When it comes to security, no one has done more for our country than the service men and women of the United States.

Thank you for your service. 

Seeing is believing. Wireless video catching thieves in the act, even in the dark.

(BTW - This video is compliments of our friends at AACTVision in Portland; a fellow Videofied dealer.)

Please see our Videofied web page here for more information on how you can protect your business, job site or home with verified video. 

http://www.myntx.coppertheft.info/

Schedule a demonstration here.

Security systems are extremely important to deter burglars from choosing your house to break in to over another house without a security system. Security systems with surveillance cameras can also help authorities apprehend criminals and recover your belongings. 

However, a monitored security system is just one element of an overall security plan, albeit a large component, but one component nonetheless. 

Solid doors and door locks are another component to deter smash and grab crimes.  Solid dead bolt locks on your home or pushbutton locks and keycards for your business can discourage criminals if they can’t enter to begin with.   Also, if you purchased an existing home, it is a good idea to change all deadbolt locks throughout the home.You should have a professional lock and key shop replace old locks and inspect other vulnerable areas.

Additional items you should consider to complete your overall security plan for your home or business include:

• Safes
• Door Closers
• Desk Locks
• Mechanical/Electronic Pushbutton Locks
• Bump Key” Resistant Locks

Thank you for including us in your latest edition of "LowesForPros.com"

Providing Valuable Customer Service

Contractors need tools, tips and techniques to create and maintain good relationships with clients. Company-wide programs and policies are the best ways to do so.

By Dennis McCafferty

After 16 years as a contractor, Greg Peninger has a simple formula for maintaining excellent customer relations—one he likens to being a caddy in golf. “I call it ‘Show up. Shut up. Keep up,’” says Peninger, whose Flower Mound, Texas-based business, NTX Security, specializes in high-end residential security systems for builders.

“‘Show up’ means you show up on time. Not too early. Not too late. ‘Shut up’ means you stay invisible if possible. You come prepared. You don’t ask about things that you’re supposed to know about. You get the purchase order right before you show up on the job. ‘Keep up’ means you get your work done on time and send your invoices in a timely fashion.”

If it sounds simple, that’s because it is. But the simplicity of the process is exactly why it is a system that works for Peninger--and precisely the reason why it keeps his customer relationships strong. "If you can handle those three things effectively, then you can earn the long-term relationships that we all want," Peninger says. Contractors that have adapted similar policies are reaping the rewards when it comes to much-needed repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

While the majority of respondents to a 2008 survey conducted by Philadelphia-based home-improvement products supplier Kimberly-Clark Professional DIY Business, found that 64 percent of home-renovation/repair customers believe most contractors are professional, more than one quarter of respondents cited a number of complaints about contractors ranging from cleanliness to professionalism.

In an economic climate that does not suffer shoddy work and inconsistent professionalism, contractors need to work hard to incorporate best practices into organizational policies in order to ensure that customer relations are never compromised.

If your organization has been at the receiving end of complaints, or if you think there’s room for improvement in your customer relationship skills, consider employing these tactics to strengthen your service:

Begin with the concept that a customer is a partner. The customer must be made to feel like a critical part of the process, with the contractor providing a transparent vision of what the project will require. “The customer needs to feel like an integral part of the project,” says Jeffrey Crane, president and CEO of Concept to Creation LLC, a Gilbert, Ariz.-based construction consultancy. “A lack of understanding leads to unhappy clients. So education, education, education needs to be your mantra. This creates a sense of mutual respect and even gratitude,” he says.

Use technology to take communications to the next level . Most contractors know that strong communication is a sure way to maintain good customer relationships. But, with today’s technology tools, contractors can take communication to greater heights, ensuring that there are no nasty surprises for customers once a job is underway. “Many customers aren’t living near a site. They may be a client having their dream retirement home built in another state,” Crane says. “So I advise contractors to e-mail them weekly updates of the work in progress, with photographs. This can be a very valuable tool.”

Make sure your subcontractors maintain the same standards. You need to effectively screen subcontractors, because a customer often won’t distinguish between what ‘your’ people did and what ‘their’ people did. Discuss jobs thoroughly with subcontractors so they understand your expectations. Get references from other contractors in the industry that you respect. And when the hired subs come through for you, reward them. “It could be as simple as arriving on site with pizzas after they’ve finished laying down the concrete,” Crane says. “When you demonstrate your appreciation in a clear way, they’ll go out of their way for you.”

Keep the conversation going. When the job is done, you can keep the customers on an e-mail list, and keep them updated with valuable industry news, such as the latest cost-savings tools and techniques. They’ll appreciate the advice and think of you as a resident expert in the field increasing the likelihood of repeat business and positive word-of-mouth, says Pittsburgh-based marketing expert Becky Gomes, owner of a Pittsburgh-based marketing company and former construction business owner. “You can also create a tiered-level membership program,” she says. “Landscapers, for example, can have silver or gold memberships for various projects completed, such as the number of lawns mowed, landscaping jobs or mulching. You can get continuity income that way, by offering VIP-level services and special savings offers to these customers.”

Today many products have 3D cousins, from cereal boxes prizes to comics; calling cards to conference calls. If you can see it, someone will 3D it. 

But do you have 3D security? 

To find out; put on your red and blue tinted glasses and journey with me, not to the Center of the Earth, but to Secure Me... in 3D.

In technical terms 3D is short for 3 dimensional; the ability to perceive length, width and depth in a photo or video. For our purposes today we will discuss the other 3D:

1. Diligence
2. Detection
3. Documentation

Diligence is first on the list for many reasons: it's FREE!, it's essential, and it's effective. The most elaborate system system will fail if you are not diligent in keeping a secure mindset. Lock doors that should be locked. Arm the system when it should be armed. Run criminal background checks on your employees. Keep your facility or residence clear of obstructions such as shrubbery or window advertisements.

Detection is your alarm system. Your system should be customized to fit your specific needs and requirements. As we have discussed in prior posts, an alarm system should include at least two different elements: Perimeter Detection (exterior door / window contacts, glass breakage detectors etc), and Interior Traps (motion detectors, interior trap doors etc.). Best case scenario, we will become aware of the intruder before he or she has entered the facility, business or residence. Worst case - he or she is detected quickly once inside.

Documentation is capturing the event for evidence purposes and in some cases live verification of the actual crime. This can be accomplished by both audio and visual means. In the event of an alarm, a central station has the ability to observe and capture the sights and / or sounds of a crime in progress. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) or video surveillance has become mainstream in criminal forensics and has been instrumental in solving many crimes. Video Surveillance is no longer just for banks and Fortune 500 companies; it can be used to aid home and or business assisting law enforcement in their investigation, usually ending in an a quicker apprehension and hopefully prosecution of the criminal.

As you review your existing security measures, if you find that you don't have 3D security, please call us at 888.696.8926 or request a free security evaluation.

For years we have used IR LEDs to see what darkness covered. Unfortunately infrared (IR) had significant limitations: the picture was not very clear and it was not in color.

Our friends at Speco Technologies recently introduced The Intensifier Series video surveillance cameras which allows you to see color in the dark with out IR LEDs.

Basically this works by amplifying and maximizing the existing light to generate pictures where other cameras cannot.

BTW - For the techies interested the cameras sensitivity goes down to 0.002 lux, still in color.

Enjoy the comparison video below and lets us know if you have any questions about "Super Hero" night vision.  888.MyNTX.com (888.696.8926)

Intensifier Vs IRcamera.wmv (5.31 mb)

Your Basic Security System? Part Three

Perimeter Protection – The moat around your castle.

What is the difference between a trespasser and an intruder? Answer - which side of the wall they are on.

Second only to fire detection is perimeter protection. Although unglamorous, it is my favorite piece in the security puzzle. A system designer should view the outside of your business or residence with as much or more scrutiny as the inside. If you can detect the intruder or even scare him or her away before they even enter the premises then you are well on your way to a secured facility. Many times securing your home or business is simply addition by subtraction… Remove the clutter!

What entices an intruder more than a big score? A big score that can be done in total anonymity. If you have big shrubs, tall fences, window clutter (advertisements) you are sending signals to the enemy that this is a peaceful secluded place for their line of work. BTW – how much does correcting this cost? Many times it is free with a little elbow grease.

What screams to an intruder “Pick me first!”?  The lack of yard signs, window decals, plaques etc that says this premises (site, residence, building etc) is protected by : _______________ (Insert reputable local security company here.)

If you wanted to sell your car, you would take out an advertisement; put a sign on the window or something to let people know your intensions. The opposite is true as well. By notifying the general public (by omission) that you don’t have your building secured you are taking out an ad saying “Rob me first!”               

As a consumer, would you want your personal information in a business that you knew did not have a security system?

What else? You have basically three types of perimeter protection: Visual, Mechanical, and Audio.

Visual:

·         Lighting – Make sure you home, business, church, school etc is well lit. (PS – be green and save green using  energy efficient lights when possible)

·         Strobes – If an intruder is looking for seclusion and there is a red or blue flashing light alerting the neighbors something is wrong, it will not be an easy hit. PS as an added bonus – it makes it easy for the responding officers to find your location.

·         Surveillance Camera – We will go into more detail in a later post, but if the intruder knows that his or her every move is being documented and possibly watched live remotely, there will be little privacy for bad behavior.

Mechanical:

·         Door and window locks and latches – If you do nothing else, you can greatly improve your security by ensuring With Out Fail that your doors and windows are locked where applicable when not in use. This means double checking the doors, maybe by two separate individuals in business. One more quick tip – check every door and window immediately after a contractor has serviced your home or business.

·         Door and window alarm contacts – When and where possible, I strongly recommend either hardwired or wireless contacts on every door and/or window. This includes your overhead garage door. Not only will they inform you when your perimeter is being breeched, it will also advise you when they are left open. This is very important for openings that are not in common view i.e. attic windows and garage doors.

Audio:

·         Interior Siren – To an intruder, what is the opposite of peace and quiet?  A 90db siren screaming to all that can hear.

·         Exterior Siren (when and where applicable) – Will let all of your neighbors and or law enforcement know to be on the lookout.  (BTW – Please don’t respond to a siren blaring beyond taking notes and being observant. The absolute worst place you can be is between an intruder and their rapid exit. It is simply not safe.)

·         Audio Deterrent – By using modern technology we can be alerted at our central station when someone is in an area that is secured. We can then play a prerecorded message or even a live message basically stating  “Warning - you are on private property, please leave immediately”

Building a moat is more than a weekend project and feeding alligators is not cheap. However protecting your business and / or home’s perimeter is easy and affordable. Call your local security professional today and ask for a free security survey and leave the alligators at the zoo.

Next time we will discuss the motion commotion and how to use interior traps to catch a thief.

When we met last time (see "Your Basic Security System?"),  we discussed what a basic security system contains and why you may have one in your home or business. Today, we will discuss recommendations to enhance your base package, and what I recommend for the absolute essentials.

First, there is no substitute for an on-site evaluation by a security professional. We will discuss at another time what a security evaluation should entail, but don’t be fooled to believe that you can have effective coverage without someone taking your habits and physical location in consideration. 

So where does your quest for essential protection (detection) begin? In my opinion, the first level of enhancement should always begin with fire detection.  There is simply no other intruder more ruthless than fire.  Fire is indiscriminate.  It takes everything.  It does not care where you live, how safe your neighborhood is, how young or old you are or how you voted in the election.  It wants, and takes everything.

Most homes built since the late eighties have some form of fire protection that meets code today.  The detectors built in with your home were likely installed by your home builder’s electricians.  They are an effective noise maker in the event of a fire, but they cannot call for help.  Additionally, they may not be the best suited detector for your home.  How can you upgrade the fire protection for your home?  This requires a licensed fire planner to design a system for your dwelling; here are some of the components:

• Ionization smoke detector  
• Photoelectric detectors
• Fixed heat detectors 
• Rate of Rise Heat Detectors
• CO2 Detectors 

When planning to enhance your existing fire coverage, look at the following areas to enhance your protection beyond what the code may require: (These are only points of interest - check with you local fire marshal or AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) for the codes for your specific area.

Heat Detectors: (Fixed or Rate of Rise) 

• In attic - especially if HVAC units or water heaters are present.
• Garages - especially if garages are attached and very important if garages have a bedroom above the garage
• By electrical panels
• By HVAC units (i.e. closet, attics)
• By water heaters (i.e. closets, attics)
• Kitchens
• Laundry Rooms
• Special rooms / workshops where flammables may exist

Smoke Detectors: (Photoelectric or Ionization) 

• To local code – check with your local fire marshal

CO2 Detectors:

• In the hallway outside the bedrooms. 
• Outside the kitchen area if there is a gas or wood burning stove / oven present. 
• Adjacent to the room containing carbon based (gas or wood burning) heating appliance: (examples)-Water heater- Furnace 
• Inside the home near the door to the attached garage (or car port).

FYI - Check out some great fire safety information here. 

Next time, we will discuss perimeter protection and how to build a virtual moat and your "castle".

North Texas is becoming a target for sophisticated international fraud rings which use cashier's checks to steal money from consumers. The scam uses legitimate businesses to gain victims’ confidence.

By BYRON HARRIS / WFAA-TV

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/localnews/investigates/stories/wfaa080925_lj_harris.aea4e6ae.html

If you have ever shopped for a security system for your home or small business, I am sure you have heard the phrase “Basic System”, “Basic Package” or something similar. Ever wondered – “What is a basic security system?” or “Why would I want a basic system?” – then this article is for you.

As its name implies, this is usually the base level of protection offered by the company. Most often the basic security system will include the:

• Alarm Control panel

• Interior siren

• Battery backup

• Power supply (transformer)

• 2-3 door / window contacts

• Interior trap (usually a motion detector)

• Hardwired or wireless options
  

Although this may sound like a lot, in the words of Karen Carpenter; “We’ve only just begun…”  The Chinese proverb states that the journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step. Protecting your family or property does not have to be a thousand mile journey, it should not stop at the first step either.

First, let me say that there are exceptions where, financially, the basic system is truly all that you can afford.  Certainly, a basic security system is better than nothing; HOWEVER, that is the exception not the rule.

You would not lay a foundation for your home then move your furniture in, nor would order your next car without air conditioning (at least not in Texas).  Why then would you want to stay with the base level of security?  Why are there so many basic systems “protecting” businesses and families? In some cases the alarm company was focused more on making a sale than protecting the property. Enhanced security protection requires more experienced alarm companies whose employees are knowledgeable enough to design and install more than just the basics. Other times, a consumer may be mislead into believing the base system will provide adequate protection. In either case, please join me next time as we review how to customize your system, to provide your essential level of protection.