The ProTector, 3rd Quarter 2004
Word from the president
With many area law enforcement offices updating their false alarm activity regulations, we decided to focus this issue of The ProTector on the reduction of false alarms. Most authorities currently allow a handful of false alarms without penalty (amount depends on responding agency). However, excessive false alarms may result in fines.
Who’s responsibility is it to reduce false alarms? Schmidt Security Pro believes it is everybody’s business: shared by manufacturers (reliable, easy-to-use products), security contractors (quality installations, adequate user training and alarm verifying) and end users (using systems conscientiously).
The evidence is undeniable that security systems reduce the likelihood of criminal victimization. The police officer on the street appreciates the effectiveness of a properly installed, maintained and operated alarm system. They enjoy handling legitimate alarms and relish the possibility of capturing a burglary suspect.
Therefore, Schmidt Security Pro will continue to provide training and disseminate information about the tried-and-true means of reducing false alarms. All we ask is that you please read these articles thoroughly, and if you have any questions when you are finished, don’t hesitate to give our office a call. We are committed to providing you with the best customer support possible.
Yours in safety and security,
Bill
Tips to prevent false alarms
· Know how to turn your alarm system off.
· Know your security code so it's easy to cancel an alarm. Select an easy-to-remember code and password. Keep them in a safe, accessible place, but not on your main control panel.
· Have your system programmed with a delay time that is sufficient for you to enter the premise and disarm it at the nearest touchpad. When determining the delay time, consider normal interruptions that may slow your pace, such as setting down groceries or answering the phone.
· Know how to cancel an alarm, and take the time to cancel an accidentally caused alarm. If you can't cancel an alarm in time, please be considerate of the police and fire officials who have raced across town.
· Establish routines for activating and deactivating your security system, and make everyone who uses your system take responsibility for its proper use.
· Hanging signs, balloons, and posters can move about and, perhaps, cause a false alarm. If they must be hung, they should be out of the motion detection range.
· Deactivate your system or make other arrangements for service people who need access to your premise.
When on vacation, give your security code and password to a trusted friend, family member or neighbor in case of an emergency – and again, train them!
Keep the school bus safe
Most school bus fatalities occur when children are outside the bus, and three-quarters of these tragedies involve children under the age of nine.
School bus safety starts with parents. Take a few minutes to make sure your kids understand the rules of the road:
- Be on time.
- Never run to or from the bus.
- Stand back from the curb.
- Always obey the driver.
- Wait for the driver’s signal before crossing.
- Always cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus.
- Never crawl under a school bus.
Coordinate with other parents to make sure that an adult is present at the bus stop every day, especially with children under age nine.
Drawstrings can catch in school bus doors, playground equipment, fences, and escalators. Remove or replace drawstrings with another kind of fastener.
By following simple rules, you can keep your kids safe—before they get on the bus.
Conversation starters
* Article courtesy of MELD
How do you jumpstart a conversation with your kids? Watch and listen. Kids relay what’s on their minds through their actions. Hear between the lines so you can try to figure out what your child is thinking about. This can help you be ready to ask, listen, and talk from your child’s perspective.
- Invite conversation, don’t cut it off. Think about your immediate response to your child. Does it encourage conversation or show you aren’t listening/taking them seriously?
- Be in a position where you can look your child in the eye.
- Make it possible for kids to talk. Everyone needs to feel comfortable and relaxed to talk or ask questions. It is often when things are most casual or unplanned that kids talk. Try bathtime, bedtime, riding in the car, or mealtime.
- Learn from the pros. Listen to the endless descriptions and details of other children’s conversations—about who did what, what happened, and where—for great ideas to use in your own conversations.
* MELD is a non-profit agency dedicated to building strong families. For a complete list of publications for parents, contact MELD at (612) 332-7563.
Work safely in the heat
As the warm days of summer set in, keep these tips in mind to avoid overstressing your body as you work:
Perform heavy tasks in the morning
If you have work that requires a lot of energy, do it in the cooler hours of the morning.
Build your tolerance
It usually takes a good two weeks for your body to acclimate itself to working in the heat, so give it time to adjust to higher temperatures.
Use the buddy system
That way you can keep an eye out and get help if needed.
Drink water
Drink a small cup every 15 to 20 minutes to stay hydrated and cool.
Take breaks
Give your body a chance to cool down by heading off to a cool area for a few minutes.
Eat lightly
Try not to eat heavy or big meals before working in the heat.
Skip the caffeine
Caffeine makes your body lose water and increases your chances of heat illnesses.
Watch your medications
If you take any medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist about its effects when you’re working in the heat.
Ask Schmidt Security Pro
“How can I help prevent false alarms?” — Client L.S. of Mansfield
During installation, your own 4-digit access code was programmed into your system. You also picked a personal code/codeword to identify yourself should you accidentally set off an alarm. It’s very important to remember these codes. Also, when the monitoring center calls the premise before dispatching authorities, you are able to identify yourself and say that you do not need the police. Please call us with questions about your codes or verification….these are both crucial to reducing false alarms.
SPECIAL NOTE: Write to “The ProTector” Editor care of SCHMIDT SECURITY PRO, 241 Mansfield Industrial Pkwy, Mansfield, OH 44903. All questions will be answered by a SCHMIDT SECURITY PRO Professional. Receive ONE MONTH FREE MONITORING if your question is used in “The ProTector.”
GE Security Pro Book Source
Pocket Guide To Safe Babysitting, by Bill Cordes
This pocket guide assists babysitters in safely and effectively performing their responsibilities. In addition, it helps them remember the more detailed information they received during babysitting training.
GE Security Pro Book Source Price: $11.01
Place orders at www.securitypro.com
Arm yourself and your system
The keychain touchpad is a battery-powered, wireless touchpad designed to fit on a keychain, in a pocket, or in a purse. Keychain touchpads provide users a convenient option for the following system operations:
- Arming and disarming
- Arming with no delay
- Police panic alarm
- Auxiliary panic alarm
- Turning lights on and off
- Making lights flash on and off
Contact us today for a free demonstration.
Earn a bonus
Any home or business can be targeted for crime, and everyone should enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a quality security system. If you know someone who would like to receive this newsletter, please have them call us to subscribe.
When you contact us, we’ll tell you about our current referral program. We’ve offered free monitoring, tickets to favorite area events, and dinners for two to customers who refer friends and associates who purchase our security products and services. It’s our way of thanking you for your confidence in us.
