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How to Choose The Best Alarm Company: Pros and Cons of Local vs National Companies

As a local security company based in Delaware, Security Instrument, we know the challenges and advantages of competing against national giants. Many business owners don’t realize that local companies like ours offer the same, if not better, technology and services. Today, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of choosing between a local security provider like Security Instrument and the industry behemoths.

Pro of Major Security Companies: The Allure of Discounts

One of the undeniable perks of major security companies is their brand recognition. It’s easy to find reviews and information about their products and services online. However, this can sometimes make it easier to see the downsides as well. By exploring multiple review sites, you can get a true sense of what customers are saying about their service, contracts, availability, and hidden fees. It’s surprising how often small business owners feel taken advantage of by these national companies once the system is installed.

Con of Major Security Companies: Local Reputation Woes

A major security company might boast a strong national presence, but their local dealers’ reputation can vary greatly. To get a true picture of how a dealer operates in your area, it’s essential to look at local reviews. You might find these reviews revealing a different story than what national advertising suggests. Issues like poorly designed services, inflexible contracts, and high-pressure sales tactics are common complaints at the local level.

Pros of Local Security Companies: Community and Care

Local security companies like Security Instrument are often deeply invested in their customers and communities. We prioritize designing equipment that truly safeguards our customers and ensure our monitoring services meet the highest standards. Moreover, we have strong relationships with local law enforcement and community organizations, enhancing our ability to protect our customers effectively.

Are There Cons to Choosing a Local Security Company?

When it comes to established and reputable companies like Security Instrument, there are few cons. With a history dating back to [Year], we are deeply committed to the security of Delaware and the surrounding communities. We prioritize our customers’ safety and satisfaction above all else, offering a level of service that national companies often can’t match.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is a leading full-service security integrator based in Delaware. As an independently-owned company, we offer a wide range of electronic security solutions tailored to meet the needs of both commercial and residential clients. Our commitment to excellence and dedication to customer satisfaction make us your trusted partner in safeguarding what matters most.

Contact Security Instrument today to learn more about how we can help protect your home or business.

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National Fire Prevention Week: Replace Your Smoke Detectors

The National Fire Prevention Association (NPFA) sends a critical message to homeowners-Don’t wait; check the date. NPFA reports that three out of five house fire deaths occurred in homes with no smoke alarms or alarms that malfunctioned.

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Fire Sprinkler System Maintenance: What You Need Now

Fire sprinkler systems are a critical investment in the protection of a commercial building. Their importance should not be underestimated; state law prohibits the occupancy of a commercial building until the fire suppression system has been tested and approved.

Fire sprinkler systems tend to be the most cost-effective suppression system for building owners, making them a popular solution. However, having fire sprinklers installed simply isn’t enough. For the longevity and optimal performance of fire sprinklers, Delaware businesses should employ regular maintenance on the systems. Here’s what you need to make it happen.  

Compliance with NFPA 25

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the nation’s leading resource on systems of fire prevention. This organization provides numerous codes designed to help both residential homes and commercial enterprises counteract the risks of fire and other safety hazards. When it comes to fire sprinkler systems, NFPA 25 is the manual to refer to.

NFPA 25 is the baseline for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems – not only fire sprinklers, but also standpipe and hose, fixed water spray, private fire hydrants, water mist, and foam water systems for fire suppression. To avoid fire sprinkler system failure and ensure fast, effective response in a fire emergency, refer to NFPA 25 standards and perform due diligence for NFPA 25 compliance. The manual can be downloaded here.

A Testing and Replacement Schedule

Maintenance on fire sprinkler systems will extend their longevity, but sometimes a replacement is called for nonetheless. Testing the systems every five years will reveal whether replacement is necessary on any given sprinkler on the premises. This is especially important for buildings in high temperature climates; likewise, maintenance workers should make sure the gauges on all sprinklers are tested as well. If there is a defect on any sprinkler or sprinkler gauge, that calls for an immediate replacement.

Local fire jurisdictions will be able to advise more thoroughly on what is required for your specific municipality. When it comes time to install, inspect or test fire sprinkler systems, Delaware businesses should contact Security Instrument. We will be glad to perform these services.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is a full-service, independently-owned integrator that offers numerous home security options, including security systems for senior citizens. In Delaware Valley, Security Instrument serves thousands of customers located throughout Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.

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Protecting Your Investment: Why Regular Fire Alarm Maintenance Makes Sense

“Plug and play” may be a popular catchphrase for salespeople, but when it comes to a fire and life safety system, it is never a good idea to walk away from a system permanently. A fire alarm system needs regular maintenance in order for this critical investment to be protected. Here are some reasons why regular fire alarm maintenance is important.

Electronics are Temporal

Yes, electronics become outmoded – but we’re not talking about the need for upgrades. This is actually a reference to the slow death of the system, which will surely happen over time. The fact is, electronic components can degrade no matter how well they’re taken care of, thereby compromising the way the system functions. To prolong it for as many years as possible, it’s critical that the system undergoes routine maintenance.

The Air Isn’t Clear

Even the cleanest office space, hallway or lobby can still be subject to dust, dirt and pollutants. The more traffic goes through the area, the greater the risk of contaminants. Dirt and dust can absolutely interfere with smoke detectors, which are a crucial part of the fire alarm and life safety system in a building. But with regular inspection, a cleaning will take place that wipes away pesky pollutants.

People Can Tamper with It  

Fire alarm systems are delicate; they need proper handling in order to operate the way they were designed. That’s why it’s important to make sure the person performing the maintenance is from your licensed security integrator. There are important professional certifications that your integrator has; these enable the company to properly handle an intricate commercial system. Additionally, your integrator should be contacted to deploy to your location as quickly as possible after a break-in or a vandalism episode to check out the system and make sure it hasn’t been compromised.

These are some common sense reasons that every fire alarm system needs regular maintenance and upkeep. To speak with a security integrator that can provide competent fire alarm maintenance in Delaware, contact Security Instrument.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is a full-service, independently-owned integrator that offers numerous home security options, including security systems for senior citizens. In Delaware Valley, Security Instrument serves thousands of customers located throughout Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.

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A Guide to Fire Alarm System Devices

Fire alarm and safety systems are like any other type of critical system in a building: They work as well as they are installed and maintained. When installing a fire alarm system in a Delaware building, the integrator will include devices in a variety of categories.

Fire Alarm System Categories

The components that make up a fire alarm system actually many devices networked together. The devices are categorized according to function. Here’s how they break down.

Detection Devices

The detection component in a fire alarm is the “beating heart” of the system, as it detects that a fire is present – or, that certain system and building conditions are either present or changing. Then, they communicate that information to the control panel to trigger the appropriate notifications. Devices in the detection category include the following: smoke detectors, heat detectors, beam detectors, duct detectors, temperature sensors, and water flow switches.

Manual Devices

The manual device in a fire alarm system can only be triggered if a human manually pulls a switch on its interface to tell the device that a fire is present. It then communicates to the control panel so that an emergency response can be initiated. As you may have guessed, examples of manual devices in a fire alarm are pull stations and button stations.

Notification Appliances

Naturally, it’s not enough for the fire to be detected; the occupants of the building must be alerted so they can immediately evacuate, the notification appliances are there to do the job. Devices inside a fire alarm system that are in the notification category are the audible component: the horn, bell or speakers. Some systems may also include a visible component to the notification device, such as a strobe light.

These are the devices that make up a fire alarm system. To ensure fire alarm systems in Delaware buildings are properly installed and maintained, contact Security Instrument for a free consultation.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is a full-service, independently-owned integrator that offers numerous home security options, including security systems for senior citizens. In Delaware Valley, Security Instrument serves thousands of customers located throughout Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.

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