Tips from Security Pros

With all the different security system providers and vendors in the Bay Area, how do you decide which one will work best for your home or office? From common brand names to third-party dealers, here are five helpful tips straight from our security experts:

1. Most alarm companies and security providers don’t actually make alarm systems. They are the vendor (or dealer) that sells, installs and monitors them to and for the consumer. While there are many different brand names out there in the industry, the majority of this country’s alarm equipment is manufactured by Bosch and Honeywell.

2. Choosing a great vendor or security provider is much more important than whatever system brand or manufacturer you choose. Look for a company with a strong reputation that is responsive and customer-oriented. These are the folks that will come out at 2 a.m. to fix your alarm system.

3. Before signing on with a provider you may want to ask what will happen to your equipment if you decide to transfer to another company in the future. Most national and larger regional providers use customized, brand-name products (also known as proprietary equipment) that will only work with their systems. That means if you should ever decide to switch to another provider for any reason you may find that you will have to replace some or all of your alarm equipment. Smaller, local alarm companies (such as Denalect) usually carry non-proprietary equipment.

4. Some national companies use third-party dealers to market and sell their security systems. After a new customer is signed up, the dealer then sells the contract to the security company. That’s different than the cable companies, who will usually sell their products to you directly.

5. Many security providers that provide monitoring to their customers actually have those alarms serviced by giant, third-party centers located in a different state. That means that your system is being cared for along with 20,000-30,000 other alarms. If you prefer your system to be monitored locally, look for an alarm company or security provider who operates their own monitoring station.

Along with only carrying non-proprietary security systems, Denalect offers 24-hour alarm monitoring from our Central Station, located on-site in the Bay Area.

Denalect Alarm is proud to serve home and business security and alarm systems in Northern California: Antioch, Blackhawk, Concord, Danville, Dublin, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Livermore, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Walnut Creek.

For remote access to your security system, the Bosch Remote Security Control is one of the best that we at Denalect Alarm have found.

This is because Bosch’s system works directly with our Central Station instead of interacting with some third party provider on the East Coast, giving you even more peace of mind that your home or office is secure no matter where you are.

Bosch’s remote access features include:

• Arm and disarm your security system from your smart phone or tablet (must be running iOS4 or Android OS 2.3 or greater).
• Grant temporary or permanent access rights to other users. Choose what privileges they have and how long they will have access to your system.
• Access real-time security systems status.
• View active alarm and trouble conditions in the event memory log.

Some features to look for in the future:

• Watch live video from your system remotely if you have Bosch IP cameras.
• Lock or unlock exterior doors as well as turn off or on any other elements connected to your system such as thermostats, lights, and garage doors.

Once your system is set up for remote access, Denalect will give you a unique security certificate and PIN to enter into the Bosch Remote Security Control app. This will allow you to control your home or office’s security system from your device. Note: This remote access system is for customers who have Bosch’s B Series Internet Ready Alarm Control Panel. Each person that wants remote access will need their own certificate and PIN. On the off chance your device is lost or stolen, give us a call ASAP so we can disable it from connecting to your alarm system.

For more information on remote access and your system or to get a free estimate, give us a call at (925) 932-2211 or (800) 273-2680.

Here at Denalect, we’re proud to tell folks that we’ve been a UL listed and compliant alarm company for both our Burglar and Fire system installation and our alarm monitoring services since 1980.

But what, you may ask, does UL listed even mean? Why is it important and how does it impact you, the customer?

First, let’s start with what UL is. UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, an independent, non-profit, world-wide consulting and certification company dedicated to promoting safe living and working environments. For over 90 years, UL has worked with the alarm industry, government agencies and consumers to develop standards for alarm companies and services. They do this in two ways:

1. Assessing alarm companies for their ability to install, maintain, test, inspect, monitor    and communicate with proper authorities and provide runner service. Denalect’s Central Station (where we monitor businesses, schools, homes, and government offices 24 hours a day) is an UL compliant facility. This means it meets or exceeds all of UL’s safety standards.

2. Testing, inspecting, validating and certifying alarm and fire systems components for safety, reliability and quality based on UL’s high standards. Examples include electrical cords, fire extinguishers and alarm devices.

To be UL listed, alarm companies must hold themselves to the industry’s highest safety standards, undergoing a rigorous inspection that tests and analyses everything in the building, including security and construction, operational procedures and performance standards, back-up generators and telephone lines. Then those companies must pass a surprise inspection every year thereafter to maintain their listing.

How does this help you? When choosing a high-quality alarm system or a security provider, look for one that sells UL listed equipment, installs equipment according to UL standards and offers alarm monitoring done by a UL listed monitoring center.

Also, high risk customers – be they residential or commercial – will find that a UL listed and certified security system will ensure they’ll meet their insurance companies criteria, not to mention affording them a more reliable and secure system.

For more information on UL standards or to get a free estimate, give us a call at (925) 932-2211 or (800) 273-2680.

Denalect Alarm is proud to serve home alarm and business security and alarm systems in Northern California: Antioch, Blackhawk, Concord, Danville, Dublin, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Livermore, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Walnut Creek.

Is a video surveillance system right for your business? Whether a company is large or small, video surveillance can enhance current security, protect valuable assets and employees, and improve and increase productivity. From evaluating your business’s needs to selecting system features, here are some tips on how to determine if a video surveillance system is right for your business.

First, it’s important to understand the three basic components of every video surveillance system:

• Cameras – The number of cameras in the system, as well as their style and features, will depend upon your company’s needs and budget. Most cameras are either dome or bullet-shaped. Optional features include high or low definition, adjustable or wide angle lens, and built-in infrared illuminator.
• Recorder – The brains of the operation, it’s essentially a computer and a hard drive that records what the cameras see. Standard recorders usually store one week’s worth of footage. Newer systems usually have applications for smart phones.
• Monitor – This is how you or your security provider views the recorder’s footage. Depending on the system, footage can be viewed locally on a computer and/or off-site from a remote location.

Next, determine whether you want to place the cameras inside and/or outside of the building or office.

The primary purpose of outdoor surveillance is to see suspicious behavior (such as who’s driving around the area) and to deter and/or identify and prosecute intruders. The cameras can either be very discrete or extremely obvious. When placed strategically, they can monitor one specific area (like the front door) or watch the whole building. Most outdoor cameras are waterproof and built to withstand the elements.

An indoor system usually works best for monitoring productivity, protecting employees, guarding against theft and identifying wrongdoing. Indoor cameras can monitor multiple rooms or just one area, be motion-sensitive and generally produce a higher quality image.

Surveillance systems also offer a host of features and options. The following are some additional terms and options you may encounter:

• Wired versus wireless – A system that’s connected to your wireless internet can offer more flexibility and the cameras are generally more discrete. However, interruptions to your internet service can affect the signal. Wired cameras may take more work to install but can offer higher quality picture and more reliable service.
• Color and resolution – While color cameras can be useful for certain businesses or commercial properties, a good quality, black-and-white camera image can also identify an intruder or thief. For outdoor systems, you may want to look for a camera that offers an infrared illuminator for low light situations such as nighttime.
• Coverage – The amount of area a camera lens can cover varies greatly. Some cameras only shoot directly in front of the lens. Wide-angle lenses cover a larger space, while pan-tilt-zoom cameras can view up to 360 degrees. For outdoor cameras, choose an automatic iris, which automatically adjusts to different levels of light.

For more information on our business video surveillance systems or to get a free estimate, give us a call at (925) 932-2211 or (800) 273-2680.

Denalect Alarm is proud to serve home alarm and business security and alarm systems in Northern California: Antioch, Blackhawk, Concord, Danville, Dublin, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Livermore, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Walnut Creek.

If you’re considering a home video surveillance system, you’re not alone. More and more Bay Area homeowners are enhancing their current security systems by installing video surveillance inside and/or outside their homes. From evaluating your needs to selecting features, here are some tips on how to decide if a video surveillance is right for you.

Like security systems, video surveillance systems also offer a variety of features. At its most basic, however, it’s comprised of three main components:

• Cameras – The number of cameras in the system, as well as their style and features, will depend upon your lifestyle needs and budget. Most cameras are either dome or bullet-shaped. Optional features include high or low definition, adjustable or wide angle lens, and built-in infrared illuminator.
• Recorder – The brains of the operation, the recorder is essentially a computer and a hard drive that records what the cameras see. Standard recorders usually store one week’s worth of footage. Newer systems usually have applications for smart phones.
• Monitor – This is how you or your security provider views the recorder’s footage. Depending on your system set up, footage can be viewed locally on your home computer and/or off site from a remote location.

Then decide if you need an outdoor or an indoor system. Outdoor surveillance, meant to deter or identify and prosecute home intruders, can either be very discrete or extremely obvious. Cameras are placed strategically, allowing you to monitor one specific area, like the front door, or watch the whole property. Outdoor cameras are usually waterproof and built to withstand the elements.

Indoor systems can work well for a homeowner who travel a lot or owns a vacation or rental home. That way, he or she can keep an eye on housesitters, renters, construction workers and anyone else that might be in the home when they aren’t around. Indoor cameras can monitor multiple rooms or just one area and generally produce a higher quality image.

And, depending on your needs and budget, home surveillance systems also offer a variety of features. The following are some additional terms and options you may encounter:

• Wired versus wireless – A system that’s connected to your wireless internet can offer more flexibility and the cameras are generally more discrete. However, interruptions to your internet service can affect the signal. Wired cameras may take more work to install but can offer higher quality picture and more reliable service.
• Color and resolution – While color cameras can be useful for a business or commercial property, the average homeowner doesn’t need that feature in a home surveillance system. A good quality, black and white camera image can identify an intruder or thief. For outdoor systems, you may want to look for a camera that offers an infrared illuminator for low light situations such as nighttime.
• Coverage – The amount of area a camera lens can cover varies greatly. Some cameras only shoot directly in front of the lens. Wide-angle lenses cover a larger space, while pan-tilt-zoom cameras can view up to 360 degrees. For outdoor cameras, choose an automatic iris, which automatically adjusts to different levels of light.

For more information on our video surveillance systems or to get a free estimate, give us a call at (925) 932-2211 or (800) 273-2680.

Denalect Alarm is proud to serve home alarm and business security and alarm systems in Northern California: Antioch, Blackhawk, Concord, Danville, Dublin, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Livermore, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Walnut Creek.