Common Security Pitfalls to Avoid

In our 38-plus years in business, we’ve worked with over a thousand customers to design and install security plans fit for their unique security needs. This includes tailoring security to their unique property, as well as making sure that we provide them the security experience they desire. Unfortunately, some companies in the industry fall short of customers’ expectations in these areas. Of course, choosing the right security company goes a long way towards making sure you experience the security you need. In this post, we aim to help you see what to look for in a company when creating a security plan. Today, we’ll look at some common security pitfalls that you might experience when dealing with the wrong alarm companies, and how to avoid them!

First, we’ll review the licenses that we must carry to legally complete work in our field. Many companies provide this work without obtaining the proper licenses. Therefore, knowing the requirements can help you choose companies who provide this work legally. From there, we’ll also show you some local and national installation codes that often get ignored by certain companies who install security products. Working with companies who know and follow these codes will help you better secure your property. Finally, we’ll look at a couple alarm design-related issues that represent common security pitfalls. Specifically, creating minimal security and focusing only on burglar-related products can leave you with an inferior security experience overall. Now, let’s get started with a look at why we cannot ignore licensing requirements for alarm companies.

Ignoring Licensing Requirements for Electrical Work

In order to complete any wiring on their own, technicians in any trade must hold an electrical license. Licenses are issued by state, and licensed electricians are allowed to work with an unlicensed apprentice to complete wiring. Additionally, any company in the security industry needs to obtain the proper contractors’ license. In Massachusetts, security contractors require an “S” license to operate. Per the commonwealth’s Department of Public Safety: “In addition to an electrical license, anyone who wishes to engage in the business of installing, repairing, maintaining, or selling any Security Systems, CCTV/Surveillance Systems, Access Control Systems, or Door Entry Systems must obtain an S-license from the Department of Public Safety.”

Companies that quote security work must include their state “S” license number on the quote. We have seen several proposals from other companies to prospective customers that do not contain the proper license information. This often points to companies quoting and performing work that they are not licensed to complete. Unfortunately, many home and business owners fall prey to this practice without knowing. Having work done by an unlicensed company can lead to a sub-par, uninspected installation. In turn, this can lead to your insurance company failing to pay up for claims that rise as a result of this equipment failing. Let’s turn to another one of our security mistakes that can cost you in the form of insurance-related issues down the road.

Failing to Follow Local and National Installation Codes

When we install life safety devices, we have several legal guidelines to follow. For example, the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Alliance (NFPA) create the codes and standards for a number of safety measures. They apply to several industries, including construction, mechanical work, and plumbing. The most relevant code for security alarm requirements put out by the ICC is the International Building Code, or “IBC.” The code that provides guidelines for fire alarm system design is the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, or “NFPA 72,” as well as the NFPA 1 Fire Code. Just as with fire alarms, the NFPA has a large say in commercial fire extinguisher requirements. In this case, NFPA 10 provides the blueprint for extinguisher installation.

Additionally, local building departments and fire authorities also have their own say in how they want life safety equipment set up. Fire codes and local code adjustments can leave some room for interpretation. In these instances, local authorities decide the proper course of action. In industry terminology, we deem those calling the shots as the “Authority Having Jurisdiction,” or “AHJ.” Consulting the local authorities — usually starting with the building and fire departments — when considering adding life safety-based security will give you a great start. This allows you to know what type of equipment you must install, as well as what options you might have for voluntary security additions as well. Now, let’s turn our attention to a security mistake related to alarm design.

Leaving Security “Holes” in Your Property

When designing an alarm system, we take several things into account. First and foremost, we look at how to add the most security. Installing contacts to secure every likely entry point should be a no-brainer. However, insufficient installation of security contacts remains one of the most common security system installation mistakes. Sometimes, alarm customers designing and installing an alarm as a DIY project leads to this issue. Furthermore, customers occasionally turn down recommended equipment as a cost-cutting measure.

We certainly do not recommend going through the trouble of installing an alarm system only to take partial measures while doing so. In addition to securing the most likely break-in points, we also recommend at least basic coverage in somewhat less likely areas. After all, thieves know that many security systems leave weak points to exploit. For example, many home and business owners do little to secure their second stories and basements. Installing at least basic security in these areas can greatly increase your overall security. Now, let’s see how adding some non-traditional alarm contacts can help you add valuable security!

Focusing Strictly on Burglar Security

Many customers fail to get the most out of their alarm systems due to not exploring all of their options. In fact, many customers are surprised to learn that their alarm systems can offer security for threats that have nothing to do with a break-in. For starters, we offer monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detection to alert customers to dangerous fire and CO-related emergencies in their home or business. This equipment can save your property, and even more importantly, save lives! For this reason, we strongly recommend installing life safety equipment as part of any security plan.

Additionally, we also offer sensors that alert you to important weather-related issues as well! For example, our “hi-lo” temperature detectors can create a central station response if your home experiences dangerously hot or cold conditions. This can help alert you to frozen pipes or HVAC equipment failures. Additionally, we offer flood sensors that can detect the presence of water wherever we install them. As an added bonus, some of our alarm manufacturers even create sensors that detect both extremely cold temperatures and the presence of water! These contacts provide a huge amount of environmental security in one compact piece of equipment. Now, let’s wrap up our discussion of common security pitfalls with a focus on experiencing the most reliable alarm monitoring possible.

Using Outdated Monitoring Methods

The majority of our security system customers take advantage of our alarm monitoring services. Setting up this service involves connecting your security system to our central monitoring station. Older alarm systems generally utilize a customer’s existing phone lines to create this communication. Unfortunately, this often proves ineffective. For starters, traditional phone service does not provide reliable, consistent service. Phone service can fail due weather-related incidents or even car accidents involving telephone poles. Furthermore, burglars often cut a property’s phone lines before attempting a break-in. They do this to disable any attempts to call for help that you or your alarm system may make after a break-in.

Recently, new technology has created the ability for better alarm monitoring. In particular, our interactive cellular monitoring service, powered by Alarm.com, provides the best security monitoring available. For starters, this service utilizes a cellular network, rather than phone lines, for monitoring. This leads to consistent central station communication regardless of your phone line’s status. Moreover, this service also allows you to control your security system and receive pressing security alerts with a convenient smartphone app.

Putting it All Together and Avoiding Common Security Pitfalls

We hope that this post helps you avoid common security pitfalls and create effective security for your property. As always, we encourage you to contact us with any questions this post may raise for you. We will happily answer any and all of your security-related inquiries. Moreover, we also invite you to take advantage of our free site survey program. We’ve always offered complimentary security audits and equipment quotes to both new and existing customers alike. During our visit, we can address any and all of your existing security concerns. Furthermore, we can also make our own suggestions based on observations of your property. Together, we can create efficient and effective security to keep your property — and everyone on it — as safe and secure as possible!