The Benefits of Home Automation

July 23, 2018 By Leave a Comment

With 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.

Filed Under: Home Security Systems Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How Can A Smart Home Help You?

August 28, 2017 By Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Home Security Systems Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Securing Your Home During a Renovation

January 22, 2015 By Leave a Comment

construction-19696_1280Home renovation is an exciting and fulfilling prospect for many homeowners.  Whether you’re adding on or adjusting an existing space it’s imperative to make sure your home is protected during the process.  While renovating your home is rewarding for you and your family, you don’t want it to be a “rewarding” process for would-be thieves and criminals.  Our experts here at Perfect Connections, Inc. understand protecting your home is a top priority, especially during a renovation when it is more vulnerable.  We’ve been providing security system solutions to northern and central New Jersey homes since 1992.  If you are renovating and considering a home security system or adding on to an existing one don’t hesitate to call on our professionals.  Having a security systems expert involved from the get-go is essential for seamless integration and full protection.  We understand the renovation process can be dubious at times, the following tips can help remove some of the hassle and uncertainty.

Hiring the right contractor

When it comes to your home and family you can never be too careful.  You wouldn’t hire a babysitter without doing your research first, the same holds true for finding the right contractor.  A background check is a great way to tell whether or not the company you want to hire is reputable or not.  Here’s the caveat, companies with bad reputations or failed business sometimes shut down and reopen under a new name (ACE Private Risk Services).  So how can you really be sure of who you’re hiring?  In many cases architects are involved in the renovation process, they should have good insight into which companies are trustworthy.  Ask your friends and family for referrals.  Use websites like Angie’s List to find out what other customers think about the contractor you’re interested in hiring.  Gain as much knowledge about the company/ies of interest before making a final decision.

When signing a contract be sure it delineates who is responsible for what and that the associated cost makes sense.  Sometimes contractors will low-ball the contract price and try to add cost later, blaming it on “unexpected” issues.  Ask the contractor directly for a review of their past or most current jobs, those with nothing to hide should be more than happy to abide.  After all it’s your home, you want it done right.  It is also important from a liability standpoint to be sure the contractor has insurance for his/her self and their workers, you don’t want to incur the cost of someone being injured on the job.

Utilize existing security features

If you have an existing security system in your home, use it to keep an eye on the renovation process.  Having remote monitoring access through your video surveillance system will allow you to check-in on your home while you’re away at work or can’t be there.  While you’re not out to purposefully incarcerate or accuse the people working on your home of being lazy, trying to rip you off, or stealing it is in your best interest to protect your property.  Many, if not most, contractors are reputable and diligent in their work, but nobody is perfect and unfortunately there are companies that do try to take advantage.

Take for example this story of a homeowner who was having the exterior caulking on his windows reinforced.  The hired contractor had quoted him for 8 hours of work.  The homeowner set up a wireless camera to monitor activity outside his home for when the contractor was scheduled to be working.  He was able to see when the contractor arrived, and the hours he spent sitting in his truck NOT performing the agreed upon work.  Ultimately, the contractor performed only 5 of the quoted 8 hours of work.  When the contractor was paid for the 5 hours he couldn’t dispute it as the homeowner had irrefutable evidence (story courtesy of iWatchLife.com).  Negative experiences aside, monitoring your home during construction can also validate the expertise a contractor has, giving you incentive to recommend them in the future.

In all likelihood if you have an existing security system, you’ll be adding on to it in the new space or at least altering it during the renovation process.  Including your security system provider from the beginning is a beneficial tactic.  If you have a hardwired security system, what better time to include the security provider than when the walls are already open?  It will save you from the cost of having to tear them open after the fact.  Plus, your security expert/s can address your concerns before construction starts and openly communicate with the other professionals involved.  Having that dialogue between the different professional services from the start will create a smoother and more productive process.

Securing the job site

Aside from hiring the right people to complete the job, you want to make sure the job site is adequately secured.  One of the most basic, yet often forgotten or disregarded ways to help prevent damage or loss is to lock your doors and windows.  While it may not stop someone from breaking in, it will certainly slow them down.  This will help control who has access to various parts of your home during the construction process as well.

Alert your security system provider of your upcoming changes, they’ll likely have suggestions on how to protect the exposed portions of your home.  Like preventing fire damage by installing temporary smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.  Confirm with your security system provider that your current fire alarm system will still function throughout the duration of the project.  Even having your security systems expert install additional, maybe temporary, surveillance equipment will help you keep an eye on what’s going on.

Keeping the job site clean and free of unnecessary debris should be part of the construction crew’s responsibility; it makes for a safer work environment and lessens the potential of property damage and injury.  It also helps prevent damage to products being used in the renovated space.  You don’t want to get charged for parts your own construction crew broke, right?

It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of a home renovation project, but don’t let that be a reason to let your guard down.  Keep your home and family safe by doing your research and maintaining security.  Our team of experts at Perfect Connections, Inc. understand the value in protecting your home no matter what.  We have been providing comprehensive security solutions to residences in central and northern New Jersey for over 20 years.  Whatever you have going on, whether it’s a small renovation or substantial addition, don’t hesitate to call on our specialists for a security assessment.  You’ll be setting yourself up for success!

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.

Filed Under: Home Security Systems Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Top Reasons To Get Connected

January 15, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Home Security Systems Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Avoiding Scams

December 24, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Scam-Widjaya IvanImagine you’re at home and the doorbell rings.  You go to answer the door.  Who’s there?  It’s a salesman claiming to be a representative from a security system company.  They tell you they’re at your home to offer you a free security system.  Sounds too good to be true, right?  That’s because it probably is.  Unfortunately, this type of scam is not uncommon in the residential security system industry.

At Perfect Connections, Inc. we believe in helping our customers, not ripping them off.  Our licensed experts install customized and comprehensive residential security systems throughout Northern and Central New Jersey.  We know each home is unique, which means each system should be tailored individually.  False promises, aggressive sales tactics, lengthy and overpriced contracts are NOT what we are about.  Unfortunately, there are many door-to-door “sales” people that are only looking to make a quick buck.  In doing so, they typically pressure you to sign high priced contracts or make a purchase on the spot.  They talk fast to avoid any questions you might have, and to meet their end goal which is you writing a check or giving them your credit card information.

These so called “sales” representatives aren’t even associated with an actual security company in many instances.  In some cases, like one reported by CBS Miami, these sales associates may falsely represent themselves as part of an already established company.  The case in Miami involved a man named Yassiel Cabre who reportedly worked for a company called Alarm Digital Telecommunication.  Instead of representing himself that way, he would tell homeowners he worked for ADT, which is a well-known security systems company.  He even gave out folders and business cards that clearly displayed the ADT logo.  He conned one victim into signing a 5 year contract (industry standard is typically 36months) with a company called Monitronics (ADT competitor), promising them they would be saving money because ADT supposedly purchased Monitronics.  Of course this was 100% false.

Con artists or aggressive door-to-door sales people will sometimes use scare tactics to get you to sign contracts, buy what they are trying to sell, or simply let them into your home-only to steal from you.  They might feed you forged crime statistics about your neighborhood to persuade you into buying what they’re offering.  They do this hoping fear will get the better of you.  If they’re not scaring you into buying an inadequate or fake system, they might offer freebies.  A common tactic is to offer a free “system” in exchange for allowing them to put a sign on your lawn (consumerreports.org).  While this may sound like an awesome deal, it’s not.  As you’re caught up in the word “free,” long term contracts will be sneaked in as a formality of the deal, and you’ll sign because it seems fair.  Next thing you know, you’re locked into an expensive agreement that costs an arm and a leg to cancel.

Don’t let yourself be a victim of these forceful sales strategies.  There are some telltale signs that you might be getting scammed or ripped off.  Check out the list below:

  • Aggressive sales tactics
  • Skipping right to the contract instead of taking the time to discuss and review the vulnerabilities of your home
  • Limited time offers
  • Companies that sell your contract to a bigger company after the initial agreement is made
  • Using fear as a selling point
  • Offering everything for “free”
  • Claiming to be a representative from your current security systems company
  • They will not produce proper identification or licensing
  • Fast talking and speedy contract review
  • Immediate installation without an assessment

Lesson number one: do your research before signing anything.  If you suspect someone of false representation or not having the proper licensing, report it to your local authorities.  Be sure you find a security systems company that is not only reputable but knowledgeable.  The sophistication and effectiveness of your system is only as good as the experts who provide and install it.  For over 20 years Perfect Connections, Inc. has been providing custom residential security systems to Northern and Central New Jersey.  Our specialists are licensed and understand the complexities of a comprehensive system.  We know how to guide you through the process from an initial on site assessment to final installation.  Let us help you protect what matters most.

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 Widjaya Ivan-Flickr-Creative Commons

Filed Under: Home Security Systems Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Are The Children Safe?

November 20, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Business Security Systems Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What Are The Differences In Arming Modes In Alarm Systems

January 20, 2014 By Leave a Comment

What are the differences in arming modes of alarm systems.

Most modern alarm systems have three arming modes: away, stay (or home), and instant. Each mode should be used in the regular operation of your system.

Before we go into the arming modes, let’s discuss the three most used ways various zones can respond to being opened while armed. If a door or window is set to perimeter mode, if the alarm system is armed, as soon as the door or window is opened the alarm goes off immediately.  If a door is set to delay mode, when the alarm system is armed there is a predetermined time that you have to enter the code into the keypad before the alarm goes off.  This time is usually set from 30 to 60 seconds but can vary from that. Interior protection is often used for motion detectors. Interior mode automatically bypasses that zone when the alarm system is armed in stay (or home) mode.  Often motion detectors are set for interior follower mode, which we will discuss in a minute.

Stay mode means simply that you are arming the system and staying in the house.  You will be walking around so the motion detectors do not turn on.  That is why they are set as interior protection, so they don’t cause an alarm while you are home.  In stay mode, the doors that have been defined as entry/exit, or delay zones, still have the delay time.  This allows someone to enter the house, while armed in stay and disarm the system.  This is very practical if someone is home and wants the protection that the alarm system gives, but is waiting for someone else to come home.

Instant mode (no delay) is used when everybody is home for the night and no one is expected to arrive.  If any door, whether defined as a perimeter or delay zone is opened, the alarm will be tripped. The motion detector is still not active in this mode.  This is the mode to use and night when everybody is home, particularly when sleeping.  You don’t want to give an intruder 30 to 60 seconds to enter the house in this case.

Away mode is used when the house is empty.  Once the system is armed, the motion detectors are activated. Here is where the interior follower setting comes in.  If the system is armed in away and the motion detector is the first sensor to see an intruder, the alarm will trip immediately. Interior follower means that the motion detector follows an entry/exit door. If a door set to delay is opened, the motion detector will not trip until the delay time is over.  That makes it possible to have the motion detector see the door that is being opened and not cause an alarm.

In order to reduce false alarms, alarm systems today automatically default to stay mode if the system is armed to away and nobody leaves the house. The system knows this because the doors were not opened while leaving.  If you want a motion detector to turn on in stay mode, make sure you discuss that with your alarm installer so it is programmed correctly.

It is typically a good idea to keep the delay leaving and entering times as short as possible, yet still being comfortable to get to the keypad in time. It is also a good idea to minimize the number of delay zones in a system.  As few points with time to enter, the better.

Alarm systems typically do not require a code to arm the system, but all systems require a code to disarm. Audibly, systems beep while arming in away mode but just give a short series of beeps when arming in stay or instant mode. When a delay zone is entered, the alarm system beeps during the delay time until the code is entered to disarm.  The last ten seconds the beeping is faster to let you know time is about to expire and the alarm will sound. It is important to know that the delay times for both entry and exit are programmable, so pick a time you are comfortable with.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, or if you would like us to perform a Home Safety and Security Audit, absolutely free, please call 800-369-3962 or simply click the link below.

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