| By: Rick McCann- Executive Director The National Association of Private Officers Let's call this the KSS ( keep it simple stupid) of alarm monitoring and let's assume that you know all about how your business or home alarm system works and why you really have it, other than the sales guy offered a deal that you couldn't refuse. Your alarm system, no matter the brand or how many fancy gadgets that it has is worthless unless it is monitored. I tell you this not because I'm an owner of an alarm monitoring company and I want your business, because I'm not, but because it's just true! If you're a business and your fancy alarm sounds at 3 in the morning, regardless of how loud the siren is, chances are good that it'll be a long time before either the neighbors get sick of the noise and call the cops or the cops just happen by. In the meantime guess what's happening to your business if there is a real burglary in progress......it's getting robbed! Now let's say that your business fire alarm is sounding and we rerun the same scenario. Flames will be showing and smoke billowing by the time that the fire department gets the call from a passer by and by then unfortunately your business will be doomed and thousands or millions of dollars worth of property that you've worked hard to get and a company that you've worked hard to build will be in ashes. If on the other hand you have a residential burglar alarm and figured that the twenty five bucks a month for monitoring is too much and so you only turn it on when you're a way...big mistake! It used to be the norm for home burglaries to occur during the day when the house was unoccupied and everyone was at work at school. But that trend is quickly changing and many home invasions and armed robberies are occurring at night, when you and your family are at home and in harms way. A monitored alarm system insures that once your alarm is activated, someone is sending help! If you're home asleep and your perimeter alarm is set and someone tries to open a door or window and breaks the contacts, the alarm will sound and the central monitoring station will dispatch police. If a fire occurs while you're asleep and activates the smoke alarms, the fire department is already being dispatched as you and your family make your way out of the house! One less thing to do or worry about. You'll have peace of mind that help is on the way! Two very important add ons that you really need to get to make your home security system complete. Glass breaks and wireless panic buttons. Glass breaks come in various sizes and shapes but their sole purpose is to monitor for "glass breakage" and to activate your security system. The glass break is tuned for the decibels and pitch of actual glass breaking. Why is this important? A burglar could break out a rear bedroom window or a basement window or other glass window to gain access and your alarm will not activate. The bad guy will be in your house and since you are there, you'll probably have your motion detectors set to off and that spells disaster! Glass breaks are necessary so that you're not caught off guard. Panic buttons are much like your car access buttons that everyone carries in their pockets. These give you immediate access to sound the system no matter where you're at in a real emergency. And it's not just in a burglary situation. It's also great to have in a medical emergency, fire or even weather emergency. Activated alarms send a signal to the control box which continues sending the signal via your telephone line to the monitoring station. The activation notifies them of the type of alarm, burglary, fire or medical and where the alarm is coming from such as lower level rear door or the managers office of the business. Although most alarm customers use the telephone lines to transmit this signal, you can also opt to use radio frequency or even satellite but the costs involved will be much higher. In todays growing criminal climate, we must be prepared and guard ourselves, our families and our business against the constant dangers that surround us and having the right equipment for our alarm system and keeping it monitored will add an extra layer of security and bring peace of mind. If you have questions about alarms or physical security for your business or personnel security protection please email me at rick@privateofficer.com . |
| ALARM MONITORING |
| SEVERE WEATHER FACTS AND SAFETY TIPS Currently, we are in the midst of one of the most deadliest tornado seasons in many years. Severe weather outbreaks, storm related deaths and property damage seem to be at an all time record high and many people are not familiar with weather or weather terms. Because of our active tornado season and the soon approaching hurricane season for those of us who live along the coast, we want to go over the weather facts, terms and safety tips that you can use to keep your family safe. All thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm produces lightning. In the United States, an average of 300 people are injured and 80 people are killed each year by lightning. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms. Other associated dangers of thunderstorms include tornadoes, strong winds, hail, and flash flooding. Flash flooding is responsible for more fatalities—more than 140 annually—than any other thunderstorm-associated hazard. Dry thunderstorms that do not produce rain that reaches the ground are most prevalent in the western United States. Falling raindrops evaporate, but lightning can still reach the ground and can start wildfires. THUNDER AND LIGHTNING STORMS Facts About Lightning • Lightning’s unpredictability increases the risk to individuals and property. • Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. • "Heat lightning" is actually lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to be heard. However, the storm may be moving in your direction! • Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening. • Your chances of being struck by lightning are estimated to be 1 in 600,000, but could be reduced even further by following safety precautions. • Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately. SAFETY TIPS When there are signs of an approaching storm, signs of lightning or sounds of thunder , you must take immediate cover. If you are caught outdoors in an approaching storm, seek shelter in a building or a vehicle. The tires of the vehicle make excellent protection from potential lightning strikes. NEVER stand under trees. Lightning may strike the tree and travel across branches or ground to you. NEVER stand near ponds, lakes, or any water source including on wet grass. The electricity from the storm is attracted to these areas. Facts About Thunderstorms • They may occur singly, in clusters, or in lines. • Some of the most severe occur when a single thunderstorm affects one location for an extended time. • Thunderstorms typically produce heavy rain for a brief period, anywhere from 3 0 minutes to an hour. • Warm, humid conditions are highly favorable for thunderstorm development. About 10 percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe—one that produces hail at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter, has winds of 58 miles per hour or higher, or produces a tornado TORNADOS Tornado Watch Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information. Tornado Warning A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some risk from this hazard. Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or nearby low-hanging clouds obscure others. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible. Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado. The following are facts about tornadoes: • They may strike quickly, with little or no warning. • They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel. • The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction. • The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH, but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH. • Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land. • Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water. • Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months. • Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer. • Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time. • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. • Look for approaching storms • Look for the following danger signs: o Dark, often greenish sky o Large hail o A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating) o Loud roar, similar to a freight train. SAFETY TIPS If you are in a structure; house, school, office building etc: Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows If you’re in a trailer, mobile home or a vehicle: Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. If you are outside with no shelter available: Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter. Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries Hurricane Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a hurricane hazard: Tropical Depression An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 MPH (33 knots) or less. Sustained winds are defined as one-minute average wind measured at about 33 ft (10 meters) above the surface. Tropical Storm An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39–73 MPH (34–63 knots). Hurricane An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 MPH (64 knots) or higher. Storm Surge A dome of water pushed onshore by hurricane and tropical storm winds. Storm surges can reach 25 feet high and be 50–1000 miles wide. Storm Tide A combination of storm surge and the normal tide (i.e., a 15-foot storm surge combined with a 2-foot normal high tide over the mean sea level created a 17-foot storm tide). Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified area, usually within 36 hours. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information. Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified area, usually within 24 hours. Short Term Watches and Warnings These warnings provide detailed information about specific hurricane threats, such as flash floods and tornadoes. Before a Hurricane To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures: • Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. • Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage. • Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed. • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts. • Determine how and where to secure your boat. • Consider building a safe room. During a Hurricane If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should: • Listen to the radio or TV for information. • Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors. • Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed. • Turn off propane tanks.• Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies. • Moor your boat if time permits. • Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water. You should evacuate under the following conditions: • If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions. • If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground. • If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations. • If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway. • If you feel you are in danger. If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines: • Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors. • Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors. • Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again. • Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level. • Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object. Disaster Safety Kits We recommend that you have 2 disaster survival kits. Both can be packed in a backpack. Survival Kit One This kit will be used for basic thunder and lightning storms, straight line winds and ice and snow storms. In this kit you need to pack; FIRST AID KIT-This needs to contain guaze, band-aids, scissors,large guaze pads, etc. LIGHT SORCE-such as flashlights, flashlight batteries, battery powered laterns or light sticks NEVER use candles for your light source! BOTTLE WATER-Enough to sustain you and anyone lese in your family for 24 hours. SNACKS- Candy bars, trail mix, nuts something to curb your hunger should the power go off And of course, you should also have your battery operated AM/FM Radio and your battery operated Weather Radio and a cellphone This kit provides the basic neccasities in the event that the wind or thunderstorms knocks out power for a few hours. You’ll have basic supplies to last until power is restored. Survival Kit Two This survival kit is meant to sustain you during much harsher weather conditions including tornados and hurricanes. FIRST AID KIT-This needs to contain guaze, band-aids, scissors,large guaze pads, etc. LIGHT SORCE-such as flashlights, flashlight batteries, battery powered laterns or light sticks NEVER use candles for your light source! BOTTLE WATER-Enough to sustain you and anyone lese in your family for 72 hours. FOOD-Enough to sustain everyone in your group for at least 72 hours. food items should include non-perishables such as crackers, tuna, peperroni sticks,cereals,snacks,can food that requires no cooking Be sure to include a can opener! Also include: • Prescription medications and glasses • Infant formula and diapers • Pet food and extra water for your pet • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container • Cash or traveler's checks and change • Emergency reference material such as a first aid book • Matches in a waterproof container • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items • Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels • Paper and pencil • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children You may also want to keep several tarps and plywood sheets available to cover any damage to your roof. |
| SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY TIPS SURVIVAL KIT INFORMATION |