Security and Fire Alarm System Maintenance Advice

Properly functioning security and fire alarm systems are critical for homeowners and business owners. Unfortunately, these systems are sometimes neglected, which can cause serious problems.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, security systems can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. However, quality systems that are well maintained can last much longer.

To extend the life of your security and fire alarm system, we recommend the following advice.

Security System & Fire Alarm Inspection 

It’s important to regularly inspect your security and fire alarm system. Doing so will help to identify any problematic issues. When performing personal inspections, be sure to check:

• Cameras – Are the cameras operational and free of dust?
• Sensors – Are the motion, fire and smoke sensors clean?
• Batteries – Are the batteries still working?

Check at least every six months, although you’ll probably want to do it every three just to be safe. Remove any dust from the sensors and make sure the batteries are not corroded.

Testing the System

To prevent false alarms and to keep your security or fire system in good working order, it is very important to test the system. Newer systems do not have to be tested as often as older systems. When your system reaches over the 7 to 10 year mark, you’ll want to test it more often.

Having a professional security company test your home or business security system once a year can help identify any potential problems.

Hiring a company like Hue & Cry Security Systems can help ensure your fire or security system is in excellent working order.

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we’ve been helping homeowners and businesses in Northern California and Southern Oregon for more than 30 years. To find out how we can help you, call us at 1-800-762-3196 or visit www.HueAndCry.com.

An Important Look Into Fire Department Response Times

When battling fires every second counts. On average it only takes 10 minutes for a fire to spread in a building without sprinklers.

That’s why fire department response times are very important.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are more than 350,000 residential building fires every year. These blazes annually cause more than:

• 2,000 deaths
• 12,000 injuries
• $6 billion in property damage

A quick response by your local fire department can make the difference between losing and saving your home.

So how much time should it take for a fire department to respond?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that telephone dispatchers should take no more than 60 seconds to alert the fire department. The fire department should take no more than 5 minutes to arrive when alerted of the blaze.

Taking more than 5 minutes can be catastrophic.

In 2009, it took a Boston area fire department 11 minutes to respond to a residential fire. By the time the fire fighters arrived, the house was destroyed. In cases like these, budget cuts and layoffs are often the culprits for slow response times.

Are fire departments meeting response time standards?

When it comes to meeting the 5-minute standard, that’s a difficult question to answer. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, U.S. city fire departments measure their response times differently.

Some fire departments count the dispatch call times within their overall response time. Others do not.

The Wall Street Journal article noted that the Los Angles Fire Department counted the dispatch call within their response time for many years. Then, they decided to remove it to decrease their response time.

For homeowners, it’s important to consider fire department response times when developing a fire emergency plan. Check with your local fire department to see how long it takes them to respond to fires. See if they include dispatch calls within the response time.

When thinking about fire safety, you will want to consider a fire alarm system from Hue & Cry Security Systems. Fire alarms help save homes. Your standard smoke detector can’t alert emergency responders.

A fire alarm can be the difference that allows fire fighters to arrive at your home in less than 5 minutes. To find out more, contact us today at 1-800-762-3196.

We’d love to hear from you! What do you think of your local fire department? Leave your comments below.

Fire Safety Tips for Office Workers

Fires are a serious threat for office workers. Every single year, there are more than 100,000 fires in non-residential structures. Many of these are offices.

It takes less than 10 minutes for that small fire to turn into a blaze. To help protect yourself, here are some fire safety tips that will keep you safe.

• Keep Papers Away from Electronics – Keep mounds of papers away from electronics. A spark could easily start a fire.

• Make Sure Exits are Always Open – Always check to make sure exits are not blocked by desks or other office equipment.

• Know Your Fire Escape Plan – Every employee should know how to quickly exist the building in case of an emergency.

• Know Your Office – Remember how far your desk is from the nearest exit. This will help if there isn’t any lighting during the fire.

• Don’t Panic – In case of a fire, stay calm and remember to check doors for heat before opening them.

• Keep Low – If there is a fire, stay low to the ground so you can breathe fresh air.

• Don’t Use Elevators – Avoid the elevators if there is a fire. It’s always better to take the stairs.

• Never Reenter Building – Don’t try to be a hero. Leave it to the firefighters.

Following these tips will help protect you during an office fire. Always make sure your office’s fire alarm system is in good working order.

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we can help you with all of your fire alarm needs. If you’re a business in Northern California or Oregon, call us today at 800-762-3196.

Required On Site Documentation of Your Fire Alarm System

Many property managers get caught with their pants down during fire alarm system inspections.

It’s all because they do not have their on-site documentation in order. This could lead to costly penalties.

If you want to be prepared, you need a document cabinet. It’s an easy way to keep your fire alarm system documentation in order. A document cabinet is a box where the fire inspector can find all past inspection and test records.

Based on fire codes, you’ll want to keep the following papers in your fire alarm document cabinet. According to FireAlrm.org you should have:

• Owner’s Manual – This should include instructions on all system equipment.

• Record Drawings – This includes installation drawings and maintenance manuals.

• Record Copy of Site Specific Software – This is for software-based systems.

• Records of Testing – Have all previous testing records in the box.

Using a document cabinet will help you keep track of these documents.

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, businesses and contractors in Northern California and Oregon trust us for experience with fire alarms.

For nearly 30 years, businesses and contractors have turned to us for our fire alarm expertise. To find out how we can help you, call us at 800-762-3196.

Important Fireplace Safety Tips for Homeowners

Homeowners love fireplaces.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration more than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances as primary heating sources for their homes.

While the crackling of a warm fire can be great, there are certain risks involved with heating wood and other solid fuels in your home.

Every year …

• There are more than 25,000 chimney fires, responsible for 30 deaths and $126.1 million in property damage (Consumer Product & Safety Commission).

• Heating fires account for 36 percent of residential home fires in rural areas (U.S. Fire Administration).

• There are more than 150 carbon monoxide poisoning deaths related to heating systems and fireplaces (Chimney Safety Institute of America).

If your home has a fireplace, you need to take proper precautions to protect your home as well as your family.

Follow these important fireplace safety tips:

• Use Seasoned Hardwood – Never burn cardboard, paper or flammable liquids in your fireplace.

• Get a Chimney Inspection – Every year have a certified chimney specialist inspect your fireplace and chimney.

• Keep Front Area of Fireplace Clean – Make sure all flammable items are removed from the hearth of the fireplace.

• Keep Glass Doors Open – You’ll want to keep the glass doors open when a fire is burning.  Use your mesh screen to keep embers from jumping out of the fireplace.

• Close Glass Doors When Not in Use – This helps to keep air from the chimney opening from getting into the room.

• Keep Roof Clean – Keep your roof clear of twigs, leafs and bird nests.

• Store Firewood Away from Home – Try to keep stored firewood at least 30 feet away from your home.

• Check Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Change the batteries and test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at least twice a year.

Most importantly, never leave a fire unattended!  If a fire gets out of control, immediately contact the fire department.  Don’t try to extinguish an out-of-control fire.  Get your family out of the house and call 911.

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we have worked side by side with fire departments and other emergency responders for more than 25 years.

When it comes to protecting your home, we have the experience in home security systems and fire alarms that homeowners and businesses in Northern California and Oregon count on.

To learn how to protect your home and family, give us a call today at 1-800-762-3196.

10 Ways to Prevent a Fire at Your Business

Business and office fires are more common than you may think.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, there were more than 98,000 fires in non-residential buildings last year.  Many of these were offices and small businesses.

The fires caused more than $2.6 billion in properly damage.

As an example, more than 80 firefighters battled a fire at a Citrus Heights, California Strip Mall in November 2011.  The fire wiped out several stores in the strip malls, causing thousands of dollars in damage.  You can see a video of the blaze below.

If you want to prevent a fire at your business, you should follow these 10 tips.

1. Avoid Overloading Outlets – Make sure you don’t overload your electrical outlets with multi-socket plugs and lots of office equipment.  Also avoid using extensions cords.
2. Keep Space Heaters at Home – Make it a policy to keep space heaters at home.  Space heaters are a potential fire hazard, especially when left unattended.
3. No Candles – This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people bring candles into private, one-person offices and businesses.  Make sure no one has any candles.
4. Watch Paper Products – Keep your paper products and shredded paper stored away from heat sources.  If possible, store paper products near a sprinkler head in your office. 
5. Avoid Running Cables Under Carpets – Don’t run any cables under carpets in main walkways of your office.  The cables could fray and spark a fire.
6. Unplug Electrical Items in Kitchen – At the end of the day unplug electrical items such as coffee makers and toasters in your office kitchen.
7. Have a Strict No Smoking Policy – There are still people who will sneak a cigarette in the office bathroom or storage closet.  Have a strict policy that punishes people who get caught smoking.
8. Service Computers and Other Equipment – Have professionals service your computers and other equipment to ensure it’s properly working and safe to use.
9. Have Fire Extinguishers – Make sure your fire extinguishers are all properly working.  You may even want to have a few extra just in case.
10. Smoke Detectors – Every office should have several functioning smoke detectors in it.  Be sure to replace the batteries once every sixth months.

Finally, be sure to have your fire alarm system regularly checked by a professional.

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we can help you with your fire and security needs.  We have long standing relationships with fire and law enforcement officials in Northern California and Oregon.

To learn more how we can help you, call us today at 1-800-762-3196 or visit the Hue & Cry Contact Page.

How To Prevent A Fire In Your Construction Trailer

The construction trailer is your central command center on a job site.  It contains valuable assets and resources to get the job done.

Too often, construction trailers catch on fire due to neglect or improper fire protection.  Just take a look at the video below.

A construction trailer fire can significantly delay progress on the job.  If you want to protect your construction trailer, you need to follow the tips below.

Have A Fire Extinguisher

It’s important to keep a fire extinguisher in your construction trailer.  Make sure that your fire extinguisher is working properly.  You’ll want to check:

• The pressure level
• The pin and tamper seal
• For corrosion and leaking

Try to have your fire extinguishers tested at least one a month.  This will help to ensure that it works properly.

Also be sure to place your extinguisher in an easily accessible area.  You don’t want to make it difficult to get to it.  You’ll also want to make sure that you purchase the right fire extinguisher class.

Unplug Appliances

If you have coffee makers, microwaves, hotplates, etc. make sure that they are turned off or unplugged at the end of the day.  This will help to prevent a fire. 

No Smoking

Keep smoking outside of the trailer.  It’s not worth the risk.  A fire caused by a cigarette can do serious damage to your trailer and significantly delay progress on a job.

Smoke Detectors

Just like you have a smoke detector in your home, you also need one in your construction trailer.  Be sure to test the battery at least twice a year.

Secure Your Construction Trailer After Hours

Make sure all the windows and doors on your trailer are locked.  This will protect it against vandalism as well as fires.

Sometimes people break into trailers and start fires.

In Las Vegas, homeless people were camping out in a construction trailer.  This ultimately resulted in a construction trailer fire that caused more than $5,000 in damages.

In another case, a person walked into a construction trailer at a university and started a fire.

Don’t make it easy for people to get into your trailer.  Secure your construction site as well as your trailer.

Keep It Clean

If you want to protect your trailer, you need to keep it clean and organized.  Do not store flammable fuels or materials inside your construction trailer.

In Columbia, Missouri, oily rags caused a construction trailer blaze.  This fire could have easily been avoided if the oil rags were cleaned or hung outdoors.  Instead, the fire caused more than $3,500 in heat damages.

At the end of the day, do a check to make sure nothing that can easily start a fire is in your construction trailer.

Ideally, you should test the smoke detectors in your trailer before you start a new job.

Immediately Call For Help

If a fire breaks out in your trailer, immediately call 911.  If you call the fire department early enough, it’s possible your trailer won’t be totally destroyed.

In Virginia Beach, Virginia, fire crews quickly extinguished a trailer fire in 15 minutes because they were immediately alerted.  Fire fighters were on the scene in less than 5 minutes.

Don’t try to be a hero, call 911.  A few minutes can make all the difference.

Summary

Following these tips will help you protect your construction trailer from fires.

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we know our way around a construction site.  For years, we’ve been helping contractors with their fire and security needs.

Contractors trust us for our quality work that is done on time and on budget.  To learn how we can help you, visit our Contractors Program Page on our website.

For more contractor tips, read the Hue & Cry Security Systems Blog and follow us on Facebook.

How New Communication Technologies Impact Your Security System Service

For many years, the standard telephone line was the only way for security systems to communicate with the central security monitoring station.

If you had a fire or a burglary, the alarm would alert the central monitoring station through the telephone lines.  Someone at the monitoring station then contacted the police or fire department.

Today, security companies still use telephone lines as a primary communication source.  However, new communication technologies are beginning to emerge.

Because of new technologies such as cellular and internet communication, companies like AT&T are beginning to slowly phase out landline services.  Even the government has announced plans for the country to eventually switch to an all-broadband network.

Obviously, this is going to impact home and business security systems.

So the big question is:  What does this all mean for your home and business security systems?

It means a lot.  But in short, it means you’re going to get better service and protection with these new cellular and broadband technologies.

Home and business security companies are already starting to include new technologies that help security systems better communicate with the central monitoring station.  These new technologies will allow you to keep your home and business more secure.

To help you understand the changes on the horizon, we will provide an overview of the new methods as well as the tried-and-true ways security systems communicate with the central monitoring station.

Phone Lines

As noted earlier, telephone lines have been the standard way for security alarms to communicate with the central monitoring station.

With standard telephone lines, there is one major problem.

If the telephone service is disconnected because of weather or because someone cut the phone line, the security system cannot communicate with the central monitoring station.

Similar problems also occur with telephone service via broadband internet.  Power outages can disrupt internet service, causing communication failure between the security alarm and the central monitoring station.

Some new technologies can help protect against this and enhance your security protection.  The two most popular are cellular and radio.

Cellular

Cellular technologies can work as a backup system for regular and cable phone lines.

Cellular technologies in security systems work a lot like standard cell phones.  Should a security system lose connection because of a cut telephone line or a power outage, a backup cellular signal can be sent to the central monitoring station.

With cellular signals, information can be sent one of two ways: directly or indirectly.

In the indirect form, your security system transmits a cellular signal to a third party – often a cellular phone provider – which then sends the signal to the central monitoring station.

In the direct form, known as GSM Primary, a cellular signal is directly sent from the security system to the central monitoring station.

Both of these technologies help to protect against downed phone lines.  However, each has its limits.  Cellular frequencies can sometimes take time to transmit, which can delay communication between the security alarm and the central monitoring station.

Radio Frequency

Radio frequency is becoming another popular option for security alarm communication with the central monitoring station.

Like the cellular communication, radio frequency is used as a backup when standard telephone service is down.  Unlike cellular communication, radio frequency is very fast.

No communication is needed with cellular networks.  This means messages between the security alarm and the central monitoring station are sent without delay.

What This All Means For You

Technology is improving home and business security.  Gone are the days of disrupted security service because of downed telephone lines.

As security system technology continues to change, Hue & Cry Security Systems will continue to stay ahead of the competition.   We will continue to provide you with top of the line security solutions that you can trust.

We already have incorporated these new technologies into our industry leading security systems.  This means faster response times for fires, burglaries and other security issues.

For more information about any of our security solutions, please visit the Hue & Cry Security Systems website.  You also reach us by visiting the Hue & Cry contact page.

Four Great Fire Safety Tips for Your Business

Fire can be devastating to any business, so it is best to make sure that you are protected the right way.

Having a fire alarm system installed can help stop destruction and prevent the loss of life.  Here are four excellent tips to help ensure fire safety in your business.

1). Fire Suppression System

In most businesses, and especially restaurants, you should have a fire suppression system installed.  They are strategically placed around the office building or kitchen and are triggered when the temperature changes to certain degrees.

Fire suppression systems can also be manually turned on to release chemicals that extinguish fires.  Restaurants and offices should have the fire suppression systems installed professionally and tested regularly.

2). Fire Evacuation Plan

Every business needs to have a fire evacuation plan.  Make sure that all the employees are aware of the evacuation route to take because the perfect plan is useless if only one person knows it.  Some other key points to be covered in the fire evacuation plan are:

• Include the correct exits to use and the number of steps to get to them in case of reduced visibility.
• Every business needs at least two exits in case one is blocked.

Post the fire escape plan where everyone can see it and perform fire drills until your staff can do it with their eyes closed.

3). Company Policies

Along with the right fire evacuation plan and fire alarm system, fire prevention depends on the proper mindset.  Follow these tips for proper business fire safety:

• Give breathing room to computers to reduce the build-up of heat.
• Never bend or crush cords under furniture.
• Unplug appliances when not in use.
• Smokers should always smoke in designated areas.
• Report any fire hazards to maintenance immediately

4). Comply with all Fire Safety Codes

Learn what the fire safety codes are for your city and state.  The Life Safety Code 101 has specific provisions on exits, fire extinguishers, and more. For example the Life Safety Code says:

• At least two exits must be provided in all buildings.
• Exits must be clearly marked and labeled.
• Exits cannot be obstructed.

Using these Tips

Business security systems can deter thieves from breaking in and taking your valuables.  Having the correct fire alarm solution is great for preventing a fire in your business.  Following these four tips can help to ensure your business doesn’t have to experience any unneeded losses due to fire.

How To Avoid Holiday Fires

The holiday season is upon us and with it comes Christmas trees, menorahs and presents. But before you get too wrapped up in the holiday season, take a minute to think about holiday fire safety.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, fires during the holidays claim the lives of more than 400 people and cause more than $900 million in damage. Common causes of holiday fires include:

• Christmas trees
• Holiday lights
• Candles
• Fireplaces

To help keep your family safe during the holiday season, we recommend the following fire safety tips.

Christmas Trees

• If you purchase an artificial Christmas tree, look for a fire resistant tree.
• If you purchase a real Christmas tree, be sure it is fresh and not dried out.
• Keep your Christmas tree away from fireplaces and radiators.
• Do not place lights with frayed wires on the Christmas tree.

Lights/Fireplace

• Never leave lights on when you leave your home or go to bed.
• Do not place electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become electrically charged and you can get shocked.
• Do not use nails or tacks to hang outdoor lighting. Use insulated staples.
• Use only three sets of lights for each extension chord.
• Avoid using candles. If you decide to use candles, do not leave them unattended.
• Never leave a fireplace unattended and do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace.

Most importantly, make sure your smoke detectors are properly working during the holiday season.

Also, always be sure your home security system is properly working to help alert authorities. If you’re a small business owner also be sure to make sure your fire alarm system is properly working. You can apply these tips to your business as well.

Following these tips will help keep your family and home safe during the holidays.