Michael K Houser's Blog

BY: Michael K. Houser

It always starts with a FREE to $99.00 alarm system designed by the three stooges of security. Now you may be wondering who Moe, Larry and Curly are, but if you have ever used the services of these clowns you might refer to them as Dumb and Dumber.

I might add that after seeing these systems easily defeated by a crack addict looking for some easy dough, one might conclude that there is no intelligent life in the security industry. OK, I will stop ranting about the companies that your local police have made a killing on with false alarm fines.

Without further ado here are my top 5 worst keypad installations:

1. Keypad installed at a height of six feet to keep the baby from playing with the buttons. Good thing that the whole family was over 6′9″.
2. Keypad installed in a bathroom. I always like to know the status of my alarm system while on the royal throne, geez!
3. Keypad installed at a height of 14″ from the floor. This was a perfect height for the dog to use the keypad; too bad the keypad was not paw friendly.
4. Keypad installed above a stove. Talk about getting burned for using the wrong code.
5. Keypad installed with double-sided tape. No need to waste all that time using a cordless drill and a couple of screws.

Coming next week “Worst install of an alarm control panel”.

Hauppauge, NY: Vicon Industries Inc., a leading designer and producer of integrated IP video surveillance and access control systems, has introduced a superior performing new camera module within its low-cost line of 4.5″ fixed camera domes. The cameras, available in indoor and outdoor housings with color, day/night, and IR camera modules, now offer several new features and improved performance specifications.

All cameras now provide digital noise reduction, improving image quality in low-light and providing a better compression ratio that decreases storage requirements. The cameras also offer better dynamic range and 560 TVL resolution. A joystick-controlled, on-screen menu system replaces the previous DIP switches and allows users to customize camera performance based on a wide range of variables. New privacy masking capabilities allow users to mask out selected regions of the video.

Separate from the above mentioned models, a new WDR version of the V700 Series features an improved Pixim camera module that provides correction for color roll when capturing video under fluorescent lighting, as well as an optional high-resolution mode that is controlled through the menu system. The Pixim module makes use of patented, industry-leading Digital Pixel System® technology that provides pixel-by-pixel analysis and processing for the clearest image in challenging light conditions.

The V700 Series cameras replace the VC-700 Series of cameras. Models featuring a 3.3-12mm lens are available immediately. A new, indoor day/night model as well as a 9-22mm WDR model will be available later this year.

Home Invasion

One of the more frightening and potentially dangerous crimes that can occur to a family is a home invasion robbery. A home invasion is when robbers force their way into an occupied home, apartment or hotel room to commit a robbery or other crimes. It is particularly frightening because it violates our private space and the one place that we think of as our sanctuary.

Home invasion is like the residential form of an automobile carjacking and it’s on the rise. Like the crime of carjacking, most police agencies don’t track home invasions as a separate crime. Most police agencies and the FBI will statistically record the crime as a residential burglary or a robbery. Without the ability to track the specific crime of home invasion, little can be done to alert the public as to the frequency of occurrence in their community or devise a law enforcement plan of action to control it.
Criminal Profile

Residential burglars work mostly during the day and when a residence is more likely to be unoccupied. Most burglars work alone and tend to probe a neighborhood looking for the right residence and the right opportunity. Alarm signs and decals, bars on windows, strong locks and doors, big dogs, and alert neighbors can sometimes deter burglars. Also, burglars will avoid a confrontation and will usually flee when approached. Most burglaries do not result in violence unless the criminal is cornered and uses force to escape.

Home invasion robbers, in contrast, work more often at night and on weekends when homes are more likely to be occupied. The home invader will sometimes target the resident as well as the dwelling. The selection process may include a woman living alone, a wealthy senior citizen or a known drug dealer, for example. It is not unheard of for a robber to follow you home based on the value of the car you are driving or the jewelry you are wearing. Some home invaders might have been in your home before as a delivery person, installer or repair vendor. Home robbers rarely work alone and rely on an overwhelming physical confrontation to gain initial control and instill fear in you. The greatest violence usually occurs during the initial sixty seconds of the confrontation and home invaders often come prepared with handcuffs, rope, duct tape, and firearms. Some in-home robbers appear to enjoy the intimidation, domination, and violence and some even claim it’s a “rush.”
Dangerous Trends

The act of committing a home invasion is escalating much like carjacking. The reason for the increase seems to follow a similar pattern. Much like automobiles, the traditional commercial targets for robbers like convenience stores and fast-food restaurants have hardened themselves against criminal attack and have reduced available cash. Technology has allowed commercial establishments to install affordable video surveillance systems, silent alarms, and other anti-crime deterrent devices. A residence, by comparison, is now a more attractive choice.

Home invaders know that they won’t have to overcome alarm systems when the home is occupied or be worried about video cameras and silent alarms. Unlike robbing a retail store, home invaders expect privacy once inside your home and won’t have to deal with the police suddenly driving up or customers walking in. Once the offenders take control of a residence they can force the occupants to open safes, locate hidden valuables, supply keys to the family car, and PIN numbers to their ATM cards. Home invaders will try to increase their escape time by disabling the phones and sometimes will leave their victims bound or incapacitated. It is not unheard of for robbers to load up the victim’s car with valuables and drive away without anyone in the neighborhood taking notice.
Method of Operation

The most common point of attack is through the front door or garage. Sometimes the home invader will simply kick open the door and confront everyone inside. More common is when the home invaders knock on the door first or ring the bell. The home invader hopes that the occupant will simply open the door, without question, in response to their knock. Unfortunately, many people do just that.

Home invaders will sometimes use a ruse or impersonation to get you to open the door. They have been known to pretend to be delivering a package, flowers or lie about an accident like hitting your parked car. Once the door is opened for them, the home invaders will use an explosive amount of force and threats to gain control of the home and produce fear in the victims. Once the occupants are under control the robbers will begin to collect your valuables.

Some home robbers have been known to spend hours ransacking a residence while the homeowners are bound nearby watching in terror. Some robbers have been known to eat meals, watch TV, or even take a nap. A major fear is that the robbers might commit more violence like sexual assault or even murder. Some robbers have kidnapped and forced a victim to withdraw cash from their ATM machine or take them to their small business to rob it as well.
Prevention Steps

The same tactics used to prevent daytime burglaries will go a long way to preventing forced entry home robberies. If you can delay a home invader at the point of entry then you have a chance of deterring them or have time to call the police. A solid core door, strong locks with reinforced strike plates, and reinforced window devices will stop most forced entries. See my web page on Home Security Tips for more information. Some homeowners build safe rooms inside their home to allow them to retreat or escape the violence while giving them valuable time to call the police.

The weakest home security link is the home occupant who fails to lock doors or windows or who will open the door without question at the sound of a knock. The best defense against home invasion is education and planning. Parents should hold a family meeting to discuss how to answer the door when someone knocks. Another important topic is how to act should your home or family be invaded. Once you know how home robbers work, you can effectively prevent most occurrences. See also Home Invasion Family Survival Tips for more information.

Remember these important security steps:

* Install solid core doors, heavy duty locks, and window security devices
* Lock all doors, windows, and garages at all times
* Use four three-inch screws to secure heavy duty lock strike plates in the door frame
* Use the door peephole BEFORE opening the door
* Use your porch light to help you to see clearly outside
* Never rely on a chain-latch as a barrier to partially open the door
* Never open the door to strangers or solicitors
* Call the police if the stranger acts suspicious
* Alert your neighbors to suspicious solicitors
* Hold a family meeting to discuss home security plans
* Set the home perimeter alarm at night, if you have one

by Chris E McGoey

Technology developed by the US military which ensures excellent color sensitivity and high resolution in both day and night applications. This incredible state of the art technology transform light sensitive security applications using a unique Digital Slow Shutter feature (camera jargon), which increases the length of time the shutter remains open, collecting additional ambient light, thus illuminating typically dark environments.

What does this all mean? It’s like putting on a pair of those military night vision goggles on your cameras, which enable you to see with or without light.

Michael K. Houser

Shoplifters and dishonest employees stole more than $6.0 billion in 2008 from just 22 major retailers, according to the 21st Annual Retail Theft Survey conducted by Jack L. Hayes International, the leading loss prevention and inventory shrinkage control consulting firm. These 22 surveyed retailers apprehended a record 904,226 shoplifters and dishonest employees in 2008 and recovered more than $182 million from these thieves.

“For the third consecutive year, both the apprehensions and recovery dollars from shoplifters and dishonest employees rose; up 7.26 percent and 21.64 percent respectively,” said Mark R. Doyle, president of Jack L. Hayes International. “While shoplifter and dishonest employee apprehensions increased 7.65 percent and 3.01 percent respectively, the increase in recovery dollars from these apprehensions was up an amazing 30.24 percent for shoplifting and almost 10 percent for dishonest employees. It should also be noted that employee theft apprehensions and recovery dollars increased for the fifth straight year.

“With the downturn in the economy, we have seen an increase in theft, which is having a detrimental impact on retailers’ bottom-line profits. These theft losses drive consumer prices higher and can force unprofitable stores to close.”

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IQinVision recently announced that Waterford Township, Mich. is using IQeye megapixel cameras as part of a comprehensive IP video solution to better protect its valuable water resources. Tallahassee, Fla.-based Mainline Information Systems was selected to provide video surveillance consulting, solution design, and integration.

As suggested by its name, water makes up 11 percent of Waterford Township’s 36 square miles. The Township’s Department of Public Works (DPW) Water and Sewer Division treats and distributes high-quality potable water to residential, commercial and industrial customers through the utilization of 18 wells, 11 water treatment plants, 355 miles of water main and 8.25 million gallons of storage.

To protect these critical resources, the DPW began implementation back in 2003 of a multi-phased broadband wireless system to provide the township with high-speed wireless connectivity, including links to remote water and sewer facilities. This early project phase included a number of VGA-quality video surveillance cameras located at various water treatment, storage, and sewer facilities to stream real-time video back to DPW’s main office for monitoring and recording purposes.

Recently, DPW Director Terry Biederman participated in an Oakland County Homeland Security Grant program to upgrade and augment the system with high-definition cameras and an advanced software viewing and recording package. Mainline designed a computerized monitoring system that includes IQinVision megapixel cameras, JDS Softsite32 Enterprise video management software, and Mainline professional services. The IQeye 2-megapixel smart cameras combine video analytics with high quality HD video in the camera.

JDS Softsite32 software is used to manage the cameras. Biederman noted that the IQeye 2-megapixel resolution cameras “provide higher quality recording, allowing us to zoom in on an area and get more detail even on recorded video.”

The IQeye cameras can resolve minute detail while recording event-based situations, and can be controlled by a computer on which objects can be tracked semi-automatically.

The system is programmed to alert DPW personnel, via e-mail to a desktop or hand-held device, that an event has occurred by sending a series of crystal-clear IQeye images or a 15-second video clip within five seconds of the event. Combined with the DPW’s advanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system, which provides intrusion and motion alarms at facilities, the system provides highly actionable information for a timely, specific response.

For over 22 years I have been installing security systems for commercial and residential clients. I have over 51,000 hours experience in the security field and I’m dedicated to providing my clients with exceptional design, services and reliable product. If you want proof , I have client testimonials and will send you a sampling at your request.

My company stands out among security companies with experienced technicians that will work hard for you, we use only the best products and I’m dedicated to meeting your deadlines dates for commercial, industrial or residential services.
Our exclusive “MAD” Meticulous Attention to Details program – This program is designed to provide a foundation that guarantees outstanding performance and reliability of all our products and services.

This program encompasses:
* 30-day money back guarantee on all equipment *
* 1-year warranty on parts and labor *
* 2-year abatement program that covers false alarm fines! *
* Guaranteed pricing 110%, if any other security company can match or beat our proposal price with the same equipment, we’ll match their quote and give additional 10% off the proposal *

According to the Home Safety Council’s State of Home Safety in America Report, fires and burns are the third leading cause of unintentional home injury and related deaths. Fire safety and survival begin with everyone in your household being prepared. The Home Safety Council offers tips to to reduce the chance of fire in your home.
Prevent Fires Caused by Cooking:
* Always stay in the kitchen while cooking.
* Keep things that can burn, such as dishtowels, paper or plastic bags, and curtains at least three feet away from the range top.
* Before cooking, roll up sleeves and use oven mitts. Loose-fitting clothes can touch a hot burner and catch on fire.
* Always stay by the grill when cooking. Your grill may stay hot for a long time. Keep children and pets away.
* Keep grills at least ten feet away from other objects, including the house and any shrubs or bushes.
Prevent Fires Caused by Matches and Lighters:
* Many young children are badly burned or die playing with matches and lighters.
* Store matches and lighters in a locked cabinet.
* If you must keep matches or lighters in your jacket or purse, put them in a place where children cannot see or touch them.
Prevent Fires Caused by Heating:
Space Heaters
* Space heaters need space. Keep them at least three feet away from things that can burn, such as curtains or stacks of newspaper. Always turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
Furnaces
* Have a service person inspect chimneys, fireplaces, wood and coal stoves and central furnaces once a year. Have them cleaned when necessary.
Fireplaces and Wood Stoves
* Keep things that can burn away from your fireplace and keep a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace.
Prevent Fires Caused by Smoking:
* Use “fire-safe” cigarettes and smoke outside.
* Use large, deep ashtrays on sturdy surfaces like a table.
* Douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before dumping them in the trash.
Prevent Fires Caused by Candles:
* Only light candles when an adult is in the room. Do not allow children to keep candles or incense in their rooms.
* Always use stable, candle holders made of material that won’t catch fire, such as metal, glass, etc.
* Blow out candles when adults leave the room.
Prevent Fires Caused by Gasoline and Other Products:
Gasoline
* Gasoline is very dangerous. Inside a garage or home, gasoline vapors can explode with just a tiny spark.
* It is best not to keep any gasoline at home. If you must keep some, use a special safety container.
* If you can, keep the container in an outdoor shed away from your home. Close all the openings.
* Never bring or use gasoline indoors. Use it as a motor fuel only.
Other Products
* Read the label of everything you buy. If you see the words “Caution,” “Warning,” “Danger,” or “Flammable,” be very careful.
* Close the lid on all dangerous products and put them away after using them.
* Store them away in a safe place with a lock.
Keep Your Family Safe At Home
* Make a fire escape plan for your family. Find two exits out of every room. Pick a meeting place outside. Practice makes perfect – hold a family fire drill at least twice each year.
* Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. There are two kinds of smoke alarms – photoelectric and ionization. If possible, get some of each kind or buy “combination” smoke alarms that have both types of sensors.
* Put them inside or near every bedroom. Test them monthly to make sure they work. Put in new batteries once a year.
* Know how to put out a small pan fire by sliding a lid over the flames.
* Teach every family member to “Stop, Drop, Roll and Cool” if clothes catch fire by dropping immediately to the ground, crossing hands over your chest and rolling over and over or back and forth to put out the flames. Cool the burned area with cool water and seek medical attention for serious burns.
* Consider having a home fire sprinkler system installed in your new home, or when you remodel.
* Learn how and when to use a fire extinguisher.