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“American Idol” Viewer’s Threat prompts Workplace Safety

Annie Blanco — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 22:32:00 +0000

A hotel guest staying with two co-workers in Jacksonville, Florida allegedly resorted to some extreme measures to tune into his favorite show.

TV news station WJXT reports that Brooklyn, New York man Barran Prakash, 47, wanted his co-workers to change the TV channel so he could watch “American Idol.” When the co-workers did not comply, things turned very violent when Prakash grabbed a large butcher knife and held it to one man’s throat.

One of the co-workers was able to take the knife away when Prakash attacked him. Luckily, no one was reported to be hurt. Police took Prakash into custody. Ironically, “American Idol” was not even on that night.

This story, though odd and a bit funny, highlights the need to be aware of workplace violence, which can actually happen outside work. Universal Protection Service, a security provider for Southern California, offers some tips for detecting potentially violent behavior. Among the characteristics to look for is if the person is being unreasonable, controlling, paranoid, is a weapons or military enthusiast, is litigious, angry, violent, vindictive, odd, or overall unhealthy.

This article is sponsored by the home security store. We invite you to navigate throughout our website. We have dozens of sections covering a variety of home security kits, security cameras, personal safety products, environmental control devices, wired and wireless security products, and much more.

Illinois Death Penalty Abolished

Annie Blanco — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 23:51:04 +0000

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed into law a bill abolishing the death penalty. The governor also commuted the death sentences of the 15 men on death row in the state, who will all serve life in prison with no chance of parole.

All this comes after years of debate over the possibility that Illinois would somehow execute an innocent person. Over the past two decades, 20 people have been freed from death row after evidence surfaced indicating they were innocent or had been wrongly convicted.

Quinn called this the hardest decision he has had to make as governor, but one he felt was required.

“If the system can’t be guaranteed 100 percent error-free, then we shouldn’t have the system,” Quinn said.

Illinois will become the 16th state in the nation to ban capital punishment when the law goes into effect in July.

Gary Gauger, who was sentenced to die for killing his parents before ultimately being proven innocent, told the Associated Press that he thinks other states will follow Illinois’ example.

“The death penalty is a throwback to a time when society did not have the ability to hold homicidal maniacs … for the rest of their lives,” Gauger said.

New Jersey eliminated its death penalty in 2007. New Mexico followed in 2009, although new Republican Gov. Susana Martinez wants to reinstate it. On a larger scale, most nations have abandoned the death penalty. Among the 58 nations that still use it are China, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, and Japan.

Intruder calls Police during Home Break-in

Annie Blanco — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:18:39 +0000

In Portland, a would-be-burglar broke into a home only to call police for help after the owner came home. Intruder Timothy James Chapek told the 911 operator that he was scared because he thought the owner might have a gun. To top it all off the female homeowner had two German shepherd dogs with her as well. Here’s what happened –

The owner told police that she came home and found the intruder in the bathroom taking a shower. The homeowner, along with her two German shepherd dogs, asked the man what he was doing in the house. The suspect then locked himself in the bathroom and called 911 for help, while the homeowner called 911 as well.

During the call, the intruder can be heard telling the homeowner that he was “kidnapped” and somehow ended up in the house. He also tells the homeowner his name.

24-year-old Chapek was arrested on charges of first-degree criminal trespass.

Fire Safety Tips While Pumping Gas

Annie Blanco — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:11:42 +0000

When filling up your car with gas, it doesn’t take much of a charge to ignite gasoline vapors. It could be a cell phone or static electricity. That’s why motorists are told not to use their cell phone when pumping gas, but what are some other tips? The NFPA has these safety tips when pumping gas.

1. Turn off your vehicle’s engine when refueling

2. Don’t smoke, light matches, or use lighters while refueling.

3. Don’t get in and out of your vehicle while refueling. A static electric charge can develop on your body as you slide across the seat, and when you reach for the pump, a spark can ignite gasoline vapor.

4. If you must get into the vehicle during refueling, discharge any static electricity by touching metal on the outside of the vehicle, away from the filling point, before removing the nozzle from your vehicle.

5. Use only the refueling latch on the gasoline dispenser nozzle, if there is one. Do not jam the latch with an object to hold it open.

6. To avoid spills, do not top off or overfill your vehicle.

7. After pumping gasoline, leave the nozzle in the tank opening for a few seconds to avoid drips when you remove it.

8. If a fire starts while you’re refueling, don’t remove the nozzle from the vehicle or try to stop the flow of gasoline. Leave the area immediately and call for help.

© Annie Blanco for Security World News, 2011. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: fire safety tips, gas station fires

Features and Facts on Wireless Door Alarms

Ron McBride — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:10:24 +0000

Wireless door alarms function on the basis of a wireless system that is programmed to reveal when a door is opened by triggering an alarm. The uses for wireless door alarms are multiple varying from formal security systems up to keeping an account on the whereabouts of our children.

It is easy to get hold of a wireless door alarm as well. You can easily buy it online, find them at hardware stores, home improvement stores, and security companies.

Wireless door alarms work in several different ways. Some have metal plates that convey if a door is open or closed. Others make use of infrared beams that will sound an alarm if the beam is broken by the opened door or a person entering. Wireless door alarms can operate from electricity or from batteries, all depending on the specific model you use.

The most basic type of door alarm is often found in small commercial establishments. The alarm is fasten to the door and once the door is opened it plays a welcoming tune or chime. Usually the sound is loud enough and can be heard throughout the premises. Alternative and more sophisticated wireless door alarms can send a message to a cellphone or pager if the door is opened. Obviously the more sophisticated the wireless door alarm you choose, the more you can expect to pay.

In general wireless door alarms forms part of a bigger home or commercial security system and are often linked with a number of alternative alarms or sensors such as window alarms to trigger an alarm to deter an intruder and to notify residents of a possible intrusion.

In high security areas, such as rooms where safes are kept, motion detection lighting is connected to the door alarm. Once some one enters the area, the lights will go on as a protection measure.

The Comfort of Wireless Intercoms

Ralph Winn — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:05:53 +0000

Wireless 2-Way Intercom System with Video

A wireless intercom system allows you to communicate with different areas of your house of business in a convenient way. Moreover, it provides you with a specific level of security towards employees or family. A wireless intercom system is ideal in situations where you need to convey a message as quick as possible in instances such as when there is an intruder or you need to call for help. Apart from the security factor, it is an ideal solution to stop the shouting up the stairs or around the back yard.

Another advantage above the comfort and convenience of the wireless intercom system is that you do not need to deal with any wiring to install the intercom system. Although most of these wireless intercom models make use of AA batteries, some are equipped with a DC adapter as well.

Most intercom systems have a number of features. One such as feature is the listen in function. This allows you to listen to the whereabouts that takes place in a room. This is ideal for homes where you need to monitor a baby or the activities of small children without being present constantly.

Advanced wireless intercoms can be upgraded to accommodate more than one unit. The number of units that you can combine depends on the advancement of each individual unit. Sophisticated models are manufactured to function over long ranges with secure signals with little or no interference.

Surely you can already see where and how a wireless intercom system can be beneficial to you. The best part is that you will hardly need more than adhesive tape to install your wireless intercom system if it is not supplied with a simple mounting kit.

Home Computer Security Tips

Annie Blanco — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 21:48:08 +0000

Although there is more good than bad on the internet, you must not let your guard down when surfing online, especially on your home computer. That’s because cyber criminals can spread viruses on your home computer that can wipe out your files and infiltrate your computer. They do this to gather personal information, like account codes and passwords, so in turn they can steal your identity. Here are some online usage tips by internet company Webroot –

•Avoid questionable websites, such as adult sites and file sharing sites

•Only download software from sites you trust

•Regularly update your operating system and browser security settings

•Install computer security software that updates regularly and provides up-to-the-minute protection

•Use antivirus protection, a firewall and antispyware software

•Use varied and complex passwords for all your accounts, including online shopping accounts, bank accounts and social networking sites

As the last tip pointed out, using secure passwords is paramount in your online security. When choosing passwords for your bank account, email, and other sensitive information, be sure to use an intricate password that is not publicly available or easy for a fraudster to guess. Remember, weak passwords include birthdays, common words, your mother’s maiden name, and the last four digits of your social security number. Strong passwords, according to StaySafeOnline.org, contain a mixture of letters, numbers and special characters (e.g., “?”, “!”, “#”, etc.). For critical accounts, it’s also a good idea to use a unique password, different from the passwords used for less important purposes.

Sometimes a Child’s SCREAM is a Good Thing

Annie Blanco — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:52:34 +0000

Does a screaming kid drive you nuts? A child may scream for many different reasons. While most of the time a child screams for all the wrong reasons, a child might just scream for the right one. What if someone tried to take your child away? Would you want them to scream? The answer is definitely yes.

This is perhaps why Russell Thorton, in his Free Amber Alert GPS E-book, writes about the four mistakes parents often make. The number one mistake that he lists is not letting your child scream.

Thorton writes –

A child’s scream has an uncanny way of raising the hair on the back of your neck. The pitch of their voice (that only a child can create) or the shrill of the sound makes you want to cover your ears and turn away. Regardless, when a child screams, not only does it alarm you, it can be downright unnerving to everyone around.

If you are a concerned parent, then you should know that your child’s scream is the first and most effective line of defense. An effective child scream will alarm, unsettle, and make a potential predator instinctively turn away.

Talking about screaming with your child is a must. You should give them your approval to scream (and scream loud) if they ever find themselves in a bad situation. Encourage your child to trust his or her gut instinct. Don’t remove their first line of defense against a potential predator.

Can Your Alarm Company be Found Online?

Annie Blanco — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 23:05:47 +0000

Thousands of people visit MyAlarmInstaller.com to make decisions about what alarm company to choose. Can your security business be found? If not, you are missing out. MyAlarmInstaller.com is the answer and the good news is that it’s absolutely free to business owners. With this national database of alarm installers, when a potential customer is searching for a business like yours in your area, they will find you. Increase your exposure online with MyAlarmInstaller.com.

The My Alarm Installer website was developed as a resource to help match up alarm installers with potential customers, be that residential or commercial. To find an installer near you all you have to do is go to the website and enter in your zip code. You will then find alarm installer contractors that serve your area or nearby. It’s just that easy.

If you are a major alarm company, chances are that you have already been listed on MyAlarmInstaller.com. If that is the case then My Alarm Installer staff encourages you to claim your listing. When you do so, you can upload company photos, logos, and edit information. For more go to MyAlarmInstaller.com.

Basic Factors to Determine your Needs

Ron McBride — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 22:04:18 +0000

Have your alarm system professionally monitored 24 hours a day without high-cost lengthy contracts!

Making the wrong choice with your alarm monitoring company can have expensive consequences and moreover, it can pose a risk to the security of your family and possessions. The problem is that there are so many alarm monitoring companies to choose from.

Inspection: Although the alarm monitoring company will do an onsite inspection, you need to familiarize yourself with what you estimate of your security needs are. Before you even start looking for an alarm monitoring company, you need to predetermine what your security requirements are. Start by inspecting your home for the most vulnerable areas and on what areas you want to focus on.

Switches: Decide on what and how many doors and windows you need protection. How big your home is, is the largest determining factor on the amount of switches you will need. Covering all doors and windows would be ideal, but can be very expensive. Having switches on at least all the doors providing access to your home is a good idea.

Control Panel: The control panel is the device that manages your home alarm and signals the alarm monitoring company when you require response. The most common place to place the control panel is in close proximity to the entrance door that is used the most.

Additional keypads can be installed through out the house, as you require. Having easy access to the control panel is crucial and should think through in detail.

Moreover it is crucial that the control panel is easy to use and that all members of the family can reach it and know how to use it, especially if you have children in the house.

Specific Needs: The living habits of your family should also be considered while searching for an alarm monitoring service. Your night time activities and the times you are away from home will play a large part in what type of alarm monitoring service you need. This will determine what kind of alarm will suit your lifestyle best.

How much do you know about a Bullet Camera?

Ron McBride — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 22:00:42 +0000

Night Vision Security Camera for SVAT

Most standard surveillance kits have bullet cameras as part of the package. The reason for the name of the camera has no resemblance to any form of shooting device apart from the shape that is cylindrical and from there the name.

These cameras are fairly small, cost effective and can by mounted in and outdoors. They are the most popular surveillance cameras used for capturing and recording footage and dispatch it to viewing or recording equipment. Bullet cameras that are used for long range surveillance are larger in size than cameras used for close range surveillance.

During the installation process, bullet cameras are installed in difficult to reach locations that are usually high on walls or ceilings and the wires are mostly concealed inside the casing to prevent tampering or damage. There are however a number of wireless bullet cameras available. Most bullet cameras are supplied with suitable mounting brackets and even sun shields.

Bullet cameras are known for their good quality picture and video capturing abilities and are available in black and white as well as color cameras. Infrared bullet cameras can effectively be used in areas where there is poor or low lighting and obviously for night time surveillance.

These cameras are very versatile and flexible and have additional features such as being water resistant for outdoor use. You get bullet cameras that only records when the motion sensor is triggered.

Typically the average bullet camera will be fitted with a 4 mm fixed lens, however, there are bullet cameras that have verifocal lenses that offer a large spectrum of lens settings. The standard viewing angle of a standard bullet camera is 70 degrees

The Basic Facts on Dome Cameras

Ralph Winn — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 20:04:15 +0000

A dome camera is a type of security surveillance camera with a dome shaped cover. They come in various models ranging from having infrared lighting, varifocal or fixed lenses, monochrome or color cameras. Some are tamper resistant with a high resistance polycarbonate casing.

There are two main types of dome cameras, fixed cameras that are static and remain in one position. The other type can tilt, have zoom and pan features. The majority of dome cameras are covered with a dark dome that makes it challenging to see in what direction the camera is observing. The majority of dome cameras have varifocal lenses that make it possible for the camera to observe 360 degrees.

Dome cameras too have infrared and other day and night features such as changing from color to monochrome in low light conditions. One particular feature of the design of the dome camera is that it is almost vandal and tampering proof. It is also ideal for use outdoors as most types are weather proof and can easily withstand the robust nature elements such as hale, wind and rain.

Installing dome cameras is easy. The usually come with the relevant mounting brackets. However, it can be mounted on virtually any place by using any of the assortments of mounts available. A popular mount is the recessed mount. It is used to hide the complete camera apart from the dome itself. Pendant mounts are also popular and are applied in the same way a pendant would hang from a necklace.

When buying a dome camera, you would ideally look for a camera that has strong vandal and weather proof properties. As for the quality of images, you need a security camera that is set with white balance and an auto gain element. A low lux rating is also important to obtain the best quality images during night and low light conditions.

Other factors such as operating temperatures and heat and frost protection should be considered for it to operate optimally in your significant weather conditions. Before you decide on a specific model, you should determine how easy it is to install and if it will be possible for you to do the installation yourself or do you need to have it installed by a technician. More often than not, installing a dome camera is simple and you can do it easy with no significant financial outlay.

There are many video security cameras on the market to fit into every budget and if you do the research you can find a camera that will protect your home or business for a very long time to come

How to Select a Home Monitoring System

janetslagell — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 18:40:13 +0000

Regardless of the recent reports of lower crime rates, that doesn’t make having a home security system any less important. After all, statistics still show that homes without a security system are 2-3 times more likely to be the target of a home invasion. So, rather than pretending that crime is going away, home owners need to be proactive in the vigilance against crime. One of the best ways to do this is by ensuring that you have the best home monitoring system you can afford and then to be sure to activate when you are home and away.

If you are one of the many people who have considered getting a home security system installed, but have yet to do so then there is no time like the present. Take some time to checkout sites like Angies List, the BBB and Local Price to determine what companies are available in your area and then set up some home security consultation. As part of your home security consultation, be sure to ask the following 15 questions:

What is the monthly monitoring rate?
Who will own the equipment after the installation? Is the equipment new or used?
Can the home security system be monitored by another company?
Is there a warranty for the parts and installation of the security system?
Do you offer no contract home security systems? If not, how long is the home monitoring contract?
Is the monitoring company local?
Is it necessary to have a telephone back-up system?
Is there an extra charge for fire, theft, duress, or emergency medical response calls?
Can the system be upgraded when new equipment or technology become available? Will these upgrades require new control panels or keypads?
Is there an insurance program with monitoring, in case of fire or theft?
How long has the company been in business?
Who has access to the records of the home monitoring service customers?
Are the security system installers licensed and bonded?
How many window and door sensors, keypads and deactivation/activation devices come with the basic package? The advanced system?
Is there financing available for the installation?

Having a home alarm monitoring system is one of the best things you can do to protect your family. It may take an hour or two of your time to get the information and about the same amount of time to get the system installed; but since it only takes a few seconds for the average home to broken into the time spent on protecting your home and family is certainly time well spent.

© janetslagell for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alarm Monitoring, alarm system, burglary, Home Invasion, Home Security System, personal safety

What is a Stun Gun?

Ron McBride — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:20:54 +0000

Nowadays more and more people especially women are paying increasingly attention to self-protection. Most people do want take an attacker down without killing him, and they are not willing to carry some weapons like guns. So there is no doubt that stun gun is becoming the best choice. But what is a stun gun, and what are the effects of a stun gun? Read on to get more info.

What is a stun gun?

Traditionally, a stun gun is a legal handheld electrical self defense device that has two metal pins in the trigger at the end of the unit. These stun guns have the ability to push down an attacker by simply pressing a button. But we must have to touch the attacker’s body with our stun gun’s two metal prongs and pull the trigger. Typically stun gun can operate on one or two 9-volt batteries and range from 100,000 volts to 900,000 volts.

How it can protect us?

The design principle of the stun gun is causing intense pain and loss of muscle control. Only when the stun gun makes contact with perpetrator, can it make effect. The electrical shock disrupts brain impulses that cause coordinated action, making the recipient unable to control muscles and cause severe muscular contractions that will produce lactic acid. Lactic acid will result fatiguing a muscle, so the attacker will quickly falls to the ground, allowing you some time for escape and get assistance.

In addition, an electric shock from the stun gun will interrupt the attacker’s nervous system and minimize the contact of brain and peripheral nerve. This “nerve stop” will temporarily incapacitate a potential attacker to hurt you.

Furthermore, if the first electric shock doesn’t let the attacker fall to the ground, then you can once again applied the current until the attacker falling down. Because the amperage is very low, even there will be minor scratches or burn marks, no serious or permanent injury is inflicted.

Stun gun’s advantages:

Stun gun is legal weapon for everyone throughout the United States except for some states.
Stun gun can be used as an excellent self defense weapons.
l Stun gun can be fired multiple times.
l Stun gun battery life is long.
l Stun gun is a good choice to save lives in many cases.

Don’t Pay Extra for Your Home Security System!

janetslagell — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:33:21 +0000

In this day and age, very few of us have money to spare for paying extra for out monthly services. In fact, many are looking for ways to get the best price for whatever services or work that is needed, which is why websites such as Angie’s List or Local Price have become so popular. Of course, all of us recognize the value of getting the most for our money and whether it is getting the best price for your home security system in Los Angeles or hiring a roofing contractor in Chicago, saving money is important.

So what can you do to save money on an existing service such as a home security system? After all, a business or home monitoring service is an important part of your lifestyle and not one to skimp on or to cut out of the budget. However, if your alarm system has causes frequent false alarms, then you could easily spend hundreds of dollars each year paying for the inconveniences it causes for others. To keep false alarms from increasing the price of your home security system, be sure to so the following:

Be sure that everyone who will be using it is familiar with the home security alarm system operations.
Ensure that doors and windows are closed securely before activating the security system.
Have the equipment inspected routinely and that it is maintained by someone who understands the nuances of the system.
Notify the monitoring facility of any changes such as new employees, terminated employees,house guest, etc.
Pay attention to any changes in the environment like new animals, design changes, season decorations, plants, etc…
Make sure that the fire alarm is cleaned and checked on a regular basis (at least once a year) to ensure that it is working correctly.
Be sure to let the security alarm monitoring service know when you are doing a fire alarm check as it is their job to notify the fire department.
Be sure you know how to cancel a false fire alarm!
Take care of your system. If it seems like something is not working correctly, don’t hesitate to call. Remember the old adage…better safe than sorry!

Anytime emergency personal are called due to a false alarm it will cost you money. Why pay for something you don’t need? By taking the time to ensure that your business or home’s security system is working properly, not only will you be safer, but you can avoid spending extra money on false alarm fees. Take some time to make sure your security system is all that you need it to be.

© janetslagell for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: False Alarms, Home Security, home security alarms, monitoring service, security system