Are you worried about your children at home while you’re at work?

This is a common concern for many working parents that have children staying at home after school and during those long summer months. A home security system can monitor and protect them while you’re working. Here are some ways security systems can help.

1. Mobile Notifications – Get notifications sent to your cell phone anytime your home security system is armed or disarmed. It’s a great way to keep track of kids entering and leaving your home.
2. Security Cameras – Security camera surveillance isn’t just for businesses. Having cameras in public areas of your home can help you watch your kids when you’re at work.
3. Emergency Assistance – In cases of fires or other emergencies, first responders can quickly get to your home thanks to panic buttons and advanced smoke detection systems. It’s another layer of protection for your family.

Be sure to call your children from time to time to check in on them. Also show them how to use the home security system to avoid false alarms.

During the summer months, you might also want to get your children involved in community activities. It’s an excellent way to keep them out of trouble.  Here are a few websites to help find the right summer activities:

• Teen Activities in Sacramento, California

• San Mateo Youth Activities Council

• Anderson California Teen Center

• Southern Oregon Activities

For more great home security tips and savings on home security products and services, like the Hue & Cry Facebook Page. For questions on home security systems and monitoring, call us at 1-800-762-3196.

Workplace violence is the act or threat of physical violence, harassment or intimidation at work. Understanding the root of the problem can often prevent this growing issue. Below are the top five causes.

1. Lack of Security – Workplace violence is often caused by outsiders. Having the right business security features can help prevent intruders from getting into your business. An access control system is an affordable option to help to manage who enters your business.
2. Hiring the Wrong People – You would be amazed how many companies do not perform proper background and reference checks on job applicants. Screening job candidates for previous violent criminal activity can significantly reduce your chances of violence in the workplace.
3. A Stressful Work Environment – Stress is the leading cause of employee violence. The key is to spot signs of employee stress early on. Then, you can work to resolve the situation. Signs of employee stress include irritability, poor memory, low quality work and frequent absences.
4. Lack of Employee Support – Employees need an outlet to voice their concerns. Keep an open door policy in your workplace that allows employees to discuss issues and problems. It can help to solve issues before they get out of control.
5. Bad Management Skills – The managers at your business are very important for security. They are the ones who need to pay attention to signs of employee stress. They are the ones who need to moderate employee disputes. Train your on managers how to deal with employee conflicts as well as how to treat them with respect.

At Hue & Cry, Inc., we help businesses better protect themselves against workplace violence and other criminal activities. We offer customizable access control systems as well as security camera surveillance systems for businesses in California and Oregon.

To find out more, visit us at www.HueAndCry.com or call us at 1-800-762-3196.

It’s teaching them how to use and respect the home security system. This is very important for several reasons:

1. False Alarms: Helps prevent false alarms and the expensive fines that come with them.

2. Security: Reduces the possibility of kids accidentally disarming the system when it’s needed.

3. Emergencies: Assists in times of emergencies where a child can hit the system’s panic/emergency button.

So what should you teach them? Follow the tips and guidelines below.

When children are very young, you’ll want to teach them to respect the system. Don’t give them the passcode. Tell them the security system is not a toy and should be respected.

For young children in school (ages 5-11), you’ll want to show them the emergency button/panic button on the security system. This is especially a good idea if you have family members who have health problems. Additionally, get them in the habit of closing and locking front, back and side doors.

When a child is of age to stay home alone (ages 12+), it’s time to show them how to operate the security system. Give them a demonstration. Show them how all of the doors and windows must be closed for the system to work. Then show them how to arm and disarm the system.

You’ll also want to tell them what to do if they accidentally trigger the alarm system. Be sure they know the security system passcode as well as the personal identification code used during false alarms.

Before you let them get a try at it, tell your security company that you’re practicing, just in case your child accidentally triggers the alarm. After the practice session, stress the importance of not sharing the security system passcode with anyone.

It’s important to note that the ages listed in this post are not set in stone. The maturity of your child plays an important factor. Use your judgment.

At what age did you teach your children how to use the security system? Leave your comments below or join the discussion on the Hue & Cry Facebook Page.

California ranks No. 4 among all states for the theft of construction equipment. In fact, the top five states account for 40 percent of the nation’s construction site thefts. Besides equipment, thieves typically target building materials and vehicles.

To better protect your construction site, here’s what you can do to prevent equipment and building material theft.

• Check fencing – Do regular checks around the perimeter of your site and inspect the fencing. Make sure there are no easy ways for outsiders to enter.

• Consider security cameras – Mobile temporary camera surveillance systems can help keep an eye on your construction site. Videofied offers effective options that need no AC power, internet or phone lines.

• Improve lighting during night hours – Thefts typically happen during the evening hours under the cloak of darkness. Good lighting can help keep your site visible during the night so thieves have nowhere to hide.

• Enhance organization – Too often organization is a mess when it comes to tracking keys, equipment and building materials. It’s important to keep track of all of the keys to equipment, fences, etc. Also keep tabs on use of equipment and tools on the site.

• Make it difficult to steal – With your equipment, make it difficult for thieves to move them. Consider using wheel and sleeve locks. You can also position equipment in a defensive pattern. Cluster heavy equipment around easy to steal vehicles and hardware as a way to prevent thefts.

• Check the locks – At the end of the day, have someone inspect the locks to equipment, trailers, buildings, fencing, etc. Leaving something unlocked makes it way too easy for thefts to happen.

Following these tips will help to better protect your jobsite. Should something get stolen, immediately contact your local police department.

• San Mateo Police Department
• Shasta County Sheriff’s Office
• Crescent City Police Department
• Sacramento Police Department
• Medford Police Department

At Hue & Cry, Inc., we’re one of the top life safety and low voltage security contractors in California and Oregon. We can help you finish your project on time and on budget. To see how we can help you, visit our page on Contractor Programs. For questions, call us anytime at 1-800-762-3196.

Verbal disagreements can quickly spiral into ugly arguments and, in some cases, workplace violence. To avoid this, here are several things to handle workplace conflicts.

• Get in front of the conflict early – If there is a dispute simmering between employees, handle it before it boils out of control.

• Find the cause of the conflict – Look closely at what caused the argument. See if there is any way to prevent it from happening again.

• Avoid dishing the blame – When people are angry, don’t start pointing fingers. It can make things worse. Instead, use “I” statements to voice your feelings and concerns.

• Get outside help – Sometimes you won’t be able to defuse the situation by yourself. Seek out support from others to help resolve the conflict between employees. If the situation turns violent, immediately call police.

• Make sure the issue is resolved – Keep the lines of communication open. Let both parties know that your door is open to voice issues and concerns. This will help prevent similar situations in the future.

Following these tips can help handle and prevent conflicts in the workplace. Remember that communication is critical in handling arguments at work.

For more business security tips, subscribe to our blog via email. You can also get more tips and advice on the Hue & Cry Facebook Page.

The summer months present several safety risks for children. Here are the top three risks and what you can do to prevent them.

1. Drowning in pools or lakes

Drowning is a huge safety concern. On average, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that two children die from unintentional drowning every single day. To help prevent this, there are several things you can do:

• Always supervise children that are near or in water
• Make sure there is fencing separating the pool area from your home
• Have children wear life jackets when boating

Finally, you’ll want to enroll your children in formal swimming lessons. This significantly reduces the risk of drowning. Some area businesses offering children’s swimming lessons include:

• San Mateo – King’s Swim Academy

• Shasta County – Drowning Education Awareness and Prevention Water Safety for Life

• Crescent City – Fred Endert Municipal Pool

• Sacramento – Dolphin Swim School

• Medford – ABK Splash Swim School

2. Being left home alone

Leaving your child home alone presents a variety of risks. This includes injury, abduction as well as damage to your home. Many states have latchkey laws. These laws typically say children under the ages of 10 to 14 should not be left home alone.

The maturity of your child is also important. To determine if they are responsible enough to be left home alone, ask yourself the following as suggested by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services:

• Does my child regularly obey rules and make good decisions?
• Is my child physically able to care for themselves?
• Do I feel comfortable leaving my child home alone?

If you decide your child is mature enough to stay home alone, have a discussion about your home security system. Make sure they never share the key code with anyone.

3. Playing with fire

Fire safety is a very important topic to discuss with your children. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, children under the age of 14 make up 15 percent of all fire-related deaths. As a rule of thumb, you’ll want to:

• Discuss the dangers of fireworks and fire
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach
• Show your children what to do in the event of a fire
• Have a fire escape plan that you practice with your children

You can find important fire safety tips in our post “How to Prevent Home Fires.” Also be sure to Like the Hue & Cry Facebook Page for additional tips and advice.

Criminals, posing as security alarm company representatives, are calling homeowners trying to get security system passcodes to disarm systems so they can break in at a later time.

There are also those companies that initiate an automated call going out to random residences advising of a free security system installed and monitored by the local police department OR claiming to be a well-known local security company giving away a certain number of free systems.

If you get a call from any one of these sources, here’s what you need to know.

1. Your security company will NEVER ask you for the passcode that you use to arm and disarm your security system.
2. When security companies call, they will usually ask you for a personal identification number or a secret word to establish your identity.
3. If you believe the person on the phone is a scam artist, hang up and immediately call your alarm company to explain the situation.
4. Also ask the person on the phone for their alarm license number. You can check the number with your security company to confirm they are an employee.

Following these tips will help to protect your home and your family. Remember to never share your security alarm passcode with anyone outside of your family.

If you have any questions about how to protect yourself from these types of scams, we’re here to help. At Hue & Cry, Inc., we’ve been keeping thousands of families in Northern California and Southern Oregon safe for more than 30 years. Call us at 1-800-762-3196.

This free video from Hue & Cry, Inc. covers all of the benefits of access control systems. You’ll learn how they can help to safeguard your business from outsiders as well as how to monitor employees.

Be sure to take a look at the discovery points below this video.

In this video, you will learn about…

• The types of access control systems
• The benefits of access control
• How they can help you monitor employees

For more great business security tips, be sure to Like the Hue & Cry Facebook Page.

If you are thinking about adding an access control system, you know how confusing it can be. There are so many options and technologies that it can turn into quite a daunting task. There are many things to look for when selecting the right access control system for your business.

Here are some of the biggest mistakes people make when buying an access control system, and pointers to help prevent them from happening to you.

1. NOT IDENTIFYING GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Many companies have not clearly identified what they want an access control system to do for their business. Like anything else in business, how can you achieve an objective you have not defined? Establish your reasons for needing/wanting a system and base your system evaluations around your objectives. And plan for the future…if you think your business may expand, make sure your access control system can grow right along with you.

2. IGNORING OTHER BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEMS

This mistake can really be costly. Many people buy an access control system without considering its impacts on other building control systems, especially fire detections. Make sure your access control system integrates in a code compliant way with other critical building controls.

3. NO SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN

Will your company enter the user data into the system? Will your company maintain and update user information and run system reports to identify use and security issues? You can do it yourself or outsource the work. You should have a plan in place before selecting a system and vendor, as not all will be able to accommodate every type of need.

4. HIRING SOMEONE WITH NO ELECTRONICS EXPERIENCE

Recent surges in workplace violence have caused many new companies to enter the world of access control. Many who aren’t experienced with software, low voltage equipment, electronics and local codes try to bluff their way through projects. Insist on system designers and installers with demonstrable experience with access control

5. NO DOOR HARDWARE EXPERIENCE

It’s easy to make a mess of expensive door frames and doors. Door hardware is critical to the access control system as well as the operation of your business. Make sure your installing vendor is well-versed in door hardware (and power) or is using a licensed locksmith to handle the hardware portions of the project.

6. DON’T KNOW THE INSTALLING COMPANY’S PLAN FOR INSTALLATION

Quality access control system installers pre-test the operation of a system prior to installing it at your business. They’ll hook up and test the equipment at their shop before coming to your business. They’ll unpack the equipment, use short cables to connect the components and test it to make sure everything works correctly. This process allows issues to be resolved prior to installation and the practice will ultimately save you time and money. Make sure you understand how your access control system installer will handle all phases of your project.

7. NO SURGE PROTECTION

Surge protection helps prevent damage from lightning strikes. Many companies try to cut corners with surge protection, only to hit you up later with high repair costs for damaged equipment. Look for surge protection on all data lines and reader cables, and for power supplies at each panel. What you pay now for surge protection can save you a ton of money later.

8. NOT PURCHASING SEPARATE POWER SUPPLIES FOR EACH DOOR LOCKING DEVICE

Sometimes strikes and locks can send voltage spikes back through the power supply into an access control panel. This can create data errors and/or circuit damage. Separate power supplies for each door locking device help reduce risks of voltage spike-related issues.

9. NO SPARE  EQUIPMENT

You or your vendor should have an inventory of common items you may need throughout the useful life of your system. These include readers, control panels and cards.

Need help with your access control system in Northern California or Oregon? We’ll be happy to help you. Contact the specialists at Hue & Cry.

To help keep things running smoothly, here are a few things that you can do to help your security contractor.

• Work & Plan Ahead – Work with your security contractor to plan ahead. Talk with them to see what things they may need to successfully complete the job on time. Get a time estimate on how long they think the job will take. Based on your discussion with them, establish realistic timelines for completion of tasks.

• Communicate – Communication is critical on any construction project. The most common cause for disputes on the jobsite stems from a breakdown in communication. Work hard to facilitate dialogue with your security contractor. You can do this by establishing a clear channel of communication between all parties.

• Discuss Potential Issues – Having a discussion about potential issues that could arise during the project can help you develop contingencies to avoid delays and other headaches. Sit down with your security contractor to voice concerns and issues that could arise on the site.

• Don’t Fall Behind – We know this is easier said than done. However, security contractors are generally the last ones working on the job. If things are falling behind schedule, it’s only going to delay their work. Just take a look at our post, “How a Qualified Security Contractor Can Make Your Life Easier” to get ideas on how to keep things on schedule.

• Hold Regular Meetings – Holding regular project meetings can help keep everyone in the loop about progress and potential issues on the horizon. It’s a great way to regularly review progress and get everyone on the same page.

Following these tips can significantly help your security contractor. At Hue & Cry, Inc., we are a leading life safety and low voltage security contractor in California. We have successfully completed numerous construction projects.

To see our work and find out more about us, please visit our page on Contractor Programs or call us at 1-800-762-3196.