Category: Commercial Security

It’s hard to pick up a newspaper or watch a newscast without coming across a story about a devastating fire in a business establishment. Approximately 80,000 commercial fires occur in the U.S. each year, resulting in about 18,000 injuries, 3,000 deaths and billions of dollars in property damage. Fire is also one of the major causes of accidents in the workplace.

Exploring the Numerous Fire Hazards at Work

The many potential causes of fires in the workplace include:

• Careless cooking:

  While we tend to think of cooking-related fires as only occurring in the home, they are also a leading fire hazard in the office and other work environments. The NFPA reports that about 25 percent of fires in office buildings are caused by cooking equipment. Many workers do not exercise the same degree of caution when cooking at work as they do at home. Preparing food outside of kitchens or other designated cooking areas also poses a significant fire hazard in many workplaces.

• Electrical Issues:

  There are numerous sources of electrical fires in a commercial establishment. Examples include faulty or loose wiring, overloaded circuits and other electrical systems, the unsafe use of electrical equipment and the failure to maintain adequate spacing between electric heating units and combustible materials.

• Careless Smokers:

  These days, most workplaces are required by law to establish designated smoking areas. However, the heavy concentration of smokers in one area can pose a fire hazard. Fires can also be caused by smokers who attempt to “sneak” a cigarette in off-limits areas and fail to properly extinguish it.

• Neglected Commercial Heating Systems:

  Timely heating system maintenance is often overlooked in many commercial buildings. A neglected heating system will not only lead to increased energy costs, but it can also pose a serious fire hazard.

• Inappropriate Storage/handling of Combustible Materials:

  Many workplaces are filled with flammable or combustible materials. The failure to safely handle or store these materials can increase the risk of fire. For example, one of the most significant office fire hazards is the improper storage of paper files and documents.

• Improper disposal of Waste Materials:

  Some work procedures produce combustible byproducts or require the use of hazardous materials. If not properly disposed of, these materials could ignite and cause a fire.

• Arson:

  Whether due to acts of vandalism or an effort to collect insurance proceeds, many workplace fires are intentionally set. The commercial buildings most susceptible to arson are those that are unoccupied or abandoned, although virtually any business structure is at risk.

Protect Your Workplace With a Custom-Designed Fire Alarm System

Installing an advanced commercial fire detection system can dramatically reduce the risk of a destructive fire at your facility. The most effective systems feature a combination of fire alarms, smoke detectors and sprinklers and include 24/7 monitoring services. If you own a business in the Phoenix area, Titan Alarm, Inc. can design and install a customized fire alarm system that will provide reliable around-the-clock protection for your facility. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation on-site consultation today.

Learn More About Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

• Fire Alarm System Technologies
• Fire Drill Tips for Schools

Except for the summer months, kids probably spend more time at school than anywhere else. As parents, we want to make sure the school environment is as safe as possible for children. The following kids’ school safety tips can help you keep your kids out of harm’s way and give you a little extra peace of mind:

• Become familiar with school policies:

  At the beginning of each school year, review the school’s handbook to learn about its policies regarding potential child safety issues such as bullying, fighting and visitor access. You’ll also want to know what plans are in place in case of an emergency. Contact the school administration if you have questions or concerns about any safety procedures.

• Teach your Kids how to Handle Difficult Situations:

  Bullying is a common problem in many schools that can sometimes evolve into a dangerous situation. Instruct your kids on how to react if they feel threatened by another student. Explain how talking about the problem with you or a teacher or simply walking away are much better alternatives than responding to the bully and getting into a fight.

• Keep an Open Dialog:

  Children often will not volunteer information about what is going on at school, especially if they are being bullied or have gotten into trouble. Open communication can go a long way toward keeping children safe in school. The simple act of asking open-ended questions about your child’s day at school can often reveal whether they may be experiencing any difficulties.

• Get involved with School Activities:

  Getting involved in school activities such as PTA and clubs can actually contribute to the safety of children at school. You’ll have a better insight into the school’s environment, and the interaction with other parents can sometimes provide information about what is happening at the school. You will also become a stronger presence in your child’s life.

• Inform School Officials of any Health Conditions:

  If your child has a chronic health condition that may prevent them from engaging in certain activities, bring this to the attention your child’s teachers. Make sure your child has all medications with them before heading to school.

• Safety to and from School:

  Safety threats can also occur outside of school, especially when kids are heading to school or on their way home. If your kids walk to school, have them walk with another classmate, if possible. Also avoid placing an open label with your child’s name on their backpack, as this can allow a stranger to call out their name.

Bullying can even occur on a school bus, too. If your child rides the bus, get to know the bus driver and touch base with them periodically to determine if there are any concerning issues.

A Titan Alarm Security System Can Help Keep Kids Safe in School

An advanced security system with features such as video cameras and access control devices can also help keep children safe in school. If you are a school administrator in the Phoenix, AZ area, contact Titan Alarm, Inc. to explore your security options.

Learn More About School Security

• How Schools Can Better Protect Students and Teachers
• Top School Safety Technology

Safety and security is always a top concern for restaurant owners. Restaurant workers face a relatively high risk of injury and illness, many of which can easily be prevented through proper training. Restaurants are also vulnerable to robberies and burglaries, and internal theft by employees is not an uncommon occurrence, either.

In this post, we will provide a few restaurant health and safety tips for employees, as well as offer some practical crime prevention advice to help you create a more secure environment.

Restaurant Safety Tips

Restaurant safety practices should focus on three basic areas: (a) removing potential hazards where possible, (b) finding ways to improve work procedures, and (c) making use of protective clothing and equipment. Appropriate restaurant safety training can positively impact the latter two areas. Specific training measures include:

• Teaching employees to follow manufacturer instructions and wear protective gear when operating equipment featuring sharp blades or parts (meat slicers or other cutting tools) or equipment that poses a high burn risk (deep fryers, griddles).

• Instructing employees in proper hand-washing techniques and making sure they wash their hands after handling food, utensils and equipment as well as after using the restroom.

• Slipping and falling is a common cause of injuries in restaurants, so employees must be trained to thoroughly clean and dry the floor after a spill.

• Good personal hygiene is essential for protecting the health of all restaurant workers and patrons. Be sure your employees are well-groomed, wear clean clothing or uniforms and avoid coughing or sneezing in food preparation areas.

• Develop an action plan and train employees on how to implement it in the event of a kitchen fire or other emergency situation.

Restaurant Crime Prevention Tips

Implementing the following security measures can make your restaurant less vulnerable to criminal activity:

• Thieves can’t steal something that isn’t there. Don’t leave a lot of cash lying around — make frequent bank deposits of your restaurant’s cash proceeds.

• Make sure at least two employees (or you and another employee) are there to execute your restaurant’s opening and closing each day.

• Employee theft is the most common restaurant crime, and thefts are often perpetrated by “trusted” employees who help to run the establishment. Keep a close watch on all employees, particularly those who handle cash or are involved in any type of sales transaction.

• Install security cameras to monitor vulnerable areas of your business including the kitchen, office, cash register and building entrances.

• Install alarms/intrusion detection systems to deter burglaries and immediately alert first responders in the event of an after-hours break-in or fire.

 Contact Titan Alarm for Your Restaurant Security Needs

Installing a state-of-the-art, fully integrated security system consisting of elements such as access control, alarms and alerts, video surveillance and intrusion detection is a critical security measure for any restaurant. If you operate a restaurant in the Phoenix, AZ area, the security professionals at Titan Alarm, Inc. can help you design and implement a customized security solution to protect your establishment against theft, fire and other hazards. Contact us to schedule an on-site consultation today.

Learn More About Commercial Security

• How to Keep Your New Restaurant Secure
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• Making Your Business Secure

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 2, 2018.

Why is school safety important, and why is technology important in schools? One only has to look at the proliferation of active shooter incidents and other acts of violence occurring in schools across the U.S. in recent years to understand the need to protect our kids.

Technology can play a critical role in school safety efforts by helping to detect and deter various security threats. In this post, we will take a closer look at some of the top school safety and security technologies that are currently available.

Electronic Access Control

Allowing individuals to enter a school or campus building at will poses a significant security risk. Keycard access systems enable schools to maintain control over who can enter a building at any given time. Unlike a traditional lock-and-key system where locks need to be changed if a student or teacher loses a key, the access control system administrator only needs to deactivate a misplaced keycard. For maximum security, a card-reading device should be placed at every building entrance, not just a main door.

Video Surveillance Cameras

Surveillance cameras serve as extra sets of eyes that can provide 24/7 monitoring of the most vulnerable security areas on a school property. Cameras provide live feeds that can be viewed by school officials throughout the day. They can also make available recorded video for review by administrators and even law enforcement personnel if a break-in or other event occurs.

Visitor Check-in Systems

Simply requiring visitors to sign in at the office upon arrival may not be enough to deter an individual with intent to do harm: You can never really know for sure who that person is and what is in his background. Electronic check-in systems connected to a database are now available that can scan the visitor’s state-issued ID. The school official will receive an alert if there is something in the individual’s background that warrants concern.

Panic Buttons

School safety technology is also available for individuals. One example is a panic button that teachers and administrators can attach to a belt or wear around their neck. When a classroom incident or other security issue occurs, the individual simply presses the button, which sends an immediate alert to school officials and authorities. The key benefit of panic buttons is that no time is wasted by having to make a phone call or run to another area of the building to seek help.

Emergency Alerts

An emergency alert system facilitates communication among school officials, students, parents and the community during a crisis. It can also prevent the spread of unfounded rumors, which is often an issue when a security issue arises. Examples of emergency alerts include automated text messages or emails that are sent out at regular intervals.

Contact Titan Alarm Inc. to Learn More About Your School Safety Technology Options

Titan Alarm Inc. offers a wide range of technologically advanced security solutions to school systems throughout the Phoenix area. We can work with you to implement the best school safety and security technologies for your building or campus. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation security consultation today.

Learn More About School Security

• The Best School Safety Precautions
• Keeping Your Kids Safe in School
• How Schools Can Better Protect Students and Teachers

Every responsible employer wants to make their workplace as safe as possible. Safety is crucial in terms of keeping highly valued employees on the job and minimizing the number or workers’ compensation claims a business experiences. However, there are several common safety mistakes employees make, many of which can be reduced or even eliminated through proper and frequent safety training and by implementing appropriate security measures.

• Slipping/falling:

  Falls are among the top safety issues at work. In many cases, falling occurs when an employee slips on a puddle of oil or other wet material or due to improper use of a ladder. Improper placement and storage of boxes or equipment is another safety mistake that often leads to tripping and falling.

• Improper handling of Toxic Materials:

  Workplace safety concerns are high in environments where workers are exposed to toxic chemicals or potentially deadly gases. Employers must train their team on how to safely work with and around these common workplace hazards and ensure they are doing all they can to make their workplace as safe as possible.

• Improper Lifting Techniques:

  Improper lifting is a common safety mistake in workplaces that require the handling of heavy objects. Basic safety instruction in any material-handling environment should include how to avoid placing unnecessary strain on the back when lifting.

• Ignoring a Minor Injury:

  Some employees choose to ignore what they view as a minor injury. However, an untreated injury could worsen over time and result in the employee having to miss a significant amount of work. In some cases, the failure to treat an injury in a timely manner could lead to a life-threatening situation.

• Failing to Report inappropriate/unsafe Conduct:

  Employees are often reluctant to report unsafe behavior conducted by their co-workers because they don’t want to make waves or fear retaliation. However, allowing the behavior to continue can place other employees at risk and even lead to a serious safety incident.

• Inadequate Supervision:

  The action – or inaction – of supervisors may contribute to safety mistakes committed by their subordinates. For instance, a supervisor may fail to take adequate corrective steps when an employee is not following proper safety procedures. Some supervisors may also assume that, because the employees have taken part in safety training, they automatically know how to work in a safe manner and no additional supervisor intervention is necessary.

• Not having a Safety-First Mindset:

  Even the most effective safety programs and supervisory practices will have little impact unless the employees themselves make safety their top priority. Having a safety-first mindset can go a long way toward preventing the most common safety mistakes.

Contact Titan Alarm Inc. to Learn About How a Security System Can Help You Detect Safety Mistakes

Installing a video surveillance system that makes use of technologically advanced IP cameras can allow you to monitor safety practices in your most vulnerable work areas. If your business is based in the Phoenix, Arizona area, contact the commercial security experts at Titan Alarm Inc. to learn more about your video surveillance options.

Learn More About Commercial Video Surveillance

• Small Business Theft Prevention
• Surveillance for Your Business

How safe is your business? Virtually every business is vulnerable to a wide variety of security risks these days. In addition to threats to physical safety, the way your employees use the internet, email and social media at work could also increase your exposure to a potentially devastating data breach. Here are a few things you should teach to your staff to minimize your security threats.

• Make it a Team Effort:

  If you allow employees to open your place of business each day, make it a two-person operation. After unlocking the door, have one employee remain outside while the other checks the interior to ensure the premises is secure. If you send employees to the bank to deposit your business’s cash proceeds, make sure this is always handled by two staff members.

• Be alert for Suspicious Individuals:

  Your security awareness training should include teaching employees to be on the lookout for suspicious individuals or activities. Instruct them to alert management or security personnel immediately if something seems amiss. In larger facilities, consider requiring all employees and visitors to wear ID badges.

• Have a Disaster Plan in Place:

  One of the most critical safety tips for employees in the office is to develop a plan that instructs them how to react in the event of a crisis. Appoint employees who have specific leadership responsibilities if a crisis occurs. Also, be sure to conduct drills on at least a semiannual basis so your employees can practice your plan’s execution.

• Teach Parking lot Awareness:

  Employees are especially vulnerable when walking to and from their vehicles, particularly at night. In addition to keeping your parking lot well lit, teach your employees to be aware of their surroundings as they enter and leave the building and to look inside their vehicle prior to unlocking it.

• Consider Offering Self-Defense Training Opportunities:

  Offering to pay for self-defense training classes can serve as an employee perk, while also ensuring your employees know how to defend themselves should they become the target of a physical tack within or outside your facility.

• Protection Against Data Breaches:

  A data breach can cause irreparable harm to a business’s reputation, especially if sensitive customer information falls into the wrong hands. Your employee information security training initiatives should include teaching your staff to follow safe computer hygiene practices. Make sure they choose strong, complex passwords that are difficult to break by hackers. Also, provide instruction on how to detect suspicious emails, as well as what constitutes appropriate and safe social media use in the workplace.

Install an Effective Business Security System

Installing a state-of-the-art security system is one of the most important security measures you can implement for your business. If your business is located in the Phoenix, Arizona, area, Titan Alarm Inc. can provide a comprehensive, fully integrated commercial security solution that includes advanced video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection and video verification systems. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation, on-site security consultation today.

Learn More About Commercial Video Surveillance

• How to Survive a Robbery
• Fall Caught on Camera
• Parking Lot Video Surveillance

Tragic events at schools have underscored the need to ramp up security efforts to ensure the safety of students, teachers and administrators. Schools across the United States are now implementing stronger safety and security protocols with the hope of preventing an attack. In this post, we will examine the best practices for school safety precautions & security and emergency preparedness planning.

Make Property Improvements

Basic safety procedures in schools include finding ways to make the property as inaccessible to intruders as possible. This can include everything from installing a fence or other type of security perimeter to setting up surveillance cameras and implementing an access control system. Key areas that require close monitoring include entrances, parking lots, student common areas and playgrounds. A consultation with a capable security professional can help you determine your facility’s areas of vulnerability.

Limit Building Access During School Hours

One of the most essential safety precautions at school is monitoring who is entering and exiting the building during school hours. Designate only the main entrance for guest access and post signs on other external doors that direct visitors to this entry point. Require all visitors to sign in at the office and issue them a visitor’s badge that must be clearly displayed at all times. Instruct teachers and students to report the presence of anyone who appears suspicious. Keep external doors locked during instructional periods and whenever they are not actively in use.

Develop a Plan

Developing an emergency preparedness plan that thoroughly addresses procedures such as lockdowns, evacuations and emergency communications is vital for maximizing safety in a school. The plan should be coordinated with local law enforcement and public safety officials and be updated on a regular basis as needed. Conducting regular drills is also a critical step to ensure that the plan will be executed as quickly and efficiently as possible during a crisis.

Create a Security Team

An active shooter situation or similar event is likely to cause a panic. One of the most important safety measures in schools is to have a team consisting of teachers and administrators in place that can take charge when a security issue occurs. Each team member should have a specified role to execute during an emergency.

Focus on Improving Student Relationships

As we have seen in the past, violent acts at schools are sometimes perpetrated by emotionally troubled students. Creating a safe, supportive environment where students feel comfortable approaching teachers and administrators if they have an issue can allow them to seek the help they need. Teachers should watch for students who appear withdrawn or upset and get parents involved whenever necessary.

Titan Alarm, Inc. has extensive experience providing innovative security solutions to schools throughout Phoenix and Maricopa County, AZ. We can work with you to design and install a custom security system that can increase the safety of schoolchildren, teachers and administrators. Contact us to schedule an on-site security consultation today.

Learn More About Commercial Security

• How Schools Can Better Protect Students and Teachers
• Keeping Your Kids Safe in School
• Top School Safety Technology

If you are a builder, construction company operator or contractor, you know how difficult it is to monitor the activities of workers and visitors – some of whom may feel free to help themselves to any tools and equipment they can get their hands on. A construction site can also be a prime target for theft, vandalism and other criminal activities when no one is there. Fortunately, you can use construction site remote video surveillance to keep your sites under constant watch at all times.

What to Consider When Implementing a Construction Jobsite Surveillance System

With the advancements in security system technology, it is now easier than ever to create an effective, fully customized construction site surveillance system consisting of wireless video cameras and other high-tech devices. However, it is important to take several important factors into consideration prior to making an investment in surveillance equipment:

• What are your most critical security risks? Is your jobsite located in a high-crime area where theft and vandalism pose a constant threat? Have you had a lingering problem with internal theft, perhaps due to the inability to keep a close eye on your workers?
• What security measures do you currently institute at your jobsites? Evaluate your current security procedures and protocols to determine their strengths, and more importantly, their vulnerabilities. For instance, if your jobsites typically have many blind spots or hidden areas, you may need to place highly visible security cameras at these locations to deter theft and/or unauthorized access.
• Do you seem to have an issue with perimeter breaches? There’s a good chance that if the perimeter at your jobsite has one vulnerable areas, an enterprising thief will find it. Placing cameras that can closely monitor gaps in fencing and other unsecured areas can prove to be an extremely effective perimeter security step.
• Do you have any unguarded tool/equipment storage areas at your jobsites? It may be impractical at many temporary construction sites to keep tools and equipment under lock and key. Implementing a fixed video surveillance camera system at storage areas may be the only way to prevent expensive theft losses at your jobsites.
• Are you choosing a reputable, experienced construction jobsite-surveillance system provider? When selecting a video surveillance system provider, it is imperative to choose a company that understands the risks that are specific to construction sites, and that also offers the most reliable, technologically advanced security solutions on the market.

Reasons You Need Video Surveillance for Your Construction Site

Do construction sites need video surveillance? When you consider the numerous risks that are present at virtually every site such as theft, vandalism and liability, it’s easy to see why installing an advanced camera system makes good sense for site owners, project managers and safety coordinators.

Construction site video surveillance benefits include:

1. Theft prevention: Construction sites typically contain lumber, steel, copper pipes, power tools and other valuable materials and equipment — all of which make attractive targets for enterprising thieves. A construction site surveillance system can deter internal and external theft and provide video evidence when a theft occurs.
2. Vandalism prevention: Vandalism is a serious issue at many construction sites, and the resulting damage to the structure or heavy equipment can derail the progress of a building project. A camera system will provide 24/7 monitoring that enables the detection of vandals and trespassers even when the site is unoccupied.
3. Improved site safety: Worker safety is always a concern at construction sites. Video surveillance gives site safety coordinators the opportunity to monitor workers to ensure they are adhering to all applicable safety guidelines. It can also help to identify areas where additional training is necessary.
4. Increased efficiency: Project managers and supervisors cannot monitor the actions of every worker throughout the entire day. However, video surveillance does enable a review of live and recorded camera feeds so they can target specific areas of the site and determine if the work is progressing in an efficient manner.
5. Liability protection: Construction sites present the risk of injury to workers and passersby — which poses a potential liability issue for site owners. Video surveillance can help to prevent unfounded worker’s compensation claims and frivolous liability lawsuits.
6. Remote monitoring capabilities: Another valuable benefit of video surveillance for construction sites is the ability to monitor camera feeds via smartphone, tablet or Web-enabled computer. The site management team can monitor activities on a 24/7 basis from home, the office or anywhere else.

Elements of a Construction Site Surveillance System

Wireless surveillance systems work well for construction site security, as they provide flexibility for camera placement to cover the most vulnerable areas. They also enable a faster setup and removal than hard-wired systems, which is more compatible with use at temporary job sites. Vandal-proof night vision security cameras with HD resolution ensure clear video feeds around the clock.

While remote monitoring is an optional feature with most video surveillance systems, it makes sense for construction site environments due to their high risk and the fact that they are usually unoccupied during the nighttime hours.

Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. for Your Construction Site Surveillance Needs in Phoenix

If you operate construction sites in the Phoenix, AZ area, Titan Alarm can develop and install a video surveillance system that will provide the around-the-clock protection you need to protect your workers and equipment and reduce your liability risk. Contact us for more information and to schedule a no-obligation security consultation today.

Learn More About Commercial Video Surveillance

• Electronic Surveillance Make Employees Perform Better
• Employee Theft Prevention
• How To Install A Security Camera Quickly
• How To Survive A Robbery

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.