Why Commercial Security Is The Norm, Not The Exception

The elements in running a successful company are as many as the people in it and even more diverse. The one thing most industry leaders have in common though, is their ability to leverage commercial security systems to their fullest potential. Naturally, electronic security was designed to keep sensitive areas, valuable property, and sensitive information secure; but it can do much more.

Top companies utilize these technologies in additional ways such as tracking office flow, theft deterrence, avoiding HR challenges, enhancing customer experience, or providing valuable information and confirmation in accident reporting.

Video Surveillance Technologies are a Critical Component

Every property owner faces liability concerns, but those concerns are multiplied for businesses of every size. CCTV and video surveillance are valuable tools in slip and fall verification or evidence as well as fraud prevention. Though fraud is only evident in about 3% of cases, litigating these cases accounts for $2 billion a year with much more settle out of court.

Industry leaders realize that POS loss is another important aspect that surveillance technologies can help address. Most retail loss occurs at the point of sale attributed to employee error, and theft. Early resolution is vital to loss reduction.

Video surveillance is also helpful in monitoring traffic flow and linger times, letting them know what works and what doesn’t. With this information, business owners can adjust floor plans and displays to direct traffic in more beneficial directions and enhance the customer experience. 

Access Control Systems are the Norm, Not the Exception

Restricting access to sensitive areas is another important way industry leaders improve operations. By employing different types of access control systems from simple proximity controls to the latest in biometric security systems, business owners can access important information that helps in employee accountability.

Electronic security is always valuable, but using it to its fullest potential can set your business apart. If you have questions about how to integrate these technologies most successfully, please give us a call today.

Your Local Delaware Security Company

Security Instrument Corp., established in 1960 and headquartered in Wilmington, DE  is a electronic security integrator for businesses of all sizes throughout Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

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Test Your Knowledge About Home Fire Safety

Chances are good that you, like many people, have a smoke detector in the home. But there is a lot about fire protection that most consumers do not know, and that lack of knowledge can lead to not protecting our families and homes adequately.

Knowing your stuff can be the difference between life and death in a home fire, so we have developed a short quiz so you can test your knowledge, and then act on what you know.

 

How many smoke alarms does the average American home need if the home is 2 stories and 3 bedrooms?
A: 1 alarm
B: 2 alarms
C: 5 alarms
D: 14 alarms

According to the national Fire Protection Association, homes should have smoke alarms installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and one on every level of the home including the basement. So, a 2-story 3-bedroom home needs at least 5.

How often should you replace smoke alarms?
A: Every 2-4 years
B: Every 5-7 years
C: Every 8-10 years
D: Every 15-20 years
In practice, most American replace the smoke detectors every 15 years on average. The correct answer however, is C, as most detectors have a lifespan of under 10 years.

How many minutes do you have to escape a fire safely?

A: 3 minutes or less
B: 4 to 5 at most
C: Nearly 10 minutes before it becomes consumed
D. 12-20 minutes
30 years ago, you had 30 minutes to get out of a home alive. Today you have about 3 minutes. This is due to the tighter envelop of today’s energy efficient homes as well as the highly caustic and flammable materials used to make todays products and furnishings compared to the natural fibers of the past.

Do most homes in the US have an adequate fire protection including smoke detectors?
A: Yes
B: No

According to the NFPA, Americans need 100 million more smoke alarms to be fully protected. This is based on actual visits to US homes where it found smoke detectors either missing or not working.

Do smart smoke detectors impact response times?
A: Some
B: Not really
C: Significantly
In a study conducted by the USFA and CPSC, along with the Naval Research Laboratory the reduction in alarm times due to smart technologies greatly increases response times to fire emergencies.

The odds of dying in a house fire are reduced by how much with a working smoke detector and monitored system?
A: 15%
B: 25%
C. 45%
D: 50% or more
Research shows that the odds of dying in a fire are reduced by at least 50% in homes with working smoke detectors and reduced further when the system is monitored. The sooner the warning, the faster you and emergency personnel can act.

Home Security Installations In Delaware Since 1960

Smart smoke detectors are one of your most valuable tools in protecting your family from fire. Our professional sales and installation team offer no obligation consultations on home security and automation systems. Call us at (800) 244-2261.

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Quick Facts About Commercial Monitoring With AES

When it comes to wireless alarm monitoring for your business, it makes a lot of sense to define your requirements before searching for the right security company. It starts with knowing your own needs, or that of your business, and ends with knowing the capabilities of the system of choice and its delivery method. AES-IntelliNet is our partner of choice,  because we know the difference it makes in your service, and ultimately your safety. 

Some Quick Facts About AES Technologies

AES technology was originally developed for rigorous military installations requiring unparalleled reliability over all kinds of terrain and under all weather conditions.

The IntelliNet system includes smart subscriber units which act as a receiver, repeater, and transmitter. This allows individual subscribers to act as relays to the central receiver creating multiple redundancies.

  1. The network automatically and dynamically adapts to changes in the network caused by weather, obstructions, and the addition or subtraction of transceivers in the network.
  2. Data always chooses the fastest most reliable route.
  3. Radio mesh networks are infinitely scalable.
  4. AES wireless mesh technology offers best-in-class protection against catastrophic fire and intrusion events.
  5. It offers the fastest transmission speeds and response times, transmitting critical event signals in just 1 to 3 seconds. This is a critical difference when internet transmission can take 3-to 5 seconds and telephone and cellular technologies can take up to 45 seconds. (Consider that a fire can double in size and intensity every 30 seconds to weigh the true value of transmission speed.)
  6. The technology is applicable to commercial, residential and government markets.
  7. AES technology offers two-way communication to assure that each signal is acknowledged.
  8. Is not impacted by severe weather events. In 2016 the Eastern US was pounded by severe storms from January 22-24, creating blizzard conditions in many states and triggering a state of emergency. While many other communication systems were down, AES-IntelliNet kept customers protected.
  9. Telephone lines (widely used to link alarm systems to the central station) are highly susceptible to problems caused by weather, accidents, equipment failures, and natural disasters.
  10. The network is dedicated to alarm communication.
  11. The technology will never sunset or have the need to change out obsolete cellular technologies.

Security Instrument Corp., established in 1960 and headquartered in Wilmington, DE  is a electronic security integrator for businesses of all sizes throughout Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

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10 Practical Home Security Tips That You Can Use Today

A burglar is out for one thing: to find a home that is easy to enter. If your home appears too difficult or the risk of being caught is too great, they will move on to the next house. It does not take a lot to make your home appear intimidating to burglars – in fact, it is very simple. Unfortunately, too many homeowners ignore these super simple security tips that could significantly reduce the likelihood their home is robbed in the future.

Everybody loves a top 10 list, so here’s our checklist for living safely!

10 Simple Home Security Tips That You Can Use Today

  1. Locking Doors and Windows – Before you leave your home or go to bed, lock the doors and windows of your home. If you have a home automation system, use your computer or smartphone to remotely lock your doors if you forget to do so before leaving.
  2. Use a Home Security System – A home security system is your best defense against burglaries. There are numerous systems available that can be customized to your home and budget. Your local home security company can help you choose one. Simply installing it is not enough – you must also activate it!
  3. Check the Locks – Locks need maintenance just like every other area of your home. Be sure to install deadbolt locks on outside doors, use the right locks on sliding doors and secure dog/cat entrances when you are away.
  4. Occupied, Even When Vacant – Regardless if you are home, your house should appear occupied. That means turning lights on at night and having them turn off with a timer (if you will not be home in time to turn them off).
  5. Reduce Shrubbery – One thing burglars look for is how easily they can hide around the perimeter of your property. Cut back shrubs and trees, especially those near upper levels and windows, so that burglars have nowhere to hide.
  6. Secure Your Garage – Your garage has an entrance into your home, and it’s a common target for burglars.  Secure your garage just like you do your home. Park your car in the garage too, if you can, as this will make it harder for burglars to tell when you are home and when you are out.
  7. Lights – Use exterior lights and schedule them to turn on when the sun sets. Use motion sensing lights for dark areas on the lawn too.
  8. Mail – If you go out of town, stop your mail delivery or have a neighbor pick it up for you. Mail that builds up in the box tells burglars right away that no one is home.
  9. Outdoor Wires – Make sure the telephone lines and electrical wires are not easily accessible by burglars. Burglars will usually attempt to disarm security systems by cutting these.
  10. Change the Locks – If you lose your house keys, move into a new home or have someone move out of your home, change the locks on the doors.

Protecting Delaware With Professional Home Security Since 1960.

Protecting your home can be easy with the above tips. Learn more super simple ways to keep your home safe by contacting your home security experts at Security Instrument. Our professional sales and installation team offer no obligation consultations on home security and automation systems. Call us at (800) 244-2261.

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