School Security Improvements

In response to the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., in December, we first wish to express our sadness and sympathy for the families and community of Newtown, Connecticut. The tragedy has brought an important issue to the nation’s attention- school security. As schools, families, and communities across the country react, we have the opportunity to strengthen our schools’ security systems and keep our students safe.

It is not only necessary to have a security system and plan in place, but it is vital to have a complete and efficient plan for each school. Every school building is unique, requiring an individualized system. There are basic components needed at every school, but many schools often need customized video surveillance, DVR recording, and other features.

At S-O-S Electronics, we encourage school leadership to review their current safety plan and all building features. Being prepared for any emergency is the first step toward having a safe environment for students and teachers. To prevent intruders from entering the building, the first step is to have a secure entry system. Schools across the country are restricting entry to limited doors using video systems. These systems protect the entire school body by ensuring only approved people enter. The use of video surveillance around the entire school property is also a preventative measure. The increased use of security cameras and DVR recording not only discourages outsiders, but it also allows you to record happenings should any incident occur.

We encourage all school officials to be proactive in initiating and updating their current security systems. Our children should feel safe and comfortable at school, so we aim to take every step to ensure their safety. We provide a variety of security devices and will help you create a custom plan for your school’s needs. Please call us to learn more about how we can strengthen your school’s security system.

Business Security Tips for the New Year

The new year has arrived, you are probably recovering from the end of year and holiday rush- but you are also gearing up for the coming year. We are wrapping up a busy time and preparing for another one in which it is vital to protect your whole business. Businesses are particularly vulnerable to intruders or vandals at this time of year.

Increase in Thefts

Financial and social pressure during the holiday season causes crimes and thefts to increase. Some individuals are becoming increasingly wary of financial stressors. Because you are aware, you can better protect your customers, employees, and assets this winter.

Some business owners, in the interest of deterring thieves, choose to mount fake security cameras. At first glance, this might seem like a decent idea. There are so many dangers with this plan, one of them being potential legal trouble.

Dangers of Fake Security Cameras

Dummy security cameras may look like real CCTV surveillance cameras to the average citizen. Is the average citizen planning to intrude your business? The intruders who plan to trespass on your property are probably experts at what they do. They can tell a dummy camera from a real one. Dummy security cameras do nothing. They don’t protect your employees or your property. Worse yet, they have the potential to entangle you with legal trouble. Employees may claim a false sense of security if they experience loss of valuables or vehicles after trusting that the security camera would record any incident.

Solutions for Business Security

Installing dummy security cameras is not worth the money and effort. The best choice is to consult a professional to check your space and advise you in the best way to use CCTV and security cameras to protect your employees, property, and customers. You’ll also be protecting yourself from potential lawsuits or loss due to improper use of dummy security cameras. To learn about the CCTV and Security Cameras provided by S-O-S. Electronics, contact S-O-S. Electronics by calling (414) 616-7008.

Deaf Officers May Enhance The Use of Video Security

Security is a relevant topic to all people in all parts of the world. In a time when public violence has become far too common, the creative and intelligent development of security systems is an important part of ensuring safety.

A recent news story from Mexico highlights the innovative ways people are improving security. Officials in Oaxaca, Mexico have implemented new security steps to prevent violence and illegal activity. Officials at the Police’s Command and Communication Control Center hired deaf individuals to monitor the surveillance cameras placed in the streets of downtown Oaxaca. The surveillance cameras do not have microphones, so the officials turned to the State Association for the Deaf to hire the new employees.

The deaf officers have a keener sense of sight because they can read lips and noises do not distract them. These individuals may be better candidates for the job because they tend to be more perceptive of moods and behavior. The new officers have pinpointed many questionable interactions and suspicious individuals. They alert police officers of such interactions, often preventing illegal behavior and assisting officers in the search and detention of suspects.

This move is the first of its kind in Mexico, and will be expanded in the coming months. Both the officers and the citizens are satisfied with the recent changes, saying that they feel “more safe”. This new tactic has proven to be a creative way to protect citizens. Just as the police officers prioritized the safety of their citizens, so should you prioritize the safety of your property and individuals who spend time on your property. Security is not a light issue. Don’t be afraid to step out of the box and look for new ways to keep your property secure. At S-O-S, we have a variety of options that can improve your security. One way we recommend to monitor your property, employees and customers is by installing CCTV and DVR equipment as a way to protect and monitor your business.

For more information on CCTV, DVR, NVR or other integrated security solutions, contact  S-O-S Electronics today!

Keep It Cool

This summer’s temperatures have been pretty extreme. Most of the country is experiencing some level of drought, and the heat that has come with it has been tough to take. But it hasn’t just been the people who have suffered through it; the heat has also caused problems throughout a variety of industries causing home foundation problems, air conditioner malfunctions and, yes, security system failures. And that is something we at S-O-S Electronics want to help you avoid.

When you think about it, your security system is a lot like a home computer with many of the same needs—including cool temperatures. Like computers, when a security system’s head-end equipment overheats, it causes system failure and creates malfunctions or even total shut-downs. Instead of allowing this to happen, we want to help you keep your system running by offering a few tips to help maintain a cool, functioning system.

First, it’s important to allow air to flow around the equipment. Tightly encloses spaces don’t allow outside air to get to the equipment, and the heat created from the machinery accumulates in the space making it hotter and hotter. Instead of letting the thermometer rise, make sure the area is properly ventilationed and allows air to circulate around the equipment.

If creating airflow doesn’t generate enough temperature change to keep it cool, consider installing a fan. There are hundreds of models available on the market, and many that a specifically designed for electrical equipment. By stirring up the air, you’ll help rid the area of heat and keep your system stabilized.

Another tip is to keep the equipment clean. The buildup of dust and dirt can slow down the equipment’s internal fans making it more likely to overheat and fail. Instead of letting it dust collect, either clean the equipment yourself or call in a pro depending on your system.

The security of your property is important. Whether you own a home or manage a commercial property, you want to make sure it is safe and secure. After all, that’s why you purchased the security equipment to begin with. But the system can only do its job if it receives proper care.

This month, we at S-O-S Electronics want to encourage you to keep it cool—your security equipment, that is. Who knows how long the high temperatures will last? In the meantime, do your part to keep your system up and running by helping it get the cool air it needs. And, once that’s taken care of, be sure to do the same for yourself.

To make sure your system is getting what it needs to stay in working order, contact us today!