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VOIP And Home/Business Security Monitoring
 It is ironic that many consumers switch their telephone service from a traditional landline to VOIP service to save money, then discover after the fact that their alarm system is not compatible with VOIP. This requires them to keep their regular phone line, or use cellular and/or radio for alarm transmissions. This, of course, can offset or eliminate any savings that they may have enjoyed using VOIP in the first place.
So what is VOIP, and How Can It Interfere With My Alarm System’s Monitoring Capabilities?
VOIP is an acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol. It simply uses your broadband internet connection to place voice calls digitally over IP based networks. Generally, a consumer will pay a flat monthly fee for local and long distance calls, often for considerably less than a regular analog landline.
Using VOIP and alarm systems can pose problems because:
- An alarm system is designed to send its signals over an analog phone line. To transmit emergency signals properly using VOIP, the signal must be converted to digital, then converted again to analog. It is during this conversion that problems develop. Usually the signals arrive at the central monitoring station with errors, or not at all.
- Your alarm panel comes equipped with a back up power supply in the event of a power failure. Because traditional phone lines will still work even if your power is out, your monitoring station will still receive the proper signals. With VOIP, your phone service (specifically your IP router and/or modem) will not operate during a power failure, preventing any kind of signal transmission from your alarm to the monitoring station. You can prevent this with the purchase of a UPS (Un-interruptable Power Supply) for your PC.
- VOIP services tend to be more prone to “mysterious” technical issues and dropped calls. Your alarm panel may be communicating vital data to your monitoring station, and a dropped call will obviously interfere with this. Or, your alarm’s signal may go through without a problem on one attempt, but will fail on another for no apparent reason.
- Similar to a land line, your VOIP line (specifically your cable connection) can be cut or disabled by a potential intruder, severing your link to the monitoring station.
What is being done to make VOIP and alarm systems more compatible?
The VOIP and alarm systems manufacturers are still working with alarm companies on a permanent solution to these transmission problems. For now, you can use cellular, radio, or IP communicators as the primary method of transmitting your alarm signals. These methods were originally designed as a back up to your regular phone line in the event it is disabled but are becoming more mainstream everyday. These options may not be available in all areas (especially radio monitoring) so please contact your alarm provider to see what is available in your area.
Article written by: Kevin Link, Manager Technical Services
Source: alarmsystemreviews.com
Fun in the Sun: Facts and Tips
Everyone loves to have fun in the sun. The sun provides us with vitamin D; something we all need to help our body absorb calcium for healthier bones. The down side is that too much exposure can cause skin and eye damage.
So, how do you balance the need for a healthier body and not put yourself at risk? The best way is to use a little precaution and be armed with knowledge.
Everyone needs to protect their skin but children and adults with fair skin need extra protection. More than 85% of skin cancer cases are sun exposure related. Help protect yourself with the some of the items below.
 Sunglasses- Sunhat with brim or bill
- Light colored and light weight shirt or top with sleeves
- Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher and reapply as directed, especially if swimming or active. Apply to all areas that are not covered like your nose and ears.
The suns rays are most intense between 10AM – 4PM. Too much sun exposure can lead to sun poisoning, sun burns, and dehydration, all of which can be serious health conditions. It’s important to keep well hydrated by drinking fluids like water and avoid drinks high in sugar content, like soda.
If you suspect any of the above signs of over exposure to the sun, you should contact your doctor immediately to assist in diagnosis and treatment.
Enjoy the sun and have fun, but be safe about it by taking care of yourself.
Article written by: Timothy D. Smith, Director of Customer Relations & Purchasing
New Homeland Security Program Being Tested At Airports
 The Department of Homeland Security is testing a new program at certain U.S airports designed to check the identity of non U.S citizens against a terror watch list. The program will help crack down on foreigners who overstay their visas. "It is really about bringing integrity back to the immigrant system and making sure we know who's here legally, who's here illegally and we can take appropriate actions," said Robert Mocny of the Department of Homeland Security. In Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, departing foreign nationals are directed to separate security lines where their fingerprints are scanned and verified. Former FBI agent and counter-terrorism expert Greg Esslinger said the program is welcome, if not overdue. "If an individual has in fact been flagged for overstaying a visa or has some criminal activities that may be associated with them the hit would be virtually instantaneous," said Esslinger.
Source: MyFoxAtlanta.com
Traffic Control
Ingress and egress from events can be both enjoyable and frustrating for the fan or patron. As you are waiting in a traffic line to enter an event or to egress from an event, consider what goes into traffic control for most events. Believe it or not, most traffic control measures are carefully thought out to ensure one’s safety.
Ingress is generally easier to manage as events with starting times from late morning to early evening allow for several hours of traffic flow inbound. Egress, on the other hand, requires more thought as most patrons or fans want to leave at the same time to head home.
 Factors contributing to ingress or egress are: Streets (number of lanes or traffic devices); Parking Lots (hard surface, grass, rock, dirt, stripped or not, wet or dry, number of parking attendants, permits or public and parking design (Disney or straight –in); Weather; Signage (large bold print for easy reading and understanding at a pre-determined speed rate, multi-colored, etc.); Orange Cones (properly designed routes for fast and comfortable travel); Pedestrians.
Most streets and highways are designed for normal traffic flow. However, when an event ends and the egress starts, there are never enough lanes, traffic signals, or whatever, to allow for an egress without personnel directing the traffic flow.
That’s where traffic control personnel come in and direct traffic safely to their designations. This can be dangerous at times as drivers don’t always respect the cones and drag them with vehicles which can be a safety issue for personnel standing within a couple feet of moving traffic. Factor in alcohol and the challenges begin.
Traffic control personnel must be trained to communicate effectively with drivers and pedestrians through proper hand and arm signals that state a message to a driver or a person on foot without saying a word to either party. Proper planning for clothing attire, signal devices (flashlights with cones, flags or wands) and constantly being aware of your surroundings is essential for traffic control personnel. Be alert, be safe is constantly stated to personnel.
Most often drivers are patient and understand the job we are trying to do, however, there are those who choose to vent on us and use some of their own gestures that communicate without saying a word. We understand the scope of the job and respond professionally or not at all. We just want everyone to be safe.
Written by: Gene Hoth, Director of Special Events
Burglar Alarm Systems – Hard Wired or Wireless - Which is Best?
 No one wants to be burgled - it simply is your worst nightmare. Think about it - the invasion of your privacy by some mindless intruder to gain entry into your home to take your belongings. It creates so much upheaval and heartache that it will affect you for months, years even. Just stop for one minute and check the following... have you got up to date home insurance and do you have an up to date inventory of your belongings? You will need these if you get burgled. However, all this could be prevented by simply improving your home security and installing a home burglar alarm system.
So what choices of burglar alarms are available today? There are essentially two main types of burglar alarm systems - wireless and hard wired. Both have their pros and cons.
Hard wired alarms are usually thought of as a more reliable alarm system. These are the traditional alarm systems whereby the sensors that trigger the alarm are connected to an alarm control panel by cables. There is no chance for interference, unlike a wireless system, however, there will be considerable disruption during the installation, as walls will need to be channeled and shirting and floorboards lifted. It is advised that a professional alarm installation contractor perform this work.
A wireless alarm system is a home security package that consists of a control panel and sensors, but is connected wirelessly, thus virtually eliminating the need for wiring. You can purchase a starter kit and simply add to it when finances permit. Wireless security systems are becoming extremely popular due to their flexibility, ease of installation and cost. Like a hardwired alarm system, a variety of sensors can be added to the system such as door/window sensors, PIR movement detection sensors, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. The beauty of a wireless system is that you don't need to install them all at the same time. The only downside to a wireless system is that you will need to change the batteries in the sensors regularly. The reliability has improved considerably over recent years as technology has improved so interference is virtually a thing of the past. Wireless systems are great if you are expanding your property because you can simply install additional sensors to the new build very quickly and easily.
An alarm system is a vital home improvement that so many people don't consider. If you don't have an installed alarm system, take action - why wait until you get burgled?
Article by: Kevin Lloyd, Electronic Security General Manager
SOURCE: May 9, 2009 Articlebase (Free online Articles Directory).
Iowa State Patrol to start Safe Saturdays
The Iowa State Patrol has begun a new traffic enforcement policy named “Safe Saturdays” in order to cut down on the amount of impaired drivers throughout the state on Saturday nights. The patrol will be held in a combination of 16 different patrol districts throughout Iowa during each Saturday in June. The patrols will work from 5:30 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday. “These are saturation patrols in certain areas across the state,” said Iowa State Patrol trooper Dan Loussart. The effort was started after statistics indicated that June is one of the deadlier months for traffic fatalities in Iowa, and that a larger number of those fatal crashes occur on Saturday nights, he said. All uniformed members of the Iowa State Patrol, regardless of rank, will participate in the initiative, he added. The focus will be on excessive speeds, impaired drivers and seatbelt usage.
Source: The Quad City Times
Integrity
In today’s society it appears to be common to classify violators of immoral behavior as victims of social circumstances rather than hold them accountable for their actions. As our current economic conditions evolved, we all witnessed countless examples of individuals blaming everyone but themselves for their illegal or immoral actions. Image and perception are important components of a successful business but if employees are not honest with subordinates, co-workers, and clients then that businesses reputation will eventually be tarnished.
 Individuals with integrity always do what they say and do not hide or excuse their actions. This definition sounds simple but without disciplined thought and consistent honesty, anyone can easily lose credibility with a co-worker, a customer, or a family member should they ever not practice what they preach.
It is sometimes difficult to have straightforward conversations with, for example, a subordinate or a child due to the negative content of the message. Delegating this task to someone else in order to serve as your messenger may resolve an issue but it will not build trust between you and your team or family member.
Integrity is at the core of Per Mar Security’s mission and commitment to provide our customers with value added service without taking shortcuts or avoiding responsibility for what we say and do.
Article written by: Randy Mulder, Physical Security General Manager
Bowl for Kids Sake and the Heartwalk
Per Mar Security’s Wausau, WI branch is involved in several activities in their community throughout the year. In particular, employees in Wausau lend their support each year to the Bowl for Kids Sake and the Heartwalk.
 The Bowl for Kids Sake is an annual event to raise money for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of North Central, WI. Last year, a team of five employees from Wausau, WI participated in the event by raising money and bowling. The team is already looking forward to participating in the next Bowl for Kids Sake event in the fall.
Like other branches of Per Mar Security, the Wausau office participates in the Heartwalk to benefit the American Heart Association. Twenty employees worked together to raise funds for the event, with six employees participating in the walk on May 16, 2009. The walk was a little difficult this year, as the event took place on a day with snow, wind, and temperatures around 40 degrees. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the Wausau team completed the walk and helped the American Heart Association have a very successful event.
Article by: Mindy Zumdome, Director of Human Resources
The Security Workstation
The area where a person works can drastically alter their mood and their ability to perform without them even knowing it.
 The security workstation itself, whether in an office or at a front desk, can also detract from a security officer performing to the best of his or her abilities. Following are a few of the causes which can be addressed if needed at your facility.
Lighting
The amount of light necessary for good work performance usually depends on the task being done. In an interior public area the Illumination Engineers Society (IES) has set the lighting standard to 10-20 footcandles. If the lighting level is brighter or dimmer than this recommended level it could affect the abilities of the officer.
Temperature and Ventilation
If a lobby or office area has poor air circulation it can cause wide fluctuation in temperature. This can be uncomfortable and possibly even unhealthy. Most people have a thermal comfort level between 69.8oF and 73.4oF. So if there is a prolonged elevation of heat levels, especially in a small area, it could cause the officer to become increasingly drowsy over time.
Noise
While officers are not usually posted in environments with constant loud noises there are other factors to consider that may interfere with communication and performance. Simple background or ambient noise should be minimized where possible, such as with lobby water fountains or mood music over a speaker system in the area, as it can be distracting for the officer when interacting with people who may need assistance.
CCTV Monitoring
The use of closed circuit television can widely enhance the effectiveness of an officer by allowing them a broader view of the property in short order. Actually, watching the cameras on a television or computer monitor can have an almost hypnotic effect on the officer over time. It is best to limit viewing to shorter durations and rotate duties or even officers if possible to lessen the chance this may happen.
There are other items that can be reviewed such as utilizing ergonomic chairs and assessing the height of the security desk with entry foot traffic to name a couple. Reviewing these items from time to time will aid in improving the officer’s working conditions and hopefully help them enjoy their jobs a little more as well.
Article by: Colin Vick, Physical Security Division
Source: Protection of Assets Manual
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