Using Video Surveillance in the Fight Against Door-to-Door Scams
Using Video Surveillance & Its Role In Protecting You Long ago, people knocked on doors. Smiling, they’d tell you about their carpet cleaner. Companies sold things this way. In the meantime, salesmen earned money for their families. Door-to-door sales was a real job. Some people made good money. However, it’s not a common profession anymore. Luckily, using video surveillance keeps the fakers away. Unfortunately, things have changed, and this has created a home security risk. Gradually, these jobs ended. Consequently, more fake salesmen showed up. Sadly, these folks got good at tricking people, sporting vacuums and cleaners just like the old days. In addition, they gave free gifts for demos. However, some real salesmen still exist. Nevertheless, most just check out your house. Now, more get caught because people see they need video cameras by their doors. Types of Door-To-Door Scams IIn Rochester, NY, laws control who can sell door-to-door. For example, Rochester says sellers need a license. This license costs $250 and lasts six months. But that’s not all. Sellers also need a $5,000 bond. An insurance company pays for this bond. Fortunately, this protects people from fake sales by licensed sellers. When someone knocks at your door, it’s smart to ask a door-to-door seller for ID. Also, talk through the closed door. Give the camera a chance to catch the scammer. You know more than ever that a person is a scammer if they try your door handle. Sometimes, they try windows or car door handles. These actions show they are bad news. As for the types of scams, here is what Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, and other parts of the country are experiencing: The meat company scam – A person comes to the door saying they are from a meat or food company and they want to make you a deal. The vacuum or carpet cleaner demo scam – Kirby still has some salespeople going door-to-door these days, but they will most likely have proof they are supposed to be there. Electric company scam – A person claiming to be from the electric company comes to the door and asks to see your bill for one reason or another. Security system scam – A legitimate security system company is never going to come to your door and ask to do a free estimate. Home improvement – Beware of a person claiming to be a construction worker comes to your door telling you they will fix your roof, siding, or fence for a portion of the money up front. You will never see them again. Syracuse, Buffalo & Rochester Using Video Surveillance Systems to Protect Your Family Having cameras by your doors stops fake sellers from hurting more people. Across the country, security cameras reveal the scams. Furthermore, homeowners with cameras almost always catch the scammers. To learn more about how you can protect your home with video surveillance, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 and we will get back to you ASAP.
Personal Security: Ride Sharing Safety in Upstate New York
Exercising Personal Ride Sharing Safety & Security While On the Road The use of ride sharing services in Upstate New York is on the rise. More people use these services because of convenience. Furthermore, the service is more private and personal than the public transportation system. Ride sharing works well for when a person needs a designated driver or when the car is in the shop. It’s an affordable way to get a ride when it is needed, but ride sharing safety must be exercised. However, not all ride sharing services verify the driver’s license of their drivers or criminal records and this is a personal security risk. If you read the small print on the company website, you will find that the ride sharing company isn’t responsible for the safety of the vehicle or really anything about the driver. The company most likely doesn’t verify insurance coverage either. It is all up to you to make an informed decision that can have an impact on your personal ride sharing safety. The good news, however, is that bad things don’t often happen with ride sharing services. The bad news is that a quick Google News search will show some incidents. Nonetheless, ride sharing is growing fast because it’s extremely useful. But you can never be too careful. Vetting Your Driver The best way to ensure your safety and security with a ride sharing service is to vet the driver. When you request service, you are most likely going to be connected with information about the driver. So do these things before you ride: Verify the driver. Look at their user profile to see how many rides they’ve completed and the type of feedback they have received. Send a message or begin a conversation over chat. This helps you to get to know your driver. Make sure you plan ahead. Know exactly where you are going so you can let the driver know. You should also notify your family and friends that you are using a ride sharing service and what route you will be taking. You ARE the navigator. Pick a public meeting place to be picked up and choose a public place to be dropped off. If you don’t feel safe, simply don’t go. You’re not obligated to get into the car. If your plans change or your route changes, text a friend or family member. If there is a reason to be concerned for your safety, contact law enforcement. Putting Your Safety First in Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo Whether at home or on the road, your safety and security come first. Never do anything you don’t feel right about. Ride sharing services can make life run a little smoother, but never sacrifice your safety in any area of your life. For example, you can make things more secure at home through a security system, surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and other features. By calling SPS Fire & Security, you can learn about how to secure your home as part of your journey toward securing your life. Give us a call today at 585-770-0348 or complete the contact form below.
How Security Systems and Sump Pump Maintenance Go Together
Alarm Systems That Cover Your Whole House Did you know a security system can find indoor floods? If not, now you do. It’s not just about stopping burglars. It’s about keeping everything safe. For example, these systems find fire and carbon monoxide. Now, they can also alert you to needed sump pump maintenance. But let’s get back to basement flooding . Unfortunately, flooding happens in Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse. For example, a good rain can overwhelm drains and rivers. Also, broken pipes cause floods. If you have a basement, flooding is always a risk. Even if it looks dry, a leaky pipe can cause big damage. Fortunately, a working sump pump can really help. Simple Sump Pump Maintenance Even when security systems detect flooding, so homeowners and business owners know sooner rather than later, the sump pump is going to be a very good friend. Indeed, it can immediately start pumping out the water that is accumulating in the basement so that damage is minimized. However, you have to make sure your sump pump is in good working order by performing annual sump pump maintenance. Therefore, the following are steps you can take to make sure your sump pump works for you when you need it: Make sure the sump pump power cord is plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Inspect the cord to ensure there is no wear and tear. Unplug the cord and take the pump out of the basin. Inspect the grate for debris and clean it. Too much debris can cause the sump pump to malfunction. Check the drainage pipes to make sure the joints are tightly connected and that they are draining to the proper area (pipe into the yard that points away from the foundation or main sewage line). All venting should be debris-free. Replace the pump and make sure it is upright and level. Test the pump by filling the basin with water. The pump should kick on immediately. If the sump pump fails to operate, you can either have a plumber repair it, or you can replace it. Generally, sump pumps have a life span of 5 to 15 years. Usually, a sump pump under 5 years of age has a warranty. However, if it is between 5 and 15 years old, replacement may be your best option. Contact A Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo Security Company Your security system and sump pump can work together to minimize the damage in your home or business from flooding. The advanced warning given by the security system and the hard work of your sump pump can result in incredible cost savings when compared to the alternative. To learn more about these systems or any type of system you feel you need to keep your home or business secure, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 or complete the contact form below.
National vs. Local Security Alarm Companies – Who’s Top Dog?
What’s the Difference Between National and Local Alarm Companies Choosing between a national and a local security alarm company can be tough. However, does it really need to be so difficult? Large national companies often offer catchy “free” systems that local companies don’t. On the other hand, local companies usually offer lower monthly rates. Consequently, this is where the decision becomes hard. Fortunately, you can figure it out. All You Have to Do Is a Little Math First, check the value of the national company’s “free” system against their monthly fee (usually under $300). For instance, they make you pay for that offer with higher monthly costs than local companies. Compare yearly costs, but also consider the 10-year average life of a system. You’ll see national companies cost more early on. That puts that catchy free system offer into perspective, doesn’t it? Here’s an example: A national company installs a $300 security system in the home. Initially, the installation fee is $99, and the monthly fee is $48 per month. Now, let’s say they waive the $300 equipment fee. Consequently, that leaves you with the $99 installation fee and the $48 per month. Therefore, the cost is $675 in the first year and $576 for every year after. The local alarm company charges $300 for the equipment, along with a $99 installation fee, and a monthly charge of $30 per month. Therefore, the first year costs $759, but the cost every year after is only $360. As a result, you begin to see the cost savings of a local security company over the national company in just the second year. As you can see, the chart below reflects the 10-year average of this scenario: National (year 1 cost plus $576 per year for total cost over 10 years) Local (year 1 cost plus $360 per year for total cost over 10 years) Year 1 (includes initial costs) $675 $759 Year 2 $1251 $1119 Year 3 $1827 $1479 Year 4 $2403 $1839 Year 5 $2979 $2199 Year 6 $3555 $2559 Year 7 $4131 $2919 Year 8 $4707 $3279 Year 9 $5283 $3639 Year 10 $5859 $3999 Total savings = $1860 The Service Level of Local Security Alarm Companies vs. National Furthermore, the differences between national companies and a good Rochester security alarm company keeps going. The home-town touch gives you the following: Faster response time –When you use a national company, the signal from a triggered alarm most likely goes to another part of the state or even somewhere else in the country. In contrast, a local company usually has a 24/7 monitoring center much closer and can therefore call the local police or fire department much faster. As a result, the typical response time when using a local alarm company is 20 minutes faster than when using a national company. Your neighborhood isn’t foreign – neighborhood can seem like a foreign land to a national company. However, using a company that specifically serves Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo means your neighborhood is familiar territory to them. Therefore, it’s good to have a local company that knows when a rash of break-ins is happening in the area. The dollars make more sense – Both national and local companies have their customers sign contracts, but the national company is more likely to have longer contracts with higher monthly charges. Moreover, those contracts usually say the rate can be increased at any time. Additionally, you often have to deal with automatic renewals. On the other hand, local alarm companies are easier to negotiate with, so you can get more out of every dollar. A Local Alarm Company Serving Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo When working with a local security alarm company, you get more personal customer service. Furthermore, you gain more control and benefit from better rates. Additionally, you experience faster response times and work with a company that knows your neighborhood and uses a knowledgeable monitoring center. To learn about SPS Fire & Security’s great prices and services, call 585-770-0348.
IP Cameras vs. Analog: Which is Right for Your Security?
Distinguishing the Difference Between Security Camera Types Analog security cameras have been around for a long time, which makes one wonder if an IP security camera is going to be worth the investment. Fortunately, there are some things to know about IP cameras. Let’s look at the analog camera: On crime dramas, officers crowd around the tech expert. He scans the video footage. Then, a main character halts and stares at the techie. The techie zooms in on one spot. In moments, the blurry image turns sharp, like a clear iPhone 7 photo in bright sunlight. And that’s not how it works. Unfortunately, grainy analog video footage stays grainy and police struggle to make sense of what makes the person in the footage look like who they are. That is why some people get away with crimes despite the presence of security cameras. IP Cameras Are Changing Everything Now, grainy footage is fading away. Clear, wide-ranging images replace blurry, narrow ones. IP cameras capture sharp visuals, boosting the chances of catching criminals. Sure, they cost more than analog cameras. But the price isn’t as high as you might expect. The sharp footage brings strong security and peace of mind, making it worth every penny. How are IP Cameras Different? These internet protocol cameras are different in a number of ways. Those ways include: IP cameras deliver clear pictures with high resolution. They use video analytics to tag specific events in view. Plus, they offer flexibility to connect to a DVR, monitor your home, or watch footage on your smartphone. Their scalability supports a large wireless camera system. You can track activity inside and outside your home. Cameras come in various styles and sizes to cover specific areas. Also, you can make them bold or hidden, depending on your preference. It doesn’t even stop here. There are so many benefits and features that it is best to review them all with a professional so the features can be matched with your needs and wants, making finding the right fit a lot easier. Contact Our Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse IP Cameras Installer Is it worth it? Absolutely, it’s worth every penny. Picture yourself on vacation, checking your phone to see what’s happening at home. Sounds great, right? SPS Fire & Security can make it happen. Call us at 585-770-0348 for a free quote.
Carbon Monoxide Detection and 9 Ways to Stay Safe
Protect You and Your Family with Carbon Monoxide Detection Cars, stoves, gas ranges, fireplaces, and furnaces actively generate carbon monoxide as they burn fuel. When carbon monoxide accumulates, it can poison people. Therefore, carbon monoxide detection plays a vital role in keeping everyone safe. Since carbon monoxide lacks odor and color, people rarely notice they’re being poisoned. To avoid CO poisoning, actively learn and apply ways to stop this dangerous gas from building up in your home or business. Here are some practical tips to prevent CO poisoning. Preventing CO Poisoning in Your Home or Business Stick to the following and you can greatly reduce the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning: Running vehicles should never be left in garages or enclosed areas, even if the door is open. Use the flue when using your fireplace. Also, make sure the chimney is cleaned annually. Never use generators indoors because of lack of ventilation. Generators are meant to run outside via extension cords. Never heat your home with your oven. Portable stoves, charcoal stoves, or camp stoves should never be used indoors. Fuel-burning appliances need vents that lead to the outside. The HVAC system should be inspected yearly to ensure it is in good working order and that the ventilation is fine. Place a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, especially near bedrooms. Ensure these detectors have battery backup so they work during power outages. Install a security system that actively detects carbon monoxide. This method excels because it instantly alerts emergency services. For instance, if you and your family are sleeping when the system spots carbon monoxide, it can halt a deadly situation. Sadly, carbon monoxide poisoning often claims lives during sleep. Know the Symptoms It is also good to know the symptoms, which include: Headache Confusion Nausea Dizziness Breathing issues Fatigue If you experience any of these symptoms, go outside immediately to see if the symptoms resolve. Protect Your Family with Carbon Monoxide Detection – Talk to Our Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse Home Security Company Home security goes beyond an alarm blaring when an intruder tries to slip through a door or window. Instead, it actively safeguards your family or business from dangers like fire, flood, and carbon monoxide. So, to discover more and request a free quote, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 today.
Business Security Systems and Their Role in Employee Safety
Business Security Systems are the #1 Way to Protect Employees Employee safety is a very important aspect of business security. If you are wondering how this is possible, you may be quite surprised to learn the answer. Of course, robbery defense is one aspect. When business security systems are in place that include video surveillance, robbers are most likely deterred from following through with a robbery. Without such systems, Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse businesses would see more robberies than they do. SPS Fire & Security is an integral player in the business security system arena throughout the region, as the systems that are installed are state-of-the-art and reliable. Employee Protections Aside from protecting against robberies, business security systems protect employees in the following ways: If an employee steals, you can charge them. Unfortunately, false claims can happen without good video surveillance and security. Businesses also suffer when they cannot find who or how the theft is happening. A company wastes time and money when it tries to stop theft but doesn’t know who is stealing. Businesses should use video surveillance for accident claims. If a worker gets hurt, the video shows what happened. Thus, if the worker caused their injury, the video can help with a workers’ compensation claim. Likewise, if someone else’s carelessness hurt the worker, the video will also prove it. Merchandise Protection Business security systems can also contribute to shoplifting prevention. If a shoplifter knows there is a camera on them, they may not shoplift. When shoplifting occurs, the footage can be used to catch the culprit. If there is a burglary after hours, the alarm system will sound and alert the authorities. Once again, video can be used to try and catch the thief. Most of the time, the mere presence of an alarm system and video surveillance will deter a burglar. Furthermore, having security measures in place reduces monetary losses, which allows a business to not cut hours or freeze hiring in order to accommodate money lost to theft. This is another way in which employees are protected. Contact Your Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo Business Security Systems Company At SPS Fire & Security, we want to ensure the safety of your employees, your business, and your bottom line. Call today at 585-770-0348 today for more information.
Access Control Systems for Businesses: Master Your Security
How Access Control Systems Protect Your Business What is an Access Control System? An Access control System is a reliable, secure and convenient way to control the traffic flow of employees and visitors who enter and exit a building. Access control systems for businesses should be in every facility for safety and security. Some of the facility types that commonly integrate access control into their security include: Office buildings (17% of installations) Industrial manufacturing (13% of installations) Hospitals, schools, and universities (12% of installations) Government facilities (11% of installations) Financial institutions (9% of installations) Retail establishments (9% of installations) Warehousing/Trucking industry (9% of installations) Utilities (6% of installations) Gaming and hospitality industries (5% of installations0 Mass public transportation facilities (4% of installations) The other 5% of installations belong to residential applications. Access Control Systems actively track employees entering and leaving. With computer software, you easily monitor and report dates, times, and frequency of entries and exits for employees or visitors. Nowadays, many companies swiftly switch to access control systems. For instance, employees use a secure ID card, pin number, or fingerprint instead of multiple keys to access different facility areas. As a result, this shift effectively restricts unauthorized visitors or employees from entering specific zones. Protecting Employees with Access Control It is always a sigh of relief to be able to work late in a safe protected environment. With this system, employers can relax knowing that their business is protected and employees can be ensured that unwanted individuals can not enter. If an unauthorized individual tries to access the facility, they aren’t going to be able to. Trying could also constitute a call to authorities to determine why the person was there trying to access the facility. If they did manage to enter, video surveillance can be used to determine who did it and what they did. Access control is almost always accompanied by security cameras. Low Maintenance and Customized To Your Company’s Needs Thousands of businesses can benefit from a customized easy low maintenance system. This type of system can easily be used with a register card, finger print or password. It all depends on what the employer finds works best for them. With many businesses having employees that have access to many different areas located in their businesses, with access control as the employer you can limit what areas employees can enter. Access Control for the Rochester Metro, Syracuse Metro, and Buffalo Metro Do you or someone you know have a business that would benefit from an access control system? If so, contact SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348.
Home Automation: Making Your Smartphone a Home Security Tool
Smart Home Connectivity Today’s security systems differ greatly from those installed 10 or more years ago. These days, you can integrate your smartphone into the system through home automation. Security systems also offer much more intelligence than they used to; you can control everything from your lights to your thermostat from wherever you are. SPS Fire & Security can set you up with a smart home system that will give you peace of mind and freedom when you’re on the go A Rundown of Home Automation Here’s a rundown of how automating your home works: You have climate control capabilities that allow you to regulate the temperature of your home without using your thermostat. In other words, you can change the temperature from your couch or from a hotel in Hawaii. All you need is your smartphone and the applicable app. Watch your home security camera feed to monitor your home at all times. You can view multiple home security cameras simultaneously, and it’s all live! Want to see if the cat is climbing the curtains? You can do that. If you need to ensure no one has broken into your home, check your feed for anything suspicious. If a break-in occurs, video footage can help catch the culprit. When You’re Away: Turn on your interior and exterior lights to make it look like someone is home when no one is. You can also set rules for your lights so you don’t have to worry about remembering to turn lights on and off through the app. All this can be controlled through the app. If motion sensors are activated at your home, the app will send an alert to your smartphone so you are aware of what’s going on. You can arm and disarm your home alarm system remotely. This can give friends or family access while you’re gone. Instead of giving away your code, you can let them in when they need in. As you can see, home automation is amazing in that it gives you more flexibility, peace of mind, and control. One of the worst feelings is going on vacation and wondering if you adjusted the thermostat accordingly, locked the door, or set the alarm. If you have a smartphone, you have the control you need. Contact A Rochester Home Automation Security Company Home automation is becoming the way of the home security world as more homeowners want control. Even business owners are getting in on the technology. If you want in on this technology so you can secure your home and make your life easier, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 to request a free quote or complete the contact form below.
Sump Pump Alarm: Never Worry About Basement Flooding Again!
Heavy rain causes basement flooding for some homeowners throughout Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse. Many homeowners who experience flooded basements lack either a sump pump or a sump pump alarm. What is a Sump Pump Alarm? An alarm for your sump pump is a smart way to protect your basement and any valuables stored there from water damage. The alarm sounds the home security system’s keypad. If the 24/7 monitoring center monitors the security system, the center will contact you to inform you that the sump pump triggered an alert. Since the home security system powers the alarm, it remains active even if the power goes out, as the system’s backup battery takes over, including the high-water alarm. How Does a High Water Sump Pump Alarm Help? Imagine you live in an area prone to basement flooding during extremely heavy downpours. Various reasons cause this in some areas and not others. You’re at work when a major storm hits. This storm drops inches of rain in a short amount of time, allowing water to enter your basement. At this exact moment, your sump pump fails, and you remain unaware because you’re at work. Scenario 1: you don’t have a high-water alarm on your sump pump: You come home from work to find that everything stored in your basement that touches the floor is saturated. You also have a rather amazing mess of water to deal with. Unfortunately, your sump pump malfunctioned and didn’t do its job. Scenario 2: you do have a sump pump alarm: You’re at work, amazed by the amount of rain falling outside your window. Suddenly, your alarm company’s monitoring center notifies you: your sump pump alarm has triggered your home security system’s keypad. This tells you to go home immediately, or call someone else in your household to check the issue. Now, let’s say you get home very quickly before the water has had time to reach items stored in the basement. You can’t stop the water from entering, but you can quickly move your belongings. Rescue Your Wallet In cases where leaky pipes have caused basement flooding, people have gone home and shut off the water to prevent further flooding. When the issue is addressed quickly, you reduce the damage to the basement, which saves a lot of money in repairs. An alarm on your sump pump offers a win-win because these pumps eventually fail. Often, people don’t realize their sump pump has gone bad until an event occurs and it fails to work. A sump pump can sit inoperable for months or even years without any indication until the basement floods. This safeguard prevents many headaches and saves you money. Contact A Rochester NY Security Alarm Company Knowing that your basement is protected with the sump pump alarm gives you more confidence when storing valuables in the basement. If you don’t have an alarm already installed, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 to schedule an appointment or for forth information.