Security Tips

What to Do if You Have a False Alarm

A false alarm can be a source of panic for anybody, but what happens after the system goes off, doesn't have to be alarming. Follow these guidelines for panic-free false alarms:

1. Remain calm so you can remember your access code and personal identification code.
2. Disarm your system, being careful to press each number of your access code slowly and deliberately.
3. Once you have reset the system, have your personal identification code ready. Call the monitoring company to report the accidental activation.
4. If you find the phone has disconnected, wait a few seconds and try again. Your alarm system has temporarily turned off the phone while it is calling the monitoring company. It will release the lines when its call cycle is complete. Continue to call until you have reached the monitoring company.
5. Remain at your home or business until you have spoken with the monitoring company.

Take the "panic" out of false alarms by preparing ahead of time:

1. Rehearse emergency drills with everyone in your home or commercial building.
2. Make sure all persons with a key know how to operate your system and how to cancel an accidental alarm.
3. Inform all users of who to call in the event of an alarm and to have their personal identification code ready.
4. Keep your security system instruction book and the phone number for the monitoring company handy.
5. Immediately cancel all alarms not requiring emergency response.

What To Do If You Think Someone Has Broken Into Your Business

Being the first to discover a crime scene can be very scary and startling a criminal can be very dangerous. If you see signs of forced entry, don't go in. If you hear strange noises or encounter an intruder, don't try to be a hero. Wait for the police and let them handle it.

Be prepared in case of an emergency, follow these few simple rules if you think someone has broken into your business or place of employment.

If you have an alarm system and the monitoring station has informed you of a break-in, always wait for police to arrive. By waiting safely outside, you let police investigate the scene first. Also, you're not risking being mistaken for the intruder.

Don't even think about taking a weapon into the building. Again, the police may mistake you for the intruder. If you receive a call from a security system monitoring station, call the station before arriving at your place of business. Ask if police have responded to the call and give a physical description of yourself to the operator.

Have a flashlight on hand in case the intruder has tampered with your electric power. Have an ID to identify yourself to authorities. Walk around the perimeter to check for signs of a break-in, such as open or broken doors and windows. Stand back and view the roof for signs of entry.

If you're inside the building and hear noises that are not normal, get out immediately. If you ever come upon an intruder, do not put yourself between them and the exit door. If the intruder doesn't run at first sight, get out and seek help.

Safe at Work

Another threat to safety is the increasing incidents of workplace violence. You can help prevent this by watching out for employees who may resort to violence.

Be on the lookout for early warning signs such as a pattern of emotional disturbance, paranoia or threatening behavior. People who seem obsessed with weapons - especially explosives or semi-automatic guns - should be watched closely. Also look for extreme stress from personal problems, being a loner with little social interaction, feelings of persecution or engaging in frequent disputes with supervisors or co-workers.

If you see such extreme behavior - or suspect an imminent threat - contact your supervisor immediately. If you see an act of violence or threatening behavior, do not intervene because you could put yourself at risk. Call 911.

Bad things can happen at home or work. But if you follow the above rules, acting calmly and rationally, you can keep a bad situation from becoming a disaster.

How to be a Demanding Security Customer

Whether you're looking into a security system for your home or business, you're making an investment. There's a lot at stake because the decisions you make will have an impact on the safety of your family or employees. It pays to be a demanding customer with high expectations.

Five Tips for Becoming a Demanding Customer

1. Have some idea of what kind of intrusion or fire detection you want for your home or business. If you turn all decisions over to the dealer - whose input should be extensive but not overbearing - your system will reflect the dealer's preference rather than yours.
2. Talk with friends, relatives and business colleagues who already have a security system and know the ins and outs of the process.
3. Don't be afraid to express high expectations. A good security professional will spend time listening to your concerns - large or small. If they just come in, count doors and windows and give you a price, they're not interested in your safety.
4. Ask questions and expect answers. It's all right if the salesperson doesn't have the answer right away. But you should expect to get answers back in a reasonable time.
5. Listen for clear statements about what the company can and cannot do. A reputable dealer will be candid, explaining how your demands will affect the installation's design and cost. When you're clear about what you want, the dealer will be clear about costs.