The CSI Journal

The Smart in Security Systems

By CSI Security

Security systems with smart technology

Home security has evolved from being an alarm system to protect your home from intrusion to being a complete home automation system that offers you control over all aspects of your home. And you can control it all remotely from your cell phone or your computer.

With the introduction of Smart technology, your security system is more than a keypad on the wall that you arm and disarm by physically punching in a code. Now you can use your cell phone, iPad, tablet or computer to access your alarm system and monitor what is going on in your home.

This new technology notifies you automatically when someone is in your home; you could be at work and you will receive a text message to say your children are home or the person who cleans your home is in the house or has left. When you are on your way home from work you could have the coffee pot turned on or have the hot tub come on so it will be ready when you get home.

The system is more than a toy that offers you convenience - it can also help you to save money on your energy costs. The system can be set up so you can call your home or cottage to have the heat adjusted or to have the air conditioner come on so your home or cottage will be comfortable when you arrive. You can also turn off any lights you might have inadvertently left on or turn on lights in your home for when you arrive.

Free security systems not always a bargain

There is a saying "that nothing comes for FREE in this life," and it also applies to a "security system."

The first thing to understand is that a sound security system is going to cost you some money. Deals that seem too good to be true - usually are. Don't fall for the salespersons' promises; get it in writing before you sign.

When you purchased your home or started a new business, you spent a lot of time researching, evaluating, and looking for that special place. Maybe, just maybe, you even built it. Think of all the decisions you made before and during that purchase.

When considering the purchase of an alarm security system for your home or business, you're making a similar, essential purchasing decision.

Follow the same in-depth research and decision-making process you followed earlier. You want to secure and protect your home or business. When you request a quote for an alarm security system, ask the difficult questions.

• Ask about the equipment to be installed
• Ask about the company, their reputation
• Ask about the company's policies
• Recommendations or reviews are a must
• Do some homework before you ask for a quote
• Check out the company's website
• Ask where the monitoring station is
• Always get at least three quotes or have a quality recommendation from someone before you begin your search

You decided to get a security system, so now let us see what we need. Protection for the doors and interior motion sensors are a must. But what about window security? Fire protection? Temperature or Water protection? Video surveillance? A guest, family, employee, or cleaner access? Do you require a Medical alarm? Or a panic device? Do you want to access the premises using your smart device?

We have all been there. It is to easy to be taken up by the notion of something being FREE. What is the catch?

When making your purchasing decision, consider all of the devices mentioned earlier. Components, the core of an alarm security system today, you should find in standard security system options.

Today, we live in an unprecedented time. We have access to so much technology geared to simplify our lives, or does it? Computers, tablets, smartphones and smart related devices.

• Do you want an interactive system?
• Do you want to control lights, locks, and the temperature in your home or business?
• Are you thinking of adding video cameras?
• Do you want a live update, system status, or video feed sent to your smartphone?

These are all things to consider in your purchase. You want a quality, worry-free, sound, peace of mind, a service-backed, security system that will last you for many years. You can have this and more with a little time spent on learning what you want and what you need.

Look for a reputable local security company

When choosing an alarm company, you should look for a company with a reputation for excellence that will install a system to meet your needs. A reliable, locally-based service could give you the best value for your dollar because it is familiar with your community and can provide you with the appropriate system.

Other less reliable systems, or companies based outside the area, may be fractionally cheaper but in the long run may not be able to provide the service when you need it. Having a trusted local security company provides peace of mind and the knowledge that your security will perform without the inconvenience and cost of false alarms.

Homes and businesses protected by a reputable alarm company are 15 to 20 times less likely to be burgled. As break-ins are on the increase in communities across Canada this is an important point to consider. In addition, a monitored security system may reduce your insurance premiums by up to 15%, depending on your insurance company. You want to be sure the company that installs your security system uses top quality equipment and components and is installed by professionals. You also want to be sure the security system you choose is monitored by a ULC Listed Monitoring Station.

A ULC Listed Station will give you that peace of mind because the security company must comply with Insurance Regulations in order to operate. There is a list of standards and backup equipment that the security company must meet to be in business under the ULC Listing.

Tips on buying a security system

When buying a security system you want to remember that price should not be the major consideration; you are buying something that will protect your family and your home or business.

You home is probably the largest purchase you have ever made. You looked around, found the right area, found the size of home that suited your needs and at a price that was within your budget.

You took your time in making your decision about this important investment. For that reason, you want to do the same when it comes to protecting that investment. You paid a little more for that quality in that purchase. Do the same when it comes to protect it. A good security system will cost about 0.5 to 1% the value of your home.

Here are some things for you to consider when choosing a company to install a security system in your home or business.

1. How many years has the company been in the security business?
2. Where is your system being monitored? What city?
3. Is the company using a ULC Listed Monitoring Station?
4. Be sure to get references from the companies that are providing quotes to install your security system.
5. Always get a minimum of three quotes.
   Do not be pressured into signing a contract when a company representative visits your home or business. Once you have your quotes, compare each item listed, including the equipment and price, the warranty and the contract terms.
6. Who pays for false alarms?
7. What is the cost of upgrades to your system’s motion sensors to prevent false alarms?

Not just for Home Owners

By CSI Security

Smoke detectors effective life-saving devices

Properly installed and maintained smoke detectors are essential components of your home, protecting you and your family from a tragic loss due to fire at a minimal cost. These life-saving devices alert you to the early signs of both flaming fires and slow, smoldering fires with speed and accuracy, giving you and your family enough time to react and safely escape.

You should have one smoke detector per thousand square feet, which, in most cases, is one on each floor of your home.

The most common two types of smoke detectors are battery-operated units and ones that are hardwired into your home’s electrical system. And now wireless technology has embraced smoke detectors, adding to the convenience of installing additional detectors.

In the past, when smoke set off a smoke detector on one floor the detectors on the other floors did not respond at the same time. Now, though, your existing hardwired smoke detectors can be connected by a relay that is wired into the security system electrical box so when one alarm goes off, it triggers every alarm in the house, so everyone is alerted.

Wireless smoke detectors work the same way as your hardwired detectors but they are easier to install if you need additional units. A wireless smoke detector is an option if your home is fully finished and you are unable to wire in additional smoke detectors or if it is too expensive to run the wires for an additional smoke detector.

If your home is heated by gas or if you have a fireplace, you should also install a carbon monoxide detector. You may not have gas heating but if your home has a garage under a living area you could be at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from car fumes. The fumes don’t spread around the house because carbon monoxide remains low but your heating system will draw the fumes and spread them throughout your home through the ventilation system.

Quality locks first line of defense

Good quality locks on the entry doors of your home are your first line of defense against break-ins but the lock is only part of the answer. The doorframe can be the difference between security and a break-in.

The majority of all break-ins involve someone kicking in a door of the home; when the door is kicked, it goes in quickly and the intruder enters your home, closing the door once inside. Unless someone is actually watching, the thief is in your house.

Even if you have a metal door with a good lock, someone could still kick in your door - it isn’t just the door that provides the defense, its the lock and where it goes into the doorframe. If you have a newer home with a piece of glass beside the door, chances are all you have is a two-inch piece of fiberboard securing your dead bolt lock. Once the door is kicked, it breaks right through.

To prevent this from happening, install a 24 to 36-inch piece of steel track along the frame of your door to reinforce the lock. You want to be sure the dead bolt is held in the frame because the frame is vulnerable and not strong enough on its own to withstand impact.

Doors with the button lock in the door handle are also vulnerable. This type of lock is often used on the second entry door of a new home and can be compromised by a thief using something like a credit card to gain access to your home.

If you have bought a new home, consider replacing all of the locks in your home with good quality locks. During the construction of your home, the builder and the various tradesmen have had keys while working on your house and those keys could be used to break into your home after you have moved in.

Telephone vs. cable linked alarm system

The majority of alarm systems installed use the telephone network as the means of contact when an intruder enters your home. The alarm company installs a device that uses the telephone line to contact the monitoring center when the alarm goes off. Anyone who is in the house can’t stop the alarm from communicating because it seizes the number one position and no one else can use the phone.

Telephone companies are able to get the telephone line to your house underground but when they get to the house, they run the line up the side of your house to a little box on the wall, then back underground and into your house. In this way, if there is a problem with your telephone, the Telephone technician can come and disconnect the line to see if there is service to your home, even if you are not available.

These days, like everyone else, criminals are becoming more tech-savvy and are finding ways to compromise your phone line. If they cut the telephone line before they enter the house there will be no signal sent to the central monitoring station.

Now you have no phone service and no response to the alarm; an alarm might sound in your home but unless someone is around to hear it and take action, nothing is going to happen.

A reputal security company will offer optional ways of communication for your home or business security system.

CSI is now offering alarm systems that use two technologies;

• One is a cellular network that connects your alarm system to a cellular device cell phone, so it doesn’t matter if someone cuts your telephone line.
• The other is an Interactive security system, again using cellular technology, but you can control you system from any Smart Device as well as lights, locks, temperature devices, just to name a few.

Wireless technology evolving

Wireless key fobs have been available for a quite a few years to remotely unlock or start your car as well as open your garage door. You can also have these devices added to your home security system so you can remotely turn your alarm system on and off.

You can also use this type of device as a panic alarm if you have a retail business like a jewelry store and have all your employees wear it around their neck or have it anywhere in the store. It could also be used for medical purposes; if you have an older person living with you or have a mother and father living on their own and you can give them a medical pendant that they press in the case of an emergency.

These little key fobs can be used for so many things. You can have a standard fob with one signal or you could have one with five buttons that you can use for different functions. It could be used to turn lights on it a room, open the garage door and arm or disarm your security system. All from the same remote key fob. You could turn the lights on in the garage or you can disarm the alarm system.

The technology used in these key fobs can now be incorporated into your cell phone, allowing you to arm and disarm your system from your cell phone.

Other optional technology is you could also use your phone to open your garage door and receive an email or text message anytime someone arms or disarms your system or it can send any type of an alarm condition in your home or business.

There are many exciting developments in the future of home automation and alarm systems. New wireless technology will allow you to remotely control a lot more functions in your home from you cell phone, tablet or computer, everything from unlocking your front door to adjusting the heat in your home.

The Choice is Endless

By CSI Security

Choosing the right alarm package for your home or business

Finding a company to install a security system in your home or business can be as easy as talking with homeowners in your neighbourhood and friends who may have a security system.

Take a look around your home or business and decide what you need before you ask for an estimate.

• Do you want alarms on your doors, windows, basement windows or other entries?
• Do you want to protect your inventory?
• Do you want to protect against water damage or flooding?
• Do you want motion sensors?
• Do you Video Surveillance?

Once you know what you want, choose three companies and talk with their representatives so you can compare their prices and their services to see which one best suits your needs.

Many security companies sell a residential package that includes a basic alarm control, a keypad, a couple of door contacts and a basic motion sensor. This package may or may not include an installation price, or it may be “no money down” with so much a month for a term that can be from 36 to 60 months.

As a consumer, you should understand this package is just that, basic; it is what some alarm companies use to get your business with the prospect of signing you to a monthly contract for a term. Anything above this basic package is considered an extra and you will have to pay for any extras up front.

Cost should not be the only factor that you consider when choosing a security system. You should check the reputation of the company with the local police and the Better Business Bureau. As a rule, a good security system will cost about 0.5 per cent the value of your home; for example, for a $300,000 home it will cost you about $1500.00 or more depending on your particular needs.

Things to remember when buying an alarm system

It costs money to have a good alarm technician, with a truck and tools to come to your house to install an alarm system. And the alarm company has to buy its parts from a supplier and make a profit when it sells the parts to you.

Here are some rules to remember when purchasing a security system:

• Always get at least three quotes. If you have a friend who has an alarm system, ask them about it. Would they recommend their company? Why or why not? A recommendation for a company says a lot.
• Compare your quotes. Look at the equipment and the number of devices to be installed. Have they offered you a true security system or just a basic system? Does it cover what you wanted or did the salesman say it was all you needed?
• Fire, Low Temperature, CO Detectors and Sump pumps are all extras that can be added to your alarm system. Do you need any of them? If so, how much will they cost and does the alarm company charge more to monitor them?
• Never be pressured into signing. Do not sign unless you feel comfortable with the price and terms you are offered.
• If you have pets, make sure the pets are not in an area where the motion sensor is, or get a pet type motion sensor.
• If you want to check the value of the equipment being installed, ask if they sell better quality equipment. If they do, how much more and what are the differences and why is not offered up front? Usually you cannot get the better equipment in a no-money-down package.
• Nothing in life is FREE and neither is a good quality security system.

Why a Dedicated Cellular Connection Matters

For your security system to reliably protect you in an emergency—a fire, a break-in, medical emergency—it's essential that you choose one with the most reliable technology for communicating with the outside world.

Cellular or Interactive Technology

The emergency signal that will save your hone or business will be transmitted over our dedicated cellular connection: a secure, wireless connection linking your security panel to our monitoring station.

Because it doesn't piggyback on your home or business broadband connection, it communicates reliably when you need it to—even if your phone line, cable, broadband, Wi-Fi and power are down.

Here's what makes a dedicated cellular connection or our interactive Technology an essential feature of a reliable security system.

1. It's exclusive to your security system
   The safety of your family or employees should never compete for bandwidth with entertainment and other services. CSI’s cellular connection is reserved solely for your security system to communicate with CSI’s monitoring station. It's not shared with other services and it doesn't depend on your home's networking and WiFi router.
2. It can't be physically cut
   The most sophisticated broadband or cable-connected security systems can be defeated in seconds on the outside of the home, using a pair of wire cutters. A cellular connection has no cable to cut. Should an intruder attack the security panel itself, CSI’s systems patented Crash and Smash technology will still signal our monitoring station for help.
3. It works even when the power's out. Even if your home or business loses power, your CSI system will continue to communicate. Our security panels feature 24-hour battery backup so you'll stay secure until the electricity comes back on.

Motion sensors

There are many types of motion sensors on the market today. Over the years, motion sensors have evolved enough to be able to protect any type of situation.

These devices have pulse counters, dual sensors, harsh environment settings, curtain motions, long range, short range and ceiling detectors to name a few; there are sensors for every application out there. Large and small corporations make use of these technologies; they realize that, when their premises need to be protected, there is a cost to do it right.

For most homeowners and businesses, it still comes down to price and they end up buying a basic alarm system that is prone to false alarms.

When you pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for your home, business, or warehouse, though, you should buy a good alarm system that will effectively protect your investment without the nuisance associated with false alarms.

A motion sensor is something you should be prepared to spend some money on - spending a few dollars more for a good motion sensor will save you the cost of upgrading and service calls in the few short months after your installation.

Pet motion sensors are now available to protect a home that has pets, eliminating a problem that has existed for years.

A pet motion sensor looks at a view of pixels. As the sensor scans a room it has a view of, for example, 1000 pixels. Unless 200 pixels or more are broken at any one time, there are no alarms. Cats will most likely use about 20 to 30 when walking around and dogs will use 50 to 100; as long as they stay below the number provided, the sensor does not see the pet.

You should consider dual motion detectors from the beginning; they cost more, but you will have peace of mind with better equipment.

All motions should be installed and tested on site by a technician. They can take a few minutes to set up, but when installed properly you should have no worries.

Glass sensors

Glass sensors have come a long way over the years. The original method used to protect glass was a conductive metallic tape or foil that was applied directly to the glass. If the glass were broken, the cracks would cause the foil to break.

While this was a reliable method of detecting glass breakage, it was labor intensive to install and prone to extensive service from scratches and breaks in the foil.

Today, most glass break sensors are acoustic devices that are visually attractive, less expensive to install and maintain and can be set to trip to only the sound of breaking glass. Newer models of quality glass sensors are less prone to false alarms.

Glass sensors do not actually sense glass breaking; they listen for a frequency of sound caused by the crash or crack associated with breaking glass. Therefore, it is important to have glass sensors installed by trained professionals.

The number one brand for this type of device is Sentrol that, when they are installed correctly, will give you the protection you need with no false alarms. However, glass sensors should not be installed in a room where there is normally a lot of noise, such as a kitchen.

The kitchen may be a good location for a glass sensor when you are not home. But if the system is on when you are home, any glass touching, breaking or clanging will set off the alarm. If you decide to install glass sensors in your kitchen, they should be activated only when you are away from the home or not in the room.