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Special Alert! Be on the Look Out for Dishonest Summer Sales Workers
As the Midwest's premier security provider, we feel it is our responsibility to alert our community about an alarming practice that has victimized many in our state. Per Mar Security Services has received a number of complaints from our loyal customers about door-to-door sales workers using dishonest sales tactics in an attempt to prey on homeowners to either switch their Per Mar security system to their out of state company or buy a new security alarm system from their company.
These security alarm companies employ temporary summer workers to aggressively canvass neighborhoods selling residential security systems. They have been known to use unethical and questionable sales tactics meant to mislead and/or confuse the homeowner. They have proven to target not only people already under contract with other alarm companies, but also the elderly, intimidating them using the fear of living alone to over-sell unsuspecting seniors.
Per Mar Security Services wants you to be aware of the tactics these summer workers use:
- They will often say they work for a security system manufacturer. They have been known to wear shirts and hats with the GE, Honeywell or Ademco logo. The truth is that these security manufacturers don't sell directly to the public.
- They may state that they work for Per Mar and appear with no appointment. Per Mar always calls to set up an appointment prior to sending out a technician.
- They may say they are there to convert your paperwork to change to Per Mar Security Service’s "new company name". There is no "new company name" we have been Per Mar for over 55 years.
- They may say they are there to "upgrade" your existing system to "current" technology, often using sub-par installation methods.
- They may say they are only offering a certain number of "free" systems in your neighborhood.
- They may say they are "advertising directors" and are offering you a special advertising deal because they like the look and location of your house.
- They may even misrepresent that Per Mar Security Services is "going out of business". Not true!
To ensure you are dealing with a reputable Alarm Professional, please be sure to:
- Ask for an ID badge, business card, or literature with their company name.
- In most states, alarm technicians are required to be licensed. Please ask for proof of their State License.
- Ask who will be monitoring your account, and whether that specific monitoring service is "guaranteed" over the length of the contract.
- Clarify who will be doing any work within your home: a licensed professional employee or an unlicensed, unregulated subcontractor?
It's important to report these unethical sales people in order to get them off the streets. If you have been approached by one of these scam artists please be sure to contact your local Better Business Bureau www.bbb.org. You can also advise your local Per Mar Security Services Representative or send it directly to:
Per Mar Security Services
Attn: Customer Care Center
1910 E Kimberly Road
Davenport, IA 52807
fax: (563) 359-6700
email: pmccsr@permarsecurity.com
US Government Internet Traffic To Be Screened
 The National Security Agency (NSA) may soon be called on to screen Internet traffic between the government and the private sector. The aim according to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano would be to guard and protect government computer networks from outside attacks. The NSA would be asked to use their vast technical resources to screen for attacks after a civilian visited a dot.gov website or sent an e mail to government employees. The program, part of a $17 billion dollar security movement initiated by former President Bush could be vital in thwarting attacks by hackers on government and military websites. According to officials, the NSA would be directed and guided by personnel at the Department of Homeland Security.
Source: The Associated Press
Cell Phone Security
There was a time when thieves had to work hard to retrieve personal information in order to steal your money and identity. Due to the advancements in technology today, one merely needs to pay attention to the many ways that private conversations are being conducted publicly or are able to retrieve through stored information in cell phones.
 Following are a few tips to help you keep your private information private.
- If your cell phone is stolen, contact your service provider immediately. They will be able to block your phone across all networks so that service cannot be obtained with another provider.
- Write down the make, model of your cell phone, phone number, serial, pin number, color, size and shape, and keep in a safe place in your home. This information will be needed by the police when you report it stolen.
- When programming telephone numbers into your cell phone, do not identify your home telephone number as “home”. By listing it as “home”, a thief can retrieve that number and use the Internet to find your address, case it and burglarize when no one is home.
- Never program in your address, or personal information i.e. passwords, pin numbers, bank account information or credit card information. Too much personal information can be dangerous if it gets into the wrong hands.
- Clear text messages and calendar entries as soon as possible.
- DO NOT open text messages from unknown or unfamiliar sources. There could be harmful software waiting to steal all information stored in your cell phone.
- Utilize the lock keypad feature on your phone when you are not using it. This will make accessing your information by anyone but you difficult should your cell phone be stolen or tampered with.
- Stay informed of the laws in your state regarding cell phone use while driving. In some states and cities, a person can be fined for using their cell phone while driving. A solution would be to invest in a hands free device.
- Program an ICE number (ICE = In Case of Emergency) in your contacts. Should you be in an accident, authorities will know this is a number of a person you want notified.
Article written by: Timothy D. Smith, Director of Customer Relations & Purchasing
Per Mar Security Charitable & Community Activities
This month we are highlighting charitable and community activities from several of Per Mar Security’s offices.
In Wausau, WI, a Jean’s Day fundraiser was held to collect funds for the Lincoln County Humane Society. Cleaning supplies and dog food were also donated to the Humane Society.
Jim Flater, the Electronic Security General Manager for our Eau Claire, WI office recently participated in the Muscular Dystrophy fundraiser – MDA Lock-Up. In this event, Jim was “arrested” for having a “big heart” for the cause. He then collected contributions to “bail” him out and raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
The Quad Cities branch of Per Mar Security Services continued showing it’s commitment to the community by participating in The Big Brother/Big Sister Miniature Golf Tournament earlier this Spring.
 Finally, Per Mar Centre in Davenport, IA recently lent its support to the Race for the Cure. Several employees participated in the Race for the Cure walk on June 13th. A Jean’s Day was held to raise funds and many employees wore pink that day to show their support for those whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer.
Article written by: Mindy Zumdome, Director of Human Resources
Texting 911 Becoming a Reality in Iowa County
 Speech and hearing impaired residents of Black Hawk County, Iowa will soon have the ability to reach a 911 operator via text message during an emergency. The ability to text to 911 operators will allow the hearing and speech impaired to communicate wherever they are rather than relying on special home technology or a relay center. Texting also is seen as beneficial to the population as a whole since it is becoming a means of communicating by so many. Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department program manager Barbara Vos said they want to eventually be able to provide the ability to text 911 to all residents in the future.
Source: govtech.com
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
 What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, tasteless and highly toxic gas. It is produced when flame-fueled devices, such as heating systems, power tools, grills and ovens, malfunction or are not properly vented.
What happens if CO is inhaled?
The CO is absorbed into the bloodstream, replacing the oxygen traveling to vital organs throughout the body. Depending on the concentration of CO in the air and the length of exposure, effects can include a mild headache, drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, unconsciousness and suffocation. CO poisoning can occur with small amounts accumulating in the bloodstream over time, or large amounts
being inhaled quickly.
How do CO detectors protect residents from CO poisoning?
CO detectors protect residents by monitoring the air and measuring the amount of CO present over a time interval. When dangerous levels are calculated, CO detectors flash and sound a temp-4 alarm.
Where should a CO detector be installed?
Ideally, a CO detector should be installed:
- Within 10 feet of all sleeping areas
- Inside the bedroom if it contains a fuel burning appliance
- On every floor of the building
- In any room that contains a fuel burning appliance
What are the benefits of a monitored CO detector?
CO detectors can be connected to the initiating circuit of a control panel that connects to a central station. Supervised detectors provide peace of mind by adding an extra level of protection for situations in which residents cannot respond
to an unsupervised alarm, such as when residents are sleeping, when the home is empty, or when residents are already suffering from the effects of CO. If the CO concentration hits a dangerous level, the homeowner will not only be notified by the detector and the control panel, but also by the central station. If the owner is unreachable, the central station may send the proper authorities to investigate.
Central station procedures may vary.
Are CO detectors required by law?
Many states and localities require CO detectors. Check with the local authority having jurisdiction for CO detector requirements in your area.
What is the life span of the CO detector?
The electrochemical sensor operates at full strength for approximately six years.
Article written by: Kevin Link, Manager Technical Services
Risk Self Assessment Tool (RSAT)
 RSAT replaced ViSAT (Vulnerability Identification Self-Assessment Tool) recently as a process that one can use to measure risks to venues and protecting venues from those identified risks. Risks can be either man-made or natural threats. Either way, strategies must be in place to deal with both scenarios.
Risk is the potential for an unwanted outcome resulting from an incident, event, or occurrence of a hazard, as determined by its likelihood and the associated consequences. This considers threat as the likelihood an event will happen and vulnerability as the likelihood that the event is successful in causing harm via disruption, destruction, or exploitation.
In order to control these risks of a broad range of hazards, the venue management must develop a risk management program that is a continually updated process designed to protect venue structures, functions, and, especially, persons.
Estimated values are developed in RSAT for each of these three components of risk so that the relative risks of various hazards can be compared:
- Threat probability
- Vulnerability potential, and
- Consequence (the worse case impact of the hazard on people and/or the venue structures)
RSAT uses estimated values for the components of risk to calculate a risk value for each hazard: Risk = Threat probability x Vulnerability x Consequence.
RSAT follows a logical data collection process and the completed report should be protected and treated as a confidential document. A user of RSAT does not have to share its information with Department of Homeland Security (DHS), however, a Benchmark report provided by DHS is a valuable resource as it compares venues with similarities.
Typically, when information is shared with the Federal government it becomes public record and may be accessed through public disclosure laws. RSAT incorporates the Protected Critical Infrastructure Information (PCII) protections into the self-assessment process. Only PCII marked copies of the RSAT report will be afforded the PCII protection. Check website www.dhs.gov/pcii for details.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Article written by: Gene Hoth, Director of Special Events
TSA Asked To Ensure Safety Of Customer Data After Clear Closing
Representative Bennie Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security has given the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) until July 8th to explain how the agency plans to ensure the security of private data collected by Verified Identity Pass Inc (VIP). VIP offered a service called Clear that was designed to help air travelers get through airport security checks faster by vetting their identities and backgrounds in advance. The abrupt closure of VIP has caused concern on how personal information will be handled after the shutdown. “We are concerned about the security and safety of the information currently held by Clear," Thompson wrote. He asked the TSA to explain what role it will play in ensuring that "adequate privacy protections are in place prior to any disposition of the personally identifiable information." He also asked whether VIP had informed the TSA about its plans to shut down Clear, and whether the agency had asked the company about its plans for securing the personal data.
Source: Computer World
"Never Judge a Book by its Cover"
 Good advice but we all judge books by their covers everyday. We only get one chance to make a first impression and people meeting us for the first time definitely make assumptions about us based on our appearance.
Frequently, the security officer is the first person a client or customer sees when entering a facility. The impression the officer makes reflects on both our clients and Per Mar Security Services.
A security officer who displays poor grooming and a sloppy uniform will most likely be judged as a careless person who doesn’t think his job is important.
A very good officer may be removed from a post even though he may be doing an outstanding job technically if his appearance is poor. Posture also can also be considered an indicator as to an officer’s approach to their job. A non-military posture should never be displayed in public view.
Clean and pressed uniforms and good grooming habits are the minimum expectation of a professional security officer.
People do judge books by their covers all the time. Let’s always make the best impression possible.
Article by: Jeff Accola, General Manager, Physical Security
Let Your Lights Shine
Protective lighting is often an undervalued component of the overall security program. When a property is well lit it can add a high deterrence and detection factor and force an intruder to determine if the chance of exposure is really worth the risk.
Good lighting also helps if you have security officers patrolling the property. It will allow the officer to have a better visual scope of the area they are protecting. If there are not enough lights, many burned out lights, or tree foliage muting the lights, it can seriously dampen the officer’s effectiveness while on patrol.
The Illuminating Engineers Society of North American (IESNA) has the following listing in the Protection of Assets Manual, dictating minimum lighting levels for a number of areas on a typical property. These measurements are taken in footcandles (fc) and are only to be used as a guide.
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Application
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Minimum Lighting Level (IESNA)
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Perimeter Fence
Outer Perimeter
Open Areas
Open Parking Lot
Covered Parking Structure
Pedestrian Walkways
Pedestrian Entrances
Vehicle Entrances
Building Facade
Gate Houses
Loading Dock Exterior
Loading Bays
Offices (General)
Offices (Task)
Interior Public Areas
Retail Stores
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0.50 fc
0.50-2.00 fc
2.00 fc
0.20-0.90 fc
5.00 fc
0.20 fc
5.00 fc
10.00 fc
0.50-2.00 fc
30.00 fc
0.20-5.00 fc
15.00 fc
30-50 fc
50-70 fc
10-20 fc
50.00 fc
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Lighting also affects how cameras are able to “see” the property. A general rule of thumb is that the minimum level for reflected light requires 0.5 fc for detection, 1.0 fc for recognition, and 2.0 fc for Identification. As this gets more in depth it is further dependent on the type of camera, color rendering index, reflectance of materials, directionality of reflected light, etc. but this is a place for you to get started.
For a relatively small fee, you can purchase a light meter to take readings of footcandles around your property. This way you will know for sure what areas are deficient and should be considered for future lighting upgrades when funds are available.
Article by: Colin Vick, Physical Security Division
Source: Protection of Assets Manual
Iowa Officials Introduce "Extreme" Seatbelt Campaign
Iowa state officials are creating a new "edgy" campaign in order to reach young male drivers on the importance of seatbelt usage. Iowa Department of Public Safety officials have begun unveiling a new television and internet campaign showing young men engaging in risk taking and thrill seeking behavior in order to show the importance of wearing a seatbelt. The add campaign, named MANIACS, ends by showing young men clicking into their seatbelts, and displaying the message “some risks aren’t worth taking.” The purpose of the MANIACS campaign is geared to reach the 7 percent of Iowa drivers who routinely don’t wear seatbelts while driving. This group is primarily made up of male drivers between the age of 16 and 34 who have several traffic violations or accident citations.
Source: The Quad City Times
Per Mar ADP Asset Disposal Program
 Businesses, medical facilities, educational institutions, and governmental agencies spend millions of dollars annually in firewalls, anti‐virus software and other security measures to protect the data on their servers and the computers attached to them. When old technology has reached its’ end‐of‐life, it is just as critical that sensitive data be properly destroyed to protect users reputations and eliminate the liability associated with confidential data.
Per Mar Security Services, in partnership with Premier Computer Services, provides secure data destruction to destroy sensitive, confidential data to safeguard its’ clients reputation.
This includes the processing of data security and recycling of the following:
- Notebook computers
- Desktop computers
- Servers
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- Digital cameras
- PDA’s
- CRT and LCD monitors
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- Data storage media
- USB flash drive
- External hard drives
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For more information about this system and pricing please call us today at (800) 251-0307. Click here to download the flyer
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