For commercial property owners and managers, the world might seem a bit threatening. According to FBI crime statistics (from 2016) non-residential burglaries were up 2.6 percent, to 412,743. Also, according to a story in Science Daily, alarm trade industry research indicated that 31 percent of experienced burglars targeted commercial properties.
Hopefully, your office building, retail store, or other commercial property was not included in the above stats. If you hope to continue to remain off these and other similar statistical lists (or never be included in them again), there are number of things you can do right now.
Some tips include some infrastructure related precautions, such as installing lights and surveillance cameras in key spots. They can also include hiring security, adopting a guard dog, and ensuring all vulnerable locations (such as windows) are always illuminated and secured when the property is vacant. Don’t forget to consider about top notch alarm and surveillance systems.
Here are a few more stats and ideas. Read more →
Fire Prevention Week: Fire Facts
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamNational Fire Prevention Week has arrived, providing an opportunity to stop and review home fire facts. This observation commemorates the Great Chicago fire of 1871, which killed 260, left 100,000 homeless, and destroyed 17,400-plus structures. This year’s theme is: “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are some grim statistics we should be aware of:
Fortunately, there are a variety of steps you can take to protect yourself this National Fire Prevention Week. Read more →
Merrimack Valley Gas Disaster: Proactive Vigilance Is Essential
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamTragedy can strike any time, from even the most mundane sources as the recent Merrimack Valley gas disaster demonstrates. According to WHDH News in Boston, excess pressure in natural gas pipelines caused explosions and fires in 80 homes in three communities. Dozens of houses were destroyed completely, and a young man was killed.
As a Providence Journal editorial on the disaster notes,: “The explosions are a stark and unwelcome reminder of the fragility of America’s critical infrastructure network, which includes the electrical grid, the banking system, telecommunications, the food supply system, the water system and public health networks.” Given New England’s aging infrastructure, such threats will likely continue, but homeowners can empower themselves to respond as proactively as possible and reduce potential threats to their properties, families and communities. Read more →
Saving Money on DIY Security Cameras Means Taking Major Risks
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamIn recent years we have seen technology improvement leaps and cost reductions in do-it-yourself (DIY) cameras and security systems. This has contributed to the rising popularity of residential alarms and monitoring. An Angie’s List essay says half of home owners surveyed claimed they want to install a monitored security system.
Some property owners hope to save money with low-cost alarm/monitoring solutions and services. These buyers are going to relatively cheap providers (as opposed to the more traditional national or regional companies) as a Forbes article notes. Other owners are even winging it alone with self-monitored systems.
Both of these groups of consumers may be making a huge mistake. Read more →
Security for Seniors: Maintain Independence and Peace of Mind
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamSeniors want to spend their days comfortably and without worry or fear of the unexpected — not just from unwanted intruders or burglars, but from fires, falls and other types of injuries to which the elderly are especially prone. Fortunately, there are affordable and viable ways to protect seniors 24/7, via surveillance/monitoring and alarm systems. Read more →
When Waters Rise: Get Flood Warnings via Alarm Solutions
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamWhile no one can control the weather or completely avoid household accidents, homeowners can take proactive steps to avoid or minimize damage. Just as with fire or intrusion systems, American Alarm can install sophisticated water and environmental alarm systems to give timely warning of flooding, gas leaks and dangerously high or low temperatures. We also can deploy robust backup communications solutions, in case the main landline and cell grid goes offline. Read more →
School Systems Security in the 21st Century
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamIn recent years, we’ve seen all too many tragedies unfold in our public school systems and universities. Even more incidents end quietly that could have been much worse. Last year, a school custodian in South Hampton, New Hampshire, discovered an intruder armed with a shotgun and carrying prescription medication. Fortunately, the man fled and was later apprehended, local news reported. This just underscores the reality of the risks.
Strong security systems can protect our children and have recently proven effective in Everett, Massachusetts and Warwick, Rhode Island.
Recognizing the issue, education officials across the country have been investing heavily in security equipment and services. The total market value for the education sector of security gear and services hit $2.7 billion last year, according to industry research.
Read more →
An Alarm System Can Boost Home Value and Enable Smart Living
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamOn the fence about installing an electronic alarm system to protect your personal or rental property? Not convinced your security demands such a solution? A home security system can lighten your financial burden, more tightly link your mobile devices to your home management systems, and, perhaps, give you convenience and peace of mind.
It’s possible you own a house in a super-safe neighborhood, with a great police department, and lots of nosy neighbors living next door. Maybe you have a particularly vigilant dog. Perhaps the extra security doesn’t quite move you to install a system. You still owe it to yourself to consider some sort of a surveillance/alarm system’s extra benefits — ones you can enjoy even if you live in Fort Knox.
Read more →
Defend Against Commercial Property Burglars
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamFor commercial property owners and managers, the world might seem a bit threatening. According to FBI crime statistics (from 2016) non-residential burglaries were up 2.6 percent, to 412,743. Also, according to a story in Science Daily, alarm trade industry research indicated that 31 percent of experienced burglars targeted commercial properties.
Hopefully, your office building, retail store, or other commercial property was not included in the above stats. If you hope to continue to remain off these and other similar statistical lists (or never be included in them again), there are number of things you can do right now.
Some tips include some infrastructure related precautions, such as installing lights and surveillance cameras in key spots. They can also include hiring security, adopting a guard dog, and ensuring all vulnerable locations (such as windows) are always illuminated and secured when the property is vacant. Don’t forget to consider about top notch alarm and surveillance systems.
Here are a few more stats and ideas. Read more →
Home Protection Must Never Go On Vacation
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamNothing ends a vacation on a worse note than returning home to find it’s been robbed. A sobering FBI research statistic points out that of the 2.5 million burglaries a year, 66 percent are home break ins, according to the National Council for Home Safety and Security. Additionally, the police only solve about 13 percent of reported burglaries, given the lack of witnesses to the crime, or usable evidence.
So, if you’re planning on heading out with your family and leaving your house unattended, you have good reason to be wary. However, it’s not a lost cause: As the FBI also points out: Some 90 percent of home burglaries are preventable, says a Consumer Reports article.
Read more →
Why Security is the Experience Your Building’s Occupants Seek Most
/by alarmadminIn an era of constantly changing technology and increasing risks, security – both physical and digital – is a critical need for today’s commercial real estate (CRE) properties. This is especially true with the rise of mixed-use buildings and their complex demands.
For example, more and more CRE managers/owners looking to grow occupancy levels are considering combining work, shopping, and life spaces. This type of property will appeal to their tenants’ growing demand for time-saving services. Others are improving their “smart building” capabilities, with the goal of conserving energy, improving building efficiency, and delivering more comfortable experiences for occupants. Read more →