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As the old adage goes ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’. Your security equipment can provide years of service and top performance by implementing an ounce of prevention along the way.

Preventive maintenance is the process of maintaining equipment in order to prevent a reactive situation and having an annual Preventive Maintenance Inspection (PMI), helps keep equipment in optimum condition and running smoothly. Your security system safeguards your business and a PMI ensures your system is running properly.

What happens if you do not have a PMI and there is a problem with your system that could have been prevented with a yearly inspection?

This is what we call a ‘reactive maintenance program’? When a system or equipment has broken down or is not working correctly, repairs are done at that time this is expensive and it is unpredictable when the issues may occur. It is especially inconvenient if it happens when the business is closed. Reactive maintenance does not look after equipment; therefore the lifespan of the equipment may be reduced.

The yearly program applies to any of your existing systems which may consist of a security, video or access control system. Once a year, a technician will come out and thoroughly inspect your system and perform routine maintenance.

For example:

• Check card readers, locks and motion detectors.
• We check backup batteries to ensure they are ready in the event of a power outage.
• We also check window and door contacts for rust, to help prevent false alarms.
• Physically inspect your system and verify communication and programming, at a minimal cost to you.

With regular testing and inspecting, potential problems can be identified in advance. When a problem is preempted, businesses will have fewer frantic days if a system goes down, thus saving time, money and energy.

When you are managing a budget, it’s important to know your expenses in advance. It is easier to budget in a PMI and avoid any potential problems found during the yearly inspection.

It’s important to maintain your security, video and access control system to bring peace of mind to you, your employees and your customers.

Call One Source Security today to set up you Preventative Maintenance Inspection Program at 800-570-6478.

A property manager’s primary concern is the safety and security of their tenants, as well as the assets they manage and maintain. It is important for property managers to have the right level of security to meet their tenant’s expectations, while protecting assets.

Security is part of the buildings amenities and attracting responsible clientele with low turnover, while building your brand is the optimal goal. Providing peace of mind for tenants or employees where they work or live is crucial, therefore it is important to create a security solution that reduces risks.

Distinguishing between appropriate security for individual buildings can be a challenge. For example, providing security for a building in downtown Boston can look different than security for a building in central New Hampshire. Property types and size vary requiring different types of security for the best protection, the size of the complex, number of buildings, and the neighborhood are all taken into consideration.

Assessing risks and conducting security audits can identify where threats are in and around buildings, and how the organization should respond.

During your security audit these are some important questions to be asking.

• What are you protecting?
• Why are you protecting it?
• How will you protect it?
• What’s the likelihood of something happening?
• Is there an increase in loitering, vandalism (in or outside), or workplace violence?

Depending on the risk factors your security design can include:

Video Surveillance

Video surveillance is essential to any comprehensive security plan. Cameras should be installed in public places like entrances, parking lots, laundry and mail rooms.

Installing video surveillance will help reduce liability, creating a safer environment for tenants and help deter unwelcomed visitors. When people see a camera, they are less likely to do something if they believe they are being recorded.

Video surveillance helps keep an eye on your property even when you can’t be there; it can also give your tenants peace of mind knowing their public spaces are being looked after.

Today video can be seen on any smart device with the appropriate software, allowing live video to be viewed remotely in real time.

Access Control

Access control is another important piece of the security system design. It helps limit who and how people can gain entry to your building or property. Access control can be implemented in a number of ways. Often times a swipe card, a fob, or a proximity card are issued to employees or residence, and are used in conjunction with an electronic reader installed by the desired entry point. Using access control instead of traditional keys helps prevent lost or stolen keys from being duplicated. Access control can be used at parking lot entrances and garages as well, helping to protect at the perimeter of the property.

An access control audit trail report can be produced on a regular basis to keep a record of movements.

Audio/Video Intercom system

Using an intercom system would allow residents to enter a code or remotely open a door or gate with their smart phone. Intercoms can be programmed to ring your smart phone if you are away from home or your desk allowing you to let a worker or contractor into the complex by pressing a key to open the gate or door.

Risk assessment

One Source Security can determine the best type of security system necessary for your specific property. A comprehensive security system should include security from the perimeter of the property to the building, which can include fire and burglar alarms, access control, video surveillance and monitoring.

As a property manager you have the responsibility for the safety and security of the property you oversee. Whether it is one building or multiple with our high quality products, we can help create a solution that fits your property to include the property perimeter, all buildings and parking areas. We can help manage visitors with remote access tools to monitor your facility night and day, while making tenants and employees feel safe and secure.

As a security systems integrator we can assess your risks and design a system to suit your specific needs. Call us today at 800-570-6478 for a FREE ASSESSMENT.

Athletic events and concerts held in stadiums, around the world in recent years, have been targets of horrible violence. Stadiums are prime targets due to the high volume of people in a condensed area.

Creating a layered security approach helps detect and deter suspicious behaviors and events both within and outside the stadium walls. Developing a strong security posture, with vigilant stadium security can help identify threats and vulnerabilities. This layered approach should include building a strong security and emergency response team, developing protocols in the event of an emergency, creating access controls and installing a state-of-the-art intelligent video surveillance system.

Here are some points to consider:

If your security command center is located onsite, move it to an offsite location. The command and communications center will be the first area taken out by an attacker.

Control external access by creating no-vehicle zones and limited parking close to the stadium. Stadium access points and entrances with visible security such as bag checks and uniformed personnel can make a difference in deterring violent acts, just by their presence.

Create levels of access throughout the stadium for employees; install biometrics for players, staff and owners allowing them to enter a restricted area without having to carry a physical credential.

Effectively monitoring large crowds across an entire stadium can be done with a state-of-the-art video surveillance system. High definition cameras with sophisticated artificial intelligence driven video management software are designed to help operators efficiently identity and respond quickly to potential security events.

Stadiums and large venues have benefited from using cameras with higher resolution that provide both broad coverage and excellent image detail, allowing security personnel to monitor a large crowd using fewer cameras.

The Avigilon Control Center software is an easy to use high definition system allowing operators to quickly search, identify, mark and capture details of a person, object or vehicle of interest. Security personnel can monitor and analyze footage in real time, providing front-line security employees with information they need to enhance screening and crowd management. Zoom in on an activity within large crowds and provide detailed video information. Watch the Avigilon Sample Footage – Stadium here.

Large amounts of video are never analyzed, not for lack of interest but rather the decline in human attention spans. Advanced video analytics technology is designed to help improve response time. When security personnel highlight a person, object or vehicle using this technology, hours of footage can easily be sorted through across all cameras on a site saving time and effort during critical investigations. A person or vehicle’s route can be traced from beginning to last known location.

Unusual motion detection technology brings a new level of automation to surveillance by learning and remembering what a typical activity/scene looks like. This is designed to bring attention to atypical events needing further investigation. This technology is designed to detect things like a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction or a crowd being suddenly disrupted, when this occurs an alert is sent to the security staff.

We can show you how to incorporate biometrics and video surveillance with artificial intelligence into your security plan. Call One Source Security today at 800-570-6478.

Property managers are responsible for a wide variety of buildings from commercial to residential facilities; including commercial office buildings, shopping centers, warehouses, parking garages, and residential apartment buildings, dormitories, vacation homes, condos, gated communities and other properties.

Creating a security plan along with solid security solutions can help security staff or police respond to threats in the moment, and even anticipate potential situations. Multi-tenant buildings face unique challenges requiring property managers to be vigilant in developing security measures which addresses issues and safety hazards.

Challenges:

1. Creating the right level of security for each property/tenant which meets their expectations. Not all properties are the same and one size does not fit all.
2. Managing multiple facility locations with unique security challenges, depending on location and use of the space.
3. Unreported security threats, property managers may not be made aware of security threats.
4. Mixed use buildings with commercial businesses on the first floor and residential or office space above.
5. Managing mechanical locks. Rekeying or replacing the locks can require time and money.

Solutions: From assessment to installing or enhancing your systems and monitoring:

1.Perform a risk assessment with a professional security company, to determine the level of security needed, by asking:

• What are you protecting? Why are you protecting it? How will you protect it?

2.Create a security plan.

3.Install access control for a single or multiple tenants using one system with the ability to:

• •Disable and enable credentials immediately. (Saves money by putting an end to expensive re-keying and lock changes of your entire facility.)
• •Generate audit trail reports, a valuable tool for investigations.
• •Create timed access to protected spaces.
• •Provide tenants with one credential for gates, units and amenities.
• •Lock or unlock doors remotely from a smart device or PC.
• oTenants can become angry if they need to wait outside for an extended period of time, even if it’s their own fault. Doors can be opened remotely, creating a customer service benefit.

4.Install video surveillance in common areas, at entrances and around the property to:

• •Deter threats, by just installing cameras intruders and thieves are less likely to strike.
• • See an intruder slip in with or behind a tenant.
• •Check up on any facility at any time with IP cameras managed by a NVR allows you to view your footage from anywhere in the world.
• •Provide clear, high resolution images of footage, in the event of a crime.
• •Reduce liability with a nonbiased picture of the property.
• •Capture license plate images with cameras at the entrance and exit of parking lots and garages.

5.Install environmental monitoring to:

• •Prevent pipes from freezing and causing expensive damage.
• •Prevent boiler shut down.
• •Stop floods before it’s too late.
• •Save lives with carbon monoxide monitoring.

Once a risk assessment is complete and security plan is in place. Layering video surveillance, access control, environmental monitoring and other security solutions can protect people and property. Call One Source Security today for your free assessment at 800-570-6478.

The summer months are here and that means many families across America will be visiting vacation spots to get away from home. But unfortunately, while many are having fun at the beach, criminals try to take advantage by breaking into homes and if that’s not bad enough, those pesky environmental hazards will strike when you least expect.

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the average loss per burglary in 2017 was nearly $2,500. Law enforcement officers say typically during the summer months, the number of home break-in cases rise. And the sad but true fact is just 7% of burglars face justice for breaking in. Often, property crimes are some of the most difficult for detectives to solve. People rarely witness their crimes, and burglars know how to spot an easy target.

But you can outwit burglars’ break-in secrets:

Home security is absolutely essential and there are many options to choose from, so make sure you opt for one that fits your home. One Source Security will help assess your risks, needs and possible security weaknesses before we design your system. We are an advisor and will offer preventive advice, so you can avoid many potential problems altogether, including environmental hazards. We customize each system to suit the end-user’s specific needs.

Monitored alarm system: An alarm system is just one tool in the home security tool chest, but it’s an important one. While it may seem that you can install just a basic alarm and it will scare off intruders, that’s not necessarily the case.

Think of the last time you heard a car alarm. Did it even phase you? Did you call the police? Did you notice anyone else heading toward the sound to investigate? Likely, you and everyone around you has grown so accustomed to the sound of car alarms that you just ignore it. The same can be true in populated areas when a home alarm sounds. If your home location is more remote, there’s the chance no one would even hear it. That’s why alarm system monitoring can be critical in protecting your property and assets.

What is a Monitored Alarm System?

In a nutshell, it is exactly what it sounds like: an alarm system that is monitored, typically by a company that charges for the service. For the safety and security of your home, the basic coverage of a monitored alarm system commonly includes detection of intrusion and alerting authorities.

Once armed, these systems use sensors to detect if a door or window has been opened, if a window has been broken, or if there is motion within (and sometimes outside of) the home. These sensors trigger both the alarm and whatever alerts have been set up (to a monitoring company or to your cell phone). The system is either hardwired or wireless, and may include a cellular backup in case wires are cut or internet connection is lost.

Beyond this, systems can include many types of sensors, various levels of alerts, and integration with other security systems and smart technology.

Video Surveillance Systems: A video surveillance system can add next-level security to your home’s efforts to deter crime. Strategically placed cameras could mean would-be burglars bypass your home for an easier target. And if a crime does occur, the video footage can provide important evidence for both your insurance company and the police.

There are many options and features to consider across a broad spectrum of equipment.

What is a video surveillance system?

Video surveillance systems involve strategic placement of security cameras, monitoring motion and activity, generating alerts, transmitting footage, and storing that footage. Cameras can be both indoors and outside.

The camera system may also be referred to as closed-circuit television or CCTV. As part of your home security protocol, the purpose for a video surveillance system is to:

• Deter break-ins and theft
• Increase the security of your home and property
• Gather and store evidence if a crime does occur

Security cameras can be stand-alone devices or part of a system depending upon the complexity of your security needs. In order to meet your security objectives, cameras (or signs saying cameras are present) must be visible and the cameras must be able to record, store and transmit footage (or be connected to recorder or system that can do so). Not only can it be viewed from anywhere in the world, including your phone, due to network capability, it can also allow you to view live video remotely so you can see what’s happening in real time.

An added perk to installing a surveillance system may be a discount on your office insurance premiums.

Environmental Hazards: are something homeowners have to deal with constantly, but how do you save your home when you are away enjoying yourself on vacation?

As with the home alarm system monitoring, the environmental alarms are also monitored by a company. For the safety and security of your home, the basic coverage of a monitored alarm system commonly includes detection of environmental hazards, alerting you and alerting authorities.

Once armed, these systems use sensors to detect if there is the potential for water damage from flooding, broken or leaking pipes, improper changes in temperature possibly leading to frozen pipes, or the deadly carbon monoxide hazard, filling your home with the deadly, odorless, unnoticeable gas. These sensors trigger both the alarm and whatever alerts have been set up (to a monitoring company or to your cell phone). The system is either hardwired or wireless, and may include a cellular backup in case wires are cut or internet connection is lost.

PROTECTION FROM WATER DAMAGE

Whether you need to protect your home from water damage due to seasonal floods, in a basement for instance, or you’re concerned about important documents and equipment, water sensors such as “Water Bugs” can pick up the smallest amount of moisture.

DETECT TEMPERATURE CHANGES

It is important to maintain proper temperature in the home. It’s also important to know that pipes won’t freeze at home. A Hi / Low Temperature monitor helps to keep temperatures at the correct level and protect valuable equipment.

CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTION

Many consider Carbon Monoxide—the “Silent Killer”—the most important environmental hazard to guard against. Detection is a strong complement to any home security system to say the least; it can be a life saver.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Home Security, Video Surveillance and our environmental monitoring can offer peace of mind.

As security experts, we can provide you with the knowledge needed to increase safety and security in and around your home, and keep you in the know whether you are near or far. Call One Source Security today for a free assessment of your home, 800-570-6478.

When upgrading to access control there are many things to think about. Asking the right questions will help to design the system that is perfect for your business. A professional security integrator can help you answer all of your questions and provide a solution that is just right for your business. Below is a list of questions to ask before installing access control:

• Why you are adding access control?
• Is it becoming costly to replace lost keys or to rekey locks after an employee leaves?
• Do you want to know who is on your premises at anytime?
• Do you want to control when people can enter the building?
• Should your access control include biometrics?
• Do you have restricted areas within the building only authorized personnel are allowed to access?
• Does the system have the capability to expand in the future?
• Is your company expanding?
• Should you use access control on the perimeter of the property?
• Are you experiencing theft in outdoor storage areas?
• Has there been vandalism on your property?
• Should you have access control at each entrance of the building or on select doors within the building?
• Are unauthorized people entering your building?
• Should you use key fobs or cards?

Another important question to ask your security integrator is: Do you have a locksmith division? This allows integrators and locksmiths to come together and create an access control system that meets all of your needs. One stop shopping makes it more economical and easier to secure.
Before installing an access control system though, it makes sense to have a locksmith conduct an inspection of your doors inside and out. Knowing that your doors are in good operating condition is important.

A locksmith inspection should include inspecting all door hardware and locking mechanisms for deficiencies and operability. Inspecting all hinges, door closers, locking hardware, electric strikes, electric locks as well as check panic devices. Making sure lever sets, latches and hinges as well as cylinders do not sag, retract properly and are not sticky or rusty. A professional locksmith can check auto door operators for ADA compliance, too.

As always our locksmiths will conduct a FREE survey of all your doors, checking that the integrity and security of your doors are adequate and meet standard requirements to protect people and property.

Call One Source Security today at 800-570-6478, to schedule your FREE survey.

Today we’ll continue with our list of 10 security mistakes that businesses make and how to prevent them. The following post is number 6 on the list. If you’d like the entire list all at once, please visit our homepage or click here.

Pictured above is a 180 degree (with 4 lenses) dome security camera.

Mistake: Not using video surveillance because your employees will be uneasy

Dealing with employee theft can be a sensitive issue. Many times, business decision-makers don’t want to give their employees the wrong message. Does it make your staff feel uneasy and that they’re not trusted if there are too many cameras around?

This is an answer only you can answer. One recommendation is to communicate with your staff when the security cameras are installed. And if they’re already installed, it’s certainly not too late.

Let them know that you may have had an issue with a particular person in the past–that it’s not them specifically. You could also explain that you need to protect the business, and sometimes even the employee, if a legal issue were to arise–such as a lawsuit stemming from a slip–for example.

And most importantly, regarding their safety, explain that video surveillance can protect them against former or current disgruntled employees. If these employees know they are being recorded, it may deter them from entering the premises, thereby thwarting their plans.

And finally, the most obvious explanation is that the security cameras are not there for the employees at all. They are there to identify burglars should a break in happen, as well as to deter the break in altogher.

If you’d like to speak or meet with someone from One Source Security & Automation about how to make your workplace more safe, please click the button below and we will be in touch to schedule an appointment.

Thank you for spending some time with us today.

So you’re on vacation and you feel safe that your home back in MA or NH is protected by a security system. But will your summer vacation be interrupted by calls from your central station monitoring company due to false alarms, followed by unnecessary visits by the police?

Pictured above is Gemini Security System.

You don’t even have to be on vacation. You could be at work or doing errands–no one enjoys that call informing them that a thief may have just broken into their home, only to find out it was a false trip.

Here Are 3 Ways to Avoid False Alarms

• Don’t have air conditioners, fans or central air vents directing air towards curtains and drapes, or other loose objects that are in the scope of your motion detector.
• Clean out your motion detectors to make sure no spiders or other bugs have taken up residence inside.
• Make sure you have “pet-friendly” motion detectors which don’t trip the alarm panel when pets of a certain size enter the field of view.

One Source Security is Here to Help

If you’re not sure how to clean your motion detector, please contact us. Or if you’d like to inquire about pet-friendly motion detectors, and/or how you may be better able to situate the devices, we can advise you.

We will also provide a free security assessment and address all of your security needs, not just false alarms.

For more vacation advice, please read our blog post regarding 12 tips for security while you’re on vacation.

Finally, make sure that whoever is watching your home has been fully trained on the security system’s arming and disarming procedure. Be sure to provide them with the phone number to the monitoring company, the account number and their own password.

Thanks for your time today. We at One Source Security appreciate your interest.