In virtually every security evaluation, we offer potential clients the opportunity to protect their garage as part of the complete security solution. 

Why?

1. As the article states below, garages are an easy target with many big ticket items that can be sold quickly and easily.
2. When your garage is not protected, it compromises the overall protection of the home.

 What security concerns do we see from the garage?

1. Loss of tools, golf clubs and other items of importance that reside in an open garage.
2. Vehicles stored in garages are often unlocked and the garage provides cover for intruders. Many times, personal items are left in autos that can make your identity vulnerable. 
3. Many times people leave the door unlocked between the garage and the home.  Check this door routinely and especially before you retire for the evening.
4. Criminals like cover.  What could be better than an open garage with an empty home?  The intruder could shut the door then come right through the wall if he or she desired. 
5. Finally, one of the most important garage security concerns - Fire Detection. Your garage is likely full of flammables and igniters. Your cars, electrical panels, lawn mowers, possibly even water heaters. We encourage at least one heat detector in every garage especially when there is a bedroom above the garage.  If a fire started in your garage, would the smoke detector inside the home sound before tragedy struck above?

 We recommend the following to enhance your home security through the garage:

1. Overhead garage door contacts.
2. Remote key fobs to assist in arming and dis-arming with a panic button feature.
3. Indicator light to identify the status of the alarm - especially when there has been an alarm event. 
4. Heat detection.
5. Alarm contacts on all pedestrian doors and windows. 
6. Glass break detectors on accessible windows.

Contact NTX Security today for your Free Security Evaluation.

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Denton Record-Chroncile 

11:58 PM CST on Wednesday, December 3, 2008

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".

This is a great tool for the residents of Dallas. The best way to fight crime is knowledge.

http://www.dallaspolice.net/mediaaccess

Farmers Branch Home Security 

WFAA Reports - Farmers Branch residents must trim grass or face a fine.

Farmers Branch's new ordinance about landscaping may have bigger implications that just a "well groomed" community. Unkempt lawns put targets on homes and businesses by telling the intruder nobody's home or in some extreme cases; nobody cares. (Not to mention the additional risk of fire caused by the tall dry grass around your building in the hot Texas summer.)

What are the first steps to protecting your home from invasion... Act like you care.

• Act like you care - Remove tools and other implements that could be used in the intrusion.
• Act like you care - Ensure that all of your doors and windows are locked.
• Act like you care - Keep you hedges and trees trimmed from your home to reduce hiding places and easy access to second stories.
• Act like you care - Have a professionally designed security system to protect person and property.

NTX Security offers a FREE Security Evaluation to help you protect your property starting from reducing the curb appeal your home has to interested intruders.

Fire Safety 101  

Colleges and Universities

Every year college and university students experience a growing number of fire-related emergencies. There are several causes for these fires, however most are due to a general lack of knowledge about fire safety and prevention.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) offers these tips to help reduce and prevent the loss of life and property in dormitory and university housing fires.

The Facts

In cases where fire fatalities occurred on college campuses, alcohol was a factor. There is a strong link between alcohol and fire deaths. In more than 50% of adult fire fatalities, victims were under the influence at the time of the fire. Alcohol abuse often impairs judgment and hampers evacuation efforts. Cooking is the leading cause of fire injuries on college campuses, closely followed by careless smoking and arson.

The Cause

Many factors contribute to the problem of dormitory housing fires.

• Improper use of 911 notification systems delays emergency response.
• Student apathy is prevalent. Many are unaware that fire is a risk or threat in the environment.
• Evacuation efforts are hindered since fire alarms are often ignored.
• Building evacuations are delayed due to lack of preparation and preplanning.
• Vandalized and improperly maintained smoke alarms and fire alarm systems inhibit early detection of fires.
• Misuse of cooking appliances, overloaded electrical circuits and extension cords increase the risk of fires.

Safety Precautions

• Provide students with a program for fire safety and prevention.
• Teach students how to properly notify the fire department using the 911 system.
• Install smoke alarms in every dormitory room and every level of housing facilities.
• Maintain and regularly test smoke alarms and fire alarm systems. Replace smoke alarm batteries every semester.
• Regularly inspect rooms and buildings for fire hazards. Ask your local fire department for assistance.
• Inspect exit doors and windows and make sure they are working properly.
• Create and update detailed floor plans of buildings, and make them available to emergency personnel, resident advisors and students.
• Conduct fire drills and practice escape routes and evacuation plans. Urge students to take each alarm seriously.
• Do not overload electrical outlets and make sure extension cords are used properly.
• Learn to properly use and maintain heating and cooking appliances.