation. First, staff and residents should be able to turn off, and even lock, cameras in individual rooms. This feature allows monitoring to be turned on and off based on the resident’s wishes, or those of his or her family members. Second, cameras in resident rooms should never be turned on without clear consent from either the resident, if capable, or the resident’s family members. Third, surveillance footage of resident rooms should be strictly private and only accessible to appropriate staff when needed.

If a care home fails to embrace video surveillance as part of its operations, family members often will. Cameras in a resident’s room can capture evidence of abuse and neglect. It is better for staff, residents, and family members that video surveillance is used in care homes to protect everyone.

Would you like more information about video surveillance and security systems for care homes? 1st Alarm can help your facility with any security needs you might have. Give us a call today at 1(800) 276-5559 to learn more about our commercial and residential products and services. You can also email us with your questions or to get a quote. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Video Surveillance For Businesses

Video surveillance can be seen all over local and national news casts. It is not uncommon for someone to rob a convenience store or gas station while the store’s video surveillance cameras catch them in the act. Video from these security systems helps capture thieves and deter criminals at the same time. If you have a business, especially a store that is open to the public, you should consider installing video surveillance for your commercial security system. It is important for business owners to understand how criminals react to video surveillance and how to protect their property with video surveillance.

How criminals react to video surveillance

The truth is that most crime is a matter of opportunity. Criminals often feel like the potential payoff is greater than the chances of being caught. However, researchers have asked criminals if they would have committed a crime if they had known they were being monitored with video surveillance. The vast majority of criminals asked this question said that they would not have committed their crime if they knew a camera was watching them.

Criminals are going to choose the easiest targets. If your business has no visible video surveillance, you are a prime target. The neighborhood you live in does not matter to criminals that are looking for unprotected businesses. Video surveillance can protect you and your business simply by making you less of a target.

How to protect your business with video surveillance

You can secure your business without spending a great deal of money, which is good news for small businesses. Wireless commercial security systems have made cheaper security possible. You can place wireless cameras at strategic locations to capture most of your store. The video cameras feed back to a digital recording device, which records the footage. The footage allows you to see what is happening, even when you or your employees are not looking. Video surveillance can capture any criminal activities that might be going on indoors or outdoors.

Before you purchase an off-the-shelf security system and try to install it yourself, consider having an alarm company do the installation for you. Security companies can provide all the equipment and wiring needed to get the surveillance system working quickly. The convenience of the installation allows you to keep focusing on your business and your customers.

The alarm company can also hook up an entire security system at the same time. While video surveillance is great for capturing crimes during business hours, how do you protect your store when no one is there? An alarm system, hooked to a central monitoring service, is a great choice. If someone tries to break in, the system will alert the monitoring service, who will then alert you and the police.

Don’t let your business become an easy target for criminals. Get a security system with video surveillance so you can deter criminals or capture them in action by calling the security experts at 1st Alarm today. You can reach us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email with your questions and concerns, or to get a price quote. We look forward to working with you.

How To Choose The Right Kind Of Security System For Your Business

Having a security system for your business in Lubbock, Texas protects your investment. It is important for your safety that you know how to choose the right kind of security system for your needs. Factors to consider when you are buying a security system include the location of your business and your type of business. Also consider where your business needs protection and if you would like to control access to it.

Location of your business

Consider where your business is located in Lubbock, Texas. Are you in a questionable part of town where it gets a little dangerous after dark? Are you near a quiet residential area in a strip mall, where it is fairly safe all of the time? Consider the security you need based on your location and the clientele that work or shop near your business.

Your type of business

The type of business you own in Lubbock, Texas can help you choose the right security system. If you sell diamond jewelry, then you may need a more complex system. If you sell less expensive items, or do not carry much inventory on hand, then you may need less complex security. Consider the items you have that thieves may want to steal and this will help you choose the right security system for your establishment.

Where your business needs protection

Make a list of your concerns regarding your Lubbock business and where you think a security system may best be installed. Does the shipping door make you nervous? Do you suspect employees of stealing from the supply closet? Do you want to keep track of everyone who enters and exits the building? Create a list of your concerns and this will make it easier to pinpoint where you need protection the most. You can install a customized security system based upon your concerns.

Sadly, you may need a security system to keep an eye on your employees in order to reduce or eliminate employee theft, vandalism, and violence. Being able to monitor everything inside and outside of your business can help you safeguard yourself and your company’s assets. Using video security is a great way to monitor your organization from the inside, as well as outdoor areas where intruders could break in.

Controlling access to your business

Access control is a great way to secure your business in Lubbock, Texas. You can use keycards to restrict access to specific employees and to keep an eye on everyone going in and coming out of your company. This type of security system can help you catch any intruders.

For more information

Let the experts at 1st Alarm guide you to the right system for your needs. Call us today at 1 (800) 276-5559. You can also contact us via email through our Contact Us page, or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Choosing The Right Commercial Security System For Your Small Business

Commercial security systems come in many sizes and configurations. Selecting the right commercial security system for your small business in can be challenging. If you need to install or upgrade a commercial security system in your business, take the time to determine your needs. Also consider the monitoring options that are available and if the system has easy pass-code management. Finally, consider the cost of a commercial security system for your small business.

Determine what you need in a commercial security system

The nature of your business is going to determine what your protection requirements are. If you own a jewelry store, you are going to have specific needs that a lumber yard does not. If you work out of a closed office, you will have different security needs than a retail store. Assess your business and determine what you want to monitor. Do you need to watch both customers and employees? Do you need to monitor the outside of the building as well as the inside or are you having a problem with vandalism? Asking questions about what you need to monitor can help you determine what you need from your commercial security system.

Monitoring options for a commercial security system

The classic security system of decades past was a closed circuit television (CCTV) set-up that recorded video to tape. This option also lets people view the feeds live if needed. Although this system is still available, there are other options available today. You can choose a monitoring service that can respond 24/7 to any situation in which an alarm is triggered. This service can be connected through a hard phone line or a cellular connection. Another security option is to have the ability to see video feeds through your smart device. With this type of monitoring, you can quickly tell if you have a burglary in progress or an employee fumbling with the system keypad.

Easy pass-code management

When you have a commercial security system installed for your small business, you need to be able to issue unique passcodes for each employee. Pass-codes allow you to trace who is arming and disarming the alarm at any given time. You also need the ability to add, change, and remove pass-codes as employees are hired and let go.

The cost of a commercial security system for your small business

A good commercial security system should fit within your budget. Before you sign any contract, ask for a complete breakdown of what a your business’s protection is going to cost. This breakdown should include installation costs, ongoing maintenance fees, monthly monitoring fees, and any other service fees the security company may charge.

It is important not to base your choice of commercial security system on the cost alone. However, it is also critical that you know what you will be getting for what you are going to pay. You do not want to pay for a hidden charge or an unspoken upgrade.

Your small business in will be safer once you install a commercial security system. If you want to add a commercial security system to your business, let the experts at 1st Alarm guide you to the right system for your needs. Call us today at 1 (800) 276-5559. You can also contact us via email through our Contact Us page, or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Security Systems May Reduce Business Insurance Policy Premiums

Adding a commercial security system to your business can help you in many ways. A commercial security system can deter criminals, detect employees who are less than honest, and can sense fires as well as get assistance to your business quickly. A commercial security system can also help externally and internally reduce business insurance policy premiums by decreasing the risk that you present to them. If you’re looking to compare insurance quotes, consider using a service like constructaquote.com.

Externally reducing business insurance policy premiums

How do insurance companies determine the premiums you pay for a policy? Insurance agents software helps companies work out what the price of your policy will be, but it all comes down to risk. The higher risk that you present, the higher the premium you will pay. A commercial security system lowers the risk that your company will be the victim of criminal activity, potentially reducing your business insurance policy premiums.

Criminals are less likely to enter a building that has external video cameras. An alarm system will alert the central monitoring system if someone enters without a valid entry code. Internal cameras can capture video of the criminal’s activities and possibly help with identification. This captured footage makes finding and prosecuting criminals easier.

Internally reducing business insurance policy premiums

Besides external security issues, a commercial security system can detect internal security issues. As a business owner, you take care to hire people who you think you can trust. Unfortunately, you may find the people you trust to run your business may not be honest. Internal cameras can help you find out if someone on your staff is stealing or defrauding you. This allows you to take action and lower your internal losses.

A commercial security system also has other advantages besides monitoring criminal activity. What would happen if a fire started in your business and no one knew it was happening? Your commercial building likely has a fire alarm installed, but does it connect to monitoring services? If not, then you are dependent on someone hearing that alarm and calling authorities. With a professionally monitored commercial security system, the monitoring service contacts the fire department as soon as the alert comes through.

Contact your insurance agent and speak with them about what adding a commercial security system would mean for your business insurance premiums. Even if your current insurance carrier does not offer lower premiums for commercial security systems, there are companies that do.

If you want to add a commercial security system to your business, let the experts at 1st Alarm guide you to the right system for your needs. Call us today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also connect with us via email or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

5 Benefits Companies Gain By Installing A Video Surveillance System

You rely on your employees to keep your business running and profitable, but what happens if your employees are actually hurting your business? Dishonest employees can cost your company valuable money and time. Installing a video surveillance system at your premises can help minimize losses and keep employees honest.

A video surveillance system can prevent employee theft, keep your employees on task, and secure restricted areas. Video surveillance can also protect you as a business owner from false workers’ compensation as well as ensure your employees are treating your customers well. However, certain employee schemes, such as fraud or embezzlement, are best left to a forensic accountant chicago who can use their financial know-how and investigative skills to detect any financial wrongdoing in the workplace.

Prevent employee theft by installing a video surveillance system

Companies lose over 50 billion dollars every year due to employee theft and the number increases each year. Thousands of companies shut down every year due directly to this type of theft. Adding video surveillance to your current security system can help stop this crime. Obvious surveillance cameras will alert employees that someone is watching, while hidden cameras in key locations can catch employees being dishonest.

Keep your employees on task with a video surveillance system

A video surveillance system will let you see exactly what your employees are doing when you are gone. This security system can also allow you to view live feed remotely using a mobile device. If you see an issue, you can take action immediately to correct the problem. Knowing someone is watching will keep the rest of your team doing their job.

Keep restricted areas secure by installing a video surveillance system

Some areas of your business may be off-limits to most of your employees, like your personal office or a room where cash is stored. A video surveillance system allows you to see if anyone is accessing this area without authorization. If an employee does act dishonestly, you will have recorded video evidence.

Protect yourself from false workers’ compensation claims with a video surveillance system

Some people try to take advantage of their employers by making false workers’ compensation claims. Video surveillance is one way to protect yourself from this kind of fraud. It is critical to keep footage from each camera for at least one year. If a worker waits weeks or months before making a claim, you do not want to lose the evidence of what really happened. With a video surveillance system installed in your business, it is easy to verify or dispute a claim.

Ensure your employees are treating your customers well with a video surveillance system

To remain profitable, you depend on your customer satisfaction level. It is important that your employees treat every customer well for repeat business. Adding video surveillance to your security system helps ensure your employees are making each customer feel welcome and appreciated.

Let the experts at 1st Alarm guide you to the right system for your needs. If you want to learn more about how video surveillance can help secure your business, call us today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also connect with us via email or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Why Every Business Needs An Integrated Security System

You may see a security system as an option for your business, but really, it’s more of a necessity. Some business owners may not want to invest. However, the installation of this product can pay off in the long run and provide many benefits. Take these access control benefits into consideration while you are weighing the possibility of purchasing an integrated security system.

Access control benefits from integrated security systems

Want to know who’s going in and out of your business and when? Keep track of employees as well as potential criminals with an integrated security system. The access control benefits feature allows business owners to note where people are at all times inside their premises. Having a sophisticated turnstile system – such as the ones showcased on the Daosafe manufacturing home page – at the entry of your premises can help to prevent access to people outside of the business, regulate the flow of those entering and monitor throughput.

CCTV allows motion sensors to deploy and video comings and goings of employees or intruders. Business owners can even track a particular individual’s movements. If anything suspicious happens, this is the best way to capture it for the police so business owners have proof of any criminal event.

Many people don’t realize that a perk of having an integrated security system includes fire safety. If or when an emergency happens, the security system can help by opening doors so employees can safely exit. Notify the police and fire department in seconds through your integrated security system, and protect your business assets.

Other integrated security system benefits

You can upgrade this product as you see fit and easily add to it. You can even use the integrated security system as the universal base for your business’s security plan. Having one singular point of contact is a definite benefit of using an integrated security system. Have peace of mind, keep track of employees, and know exactly what’s going on in your business, so you’ll be aware when something happens that shouldn’t. That peace of mind is worth every penny.

For more information about integrated security systems

Contact 1st Alarm today at 1(800) 276-5559 to get more information about purchasing and installing a security system at your home or business. You can also contact us via email. Browse our website to find out more about the services and products we offer, or get a quote for your alarm right away. Find a location near you and let us help you arm your business so you can breathe easy. We have locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo./

The Benefits Of Installing Video Surveillance Systems At Work

Are you unsure about adding a video surveillance system to your business’s security? While adding video surveillance does cost money, there are certain benefits to having it as part of your security system. These benefits include the ability to monitor customers and employees. This system also helps prevent theft, break-ins, and vandalism. Above all, video surveillance systems provide the ability to protect your business with the highest efficiency.

Video surveillance systems give you the ability to monitor customers and employees

A video surveillance system allows you to see what is going on all around your business. Cameras on the outside give you a view of who is entering and exiting your property at any given time. Cameras can also show you if someone that is not supposed to be on the property is there. Cameras on the inside can tell you if your employees or customers are being dishonest. With a video surveillance system, you can monitor your customers and employees to make sure no one is stealing money or merchandise. The images can be recorded and reviewed later. You can also use captured video as evidence of wrongdoing for the police.

Video surveillance systems help preventing theft, break-ins, and vandalism

Obvious cameras act as a deterrent to theft and break-ins. The threat of being recorded on a video surveillance system often makes criminals think twice before breaking in or stealing something. If burglars decide to continue with their activities, the video will show what they are doing.

Hidden cameras can also have a deterrent effect. If a store becomes known for using hidden cameras to monitor customers and prosecute thieves, the criminal element may start going elsewhere.

Criminal activity is not limited to theft and burglary. Vandalism costs businesses billions of dollars every year. A video surveillance system can also prevent vandalism from occurring by deterring some acts or recording others. If you aim a camera towards a wall that is continually painted with graffiti, you can capture images of who is doing the damage. That is evidence that you can give to the police to find and prosecute those doing the damage.

Video surveillance systems provide the ability to protect your business with the highest efficiency

A video surveillance system is on duty all the time. Unlike employees, a security system takes no vacations and never gets distracted. Cameras can capture everything within their view 24/7, cutting down on your personnel costs without compromising security. A video surveillance system can also monitor areas that are not easily checked by security guards.

Crime is always a concern for any business. Adding a video surveillance system to your business can help you deter criminal activity and keep your premises safe. If you want to speak to someone about adding a video surveillance system to your business, contact us here at 1st Alarm. You can reach us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Buying A Video Surveillance System For Your Business

Having a video surveillance system is critical if you want to keep your business secure. Before you sign a contract or start ordering equipment, you need to consider what you want to do with a commercial video surveillance system. There are many things to consider including what you want to monitor, resolution types, how you will monitor the video, and what types of cameras you will use.

What do you want to monitor?

Think about the reason you want a commercial video surveillance system in the first place. Do you want to monitor who is coming and going out the front door? Do you need to see who and what is going in and out of the back door or monitor customers and employees? Do you want exterior cameras to help deter potential criminal activity?

What type of resolution do you need?

You can get cameras for your commercial video surveillance system in a wide range of resolutions. The lowest resolution cameras will record basic shapes and colors, but not the details that would help you identify a license number or a face. The highest resolution cameras give you enough detail to read the smallest lettering on a shirt logo and there are plenty of options in between.

How will the video be monitored?

The standard option for monitoring a commercial video surveillance system is to feed the video to a recording device and review it when needed. Another video surveillance option is to have live feeds that an employee or security contractor can monitor. You can even have a live feed that is sent across the internet that you can watch on a cellular device. This option allows you to connect with your video surveillance system and see who is coming and going and what might be happening in the background.

What type of cameras do you need?

To monitor the outside of your business, you will need cameras that are built to be weatherproof. Indoor and outdoor cameras for your commercial video surveillance system also need to be hardened to prevent vandalism.

Infrared cameras offer you the ability to monitor what is going on at night or in dim conditions. This type uses infrared light to illuminate the area so it can capture the action. Day or night security cameras work well in low-light situations and have chips that are extremely light sensitive. While this type does not work in absolute darkness, it does work in low-light conditions like moonlight or street lighting.

Another type for your commercial video surveillance system is the bullet camera, which is small and compact. This camera is perfect for monitoring areas in secret and is lower in cost than many others. The bullet camera is easy to install and manage. Even smaller than the bullet camera is the mini security camera. This type can be smaller than a matchbook but still have good resolution and is easy to hide.

Dome cameras are standard in the video surveillance systems of many retail establishments and are professional and streamlined in appearance. This type can blend into any color ceiling for unobtrusive observation and can be hardened to prevent vandalism.

There are many options available when it comes to adding a video surveillance system to your business. If you want to learn more, contact us here at 1st Alarm. You can call us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us a message via email. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.