First Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System November 9 at 2pm EST
As part of their ongoing efforts to keep our country and communities safe during emergencies, the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS test plays a key role in ensuring the nation is prepared for all hazards, and that the U.S. public can receive critical and vital information, should it ever be needed. The first nationwide test will be conducted Wednesday, November 9 at 2 p.m. EDT. This test may last 30 seconds, and will be transmitted via television and radio stations within the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Similar to local emergency alert system tests, an audio message will interrupt television and radio programming indicating: “This is a test.” When the test is over, regular programming will resume.
For more information about the nationwide Emergency Alert System test, please visit www.FEMA.gov and www.FCC.gov. Please remember: Don’t stress; it’s only a test.
FEMA Press Release – http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=55722
FEMA Blog – http://blog.fema.gov/2011/10/emergency-alert-system-test-one-month.html
FCC Website – http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/emergency-alert-system-nationwide-test
The following "How To" guide is designed to help less experienced CCTV installers become accustomed to basic systems design. However, always remember, the "Helpful and knowledgeable" staff at SSD. is always just call away!
Advances in CCTV technology are turning video surveillance into one of the most valuable loss prevention, safety/security and management tools available today. Retailers use CCTV to monitor for shoplifters and dishonest employees, compile recorded evidence against bogus accident claims and monitor merchandising displays in stores that may be hundreds of miles away. Manufacturers, governments, hospitals and universities use CCTV to identify visitors and employees, monitor hazardous work areas, thwart theft and ensure the security of their premises and parking facilities.
Security Applications:
• Observe and record theft or violence by monitoring retail floor space, office buildings, building perimeters, warehouses, loading docks, and parking garages
• Monitor sensitive areas, where infrequent activities, occur (i.e. confidential records, safes, etc.)
• Monitor point-of-sale exceptions (cash register voids, over-rings, etc.) to reduce cashier theft
• Observe and record shoplifting activities
• "Walk a beat" by programming a moving camera to pan, tilt, and zoom within a defined pattern
• Perform covert surveillance (where legally applicable)
• Integrate with access control systems to provide video of persons entering and leaving the premises
• Complement asset tracking systems to provide video when a tagged asset leaves the premises
Safety Applications:
• Allow operators to see into areas where the environment is hazardous to life or health (i.e. hazardous materials, chemical toxins, etc.)
• Monitor potential accident areas
• Monitor residence halls, common areas, or high-risk areas to ensure safety of an educational institution's students and staff
• Help reduce the severity of some incidents by the timely dispatch of security, police, fire and emergency medical personnel
Management Tool:
• Train employees, check stock on store shelves and monitor retail sales floor coverage, production lines, etc.
• Demonstrate management's due diligence towards protecting employees, clients, and visitors
• Document video images to record events. This information may be reviewed and later presented as evidence for prosecution of criminals, or as a training tool
When integrated with access control, asset tracking, fire systems and other life safety and security measures, CCTV's "silent witness" provides an additional advantage: the ability to see and review the impact of these systems on people and property.
]]>What are AV Class Hard Disk Drives?
AV Class Hard Drives are designed specifically for recording and playing audio & video (AV) on a 24/7 basis. Standard Class Hard Drives are designed and specified for roughly 8 hours a day, 5 days a week and are commonly used in desktop computers.
Facts about "Class" Categories
All hard drive companies have a quality screening process which allow them to take a base drive model and separate the drives by projected quality and reliability. The top scoring drives become Enterprise/Server Class or AV Class drives. The next lower level of drives become Desktop or Standard Class drives (used for standard storage). Some drives score so low they can’t be sold at all and have to be scrapped or re-worked.
"AV Class” Hard Drives vs “Standard” Hard Drives
With higher reliability specifications, AV Class drives last longer on average than standard drives in DVR’s which are being used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. AV Class are made specifically for video and therefore deliver smoother video images with less dropped frames because the operating system of the drive is set up for this unique task.
Who Knew Hard Drives have an 'Operating System"?
Surprising to us too! Our AV Class drives actually have firmware which is designed to record video 24/7. Firmware is the “operating system” within the drive. Hard drive companies have worked for years with very large companies (like Motorola, Scientific Atlanta, etc) to develop hard drive firmware that optimizes video recording, playback (no dropped frames) and increased reliability. Desktop drives have firmware too, which make them great as an all around hard drive and good for office use, transferring small files quickly,running Windows™, etc.
At Security Systems Direct, we recommend Western Digital AV-GP Drives for DVRs, Media Storage and Servers. To purchase Western Digital AV-GP Hard Drives please visit us at http://www.SecuritySystemsDirect.biz and search "Western Digital". For quantities over 20 pcs, please ask for available discounts or free shipping opportunities.
Security Systems Direct
Tel: 1.562.923.2323
info@SecuritySystemsDirect.biz
]]>Hard Drive Handling "Do’s and Don’ts"
WORKBENCH Must Do’s:
ESD (ElectroStatic Discharge) Must Have’s (for those who install drives daily)
SHIPPING Must Do’s:
For more information or to order Western Digital AV-GP Drives, please contact sales@SecuritySystemsDirect.biz or call us at 1.562.923.2323