Is Your Business Prepared For An Emergency?

Creative CommonsNo business is immune to risk or unpredictable circumstances.  In an emergency, often times, there’s an influx of panic for those involved.  Our dedicated and hardworking emergency responders-firefighters, EMTs, ambulance, and police-are the ones who keep a strong front and are prepared to help us through these tough situations.  As a business owner wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to lessen the constant fear of unknown threats to your organization?  Fortunately, there is something you can do for your business, your employees, yourself, and the responders.  Be prepared and have a plan.

At Perfect Connections, Inc. we believe instead of being fearful or worrisome about the unknown, you should be as prepared as possible for it.  Part of being prepared is maintaining proper security of your organization.  We’ve been providing peace of mind to businesses throughout northern and central New Jersey since 1992 by installing comprehensive security systems.  A security system is so much more than just a video camera and alarm code.  To truly be protected a system should include a monitoring service, some form of access control, video surveillance, fire and burglar alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors.  While the physical aspect of a security system offers protection and prevention, it is also important to have some form of emergency protocol within your organization.

What is your plan and why do you need one?

No one enjoys thinking about the potential disasters that could occur in our daily lives, but they are, no matter how unsavory, a part of life.  If you haven’t already, you should work with your company, local authorities, and maybe a risk management firm to come up with an emergency plan.  The world is an unpredictable place, even if your business is located in a safe area, there are no guarantees.  According to Kelly Jenkins, Director of Emergency Management for Lawnwood Regional Medical Center and Heart Institute in Florida, “The worst possible scenario is to be not prepared.”  Having some sort of contingency plan is important because it’ll help you recover quicker and reinforce customer’s confidence in the integrity of your business.  It’s important to maintain that competitive edge that drives the workforce, as they say, “The show must go on!”

It’s not just being prepared for a disaster, it’s how you continue operation after as well, sometimes referred to as a BC (Business Continuity) plan.  What is your BC plan and how do you come up with it?  According to Kim Lindros and Ed Tittel for CIO, there are 6 general steps in developing a BC plan, and they are as follows:

  1. Identify the scope of the plan.
  2. Identify key business areas.
  3. Identify critical functions.
  4. Identify dependencies between various business areas and functions.
  5. Determine acceptable downtime for each critical function.
  6. Create a plan to maintain operations.

Once you have a plan the best way to ensure everyone is on board and prepared is to test it.  What good is a plan if no one knows how to use it?  Have frequent drills so you, your employees, and all personnel understand what they need to do in the event of an emergency.  Testing and running drills will eventually create more of a “muscle memory” response so precious time isn’t wasted trying to figure out which steps to take.  If you’re stuck on where to begin consider hiring a professional and reference online guidelines like the Planning and Responding to Workplace Emergencies provided by OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration).

How does having a security system affect emergency situations?

As a business owner you want to do everything in your power to protect your organization.  Having a comprehensive security system installed may be the catalyst in a better defense.  How will the system affect circumstances during an emergency?  Imagine there is a major fire at work.  As part of your comprehensive security system you have a functional fire alarm and monitoring service.  The alarm sounds sending a signal to the monitoring station which then informs local emergency responders.  Luckily, due to the speedy response time, firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the flames minimizing property damage, costing you less in repairs.  But most importantly you, your staff, and customers were able to exit the facility safely.

Now, without getting too graphic, imagine the shooter scenario.  Unfortunately, it’s become an all too common occurrence in our daily lives.  So how can a security system help in this type of situation?  Your access control system and surveillance come into play.  Because you had a swipe card access control system installed at all entries the shooter cannot get into your facility as they do not possess the required credentials.  With your surveillance equipment you were able to capture footage of the deviant.  The footage helped identify the criminal and authorities were able to detain him/her.  This is a best case scenario, but you can see how certain security features, when combined, can be extremely effective in deterring catastrophe.

There are infinite disastrous possibilities that can affect your business, but you can’t spend every minute of every day worrying about them.  Instead create a plan and be as prepared as possible.  If you are considering a security system for your business for the first time or need an assessment of your current situation do not hesitate to call on our experts at Perfect Connections, Inc..  Our knowledgeable and experienced team has been providing security system solutions to northern and central New Jersey businesses for over 20 years.  We believe in helping you protect what matters most.

If you live or run a business in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply CLICK HERE.

Image Credit: Image by Creative Commons

Top Reasons To Get Connected

The Jetsons-Mark AndersonWith advancing technology becoming more and more present in our daily lives, it’s no wonder it’s becoming part of our homes too.  From solar panels on our roofs to remotely controlled thermostats, we are creating homes akin to the Jetson’s space age abode.  Unlike the Jestson’s most of us still live in homes on the ground without robot housekeepers and flying cars.

Whether or not technology is pushing us towards zero-gravity transportation, one thing is for sure, our homes are advancing with us.  Look how far we’ve come in such a short period of time.  Starting with the inception of the internet around 1962, we’ve gone from the most simplistic data sharing capabilities to now virtually living online.  We can take the internet with us on our phones, tablets, laptops, and other wireless devices; it’s an integral part of our communication systems.  It only makes sense that our physical living spaces are becoming more connected to our mobile lives.

So what does it mean to have a connected home or home automation?  It’s being able to wirelessly control devices in and around your home from virtually anywhere in the world via a mobile device (i.e. a smartphone, tablet, etc.).  You know that feeling of, “I think I forgot something”?  That gut wrenching sensation can be a thing of the past when you include home automation as part of your security system.  With home automation or interactive services you no longer have to worry whether or not you forgot to lock your doors or arm the alarm system because you can do it from your phone. You can even check in on your kids, pets, and loved ones by logging into your home security cameras through an app.  The capabilities are seemingly endless and the technology behind home automation is only moving forward. Here at Perfect Connections, Inc. we believe in providing superior home security systems that can include sophisticated, yet easy to use, home automation features.  Our team of experts has been providing home security system solutions to central and northern New Jersey for the past 23 years.  We understand the value in having a connected home, do you?

Convenience

Picture this, you’re coming back from a long vacation, somewhere tropical of course.  You’re in the car on the way home from the airport, the cool crisp air of winter in New Jersey lingering on your cheeks.  Then it hits you.  Your home is in New Jersey, its winter, and you turned the heat way down before you left.  Looks like you’re going to be wearing your coat and galoshes around the house until it heats up.  The frustration is setting in when you realize, “I can turn up the heat from my phone!”(cue the idea light-bulb).bulb_idea You log into your mobile app and swiftly adjust your thermostat to a comfortable temperature.  By the time you get home it’s warm and cozy, no need to stay bundled up.

Being able to adjust your home climate from afar is just one of the many conveniences home automation provides.  You can lock and unlock doors, open/close garages, turn lights on and off, log into your security cameras to see what is going on at your house, and arm or disarm your alarm system.  With a firm understanding of how your home automation works, you can program notifications and optimize different features of your home and security system.

Savings

Aside from being a convenient addition to your everyday life, home automation can actually save you money.  Think about your utilities, one of the major money-drainers is electrical use.  With programmable lights and the ability to turn them on and off remotely, wasting electricity becomes a thing of the past.  The largest portion of your utilities likely comes from heating and cooling your home.  Being able to program your thermostats can be a huge saver in energy costs throughout the course of a year.  Never mind the fact that you’d be enhancing your homes overall efficiency.

Environmental impact

When it comes to wasting energy, the U.S. is unfortunately no stranger to inefficiency.  According to Forbes.com America ranks number one among developed nations, even ahead of China, for energy waste.  Energy inefficiencies impact not only our environment, but our economic status as well.  In fact low energy productivity in the United States is estimated to cost businesses and households an estimated $130 billion annually.  While home automation may seem like a small piece of the energy-efficiency pie, imagine if every home could cut their waste even by a small percentage; the impact would be substantial.

Peace of mind

Yes, home automation can save you money.  Yes, it can increase your home’s efficiency.  Yes, it gives you the capability to monitor your alarm system from afar.  Yes, it saves you time and aggravation.  The best side effect is one that can’t be measured by the money in your bank account or the bottom line on your utilities bill.  It’s the peace of mind you gain.  That feeling of knowing your kids are home safe from school because you were able to see them arrive.  Knowing that your home and valuables are safe while you’re on vacation.  Receiving customized notifications that are specific to your needs and schedule.  You can’t achieve the same peace of mind from a security system alone, no matter how sophisticated.

Whether you’re in the market for your first security system or want to add home automation to an existing setup, don’t hesitate to call on our experts at Perfect Connections, Inc..  Our specialists have been providing comprehensive security systems throughout northern and central New Jersey since 1992.  We customize security solutions to fit specific needs unique to your home.

If you live or run a business in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply CLICK HERE.

Image Credits: Image #1 (Jetsons) by Mark Anderson-Flickr-Creative Commons

NFPA: Are In-home Sprinklers The New Standard?

Fire SprinklerYou’ve probably seen sprinkler heads poking out of the ceilings at your office, a hospital, or other public venue where they are generally a code requirement.  But have you ever seen one in someone’s home?  Odds are probably not.  They are currently not required in private residences, but a new proposed legislation by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) aims to change that.

The Fire Sprinkler Initiative wants to make fire sprinklers a requirement in all new construction single and two family homes.  All homes should already have fire extinguishers and up to date smoke and carbon monoxide detectors so why would sprinklers be necessary?  Let’s find out.  As a security systems provider in central and northern New Jersey for the past 22 years our team at Perfect Connections, Inc. understands the importance of proper fire safety equipment.  We provide comprehensive home security systems that include the appropriate fire alarms and smoke detectors.

As a society we’ve gone countless years without in-home fire sprinklers, so why the push for it now?  Throughout those countless years, there have been countless incidents of house fires that have resulted in severe injuries, even deaths.  In fact over 85% of all fire deaths in the US have taken place in the home.  Approximately 3000 Americans die every year from house fires.  According to the NFPA, having an in-home sprinkler system along with working smoke detectors cuts the death risk by 80%.  The 2015 edition of the IRC (International Residential Code) requires fire sprinklers to be included in all new home construction.  The ICC (International Code Council) has specified that this requirement will be incorporated gradually over a period of 20 years.

States that have adopted the IRC requirements for one and two family homes are California, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.  Many other states have adopted the requirements for townhouses up to three stories.  Sprinkler installation in new construction homes seems like a no-brainer but not all are so eager to jump on the bandwagon.  In fact the NAHB (The National Association of Home Builders) has vehemently been opposing the proposed legislation and IRC requirements since the beginning.  NAHB’s communications director, Calli Schmidt in opposition to mandatory legislation has said, “The only way for sprinkler manufacturers to make money is to focus on mandates. Otherwise, they’re not financially feasible.”  This has been refuted by organizations for the cause pointing the finger right back at the NAHB saying they’re disregarding the safety of civilians and only concerned with selling homes.

This ongoing battle between the NAHB and supporters of the proposed legislation makes it unclear who has the best intentions for the homeowners.  Both sides claim profit as the top reason for opposition or acceptance.  The NAHB of Virginia purported the sprinkler manufacturers “hijacked” the code writing process in 2008 when they paid for travel expenses of numerous firefighters to attend the ICC meeting.  The ICC Appeals Board disputed this stating, “By unanimous vote that there was no material and significant irregularity of process or procedure.”  Sprinkler advocates believe in-home sprinklers would save not only lives but substantial property damage and loss.  According to the Department of Homeland Security deaths by fire in the United States fell over 40 percent once smoke detectors became mandatory back in the 1970s.  The NAHB believes the percent of saving more lives with sprinklers is minimal in comparison to their cost.  NAHB members are not against sprinklers as a voluntary measure, but to require them in all new homes would increase the cost of the homes themselves potentially threatening the health of the real estate market especially in times of economic hardship.

Whether or not the NAHB’s reasons for opposing the sprinkler initiative hold water, one must look at the facts and evaluate the risks.  According to the NFPA fatality rates in homes with sprinklers vs those without is 80 percent less.  Do financial costs outweigh the cost of losing a life/lives?  No tends to be the immediate response, but no matter how many safety features or preventative measures you take, there is no infallible system or guarantee.  That being said, the benefits seem to outweigh the costs.  The same holds true for home security systems.  Here at Perfect Connections, Inc. we know there is no perfect system, but we provide security systems that have been proven helpful in preventing catastrophe.  If you reside in northern or central New Jersey and are still relying on antiquated security techniques, don’t hesitate to call on our professionals.  Our experts can provide an in person assessment of your security risks and customize a system that is specific to your individual needs.

Engage in the conversation!  The links below provide further information on the NFPA’s sprinkler initiative.  What do you think about it?  Leave us comments/questions below.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply CLICK HERE.

Home Sprinklers Tip Sheet

Home Sprinklers Fast Fact Sheet

Sprinkler Impact Fact Sheet

About Anti-Sprinkler Legislation

Fire Safety & Code Requirements Intro

Fire-Thomass PicsWe all know that having working fire/smoke detectors, alarms, and fire extinguishers in our homes can prevent tragic loss and irreparable damage.  The same holds true for business facilities.  However, the codes and standards for a commercial space versus a home are different, and they can vary by jurisdictions as well.  According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) codes are the rules and standards are the method by which the rules are applied.  There have been major events in history that have triggered modifications to national fire codes and standards.  The Station Nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI in 2003, and The Cocoanut Grove Nightclub fire of 1942 in Boston, MA are a couple examples of why and how fire codes have changed throughout the years.

If you are a business owner, you know the importance of protecting your facility, employees, and assets/inventory.  How can you be sure your business meets the proper fire safety codes?  In all likelihood, if you’re currently in operation, you’re building/facility has passed an initial inspection.  However, yearly inspections are required and codes are revised every 3-5 years.  If you are renovating or adding on to a space you will have to schedule a new inspection.  For this reason its best practice to involve an expert from the start of a project to avoid any major hiccups.

You’ll need the proper fire safety equipment which can include smoke detectors, fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and possibly a sprinkler system.  Integrating these features with your alarm system is crucial for a quicker response from emergency services.  Installing a wireless smoke detector that is not connected to your alarm system doesn’t notify local services in the event of an emergency.  The only person that type of detector benefits is someone on site or nearby during an emergency.  What if no one is around?

Failure to comply with the proper safety and code requirements can lead to inspection rejection and fines.  Our licensed professionals at Perfect Connections, Inc. can ensure the safety and code compliance of your business by installing the proper fire safety equipment as part of a comprehensive business security system.  If your facility is located in Northern or Central New Jersey, our team can guide you through the process from initial assessment to final installation.  You have enough on your mind already, let us help you avoid mental anguish.

Reasons For Code Non-Compliance:

  • Egress is not met. This includes corridors, latching mechanisms, and access controls
  • Improper storage of combustible materials
  • Inadequate emergency lighting
  • Outdated fire extinguishers and other safety equipment
  • Electrical issues (i.e. improper use of extension cords)
  • Blocked access to fire hydrants
  • Sprinkler system isn’t labeled correctly
  • For more information check out com & NFPA

How Hiring A Professional Can Help:

  • They know what types of security equipment will work and comply with fire codes
  • They may already have a relationship with the local fire official
  • They can communicate technical information to contractors, architects, & engineers
  • They know how to integrate fire alarms and smoke detectors in a comprehensive security system
  • They understand the importance of code compliance and fire safety
  • They know how egress can be affected by different access controls
  • They will help you avoid penalties and failed inspections by implementing proper installation

Call our licensed professionals at Perfect Connections, Inc. to perform an assessment of your business facility.  Let us help you discover how to protect your business with a comprehensive security solution that includes fire alarms, smoke detectors, and CO detectors.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply CLICK HERE.

Image Credit: Image by Thomas’s Pics-Flickr-Creative Commons

Are The Children Safe?

Daycare-USAG HumphreysWe live in a fast paced society, everyone is constantly on the move.  This effects every aspect of our lives including the family dynamic.  The stereotypical roles of male worker and female caregiver have significantly shifted in light of economic growth, expansion of civil rights, and the need for dual income.  In fact, women today constitute 47%, nearly half, the total workforce in the United States.  As both parents enter the workforce, who will care for their children?  Those who are lucky have family or close friends that help provide care, but in most cases parents rely on daycare or childcare facilities.  Parents entrust the lives of their children to licensed caretakers throughout the day to watch over and protect them so they can earn a living to support the family.  Childcare and daycare facilities have become a home away from home for an increasing number of infants, toddlers, and young children.  This begs the question, what is being done to ensure their safety at these facilities?

As a daycare facility owner/operator, you know there are certain state laws and licensures you must adhere to.  However, the law cannot provide protection from the unpredictable external/internal dangers at a facility.  How do you prevent total strangers from entering your facility?  How are the local authorities contacted in case of emergency?  How can you keep an eye on what is happening throughout your facility?  These questions are a concern not only for facility owners but parents as well.

There are proactive steps you can take to safeguard the children you care for and your facility.  Installing a comprehensive security system that includes alarm monitoring, video surveillance, and access control will significantly decrease the chances of a potential disaster and provide peace of mind to you and your clients.  Like any other business, you should have a security assessment conducted to find out where your weaknesses are and how to address them.  Let the experts at Perfect Connections, Inc. help you safeguard your business and the little ones you care for.  As industry professionals, we have been providing business security systems services to Northern and Central New Jersey for the past 22 years.

Challenges Daycare/Childcare Centers Face

While you maintain a reputable care facility for your clients, you cannot deny the potential threats to the security of your business.  Keeping intruders and deviants out is a top priority.  This may sound obvious, but without proper access control a door is just a door, and that alone will not necessarily stop an intruder.  It’s not only access control you have to be cognizant of, but fire safety and code compliance, child abduction, employee behavior, and emergency planning, all while keeping track of the kids.  Daycare and childcare facilities are typically not required to have a security system, however, the benefits of installing one far outweigh the cost.

Playground-Carl WycoffUnlike material objects, children are irreplaceable.  They are the link to our world’s future, shouldn’t they be the most protected?  Of course!  You’re probably thinking about all the reasons you don’t need a security system, like your business is in a safe area nothing could happen; or you always lock the entry once all the children have arrived, you even have the required smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  Well, what about who is watching the hallways?  How are police and emergency responders notified?  What about other access points?  How is the playground protected and monitored?  How do you know your employees are actually paying attention?  These are the types of questions/concerns parents will have, or at least be thinking about when they are looking for a facility to care for their child.  What can you do?

Addressing The Issues

As no two facilities will be the same, no two security solutions will be the same.  Have a licensed professional assess the current state of your facility, and consider installing a comprehensive customized security system.  No system is perfect, but having one will help deter potential threats, help you manage the day to day of your business, provide peace of mind to you and your clients, and enhance whatever security features you may already have in place (like fencing).  By having some sort of access control, whether it’s a password activated keypad, key fob, or card reader, unwanted or unauthorized visitors will be denied entry creating a more secure barrier.  Some daycare centers have implemented biometrics as their means of building access, like at Playhouse Child Care Center in Minnesota.  Registered parents must use their fingerprints to gain entry and pick up their child.

Surveillance equipment is useful as it can help monitor specific areas within and outside your facility.  Obviously, cameras in the bathroom are not allowed, nor should they be, but having them in hallways, playrooms, at the entries/exits, and overseeing the parking lot and playground/outdoor play area will give you a better grasp on what people are doing and where/when they are doing it.  If an incident were to occur you would be able to utilize recorded footage to review the details of a specific event.  Recorded footage can be particularly useful to police and investigators.  Including a monitored alarm system that communicates with sensors and/or detectors, will immediately alert the local authorities of an emergency, allowing a quicker response time.  All security features are preventative, while they’re not 100% perfect, they will decrease the chances of disaster.

Whether you are considering a security system for the first time, or think it’s time for an upgrade, be sure to contact a licensed security professional to perform an initial assessment in person.  Our team of experts at Perfect Connections, Inc. will help guide you through the whole process, from initial assessment to final installation.  If your facility is located in Northern or Central New Jersey, do not hesitate to contact us.  Custom business security systems are our specialty and we have been providing service for decades.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply CLICK HERE.

Image Credits: Image #1 by USAG-Humphreys-Flickr-Creative Commons, Image #2 by Carl Wycoff-Flickr-Creative Commons