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/

Obtaining Approval of Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

Commercial fire alarm systems must be certified for accuracy and completeness to obtain approval from the local authorities. Your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) will have established guidelines set by fire authorities, typically the local Fire Marshall. In order to obtain approval of your fire alarm system, each element of the detection, notification and evacuation systems must conform to all relevant standards.

Only a Registered Design Professional (RDP), which is an architect or an engineer, should prepare the fire alarm installation plans. Plans must include each element of fire alarm systems and must meet all standards set by NFPA72, the code requirements established by the National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA). The AHJ will verify the credentials of the RDP submitting the plans to ensure their experience with designing and installing fire detection and notification systems. Once the AJH approves the design plans, they must still be notified prior to installation.

HRSS Offers Certified Fire Alarm System Design

High Rise Security Systems is a leading fire alarm system consultant and designer, helping building owners in and around the Chicago area to design and obtain approval of their fire alarm detection system. We have decades of experience in designing fire alarm systems to meet all code requirements including NFPA72, in addition to designing a system around your unique architectural structure. We prepare installation plans with AutoCAD software, detailing the location of each required element, laying out the network and location of fire alarm control panels, all detection sensors, notification and evacuation systems.

We are an independent fire alarm system company with knowledge of different systems manufactured by the most well known names in fire safety. We are premiere distributors for Notifier® by Honeywell fire alarm systems and many other top manufacturers, providing non-proprietary fire alarm systems which meet your objectives and your budget. Our technicians are certified and field trained, we are certified with NICET, the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.

HRSS is recognized as a leading fire alarm system specialist, offering design and consultation to obtain approval of fire detection systems from your local AHJ. We provide ongoing service and support including maintenance, testing, inspection, repairs and monitoring 24/7/365. Contact us today for answers to all your questions regarding obtaining approval for commercial fire alarm installation.

Security Systems: Tips To Make Your School Safer

 

Security System Tips to make Your School Safer

School security is the most essential priority today for administrators. Threats from smoke and fire and, notably, unauthorized intrusions cannot be underestimated. Parents wish to send their students off to school with the fullest confidence that they will be safe from potential disaster.

Security in large college campus dorms and classroom buildings must also be carefully monitored.

Security of schools buildings has become a significant priority in recent years. As populations grow in certain areas of the nation, new and larger educational facilities are being constructed. At the same time, many older facilities are being upgraded with newer, more sophisticated systems to install the most responsive mechanisms available. Exterior and interior surveillance equipment is being integrated to monitor any unusual external activity.

Fire, smoke and physical safety elements are being integrated into single comprehensive systems for central control and monitoring.

Government agencies, including Homeland Security, have established a number of guidelines to protect these environments.

Best Practices for School Safety

In recent years, administrators have accelerated programs and systems to enhance student security. Educating and reinforcing school security measures and preparedness plans have led to closer cooperation with public safety agencies. Communications strategies have been bolstered. Alert, well-prepared staff and employees are clearly the first line of defense. Practicing emergency response and executing coordinated evacuation and lock-down plans are essential.

Integrated and Centrally Monitored Systems

For critical control, all detection and monitoring devices should be wirelessly connected to central control areas. In addition to carefully arrayed fire and smoke detection systems, strategically placed Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras can monitor virtually every zone of the building. Wirelessly, administrators and public safety agencies can oversee activities in and around the facility from any location. Central control allows for methodical and intelligent response to emergencies by locating and isolating the threat.

Commercial Security System Installation

To minimize the threat of fire and smoke, state-of-the-art fire detection equipment and accessories can provide early warning notification and instructions for relocation and evacuation. Instant response and timely reaction by the occupants and fire officials can eliminate the potential threats to the occupants.

High Rise Security Systems (HRSS)

In Chicagoland, HRSS is providing high-tech commercial security systems and installation. With scientifically designed Notifier integrated systems to monitor developing threats, students are far safer than in past decades.