Author: apigroup

Employees in scores of industries would benefit from security staff being able to pinpoint their exact location in the case of duress—at the push of a button.

For instance, hotel employees are at risk when they are in remote areas of the property as well as inside rooms alone while housekeeping.

Attackers know this and can prey on them in these vulnerable positions. Hotel security needs to be notified as soon as possible if an employee is in danger—before a potential attack occurs even.

But to be most thorough, wouldn’t it be best to not only receive a notification that an employee was in duress, but to know exactly where that employee was?

Above illustration is taken from www.inovonics.com

Traditional duress buttons alert a receiver that there is trouble, but security personnel know where the buttons (and the trouble) are because they are typically fixed to a desk or something similar.

But Radius by Inovonics allows for the exact location of the mobile employee to be pinpointed. As Inovonics’ website states of their mobile duress alarm system, “Radius uses the system’s unique positioning technology to provide precise location information whenever a panic button is activated, so that security staff knows exactly where to respond to an emergency alarm.”

With Healthcare, patients can react adversely to medication or lack there of, and can put their provider in danger. Families can become emotional and a nurse may feel more comfortable with security present.

In both these cases, the nurse may not have time to get to a phone or to signal the call station to make the call. That’s where the Radius pendant comes in.

Educators can benefit from Radius’ technology as well, especially in light of the serious violence in schools in recent years.

Not only are teachers being assaulted, but large-scale school shootings are being carried out. Add to the equation that campuses are so large and response times can become even longer if security doesn’t know exactly where to respond, and you’ve got a dangerous situation.

Radius can also notify students campus-wide if a situation arises so that they can begin to take safety precautions, as Inovonic’s website states.

Industrial sites are also prime candidates for a mobile duress alarm system. Employees work on large and complicated machinery, often alone or on understaffed shifts. Malfunctions that can cause harm could happen at anytime. Security staff would need to know exactly where an endangered employee is located.

And the list of appropriate applications goes on from education, to finance and more for those in who could use Raduis by Inovonics. We thank them for information contained in this blog article. Please visit their website (www.inovonics.com) for more information.

Please contact One Source Security if you have any questions or would like to inquire about having a Radius system installed.

Intercoms are everywhere

Think of all the places where intercoms are used: at the drive-through for lunch, “buzzing” a friend’s apartment or listening to the specials while you shop at the market.

Pictured above is an Aiphone brand intercom with a video function

We may not always equate intercom with security, but it sure plays a vital role in making our premises safer.

How about outside the doors of an elementary school? In the “sallyport” of a prison? Or at the security desk of a governmental office? Now that sounds more like security.

Have you ever been “buzzed in” by a guard or other professional and considered how important that function is to the security of a building or did you just proceed without much thought? Don’t worry, many of us have.

Getting the most of your intercom system

To achieve maximum security effect, intercoms can be combined with other functions such as video surveillance, for instance.

In fact, security integration makes it possible for a “pan, tilt and zoom” camera (often wide angle) to swivel and focus in on a person who wants to enter a building after they press the button to speak outside the door. This, in turn, makes it possible for the person inside the building to verify the person’s identity, and just as importantly, it records their image for future use if necessary.

Video also allows for the employee granting access inside to make sure that an additional unauthorized entrant isn’t “piggy backing” and entering with the original person.

IP-based video, combined with intercom, allows the image to be placed onto the network. So if a security or reception desk isn’t manned, a person as far away as another city can grant access by being able to see the video via the network.

Parlay the prevalence of cell / mobile phones into efficiency

Not only can intercom be integrated with other security platforms such as video, it can be used more effectively with phones.

For instance, with a cell phone instead of a call box receiver, a security guard doesn’t have to be in one fixed place at all times. He or she can grant access while on a mobile patrol.

And with video integrated into this security guard scenario, he could also allow access to an individual without having to dispatch personnel to do so, thereby saving time and resources–especially on larger premises.

Intercoms have many ancillary yet important functions as well

Companies like Aiphone manufacture devices that have intercoms with built-in card access readers and access control keypads. This reduces space required on the same wall outside a door, for instance, and allows each system to operate independently.

Another security function for intercom is for public address purposes — in an emergency situation. People need to be warned, directed where to proceed and given vital information en masse. And zones can be created to broadcast a message which is directed to a specific location.

Nurse call stations at hospitals, retirement communities and more are yet another use for intercoms. Just think of the vital role they play when a patient needs urgent care or when one station needs to request meds or charts immediately from another.

So we hope you can see the important role intercoms play in security, not just to order lunch at a drive-through. So whom do you contact if you have questions or would like an intercom system installed? How about your security company?

Thanks for spending some time with us today.

The principal, superintendant, school security officer or administrators cannot be everywhere on school property. Using video surveillance can help keep an eye on students, teachers and visitors. In recent years we have had some horrific tragedies in schools across the United States; safety and security are a major concern for most schools today.

Installing video surveillance in plain sight in schools can deter a crime before it happens, whether it is theft, vandalism, bullying, fighting or sexual harassment. Most criminals prefer an easy target where their image will not be captured on camera. If a student gets robbed or hurt on school property, a video clip can be pulled from the recording to corroborate or contradict a story. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) approximately 3 percent of students ages 12-18 reported being victimized at school with in a 6 month period of time.

When video cameras are installed, they become one of the most effective security measures a school can choose. However, there are a few places video cameras are not allowed, such as bathrooms, locker rooms and other private places. They should be placed in hallways, corridors, entrances and exits, main offices, labs, shops, gymnasiums, cafeterias, restroom entrances, classrooms and parking lots.

Unfortunately, bullying and harassment have become a serious problem for our schools. Bullying undermines victims with relentless cruelty that often leads to tragic consequences. Installing video surveillance in the hallway to watch a victim’s locker can be one tool school administrators can use to help identify bullies and deter bullying.

What if a child spray paints a hallway during spirit week to reflect a class color? With video surveillance the student can be quickly caught and swiftly dealt with by the principle in order to deter any further vandalism.

At times a teacher can be the victim of an accusation. Installing video cameras in a classroom to see what really happened not only protect the teacher, but the student as well.

Visitors can be monitored entering and exiting school buildings. Video surveillance can make it easier to identify unauthorized visitors who may be wandering around on school property. Perimeter or parking lot cameras allows footage to be viewed in the event of vandalism to a teacher’s, or student’s car, fighting or other crimes. Remote entrances and exits can also be monitored for intruders. Parents can have peace of mind knowing that video cameras are installed in schools as part of the schools security plan.

When video surveillance is installed in schools, students and teachers tend to be better behaved. The goal is to ensure a safe, secure and healthy learning environment for children. One Source Security can help place video surveillance in the most strategic places within your school. Call us today for a free assessment at 800-570-6478.

Today accidents, sabotage and information theft can be prevented or known the instant it happens with automated server rack protection, video surveillance, access control and environmental monitoring.

Your system and firewalls may be very well secured but is your server room secured? Your server stores, retrieves and sends an abundant amount of data. It is essentially the heart of your system. Protecting your servers from unauthorized individuals is crucial for the protection of your customers and business. When it comes to this type of protection we can give you peace of mind through multi-level security.

Implement server room best practices:

Employees:

• Do background checks on all new employees who will have access to the server room and the information stored there.
• Allow only authorized personnel into the server room and into specific racks in the server room through card access.
• Have cameras to document where employees go in the server room.
• Deactivate terminated employees access when they leave.

Server Room:

• Map out the server room and pinpoint vulnerabilities.
• Install access control and electronic locking devices to prevent entry and minimize risks associated with keys and key management.
• Secure the server racks using Rack Armor. This secures the front and back of the rack, locking and unlocking the cabinet through the software, and two valid cards are needed to open the cabinet.
• Install cameras with a DVR. Record whoever enters and exits the server room, and where they went.
• Use state of the art video cameras which can be programmed to alarm if the server room if there is motion after hours. For example, if the door to the server room is opened after hours and the camera has a preprogrammed scene which does not include the door opening, an alarm will notify the control room of the unauthorized scene change.
• Install Water Bugs which will alert monitoring stations when the smallest amount of moisture is detected.
• Install Temperature Sensors to detect malfunctions with the heating and cooling systems.
• Install Relays to detect power outages, and always have backup generates ready and maintained.

We can help you protect your server room from accidents, sabotage and information theft, call today (800) 570-6478 for a free assessment of your server room.

Museum security is a creative art form in and of itself. Security, safety and accessibility are all taken into account when protecting irreplaceable works of art. When multi-million dollar works of art are on display, executives and board of directors encourage as many people as possible to enjoy the art while ensuring it is protected. Their desire is to encourage the public to come within touching distance of the artwork while having security measures in place for the artwork against vandals, thieves or the inquisitive 5th grader.

Not only are museums concerned with the public they are also concerned with employees, contractors and even terrorists, these days. According to FBI statistics, between 70 and 80 percent of all solved theft cases involve insider participation of some kind. When creating a security plan it is important not to overlook employee or contractor involvement.

The common overall strategy is to create a balance in the individualized security plan. The plan should include security staff, access policies, and the use of electronic security systems and video surveillance.

The first step would be to create a hierarchy of security measures to put in place which would involve securing the premises with surveillance, scanning and alarms. Creating an in-depth security program starts with monitoring all entrances and exits of the building. It is important to see everyone who enters and exits with a good picture. This would include the general public, employees and delivery people. Placing cameras and alarms at each entrance with video monitoring would allow security to watch all entrances. Service entrances should have alarms, video and intercom for remote access, allowing individuals to be buzzed in from the control room.

We would then secure all windows. Each window should be armed with an alarm contact. There should also be a combination of Security Glass Laminates on the windows with glass break sensors for each window. Using Security Glass Laminates would deter easy access by smashing a window. These laminates will hold the smashed glass together, and some are bullet-resistant to NIJ standard level 3A. Glass break sensors would alarm when the sound of the breaking glass is sensed. Motion detectors can be off when changing a display, moving a piece of art or when the cleaning crew is in the building, yet there is still protection around the perimeter of the building by using a combination of laminates and glass breaks.

The next step in the security plan should include the staff. Implementing access control with a hierarchy of security clearance associated with each employee, and of course performing background checks on all employees is a must.

Motion detectors can be placed over each work of art, when triggered it can chirp to startle the observer who is too close.

Using IP cameras with automatic triggers and DVR’s would be the next layer of security. Using this combination would give a clear recording of an event, whether the event is theft, vandalism, employee conduct or an accident.

Environmental sensors should be used for hi/low temperature changes, water detection, carbon monoxide, and AC power loss.

When we are called in to help with security, we consider site lines, display methods and the value of the art. We create a system with alarms, cameras, card readers and a full security management system. We can help with the challenge of keeping artwork safe yet allowing visitors to come within an arm’s length. We are here to help you and remember we are your ‘One Source’ for peace of mind.

Call today for a FREE assessment.

Most of the articles in our security blog are centered on the topic of keeping criminals out of your home or business with the use of burglar alarms, access control, video surveillance, and more.

Today, we’d like to reverse that process and talk about keeping people in—but these folks are precious assets instead of unwanted guests.

Pictured above is one type of wander alarm–affixed to a door.

With shrinking budgets leading to lower staffing corps in many managed care facilities, it has never been more important to consider wander alarms.

And even with adequate staffing, human error can sometimes come into play. Staff can become distracted by a phone call, for instance, and a patient could start to exit the supervised area.

Wander alarms help contain many types of patients to designated areas in various facilities, but very often they are used with elderly residents of nursing homes and related facilities who may suffer from dementia.

It is very important that these people remain in a certain area where they can be safely monitored by the many different types of wander alarms, as well as staff of course, and we’ll talk about a few in this piece today.

A wireless wander alarm allows you to be notified when a targeted door is opened. A device is actually installed on the door and a chime sounds at a receiver which can be located a significant distance away.

Some manufacturers provide features such as identification of the actual patient who has breached the boundary. This is made possible due to a bracelet or ankle tag that they wear.

These bracelets and ankle tags can also work in conjunction with door devices that emit a field. When the patient who is wearing one enters the field, two actions can take place. If the door is open, an alarm will sound which in turn alerts staff.

If the door is shut at the time the patient approaches, the door will automatically lock and also alarm in some cases.

Motion detectors, which are commonly used with burglar alarm systems, can also be used as a part of your wander alarm system.

So as you can see, there are many ways to keep our revered seniors safe in nursing home settings.

Talk to your security integrator about installing a wander alarm at your facility today.

Thanks for spending some time with us.

One of the most vulnerable parts of a building is the windows. Installing security glass laminates adds a layer of security that can help protect people and property. This state-of-the-art laminate is designed to withstand impacts from forced entry or natural disasters.

Laminates are thin but incredibly strong layers of polyester material. Layers are sandwiched together on the window with a super strong adhesive. These laminates absorb the shock of a blunt object and disperse the energy from the impact. The more the laminated glass is struck the stronger it becomes.

It is strong enough to deter and discourage an opportunistic smash-and-grab burglary. When an intruder hits the window, the laminate holds the broken window together, creating a barrier, equiring, on the intruders part, more effort, time and noise to get through a window.

Windows and doors can withstand repeated blows from bricks, bats, hammers and crowbars. Having to repeatedly hit the window or glass door will most likely cause the intruder to flee in search of an easier target.

We know vandals just want to be malicious and mischievous; wreaking havoc for a business owner. If you could keep the vandal outside, you could prevent them from breaking, spray painting etc. property within the building, thus keeping damage as minimal as possible.

During a natural disaster broken windows can be held together preventing flying glass from entering the building and preventing further damage to people and property.

Laminates can prevent a ball from penetrating a window if your home or building abuts a golf course or baseball field.

Schools are installing laminates on their vestibule/entry doors and windows. Hotels are installing them on suites that hold VIPS, celebrities and political figures. Businesses are also installing them on conference rooms and windows of office buildings where it is likely a disgruntled worker could strike.

With each new product, we like to provide our customers with real choices and solutions. We desire to be their ‘One Source” for peace of mind by providing the most state of the art products to our customers so they can feel confident knowing we are providing the best security to protect their building as well as people.

Call One Source Security today for a free security estimate of your building at 800-570-6478.

According to the 2014 FBI crime statistics, “There were an estimated 8,277,829 property crimes (burglaries, larceny-thefts, and motor vehicle thefts) reported by law enforcement. Financial losses suffered by victims of these crimes were calculated at approximately $14.3 billion. Larceny-theft accounted for 70.8 percent of all property crimes reported, burglary for 20.9 percent, and motor vehicle theft for 8.3 percent.” These losses are significant.

As companies invest in security to protect intellectual property, people and physical assets, creating a visible line with perimeter security is a great complement to an already existing indoor security system. It is important to create an uninviting and secure property to deter criminals from considering your property as a target.

Protect important assets stored outside such as lumber on a lumber yard, cars on a dealership lot or repair shop, construction equipment on a retail lot or a construction site, with the addition of access control and video surveillance outside.

Visibility

Avoid blind spots near entrances, limit access by using landscaping and paths to lead to entrances. Obstacles, such as trees and shrubs, can create hiding places for criminals.

Video Surveillance

Install video surveillance with analytic tools at the perimeter of the property. Configure cameras to record based on specific motion detection criteria; this may reduce false alarm rates. The goal is timely notification to security personnel with the ability to zoom into an area where the disturbance is detected.

Access Control

Use access control at the entrance of the property, parking lots and garages, as well as at the entrance of the building can create a secure barrier.

Access control with remote monitoring will leave electronic documentation of access and the failed attempts of anyone entering or exiting your property. The use of video surveillance will provide verification for the access system.

Doors and windows

With the use of glass break sensors along with window and door sensors security will be alerted when a breach happens. With the use of security glass laminates windows become shatter resistant, leaving and intruder perplexes as to why they cannot smash a hole in the window.

Conclusion

The ultimate goal is to prevent criminals from gaining access to the property and reaching the building. With the use of video surveillance, access control, and creating visibility at entrances; perimeter security can complement the already existing interior security system.

Call us today for a free estimate of your property, whether you are a military faculty, correctional facility, hospital, airport or commercial company we can help bolster your perimeter.

https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2015/september/latest-crime-stats-released/latest-crime-stats-released

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, more than 2 million people misused prescription opioids from 2016 to 2017. In the late 1990’s, healthcare providers began to prescribe opioids in greater numbers due to pharmaceutical companies reassurance that patients would not become addicted.

Taking prescriptions in a way not intended by a physician can lead to an addiction. An addiction can lead to robbery or internal theft by an employee. Trying to support their addiction.

Developing a solid individualized security plan begins with a security assessment of the pharmacy, hospital, physician’s office, distribution center or warehouse where drugs are dispersed or stored.

The goal is to limit access and establish strong site security measures. So, where should security start to provide complete protection for prescription medication?

Access control: Access control is the first line of defense. Creating access control protocols can limit who has access to pharmacies, cabinets or areas of a facility where desired drugs are distributed and stored. Audit trails can be retrieved from an access control system to see who entered an area in the event of a crime. Rather than using a password or pass code, biometric security measures like fingerprint readers allow for unique authentication methods that cannot be replicated or shared with outsiders. As a side note, by using biometrics internal help can be deterred in the event of a theft. Employees cannot share biometrics like they can a pass code or access card.

Video surveillance: High resolution video cameras with artificial intelligence or AI utilize computer software programs to analyze the images from video surveillance cameras in order to recognize humans, vehicles or objects. Camera software can be programmed to send alerts when foreign objects are detected or recognized in a video, such as a gun. Cameras should be installed at dispensing areas, cabinets, drug safes, entrances and exits at the mere site of them is a highly effective deterrent against theft. It is extremely important to protect the privacy of customers, by keeping cameras away from prescriptions and prescription bottles with patient and medication names.

Dual authentication: Place limitations on who has access where drugs are stored or prepared. Implement several layers of security such as dual authentication to include biometric access control along with a pass code to authenticate the employee.

Data storage: Data, such as video surveillance should be stored in locked cabinets, off site or in the cloud. If you lose access to your building, the data can be retrieved remotely with ease. Data should be encrypted when it leaves your server, on the offsite server, and when it is restored back to your server.

Drug safes and locked cabinets: Secure safes and drug cabinets either through standard lock-and-key fingerprint or access control methods.

Security system: Include a monitored alarm system, panic notification, motion detectors and door alarms. Panic buttons should be installed at the counter or staff should have the ability to use mobile devices they carry with them. Alarm codes should be kept on a need to know basis, never shared and changed frequently. Signage stating security system is in place will help deter.

Train staff to be alert: By simply greeting customers, employees can observe any unusual behavior and a thief might feel less inclined to commit a crime.

As security experts, we can provide you with the knowledge needed to increase safety and security in and around your pharmacy, hospital or facility. By developing strong site security focused on safeguarding prescription medicine, employees, drugs and assets can be protected. Call One Source Security today for a free assessment of your facility, 800-570-6478.

One Source Security and Automation offers a private or proprietary key ways which restrict who may copy additional keys for your business or home. Only an authorized employee or homeowner with a valid ID can have keys duplicated by an authorized locksmith. Your local hardware store cannot duplicate these keys. If an unauthorized employee or person tries to duplicate a key, they will be denied and the lock owner will be notified. The blank key is owned by the company or individual, creating the highest level of security using a traditional key.

This patented key control system makes it virtually impossible for someone to make a copy of your key without your permission. With the angled cuts on our keys, and slider combination, there are millions of combinations so you can rest assured your key and slider combination will not be duplicated. This low-cost solution can prevent thieves from entering your business.

A private keyway locking system can be used with a company’s master keyway system. Call One Source Security today to talk to one of our locksmiths about using a private keyway system, at 800-570-6478.