security system features Archives - Page 4 of 4

Video Surveillance Camera Placement Guide

After purchasing a video surveillance system, an installation technician is going to ask you where to place your video surveillance cameras. This is a question you should start thinking about before the technician arrives to do the installation. Common types of video surveillance cameras include outdoor and indoor cameras, built-in cameras, cameras for entryways, garages or warehouse entrances as well as other areas.

Outdoor video surveillance cameras

People are more likely to be dishonest if they think they are alone and unobserved. When you are putting video surveillance equipment outside, you should make some of them obvious. This obvious placement will act as a deterrent for would-be burglars, thieves, and vandals.

Hiding video surveillance equipment in inconspicuous places is also a good idea. Some criminals will take extra steps to avoid a video surveillance camera or may damage equipment to hide their identities. With a few hidden cameras, there is a better chance of recording activities and identifying suspects.

Indoor video surveillance cameras

How you use an indoor video surveillance camera depends upon what you need to secure. If you are trying to see what your nanny or housekeeper is doing when you are away, a hidden camera is the best option. This indoor placement will allow you to capture footage and review it when that person is not in the house.

For retail establishments, a combination of hidden and obvious equipment may be the best choice. Obvious cameras are good for deterring thefts, while hidden cameras can capture shoplifters and employees doing dishonest things.

Built-in video surveillance cameras

When you are remodeling, consider adding equipment into the walls. Instead of trying to mount a video surveillance camera in an inconspicuous location, you can hide everything but the lens. With the proper decoration on the wall surrounding the lens opening, no one will be able to tell that the equipment is even there.

Video surveillance cameras for entryways, garages, or warehouse access doors as well as other areas

All entry points to your business need to have a video surveillance camera. This placement allows you to track who is entering and exiting the business, and at what times. Ideally, you should have a video surveillance camera on both the inside and the outside of the door, especially if it is a solid door.

If your office or business is attached to a warehouse or garage, make sure the door in between is monitored by a video surveillance camera. You may not want customers in the warehouse or warehouse employees in the office. The video surveillance camera can tell you who is coming and going through the door.

If your office has windows on a side of the building that is not easily seen from the street, you need surveillance on those windows. This video surveillance will allow you to see if someone is trying to access the premises from a hidden spot. You can add the security equipment inside or outside of the building.

You may also have ongoing issues with vandals spray painting your back wall, or someone burglarizing employee cars in the parking lot. If you have one area where problems keep occurring, you should place a video surveillance camera in that area.

Keep your business and home secure by adding video surveillance equipment in the right spots. 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.

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./

How Does A Home Security System Door Sensor Work?

Door sensors are a basic part of your home’s security system. This wireless home security system feature provides a barrier to the vulnerable entry points into your house. Door sensors use electrical circuits to work. However, this home security system feature will fail eventually unless properly maintained. Understanding how wireless home security system door sensors work will help you understand more about how to secure your house.

Door sensors use electrical circuits to work

Electricity needs a clear path through which to flow. This electrical path is usually referred to as a circuit. An electrical circuit begins at one point and ends at the same point, in a continuous path. If that path is closed, the electricity continues to flow. However, if there is a break in the path, the electricity cannot flow.

Door sensors use electrical circuits to work. The sensor has a source of electricity. In a wired home security system, that source is the home’s electrical feed. In a wireless home security system, that source is a battery installed in the sensor.

Home security system door sensors come in two parts. There is the piece secured to the door and the piece secured to the frame around the door. Each piece has a magnet. When the door is closed, the magnets are in contact. The electricity can flow through the magnets, completing the circuit. However, when the door is open, the magnets are apart, breaking the circuit.

When the electrical circuit is broken, this activates the home security system alarm. The sensor will send a signal back to the central control panel that the entry point has been opened.

Those that are authorized to enter the home have an access code that will disable the alarm. However, if no one enters a valid access code, the alarm is sent to the central monitoring service, who can contact emergency personnel as needed.

Eventually, door sensors will fail unless properly maintained

Door sensors, either wired or wireless, will fail eventually. Some mechanism inside the sensor will sustain damage or just wear out. If a door sensor in your home is malfunctioning, it is very important to replace it immediately. Until this feature is fixed, it is a point of vulnerability in your home security system.

If you have wireless door sensors, you need to make sure to test and change the batteries as recommended by the home security company. Having a dead battery means having a dead door sensor.

For more information on securing your home with door sensors and other security features, contact us here at 1st Alarm. We offer complete customizable home security systems. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. Give us a call today at 1(800) 276-5559. Check out our website for more information about our company as well as our products and services. We look forward to providing you with the best home security system with the best features available.

Which Home Alarm System Features Are Right for Your Home?

Adding a home alarm system to your residence can be a challenge with so many features available. Which home alarm system features do you want? Which do you need? What would be too much? Now, most home alarm systems come in a basic package that includes some standard features. These standard home alarm system features can include glass break detectors, video cameras, smoke and fire detectors, water and flood sensors, and remote access. Glass break detectors will notify authorities anytime the sound of glass breaking occurs. Video cameras allow you to see what is going on at any time in and around your home. Smoke and fire protection gives you peace of mind while water and floor sensors can tell if you have a pipe or water heater burst. Above all, remote access to home gives you the highest level of control possible.

Glass break detectors will notify authorities anytime the sound of glass breaking occurs

If you have secured your windows and doors, burglars may have to break through glass to gain entry. A glass break detector will hear this noise and send out an alarm. You will have the ability to speak with emergency responders. You can also have the system take a picture or record video if the sound is heard.

Video cameras allow you to see what is going on at any time in and around your home

These cameras perform several functions such as capturing the acts and faces of any criminals that enter or exit your house. This home alarm system feature also allows you to see what is going on inside, using remote access. With this feature, you can check up on your kids or your elderly parents as needed. The home alarm system records anything it captures so that you can review it later or give it to police for prosecution purposes.

Smoke and fire protection gives you peace of mind

Thousands of house fires occur all around the country every day of the year. A stray spark from a cigarette, a worn wire, or an unattended stove are all reasons for fires starting. When you add smoke and fire protection to your home alarm system services, you have an extra layer of protection against losing your house and belongings. This home alarm system feature might even save your life.

Water and flood sensors can tell if you have a pipe or water heater burst, even when you are away on vacation

Pipes can freeze in winter and water heaters can start leaking at any time. With water and flood sensors, you don’t have to worry about any issues. As soon as water is detected, the home alarm system will alert you. You can tap into a live feed to see exactly what is going on.

Remote access to home gives you the highest level of control possible

It is very easy to forget to arm your home security system when you are running out the door in the mornings. With remote access, you can arm or disarm the home security system as needed without being present. You can even add home automation features that let you control several aspects of your home environment.

Each of these home alarm system features do add extra cost to the bottom line. However, if you want to make sure your property is secure, adding these features may be worthwhile to you and your peace of mind.

Looking for a home alarm system with customizable features? Contact 1st Alarm today! We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. Give us a call today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also contact us via email. We look forward to providing you with the best home alarm system with the best features available.