Michael K Houser's Blog

This infamous device installed in virtually every home and business with a security system is responsible for single handily causing more false alarms than all the other alarm devices combined. Because of all the false alarms one could say that this little device reminds them of the story of “the little boy who cried wolf”! But is it an unreliably designed device or another faulty installation?

Lets back up a little, what is an passive infrared and how does it work?

The term passive means the detector is able to function without the need to generate and radiate its own energy. PIRs are able to distinguish if an infrared emitting object is present by first learning the ambient temperature of the monitored space and then detecting a change in the temperature caused by the presence of an object. Using the principle of differentiation, which is a check of presence or non-presence, PIRs verify if an intruder or object is actually there.

So with that explanation why are there so many false alarms caused by passive infrared’s? Answer: poor design and wrong detector for location.

In my next post I will explain how all PIR’s are not created nor operate the same and how we use intelligent design with proven technology that guarantees a false alarm free system.

Wiring Nightmare

Well it’s finally Friday and I hope you’re excited about the weekend like me! This is a Lakers “Gold” weekend so I better not see green anything.

Through the years of being in the security industry, with over 51,000 experience, I have seen it all from systems easily defeated in a burglary, systems that cause false alarms, to poorly designed systems where you would have more protection sitting in a diesel truck filled with explosives ramming into a nitro-glycerin factory.

How do I know about these systems? Simple, we are the “A” Team and our job is to go into your home and business and clean up this junk and provide a safe and secure environment that lasts for decades! Plus, most of our referrals are from clients who thought the experts really were experts. Well, enough about the A Team let’s talk about the worst install of an control panel:

As seen and witnessed from Electronic Eye:

1. Control panel installed at floor height. Great height to service a panel if you have a 6 inch installer!

2. Control Panel installed inside a unprotected garage (courtesy of a national alarm company known by 3 letters). So convenient for a burglar to easily defeat a system without ever having to break in. I also like the stickers on the panel that easily direct you to the brain of the system.

3. Control panel installed at back door with keypad attached (courtesy of the national alarm company that sells $99.00 systems). Again, I always love it when an alarm company makes its system easily available for a burglar to defeat without using tools and a ladder. It always nice for the entry alert on the keypad to lead you directly to brain of the system. Our window stickers provide better security than these poorly designed systems.

4. Control Panel installed in a home with over 80 openings, with all the wires ran directly back to the control panel. This would have been OK back in the Jurassic era of alarm systems, but in the 80’s they invented a device called a “zone expander”. This makes wiring a home easy by running wires to expanders that run back to the control panel. Nice and neat and extremely easy to troubleshoot. But this type of system requires intelligent design.

5. Control panel with masking tape slices inside. Back in 1994 we bought an alarm company where the standard for everything was using masking tape. Now don’t get me wrong I like masking tape, especially when I paint. But masking tape splices in alarm installations is like electing Jerry “moonbeam” Brown to balance the California budget. It won’t work and only creates a bigger gob of mess!

Coming next week, “worst installation location of an Infrared”.

I have been involved in the security industry since my father (an electrician by trade) installed intercom and local alarm systems back in the early 80’s. Back then alarm systems were pretty basic and most of them were only hooked up to an audible siren installed on the outside of the home. Most people who had an alarm system back in the 80’s were not well liked by their neighbors. Nothing can alienate you quicker from your neighbors than a blaring 110 decibel siren at 2:00 AM in the morning while you are away on vacation in Hawaii. The siren would keep up its howling warble sound until someone cut the wire to the bloody thing. By then the neighbor who figured out how to use wire cutters became an instant hero.

Thank goodness the security industry has grown to include changes like “swinger shutdown” which automatically shuts down an alarm siren after so many minutes. Also on the list of major improvements since the 80’s are better installation techniques like installing the siren inside the home instead of outside pointing at your neighbor’s house.

But the real issue remains: what happens if an alarm takes place at your home or business and you are not there?
An airline pilot has instrument gauges to monitor a flight, a car driver has instrument gauges to monitor the engine and a doctor has instrument gauges to monitor your health.
How about an instrument gauge that monitors your home or business anywhere you are, anytime you want?
Neil Peart drum roll please … let’s give a loud warm welcome to the next best friend of your home or business — no it’s not the cat — it’s “Virtual Connect”!

I have been using this product for my home for almost a year now and two things come to mind – Total Peace of Mind and Total Control of my Home.
I know when my alarm is on, who turns it off, if my dogs have water, if my dogs are OK, the temperature of the wine cellar and if there is an activation: Who, What, Where and When, all from my Blackberry Storm.
Total control and peace of mind of your home or business. Go Virtual!
So what is a Virtual Connect System?
A virtual connect system is simply a way to monitor and control devices of your home or business through a remote computer or web-based phone anytime anywhere!

How can it help you?
For residential users:
• View live video of your home
• View video clips and snapshots of alarm events
• Keep an eye on your pets
• Find out when the kids come home from school
• Cancel a false alarm dispatch
• Use the recorded video to apprehend home invaders
• Log in to see if the neighbor remembered to come by and feed the dogs while you’re on vacation
• Check in on the babysitter or caretaker
• Monitor access to medicine cabinets, gun cabinets or closets and be notified immediately of an alarm
• Find out immediately about a power outage
• Monitor for water seepage or flooding
• Monitor wine cellars for temperature change
• Control the temperature of your home before arriving
• Track and view guests, renters or maintenance personnel as they come and go
• And much more

GO Virtual

For Business users:
• Find out when someone arms or disarms the system
• Arm or disarm your system remotely
• Cancel False alarms prior to dispatch by viewing pre/post video or live video clips
• Reduce employee and customer theft
• Get better productivity out of your staff
• Use recorded video to help authorities apprehend burglars
• Monitor access and recorded video activity related to safes, cash drawers and inventory closets
• Create automated schedules to Arm/Disarm the system at set times each day
• Monitor temperature in server rooms
• And much more

To learn more Go Virtual and opt in to the box on the right. I will be following up with you later on this week about your exciting new best friend!

Talk to you soon,
Go Virtural
Michael Houser – The Security Genius

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”.

The Los Angeles Fire Department offers Halloween safety tips.

Before Halloween

* Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
* Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
* Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.
* Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative.
* When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.
* Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.
* Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
* Plan ahead to use only battery powered lanterns or chemical lightsticks in place of candles in decorations and costumes.
* This is also a great time to buy fresh batteries for your home Smoke Alarms.
* Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.
* Review with your children the principle of “Stop-Drop-Roll”, should their clothes catch on fire.
* Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time.
* Consider purchasing individually packaged healthy food alternatives (or safe non-food treats) for those who visit your home.
* Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.
* Learn or review CPR skills to aid someone who is choking or having a heart attack.
* Consider safe party guidelines when hosting an adult or office party.
Fun Alternatives

* Find a special event or start one in your own neighborhood.
* Community centers, shopping malls and houses of worship may have organized festivities.
* Share the fun by arranging a visit to a Retirement Home or Senior Center.
* Create an alliance with college fraternities, sororities or service clubs for children’s face painting or a carnival.

Before Nightfall On Halloween

* A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
* Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors.
* While children can help with the fun of designing a Jack O’ Lantern, leave the carving to adults.
* Always keep Jack O’ Lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking.
* Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you.
* Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard.
* Agree on a specific time when revelers must return home.
* Along with flashlights for all, older children and escorts should wear a wristwatch and carry coins for non-emergency phone calls.
* Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare household pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds. Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and proper identification tags. Consult your veterinarian for further advice.
* Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.
* Adult party goers should establish and reward a designated driver.

When Trick-Or-Treating

* A Parent or responsible Adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

Remind Trick-or-Treaters:

* By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
* Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.
* Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
* Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
* If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
* Never cut across yards or use alleys.
* Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.
* Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
* Always walk. Never run across a street.
* Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom).
* Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.
* Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will.
* Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.
* No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an Adult at home.
* Law Enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

After Trick-Or-Treating

* Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible Adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
* Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.
* Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.

More fires occur during the winter months than any other time, and steps taken during October can help keep you safe at home. October 4-10 marks National Fire Prevention Week with the theme, “Stay Fire Smart, Don’t Get Burned.”

A home fire is reported every 81 seconds in the United States, and roughly eight persons die in a home fire every day, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Most home fires originate in the kitchen. After cooking and smoking, heating sources and electrical equipment were among the most common causes as well.

PECO offers the following fire safety tips to ensure that you and your family can stay safe:

• Have your home heater cleaned and inspected to ensure safe, efficient operation at least every other year, and keep the area around the heater clean at all times. An inspection by a qualified contractor can ensure the heater vent or flue is not blocked, a common problem leading to carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.
• Make sure there is sufficient space between heating equipment, such as free-standing space heaters — and combustibles like furniture and drapes. Never leave an operating portable heater unattended, especially when there are children and pets nearby, or when you are sleeping. When home fires result in fatalities, the NFPA reports portable and space heaters often are involved.
• Take time to inspect conditions around your home. Look for any loose or frayed cords on all electrical appliances. Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets. Use only one appliance for each receptacle when possible. Avoid the use of devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances into a single receptacle.
• Have plastic covers on all unused electrical outlets in homes with small children.
• Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp’s recommended wattage.

A small percent of all home fires are caused by candles, most being used in the bedroom. Seventy-percent of households use candles. Lit candles should never be left unattended, and candles should always be kept out of the reach of children and pets. Make sure candles are on a firm base so they will not tip over, and avoid placing candles near curtains, furniture and other flammable materials.

In addition to fire prevention, fire experts want all homes to be equipped with smoke alarms or detectors, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, and home sprinkler systems when possible. Families should check smoke detector batteries once a month, replace the batteries once a year, and occasionally dust the inside of the unit to prevent false alarms. Fire officials say smoke alarms — properly installed and maintained — play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries.

• Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a fire in half.
• A 2008 survey found that nearly all U.S. households had at least one smoke alarm, yet no smoke alarms were present or none operated in two out of five of reported home fires between 2003 and 2006.
• No smoke alarms were present in 40 percent of the home fire deaths.
• Almost two-thirds of reported home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
• In more than half of the reported home fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate, batteries were missing or disconnected.
• Families need to plan fire escape routes in case of an emergency and practice the routes with all members of your household — especially children.

Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on Oct. 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on Oct. 9, 1871.

More than 50 million kindergarten through 12th grade students will soon return to classrooms with backpacks full of new pencils and books. But, one more must-have item should be checked off the back-to-school list — school safety.

According to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Education, an estimated 2.2 million crimes were reported on public school campuses nationwide during the 2005-06 school year alone and 78 percent of schools reported violent incidents.

Patrick Fiel, former head of security for Washington, D.C. Public Schools says, “Parents who are actively involved in their student’s school security can improve their child’s safety and success on campus. Bullying, gangs, drug sales, weapons and sex predators are on the streets every day.”

To help parents here is a developed list of safety tips to keep kids safe before, during and after school.

Before school:

* If your child walks or rides a bicycle to school, help him or her choose the safest possible route with the fewest street crossings and walk or ride with him or her if possible. According to a child safety organization, pedestrian injury is the second leading cause of accidental injury-related death among children ages 5 to 14. Talking with children about biking and walking safety can help to reduce their risk of injury.
* Be sure there is at least one parent with children waiting at a school bus stop. This is a time when potentially risky activity, such as bullying and fighting, can take place.

During school:

* Educate yourself about school safety and security. Talk to your children about their safety concerns and visit their campus to talk with an administrator about the school’s security plan. Find out whether your child’s school uses technology like access control and visitor management systems to protect students from potential sex offenders and criminals who may try to gain access to the campus. If a parent can walk into a school unchallenged, so can unwanted visitors.
* Get to know the law enforcement officials or other security personnel assigned to your child’s school. Find out when they are on campus and what their responsibilities include. If your child’s school does not have regularly assigned law enforcement or security presence, work with school administrators and other parents to get it done.

After school:

* If kids are alone in the afternoons, teach them to go straight home, keep doors locked and not answer the door for anyone.
* Do not keep firearms easily accessible in your home and talk to kids about the potential dangers of guns and what to do if they find one. If you do have a gun in the house, it is vital to keep it unloaded and in a locked area with the ammunition stored separately. Parents should check their weapons periodically.

“Keeping kids safe is one of the most important things parents, teachers, administrators and the surrounding community can help to accomplish this year,” Fiel said. “We hope that these tips will remind parents to make school safety a priority so they are able to send their students off to school with confidence.”