Al Colombo's Safety & Security Blog

Being Followed on the Highway

2012-01-25T15:47:00.008-05:00

In my last blog post I spoke on the issue of situational awareness, which I often do. In this case it involved the issue of locking your car doors while sitting in a public parking lot. In this post we'll discuss the issue of being followed on the highway.

Although it's not everyday that you or I would encounter a mobile stalker, they do exist. If you're a woman, it could be someone who knows of you, someone who has met you somewhere at some time, an ex husband, or someone else. If you're a man, it could be your girlfriend's husband or boyfriend, or perhaps an investigator working for a rival corporation.

In any case, there are things you should do and other things you should not do. The following article provides some helpful tips for those who might one day encounter this kind of problem: (What To Do When You Believe You're Being Followed).

If you would like to go one step further, if you would like to know for sure whether someone is tailing you, take three consecutive right hand turns. If the car behind you is still there when you do this, then they are likely following you. Now, here's the crux, be sure you know the area you are in enough to assure there are three consecutive right hand turns you can take. The last thing you want to do is find out that the first or the second turn is a dead end.

Hope this helps. If you have questions or suggestions related to this subject, or ideas for future blog posts, please send them to allan.colombo@tpromo.com.

Al Colombo

Situational Awareness When Out and About

2012-01-14T06:00:00.007-05:00

You have to think like a criminal to avoid criminal action

One of the most important aspects of crime prevention that I strove to instill in my children was this: "Bad things happen to good people."

Here is what I told my girls over and over throughout their teenage years: "If someone knew they were going to get hit by a bus on any particular day, do you think for one moment they wouldn't have just stayed home in bed that day?"

This leads me to the crux of this post: SITUATIONAL AWARENESS.

Last evening while out with my fiance, I happened to go into a McDonalds to use the restroom. I hurried as I knew she would be sitting in the parking lot alone with all the doors unlocked. When I got back, that is exactly what I found. When I mentioned the idea of locking the doors and why, she replied, "I never gave that a thought."

Always be aware of your surroundings and think like a bad guy. If you do those two things, you should stay safe when you're out and about. However, if you go through life with your head buried in the sand, you will likely end up a victim. Criminals look for people who look like victim material. Don't be one of them. --Al Colombo

About this Photograph: This photograph is of an elevator control system atop a building in Akron, Ohio.

Security E-News at Your Fingertips

2012-01-04T02:47:00.001-05:00

The security industry as a whole is changing every day in some way, be it methodology, philosophy, or the equipment and tools that we use.

A number of years ago I decided to build a news portal on the Web that offers the latest and greatest in security and life safety news. When I was done, I called it Security e-News.

Security e-News is built on RSS (Really Simple Syndication) technology. Another name for this is electronic news feeds. It consists of titles, summaries, and links to the latest and greatest news articles found on specific web publications and organizations, such as Security Park, Security System News, Gov't Security News, Security Watch and many, many more.

If you want to stay current in the physical security market, Security e-News is the place to be. It's a great way to start your day. We put the all the news you need right there at your fingertips.

Go to: http://www.Securitye-News.com.

Here's a short review of Security e-News:

14 Main topics
100 Individual news links
A Security Equipment Manufacturers' links page
Law Enforcement Resource Links
Commentaries
and more...

Not only will you find links to security and life safety publications and organizations, but you will find links to popular news outlets, such as The Consumerist, Business Wire News Service, eGovNews, U.S. State Department, Washington Post, and many, many more.

If you have a favorite news site that you would like to see on Security e-News, or if you find a bad link on the site, please send it along to allan@wmml.info.

Thank you,

Allan B. Colombo

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T10:29:00.013-05:00

Hope you have a wonderful 2012 my friends.

I hope all of us can say 2012 was a wonderful year when we get to January 1st, 2013.

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man." --Benjamin Franklin

To view all my quotations, click here. You can also catch them as I post them each day on the front page of this blog. The very same quotes also appear on my facebook wall.

--Al Colombo

Al Colombo

Create Your Badge

Assuring the Procurement of a Quality Alarm Company

2011-12-22T07:57:00.009-05:00

The notion that "bigger is better" is actually a misguided one. In this picture you will see that the bigger-is-better alarm firm installed a common ordinary PIR (passive infrared) detector in such a manner that the wire is exposed to view.

While it's true that the wire is nice and straight, even neatly installed from top to bottom, it goes without saying that you would not want to look at this in your living room any more than I would. But this sad client will be forced to do so for many years to come.

The question that I'd like to address in this blog post is this: "How do I assure that the alarm company I hire does a good job for me instead of a shoddy one?"

As the early portion of this blog post indicated, you cannot assume that bigger is better. The alarm firm that installed the motion detector in this picture is nationally known. And yet the quality of their work, as you can see, is not always what you would think it ought to be.

In the past I've also witnessed similar jobs where the same firm installed plastic conduit up a wall to a motion detector. In due time the sticky substance on the back of the conduit lost its holding power, which allowed the conduit to sag and bend. Needless to say, it actually looked worse than the plain old wire up the corner of the room shown in the picture above.

I think what's even more alarming (:-) is the fact that the technician who installed this conduit was misguided enough to put his firm's window stickers and yard signs up for all to see. Now, if I had installed either of these jobs, I would have been embarrassed to do so.

One way to assure that you get a quality job is to carefully scrutinize and select the alarm company you hire to install it. There are several steps that you should follow in order to accomplish this task:

How to Buy an Alarm System
By Allan B. Colombo

How do you know a good alarm system when you see one? This is one question that many homeowners ask when they go in search of an alarm system for their home. How do you compare one company's alarm system against another when you don't know anything about alarm systems? Probably the worst way to choose a system is to toss the dice and take a chance. Although this may work okay in Los Vegas, it doesn't work very well when buying an alarm system.

One way to buy an alarm system is to first study and research the various alarm systems that are currently on the market. There are several ways to do this, but the best way is to have a number of alarm companies come into your home and evaluate your security needs. They also will demonstrate the alarm system that they sell, giving you a first-hand look at some of the features of that particular system.

Another way to buy an alarm system is to attend crime prevention meetings where you can ask knowledgeable crime- prevention proponents questions about alarm systems. You can also call your local law enforcement agency and ask a police officer or sheriff deputy what kind of alarm system that they recommend. Although asking crime-prevention and law-enforcement "experts" questions will probably help you understand alarm systems better, it may not provide enough detailed information for a final decision.

A third avenue is to visit a local library where you can learn about alarm systems from technical books and various trade journals. Formal training in the field of alarm systems is also available from the National Fire and Burglar Alarm Association, Washington, DC and select colleges and correspondence schools. You can also obtain instructional books and other materials from a Radio Shack store in your area.

Alarm Systems Detect, Not Stop
The best place to begin is at the beginning, so let's examine a few facts and myths concerning alarm systems.

* ALARM SYSTEMS WILL STOP CRIMINALS FROM BREAKING IN: This is false! Alarm systems are made to detect criminals, not stop them from entering homes. At the same time, merely having an alarm system is sometimes enough to disourage unauthorized people (criminals) from breaking in.

* I'D BUY AN ALARM, BUT I HAVE TOO MANY KEYS AS IT IS HANGING FROM MY KEY RING: Most alarm systems today do not require the use of a key. Instead, they use keypads that have alphanumeric buttons and textual readouts.

Each user is given an authorization code that enables him or her to enter their home without triggering their alarm system. This special code number must be entered into the system via the keypad. Typically, homeowners have a predetermined period of time from the instant they open a select entry door until the time the alarm goes into alarm. Entering the right code number cancels the alarm.

* I DON'T PARTICULARLY WANT A BELL HANGING ON THE OUTSIDE OF MY HOUSE: Professional alarm installers usually do not use bells in residential applications today. Instead, they use siren speakers, many times mounting them inside an attic pointed out a gable vent or on a roof top where they're not so easily seen or tampered with.
Sirens do a better job of reporting unauthorized entries because of the sound they make. They especially attract attention better in rural settings where the high- frequency sounds they make carries further than that of bells and buzzers.

* ALARM MONITORING IS TOO EXPENSIVE: Although monitoring can cost, on the average, $240 a year, this feature provides an enormous benefit by assuring that help is on the way when your alarm system detects an intruder. Monitoring hinges on a 24-hr. central stations where operators work day and night to dispatch the police, fire department and paramedics to homeowners in trouble.

* ALARM SYSTEMS COST TOO MUCH: Putting a price tag on your home and its contents is one way of deciding whether to buy an alarm system. But, putting a price tag on the well being of your family members is impossible. It's also impossible to place a price tag on the peace of mind that results when you have an alarm system.
For example, from my own personal experience, one of my children--who literally grew up with an alarm system of one kind or another in our home--use to express how they felt like a prisoner in their own home. One day, after spending a night at a neighbor friends, she told me how uncomfortable she was all night long in a house that did not have any kind of protection, other than a lock on the door. After that she never complained about an alarm system; I suppose because it made her sleep better knowing it was there.

* IF I HAD AN ALARM SYSTEM I JUST KNOW MY CHILDREN WOULD SET IT OFF CONTINUALLY: False! Children historically learn how to operate alarms faster than their parents! In fact, it's usually the children who keep reminding their parents how to use it. And then it's usually the kids that venture beyond merely turning it on and off-- teaching their parents afterwards.

Do-It-Yourself Alarm Systems

There are essentially two levels of alarm protection in the security market: "do-it-yourself" and "professional."

Do-it-yourself (DIY) systems are understandably simple to install so the average do-it-yourselfer (DIY) can install them. This is because most do-it-yourselfers (DIYs) do not have the electronics background to install the sophisticated alarm systems used by professional alarm installers. Although these systems are usually inexpensive, beginning as low as $100, most of them are not usually as effective at protecting homes as professionally-installed systems are.

DIY systems, however, do fill a need in the protection of certain kinds of homes in certain situations. For example, DIY alarm systems are ideal for homeowners who cannot afford to buy a professionally-installed system. DIY alarm systems also are good for people who do not own their own home, as in the case of a tenant who rents an apartment. DIY systems also provide adequate protection when the risk of loss is significantly less than what it costs to have a full-sized, full featured alarm system installed by a professional.

For example, in the case of young newly-wed couple, they may not have enough expensive items in their apartment/home to warrant the cost of installing a professionally-installed alarm system. A DIY system will provide adequate protection in their situation. Another factor might be where they live. For example, a DIY alarm system may also be adequate when they live in a rural environment or one without a history of violence or crime.

You can usually identify a DIY system by how it looks in a home. Most DIY systems are designed to sit on a counter or a bookshelf. Most of them are also "wireless," which means there are no wires to connect them with the remote sensors that make up a professional alarm system--other than a plug-in power cord and speaker wire. The draw back to this approach, however, is obviously the ease at which criminals can circumvent them.

For example, most DIY alarm systems provide a delay when entering a home. During this delay a small electronic device (called a piezoelectric or just piezo) sounds a low-level warning alarm, reminding the homeowner to disarm the alarm system. Because the piezo is usually located in the DIY unit itself, a criminal only has to follow the sound to find the brains of the system. To defeat it, all he usually has to do is unplug the power cord and cut the outside speaker wires.
Some DIY systems are designed to use wireless transmitters to convey open reports from each door and window switch. Miniature transmitters also are built into interior motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other sensory devices. This nearly eliminates the need to install wire.

Some DIY systems come with motion detectors built into them. Thus, the same cabinet that houses the brains of the system also acts as a motion detector, sometimes eliminating the need for additional interior sensors. In other DIY systems, "hardwired" connections are also provided--just in case someone wants to install both hardwired and wireless devices.

There is also another type of wireless system on the market that requires no wires, no transmitters, no door/window switches and no interior motion detectors. One version of this type of DIY system detects burglars by sensing sudden changes in atmospheric pressure inside the home when a window or door is opened or a glass pane is broken. The technology that makes this happen is called "infrasonics."

Although infrasonic systems do work, this technology was abandoned by professional alarm manufacturers a few years ago for a variety of reasons. One manufacturer confided that the technology involved was not stable enough for professional use. There is at least one consumer-grade alarm system on the market today, however, that uses infrasonic technology. I cannot attest to its reliability, but will suggest that perhaps in unmonitored, low-risk applications (those applications where an alarm system only rings at the protected premises and where the risk of monetary loss or the loss of life is low), infrasonics may provide adequate protection.
Another type of wireless DIY system detects the entry of unauthorized people (criminals) by listening for the sound of breaking glass and splintering wood. These devices, again, are shelf-mounted and they plug into a 110 volt receptacle in the home--often with battery backup.

Professionally-installed wireless and hardwired alarm systems, on the other hand, are usually wall-mounted, which means the sensor, power, and telephone wires can be concealed inside the wall behind the alarm box or inside a metal conduit. Getting to the circuit boards inside the box is made all the harder because most systems require the use of a key to open the box. This makes it a lot harder for criminals to defeat them.

For an example of what it is like to install a typical DIY alarm system, view How To Install a Typical DIY Alarm System.

Professional Security Systems

Professionally-installed alarm systems will accommodate either wireless, hardwired, or both technologies. Wireless systems, for example, usually use sophisticated radio-controlled equipment that not only sense the presence of unauthorized people, but also send open-and-closed status (alarm) and low-battery (supervisory) signals to the main alarm unit on a transmitter-by-transmitter basis.

The technical advantages of this type of wireless system over that of a DIY system are obvious. The most important difference, however, is the ability of this system to report alarms and supervisory signals to an alarm panel on a transmitter-by- transmitter basis, pin pointing where a criminal has entered. Interior motion detectors equipped with radio transmitters also enable central station operators to follow criminals through a home, giving the police the assurance that someone is still inside, even though the doors and windows may appear to be secure.

Pin pointing the origin of an alarm is also essential when there are false alarms (nothing made by man is perfect, so ALL alarm systems will eventually generate a false alarm sometime). A professional wireless system enables both the homeowner and professional alarm installer to quickly determine the source of a "troublesome" alarm, eliminating the problem before it begins to annoy the police. This is also important because more and more communities are instituting fines against homeowners when their alarm system repeatedly causes false alarms. Worse yet, in some cases, the police has placed false-alarming systems on low priority, sometimes eliminating police response altogether.

By contrast, most DIY systems cannot pin point the origin of "troublesome" false alarms. In addition, they do not monitor the status of their batteries, sometimes allowing them to go dead without warning anyone of their low power condition. Professional-grade wireless systems, on the other hand, provide a low-battery warning up to 6 weeks prior to a battery's failure.

Although wireless is gaining in popularity among professional alarm installers, the most common professional alarm system on the market today is the "hardwired" system.

Because these systems use wire to connect remote door and window switches, as well as motion detectors, smoke detectors (when used), and other sensors, there is less sophisticated electronic circuitries to malfunction. In addition, larger systems can quickly identify false-alarm sources so the alarm installer can quickly solve a false-alarm problem.

Another sign of a professional system is an integral central- station connection. These systems usually contain a device called a digital communicator that communicates with a special computerized receiver on the other end at the central station. Although add-on digital communicators are available, these devices usually are inherent in the design of a professional alarm system. In some cases, the manufacturer provides an add-on digital-communicator board that simply plugs into the main circuit board inside the alarm box.

Conclusion

The first decision to make is whether to buy a DIY alarm or a professionally-installed security system. Those who sell DIY systems often point out the difference in cost. If you are an apartment tenant, you have very little to loose inside your home or apartment, then a low-cost DIY system will probably fulfill your needs. On the other hand, if you own your own home and you intend to stay there and you have many fine things in your home, a professional-grade alarm system is probably the best way to go.

In some cases, it's not only a family's valuables at stake, but the welfare of family members that must be considered. In this case, a professionally-installed system with several keypads inside the home (one in the master bedroom, for example) is a must because this type of system will quickly identify a criminal's point of entry, as well as his current location in the home. This is important especially at night when the alarm system suddenly goes off.

The next decision is whether to pay for professional 24-hr. central station monitoring. One criteria for this decision is, of course, the money it will cost you to have your alarm system monitored. It's also important to note that in situations like the one in the last paragraph, central-station monitoring assures you that help is on the way without you even making a phone call.

There are other ways to report alarms too. One of them that's often used in DIY systems is called a "voice dialer." This technology came into existence in the 1960s in the form of a modified mechanical tape recorder that automatically dials out on the telephone lines to a police station, sheriff office, fire department, or ambulance service. Today, voice dialers are electronic--storing voices digitally inside their circuits.

Although voice dialers do not require a monthly charge like 24- hr. central stations do, this technology is not as reliable at transmitting alarm signals because there is no way to positively verify that an emergency call has been received at the other end. In addition, many police and fire departments have outlawed their use. In the Chicago area, for example, stiff penalties are levied against homeowners who use them. Thus, the bottom line is to check with the authorities in your community before you plug one of these devices into your telephone line and begin sending your own voice over the phone line.

New Alarm Systems Deserve Special Consideration

2011-12-13T06:00:00.009-05:00

Everyone knows that false alarms are a problem for law enforcement and fire departments across the United States if not the world. Everyone also knows and expects to take a new car back to the dealership because there are almost always bugs in the rugs that need attention. And yet cities across the nation fail to apply this same understanding to new alarm installations.

PRESCOTT - Over the course of about a month this past summer, local charter school Kestrel High racked up more than $1,000 in fines from the new security-alarm ordinance that the City of Prescott had just enacted.

The school's board President John Baudek appeared before the Prescott City Council Tuesday to protest those fines and to suggest that the city impose a more moderate false-alarm ordinance.

Read it here.

In the case of Kestrel High, the city in which it resides allows two false alarms before fining the alarm owner.

Cities should allow some slack when a new alarm system is installed. There should be a good deal of leeway in order to assure that all the bugs are worked out of the system. There are many reasons for bugs to exist, such as unforeseen air currents, unexpected rodents, and other issues that affect motion detectors.

One of my own clients experienced several additional false alarms and was fined by the local community enforcement folks. I wrote a letter to the police department explaining that it was a new alarm system and that there had been some unexpected issues that resulted in unintended/unwanted alarms. I asked if they would kindly exempt the client from the fines because of extenuating circumstances. Much to my surprise, they did!

Communities should be sensible in their false alarm policies. This ploy should not be revenue driven, although it does add considerably to the bottom line. The first and primary purpose should be to encourage owners to fix their alarm systems. Therefore, it's my opinion that new alarms should be considered separately. --Al Colombo

Know Your Sprinkler System Mechanics

2011-12-05T06:05:00.008-05:00

One of the most prevalent problems in the electronic life safety portion of our industry seems to be sprinkler system mechanics. Knowing a simple thing like how to monitor low-air in a dry-type system is crucial to the proper, long-term operation of any system. It's certainly critical in cold climates where having a minimum amount of air in dry pipes will assure that the system continues to operate effectively.

In the following article, written by myself in 2008 for EC, I provide some basic information that you need to know if you intend to supervise a sprinkler system of any kind. If you have questions, send them along.

--Al Colombo

The Mechanics Behind Sprinkler Supervision

by Allan B. Colombo
Published: February 2008
Electrical Contractor Magazine

Sprinkler systems are important life safety tools for fire protection. Certainly, they’re one of the things most required by codes and by local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs).

But why? Take, for instance, an article by Kimberly D. Rohr, “U.S. Experience With Sprinklers,” National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Quincy, Mass., which states, “Automatic sprinklers are highly effective elements of total system designs for fire protection in buildings. When sprinklers are present, the chances of dying in a fire and the average property loss per fire are both cut by one-half to two-thirds, compared to fires where sprinklers are not present.”

In addition, according to an article, “Integrating Fire Alarm and Fire Protection Systems” by Wayne D. Moore, that appears in the March/April 2004 issue of NFPA Journal, “Requirements for automatic sprinkler systems include provisions ‘that the system be supervised through a connection to a fire alarm system to electrically monitor the sprinklers’ integrity. Supervision includes monitoring the position of sprinkler system control valves, fire pump power supplies and running conditions, water tank levels and temperatures, tank pressure, dry-pipe valve air pressure, and pre-action system supervisory pressure.

“NFPA 72 also requires that the fire alarm system provide an audible and visible supervisory signal at an attended location in the protected building to indicate a condition that would keep the sprinkler system from operating satisfactorily.”

Supervision of sprinkler systems is achieved electronically through a fire alarm control panel and remotely through a digital alarm communicator transmitter (DACT). This requires that a digital alarm communicator receiver (DACR) be set up in a 24/7 central office to receive the signals.

There are many components of a sprinkler system that a fire alarm control panel must constantly monitor. If any one of them should fail, the sprinkler system could be rendered inadequate or useless. This means that the fire in its initial stages would continue to rage on without being extinguished. Within minutes, lives and property could be lost. This is why sprinkler supervision is so important.

Perhaps the two most common devices that security contractors are called upon to electronically monitor are the control valve and the low-air-pressure switch.

Control valve

A control valve is a device that regulates the flow of water into a sprinkler system. Unless this valve remains open, there could be no water available with which to put out a developing fire. NFPA 72 states that an off-normal signal must be initiated when the shaft on a control valve is turned two complete revolutions or one-fifth of the valve’s maximum travel. When this occurs, a supervisory switch, either on the outside of the valve or within it, must alert the fire alarm control panel of the problem.

Air pressure

The devices used to monitor air pressure in dry-pipe sprinkler systems are immensely important to the general safety of any facility.

This type of sprinkler system is designed to maintain dry pipes throughout the facility and is used where climate can be cold and protection against freezing cannot be ensured.

In this type of sprinkler system, a clapper valve is used to prevent water from filling the pipes that connect the riser to all of the sprinkler heads. As long as about 20 pounds of air pressure over trip level is maintained within the piping, the clapper valve will remain closed. This will ensure that water does not fill the system and possibly compromise the integrity of the piping in cold weather.

One of the main water shutoffs on a wet sprinkler system is supervised using a common supervisory switch that will trigger a supervisory condition when the valve stem trovels one-fifth of its maximum travel distance or two complete turns.
It is when a sprinkler head opens up, upon the detection of sufficient heat, that the air (sometimes nitrogen) can be lost within the pipes. The loss of air pressure will then allow the clapper valve to open, causing water to flow into the pipes.

An air pressure switch is used to electronically monitor the low-pressure air or nitrogen in the system. If this pressure is lost, the low-pressure switch will signal the fire alarm control panel about the problem. Simple leakage or a bad air compressor can also result in the activation of a low-pressure condition.

NFPA 13, Section 1.4.3, 2002 Edition, Combined Dry Pipe-Pre-action System, defines a pressure switch: “A sprinkler system employing automatic sprinklers attached to a piping system containing air under pressure with a supplemental detection system installed in the same areas as the sprinklers. Operation of the detection system actuates tripping devices that open dry pipe valves simultaneously and without loss of air pressure in the system. Operation of the detection system also opens listed air exhaust valves at the end of the feed main, which usually precedes the opening of sprinklers. The detection system also serves as an automatic fire alarm system.”

Code calls for two distinct sounds

The NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2006 Edition, states that individuals at the location must be able to quickly and easily discern the difference between an alarm and a supervisory condition. In order to do this, NFPA 101 calls for two distinctly different local sounds.

“Where supervised automatic sprinkler systems are required by another section of this Code, supervisory attachments shall be installed and monitored for integrity in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, and a distinctive supervisory signal shall be provided to indicate a condition that would impair the satisfactory operation of the sprinkler system. …. Supervisory signals shall sound and shall be displayed either at a location within the protected building that is constantly attended by qualified personnel or at an approved, remotely located receiving facility.” (Section 9.7.2.1)

NFPA 72 mandates two types of supervisory signals. The first is an off-normal signal, and the second is a restoration signal. Not more than 20 supervisory devices can be placed on the same initiating device circuit, and the signals must reflect the actual condition that occurred.

An off-normal signal takes place when a sprinkler device reaches a critical point in its operability, where sprinkler operation could possibly be impaired. When an off-normal condition occurs, a supervisory switch or some other device then will signal the alarm control panel about the problem. The fire alarm control panel, in turn, will trigger a supervisory condition (locally through a low-level audible device, such as a piezoelectric sounder).

A restoration signal indicates that the sprinkler system has returned to its normal operating condition.

Where the fire alarm control panel is equipped with a DACT, a supervisory signal can be sent to the central office through one of several signal paths. Here, central station automation computers will decipher the data and an attendant will call a local fire service for assistance.

We’ll soon discuss the supervision of power supplies, fire pumps, temperature monitoring, water levels and more.

COLOMBO is a 32-year veteran in the security and life-safety markets. He currently is director with FireNetOnline.com and a nationally recognized trade journalist located in East Canton, Ohio.

LA City Fire, Yesterday and Today

2011-11-28T23:50:00.001-05:00

Those of us in life safety know all too well what's at stake when we engineer, install, or service a fire alarm system. The system we install today may very well save lives somewhere ahead in the years to come. The fact is, a well designed, installed, and cared for fire alarm system will provide a wealth of information to responding firefighters in the presence of a fire.

When you stop and think, next to the evacuation of a public or private building, firefighters are the core reason why we do what we do. I found the following video on the LA fire department interesting. I would like to share it with you...

Crime Prevention on Facebook

2011-11-04T07:19:00.003-04:00

Crime prevention is an absolute must for those who realize the reality of the world in which we live. There will always be crime and it's up to us as the head of our own family to be aware of it so we can prevent that crime from happening in our lives and those of our loved ones.

Recently I started a new Facebook Group called GKO on Crime Prevention. On this FB group I provide information on a wide variety of topics associated with crime prevention.

On this group, in the documents section, I provide helpful information, stories, and a Crime Prevention resource page that will provide you with links to well known crime prevention oriented websites. Some of them are college campus security and safety departments, others are law enforcement resources.

And so I invite you to visit GKO on Crime Prevention. My wish is that you will find something there that might just prevent a crime from happening in your own life and the lives of those you love.

If you have a website and you would like to exchange links, banners, or stories, please contact me at allancolombo@gmail.com.

Thank you,
Al Colombo

FIRE ALARM LIMITATIONS

2011-10-31T10:20:00.007-04:00

Most of us know that there are no guarantees in life. Unfortunately there are those out there who believe they deserve clear skies and smooth sailing ahead. When stuff happens, it's the latter who usually whine and cry. If that were all these whiny folks would do the rest of us would be just fine. But instead, it's these folks that like to sue, sue, sue.

The fact is, fire alarm systems have their limitations. We as installers and engineers know this. Even though we do everything in our power to assure the installation of a life-saving fire alarm system, there are extenuating circumstances that can, and often do cause problems. Sometimes people are injured, and quite often people die because of these circumstances.

System Sensor, a division of Honeywell Life Safety, knows this, and so they have published a paper that provides us with an inside view of several limitations that end users and professionals should be aware of. Everyone involved in fire protection should read it, understand it, and pass it on to others who might benefit from it.

Professionals should pass the same document on to their clients so they, too, understand that fire alarm systems do have limitations. To read this paper, CLICK HERE.

Photo by Nick Markowitz

Security E-News at Your Fingertips

2011-10-26T14:47:00.000-04:00

14 Main topics
100 Individual news links
A Security Equipment Manufacturers' links page
Law Enforcement Resource Links
Commentaries
and more...

How to Determine Which Relay to Use in an Access System

2011-10-25T13:39:00.007-04:00

Recently an alarm dealer wrote in and asked the following question:

I am installing an access control system and there are three relays available to provide power to my electromagnetic locks: 5A, 10A, and 15A. How do I determine which one I need to use? The average electric lock takes less than 1A of current, so can I just plan on using the 5A relay under most all situations?

Relays can be used at any point along the way for any number of specific applications within the access control process. Sometimes we use a lone relay to provide power to a single electric strike or EM lock. Other times we use a lone relay to power a slew of locks.

One reason to power many EM locks/strikes from a single relay is to comply with fire code. NFPA 101 essentially says that we must drop power from fail-safe locking devices when the building fire alarm systems goes into alarm. That can be done internal to the power supply, it can be done at each door, or it can be done as a group using a single relay positioned within 3 feet from the fire alarm panel.

In this application the installer must add up the current drawn by each device. We then add 20% for headroom (tolerance) and then pick a relay that provides at least that much current. For example, if the sum of all our loads equals 4.5 Amps, then you would add another 20%, or 4.5 X 1.2 = 5.4 Amps. In this case, use the relay that provides a capacity of 10 Amps.

If we place a single relay at each door, then it's likely we can use the 5A relay. You should still add up the loads, add 20% for headroom, and select a relay that provides at least that much current.

If you have a question, whether you're a professional fire/security technician, administrator, or the corporate equivalent, send me an email. --Al Colombo

Protecting Smoke Detectors During Construction

2011-10-13T14:44:00.009-04:00

Recently a client stopped by to discuss false fire alarms that his firm had experienced during some remodeling they were doing. It seems that it did not take them long to figure out that these alarms were occurring because of dust and dirt getting into the hallway smoke detectors.

What he wanted was to "borrow" some smoke detector covers, as comes on new smoke detectors when you first get them. Of course, I could not comply due to the fact that the ones I have are contained in boxes with the new smoke detectors that they protect. I could have ordered them, but my advice was to use zip-type baggies, taping the corners where the wires protrude. To make this happen, I told him to remove each detector from the ceiling and wrap, zip, and tape each one.

I have seen technicians tape bags over top of smoke detectors, and that may work well in most cases. But I do not advocate this method of protection because it often leaves tape residue on surfaces at best. Dust will also sometimes filter into these smoke detectors through the back box or ring that holds them to the ceiling or wall.

I believe that the best way to protect these critical life safety detectors is to hang and bag them using tape to assure the seal where wires exit.

The issue of protecting existing or new smoke detectors during construction is not merely a matter of common sense. It's also based in established fire codes--specifically Section 17.7.1.11 of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2010 Edition.

Section 17.7.1.11* Protection During Construction

17.7.1.11.1 Where detectors are installed for signal initiation during construction, they shall be cleaned and verified to be operating in accordance with the listed sensitivity, or they shall be replaced prior to the final commissioning of the system.

17.7.1.11.2 Where detectors are installed but not operational during construction, they shall be protected from construction debris, dust, dirt, and damage in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and verified to be operating in accordance with the listed sensitivity, or they shall be replaced prior to the final commissioning of the system.

17.7.1.11.3 Where detection is not required during construction, detectors shall not be installed until after all other construction trades have completed cleanup.

If you have further questions about construction and smoke detectors, or if you have questions about any facet of code, contact the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) by calling (617)770-3000, email custserv@nfpa.org, or visit them on the Web at www.nfpa.org.

--Allan Colombo

Security Dealer & Integrator Magazine

2011-10-06T05:40:00.004-04:00

Some weeks ago I made the announcement that I resigned from Security Sales & Integration (SSI) magazine. After many satisfying years working with Scott Goldfine, Chief Editor of SSI, I made that decision for many reasons. SSI is a great magazine and I would encourage all of you to continue reading it.

Today, I am about to make another announcement related to my work in the capacity of a trade journalist. My work will henceforth appear in Security Dealer & Integrator (SD&I) magazine. My first story will appear in the December, 2011, issue.

If you have a story idea, or you would simply like to chitchat via email, please contact me at allancolombo@gmail.com.

Al Colombo

Calculating Lens Sizes in Video Surveillance Systems

2011-09-19T12:31:00.010-04:00

Most of the time sales personnel tend to price vari-focal lenses due to a general lack of desire or inability to size up the proper lens given the field of view desired. I have to admit, pricing a 5 to 55mm vari-focal lens is a lot easier than doing the math, but it also costs more money.

The easiest way to do the math is to use a lens calculator wheel (see picture below). The other way is to utilize a lens calculator program. I prefer the latter because it's fast and easy. I have been known to check the results from such a program-based calculator program using the wheel--just to make sure it's accurate.

There are two on-line services that I like and that I use: the Pelco Field of View Calculator Program and the ThermoSight CCTV Lens Calculation page.

Where the first one from Pelco deals with a particular lens in a specific application, providing you with the field of view characteristics, the ThermoSight tool allows you to enter environmental information in order to derive a lens size. Remember, here you are looking for the widest angle desired. From there you can narrow the field of view by using a vari-focal lens of your choosing. The lower the number of milli meters, the wider the field of view. The higher the milli meter lens size, the more narrow and defined that view becomes.

If you should have any questions, please email me.

Al Colombo

Lens size calculator wheels provide
easy calculation of needed lens size.

Indroducing GKO on Crime Prevention on Facebook

2011-08-23T05:48:00.005-04:00

Security e-News Puts the News at Your Fingertips

2011-08-21T04:34:00.011-04:00

14 Main topics
100 Individual news links
A Security Equipment Manufacturers' links page
Law Enforcement Resource Links
Commentaries
and more...

My Departure From Security Sales & Integration Magazine

2011-08-12T20:17:00.012-04:00

Just a note to my readers that I have resigned my position with Security Sales & Integration Magazine.

I thoroughly enjoyed working at SSI under the guidance and command of Chief Editor Scott Goldfine since May 2001.

I am presently in discussions with another security magazine and will make an announcement as to where my new home will be at a later time. In the mean time, keep reading this blog, and keep reading SSI, it's a great magazine. My September Fire Side Chat column is about the use of video surveillance technology in fire alarm applications. --Al Colombo

Video Surveillance of the General Public

2011-08-03T07:30:00.002-04:00

WHO SHOULD READ THIS: Security Managers and the General Public
There's no doubt that corporations as well as Uncle Sam have gone video surveillance crazy as of recent. However, where government seeks to monitor the general public for sometimes ridiculous reasons, corporations more often do so as a legal precaution against sue-happy citizens who seemingly make a career of seeking restitution for questionable, often non-existent injuries.

Slip-and-fall injuries can certainly occur. But because of unscrupulous patrons who have been known to claim to have fallen, all too often resulting in court decisions supporting their demand for money, corporations have had to seek ways to protect themselves. As they say, "A picture if worth a thousand words," and so video surveillance is an excellent way to catch dishonest people at their own game.

There are cases, however, where video surveillance has a dual purpose--the one to which is publicly stated, and a second one that is more often denied but still valid. The following is an example of where video is possibly misapplied.

As intrusive as cameras in dressing rooms seem, most states allow this type of surveillance. Cameras or two-way mirrors may be used. The reason is to decrease incidents of theft. It is illegal to use cameras for any reason other than to prevent stealing. Someone illegally using dressing room cameras could be accused of violating voyeurism laws. (click here)

Shocking Revelation
Well, let me give you something more to munch on. While doing a story on the legality of video surveillance while working as Associate Editor with Security Distributing & Marketing Magazine (SDM) many years ago, I interviewed a commercial lawyer for one of the most prestigious law firms in my area. This was in the late 1990s, and for that time period, I am still blown away.

First of all, he told me that it's perfectly legal to place cameras in just about any public place--where there is no expectation of privacy. He claimed that this includes the main portion of a men's or women's public restroom. (Yes, in the middle of a restroom.)

My interpretation of the lawyer's bottom line is this: You can place a camera anywhere in the world there is no expectation of privacy. But this new revelation--that of a dressing room--is a huge surprise.

The bottom line is this: When you go to try one that new shirt/blouse or pair of pants/dress... look around before you do it.

Al Colombo

Who Does Your Electrical Engineer Really Represent

2011-07-21T09:13:00.006-04:00

WHO SHOULD READ THIS? End users, architects and engineers

I'll tell you what I dislike the most about the construction trade. I dislike the fact that some Electrical Engineers (EEs) out there think nothing of specifying the products that only ONE, single company can install in their locale.

Let me share with you one situation that is happening right at this moment. A bid specification for a relatively small single-floor, 43-bed nursing home calls for a high-tech, touch-screen nurse call system made by a specific manufacturer. The same specification calls for a specific manufacturer's fire alarm system.

The problem here is that the manufacturer of both systems have given a single company territorial protection and so it's very plain to see that the EE has written the entire specification around a single alarm company--one that does not install anything, but provide equipment, supervision, final connections, and system commissioning.

There are nurse call systems that will do that job for a smaller facility like this even using the specific manufacturer called for, and they cost a lot less than the one specified. But, only one company can offer the system that the EE is asking for. The master nurse call station alone probably costs the protected firm more than $8K alone where a smaller system might be less than $1K.

I'm all for making money, and I'm all for creating niches that people have to come to me for, but if you ask me personally, it's my opinion that the EE in this case has the equipment supplier's interest foremost in his mind and not his client, the end user building the building.

If you are an end user, you need to think about this. Who is your EE representing on your project, you or his own vendor buddies? Do some research, find out if there's only one supplier in your locale who can fulfill the spec, and if you find out that there's only one, you know that your EE is not really working for you.

--Al Colombo

Document, Document, Document!

2011-07-10T14:20:00.012-04:00

Who should read this: Low-Voltage Professionals

One of the problems that the security industry continues to face is a lack of documentation in the field. One tech conducts a service call, barely writes his name let alone what he did, and then another tech is dispatched to the same site a few months later.

The most recent tech calls his manager upon arrival. "What was done here before? The system is down and I can't seem to find anything wrong." Consulting the work report from the previous tech a few months earlier, the manager says, "It says here he checked the system after fixing it. All is working well."

If the second tech is lucky the previous tech still works for the same firm. If he's not, it's anyone's guess what he did or did not do when he was there. All I can say is "Good Luck!"

As a technician in the field back in the day, my philosophy was as follows:

Document, Document, Document!

After having sold my alarm company to another firm and working for that company for almost 4 years, during a conversation with my former boss (after having taken a position with SDM Magazine in 1990), he said to me, "I can tell where you left and the other guys started in our file drawers, Al. Where some of your files are a half inch thick, theirs only contains a few pages."

He ended his conversation by saying that he wish he had ten guys like me.

Here's why it's so important to document each job like there is no other:

Each and every installation you do is unique. Because you may not be the person who returns to service it, you need to make drawings, do wiring diagrams, take notes--anything to make the job easier for the poor guy that later takes care of it. And besides, if in five years or so, even you won't remember what you did on each job you've done.

Thanks for listening to my pain. :-)

--Al Colombo

The Need for a Unified Bid Specification

2011-07-03T09:38:00.014-04:00

WHO SHOULD READ THIS: Home and building owners

Home and business owners often find the job of buying an alarm system intimidating and time consuming. And in the finale, many times they feel as though the wrong company was awarded the installation contract. The reason for this is a general lack of bid unification where the buyer is forced to compare apples to oranges because each company was let to bid whatever they chose.

The cure for this is to create a unified bid specification for all bidders to follow.

I witnessed this time after time during the 38 years I've been in this industry. Because I sell, install, service and write about security systems I have a unique perspective of the bid process. Here's how it often works:

The building owner calls three or four alarm companies, inviting each one to stop by to review his or her facility/home security needs. The job of specifying what goes into the job and where each device is placed is then left up to each firm. The final result is a hodgepodge of proposals that not only vary in price, but also in what each alarm firm intends to install.

The question is, how do you make an intelligent comparison and final decision on who's bid to accept if you don't know a lot about the business, the technologies, and the methodologies?

The answer to that question is simply, you can't.

The solution is to hire someone (like myself) to put a bid specification together for you. Using your blueprint or drawing, the designer will place each and every device on it along with detailed info on the kind of wire to install, number of conductors, etc. Included will be a symbol legend.

A written specification is then drawn up specifically for your job with a name brand manufacture and the model number of each device. An "or equal" statement in the bid specification will allow other firms to base their price on other equipment brands and models, but only after sending cut sheets of each to the designer for approval.

The intent here is not to specify a specific make/model for the various alarm system components, but rather to provide your community of bidders with a unified specification that will enable them to complete on equal footing. The result will be a number of unified proposals that will enable you to compare apples to apples, not apples to oranges.

--Al Colombo

Get Your Daily Dose of Security e-News

2011-07-01T03:50:00.020-04:00

WHO SHOULD READ THIS: Security professionals

Staying current with both the news and the technologies that surround today's security market is an important part of what security professionals do on a daily basis--or it should be. Whether we look at common building security or national security, the premise is the same for those who work in and about the field.

There are a lot of great news outlets associated with this endeavor. For example, every magazine known to man offers a daily dose of news that relates to each magazine's mission. Because politics plays a major part in the security mission, it's also important that you stay abreast of new developments there as well.

Because this is so important, many years ago I put together a website called Security e-News where you will find a growing multitude of RSS news feeds. (RSS stands for 'Really Simply Syndication').

There are more than 15 different genre's of news on Security e-News. They include:

Security-Fire Magazines
Security News
Fire News
Science & Technology
Technology News
Homeland Security
Government News
Business News
World News
US National News
US Veteran News
Personal News
Computer News
Political News
Main Menu

There are more than 80 RSS news links on a single page where you can scan and choose which ones that you want to view. You will immediately receive a list of new news releases from each independent news source, enabling you to select just those stories that interest you.

When you click on a news selection, a new window will pop up, allowing you to read and close once you are finished. Because a new window is created, you can always go back to Security e-News to select more.

In closing, Security e-News is a busy site where many security professionals start their day. We put the news right at your fingertips where you need it. And whether you choose to go there in the morning, at noon, or in the evening, I hope you'll make Security e-News your preferred news site.

One last thing, I rely on professionals, such as yourself, to offer new news sites for inclusion on Security e-News. So if you happen to have a favorite or two that we do not carry, please by all means send it along so I can add it to our front page.

Al Colombo

Connecting Access Control to a Building's Fire Alarm System

2011-06-28T13:55:00.009-04:00

WHO SHOULD READ THIS: Building Owners
I just contracted with a security company to install a keyless access system in my building. When I contacted our local building department to see if there’s anything I need to do with them in preparation for this event, I was told that I have to have the alarm system connected to the new access system. What I’d like to know is if there’s some kind of law on the books that I have to do this or is the building department making it up as they go? Thank you.

According to the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA 72), you must connect your new access control system to the existing fire alarm system.

The mandate for this action is contained in Section 21.9.1: “Any device or system intended to electronically lock a required means of egress door in the direction of egress shall be connected to the fire alarm system serving the protected premises.”

The act of unlocking said electrically controlled egress doors must occur, by code, “prior to, or concurrent with, activation of any public-mode notification appliances in the area(s) served by the normally locked means of egress doors”

Code also stipulates that when these doors are unlocked due to a fire alarm activation, they must remain unlocked until which time that the fire alarm system is manually reset.

For information on Area of Rescue Assistance, go to tpromo.com/secmis-priv2/?p=3158.

Al Colombo

Don't Throw Away Those Instructions

2011-06-17T09:52:00.009-04:00

WHO SHOULD READ THIS: Security Equipment Installation Personnel
Installation manuals are important, not only to those who install security equipment, but also to end users who rely on these devices for protection. The last thing the customer wants to see is a handful of installation manuals in the trash barrel outside the job site where anyone and his brother can take them.

This is an important issue, much more important than most installers would think. Armed with these installation manuals, a savvy criminal with some electronics background will gain a good understanding of how these devices work and how they wire up--which is NOT what we want to happen.

In a word, armed with the installation instructions criminals know precisely what wires to short, how to thwart the system at the detector, and what NOT to do at the alarm panel.

The last thing you, as an alarm professional, want to have happen is for the authorities to find the installation instructions to an alarm system you installed at the site of the heist. The last thing the client wants to see is the keys to his alarm system laying in a dumpster outside his new home or office.

Al Colombo