Ideas to Help you Improve your Security and Safety
Below we outline the main areas of risk, the products that are available and a list of recommendations, for more information call us for a FREE NO OBLIGATION quote OR for Advice.
Apathy:1 person in 30 will be a victim this year. Apathy (“it won’t happen to me”) is the biggest problem. It’s the good old Kiwi attitude “She’ll be right mate; it won’t happen to me”. We hear this from victims every day. At Alarm & Camera Warehouse our message is quite simple, “there are affordable solutions, the best time to prevent it from happening to you is now, before you become a victim”. As society changes so does the risk and preventative measures required to deal with the threat.
Alarm Systems are a Deterrent: The last thing a Burglar wants is to be caught or draw attention to them so when a burglar is considering which Home / Farm /Property / Business to burgle, they take care to attack sites that do not have Alarms, crime statistics bear this out.
Apathy:1 person in 30 will be a victim this year. Apathy (“it won’t happen to me”) is the biggest problem. It’s the good old Kiwi attitude “She’ll be right mate; it won’t happen to me”. We hear this from victims every day. At Alarm & Camera Warehouse our message is quite simple, “there are affordable solutions, the best time to prevent it from happening to you is now, before you become a victim”. As society changes so does the risk and preventative measures required to deal with the threat.
Alarm Systems are a Deterrent: The last thing a Burglar wants is to be caught or draw attention to them so when a burglar is considering which Home / Farm /Property / Business to burgle, they take care to attack sites that do not have Alarms, crime statistics bear this out.
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Did you know? * A Home without an alarm has a 70% greater chance of being burgled. * Many Burglars return to the home after about 8 weeks to take the goods replaced by the Insurance Company * A Security Alarm decreases the value of the Damage caused and Goods taken by 80% * In over 70% of break-ins entry is gained through WindowsOur Recommendations: * Install an alarm system with a visible External Siren in clear view of the road * Set your alarm every time you go out * Install Deadbolts / Deadlocks on External Doors and the Internal Access Door between the Garage and the House * Lock all doors even when you go out for 5 minutes * Put security stays on any windows left open at night
Many Crimes are not reported by the Victim because they: * Had No Insurance cover or could not be bothered * Did not want to involve the Police or suspected that extended family members or acquaintances were involved * Had not locked their propertyOur Recommendation: * Always report any Crime OR attempted Crime
Insurance Discounts: Most Insurance Companies provide discounts to homes with Alarm Systems. (in some areas you cannot get insurance unless you have an alarm.Our Recommendation: * Talk to your Insurance Company about a reduction in your premiums because of your alarm.
Neighborhood Watch: Many streets already have a Neighborhood Watch group set up, there is no doubt that Neighborhood watch groups help bring communities together which helps detect crime.Our Recommendations: * Join your local neighborhood watch group * Attend their meetings * If there is not an existing Neighborhood Watch Group in your street approach Neighborhood Watch about starting one.
Many Crimes are not reported by the Victim because they: * Had No Insurance cover or could not be bothered * Did not want to involve the Police or suspected that extended family members or acquaintances were involved * Had not locked their propertyOur Recommendation: * Always report any Crime OR attempted Crime
Insurance Discounts: Most Insurance Companies provide discounts to homes with Alarm Systems. (in some areas you cannot get insurance unless you have an alarm.Our Recommendation: * Talk to your Insurance Company about a reduction in your premiums because of your alarm.
Neighborhood Watch: Many streets already have a Neighborhood Watch group set up, there is no doubt that Neighborhood watch groups help bring communities together which helps detect crime.Our Recommendations: * Join your local neighborhood watch group * Attend their meetings * If there is not an existing Neighborhood Watch Group in your street approach Neighborhood Watch about starting one.
I have decided to get an Alarm, how do I go about it and what should I look for?
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Step One -Get a Quotation: Alarm & Camera Warehouse provide No Obligation quotes and provide free adviceWe suggest that you obtain Quotations from two or three companies to: * Compare prices and products * Compare monitoring options * Check that the salesperson and company are licensed * Check how long the Company has been in business * Compare Warranty terms, you should aim for a minimum of three years * Get the Company to quote the Hardware and Labour as separate items
Our Recommendations: * Once you have a quote contact us because the chances are we will be able to beat the opposition quotes on price, check out our prices at www.alarmwarehouse.co.nz
Equipment included in a typical Paradox Alarm System: * 1 x Alarm Panel with on board Dialer and Transformer OR Plug Pack * 1 x Keypad * 1 x Backup Battery in the alarm panel. * Passive Infra-Red Detectors, (I recommend Pet Detectors as there is only a small price difference between Pet and Standard Detectors). * 1 x Internal and External Siren * 1 x APP Kit to Arm / Disarm the alarm and provide Push Notifications
The Alarm Controller: The Alarm controller should include a guarantee; check what is excluded, for example, damage caused by lightning. You would expect that the guarantee will only exclude damage caused by Power surges and lightning strikes. A maximum of one piece of detection equipment should be installed on one zone, and the alarm should have spare zones to enable further items of detection equipment to be added in the future.Our Recommendations: Install a Paradox Alarm which has: * Adjustable entry and exit times, (All Paradox Alarm Panels do) * Adjustable Siren Operating times before resetting and re-arming. * A night arm setting; the night arm setting is sometimes called “Stay” arming, or “Partial” arming. This enables users to arm part of their home, for example the Garage, Lounge and Living areas when they are home but not the hallway and bedroom areas so the alarm can be set at night but have the detector in the bedroom and hallway unarmed, sometimes this is called “zone isolation”. * 24-hour Zones, in other words some zones can be programmed to be “live” irrespective as to if the alarm is set or not, these zones are used for Smoke Detectors, Panic Buttons and Tamper Switches. * Separate user codes for everyone using the alarm including tradesmen and cleaners; this will enable you to see who set and unset the alarm and at what time * Police, Fire and Security Panic Buttons on the Keypad * An APP so you can control the Alarm from your Cell Phone
Alarm Systems can be Hardwired OR Wireless: * Hardwired where a physical cable links all devices back to the control unit * Wireless where most devices are Wireless, so minimal cabling is required * A Hybrid type System which has a combination of both so you can have both hardwired and wireless devicesOur Recommendations: Install a Paradox Alarm Panel that has spare zones and Wireless Options to allow for future expansion. Paradox Alarm Panels are excellent quality, have a 3-year warranty and have a great price. Statements like “X Brand are the best alarm available” or “X Brand are the best alarm panel in the world” are untrue and only convey the speaker’s ignorance. Often what they really mean is “this is the only alarm panel that I can install”, where the most important consideration should be the alarm’s functions, the warranty and the price.
Paradox Alarm Systems are one of the most common Alarms installed in New Zealand today and have been used in New ealand for 30 odd years, they are a Quality, Reliable product designed in Canada. We have been installing and servicing Paradox Alarms for over 25 years.
External Sensors: External Passive Infra-Red (PIR) sensors can be added to alarm systems, they are vulnerable to false alarms; in our experience only install combination sensors using dual PIR units plus a Microwave sensor, all of which must activate simultaneously before the alarm is tripped.
Glass Break Detectors:Glass Break Detectors and shock sensors detect breaking Glass and Movement respectively and are more commonly found in business premises to protect against smash and grab raids.
Our Recommendations: * Once you have a quote contact us because the chances are we will be able to beat the opposition quotes on price, check out our prices at www.alarmwarehouse.co.nz
Equipment included in a typical Paradox Alarm System: * 1 x Alarm Panel with on board Dialer and Transformer OR Plug Pack * 1 x Keypad * 1 x Backup Battery in the alarm panel. * Passive Infra-Red Detectors, (I recommend Pet Detectors as there is only a small price difference between Pet and Standard Detectors). * 1 x Internal and External Siren * 1 x APP Kit to Arm / Disarm the alarm and provide Push Notifications
The Alarm Controller: The Alarm controller should include a guarantee; check what is excluded, for example, damage caused by lightning. You would expect that the guarantee will only exclude damage caused by Power surges and lightning strikes. A maximum of one piece of detection equipment should be installed on one zone, and the alarm should have spare zones to enable further items of detection equipment to be added in the future.Our Recommendations: Install a Paradox Alarm which has: * Adjustable entry and exit times, (All Paradox Alarm Panels do) * Adjustable Siren Operating times before resetting and re-arming. * A night arm setting; the night arm setting is sometimes called “Stay” arming, or “Partial” arming. This enables users to arm part of their home, for example the Garage, Lounge and Living areas when they are home but not the hallway and bedroom areas so the alarm can be set at night but have the detector in the bedroom and hallway unarmed, sometimes this is called “zone isolation”. * 24-hour Zones, in other words some zones can be programmed to be “live” irrespective as to if the alarm is set or not, these zones are used for Smoke Detectors, Panic Buttons and Tamper Switches. * Separate user codes for everyone using the alarm including tradesmen and cleaners; this will enable you to see who set and unset the alarm and at what time * Police, Fire and Security Panic Buttons on the Keypad * An APP so you can control the Alarm from your Cell Phone
Alarm Systems can be Hardwired OR Wireless: * Hardwired where a physical cable links all devices back to the control unit * Wireless where most devices are Wireless, so minimal cabling is required * A Hybrid type System which has a combination of both so you can have both hardwired and wireless devicesOur Recommendations: Install a Paradox Alarm Panel that has spare zones and Wireless Options to allow for future expansion. Paradox Alarm Panels are excellent quality, have a 3-year warranty and have a great price. Statements like “X Brand are the best alarm available” or “X Brand are the best alarm panel in the world” are untrue and only convey the speaker’s ignorance. Often what they really mean is “this is the only alarm panel that I can install”, where the most important consideration should be the alarm’s functions, the warranty and the price.
Paradox Alarm Systems are one of the most common Alarms installed in New Zealand today and have been used in New ealand for 30 odd years, they are a Quality, Reliable product designed in Canada. We have been installing and servicing Paradox Alarms for over 25 years.
External Sensors: External Passive Infra-Red (PIR) sensors can be added to alarm systems, they are vulnerable to false alarms; in our experience only install combination sensors using dual PIR units plus a Microwave sensor, all of which must activate simultaneously before the alarm is tripped.
Glass Break Detectors:Glass Break Detectors and shock sensors detect breaking Glass and Movement respectively and are more commonly found in business premises to protect against smash and grab raids.
Location of Equipment.
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Control Unit: If the alarm controller has a separate keypad it is usually located in the Garage or a cupboard and if it has an on-board keypad it is situated in the kitchen beside a telephone and power point.Keypad: The keypad should be located in the hallway or kitchen areas, within easy access from the entry doors and in a location that is easily accessible for night arming. The keypad should be back lit, so it is easy to use at night.Detectors: Install these in vulnerable areas, usually in the hall, lounge, living area and garage Internal Siren: Is usually installed in the hallExternal Siren: Is usually installed on the Front of the house
Detection Equipment: We recommend that you install Passive Infra-Red Detectors (PIR), they are reliable and inexpensive and activate with the movement of body heat. A PIR should always protect your keypad and your hallway and PIR’s should be installed in all other vulnerable areas, an average home will have PIR’s installed in the hallway, lounge, living area and garage. Other technologies include Microwave and Ultrasonic, both of which are less reliable and more expensive.
If you have pets ensure that your alarm quotation has included pet sensors, and that the pet sensors are of the quality and type to cope with the weight of your animals.
If you have a safe in your home it should be in an area covered by a PIR and you should protect the area your jewelry is kept in, which for most people is the master bedroom.
Your garage, with sports equipment, bicycles and tools are another favourite target for burglars. Garages are vulnerable to wind and dust and garage doors radiate a lot of heat, all of which cause false alarms so consider a harsh environment detector if adding a PIR in your garage.
If you have a carport and want to protect it, you will require a water proof out door detector, to avoid false alarms this detector should have two PIR sensors and a Microwave sensor built into the detector, all of must activate at the same time to activate the detector.
Sheds and Garages not attached to your Main Dwelling: Consider alarming Remote Sheds and Garages if they have valuables in them. The best and most affordable option is to use a wireless detector connected to a receiver on your House Alarm. Our Recommendations: Always keep Remote Sheds and Garages Armed on a Partial Arm setting on your alarm when you are not using them.
Detection Equipment: We recommend that you install Passive Infra-Red Detectors (PIR), they are reliable and inexpensive and activate with the movement of body heat. A PIR should always protect your keypad and your hallway and PIR’s should be installed in all other vulnerable areas, an average home will have PIR’s installed in the hallway, lounge, living area and garage. Other technologies include Microwave and Ultrasonic, both of which are less reliable and more expensive.
If you have pets ensure that your alarm quotation has included pet sensors, and that the pet sensors are of the quality and type to cope with the weight of your animals.
If you have a safe in your home it should be in an area covered by a PIR and you should protect the area your jewelry is kept in, which for most people is the master bedroom.
Your garage, with sports equipment, bicycles and tools are another favourite target for burglars. Garages are vulnerable to wind and dust and garage doors radiate a lot of heat, all of which cause false alarms so consider a harsh environment detector if adding a PIR in your garage.
If you have a carport and want to protect it, you will require a water proof out door detector, to avoid false alarms this detector should have two PIR sensors and a Microwave sensor built into the detector, all of must activate at the same time to activate the detector.
Sheds and Garages not attached to your Main Dwelling: Consider alarming Remote Sheds and Garages if they have valuables in them. The best and most affordable option is to use a wireless detector connected to a receiver on your House Alarm. Our Recommendations: Always keep Remote Sheds and Garages Armed on a Partial Arm setting on your alarm when you are not using them.
Alarm Monitoring
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If your alarm is monitored by a Central Monitoring Station then you pay a weekly fee, usually about $1 a day and can have a Security Guard attend (at a cost, usually $60 - $120 dollars), this way you get an Immediate Response and you get the Appropriate Response. Responding to Activations is Dangerous. No Longer do you have to rely on Neighbours and Luck. If you don’t want to pay for alarm monitoring, then have the alarm ring you and your family / friends cell phones.
Cell Phone Monitoring APPs:Most modern Security Alarms have Cell Phone APPs which send push notifications to your cell phone as well as allowing you to Remotely Arm / Disarm the Alarm and control Outputs from your phone Cell Phone APPs however have the following limitations: - if the power is turned off to your Router during a break-in, which often happens, you will not receive the Call - if you are out of range, or your phone is turned off you will not receive a call - you may be asleep and not hear your phone - responding to Alarm Activations is dangerous - if your Insurance Company require a “monitored alarm” then Monitoring through an APP will most likely not be accepted so could invalidate an Insurance Claim.
Cell Phone Monitoring APPs:Most modern Security Alarms have Cell Phone APPs which send push notifications to your cell phone as well as allowing you to Remotely Arm / Disarm the Alarm and control Outputs from your phone Cell Phone APPs however have the following limitations: - if the power is turned off to your Router during a break-in, which often happens, you will not receive the Call - if you are out of range, or your phone is turned off you will not receive a call - you may be asleep and not hear your phone - responding to Alarm Activations is dangerous - if your Insurance Company require a “monitored alarm” then Monitoring through an APP will most likely not be accepted so could invalidate an Insurance Claim.
Personal Safety
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Every home should have a method of attracting attention in an emergency, usually by noise (sirens) and if the alarm is monitored report this to a central monitoring station so the appropriate response can be dispatched. This is especially important or the elderly, for woman and for people living alone. Alarm systems should include a Panic Alarm, by pressing the Panic button on your Remote or Keypad you can set off your alarm sirens at any time and if the alarm is monitored it will ring the monitoring station OR will ring your emergency contacts.
Home Invasions are an increasing problem, following are some simple steps will make you a lot safer * Install an Alarm System with a Panic Button on the keypad OR Remote * Don’t open the door if you don’t know the person * Lock the front door if you at the back of the house and vice versa * “Night arming” your alarm at night will help prevent you being woken up with at night and confronting someone in your home * Arming your alarm EVERY TIME you go out will prevent you or your family from arriving home and disturbing an Intruder
Front Door: Do not open the door to strangers without identifying them first. If you do not have a security door, ensure you have a door viewer in your door. If you don’t know the person you should not let them in unless you are confident that they are legitimate. Do not rely on Security Chains as they will not stop a determined intruder kicking the door in.
Safe Room:If you are living alone, we recommend that you make your bedroom a “Safe Room”. You do this by fixing a one-way deadbolt to the inside of the bedroom door and making sure any windows left open at night have security stays on them, bars or a security screen. We recommend that you have a fixed or portable panic button within easy reach of your bed. You should always have a cell phone or land line phone beside your bed. Never keep knives or weapons that can be used against you in your bedroom.
Medical Alarms: If you are elderly or infirm a monitored medical alarm is an excellent method of alerting a monitoring station that you need help. You just push a pendant that you wear on your wrist or around your neck. The pendant is a wireless transmitter that sends a signal to a unit attached to your phone. The medical alarm pendant must be a waterproof sealed battery type which can be worn in the shower as this is where many falls occur.
A medical alarm is a short-range wireless device that only operates within 50 meters of the phone jack in your home and should be powered by long life batteries to give a minimum of 10 year’s battery life. Medical alarm pendants and receivers can be added to all existing and new alarm systems and should comply with the New Zealand Standards and should be tested every month.
Home Invasions are an increasing problem, following are some simple steps will make you a lot safer * Install an Alarm System with a Panic Button on the keypad OR Remote * Don’t open the door if you don’t know the person * Lock the front door if you at the back of the house and vice versa * “Night arming” your alarm at night will help prevent you being woken up with at night and confronting someone in your home * Arming your alarm EVERY TIME you go out will prevent you or your family from arriving home and disturbing an Intruder
Front Door: Do not open the door to strangers without identifying them first. If you do not have a security door, ensure you have a door viewer in your door. If you don’t know the person you should not let them in unless you are confident that they are legitimate. Do not rely on Security Chains as they will not stop a determined intruder kicking the door in.
Safe Room:If you are living alone, we recommend that you make your bedroom a “Safe Room”. You do this by fixing a one-way deadbolt to the inside of the bedroom door and making sure any windows left open at night have security stays on them, bars or a security screen. We recommend that you have a fixed or portable panic button within easy reach of your bed. You should always have a cell phone or land line phone beside your bed. Never keep knives or weapons that can be used against you in your bedroom.
Medical Alarms: If you are elderly or infirm a monitored medical alarm is an excellent method of alerting a monitoring station that you need help. You just push a pendant that you wear on your wrist or around your neck. The pendant is a wireless transmitter that sends a signal to a unit attached to your phone. The medical alarm pendant must be a waterproof sealed battery type which can be worn in the shower as this is where many falls occur.
A medical alarm is a short-range wireless device that only operates within 50 meters of the phone jack in your home and should be powered by long life batteries to give a minimum of 10 year’s battery life. Medical alarm pendants and receivers can be added to all existing and new alarm systems and should comply with the New Zealand Standards and should be tested every month.
Fire
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Every year about 50 people needlessly lose their life in house fires, not to mention the millions of Dollars of damage fires cause. Smoke Detectors save lives, especially when added to an alarm system.
Smoke Detectors:By law a smoke detector must be located on each level and either in each bedroom or within 3 meters of each bedroom door. Smoke detectors are Battery operated, connected to permanent power or connected to an alarm system. In over 70% of the homes we attend the smoke detectors either have flat batteries or have been disconnected. Smoke detector batteries should be tested 6 monthly and replaced annually; we recommend you do this at day light savings change over.
If you have an Alarm System, it is a good idea to install connect smoke detectors to it so the smoke detector is permanently wired and there are no batteries to replace. Smoke rises so always install smoke detectors on the roof and away from corners as in a fire you can get Oxygen traps right in the corners of rooms
All homes should have a Fire Escape plan, and practice it regularly so all occupants know what to do in an emergency, this Plan should include a safe meeting place
Our Recommendations: * Smoke Detectors should be replaced every 10 years, refer to the expiry / manufacture date on the bottom of the Detector * Replace the Battery once a year, we advise replacing them when daylight saving begins so you don’t forget (Does not apply to Smoke Detectors with Lithium Batteries, just test these to make sure they are working and replace Batteries every 3 years) * Clean and Vacuum your smoke detector every 6 months (when daylight saving ends and when you replace the battery) to avoid dust build up that can cause False alarms* Remove your smoke alarm if painting BUT make sure you reinstall it * Add a supervised Smoke Detector to your alarm system, which, when activated will set off the alarm and notify a monitoring Station OR your contacts so the Fire Service OR a Contact can be dispatched.
Areas to avoid when installing Smoke Detectors: Near Ceiling Fans, Air Conditioners and Outside Bathrooms
Fire Blankets & Fire ExtinguishersOur Recommendations: * Keep a Fire Blanket and a Fire Extinguisher in the Kitchen, and a Fire Extinguisher in each vehicle.
Smoke Detectors:By law a smoke detector must be located on each level and either in each bedroom or within 3 meters of each bedroom door. Smoke detectors are Battery operated, connected to permanent power or connected to an alarm system. In over 70% of the homes we attend the smoke detectors either have flat batteries or have been disconnected. Smoke detector batteries should be tested 6 monthly and replaced annually; we recommend you do this at day light savings change over.
If you have an Alarm System, it is a good idea to install connect smoke detectors to it so the smoke detector is permanently wired and there are no batteries to replace. Smoke rises so always install smoke detectors on the roof and away from corners as in a fire you can get Oxygen traps right in the corners of rooms
All homes should have a Fire Escape plan, and practice it regularly so all occupants know what to do in an emergency, this Plan should include a safe meeting place
Our Recommendations: * Smoke Detectors should be replaced every 10 years, refer to the expiry / manufacture date on the bottom of the Detector * Replace the Battery once a year, we advise replacing them when daylight saving begins so you don’t forget (Does not apply to Smoke Detectors with Lithium Batteries, just test these to make sure they are working and replace Batteries every 3 years) * Clean and Vacuum your smoke detector every 6 months (when daylight saving ends and when you replace the battery) to avoid dust build up that can cause False alarms* Remove your smoke alarm if painting BUT make sure you reinstall it * Add a supervised Smoke Detector to your alarm system, which, when activated will set off the alarm and notify a monitoring Station OR your contacts so the Fire Service OR a Contact can be dispatched.
Areas to avoid when installing Smoke Detectors: Near Ceiling Fans, Air Conditioners and Outside Bathrooms
Fire Blankets & Fire ExtinguishersOur Recommendations: * Keep a Fire Blanket and a Fire Extinguisher in the Kitchen, and a Fire Extinguisher in each vehicle.
Tracking Products - Providing Protection, Safety and Help when its needed
Our sister companies Tracking Products www.trackingproducts.co.nz and Vehicle Tracking Systems www.vehicletrackingsystems.co.nz sell a range of tracking devices that can allow you to: * Communicate with and as well track where your children and Elderly Relatives are, * Know where your Pets are * Find your Boat or Car if they are stolen * And if you are running a Business Track where the Vehicle is, how long it took to get there, if it went over speed, how long it was onsite for accurate billing and if it went into or out of a restricted area (Geofencing)
Car Theft, Vehicle Theft, Asset Theft: Every vehicle should have an alarm fitted and it should be connected to a GPS tracking unit that either works in conjunction with a vehicle alarm or independently. In the event that it is stolen you can see its last location on a map detailed enough so you can find it. All boats should carry fixed or portable GPS tracking units for use in emergencies. Vehicle Alarms: All vehicle alarms should comply with the Australian and New Zealand standard for car alarms and be installed by members of the vehicle alarm section of NZSA. There are a number of types of alarm; many newer cars have factory alarm systems; older cars require an alarm to be added. Once a vehicle alarm is activated it should as a minimum set off a siren.
Vehicle Immobilisers: Some alarms include vehicle immobilisers; this term describes an alarm that is attached to the ignition and includes a cellular communicator which notifies the owner that their vehicle has been stolen and will receive cellular messages, and has the capability to stop the vehicle from starting once it is turned off. It is illegal for Immobilisers to turn off the ignition while the vehicle is moving.
Car Theft, Vehicle Theft, Asset Theft: Every vehicle should have an alarm fitted and it should be connected to a GPS tracking unit that either works in conjunction with a vehicle alarm or independently. In the event that it is stolen you can see its last location on a map detailed enough so you can find it. All boats should carry fixed or portable GPS tracking units for use in emergencies. Vehicle Alarms: All vehicle alarms should comply with the Australian and New Zealand standard for car alarms and be installed by members of the vehicle alarm section of NZSA. There are a number of types of alarm; many newer cars have factory alarm systems; older cars require an alarm to be added. Once a vehicle alarm is activated it should as a minimum set off a siren.
Vehicle Immobilisers: Some alarms include vehicle immobilisers; this term describes an alarm that is attached to the ignition and includes a cellular communicator which notifies the owner that their vehicle has been stolen and will receive cellular messages, and has the capability to stop the vehicle from starting once it is turned off. It is illegal for Immobilisers to turn off the ignition while the vehicle is moving.
Security Cameras
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Camera systems can be of excellent value if correctly installed and designed for the application that you require. Provided you have Internet Connection (ADSL or better) you can monitor what Is happening in real time.Our Recommendations * Get 2 or 3 quotes * Make sure you are comparing like for like, there is a huge variation in Quality between systems * Get a 12- month warranty and make sure you buy from a company that is well established * Check Out prices at our sister Company, Security Camera Warehouse www.securityameras.co.nz, our Security Camera Online Shop
At Alarm & Camera Warehouse we sell quality HikVision 4, 8 and 16 Channel DVR’s and NVR's at very affordable prices and we can finance them if required.
At Alarm & Camera Warehouse we sell quality HikVision 4, 8 and 16 Channel DVR’s and NVR's at very affordable prices and we can finance them if required.
Locks
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Deadbolts and Deadlocks are locks that once locked can be opened from either side but need a key to open them. As long as you don't leave keys around then a burglar has no easy escape path and has to carry all items out the window. Deadbolts and Deadlocks decrease the value of damage caused and goods taken by about 70% (means that the intruders have to take what they steal out the window)
Our Recommendations: * Fit Deadbolts and Deadlocks to External Doors and the Door between the House and the Garage * Key all Locks to a common key. * Install Security stays on any windows that you leave open at night. * Install Door Viewers on Front Doors * Install Amplimesh Screen Doors on doors only if you want to leave them open for ventilation, otherwise install security chains. * Install Security Stays on an Windows you leave open
Our Recommendations: * Fit Deadbolts and Deadlocks to External Doors and the Door between the House and the Garage * Key all Locks to a common key. * Install Security stays on any windows that you leave open at night. * Install Door Viewers on Front Doors * Install Amplimesh Screen Doors on doors only if you want to leave them open for ventilation, otherwise install security chains. * Install Security Stays on an Windows you leave open
Access Control, Intercoms and Automatic Gate Control
Many people are installing Electronic Gtes to give them more security, to open these you simply press a remote. The Gate System should also include a keypad for access if you are on foot, or if don’t have your remote. Homes with Electronic Gates should have an Intercom System installed so visitors can contact the residents to be let in. Intercoms come as 2 types, Audio or Audio and Video. They have a gate station with a buzzer (and Camera if Video) which rings Room stations in the house, usually there are room stations in the Kitchen, Master bedroom and Upstairs. We also need to know the distances involved.Our Recommendations: * Get 2 or 3 quotes as prices vary greatly * Make sure you are comparing like for like * Use a company who know what they are doing * Get a 12-month warranty and that the company is well established * Buy Locally OR you will have large travel charges * Go to www.alarmwarehouse.co.nz to compare our DIY Prices
At Alarm & Camera Warehouse we sell a range of quality brands and contract out the Gate Manufacture to Qualified Engineers. We can also provide finance if required.
At Alarm & Camera Warehouse we sell a range of quality brands and contract out the Gate Manufacture to Qualified Engineers. We can also provide finance if required.
Safes, Credit Cards, Passports, Guns and Jewellery
Safes: We recommend that you install a Safe for your small valuable items, small electronic Safes are reasonably inexpensive, approximately $200.00. The Safe should be securely bolted into the floor or wall and should be in an area covered by a Passive Infra-Red detector connected to your alarm system. Safes have an Insurance rating based around the amount the value of their contents; if your Insurance Company has insisted on a Safe ensure that its contents do not exceed its insurance rating.
Credit Cards: Credit Card Theft is of epidemic proportions and likely to get worse. Our recommendations: * limit the number of Credit cards that you have * If purchasing online use a Debit Card connected to an account with a small available balance in it * keep a record of all your Credit / Debit cards in your Safe along with the Banks emergency contact number * check your balances and transactions regularly * when using ATMs don’t let people look over your shoulder and check that there are no sleeves in the ATM
Passports We recommend that you keep your Passports in your Safe
Guns: ALL Guns MUST be securely locked in an Approved Gun Safe Jewellery: We recommend that you keep photographs of all your Jewellery, preferably with you wearing it, both in your home and a copy off site. Your Insurance Company will also require photographs and valuations of the more expensive items. Do not leave Jewellery lying around in your bedroom, bathroom or bed side cabinet, wear it, hide it or put it in a Safe.
Credit Cards: Credit Card Theft is of epidemic proportions and likely to get worse. Our recommendations: * limit the number of Credit cards that you have * If purchasing online use a Debit Card connected to an account with a small available balance in it * keep a record of all your Credit / Debit cards in your Safe along with the Banks emergency contact number * check your balances and transactions regularly * when using ATMs don’t let people look over your shoulder and check that there are no sleeves in the ATM
Passports We recommend that you keep your Passports in your Safe
Guns: ALL Guns MUST be securely locked in an Approved Gun Safe Jewellery: We recommend that you keep photographs of all your Jewellery, preferably with you wearing it, both in your home and a copy off site. Your Insurance Company will also require photographs and valuations of the more expensive items. Do not leave Jewellery lying around in your bedroom, bathroom or bed side cabinet, wear it, hide it or put it in a Safe.
Computer Security
Hard Drive Failure, Will it happen? Yes, Sooner or Later.
Computer Security or the lack of is probably the greatest threat to us. Sooner or later all computer hard drives fail, the question when they fail is can you retrieve your data? To make matter worse computers are attempting target for burglars, not to mention industrial and employee espionage. The theft of data, from being in the realm of far-fetched movie land a few years ago is a fact of life today, and the worst thing is you don’t realise it until it is too late, in most cases it is easy and very hard to detect.
Who last did the Backup? When? Will my backup work? Sometimes No…… which is a total disaster
The Risk: * Hard Drive failure and the total loss of all the data on the Hard Drive * You lose a programme and you don’t have the original programme disk or CD and your programme is out of date and cannot be replaced. * A current employee copies your computer data by, then resigns and uses it to start their own business in opposition to you or works for your competitor * Theft of your computer data by a disloyal employee, who then sells it to your opposition. * The total loss of both your computer hardware and software in a natural disaster such as a Flood, Earthquake, or Fire * The corruption of your computer data by a disgruntled employee, * A hacker attacks your computer * A sudden power surge or spike corrupts your computer
You should consider the data on your computer to be one of your most vulnerable assets.
Our Recommendations: * Use the services of a cloud-based server provider such as Drop Box or back up daily and take the backups off site. * Regularly test your backups * Install surge protectors and add UPS systems to all computers to allow a programmed shut down if the power goes off. * Limit access to your computers and ensure you have a system in place to monitor users. * Shut down your computers at night and over the weekend. * Install an adequate firewall between your computers and the internet. * Do not carry back up disks and CD’s around in Handbags OR leave them in the back seats of cars, they carry important data that is of value to a thief and your opposition.
Who last did the Backup? When? Will my backup work? Sometimes No…… which is a total disaster
The Risk: * Hard Drive failure and the total loss of all the data on the Hard Drive * You lose a programme and you don’t have the original programme disk or CD and your programme is out of date and cannot be replaced. * A current employee copies your computer data by, then resigns and uses it to start their own business in opposition to you or works for your competitor * Theft of your computer data by a disloyal employee, who then sells it to your opposition. * The total loss of both your computer hardware and software in a natural disaster such as a Flood, Earthquake, or Fire * The corruption of your computer data by a disgruntled employee, * A hacker attacks your computer * A sudden power surge or spike corrupts your computer
You should consider the data on your computer to be one of your most vulnerable assets.
Our Recommendations: * Use the services of a cloud-based server provider such as Drop Box or back up daily and take the backups off site. * Regularly test your backups * Install surge protectors and add UPS systems to all computers to allow a programmed shut down if the power goes off. * Limit access to your computers and ensure you have a system in place to monitor users. * Shut down your computers at night and over the weekend. * Install an adequate firewall between your computers and the internet. * Do not carry back up disks and CD’s around in Handbags OR leave them in the back seats of cars, they carry important data that is of value to a thief and your opposition.
Cell Phones
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Is Your Smartphone Secure? Cell phone security is an ongoing issue as malware and hacking threats are growing by the day. Most of today's phones don't have built-in security features to prevent hacking from happening. Valuable personal data can be stolen from smartphones without the owner ever realizing it.
As we use our smartphones for more sensitive tasks, such as online banking and confidential business negotiations, there's more of a need for strong cell phone security. A hacked or stolen phone can quickly be compromised by a criminal, which can result in identity theft, bank account fraud, and many other problems. Help protect your cell phone from being hacked by following a few common-sense guidelines: . Keep Your Operating System Up to Date:It is important to update your operating system as soon as a new version is released. Don't wait on these updates, because they often include security bug fixes. Eventually, hackers find a way to exploit every operating system, and the creators have to patch these vulnerabilities with a new update. This is equally true for mobile devices and personal computers. Delete the APPs You Don’t Use: Deleting any APPs that you don't plan on using in the future. Every APP has the potential to be infected. Often, the APPs you don't use are not receiving regular updates in the app store, so they become more vulnerable to hacking attempts. It is easier to just delete the old apps from your cellphone, rather than updating them and never using them. If you have enough space on your hard drive to leave every app installed, make sure that "Automatic Downloads" (iOS) or "Auto-update apps" (Android) is turned on. Lock Your Phone: Every phone has an auto-locking security feature with a 4- or 6-digit Password. ALWAYS use a strong Password. Make sure to turn this setting on as soon as you purchase a new phone. If available, use a 6-digit passcode for a higher level of protection. Secondly, most smartphones allow you to set the length of time before auto-locking. Choose the shortest time possible (i.e. one minute). Sometimes, cell phone "hacking" can be as simple as someone stealing your phone and accessing your accounts through normal means. Make sure that every APP and account is password-protected. Avoid Public Wifi for Sensitive Tasks:Public Wifi can be a lifesaver when you need to access Internet and don't have cell service, but these networks are not secure. When anyone can access the same Wifi, it is easy for hackers to capture your personal information, such as your passwords or credit card details. If possible, you should turn your smartphone into a wireless hotspot and use that to access the internet for your laptop instead. A subscription-based mobile network is a far more secure network, because people in your area won't be able to access it with a single click. Likewise, you should turn off your phone's Bluetooth functionality when not in use, because it can be compromised as well. Don’t Click on Questionable Links:Junk mail and other spam attempts are made all the time. Often, phishing is disguised in such a clever way that even an experienced web surfer accidentally clicks on a compromising link. You may even receive a text message with a link to malware (called “smishing”). Android smartphones are the most susceptible to this issue. To avoid any potential problems, never click on a link from an unidentifiable source.Even if the source is identifiable such as a reputable brand name, hover your cursor on the link to see the domain of landing URL to ensure it matches the name of that popular brand. Such spammers and phishers have become so sophisticated that they replicate appearance of genuine brand name company emails including their logos and other contact details just to get you to click on the link that can compromise your smart phone. Delete Data Remotely to Prevent Theft:When setting up a new cell phone, make sure to enable the "Android Device Manager" or "Find My iPhone" feature, so that you can track the phone if it goes missing. These APPs also allow you to delete the phone's hard drive remotely, before the thieves can get to it. Meanwhile, if you decide to sell your current phone or purchase a used phone, we recommend resetting the device to factory settings. This will clean out any sensitive material or malware that is still present. Be Cautious When Asked to Provide Personal Info:Every time you sign up for a new service online, you will probably be asked to provide personal details, such as your name and email address. We do this all the time, but it puts us at risk for spam email and texts. Always think twice before giving out information and use two or three-factor authentication whenever it is an option.Avoid Using Unofficial Tools.There're many unofficial (and legally murky) software tools that promise to "jailbreak" or "root" your phone, so you can use it with other cell networks. This opens your device to potential security threats. You should be extremely cautious if you decide to use these tools, because some of them can lead to spyware and identity theft. Laws have been put in place to make it easier to officially unlock your phone - Contact your cellular service carrier for details. Be Careful About Granting Permissions:By law, smartphone APPs must ask for permission to access your personal data and various phone functions, such as the camera or microphone. Often, an APP will need access to work properly, but some apps abuse these permissions. For instance, the Google Play Store has a less rigorous vetting process for accepting new APPs. Bad developers can take advantage of these vulnerabilities and create an APP that steals your personal data. Avoid Auto-Login Features:Turn off your phone's auto-login features, so that it is harder for Criminals to access your accounts. Auto-login can be extremely useful when you don't want to remember or type passwords, but you shouldn't use it for sensitive APPs like online banking and email. If a thief somehow figured out your phone's password, they would be able to open any APP without signing in. To keep this from happening, you can also enable the setting that erases your phone's contents after 10 failed login attempts. And if you must use an auto-login feature, do it with a secure password manager app that requires a separate password to function. Use Reputable Antivirus Software:While iOS on iPhones is intrinsically safer even without an antivirus software, it should be used for Android phones and devices such as Android tablet computers. iPhones more safe than Android operating system phones because Apple designs the phone software as well as the phone hardware which forms a tighter bond preventing gaps for 3rd parties to penetrate. If you have an Android, choose to use antivirus software for Androids to get overlapping protection from unauthorized intrusions. Only install reputable branded ones such as Avast, Bitdefender, McAfee, Norton and Kaspersky.
As we use our smartphones for more sensitive tasks, such as online banking and confidential business negotiations, there's more of a need for strong cell phone security. A hacked or stolen phone can quickly be compromised by a criminal, which can result in identity theft, bank account fraud, and many other problems. Help protect your cell phone from being hacked by following a few common-sense guidelines: . Keep Your Operating System Up to Date:It is important to update your operating system as soon as a new version is released. Don't wait on these updates, because they often include security bug fixes. Eventually, hackers find a way to exploit every operating system, and the creators have to patch these vulnerabilities with a new update. This is equally true for mobile devices and personal computers. Delete the APPs You Don’t Use: Deleting any APPs that you don't plan on using in the future. Every APP has the potential to be infected. Often, the APPs you don't use are not receiving regular updates in the app store, so they become more vulnerable to hacking attempts. It is easier to just delete the old apps from your cellphone, rather than updating them and never using them. If you have enough space on your hard drive to leave every app installed, make sure that "Automatic Downloads" (iOS) or "Auto-update apps" (Android) is turned on. Lock Your Phone: Every phone has an auto-locking security feature with a 4- or 6-digit Password. ALWAYS use a strong Password. Make sure to turn this setting on as soon as you purchase a new phone. If available, use a 6-digit passcode for a higher level of protection. Secondly, most smartphones allow you to set the length of time before auto-locking. Choose the shortest time possible (i.e. one minute). Sometimes, cell phone "hacking" can be as simple as someone stealing your phone and accessing your accounts through normal means. Make sure that every APP and account is password-protected. Avoid Public Wifi for Sensitive Tasks:Public Wifi can be a lifesaver when you need to access Internet and don't have cell service, but these networks are not secure. When anyone can access the same Wifi, it is easy for hackers to capture your personal information, such as your passwords or credit card details. If possible, you should turn your smartphone into a wireless hotspot and use that to access the internet for your laptop instead. A subscription-based mobile network is a far more secure network, because people in your area won't be able to access it with a single click. Likewise, you should turn off your phone's Bluetooth functionality when not in use, because it can be compromised as well. Don’t Click on Questionable Links:Junk mail and other spam attempts are made all the time. Often, phishing is disguised in such a clever way that even an experienced web surfer accidentally clicks on a compromising link. You may even receive a text message with a link to malware (called “smishing”). Android smartphones are the most susceptible to this issue. To avoid any potential problems, never click on a link from an unidentifiable source.Even if the source is identifiable such as a reputable brand name, hover your cursor on the link to see the domain of landing URL to ensure it matches the name of that popular brand. Such spammers and phishers have become so sophisticated that they replicate appearance of genuine brand name company emails including their logos and other contact details just to get you to click on the link that can compromise your smart phone. Delete Data Remotely to Prevent Theft:When setting up a new cell phone, make sure to enable the "Android Device Manager" or "Find My iPhone" feature, so that you can track the phone if it goes missing. These APPs also allow you to delete the phone's hard drive remotely, before the thieves can get to it. Meanwhile, if you decide to sell your current phone or purchase a used phone, we recommend resetting the device to factory settings. This will clean out any sensitive material or malware that is still present. Be Cautious When Asked to Provide Personal Info:Every time you sign up for a new service online, you will probably be asked to provide personal details, such as your name and email address. We do this all the time, but it puts us at risk for spam email and texts. Always think twice before giving out information and use two or three-factor authentication whenever it is an option.Avoid Using Unofficial Tools.There're many unofficial (and legally murky) software tools that promise to "jailbreak" or "root" your phone, so you can use it with other cell networks. This opens your device to potential security threats. You should be extremely cautious if you decide to use these tools, because some of them can lead to spyware and identity theft. Laws have been put in place to make it easier to officially unlock your phone - Contact your cellular service carrier for details. Be Careful About Granting Permissions:By law, smartphone APPs must ask for permission to access your personal data and various phone functions, such as the camera or microphone. Often, an APP will need access to work properly, but some apps abuse these permissions. For instance, the Google Play Store has a less rigorous vetting process for accepting new APPs. Bad developers can take advantage of these vulnerabilities and create an APP that steals your personal data. Avoid Auto-Login Features:Turn off your phone's auto-login features, so that it is harder for Criminals to access your accounts. Auto-login can be extremely useful when you don't want to remember or type passwords, but you shouldn't use it for sensitive APPs like online banking and email. If a thief somehow figured out your phone's password, they would be able to open any APP without signing in. To keep this from happening, you can also enable the setting that erases your phone's contents after 10 failed login attempts. And if you must use an auto-login feature, do it with a secure password manager app that requires a separate password to function. Use Reputable Antivirus Software:While iOS on iPhones is intrinsically safer even without an antivirus software, it should be used for Android phones and devices such as Android tablet computers. iPhones more safe than Android operating system phones because Apple designs the phone software as well as the phone hardware which forms a tighter bond preventing gaps for 3rd parties to penetrate. If you have an Android, choose to use antivirus software for Androids to get overlapping protection from unauthorized intrusions. Only install reputable branded ones such as Avast, Bitdefender, McAfee, Norton and Kaspersky.
My Disaster Plan
Every business and home should have a written Disaster Plan: * That is regularly updated * That covers what steps are to be taken in the event of a part OR total loss of your home or business so you can return to normality as soon as possible.
This disaster plan must be realistic and over all eventualities from minor to major. It will depend on your risk; in a domestic situation it may be three pages whereas for a business it may be 40 pages.
It should include ideas / answers to the following points: * Where do my Family and I get Fresh Drinking Water from? * Where do my family and I get Food from? * How do we stay warm and where do we live? * Can we cope financially, will the government help? * Where would I locate my business to and what about my business records? * What happens to my employees? * Can I survive financially? * Is my First Aid Kit satisfactory? * How do I restart my family’s life and restart my business?
Our Recommendations: * Write a Disaster Plan for your Family and for your Business * Ensure that there are Written Hard copies available for your Family (don’t save it on your computer as there probably won’t be any power) * 6 Monthly at Daylight Saving Time spend time with your family familiarizing them with your Disaster Plan, update it and check your Survival Kit.
This disaster plan must be realistic and over all eventualities from minor to major. It will depend on your risk; in a domestic situation it may be three pages whereas for a business it may be 40 pages.
It should include ideas / answers to the following points: * Where do my Family and I get Fresh Drinking Water from? * Where do my family and I get Food from? * How do we stay warm and where do we live? * Can we cope financially, will the government help? * Where would I locate my business to and what about my business records? * What happens to my employees? * Can I survive financially? * Is my First Aid Kit satisfactory? * How do I restart my family’s life and restart my business?
Our Recommendations: * Write a Disaster Plan for your Family and for your Business * Ensure that there are Written Hard copies available for your Family (don’t save it on your computer as there probably won’t be any power) * 6 Monthly at Daylight Saving Time spend time with your family familiarizing them with your Disaster Plan, update it and check your Survival Kit.