Proudly serving the industry for which it was named for more than 50 years, Outdoor Power Equipment provides dealers who sell and service outdoor power equipment with valuable information to succeed in a competitive market.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/38457
“It’s important to locate sensors at ap- propriate locations so, if and when they’re activated, the panel is immediately alerted to a potential problem,” said Richards. “The panel then activates sirens and lights and simultaneously calls the central moni- toring station. The central monitoring sta- tion operator reports the alarm to the police, fire department or emergency medical personnel.” This system, like other all-inclusive pro- grams, includes alarm verification technol- ogy that greatly reduces the chance of false alarms. Before authorities are dispatched, operators use audio verification to be in voice contact at the alarm location. If the alarm is accidental, the user can cancel the alarm by providing an authorized user code. If the code is not provided, authorities are dispatched. First steps…and beyond Every well-planned security program should include three basic elements —de- terrence, detection and prevention — to be as effective as possible in ensuring people and property are safe from harm. Keeping would-be criminal activity away should always be your first order of business when developing your security strategy. Installing well-maintained fences that you can see through and trimming back landscaping so it doesn’t provide a hid- ing place are basic starting points. Having an abundance of exterior lighting, which is in good repair and located where it provides the most illumination, is also key. But going the extra step by installing window and door sensors that can be acti- vated after the close of business each day will further protect the perimeter of your buildings. The sensors alert the panel if a door or window is opened, while motion detectors in hallways, offices or storage areas detect a person moving across the field of detection. Motion detectors also can be programmed to activate lighting and surveillance. Smoke and heat detectors should remain in the “always on” position to alert for the presence of fire 24 hours a day. In addition, environmental sensors can be used to detect elevated levels of carbon monoxide, the presence of water from flash floods or leaky pipes, and freezing temperatures that can cause additional concerns. Enhanced systems for larger operations As your business grows, it’s only sensible that how you approach your security pro- gram should evolve. Simple padlocks, dead- bolts and keys will no longer suffice when dealing with someone determined to enter your premises. To put this in perspective, when was the last time you used a cash reg- ister that looked like it came from the hard- ware store of your childhood? Today’s business owners are now operat- ing their companies and physical plants more like schools or corporate campuses, and your customers and employees are peo- ple you need to protect. You may want to consider including additional surveillance that encompasses closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring and digital recording in coordination with intrusion detection, fire control, perimeter security, inventory control, gate access and operations. Access control can integrate with badg- ing for employees, CCTV, sensors, gates and turnstiles, as well as locks to control move- ment, security, access and reporting. While that may seem intrusive, employees can be assured they are receiving protection from both outside intruders, as well as false claims. (And few employees will disagree with being monitored when it’s a work- place safety issue at stake.) “There are powerful, cost-effective solu- tions for everything from homes to small companies to multi-location businesses,” said Richards. “Most operate from a single console for all-access control, video surveil- lance and security management functions. Advanced surveillance technology should have a digital video recording component that gives a business owner the ability to monitor in real-time while also providing a backup record of everything that transpires at any given moment. These are incredibly affordable investments that pay off in terms of peace of mind, decreased insurance claims and reduced premiums.” The specific security program your company requires can only be determined on a case-by-case basis. But the bottom line is the same: Security, fire and access control systems are effective means in preventing loss of life and property. Jeff Johnson is security chan- nel marketing director for Interlogix, a UTC Fire and Security Company, formerly GE Security. For informa- tion on a dealer in your area, visit www.gesecuritypro.com. COVERING THE BASICS Many insurance companies commonly offer dis- counts of 10 percent (or more) when business premises are protected by electronic security sys- tems. Following are cues that business owners can use to determine whether property, valuables and employees are adequately protected when open and after close. A brief walk through your business with this checklist may be all you need to prevent a theft or event that interferes with your ability to do business. EXTERIORS • High shrubs or bushes that obscure windows and offer cover for intruders as they break in • Windows ever left open at night • Lights left on all day and night • Torn or missing storm windows or screens • Outbuildings left unlocked even for short periods • No address number visible at night from the street • Equipment and other vehicles left out overnight • Fence up but not able to see through the fence (fences are great places for intruders to hide) • No security window signs or lawn signs INTERIORS • Not lighted well enough to see someone inside from outside • Installed window locks can be reached and un- locked after breaking the glass • No motion detectors to sense movement inside the building • No pressure-switch sensors to detect when some- one enters a restricted area: near safes, cash register • No drop safe for large bills and periodic deposits • No deadbolts for each exterior door • Antiquated or non-working locks on receiving doors • No smoke or carbon monoxide detectors in danger areas • No escape plan in case of fire • Valuables, firearms and important papers kept on site • Ample fire extinguishers in easy-to-see locations • Non-fireproof safe DOORS OPE • No peepholes in your entrance doors • Hollow-core entrance doors • No deadbolts on entrance doors • Less than 1-inch depth on deadbolts • No reinforced jamb • Poor management of keys; locks never rekeyed • Lock that can be opened from inside is within 40 inches of door glass WINDOWS • No locks on windows • Windows left open and unsecured for ventilation • No locks on basement windows • Curtains, drapes or blinds don’t fully cover windows OUTBUILDINGS • Doors don’t lock • Poor management of keys; locks never rekeyed • Lights can’t be turned on remotely OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT AUGUST 2011 15