Prevent False Alarms On New Years Eve

New Year Eve

False alarms are annoying no matter when, where and how they happen, unfortunately New Year’s Eve has one of the highest volumes of false alarms. Normally during New Year’s Eve there is a rather large amount of alcohol and very small amounts of attention to detail, both of these will affect how your Titan Alarm Home Security System is utilized.

The issue that is ran into the most, is when people are having parties and they don’t realize someone was messing around with the control panel and the control panel is accidentally triggered and can cause a false alarm, which then throws a huge damper on the holiday festivities that everyone was enjoying.

Another scenario is when a customer returns home after a night of celebrating the New Year and they forget that they had armed their system when they left the house, or in some cases they forget they even have a system, and it can then trigger a false alarm, again ruining their night out celebrating.

Intrusion Alarm Keypad

Tips To Keep New Year’s Fun:

Here at Titan Alarm, we’re all about having a good time, so this New Year’s Eve, follow some of these tips to really make your night enjoyable, and to keep the hiccups out of your plans!

  • Keep The Party Going – If you’re decorating for your New Year’s Eve Party, make sure to keep the decorations away from key and crucial parts of your security system. Balloons, streamers and other decorations that are hung in the air, can trigger motion detectors and if you armed your system and have a balloon float in front of a motion detector, that will trigger a false alarm. The last thing you need on the last night of the year, is having the police show up and have to deal with a false alarm.
  • Home James – If you have a designated driver who’s sole responsibility for the night is to get you home and safely in bed, make sure you have filled them in on all the information they need to get you inside your house safely and securely. Set up a new user if needed, and give them a password and code to arm and disarm the house so that when they’re trying to get you home they don’t set off a false alarm.
  • Get Home Safe – If you’re going out for New Year’s this year, make sure to have a safe ride home, if you don’t have any friends that want to be a designated driver, try using Über to get you home! We want all of our customers to get home safely and be with us next year!

How To Celebrate The New Year Safely.

Believe it or not, every single minute, there is a person injured in an accident involving drunk driving. According to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Drunk Driving is an issue all year round, but during the holidays, the number of people involved and the risk of being involved in an accident caused by drunk driving is greatly increased. If it is possible for you and your friends on New Year’s Eve, avoid driving. Even if you haven’t been drinking, there is no way to control the actions of other drivers.

New Year’s Resolution.

Every year people make New Year’s Resolutions, and a lot of the time, those resolutions aren’t even carried out past 24 hours! Here are some of our top 3 resolutions to help you improve your life in 2016!

  • Lose Weight – With all the amazing food that has been consumed over the holidays, I’m sure we all could lose a few extra pounds and get that beach body ready by the time summer rolls around!
  • Save More, Spend Less – After the holidays our pockets and wallets are always hurting, between buying presents for our family and friends and spending money eating out and going to holiday parties, we all could use a few more commas in our bank accounts. Open up a savings account and see how much you can save this year!
  • Stay Safe – With the world in the crazy state it is in, everyone could use more security at home. With Titan Alarm we offer custom solutions for you and your home and even your business!

Titan Alarm is ready to help you out with that last resolution! Let’s at least follow through on one resolution this next year! If you’re interested in a Titan Alarm Home Automation or Titan Alarm Home Security System contact us! Give us a call: 602-680-4567 or TEXT US: 623-523-4849

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Access Control Maintenance

Let’s talk about something that’s critical but often overlooked – maintaining your access control system. This is the system that keeps your property secure and lets you know who gets in and out. Just like a car needs regular oil changes to work, your access control system needs some upkeep to function properly as well. Let’s dive into why maintenance on your system matters so much and how to keep your system running smoothly.

Access Control

Why Regular Maintenance is a Must

Imagine you wake up on a random Monday morning to a bunch of missed calls and texts from your employees because their access cards aren’t working and they’re locked out. Panic ensues. Not a great way to start off the week, right?

I used to work for a company that had an access control system in place for their employees to use. Unfortunately, the system didn’t receive regular maintenance and always seemed to have issues. On one occasion, I was put in charge of arriving to work early to set up some birthday decorations for my supervisor. When I arrived to work that day, the system was malfunctioning and wouldn’t let me in… Long story short, my supervisor arrived to work only to see me with a bunch of party decorations that I would then set up in front of him. Regular maintenance helps to keep your system running smoothly so that scenarios like this don’t end up happening.

Neglecting maintenance on your access control system can lead to:

Unauthorized Access

Systems that malfunction can become susceptible to the outside. We DEFINITELY don’t want that.

Operational Delays:

 Just like the example that was given above, if your system isn’t working properly, employees may be unable to access the right areas to keep the business running.

Increased Costs

Emergency repairs can be costly, especially if something were to happen outside of normal service hours. Security breaches can be threatening to your business.

By staying on top of maintenance, your security will never be better, your system will be efficient, and you won’t have to worry about unexpected delays that could be costly.

Go-To Maintenance Checklist

Here are some key areas you could focus on:

1.        Visual Inspections

Start with just a simple walk-through of your system. Look for:

·      Physical Damage: Look for any noticeable signs of wear and tear on car readers, keypads, doors, etc.

·      Loose Connections: Make sure wires and cables are connected and aren’t fraying.

·      Cleanliness: Dust and debris can build up over time and can potentially interfere with electronic components. Make sure to keep everything clean.

Regular visual inspections can catch issues before they get worse and need to be escalated. I recommend scheduling these visual inspections at least once a month.

Access Control Inspection

2.        Test All Components

You can regularly test:

·      Access Points: Make sure your doors lock and unlock as intended.

·      Authentication Methods: Regularly verify that keycards/PINs/scanners are working properly.

·      Emergency Exits: Emergency doors are often forgotten by business owners. Make sure that these doors work properly and that the alarms trigger when necessary.

Testing these things will make sure that every part of your system is working how they should.

3.        Software Updates

Keeping sure your system’s software is always up to date is important. Updates often include things like the following:

·      Security Patches: These protect against new vulnerabilities that have been found.

·      Feature Enhancements: These help to improve the functionality and the user experience of the system.

·      Bug Fixes: These are important because they will resolve known issues/problems.

Set up automatic updates if possible. If you can’t, make sure to regularly check for new updates as this will ensure your system is up to date and working how it should.

Access Control

4.        Power Supply Checks

Just like any system, your access control system relies on power to function. Because of this, you should:

·      Inspect Power Sources: Make sure all of the power connections are attached and secure.

·      Test Backup Batteries: Batteries could be what saves your business if the power were to go out. Simulate a power outage just to confirm that backup systems kick in.

·      Monitor Battery Health: If your batteries are showing any signs of degradation, be sure to replace them promptly.

A power supply that you can rely on will keep your system running even during outages that you didn’t see coming.

5.        Audit Access Logs

Consistently going over access logs can help you find unusual activity. You can look for:

·      Repeated Access Denials: Could indicate someone trying to enter without permission.

·      Access Outside Normal Hours: May suggest that someone is trying to enter during hours they shouldn’t or security breaches.

·      Unusual Patterns: Any changes from usual access patterns might also be something to investigate.

The more you audit your access logs, the more you’ll know about who’s going in and out of your business. The more you know, the stronger your security will be.

6.        Employee Training

Your employees will be the ones using this system. Make sure they know how to:

·      Use Access Credentials: Correctly use keycards, PINs, or scanners.

·      Report Issues: Know the protocol to report any kind of malfunctions or the system or lost keycards.

·      Follow Security Protocols: Follow all company policies regarding access control.

At my previous employment, it was a rule to never let anyone in the building, even if they had their own keycard. It’s good practice to have each employee scan their badge when entering, for logging purposes. Your employees are your eyes and ears. Make sure they’re well trained and your system will work as intended.

7.        Schedule Professional Inspections

While regular checks are essential, having professionals inspect your system annually can help.

·      Expert Analysis: Identify issues that maybe you wouldn’t have noticed.

·      System Optimization: Recommendations for improving your system and security.

·      Compliance Assurance: Make sure your system is meeting the industry standards and regulations.

Professional inspections can really help your system perform at its best.

Access Control Card

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your access control system doesn’t have to be hard. Regular inspections, updates, trainings, etc… can go a long way to ensure your system is working well. Remember, your business’s security starts with a reliable access control system.

Learn More About Access Control

What To Do After Your Business Was Robbed

Has your business been broken in to and burglarized? That’s one of the worst things that can happen to a business. We wanted to go ahead and give you four tips to recover if your business is robbed.
While the whole situation is still fresh, do these 4 tips as fast as possible for the best results.

1. Contact the Police

If your business has been robbed, there’s evidence all around you, inside and out of your business. It’s important you notify the police right away and they will be able to send out forensics experts who can examine evidence.

2. Inform Your Insurance Company

After you’ve contacted the police, make sure you call your insurance company, the sooner, the better with them.
Be prepared with the following information, that way the insurance company can adequately assess the situation.

A summary of the crime.
An estimate of when the crime happened?
Damage done to the property and business, including losses.
Depending on the severity of the burglary the insurance company might send out a claims adjuster to inspect the property.

3. Take inventory of your facility

After you’ve made the proper calls, make sure you have your employees do a thorough inspection of their workspaces and work areas, have them list any losses they’ve noticed.

4. Call Titan Alarm

Your business is how you survive, it’s your living. Titan Alarm wants to help you keep your business safe and sound.

Business Security System

Let Titan Alarm show you how affordable and easy it really is to get the best security for your business.
Schedule a free consultation today! Call 602-680-4567 or TEXT US 623-523-4849

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Commercial Security Needs

As your business is growing, so are your security needs. In 2024 there was an estimated 345,031 robberies reported nationwide, and that number keeps growing and growing every year.
With this information, you need to make sure that your security systems are fine tuned to fit your business’ needs.

Car Lot

Your Business’ Risks

Every different business has different problems that have different security needs.

For example, a car lot needs to keep an eye out for vandals and car thieves, so they need a lot of cameras, video verification, and motion sensors for when the car lot is closed at night.

Although there are a lot of outside threats, there are also risks inside businesses as well. A retail store can face employee theft, customer credit card information and cash theft all from varying inside sources.

Retail shoplifting

Your Business’ Solutions

No business’ needs are identical to others, although all businesses run the risk of theft and break ins, every business varies as far as their industry and where they are located.

Hiring a security company and partner, like Titan Alarm, who is invested into what’s best for your business is by far the easiest first step. Business owners have worked too hard to make sure their products stick out in the vast over populated market now a days. They put so much time, effort and passion into their products, they should put the best they can get to make sure they’re protected and safe. A local security company that has the experience you need, and the hometown feel you want will actually give you the time of day and make sure that you get the best you need for your business.

Titan Alarm is a local company in Phoenix, Arizona and now Tucson. We offer solutions for every business’ needs. Let us come out and give you a free commercial security consultation, and help your business’ security grow.

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Try Out a System!

With how much attention is growing on home automation, remote controlled and connected smart homes, Z-Wave solutions are starting to form and grow new opportunities in the security market. To help showcase our equipment we have launched a connected home system display at 23425 N. 39th Drive.

We’re creating a uniquely cool and delicious experience with Poseidon Water and D+K Custom Interior Design, enjoy 23 flavors of delicious Thrifty Ice Cream while touring the design center, featuring all types of kitchen, bathroom, plumbing, flooring and a Titan Alarm interactive home security demo.

Mention this blog and receive a 2nd scoop of delicious Thrifty Ice Cream for free!

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Commercial Access Control

Now a days, businesses of all sizes are starting to get more and more serious about their security. So many don’t fully know what they are getting into and call the first one they can find and “hope for the best”, instead of taking the right amount of time to really research and find the best company for their needs.

What Business Security Solutions Does Titan Alarm Offer?

At Titan Alarm we offer a wide range of solutions for your business, and not just security! We have video surveillance systems, alarm systems, access control and even fire systems!

What is an Access Control System?

Access Control systems do what their name sounds like, they control the access to buildings, rooms or resources. When you install an Access Control System you then have access to be able to restrict and monitor who has access to any building, room or facility.

Does my business need an Access Control System?

It’s important for any sized business to keep all data safe, so to do that, we have to keep threats away. Every business does the basic version of that by putting locks on doors and giving keys to employees. You can benefit from an Access Control System if you can answer yes to any of the following questions!

Is a lost/stolen key an immediate security threat to your business?
Do different employees need different access privileges?
Would it be beneficial to restrict or allow access based on time or day?
Do I need a record of when someone enters or leaves a door?
Could my employees and clients be more secure?

Access control systems come in a variety of types and sizes with custom solutions for every company. Titan Alarm is ready to help meet your business’ needs! We have solutions for small businesses to large enterprises. Contact us today to find out how we can help you secure your business with an Access Control System!

Call: 602-680-4567

Text: 623-523-4849

Learn More About Access Control

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 2, 2018.

Prevent Workplace Fires

One of the worst possible things to happen when your at work is a co-worker starting a fire. Although a lot of these fires are unavoidable, some of them can be prevented with these tips!

Check your wires! Before you go and plug in a computer or other electric device into an outlet always examine the wiring. If the wire is split, frayed or damaged it could cause an electrical fire.

Smoke Free Zone! Designate smoking areas outside of the building for the employees that smoke. Also make sure there are the right trash bins for employees to dispose of their cigarettes.

Get Cooking! Set up a kitchen area with designated cooking utensils. If an employee has a hot plate at their desk it could cause a fire.

Keep is clean! Store any materials that are potentially flammable in a safe area. Make sure all warning labels are read and be sure to keep all those materials in a clean, safe area.

Less is More! Avoid overloading outlets and power strips in the office. If they overheat it could lead to a fire.

Learn More About Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

Fire System Inspection

Inspections for your Fire Systems happen so that the level of safety in your building can be evaluated and their ability to extinguish a fire in case of an emergency. A fire inspection also happens to make sure all safety standards and fire codes are being met and upheld. Without having a fire system inspection, buildings could become unsafe for the public to enter, work in or reside in.

What’s Inspected during a Fire Systems Inspection?

Our technicians will look at a multitude of things during a fire systems inspection, including the following:

1. Design of the building
2. Construction of the building
3. Fire Sprinkler Systems
4. Fire Alarm Systems
5. Fire Emergency Procedures
6. Fire Emergency Evacuation Plans
7. Fire Extinguishers

Fire-Inspection

What are the requirements in a Fire Systems Inspection?

There are requirements that buildings have to meet, both inside and outside, in order to successfully pass a fire systems inspection.

Some of the requirements for the outside of the building can include:

1. The building’s gas meter MUST be covered and protected
2. The building’s address needs to be the right size to be seen from the street
3. Trash and debris shouldn’t be on the grounds of the building

Some of the requirements for the inside of the building can include:

1. Pathways for an exit must be illuminated
2. Extinguishers must be labeled, stickered and tagged
3. Building aisles should be debris, trash and obstruction free
4. Building Capacity signs need to be displayed at the main entrance of your facility
5. Extinguishers must be the proper code for your facility varying on the potential hazards
6. Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms need to be tested and working

Fire Inspection & Testing

How to Prepare for a Fire Systems Inspection?

Keeping up with maintenance is the best way to be prepared for a fire systems inspection.

At Titan Alarm, we offer wide variety of fire extinguishers and fire alarm systems to keep commercial and residential buildings safe.

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Keep Your Deliveries Safe

It’s been in the news a lot lately, if it’s not the local UPS man throwing packages, it’s a neighbor or passerby stealing your packages. We’ve seen a spike in customer’s wanting security cameras for their home here at Titan Alarm, we wanted to give you a few tips on how to keep your packages secured and keep your home safe with security cameras.

1. Security Cameras – A Video Surveillance System and Security Cameras will be the biggest way to keep your packages safe from thieves, if the packages go missing, you’ll have video of who took them.

2. Positioning Your Security Cameras – The Professional Technicians at Titan Alarm know the best way to keep an eye on your prized goods, when you get a system with us, we can make sure that your cameras are in the prime spots for deterring and catching criminals.

3. Signature Required – When you receive shipping confirmation, find out what delivery service is being used and contact them to request a signature upon delivery. If you aren’t home when it’s delivered then they will try again the next day that way your packages are not left unattended at your front door.

With Security Cameras and a Video Surveillance System you can’t stop a thief, but you can help catch and even deter them from stealing your packages if they see a camera.

Learn More About Home Video Surveillance

Wireless Security Cameras and Video Surveillance Systems.

A wireless camera includes a built-in transmitter to send video over the air to a receiver instead of through a wire. Many people aren’t aware that there are multiple types of wireless technology in use, each with unique advantages and disadvantages.

What is a Wireless Security Camera?

With technology constantly improving, wireless technology is now being applied to almost everything now a days, and the best thing is, security cameras and video surveillance systems are taking full advantage of it.

How does a Wireless Security Camera or Video Surveillance System work?

A wireless security camera has a wireless transmitter built into it, to allow video to be sent through the air to a home base (receiver) for viewing, rather than being hardwired into a home base.

Is a Wireless Security Camera truly wireless?

Although most wireless security cameras are technically cordless, meaning they don’t need to be hardwired in and that they transmit through a wireless signal source, they still need to be plugged in a power source. With that in mind, there are some security cameras that have batteries, that makes them truly wireless, but keep in mind, batteries can die at the most inconvenient times, and are not the best source of power to rely on.

Can I make a Wired Security Camera into a Wireless Security Camera?

You most definitely can, although at Titan Alarm we don’t recommend it. With security cameras and video surveillance you really get what you pay for, so if you’re looking for the cheap way around getting wireless security cameras, the quality you receive won’t be nearly as good as if you contacted Titan Alarm for us to set up a Video Surveillance System for you with cameras that were made to be wireless.

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