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.

Parking Lot Security: Camera Basics

Apparently catalytic converters are good for more than just the environment—they’re also good for scrap metal resale. Just ask parking lot thieves from the Milwaukee area who made headlines this summer by stealing these pollution-control muffler attachments from vehicles in a number of area parking lots. Criminals made a nice living this summer by selling the converter material for upwards of $1,450 per ounce.

The unfortunate part about this situation is that many of the thieves were able to get away clear and free due to unmonitored parking lots. Most businesses don’t have surveillance equipment that monitors their exterior, thus, there’s no way to identify the crooks.

When it comes to protecting your assets, security cameras can go a long way. Not only do they reveal the actual events of a crime and help police track down those responsible, they also help deter criminal activity simply by being active. Thieves who know parking lots are monitored are far less likely to attempt burglary in that location than they would be if there were no cameras.

However, when it comes to parking lot security cameras, just getting the cameras themselves isn’t going to be enough. You also need to monitor it or outsource that responsibility. Either way, someone needs to be watching the area, because while the cameras themselves might scare a few crooks away, they won’t deter them all. And if you want to stop the crime before it’s been successfully carried out, you need to keep your eye on the ball—or on the screen. However, when it comes to actually stopping the crime, we encourage you to not attempt that on your own. Instead, it’s always best to call the police.

When it comes to selecting the right kind of camera, it’s important to make the most of your investment. Simple cameras may be acceptable for small areas, but when it comes to most parking lots, greater technology is required. Many systems now come equipped with pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) options that allow the camera to capture a greater area and also see greater detail. These can be incredibly useful in recapturing important specifics such as license plates and even faces.

Obviously we at S-O-S Electronics are in favor of security camera systems and know just how beneficial they can be for a business or even a home property. That’s why we carry a selection of quality choices and can provide you with the equipment you need to achieve a safer environment. With thieves on the prowl, it’s a great time to invest in a system that can either keep them away or catch them in the act.

For more information on cameras and other security products, call us today!