Having a successful year includes investing in security for your business. While some owners focus on the best liability policy, the key also lies in choosing the best security system. If you are reading this blog you may already be considering new security for your business. Of course, all businesses are unique and VinTech believes there isn’t a one-size fits all solution. Fortunately, there are various choices in the marketplace to fit every unique needs. Let’s discuss 5 reasons to invest in a security system this year.

Deter Crime Before It Happens.

Security solutions don’t stop crime but they decrease it. For example, camera systems not only record criminal activity but help reduce the risk of a break in. Most criminals turn away from businesses with cameras as it increases the likelihood they’ll get caught. What about a video verification alarm? This service is ideal for larger businesses like construction sites, car dealers, or warehouses. The video alarm signals are verified by a trained operator. They cancel false alarms and when an intruder is spotted, they dispatch law enforcement immediately.

Save Money on Insurance.

Your insurance can decrease up to 20% when you have a security system. It’s a win-win situation. Your businesses saves on insurance and gets a tax write-off at the end of the year. Additionally, you get peace of mind for free!

Protect your Business Against Lawsuits.

A security system protects you from lawsuits. Consider the scenario of one of our clients who owns a towing company. A man picked up his car from the towing company lot and falsely accused our client of assault, not realizing he was being recorded by camera surveillance. VinTech systems retrieved the evidence and provided it to The Chicago Police.

Easier to Alert Authorities of an Intrusion.

Intrusion alarms and camera systems are the most popular. Why?  They can be monitored remotely. You no longer need to be on site and the police can be dispatched immediately. A significantly faster police response increases arrests of burglars or vandals.

Keep Vandals out.

Keep in mind that unrestricted property is a magnet for vandalism. Nonetheless, an alarm system and good lighting can help deter criminals. Your business will be protected even when you are away.

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Pros 

DIY Alarm is economical

Installing the system yourself will initially get you big savings. Professional installations can have a high cost depending on the complexity of the system. Nonetheless, its recommended to first research the company to make sure its established. Second, its important to ask about the equipment’s warranty and return policy. After all, there shouldn’t be a reason to keep a system that doesn’t perform well or doesn’t fit your needs.

Take your Alarm System Wherever you go

DIY Systems are easy to uninstall. Renters or those who move often might consider this a good option. The ability to take the system wherever you go will be convenient. Additionally, installation costs will not apply as you will re-install the system yourself.

Has no Annual Contracts

Most alarm companies require a 1 or 2 year monitoring services contract. But a self-monitored security system doesn’t require a central station to monitor the system or a monthly service fee. This self-monitored security system saves the user from being in a contract and the cost of monitoring their alarm. However, the user is in charge of calling police in case of an emergency. They are also responsible for any repairs the system will inevitably require in the future.

Cons

Installations Can Go Wrong

We often receive calls from people who ask if we can fix or re-install a system they purchased online. The problem is that most professional companies will decline. Why? We can’t provide a warranty for either the job or the system. Additionally, we can’t verify if the equipment is faulty or if it has been altered prior to installation.

Limited Technical Support & Maintenance Madness

Have you called the company who sold you the equipment? Are they nowhere to be found or place you on hold for long periods of time? Other companies might agree to service the system but they can’t assure they will fix the issues. Nonetheless, they will still have to charge. The money initially saved might exceed the costs as repairs costs increase.

Remote Access Can be Hacked

Remote access is not only convenient but usually a secure way to monitor your alarm system. However, there is still a risk to be hacked. Once a hacker has your username and password, they can use it to disable your alarm system. Forbes’ article describes how a popular alarm brand can be disabled with magnets and tape. Save yourself from hackers! Have a professional walk you through the process of setting up your remote access App. Ask them for tips to protect your privacy.

These pros and cons of a DIY system should help you decide if this system fits your needs. Contact at least 3 companies and ask questions.

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Park Ridge incident

No smoke alarms were found inside a Park Ridge home in which a morning fire broke out officials say.  Fire extensively damaged the rear addition of a house. Firefighters found heavy smoke and flames shooting out of the back and north side of the single-story addition. Two women who lived in the home were able to get out before firefighters arrived.  A search of the two-story brick house and rear addition found just one smoke detector on the second floor. It wasn’t working because it didn’t have batteries.

Chicago Lawn incident

A man died following a house fire in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood Tuesday afternoon that apparently was caused by careless smoking, authorities said. Crews were called to the home and took one person who had been in the home in critical condition to an area hospital, where he later died.  There were no smoke detectors in the home.

Recent news articles like these two show the critical importance of smoke detectors. These alarms can mean the difference between life and death in a fire. Working smoke alarms decrease the chance of dying in a fire by half. Smoke alarms detect and alert the presence of fire in its early stages therefore giving people time to escape safely.

Connect your smoke detector to your burglar alarm

Some of our clients have opted to have their smoke detector connected to their burglar alarm system. If the smoke detector goes off, an activation signal is sent to our alarm monitoring station, following the same emergency procedure as a burglar alarm. Although you can’t control the when, you can always ensure your smoke detector is working properly. Listed below are 6 tips that help reduce false smoke alarms.

Clean all smoke detectors in your home at least twice a year.

Airborne dust and contaminants can interfere with a smoke alarm’s ability to detect smoke and/or set a false alarm. Alarms may look clean, but dust can accumulate inside the cover, especially in newly built homes. Gently vacuum smoke alarms regularly using the soft brush attachment.

Avoid using chemicals.

Strong chemical odors like ammonia or paint fumes can set off a smoke detector.

Replace your batteries annually.

Don’t wait for that high-pitched chirp to take action. Instead, keep a standing annual date with yourself for replacing the battery in each of your smoke alarms.

Change the location.

Place your smoke detector further away from the kitchen or bathroom. If your smoke detector is located too close to these rooms, cooking fumes and steam can trick it into setting off its alarm – even when there’s no danger.

Replace your smoke detector.

The National Fire Association recommends replacing it every ten years. However, an old smoke detector can trigger false alarms. If you have already changed the batteries and your smoke detector is still beeping, it should be replaced right away.

Learn more about your alarm type and what triggers it.

There are currently three types of smoke alarms: ionization, photoelectric and combination ionization/photoelectric.

If you would like to learn more about this or to add a smoke detector to your current alarm system, please contact us at 773-388-1208 or sales@vintechnology.com

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