Beyond friendly customer interactions lie deeper issues. Is the company charging hidden fees, locking you into long-term contracts, or making you lease your equipment? Theses questions don’t always come to mind initially, especially when the focus tends to lie on the system’s features.

Below are some tips to help you understand what to look for when choosing an alarm company:

• Ensure you understand contract lengths and automatic renewal clauses. Some companies will demand that you sign a two, three, maybe even five year contract with an “auto-renew clause” which gives you a 30-day window at the end of the contract. If you forget to cancel, you may be responsible for contract fees if you need or want to cancel early.
• Understand who owns your system. Some companies only lease you the equipment. Ask the question, “If I move, will I be able to take my system with me?”
• How long has the company been in business? It’s always helpful to research the company’s history and find out if they have positive customer reviews.
• Ask about equipment warranties. What types of service agreements are available? What is the average response time for a service call?
• Research all services the company offers. The more comprehensive the list, the more likely you will be able to eliminate the time and expenses you incur when working with multiple vendors.

Hopefully these tips will help guide you in your decision making process. PAC Integrations works to provide custom, tailored solutions designed specifically for your individual needs. You own your system and we don’t hold you to long-term contracts. Contact us to request more information on the services we offer.

Content from: PAC Integrations, Inc. | Protecting You Since 1982, Original Post: Tips for Choosing an Alarm Company

San Jose, California’s non-response policy has shocked many individuals. The San Jose Police Department is only responding to panic, robbery, and verified alarms at residential and commercial sites. Although some believe this policy will drastically increase crime rates, it will save tax payers thousands of dollars. The varying opinions on this topic will not reach an agreement anytime soon and as an alarm company, we take your security very seriously.

With the non-response issue at hand, it is essential that home and business owners know the proper way to use their security systems. We can work together to combat false alarms and potentially reduce the rate in your city, encouraging police departments to stick to traditional response methods.

Here are some tips to help you reduce false alarms at your home or business:

• Update your call list regularly and make sure everyone on the list knows the password and understands how to operate the system
• Be sure all doors and windows are latched and completely closed when you arm the system – avoid a non-latched door blowing open and triggering the alarm
• Perform regular maintenance on your system – replace the batteries, check doors and windows for misalignments, and look for damaged equipment and contacts
• Notify us immediately if you elminiate phone lines – you may also be eliminating communication with the central station
• Consider your pets as false alarms – install pet immune motion detectors to prevent your pets from tripping motion detectors

We hope these tips will help you reduce false alarms at your home or business. If you have questions about operating your system or need training on certain functions, give us a call at 1-800-479-4722.

Content from: PAC Integrations, Inc. | Protecting You Since 1982, Original Post: Tips For Reducing False Alarms

We’ve noticed an increasing interest in interactive services since we started installing this type of system, which has led to continual technology developments. The newer features are designed to provide more convenience to your system and possibly fix problems you were previously facing. Take a look at the new interactive services you will find with our systems:

• Multi-system access – You can now control multiple systems from one account. If you have a vacation home or small business, this is the ideal feature for you. Only log in once to control everything from your thermostat to door locks at both locations.
• Sensor left open – This new feature notifies you if a specific sensor is left open too long. Now you can see if a door, window, or cabinet is left open longer than the allotted time frame.
• Command awareness – User names are associated to each command to provide insight to who armed/disarmed the system at what time. A simple text message is sent to your phone that reads – “Command: Unlock Front Door (Jack Jones)”. This information will also be available in your web interface. You can view lock, lights, and thermostat commands with this feature as well.
• Silent arming – The silent arming feature is a nice additional to Simon XT panels. Already available with 2gig panels, this feature allows you to arm the system remotely without the additional sound of exit delay beeps.
• Sunrise or sunset – Customers with a light service plan can now schedule lights to turn on and off based on local sunset and sunrise times. Additionally, daylight savings time will no longer affect preset light schedules. Sunrise and sunset times will automatically be updated throughout the year.

These new features add more convenience to interactive systems and are simple to use. If you are interested in purchasing this type of system, please request a free quote. If you are a current customer and would like assistance setting up these new features, please call us at 1-800-479-4722.

Content from: PAC Integrations, Inc. | Protecting You Since 1982, Original Post: New Services for Interactive Systems

Take a look at the variety of solutions that are helping various security aspects of the retail industry:

• Point of Sale: Combine cameras with video analytics and you get an advanced monitoring solution for POS systems. Tying POS data to a camera system helps retailers track bar code scans and ensures employees are not giving items away for free. This technology can even charge for items on the bottom of a shopping cart without scanning them.
• Alarms: Remote monitoring can play a major role for retailers, allowing you to control alarms from anywhere. This technology is especially useful for smaller businesses who want to monitor camera systems remotely in addition to alarms. You can log in from a computer or smartphone to access real-time views of the shop or arm the system if an employee forgets.
• Access Control: Advancements in access control technology enable retailers to manage secure areas more effectively. For example, you can restrict an employee’s access to jewelry cases so the employee can only open specific areas during work hours. Access badges also give retailers the opportunity to monitor employees’ start and finish times.
• Customers: Facial recognition software has the ability to scan facial features when a customer walks through the door. This technology works to match individuals with previous shoplifters, criminals, etc. by searching through a database.

With the economic woes, more and more individuals are looking to steal from retailers and sell at a markup online or on the streets. However, the retail industry is incorporating new technologies and working to increase loss prevention. If you or a friend are interested in learning about our security solutions and how they can protect a retail environment, please contact us.

Content from: PAC Integrations, Inc. | Protecting You Since 1982, Original Post: Increasing Security Solutions in Retail

One of the security related issues hoarding can greatly affect is potential fire. The clutter typically blocks windows and doors, primary exit points in any type of emergency. Recently, a 30-story apartment complex was subject to the results of hoarding. Firefighters were rushed to a scene where a unit on the 24th floor lit up in flames as a cigarette was dropped on the balcony. What happened next was a nightmare for everyone involved.

Years of accumulating magazines, newspapers, and clothing made it almost impossible for the firefighters to enter the hallway and even more difficult to enter the unit itself. After hours of battling the flames with abnormal water discharge, a collected group of 300 firefighters were finally able to extinguish the mess. They realized the hoarding had contributed to the difficult battle that left over 15 people injured. Even more surprising was the fact that an additional 14 units in the same complex were packed with belongings.

Hoarding is a difficult issue to battle, but steps have been taken to address those in need of help. Fire service is teaming up with social agencies to address changes. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has even scheduled education sessions on hoarding at their annual meeting. It is essential that multiple parties address this issue and take part in making progress.

If you know someone with hoarding tendencies, it is important to seek help. Different approaches are recommended – some say forced removal of material doesn’t always help and others focus on making them understand the dangers they are creating. Visit ocdfoundation.org/hoarding for more information.  

Content from: PAC Integrations, Inc. | Protecting You Since 1982, Original Post: The Fire Dangers of Hoarding

Children are attractive targets because their credit history is completely clean. As a parent, you may not think to run a credit report on your child, especially since individuals aren’t supposed to build credit until they are 18. In fact, many children’s credit is severely tampered with by that age as a majority of stolen social security numbers are used to obtain credit cards and loans.

For adults, identity theft often occurs while traveling since individuals rely on electronic devices that can be easily hacked. Travelers should be extra cautious with information while on the road due to unsecured wireless networks at airports and hotels. Recently, an identity theft and fraud expert had his information stolen while on vacation. Over $3,000 was charged to his credit card and he believes the number was stolen using a smartphone camera.

While identity theft may seem intimidating, there are many ways to protect yourself and your child. Check out some useful tips below:

• Avoid announcing children’s birth information on social networking sites, such as facebook
• Run credit reports on your child to ensure their identity has not been compromised
• Leave social security cards at home when you travel; losing this information can be crucial
• Don’t travel with every credit card you own and leave the others at home in a secure location
• Turn off your blue-tooth when you’re not using it; hackers can easily tap into this device and obtain sensitive data
• Be careful when typing secure information while using an unknown network; it’s always best to avoid entering credit card or social security numbers

Identity theft is an important issue to recognize as it can negatively affect you in many ways. We hope these tips will help you avoid theft in the future. It’s always best to take every precaution when traveling, using sensitive personal information, or dealing with issues regarding your child’s identity.

Content from: PAC Integrations, Inc. | Protecting You Since 1982, Original Post: Identity Theft: A Concern for Both Children & Adults

As we recently approached the year’s end, we recommend that you reflect on the performance of your system during the course of 2011. Did you experience any burglaries? Was any property damaged? Did any incidents occur that made you feel like you needed additional protection? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is probably a good idea to consider the variety of security enhancement options available to you.

Here are some ways to enhance your current system:

• Burglar Systems - Have you considered a wireless system for your home or business that takes advantage of smartphone technology to give you the ultimate in control and information? Technological advancements increased the functionality of these types of systems and they are very user-friendly. Contact us if you are interested in learning more about different burglar alarm system options.
• Fire Systems – Test your system to ensure all equipment is working as it should. You may want to schedule an inspection with an experienced professional. We provide both UL and non-UL inspection services, and our friendly technicians make testing and maintenance a simple process.
• CCTV Systems – You have a variety of options when it comes to your CCTV surveillance system. Take a look at your cameras to make sure they aren’t damaged. Cameras do wear over time so it is important to properly maintain them. Read our latest newsletter to learn more about proper camera system maintenance. Let us know if you have questions about CCTV options or if you need to schedule service.
• Access Control Systems – Access control options have expanded as well. Enhance locks at your residence and easily monitor employees’ access at your facility. Check out the different access control options for your business or residence.

Here are some additional tips to protect your home and business for the New Year:

• Update your emergency call list immediately, especially if you made changes while vacationing during the holiday season.
• Notify us of any pass code changes. You can add, remove, or change pass codes by submitting this form.
• Check all equipment for damages, including cracked camera lenses/domes, broken/missing door and window contacts, obstructed motion detectors, etc., and test your equipment regularly for proper functionality.

Use these tips to start the New Year off right. Monitoring every aspect of your security system, from equipment to accurate personnel information helps to ensure effectiveness. Let’s work together to make your home or business a safer environment. Contact us today if you have any questions!

Content from: PAC Integrations, Inc. | Protecting You Since 1982, Original Post: How to Enhance Your Security for the New Year

A county in Virginia recently received the approval to install interior cameras at public high schools. While this seems like a perfect solution to stop theft, bullying, and other harmful activities, it will prove to be quite difficult. There are many restrictions placed on the installation of these camera systems: each school community must approve the use of cameras, they can only be installed in cafeterias and high traffic areas, and cameras cannot be constantly monitored. Despite the difficult process to implement interior camera systems, this method should help increase campus safety.

Every parent wants their child to feel safe at school, but what happens when teens go off to college? Student safety has always been an issue at universities and an interesting application has been developed to increase protection. MyForce, a Colorado-based company, developed an app for smartphones designed for students and campus officials. The student can use the app if they are in a dangerous situation or feel threatened. It works to notify others of their location, health conditions, and emergency contact information. This app has additional interesting features and is currently being used by a few universities in Colorado. Click here to read more about the MyForce app.

It is good to know steps are being made to increase campus security. If you are concerned about the security at your child’s school, we recommend you contact the school administration to find out what they are doing in terms of campus security. If you would like to recommend us as a partner to the school, please contact us. We have years of experience installing burglar and fire alarms, CCTV systems, and access control systems on campuses.

Content from: PAC Integrations, Inc. | Protecting You Since 1982, Original Post: The Increasing Importance of Campus Security

Whether your are a large corporation, elementary school, small business, or residence, the Christmas holiday often presents vacation opportunities. Many employees will take this opportunity to travel, schools shut down, and you may even have a chance to go on a family vacation. It is important to take certain security steps while you or your employees are away during the holiday season.

Tips for working with your security company during the holidays:

• Update your emergency call list! If one of your employees is on vacation, you may want to remove him or her from the call list for that specific time period. It is also a good idea to update your call list for your residence while traveling. Add a neighbor, friend, or relative that lives close by to your list.
• For any business, keep track of your employees who are vacationing. You can remove their access to the facility while on vacation. This helps prevent any type of intrusion that may occur due to a lost or stolen access card.
• Do you have a surveillance system at your home or business? You may want to consider installing cameras for additional coverage. There are a variety of surveillance options and we will work with you to meet your budget requirements.
• Make sure your home or business is protected from fire. Do you have the necessary equipment installed if a fire was to occur while you are away? If you have any questions about the proper fire equipment, please contact us today.
• Double check the functionality of all locks at your home or business. There are also new opportunities that involve remote access. We can easily install access control equipment that allows you to control your locks from a smartphone or computer.

Hopefully, these tips help you to secure your home and business this holiday season. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. The entire team at PAC Integrations would like to wish you a wonderful holiday and a very Happy New Year. May your holiday be filled with joy and abundant blessings.

Content from: PAC Integrations, Inc. | Protecting You Since 1982, Original Post: Working with Your Security Company during the Holidays

With advancements in technology, more powerful security solutions have been developed for small businesses. You can install cameras that easily integrate with other aspects of your security system, and even view footage directly on your computer or smartphone. These specific systems also enable you to upload pre and post-alarm video footage when the system reports an alarm. Check out a few ways this type of system can boost the security at your small business: 

• Track customer traffic and view the office remotely
• Receive video alerts whenever employees arm and disarm the system
• Monitor secure areas like the cash register or file cabinets
• Deter burglary, internal theft, and unauthorized visitors
• Watch several cameras simultaneously

We partner with Alarm.com to offer these interactive services combined with video monitoring to keep your business safe. Alarm.com video is hosted off-site, ensuring your business recordings are tamper-proof. Watch this video to gain a better understanding of how you can utilize video monitoring and interactive services at your small business.

Video monitoring can be a powerful tool when used properly. Whether you have a system or are looking to install one, please contact us if you are interested in the capabilities discussed in this post. We will work with you to see how this type of system can boost your security.

Content from: PAC Integrations, Inc. | Protecting You Since 1982, Original Post: Video Monitoring For Small Businesses