The Impact of Winter Weather On Your Home Security
Protect Yourself Before the Next Storm Winter weather has already hit Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo this year and it is going to do it again. The winter storms that hit the area can come with high winds and large amounts of snow, which can cause power outages and a wide range of other issues that can affect your home security. Basically, winter weather can have an impact on your daily life. Snow, sleet, freezing rain, and subzero temperatures can affect heating bills, driving conditions, and the security of your home. To make sure winter weather doesn’t make your home vulnerable, there are some things that you need to know. 1. Power Outages Very cold temperatures and high wind can cause power outages. If you have a security system, it probably operates on electricity. Due to the number of power outages in the area, a back-up power source is necessary. That back-up power source can come in the form of battery power. Fortunately, there are security systems that have battery backup. If the power goes out, the system switches over to battery mode. When the electricity is restored, the system switches back to electric power. This gives you constant protection all year round (summer storms are notorious for causing power outages). 2. Communication Issues Communications are usually affected during a winter storm. This can be critical for 24/7 monitored security services. It is ideal to add cellular monitoring to your home security system so your security monitoring service is able to switch to your cellular connection in case your Wi-Fi connection fails. This helps you prevent burglaries or theft because the bad weather isn’t bringing down your home security system. You must also consider the fact that emergency services receive a lot of calls during a weather event. use.com, power outages are increasing in Upstate New York Basically, there are many ways to keep your system up and running during a storm, which amplifies every reason why professional security system installation is necessary. 3. Outside Lights and Surveillance Lights and outdoor video surveillance can be seriously affected by bad weather. Security lights can be damaged by wind or ice. Professional video surveillance installers tend to place cameras in the necessary places under as much protection as possible to minimize or eliminate damage. However, once again, it can come down to electricity. Any kind of battery backup that can be instituted can make an incredible difference. You might also want to consider a backup generator so that you can operate other areas of your home when you need to. Having lights on is a fantastic burglar deterrent. A burglar is less likely to target a home, or even a business, that is lit up when the power is out all around. 4. Protect Yourself More diligence is also needed when protecting yourself. For instance: Have a battery-powered radio on-hand so you can get updates, storm news, and other information. Make sure your cell phone is charged. Create an emergency kit that has food, water, hats, gloves, blankets, batteries, a flashlight, and matches. Make sure there’s enough to last a few days. Keep all windows and doors locked when inside and outside of the home. If you don’t already have a security system installed, call a professional immediately. These systems not only include video surveillance, but carbon monoxide and fire protection. Contact A Syracuse, Buffalo, and Rochester Security System Installer SPS Fire & Security wants you to be safe whether the electric is on or off. That is why affordable home security options are available that are customizable and scalable. To learn more, use our contact form or call us at 585-770-0348.
Fire Safety Over the Thanksgiving Holiday
Tips that Go Beyond the Kitchen Thanksgiving is a delicious time of year in which we give special attention to the many things that we are thankful for. It’s also a time in which we must be extra vigilant about fire risks and safety so that those people and things that we love are protected. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to ensure that your home is safe during this chaotic and joyful time without adding too much to an already very long to-do list. These are also measures that can protect you, your family, and your home year round. Protect Yourself Against Fire, Flood & CO Every Day! But First, A Look at Some Numbers Before we get into the tips, it’s good to get a solid understanding of why you need to make extra sure that you prevent a Thanksgiving fire, which will help you prevent a fire at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration published a report on Thanksgiving fires in residential buildings from 2014 to 2016 and this is what they found: For every year (2014, 2015, and 2016), there were approximately 2,400 residential fires reported to U.S. fire departments on Thanksgiving day, which caused $19 million in property loss in addition to the 25 injuries and 5 deaths. There are 1.8 Thanksgiving Day fires per 1,000 fires compare to 5.8 non-Thanksgiving Day fires per 1,000 fires. There are 11 injuries per 1,000 Thanksgiving fires compared to 25.7 injuries per 1,000 non-Thanksgiving fires. $7,800 is the average loss per fire compared to $17,560 for non-Thanksgiving Day fires. Multifamily dwellings account for 32.1% of Thanksgiving Day fires. One- and two-family dwellings account for 62.6% of Thanksgiving Day fires, while the remaining 5.3% is reserved for other types of homes. Thanksgiving fire alarm numbers begin to increase at 7:00 a.m. and peak from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 77% of Thanksgiving fires are limited to the object of origin, which means it is contained where it begins. However, this doesn’t minimize the extent of injury. Cooking is responsible for 76.5% of Thanksgiving fires. You can see here that the pattern of Thanksgiving fires is different from a random fire that happens any other time of the year. Knowing the profile of what makes a Thanksgiving fire different can help you with prevention. Just don’t let the fact that there are fewer deaths or injuries per 1,000 fires get your guard down because Thanksgiving is one day a year and nearly 3,000 fires on one day is a lot. Fire Safety Tips to Keep You Safe on Thanksgiving Now it’s time for some quick tips. For instance, HAVE A WORKING SMOKE ALARM. This is key in fire containment and overall safety. Security alarms have built-in smoke detectors that can detect smoke or fire anywhere in the house all year round. Second, make sure you have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen close to the stove and oven. Before you start cooking, make sure your fire extinguisher is safe to use. Third, don’t cook with long, loose sleeves since loose clothing can catch fire. Some other tips: Don’t leave cooking food unattended. Yes, it is tempting to make that quick trip to the grocery store, but either have another adult watch the kitchen or send them on an errand. Kids and the cooking of a huge meal aren’t compatible. It’s best that the little ones stay away from all of the sharp objects and hot things. Face pot and pan handles toward the back of the stove so they aren’t over any burners. Be mindful of towel placement so they don’t touch a burner and catch fire. If a fire occurs, your 24/7 monitored security system can alert the authorities. Don’t yet have a system? Call 911 immediately. If the fire is a grease or oil fire, don’t throw the contents outside. Instead, place a lid over the flames to snuff them out and turn off the heat. The lid shouldn’t be removed until the pan cools. You can also put out an oven fire by keeping the door closed and turning off the heat so it smothers. Opening the door simply gives the fire oxygen to thrive. Baking soda is also another good thing to have to put out a food fire. You don’t want to use flour or water because the reaction could be a violent one that causes the fire to spread. Contact An Expert Rochester Fire Alarm Company By keeping the above fire safety tips in mind, you should have a much safer Thanksgiving. If you don’t have an alarm system that can detect smoke or fire anywhere in your home, SPS Fire & Security has some great options that will help you protect your family and your home. Call us for more information at 585-770-0348. Happy Thanksgiving!
Have Dogs? Here’s How Alarm Systems Help Dog Families
How Effective are Dogs as Alarm Systems? Being a dog parent is hard work, but the effort is well rewarded by the love that you and that cuddly bundle of fur have for each other. A result of this love is your desire to protect your furry family member because you don’t want anything bad to happen to them. What’s amazing is that alarm systems can be instrumental in providing this protection But wait… Aren’t dogs great at protecting their homes? Yes, they can be, but a dog isn’t always sufficient in keeping an intruder away. A dog is merely an inconvenience to a burglar and that can bring more harm to the dog than the dog brings to the intruder. A Few Startling Facts Here are some eye-opening bits of info that might interest you: 34% of burglars state that a dog inside the house changes their mind before breaking into a home. This means that 66% are still not deterred. According to the Department of Justice, a dog is a theft deterrent if a burglar is afraid of dogs. As evidenced by the previous statistics, that’s not the majority of burglars. Dogs that bark at the right times can be effective at scaring off intruders, but dogs that bark at random things tend to not scare off intruders that have cased the house and know the dog’s habits. Habitual barkers are also more likely to be ignored by neighbors. Unfortunately, intruders can calm a dog easily with treats or meat containing a tranquilizer. In some tests, trained guard dogs failed to resist this distraction. Intruders have been known to harm dogs or take their lives. Here is an Inside Edition investigation that put dogs to the test: Getting to the Bottom of Dog Senses The fact is that dog senses aren’t always foolproof. They have fantastic senses of smell and hearing, but some breeds of dogs can fall short when it comes to making certain decisions. As illustrated in the Inside Edition investigation, the smallest dogs in the test were the ones that displayed the greatest guard dog characteristics. Unfortunately, their small size still makes them targets. Reliable Intruder Alarms Monitored 24/7 We just have to face the fact that dogs are vulnerable. This in itself is frightening considering you want to protect your dog and your property. You can have the smartest dog on the planet, but something as simple as dangling a tasty treat in front of them can be a game changer. It simply isn’t fair to put them in charge of home security, as they are family members that want to relax, play, and make you happy. The Right Tools for Protecting Your Home and Dog So, what you need to do is put the right tools in place and that starts with a professionally installed home security system. Many residences throughout Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo have these systems in place. Seeing that a system is installed deters 60% of burglars, but a majority of 86 burglars interviewed by KTVB said they would immediately leave if an alarm system began sounding. Basically, a good combination of video cameras, 24/7 monitoring, alarms, and motion sensors can give you a greater degree of security, protect your dog, and give you better peace of mind. Plus, cameras installed inside of the home can be monitored remotely via your smartphone, allowing you to keep an eye on your home and your dog. Contact An Experienced Rochester Alarm System Company All-in-all, you can take the pressure off of Fido and let a professionally installed alarm system do the work for you both. The reliability and level of security are outstanding. To learn more about how SPS Fire & Security can help you, call 585-770-0348 or complete our contact form and we will get back to you. Also serving the Syracuse and Buffalo areas.
Answers About Carbon Monoxide That Could Save Your Life
Knowledge Is the Key to Fighting this Silent Killer Carbon monoxide (CO) is called a “silent killer” because it’s colorless and odorless. Now that it’s September, it’s important to bring up this very important topic because winter is getting closer and that’s the time of year when CO-related deaths increase. But before we go more in-depth into the answers to the most frequently asked questions about carbon monoxide and the poisoning it can cause: Solid carbon monoxide detection is ALWAYS the most reliable way to ensure exposure doesn’t cause health issues or death. Unfortunately, you can put many preventative measures in place, but that doesn’t necessarily prevent something from going wrong that causes deadly exposure. Good detection will alert you of the presence of CO so you can immediately take action. Because the gas is odorless and colorless, there is really no other way to know it is in the air without getting very ill first. Still, many people don’t realize that their illness is related to carbon monoxide poisoning and will go take a nap (extremely dangerous) or eventually lose consciousness. Where Can You Find CO? CO is produced anywhere fuel is burned. In a homes and even businesses, stoves, lanterns, fireplaces, grills, gas ranges, and gas furnaces are sources of CO. When operating properly, these items emit levels so low they aren’t harmful. However, nothing operates well forever. Some businesses, such as industrial environments where there are fuel-burning machines used inside, CO can build up and make workers sick. Think of an auto mechanic and how they work on vehicles inside. According to the CDC, nearly 20% of CO-related incidents occur in different types of businesses, while 50% of incidents occur in homes. Who Is Most At Risk for CO Poisoning? Everyone! However, a person with breathing problems or a heart problem or a person of very young or advanced age is more likely to get sick or sicker. Every year 400 AMERICANS DIE FROM ACCIDENTAL CO POISONING. This poisoning isn’t fire-related. MORE THAN 20,000 PEOPLE end up in the emergency room and more than 4,000 of them must stay in the hospital. That’s A LOT of people! Check out this extremely informational video on how CO poisoning happens and how it starves the body of oxygen, leading to CO poisoning: How to Prevent CO Poisoning CO detector installation is the best place to start. Professional CO detector installation is even better because you end up with a system that works at all times with sensors in all the right places. When CO detection is a part of your security system, the 24/7 monitoring center can alert the authorities on your behalf in the event of an emergency. Other things to do include: Have your heating system, hot water tank, and anything else that operates on gas or burns coal serviced each year. While not 100% effective, inspection and service greatly increases safety. Don’t use flameless chemical heaters inside. If you smell gas and you don’t know the source, get out. If you know the source, turn it off if you can safely do so. Have that item professionally serviced. Only buy gas equipment that has a national testing agency seal. Gas appliances should be properly vented. Chimneys should be inspected and cleaned annually. Vent pipes should never be patched with unauthorized materials or CO could build up. Gas ranges or ovens should never be used for heating. Charcoal or portable camp stoves should never be burned indoors. Generators should never be used indoors (including the basement or less than 20 feet from a vent, door, or window) What Are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? The most common symptoms can mimic other conditions, which is why so many people miss that what they are experiencing is CO poisoning. This amplifies why having a detector in place can save your life. If you have a dull headache, feel week, feel dizzy, start vomiting, feel nauseous, are confused, or your vision is blurred, you could be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning. A detector will tell you for sure so you know to get out of the home or business as soon as possible. Depending on how long and how intense the exposure, CO poisoning can cause fetal death or miscarriage in a pregnant woman, heart damage, and even brain damage. The ultimate consequence is death, which is most common among people who are sleeping or intoxicated. Rochester, NY Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation If you live in Rochester, Buffalo, or Syracuse and you don’t have the proper CO detection in place, it’s imperative to take action as soon as possible. This is the best time of year to do it because the use of gas-burning appliances and other tools increase when the temperatures start dropping in the fall. To learn about the differences between a DIY CO detector and professional carbon monoxide detector installation or to begin protecting yourself and everyone you care about ASAP, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348.
DIY Video Surveillance vs. Professional CCTV Installation
Which Video Surveillance Route Should You Take? The home security industry is growing rapidly, which means there are more property protection options available to homeowners every day. The debate, however, is to whether go with professional security system installation or a DIY alarm system. Chances are, you’ve encountered this debate before, so we’re going to take a look at the surveillance system. Video surveillance has become such a significant part of the overall alarm system because it allows you to keep an eye on your property when away and potentially identify a person who commits a burglary or other property crime. But notice the word used there was “potentially” and here’s why: The video surveillance cameras that you have installed can have a major impact on the likelihood a criminal will be caught. Here’s a good example: Because of the high prevalence of property crimes, more people are turning to social media to catch criminals. Video surveillance images are posted on Facebook every single day, but the criminals are very difficult to identify even if the images are taken in broad daylight. Picture quality is one of the HUGE differences between DIY systems that are bought at Sam’s Club, Walmart, or Amazon versus a professionally installed system. Professional installation puts an emphasis on picture quality so the probability of a criminal being caught raises. The Unmonitored System vs. The Monitored System Another issue to look at is monitoring. Yes, there are many DIY CCTV systems that allow you to record and even monitor in real-time. There are also some that allow you to connect via your smart phone. The element missing is the 24/7 monitoring. You can’t look at your phone or sit in front of a television or computer screen every single minute of every single day. When video surveillance is part of your security system package, the 24/7 monitoring service is alerted so that action can be taken on your behalf. Even if you have push notifications sent to your phone, you run the risk of being in an area with no signal, your phone battery dying, or being in a situation where you might not hear the notification. When you have professional monitoring, you have another set of eyes on everything that matters to you. The Lowdown on Installation Then, of course, there’s the installation. You can put a DIY camera exactly where you want it. This makes buying that type of system at the local hardware store very tempting. However, the absence of the certified technician who can evaluate the property and identify key areas could be the difference between dealing with a break-in and not dealing with one. The quality of the camera can also be the difference between identifying the burglar or not identifying them. Right now, there are many criminals NOT being identified even when they look directly at the cameras. And you should know: Burglars are becoming very camera savvy, easily identifying those that have been purchased locally or on the internet versus a professionally installed system. Burglars almost ALWAYS do their research prior to breaking into a structure because they want to minimize their risk. According to Architectural Digest, burglars do their homework. Looking for Video Surveillance Options In Rochester, Syracuse, or Buffalo? Finding yourself at this point means you are exploring your options. This means it is time to ask questions. If you’re torn between a DIY system and professionally installed, compare the pros and cons of both. Call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 to learn more
Thinking About Buying a Doorbell Camera? Ask These Questions First
The Doorbell Camera – New But Effective A doorbell camera gives you a view of what is going on outside and who is passing through whether you are home or not. Because it can be integrated into your home security system, you receive a lot of the features you get with other system components, such as being able to see who is at the door via a mobile application when you’re away. An example of how the doorbell camera and application work together: let’s say you’re at the beach and someone rings your doorbell. You will get an alert on your smartphone telling you someone is at your door. A video feed will allow you to see that person. Although you can see them, they won’t be able to see you. Since burglars tend to ring the doorbell before breaking into a home, this is a great way to begin taking action before the threat or burglary becomes a reality. Doorbell cameras also: Protect packages from porch pirates Catch suspicious activity in the front yard and porch area Help you keep an eye on your children Have a “do not disturb” option so sleeping children aren’t disturbed The list of benefits goes far beyond the short list here, but there are some questions that you must ask before investing in a doorbell camera. 1. What does the installation process entail? You can have a battery powered or hard-wired doorbell camera. If you choose a battery powered system, the installation process takes less time. A hard-wired system is integrated into the home’s electrical system by a professional and is the most reliable type because batteries can fail. 2. What are the components of a doorbell camera? A doorbell camera with a microphone and speakers allows you to interact with the person at the door no matter where you are. These cameras also sometimes include night vision, motion detectors that trigger the camera when activity is detected, and there is the actual doorbell that a person pushes to alert you that they are there. 3. How does a doorbell camera stand up to the weather? The Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo area has been known for its tough weather, but there are ways to further weather-proof your doorbell camera, such as through the purchase of tamper- and weather-proof cases. Most doorbell cameras are built to stand up to tough conditions since they are made to be outside. If you decide you want to further protect the unit, it’s important for the case to be specifically designed for your model. 4. Couldn’t a thief pry the unit off of the house? Thieves have definitely tried and are largely unsuccessful. Even if a thief was successful at breaking the camera or removing it, the recordings are stored on an external source. Taking out the camera doesn’t have any effect on the recordings. This is also another reason why professional installation is better than DIY installation. 5. Can I have a doorbell camera integrated into my existing home security system? The one true way to know if you can integrate a doorbell system into your existing security system is to talk to a home security professional. This is so compatibility can be determined before throwing your money down on this investment. Nonetheless, adding this type of component to your system is the perfect way to initiate a much-needed system upgrade if you are using an older system and want added protection. In fact, it was reported in 2017 that video doorbell sales were expected to grow 28% per year for the next five years and primarily as a component integrated into existing security systems. While this level of security is still largely limited to the United States, it’s expected to become more mainstream as consumer awareness of this option grows. Contact Your Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse Home Security Installer Today At SPS Fire & Security, we take your home security as seriously as we do our own by ensuring you have the best of the best. To learn more about doorbell camera integration or simply improving the level of security at home, call us at 585-770-0348 for a free consultation or complete our contact form and a professional from our office will get back to you.
Professional Alarm Monitoring vs. Self-Monitoring
There is now an influx of DIY home security systems on the market, which has resulted in more people having systems installed in their homes. However, the question is whether self-monitoring is as effective as 24/7 professional alarm monitoring? To answer this question, we’re going to take a look at both. Self-Monitored Security Alarm Systems Monitoring your alarm system yourself is an option. You can check on system status from a smart phone app or a computer. You can also set the system to call you or another number on your contact list in the case the alarm is triggered. It’s even possible to monitor activities happening inside your home or business with live video feeds. Seeing what is going on can bring about a great deal of comfort. It’s nice knowing when the alarm is triggered and what zone is affected when it happens. It’s even nicer when there is no reason for the alarm system to sound. However, there are downfalls to self-monitoring despite the advantages. With only you monitoring your system, you could be in a position where you are not capable of notifying the authorities. For instance, you could be staying in a cabin in the mountains where a cell signal isn’t available. If your alarm is triggered, you aren’t going to know about it. If your mobile device’s battery dies or you become busy and leave your device in another room, you will be none the wiser and the authorities won’t be notified. This puts your home or business at serious risk. 24/7 Professional Alarm Monitoring Professional alarm monitoring gives you additional services that are nice to have. You can still monitor your system on your own, but professional monitoring is 24/7 no matter where you are or what you are doing. If you are unable to contact the authorities, the monitoring center can. In other words, if you are enjoying a beach somewhere and decide to leave your mobile device in your hotel room, your home or business is still being watched. Good professional alarm monitoring companies have exceptionally fast response times, which is important for the security and safety of your home or business. Studies have proven that 83 percent of burglars first look for an alarm system before they attempt the burglary. However, 40 percent of them will stick around and challenge it. Sixty percent know that the presence of alarm carries a high possibility of it being connected to a monitoring center that can alert the authorites very fast. Approximately half of burglars target homes, while 31 percent target commercial locations. Yes, there is a small monthly fee for your system to be professionally monitored, but there are no disadvantages to having that extra set of eyes watching your system. You can still access your surveillance system and remotely arm or disarm the system if you need to, but you don’t have to worry about a bad cell phone signal, a dead battery, or a busy schedule keeping you from noticing a break-in. A live person checks to see if the alarm is turned off within a specific amount of time. If the alarm continues to sound, that person contacts the police to check on your home or business. Another perk: Your insurance company may give you a discount when you have an operational and fully monitored security system in your home or business. This alone reduces the cost of investing in a security system. Contact An Experienced Rochester Security Alarm Company At SPS Fire & Security, we install affordable state-of-the-art systems that include 24/7 monitoring and the self-monitoring features that you need. To learn more about our systems, services, and how we can give you the peace of mind you deserve, call 585-770-0348. We serve Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, and the surrounding areas.
Protecting Your Smartphone from Hackers
And How It Protects Your Home, Business, and Identity If you’re like most people, your smartphone has become an extension of you. It’s used for everything from communicating with friends and family to online banking and using your business or home security app. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to do such things as transfer money from savings to checking from the palm of your hand, arm your security system from hundreds of miles away, chat with friends for hours on end, and have a lifeline in case of an emergency. However, there is a misconception that smartphones can’t be hacked, especially when it comes to iOS devices because Apple products are at a lower risk for viruses. But did you know that Bluetooth is hackable if a hacker really knows what they’re doing, opening a door to your device anyway? The point is that nothing is foolproof, so it’s time to throw the false sense of security out the window and do everything possible to secure your device so that personal data and even home and business security apps are protected. How to Hacker-Proof Your Smartphone The following are steps on how to protect your smartphone from hackers: 1. Keep your operating system up-to-date You will notice that your phone’s operating system has updates available sometimes. Don’t ignore these updates because they can have patches in them that solve security vulnerabilities. Updating can be an annoyance, but it could be the difference between a hacker obtaining bank account information, hacking your social media accounts, or taking control of your home security app. 2. Don’t jailbreak your phone Many of the more technologically savvy people will “jailbreak” an operating system, but this can reduce how well the phone is protected. Jailbreaking allows a person, and even a hacker, to perform actions that a non-jailbroken phone prohibits. 3. Be careful when installing apps You may have noticed that when you install an app, you must give it permission to do certain things. Perhaps it needs to read files, use your microphone, access photos, or access your camera. These are legitimate requests by apps so they can do what they are designed to do. However, hackers can use these functions to gain access to parts of your phone that reveal things about you. Make sure you know what you are downloading. If you have an Android device, Google doesn’t have a strict vetting process like Apple and that can be somewhat risky. Android also gives you the ability to download apps from third parties where you are required to go to your security settings and mark “unknown sources” for the apps to successfully operate on the device. There are legitimate apps downloaded in this way, but there’s a risk. 4. Lock up your phone If you leave your phone somewhere or you lose it, make sure you are utilizing your lock screen. Chances are, your email has a lot of personal information. You may even have a banking app on your phone. Everything that’s on your phone is there to make your life easier, which is wonderful. It’s amazing what our phones allow us to do, such as activate our security system from hundreds of miles away or see what the security cameras are seeing. Find Out How You Can Monitor Your Home While Away. If you utilize your lock screen, then it’s much harder for a thief to get into your phone. All smartphones have the lock feature in some form. For instance, iOS and Android use passcodes, facial recognition and/or fingerprint recognition. It’s actually best to use the passcode instead of fingerprint recognition or facial recognition. If a thief really wants to target you and get your information, as extreme as it may seem, he or she could lift a fingerprint from a drinking glass or use a photo of you to manipulate fingerprint or facial recognition software. A good passcode is much harder to infiltrate. 5. Set up Find My Device Both Apple and Android use the “Find My Device” service that shows you where your phone is on a map. If it is lost or stolen, you can tack the phone, wipe its memory, or remotely lock it. Make sure you put this feature in place if you haven’t already. 6. Don’t save passwords on your device As tempting as it can be to save passwords on your device to avoid the taxing task of typing passwords with the very small smartphone keyboard, don’t’ do it. Auto-login is convenient, but it is a huge risk. If your phone is hacked or you lose it, it will be even easier for a thief to access your online accounts. 7. Be careful with open Wi-Fi In recent years, it has become better known that public Wi-Fi is a risk. Anyone in the vicinity can take a look at your online activity. Special skills and software are needed to do this, so it may not happen at the local Starbucks, but it’s a risk that can’t be ignored. It’s safer to stick with your phone’s mobile data connection. You can also use a VPN like TunnelBear or CyberGhost on your mobile phone to encrypt your connection. From Home Security Apps to Protecting Personal Information All in all, your mobile device is a wonderful thing. It allows you to do things on the go that you couldn’t do before it existed. However, the device you love so much needs to be secured just like any device that accesses the internet. By implementing the above measures, you greatly reduce the chances that you will become a victim. To learn more about how to better secure your home or business and the business and home security apps that are used to control them no matter where you are, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348. We serve Rochester, NY; Buffalo, NY; Syracuse, NY and the surrounding areas.
What to Do and What Not to Do in Mass Shooting Situations
Personal Tips to Help You Protect Yourself in a Mass Shooting Since the Columbine High School shooting in 1999 that killed 13 people and wounded 20 more, we have heard the term “mass shooting” much more than we should ever have to. Sadly, it has become a part of our reality. The Las Vegas Shooting in 2017 is now classified as the deadliest shooting in U.S. history with 59 killed and 851 people injured. These were innocent people having a great time, listening to some music at an outdoor concert. The most recent shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School, as of the time of this writing, is the ninth most deadly shooting with 17 killed and 17 injured. Learn about access control systems and more. And then on April 5, 2018, it was reported that a mass shooting at Syracuse University was averted when the Nelson gun store owner called police after refusing to sell the former student an AR-15 rifle. It was found by law enforcement that the former student had stockpiled gun accessories and ammunition in his apartment after making threats of committing a mass shooting at the University. This brings about a VERY good question and that’s what you should or shouldn’t do if you happen to find yourself in a mass shooting situation? What You Shouldn’t Do The first thing you shouldn’t do is attempt to overtake the shooter. There may be a good chance that you are unarmed, so trying to take down the shooter could get you killed and/or make them angrier. You also don’t want to start throwing objects at the shooter. While this can distract them from spraying bullets randomly around the area, it makes you and anyone around you a target. It has been suggested by non-experts in the media that throwing objects at the shooter can distract them. While this can be true to an extent, it doesn’t come without its risks. If you are in a room and hear gunshots nearby, don’t attempt to run out of the room because that could be what the gunman wants. Instead, lock the door and barricade it. If there is an escape route, take it. Don’t go straight to the desks or tables and hide under them because those are where mass shooters look first. What You Should Do As for what you should do, there are many things that can be done. For schools, it’s time to create an emergency action plan if there isn’t already one in place. Many schools are starting to install access control systems or “ACS Security” that require students to scan ID cards before entering. Security guard presence is up, classrooms are being outfitted with door barricade devices, and evacuation plans are being fine-tuned. It’s good for everyone in every situation to have a plan. Recently, a shooting occurred at YouTube Headquarters, proving, once again, that no workplace is immune. No school is immune, no shopping mall is immune, and even public transportation hubs aren’t immune. That’s why you need to do the following if you find yourself in a mass shooting situation: Hiding under desks and tables doesn’t work. In school shootings, those that have hidden under desks and tables have been the first to die as shooters walk down rows of desks and fire. Even if jumping out of a second story window is the only option, it increases the chance of survival. Barricade doors. At Virginia Tech, the students that barricaded a door with everything they had all survived. Always note entrances and exits when entering a public place. Ask yourself what you will do if there is an attack and create a plan of action. If someone in your vicinity seems suspicious (such as wearing a winter coat in the middle of summer), vacate the area immediately. Always be aware of your surroundings. Always face entrances if you can rather than having your back to them. Move out of the kill zone as soon as you can. It is harder to hit a moving target, but try and exit the area in the most strategic way you can. If a gunman is shooting from your level, it is beneficial to get down. If the gunman is shooting from an elevated area, don’t get down because it makes you a stationary target. Instead, run toward the nearest exit point. You’re harder to hit if you’re moving. If you can’t flee the area, hide behind a structure that can most likely stop bullets. Move as soon as you can. Even if the situation is like the Vegas situation where there was no cover and the location of the shooter was unknown, fleeing increases the chances of survival. Follow these tips and you can increase your chances of survival in a mass shooting situation. The ultimate strategy, however, is always being aware of your surroundings and vacating as soon as something looks or feels strange. Access Control, Business Protection, and More If you wish to make your school, business, warehouse, factory, or another commercial establishment safer against mass shooters and other threats, SPS Fire & Security can help. We specialize in commercial security, such as access control systems, and much more so you can protect your facility and everyone in it. Call today at 585-770-0348 for a free estimate.
10 Access Control System Applications
How Can an Access Control System Benefit You? Businesses in all industries have growing security concerns for many reasons. From small mom-and-pop shops to massive facilities, it is imperative for business owners and managers to make sure that information, equipment, and people are safe at all times. This is why the access control system is no longer for the large corporation or government facility; it’s for anyone who wants the added security and protection. The following is a list of the different facility types throughout Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, and the entire country that are taking advantage of the protection provided by high-quality and scalable security access systems. Health Facilities Hospitals and clinics are implementing access control in a world where terrorism seems to be on the rise. Access control also helps with HIPAA compliance, infection control by reducing touch points, and protects sensitive areas from unauthorized individuals. Schools and Colleges Many schools and colleges are implementing access control, but not necessarily at the student level. This has slowly been changing as students have been issued ID cards that also serve as their keys to the doors of their schools. This level of security in schools allows the entire building or campus to be monitored from one location, a click of a button can lock down an entire school, reports can be generated as to who has accessed the building when, and video can be integrated. Hotels Many hotels have used access control for rooms for many years. Slip the key card into the slot, pull it out quickly, and the door will unlock. However, more hotels are making it necessary for a person’s room key card to be used to enter the building after a certain time in the evenings. This is done to protect the guests and staff. Fitness Centers Access control is also nothing new for fitness centers and gyms. A member is issued an ID card and that card serves as their key into the building. If a member is in good standing, they can enter. If the member is not in good standing because of behavior or not paying their bill, then their access may be blocked. Call Centers Call center security is important because of the proprietary information and the large number of employees contained within. Plus, a lot of people can be in a facility at any given time. With shift changes that can involve dozens of people moving in and out of the doors at any given time, security guards are better able to monitor who is entering when there is a security access system logging the activity. If someone tries to enter without an ID card or someone who has been fired tries to enter using their old ID card, security will immediately know about it. Have more control over your security. Office Buildings Office buildings have a lot in common with call centers, but there may be a higher level of security needed based on position. For example, there may be some areas of the building that only upper management can access. Perhaps there is an IT department that only IT specialists should have access to. Warehouses Warehouses contain merchandise that must be protected at all times. Just like with call centers and office buildings, access control can be used to keep intruders out. Only authorized personnel enters the building and only those with a certain level of clearance can access certain areas. Storage Facilities More storage facilities are popping up, particularly indoor facilities that are climate controlled. Access security can permit entry only to those with rented storage spaces. If a person fails to pay their bill and their access is restricted, they won’t be able to get inside with their card. Those that are permitted to enter will be able to access the main doors with their card, but only their designated storage space can be opened with the card. Access control is why some facilities can be accessed 24/7. Supermarkets and Big Box Stores Retail giants are starting to implement access control more often because they have areas that only employees can access. There are offices, storage areas, and break rooms. To enhance employee safety and to keep customers out of these restricted areas, access control is being used more often. Mom-and-Pop Shops Mom and pop shops are adding access control system panels to their back rooms and offices to protect important information and money that may be stored in these areas. The need for improved employee safety is also on the rise, giving employees a safe place to go in case there is a robbery or another event that could jeopardize safety. A Trusted Rochester Access Control Company A good access control system puts you in control of your security. You can choose who enters, keep track of activity, control clearance levels, and make your business safer. To learn more, contact SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 for a free consult.