Extra Info about DIY Security Systems
Small business owners in Monroe County, NY, and nearby areas work hard to protect what they’ve built. That’s why many choose to buy DIY security systems. They want a quick install at a lower cost. However, these systems aren’t always as simple as they seem. In fact, they can end up costing more than a professionally installed security system. Below is important information about DIY security systems, including a list of dangers to consider: 1. The DIY Security System Lacks Professional Precision Professional security system installers in Monroe County have years of experience that can’t be obtained by reading a user manual or watching YouTube videos. Instead, the professionals bring priceless expertise. This experience lends itself to a precise install. It’s important for sensors to be placed in the correct locations and cameras to be angled properly. When you install a DIY system, you need to answer many important questions. For example: What areas are the most vulnerable? How many cameras do you need to cover those areas? Where should you place motion and glass break sensors? Can you hide the wiring so criminals can’t reach it? Will installing equipment yourself void the warranty? How will you handle an emergency if you can’t respond? Another key question is what happens if a motion sensor or camera stops working. Many DIY systems use only one frequency. If something fails, there isn’t a backup. Fortunately, a professional security company takes care of all these details for you. They also include 24/7 monitoring to make sure help arrives fast during an emergency. These points show just a few major differences between DIY systems and professional installation. 2. No or Minimal 24/7 Monitoring Since 24/7 monitoring was just mentioned in this article, it’s a good time to talk about it in more detail. This is one of the most important parts of working with a security company. Yes, the upfront costs of DIY security systems might be less, but 24/7 monitoring is a feature that is usually missing. Even if a system says that monitoring is available with a subscription, do your research. It’s typical to learn that it’s not the same monitoring you get with a professional installer. 3. Questionable Equipment Quality and Reliability Many people who buy security cameras from local stores like Costco or Walmart often run into problems. Common issues include cameras that freeze, false notifications, and even total equipment failure. In addition, DIY security systems often have faulty sensors. They also don’t contact authorities during a break-in, leaving you without crucial help when you need it most. One major issue is that these systems are commonly hacked. With a professionally installed system, you receive high-quality equipment backed by guarantees and service. In addition, the installation includes strong support and a true commitment to your business’s security. This personal service is something you don’t get with other options. Because of this, the higher upfront cost is worth it to keep your business safe. At the same time, you build a relationship with a trusted company. That relationship brings many long-term benefits. Contact A Monroe County, NY Security System Installer Having a DIY system isn’t better than having nothing at all. Such systems have vulnerabilities that can result in significant losses. Contact SPS Fire & Security today at 585-770-0348 today to learn more about the options available to you.
How to Avoid Getting Locked Out of Your Home or Business
Avoid Getting Locked Out Everyone wonders how to avoid getting locked out of their home or business. Have you ever accidentally locked your door behind you when leaving the house? Maybe you left your keys on the kitchen table, got to your car, and realized you didn’t have the keys to start it. This situation feels like a nightmare. Then, you have to call a locksmith or try to crawl through a window—which should be closed and locked. . Even if you leave a spare key outside to avoid getting locked out of your home, that in itself isn’t safe because burglars look for keys. Maybe you’re a business owner or manager who arrives at work only to realize you left the keys at home. This happens often, especially when you keep your business keys separate from your personal ones. On the other hand, personal keys can get lost, or—as in the example above—locked inside your house or even inside the business. Losing or locking up your keys can cause serious problems. You might miss opening on time and lose customers. Even worse, what if your key breaks? That happens too, and it’s never a pleasant situation. How to Avoid Getting Locked Out of Your Home or Business You can use some simple methods to avoid getting locked out of your home or business. First, give spare keys to trusted friends or family members. Ideally, they should live nearby so they can help quickly. However, if they are busy with work or other commitments, you might not get fast help. Second, keep a spare key in your car. This works well for business keys since you usually need your car to get to work. But remember, your car should stay locked when parked. If you lock your keys inside the house, you won’t be able to unlock your car either. Consider the Smart Lock The safest solution is to install smart locks. With this high-tech option, you don’t need a physical key to control your home or business locks. Instead, you can use a smartphone or tablet to access your property remotely. This adds convenience and extra security at the same time. We are all more likely to forget our keys than we are to forget our phones, although it goes both ways at times, but having a good service behind your smart lock can ensure you are taken care of if your keys and your smart phone decide to hang out somewhere you’re not. Plus, multiple people in your household can install the app. Then, they can unlock the door remotely if you get locked out. This option costs much less than calling a locksmith, breaking a window, or risking crawling through one. Contact A Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse Security System Installer At SPS Fire & Security, your safety is #1. We carry and install the latest security systems so you can have the peace of mind you need at home and at work. To learn more about our products and services, call us at 585-770-0348.
Video Surveillance Ethics & Legalities in New York
Can I Record My Nanny? Are Audio Recordings Legal Commercially? What’s the Deal When It Comes to Video Surveillance Ethics? People often question video surveillance ethics. Home video surveillance is gaining popularity. Property crimes have risen. Also, parents want to check on kids, elderly relatives, and pets when away. Seeing kids home from school or checking on an elderly relative with health issues brings peace of mind. People just pick up their smartphones. Parents also install video surveillance. They check on kids and nannies during the day. Employers use it to protect their business and workers. The many uses of video surveillance raise questions. What ethical and legal rules should people follow? This applies to home and business video surveillance. They monitor family, pets, employees, and businesses. The good news is we have answers for you. Protect Your Home or Business When You’re Away What to Know about Residential Video Surveillance If you choose home video surveillance, you can put cameras inside and outside. If you want indoor cameras to watch kids, nannies, pets, or elderly relatives when you’re away, don’t legally or ethically put cameras in bathrooms or a live-in nanny’s bedroom. Also, don’t install cameras in guest rooms. That would violate overnight guests’ privacy. It’s okay to put a camera in your own bedroom or young children’s bedrooms. If you hire a nanny, it is best to do the following to ensure video surveillance ethics are followed: Advise the nanny that cameras are used inside the home. Show the nanny where the cameras are located. Have the nanny sign an agreement in which he/she acknowledges the presence of video surveillance in the home. Hiding cameras and using them secretly breaks trust. It goes against video surveillance ethics. Parents want to protect kids. Homeowners want to protect property. But it unnerves people to find out they are being videoed without their okay. Proper notice can stop many problems. It’s best to have anyone working on the property sign an agreement. This paper shows they know about the cameras. It’s also ethical and polite to tell non-employees entering the property. Use a sign or tell them they are under surveillance. What to Know about Commercial Video Surveillance Ethics Just like you’d have a nanny sign an agreement, business owners should have employees sign one too. This paper should say they know they are on video at work. The law doesn’t require this. But it’s a good way to protect everyone. Business owner’s right to install cameras. It’s important to cover all of the bases. Usually, people install cameras to watch over everyone’s safety there. Also, business owners can make sure their business is okay when they aren’t present. Furthermore, many home rules apply here too. For example, don’t put cameras in restrooms, locker rooms, or changing rooms. This breaks privacy rules. It could even be seen as spying. Moreover, it’s bad when someone accuses an employer of recording in private areas. Consequently, the issue of “audio surveillance” arises. State-of-The-Art Systems That Meet Your Needs The Scoop on Video with Audio and the Video Surveillance Ethics There are some states that protect against audio recordings without the consent of the nanny or other party entering the premises. New York isn’t one of those, but, again, it is common courtesy to notify the nanny, handyman, dog walker, or another individual that the video cameras can also record audio. When the person is an employee, written consent will be needed. The following video addresses video surveillance rules that must be followed by Realtors, but has valuable information that can apply to any property owner wishing to have home surveillance cameras installed: Commercial Audio Surveillance – Employees Regarding commercial video that includes audio, an employer can only use video-only surveillance when they operate cameras without employees’ knowledge. However, section 250.05 of the New York Penal Law states that an employer can’t eavesdrop on conversations by mechanical means anyway. Since video cameras with audio recording ability fall within this category, violating this law constitutes a felony. On the other hand, New York allows recording a person’s voice with their consent. Therefore, if you have employees sign an agreement in which they acknowledge their voice will be recorded in certain areas of the business when they are present in the building, then you protect yourself against eavesdropping laws. Commercial Audio Surveillance – Customers As far as recording the voices of customers, there are some establishments that may need audio recording for security reasons. These establishments include: Check cashing establishments Banks Educational testing centers Convenience store/gas station counters Nightclub entrances and exits If it is a must for audio surveillance to be present, posting a sign doesn’t excuse unlawful audio reception. It is imperative that all audio recordings are carried out lawfully. Posting a sign that says, “Entering this facility implies that you consent to audio surveillance” works well. However, don’t immediately choose audio if you’re unsure how your business can stay within the law. Furthermore, if you ever doubt it, seek legal advice from an experienced attorney. Since every business and situation differs, it’s important that you define your intent so you know whether or not it violates the law. Ultimately, the decision depends on how important audio surveillance is to you. Contact Your Western New York Security Company SPS Fire & Security specializes in residential and business video surveillance. We use state-of-the-art equipment, commitment to the customers, and personalized service to give you the best experience possible. We also give you better protection for your home or business and we’re local! Call us today at 585-770-0348 or complete our contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Small Business Security: 3 Steps to Protect Your Business
How to Protect Your Interests with Small Business Security Running a small business comes at a cost, so every dollar you make counts. The cash flow problem tends to be the first reason why a business fails, so it is very important to be smart with limited resources. When cutting cost, however, one of the first things business owners cut is small business security. Of course, this isn’t recommended because securing your small business is an investment that pays off over time. It protects you from losses. In fact, your security should grow as your business grows to protect everything you have worked for. Securing Your Network One of the things that you must do is secure your network. Small businesses are sometimes the target of hackers. Something as simple as a virtual private network (VPN) can make a difference in how safe data is or isn’t in your business. With a VPN, a layer of privacy is added to the network so that your data is kept safer than it would be otherwise. Securing Your Facility This is where small business security systems, access control, and other types of security measures come in. You can monitor the access points of your building through an access control system. This is a system where employees or other authorized people can only enter if they have a card or a code. This protects the building from people not authorized to come inside without approval from a front desk clerk or security guard. Fortunately, cameras help you see who enters your place. As a result, they catch shoplifters and burglars. Moreover, just having cameras can stop bad things from happening. Similarly, security systems also stop bad stuff. Furthermore, at night, they scare away burglars. However, if someone breaks in anyway, the alarm goes off and police come. Protecting Against Environmental Hazards Security systems also stop flood damage. Alarms have fire warnings too, so you don’t lose as much stuff. Want even more? Make your building smart! Lock doors, change heat, and check security from anywhere. Rochester, Syracuse & Buffalo Small Business Security You Can Count On For a safe New York small business, choose SPS Fire & Security. We set up security systems, control doors, add cameras, and make your building smart. Feel secure when you’re not there. Call 585-770-0348.
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.
Farm Security: Security Alarms, Motion, Video & More!
How to Keep Your Farm Secure Farming season is not just one season a year but all four seasons. As a security company, we know that your farm is not only your business/job but also your way of living. SPS Fire and Security can help you protect what you’ve worked so hard for through comprehensive farm security. We realize that your farmland most likely has a wide range of functions. These functions may involve horses, barns, crops, large farming equipment and more. That’s a lot to protect! As you provide for your family, there are a few security measures you should take. Tips for Farm Security Install fences and post “Do Not Trespass” signs on the fence. If you want to make your farmland harder for a thief to access, installing a fence is one security measure you can take. Once you have installed the fence, have a motion sensor alarm added. This alarm will go off if a thief tries to gain access to a certain area. If they gain access, they can only go so far before the alarm sounds. You may also want to consider having security cameras installed. By having these cameras installed, it will allow you gain access to video surveillance footage while at home and away. Install motion lighting. Your video surveillance camera footage will be able to show you proof when the lights go on and what made them trigger. Invest in a complete wireless security system. By having wireless security, you are providing yourself with the comfort of being able to maintain the security of farmland that is farther away from your home. Securing Multiple Structures When you have multiple structures on your property, you can secure each one. If you only want authorized people entering the horse stable or a barn, you can invest in access control for those buildings. Another area that you may want to keep secure is the grain bin. Unfortunately, grain bins have a history of being the sites of trespasser accidents. Motion lights can be placed around these areas, as well as motion detectors so an alarm can be triggered. The idea of securing the grain bin area is to keep trespassers from climbing the ladder affixed to the outside of the bin. They could fall off the ladder or open the upper door and fall into the grain bin. A bin full of grain can be difficult, if not impossible, for someone to get out of, but falling to the bottom of an empty one almost always ends in tragedy. Contact A Rochester Security Alarm Company to Enhance Your Farm Security Protecting your farm isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but with SPS Fire & Security you can bet that we will do the best job we can to get you and your farmland all the right security alarms, sensors and more. If you have any questions regarding any kind of security contact SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 and we will get back to you ASAP.
Hardwired Security Systems: Reliable & Secure
Everything You Need to Know About Hardwired Security Systems Most homes and businesses use hardwired security systems. These systems have a control panel. Usually, it sits right next to the most used door. Some people or businesses hide their control panel. For instance, they put it in a closet or away from the door. This way, a burglar cannot see it. However, an alarm system’s presence can lower a burglar’s chance of entry. Thus, the alarm itself deters them. Everyone has their own reasons for placing their control panel. Different Components to a Hardwired Security System Hardwired security systems do not come in one package, as there are many different areas in homes and businesses that might need to be secured. A smoke alarm detects smoke. Specifically, two types exist: ionization and photoelectric. Heat detectors work with smoke detectors. Therefore, this detector spots heat. Indoor and outdoor motion sensors detect movement. They pick up people and animals. Indoor and outdoor sirens alert you. They warn neighbors, too. A panic button is usually hidden. However, you can push it if you feel threatened. This button connects to the security company. It also connects to the police. Going With A Hardwired Security System Hardwired security systems can be cost-effective. With this being said, it can be an intensive installation process. Homeowners and business owners can add and remove components. In the event of a power outage, the hardwired system has rechargeable batteries. Just for having the security system in your home, you can get a discount on your homeowner’s insurance. Contact An Experienced Rochester Security Alarm Company You should install a security system in your home or business. Also, have a security system installer visit your property. They ensure you get all the protection you need. Therefore, if you or anyone you know considers getting a security system, contact SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348.
Get Notified: How Motion Detectors Enhance Your Home Security
Motion Detectors and Motion Sensors The last thing any of us wants is for someone to be sneaking around outside or inside our homes or businesses. Believe it or not, motion detectors can have a snooping creep behind bars in no time. That’s pretty nice, isn’t it? Something as simple as motion sensors inside and outside your Rochester home or business can protect what is yours. Types of Motion Detectors There are different types of motion detection. There are alarms with motion detectors. They are a part of the system so that when someone infiltrates a door or window, the alarm system can be triggered and the authorities notified. There are also these types: Driveway motion detectors –If you get a lot of visitors, a driveway motion detector will let you know when someone arrives. You can actually place this type of motion detector almost anywhere around your house. Many of these detectors reach up to 400 feet, which is great if you live in a rural area. If you live closer to a city street, a shorter range works just fine. When the detector senses movement, it sets off an alert inside your house. This could be a chime or even a light that turns on. Motion activated flood lights – A motion activated flood light works the same way as a driveway alert. However, you don’t necessarily have to be notified when it is triggered. Instead, the flood light comes on and it shines on whatever has triggered it. If it is a burglar, they will most likely run away because they don’t want to be seen. If it is the neighbor’s dog, it probably won’t care. Motion Detectors Come In Different Types The barking motion detector – This can give a burglar a good jolt in the chest as their heart jumps out of it. They step up on your doorstep and suddenly a dog starts barking at them. These motion sensors can be set to activate when there is motion in front of windows or doors. Some models can also be set to less threatening sounds, especially when you are home and expecting visitors. Security alarms – This is the type that is going to give a burglar a nice scare. If they dare try to enter a window or door, the motion detector is going to tell the alarm system, which is going to alert the authorities. The alarm sounding is usually enough to scare the burglar away. What is great is that the motion sensors can be wireless so they can be placed anywhere. How do Motion Sensors Work? Motion detectors keep an eye on your space, but they don’t all work the same way. You can find them with passive infrared, ultrasonic, microwave, or tomographic sensors. Sometimes, they even combine different types to do a better job. Passive Infrared (PIR) Passive infrared sensors simply find anything warm-blooded. So, if your neighbor’s pet lizard wanders over, it won’t trigger the alarm. However, these sensors will detect people, cats, dogs, rabbits, even Bigfoot, your annoying cousin, and burglars. Ultrasonic Ultrasonic detectors work in two ways. Some passively listen for sounds like breaking glass or metal scraping. While incredibly sensitive, these can sometimes cause false alarms. Other ultrasonic sensors actively send out ultrasonic waves. Be aware that dogs, cats, and even some fish can hear these sounds, which might bother them. If you’ve ever wanted to see a fish look confused, this could be your chance! Microwave Microwave sensors send out microwave pulses. Then, they measure how those pulses bounce off objects to see if anything is moving. Sometimes, these sensors can even detect things outside their intended area. Tomographic Finally, tomographic sensors use radio waves. They sense when something disturbs these waves. While expensive, these detectors are super helpful in places like warehouses, storage units, and other large areas that need tough, commercial security. Professionally Installed Motion Detectors For the best results, have professionals install your motion detectors. They’ll make sure the sensors face the right way and are in the best spots to catch intruders, making them super effective. SPS Fire & Security offers many options to keep your home or business safe. Call us today at 585-770-0348 to learn how we can help you protect your space.
Enhancing Security: Video Surveillance in Schools
School Video Surveillance Tips Keeping our kids safe should be a school’s top priority. Today, every school needs a strong security system. Video surveillance in schools is essential to prevent theft, reduce accidents that can lead to lawsuits, and stop unwanted visitors. If a school doesn’t already use video cameras to watch areas without constant staff supervision, administrators should contact a security company. They can then learn about all the benefits of installing a system. Best Areas for Video Surveillance in Schools There are many areas of a school that administrators can’t monitor all the times. Three potential areas that are should have video surveillance; parking, playground, and hallways. Parking lots: Many people visit school grounds every day. Think about staff, parents, students, bus drivers, and delivery folks. The school parking lot often has issues. For example, you might see car accidents, break-ins, fights, or people just loitering. However, security cameras in the parking lot really help. The administrator who watches these cameras can see and review any problems that pop up. This allows them to solve many issues, such as figuring out who caused a car accident. Playgrounds: Unfortunately, lots of accidents happen on the playground. Even with staff outside, they can’t watch every child at once. But if an accident occurs, an administrator can play back the video. This helps them see exactly what happened. Video cameras also help figure out who started a fight or spot someone on school grounds who shouldn’t be there. Hallways: Hallways are a common and smart place for video cameras. Many people use them, like students, staff, parents, and even delivery drivers. Unfortunately, fights and other problems often start near lockers and bathrooms. That’s why having video cameras in hallways is truly important. Keeping Students Safe with Video Surveillance in Schools Parking lots, playgrounds, and hallways are great places for video cameras, but school staff often know other helpful spots for surveillance. For instance, if many fights happen near a specific bathroom or around a hard-to-see corner, adding a camera there could really help with monitoring. Contact Your Rochester Security Company for Video Surveillance in Schools If you as a parent or staff member know that your school doesn’t have proper security systems or needs to upgrade to more, contact SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348.
