Top 7 Benefits of Video Surveillance for Businesses

**This article was published on 8/5/2016  and updated on  11/23/2021

Security and protection are imperative for any business, to protect workers, assets, buildings, and land.  Early warning of an emergency like a fire, gas leak, flood, or a security breach like vandalism or an intruder threat is critical to protect what matters most.  Surveillance video can provide a solution to commercial property owners and bring many benefits to businesses.

Types of Commercial Video Surveillance Systems

Many types of video surveillance systems exist for businesses, with evolving technology that is efficient, easy to use, and provides an added layer of security. Video cameras can be wired or wireless, with internet connectivity and computerized functions.  Cameras can be programmed to send mobile alerts, begin recording upon motion detection or record on a continuous loop and can be set to automatically alert dispatch to send law enforcement personnel. 

Surveillance cameras can be fixed or allowed to rotate for greater coverage, monitored in-house and/or remotely. Domed cameras placed strategically throughout the building are unobtrusive and are usually not noticed by the building occupants. These may be controlled remotely and can swivel 360° when needed. Some models are very durable and vandal-proof which is another important feature.

Cameras can also be installed for low-light or night vision capability or have features like a high speed license plate cam that can focus on vehicles that may be speeding away.

HRSS offers assistance in selecting the best type of surveillance cameras for your facility and provides fire alarm and security system design to meet code regulations as well as the needs of your specific facility.

Benefits of Business Video Surveillance Cameras

The most important benefits of video surveillance as part of your commercial security system are improving the safety and welfare of occupants and property.  There are many ways in which video cameras for businesses provide those benefits such as:

1. Increasing Overall Safety – with video cameras always on, security is automatically increased as any number of emergency situations are being watched and recorded.

2. Prevent Theft and Shoplifting – retail businesses face unique challenges regarding dishonest shoppers and the risk of shoplifting.  Cameras placed in strategic locations can help to deter shoplifting in the first place and help to identify and prosecute offenders. 

3. Prevent Employee Theft – small businesses in particular fall victim to employee theft. Video surveillance of areas over cash registers, safes or cash deposit boxes help to keep employees honest and management informed.

4. Protects Against Burglary – an integrated security system featuring video surveillance is a big deterrent against burglars and any type of forced entry. Cameras have been an integral part of bring burglars to justice in many different types of breaking and entering cases.

5. Reduces Risk of Vandalism – companies with video surveillance indoor and outdoor can steer away would-be vandals who look to damage your property.  Vandalism can cost companies thousands of dollars in repair and risk building security with broken windows or doors. 

6. Protects Customers in the Store and Parking Areas – Protecting your customers on your property, inside and outside of your building should always be a priority.  Many crimes occur in parking lots and by monitoring parking areas you help to keep your customers safe.

7. Improve Your Bottom Line – Preventing incidents of theft, burglary and vandalism protect your assets and your checkbook. Video surveillance can also save money with insurance discounts if offered. 

Video surveillance provides these benefits and others, bringing a sense of safety and security to business owners and their customers. 

HRSS offers video surveillance systems as part of an integrated fire, life safety and security system for businesses of all sizes.  We help you to evaluate all your options and choose the best type of security system for your property and operations.  Contact us to learn more about implementing video surveillance for your business.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/security-alarms/benefits-commercial-surveillance-video/

Integrated Fire and Life Safety Systems for Healthcare Facilities

**This article was published on   8/5/2016  and updated on  11/15/2021

Protecting patients in hospitals and healthcare facilities is the top priority of healthcare staff.  Protecting patients during a fire or life safety emergency poses unique challenges in the healthcare industry when patients are simply unable to evacuate.

Unique Challenges for Fire Safety in Hospitals

Hospitals usually consist of several buildings spread out over a large medical campus, with complex building layouts.  Several activities may be occurring such as surgeries, medical imaging or tests which simply cannot be interrupted. Many patients are unable to evacuate on their own and staff may be unable to evacuate patients quickly. If an emergency does require an evacuation, it is extremely time-consuming and complex with many immobile patients.

Hospitals include patients admitted for longer stays and patients at the facility for outpatient procedures.  Healthcare facilities includes doctors’ offices, ambulatory facilities, and long-term care facilities. 

Code Requirements for Fire Safety in Healthcare

Security at hospitals requires an increased level of protection compared to other types of facilities with an integrated fire and life safety system. Most fire alarm requirements in healthcare relate directly to patient care with emergency procedures, while other requirements are directly related to the unique nature of critical care in large facilities. Early detection, adequate alerts, careful monitoring and quick response from staff and emergency personnel are essential in healthcare.

An integrated commercial security system provides the necessary safeguards to protect occupants and patients from fire, smoke, and gas as well as preventing unauthorized intruders from entering the facility.  Hospitals and healthcare facilities must adhere to the same national fire and life safety codes as other organizations as well as meeting the requirements set forth by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS).

You can learn more about the Life Safety Code & Health Care Facilities Code Requirements for Medicaid and Medicare providers from CMS.

NFPA Code Requirements for Healthcare Facilities

The CMS in conjunction with other accrediting organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, certify and accredit hospitals and healthcare facilities.  Fire safety code requirements include:

NFPA 101: Life Safety Code

NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code

The CMS requires that healthcare facilities meet the 2012 editions of NFPA 99 and NFPA 101®.  CMS works with various state agencies to assess healthcare facilities for compliance to the Life Safety Code requirements.  State agencies can enter into contracts or sub-agreements with their State Fire Marshal or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) responsible for enforcing their state requirements to fire code safety.

Benefits of an Integrated Fire Protection System in Hospitals

An integrated fire and life safety system combines all elements of effective fire and smoke alarm detection with access control monitoring and physical security into one system.

Remote Monitoring and Control

Evacuation notification, lockdowns and emergency alerts can be managed and monitored from a single or numerous control points either on site or from remote monitoring locations.

Voice and LED Evacuation

Voice and LED evacuation directions combine with such elements as remote-control door locking, elevator control, closed circuit video and motion detection systems in fire or security emergencies. These may be beneficial in fire emergencies or threatening security events.

Integrated Access and Monitoring

Integrating card access control with closed circuit TV monitoring and motion detection, security personnel can track and monitor suspicious activity within the building or on the external property. Likewise, security personnel can instantly restrict access by locking all entry doors or initiating evacuation if a dangerous situation should arise within.

HRSS Offers Integrated Fire Safety Solutions for Healthcare

High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, is a fire and life safety system provider in the Chicagoland area with decades of expertise in protecting commercial properties.  We offer fire and life safety system solutions to hospitals, healthcare facilities and many other commercial properties including hotels, schools, and businesses of all sizes.

Our fire safety specialists possess deep technical knowledge of all fire and life safety code requirements and help our clients to ensure total code compliance with a fire alarm system designed around your unique building layout and operations.  We offer UL listed equipment from the leading fire alarm manufacturers in the world including NOTIFIER® by Honeywell.  NOTIFIER® offers unique solutions for fire safety integration with innovative technology and first-to-market products like self-testing smoke alarm devices.

HRSS provides turnkey solutions with quality fire alarm equipment, full system design with AutoCAD and experienced system designers, fire alarm system testing, inspections, maintenance, repairs and monitoring 24/7/365. Contact us to learn more about code compliant fire and life safety security integration for healthcare facilities.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/security-alarms/integrated-alarm-systems-safeguarding-health-care-facility/

Fire Alarm Requirements in Naperville, IL

**This article was published on 8/8/2016 and updated on 11/9/2021

Naperville, IL, is a thriving, vibrant community located 28 miles west of Chicago, and consistently ranks as a top community in the U.S. to live, raise a family and retire.  Known for having world-class parks, one of the best public library systems in the U.S., and a low-crime rate, Naperville is attractive for residential and business growth.  With a diverse employer base and many industrial factories, retailers, and technology firms, Naperville is a Chicago suburb that has continued to thrive and blossom over the decades.

With residential and business growth comes the need for maintaining safety and commercial fire alarm and life safety systems bring the needed security to facilities of all sizes in the city of Naperville.

Local, State and Federal Fire Safety Regulations

Like most cities, Naperville has its own set of fire alarm safety regulations which must be adhered to for existing buildings and new businesses. High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, is a leading provider of fire and security services to commercial properties in and around the Chicago area.  With decades of experience and a committed, knowledgeable staff, we are well versed in all fire and life safety code requirements affecting commercial properties in Illinois. 

We offer extensive knowledge of all local fire alarm regulations for the City of Chicago and surrounding areas including Naperville.  Our staff ensures full compliance to local, city, state and federal fire safety regulations including all applicable standards set by the National Fire Protection Association, NFPA.  Contact HRSS for more information on fire safety regulations in Naperville, and for more information see Fire Alarm Systems Requirements for Naperville including adopted codes, approved methods of monitoring, and requirements for fire alarm control panels, devices and annunciators.

Naperville Adopted Fire Safety Codes of Compliance

The City of Naperville, IL, requires that all commercial fire alarm buildings incorporate the minimum codes set forth by the following regulatory bodies:

• City of Naperville Municipal Code as amended
• National Fire Protection Codes (NFPA) – current edition
• Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) – 2006 edition
• International Fire Code – 2018 edition

All fire alarm systems must meet these requirements to receive approval of Occupancy Permits.  HRSS ensures total code compliance to these regulations and assists with the required data sheets for approval from your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Requirements for Fire Alarm Control Panels and Devices

Fire Alarm Panels must be UL or FM-certified and the location approved by the Naperville Fire Department.  Near any control panel must be a Zone Map that indicates where each detection and alarm device is located within the building. Each control panel must be accessible by the Fire Department at all times. If the alarm control panel is outside, it must be completely protected by a weatherproof box.

Annunciator Panels should be conspicuously placed in a location approved by the Naperville Fire Department. This equipment allows emergency personnel to quickly recognize the mapping of the fire alarm system and identifies where fire may be occurring. The panel must be linked to a red, 4-inch strobe light to indicate its location and have a clear and accurate zone map of the facility. The Annunciator should be able to identify all functions of the fire control panel.

Audible and Visual Horn Strobes must be placed appropriately throughout the building.

Detection Devices should be installed according to NFPA 72.

HRSS helps companies to understand the regulations that apply to their facility and provides fire alarm and life safety consultation for any business in Naperville.

Naperville Fire Alarm Inspection Guidelines

Naperville has established fire safety guidelines for new construction and remodels. These requirements are clearly defined to ensure the safety of each occupant.

Fire detection and alarm systems should only be installed by professional companies registered with the State of Illinois and trained in commercial fire alarm inspections. Prior to any installation, the Naperville Fire Department must approve all fire alarm system designs to meet code before Occupancy Permits may be approved.

HRSS offers code compliant fire alarm system design to meet all local regulations including the City of Naperville.  We provide certified testing, inspection, maintenance, and repairs as well as UL listed equipment from the leading fire alarm manufacturers. Contact us to learn more about installing or maintaining a code compliant fire alarm system in Naperville, IL.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-alarm-inspection/fire-alarm-inspection-requirement-naperville/

Fire Alarm Inspections Prevent the Most Common Failures

*This article was originally published on 8/10/2016 and updated on 11/02/2021

Fire alarm system companies provide regular inspections and maintenance of commercial fire alarm systems, which is critical to prevent disastrous consequences.

Commercial fire alarm systems are an integral part of any commercial building just like other equipment in the building.

Manufacturers put a lot of time and money into maintaining their equipment used for production, but when it comes to the fire and life safety system that becomes part of the land and building, it can easily be overlooked.  This can be a deadly mistake and all building owners must know the importance of maintaining a code compliant fire alarm system.

Common Causes of Fire Alarm System Failure

Fire alarm and life safety systems are technical pieces of equipment that require the proper installation, maintenance, and testing to perform as expected during an emergency.  Like other mechanical devices, fire alarm system components are subject to various factors that can influence proper operation.  Some of the most common causes of equipment failure include:

• Equipment Wear and Tear
• Poor Programming
• Improper Placement of Fire Detection Equipment
• Deficient Maintenance
• Age of the Fire Detection System

Fire Alarm Equipment Wear and Tear

Sophisticated mechanical equipment can be subject to many factors that can cause a malfunction such as ambient influences, wear and tear, dirt, and debris and even vandalism. In large installations, fire alarm equipment connects many components and accessories that require regular maintenance and testing.

Only qualified fire alarm system providers should perform the fire alarm inspection and oversee the testing and maintenance of commercial fire alarm systems. 

Poor Programming of Fire Alarm Equipment

Fire alarm equipment technology evolves quickly with leading manufacturers in the industry like Notifier by Honeywell continually offering improved products and services for safer systems that are easy to operate.  Fire alarm installers must be familiar with the latest technology and properly trained in programming sophisticated fire alarm equipment on a complex network. 

Any failure in the programming of fire alarm equipment can have dire consequences. Trained fire alarm technicians can restore the correct programming to most commercial fire alarm systems.

Improper Placement of Fire Detection Equipment

When a fire alarm system is first installed in any commercial building, thorough planning and design from an experienced fire alarm system designer is mandatory.  Proper placement of all fire alarm detection and notification equipment can be the difference between notifying participants of an emergency in a timely manner, successful evacuation and life or death.  Early warning can mitigate the damage caused to the building and property as well. 

HRSS offers fire alarm system design services from trained technicians certified with the National Institute for Certification in Engineering (NICET).  We use computer-aided design (CAD) techniques to replicate the building floor plans and identify the precise equipment and location necessary to ensure early detection and quick response. Our fire alarm system designers possess deep technical knowledge of all fire and life safety code regulations ensuring a fully compliant fire alarm system.

Deficient Maintenance

Continual maintenance is necessary to prevent problems with fire alarm equipment that sometimes experience issues such as:

• System ground faults
• Dead batteries
• Clogged detectors or sprinkler heads
• Programming issue

Regular inspection, testing and preventative maintenance by licensed technicians is critical to keeping your system operating safely.  When fire alarm repair is required, contact HRSS for experienced and professional fire alarm system services.

Age of the Fire Detection System

An outdated system may require additional maintenance and inspections. HRSS can offer advice when upgrades are necessary.  For example, installing a non-proprietary system can significantly cut down on upgrade expenses required in the future. 

HRSS offers fire alarm system inspections, maintenance, testing and repairs to ensure all systems ready mode for your maximum safety and protection.  We help you to evaluate all your options for fire alarm upgrades and ensure total code compliance to all fire safety regulations.  Contact us to learn more about improving your safety and how to prevent the most common fire alarm equipment failures.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-alarm-repair/fire-alarm-repair-common-failures/