CEI Alarm

Do you need video surveillance at your home or office?

NetBizCoach — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 23:54:09 +0000

Whether you own a business or just a home, a video surveillance system could be just what you need. Most people think of video surveillance as some high tech system that is only necessary for large businesses or properties. The truth is that cameras and their operating systems can help you feel safe and secure, both inside and out, no matter what size facility you are protecting.
Video surveillance systems are available in a variety of sizes and offer a variety of features and capabilities that can meet any security needs. Depending on your needs you can look at cameras that offer different degrees of rotation, zoom capabilities, and resolution quality and today’s cameras are designed to produce clear images in any setting regardless of the lighting conditions. Many systems also offer networking and communication options and the ability to be controlled via the internet when you are off-site. You can keep an eye on important areas such as entry and exit points of your business or home. An operational camera system is a great way to deter criminals from selecting your property as a target and can help you identify an intruder if a break in where to occur. Security cameras inside your home can also protect what’s precious to you – your family and your valuables.
If you are operating a business you should be aware that cameras can enhance operations and increase productivity. In addition to monitoring entry and exit areas of your business, a video surveillance system can also benefit your company by allowing you to monitor inventory and activity. Cameras can aid in reducing external and internal theft and can also help you keep an eye on customer service, employee behavior, customer activity, etc. Utilizing this type of data can assist you when looking at new, innovative ways for improving your business in the future.
Systems are available that can be used to record activity and archive data for viewing of time frames both before and after events. This feature can be very useful in determining the cause of an event and can help confirm or deny accusations. For example, video footage may be very useful in investigating work related injuries of employees or customers, as well as, certain types of customer complaints.
Reviewing your home or business with a security professional can help you determine which cameras and operating systems will best meet your video surveillance needs. Saying “smile for the camera” may be just what you need for your home or business.

Securing Your Home Office – a short commute

NetBizCoach — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:23:44 +0000

One of the advantages of the technological age we live in is it affords us the opportunity to work from home. Whether running a business of your own or telecommuting for a company, many people have fully equipped offices in their homes. Offices that most likely contain the latest in conveniences to allow us to do our jobs – i.e. computers, printers, faxes, and scanners to name a few. As with most of the contents of your home these items are valuable and could lead to some very costly hassles if you fall victim to a burglary.
Protecting our homes should always be a priority but if you also have a home office it’s important to be aware of business related safety measures as well.
Always keep in mind standard security tips whether you work from home or not. Solid wood or metal doors with operational deadbolts should be used for all exterior doors. If you have deadbolts installed on exterior doors don’t forget to use them! When hanging window treatments give some thought as to whether you can use curtains or blinds to help obstruct the view of valuables. Don’t invite crime by advertising the contents of your home! Proper landscaping care should also be a priority. Keeping your bushes and trees trimmed and installing motion activated lighting in your yard will help make your home unattractive to criminals. Remember a burglar is always looking for the easiest target. You may also want to consider an alarm system complete with motion detectors and an alarm monitoring service.
If you are enjoying the benefit of working from a home office there are some other tips you should keep in mind. Consider a comprehensive review of your insurance policy. If you are running a home based business or telecommuting from home your homeowner’s policy may require an additional rider to specifically cover your business equipment. Use an identification number system for your inventory and valuable equipment. Keep a well documented list along with photos, if possible, in a secure location such as a safe or safe deposit box at your bank. You should also develop a habit of backing up your computer and keeping those back up records in a secure location away from your home. In the event of a fire or burglary, you will be glad you took the time to protect this valuable asset. Another safety measure you might want to look at is a wide-angled mirror mounted in the door of your home office. This feature is especially useful if your home office is detached from your residence and/or has an entry door that is accessed directly from outside.
Don’t forget to keep your personal safety in mind as well. Keep a cellular phone handy in case of a power outage or foul play with your phone lines. Be sure to keep someone informed of your schedule – i.e. appointment times, locations, individuals you are meeting. Meeting first time clients at a public location is always a good idea. It is important you are able to verify the client is legitimate and not just interested in gaining access to your home. Be careful with deliveries as well. Be sure you identify the person at your door before you open it. In most cases, it is not necessary to allow a delivery person to enter your home.
If you’re working from home make sure keeping your home office safe is just another part of your job description. Make good use of the time you save commuting to an off-site job to make home office safety a priority.

Street Sense

NetBizCoach — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:00:26 +0000

Have you ever said “I just had a feeling…”. Well that “feeling” is your intuition, your instinct, your “gut”. Human beings are mammals after all and the same instincts that animals use to protect them in their environments are the very feelings that as humans we sometimes ignore. Keeping yourself safe in your environment requires you to trust yourself. Following your instincts and feelings will help keep you safe on the street.
As with most safety tips, awareness is crucial. If you feel uncomfortable with a situation or your surroundings, you should remove yourself from the setting as soon as possible. Always be aware of your surroundings by staying alert and walking with purpose. Digging in your purse or briefcase and not paying attention to people and spaces around you can put you in a dangerous situation. It is always a good idea to have your keys in your hand and ready to use if you are approaching your car or home. A person that can be caught off guard can make an easy target for someone who wants to do harm. If possible, try not to walk alone at night and be sure to stay in well lit areas. Walking near the curb of the sidewalk, away from buildings, and away from trees and foliage will help you avoid prime hiding spots for assailants. If you have a sense that you are being followed or are approaching someone that you feel you should avoid, don’t be embarrassed to cross the street or walk near another group of pedestrians walking in the same direction you are going. If you are traveling in an area that you are unfamiliar with you should check your directions and/or map in a safe location. Someone who looks lost can be vulnerable to a variety of misdeeds.
Take a look around and be aware of areas you could move to quickly if you feel threatened. Stores, restaurants, public transportation stops or other areas that are well lit and populated are ideal places to head towards if you feel you are being followed. On the flip side of this idea, be aware of areas to avoid such as dark alleyways or unoccupied buildings. If you find it necessary to wait in an area such as a bus stop, try to stand with your back against a wall or post. This will reduce the possibility of being approached from behind unexpectedly.
Non-restrictive clothing is always an asset. You never know when you might find yourself in a situation that requires you to move quickly. A shopping cart is another tool that will help you travel to your car if you have a lot of packages. If your arms are full of bags, boxes, or other items, it’s likely you are distracted from your surroundings. If you are unloading a full shopping cart be sure to stay alert and watch for anyone approaching you.
A final tip is to watch your routine. If you travel by the same route everyday, i.e. from home to work, you might want use alternate routes occasionally. It’s been determined that rapists have often studied daily routines and patterns to determine an optimal time and place to approach and attack their victims.
Don’t become a statistic. Use your street sense and be safe!!

Traveling Safe

NetBizCoach — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:00:54 +0000

Are you prepared for a fire in your home?

If you answered yes, that’s great news!! Are you prepared for a fire if you are traveling? Chances are your answer to this question is no and that’s bad news!! Fire safety while you are traveling and staying in a hotel or motel is just as important as fire preparedness at home.
When making your travel arrangements or checking in to a hotel or motel you should select a location that has functioning smoke alarms and an operational sprinkler system. Inquire at the front desk about how the fire alarm will sound in the event of a fire. Guest rooms should have posted escape plan and it’s a good idea to acquaint yourself with the plan and locate the exits near your room. Make a point to count the doors between your room and the exit and/or familiarize yourself with the surroundings so you can locate the exit if your vision is hampered by a power outage or smoke. If you have questions about the exit locations or operation of the exit door, etc. be sure to contact the facilities’ management.

Keep your room key by your bed so that you can take it with you quickly in the event of a fire. It is important to exit your room immediately if you hear the fire alarm. Close the door behind you and remember to always use the stairs and never an elevator. If it is necessary for you to escape through a smoke filled room or hallway, remember to get low and move under the smoke to the nearest exit.
If you find it impossible to exit your room you should immediately shut off any fans or the air conditioning unit. Seal the cracks around the doors with wet towels. Call the fire department with your location and if possible stay near the window with a flashlight to draw attention to your location. If you cannot find a flashlight, a light colored piece of cloth or clothing can also be used.
Don’t leave your safety in the hands of others. Always be prepared and responsible for yourself.

Safe Summer = Fun

NetBizCoach — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:26:44 +0000

Summer Home Security tips

Lazy, hazy days of summer! Summer can often seem to be a more casual time of year but remember burglars don’t take holidays. Here’s a few ideas for home security that can help you stay safe and not become a victim of theft.
Never leave your windows or doors unlocked and open when you aren’t at home. An open window is an engraved invitation to someone seeking to gain entry into your home. Also remember, even if you are home, a burglar might not know it. Do not become a victim of a home invasion. Be smart when selecting which windows in your home you will leave open. If you are tempted to leave your windows open for ventilation while you are out for the day you should use a bar inside your window jam that will prevent the window from opening more than a few inches. Sash pins can be installed in double hung windows that can be used for the same purpose.
Remember that you have valuable items outside your home as well. For instance, tools, ladders, camping equipment, etc. that you keep in your garage or storage shed. Use the same tips for securing outside areas as you do your house. Don’t leave items unattended and doors or gates unlocked when you leave. It’s also a good idea to be mindful of what you leave out in open view. Your home can be the target of a burglar’s surveillance if they are on the hunt for valuable items.
And…don’t forget your car. Do not leave valuables in the car. When the temperature rises it is tempting to leave car windows rolled down. Don’t fall victim to having your belongings stolen from inside your car or worse, maybe even having your entire car stolen. Lock your car doors and only leave your windows down far enough for ventilation. The temperature inside your car can be unbearable on a hot summer day. Even if you roll your windows down for ventilation, remember it is not enough air for pets or children. Children and pets are a treasure – please do not leave them in a car unattended.

Fire – Awareness is key

NetBizCoach — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 05:27:24 +0000

Fire! A frightening word. Fire is a destructive force of nature taking lives and destroying or damaging property every year. It’s destruction can take an emotional and financial toll on families, communities, and business owners.
Common sense can be a great ally when taking preventative steps to protect your home. Sometimes the easiest steps can be the most helpful. An ABC fire extinguisher works well in the home because it is approved for all types of fires. Ideal places to have an extinguisher in your home include the kitchen and garage or other work spaces. Remember that fire can spread quickly and become very large in seconds. If you can’t get to a home extinguisher quickly or if the fire is spreading you should call 911 immediately and exit the premise.
Keeping in mind that a large percentage of home fires are candle related, always think of a safe place for a candle to sit. Never set a candle by any type of combustible material, i.e. fabric, paper, aerosol cans, etc. Be sure to use a container/holder that can withstand heat such as glass, ceramic, or metal. Finally, make sure that wherever the candle is sitting while it is lit is an area where the candle cannot be easily toppled over. On a side note, remember that while hot wax may not cause a fire, it can still cause an injury.
Another common cause of house fires is the overuse of extension cords. Extension cords should not be used with any appliance used for cooking. The electrical cords on microwaves, griddles, toasters and toaster ovens, and coffee pots, to name a few, can easily overheat and overload electrical circuits. This can in turn result in a fire in your home.
A useful tip that may be overlooked by many people is to always strike a match first prior to turning on the gas if you are lighting a fireplace or space heater.
Smoke alarms are a valuable home protection tool. They should be installed on every level of your home and it is important that they are mounted in areas such as bedrooms and/or hallways that are near bedrooms or sleeping areas. IMPORTANT!! Smoke alarms need to be tested periodically and of course are in most cases battery operated. Remember to test your alarms monthly and change or check the batteries on an annual basis.
Finally, don’t be fooled! A flame on a match is small but it is still fire. Treat fire with respect and caution. A small flame from a match or candle or an ember from a fireplace can quickly change your life forever. Be fire aware.