Saturday, October 28, 2006

More than just security - www.KeepSafeSystems.ca

When you look at most "package security systems" typically you will find a control panel with one keypad one motion detector and two door contacts. Although this far from demonstrates the true ability of modern security systems, it has almost become the norm.

Security systems are all about reducing risk of loss. Yes a motion detector and a couple of door contacts could potentially activate a siren if an intruder enters your premises. What about Pre-entry?
Properly installed glassbreak detectors will detect the sound of breaking glass prior to an actual entry. This can be quite valuable in area's where "smash and grabs" are prevalent.

A few lines back I mentioned reducing the risk of loss. When it comes to insurance companies, they look at several area's of potential loss when it comes to determining your insurance rate. Property theft is definately on aspect, however, there are more potential sources of property damage.
Property damage can occur through vandalism as a result of a break and Enter. Another all to common cause is fire, for which smoke detectors are designed. Yes probably everyone has at least one battery powered smoke detector with the lid popped open and the battery removed. Most new houses now have smoke detectors hardwired into their electrical system. Some of these detectors even have a battery back-up. Yes these detectors are great at saving human lives by alerting the occupants of the home of a potential fire. What about when nobody is home? who will call the fire department and when?
Most modern security alarm systems have the capability of being connected to hardwire smoke detectors. See http://www.theworkshop.net/sponsors/keepsafesystems/alarmtips/smoke.htm for more details.

Another fire related detector is a Carbon Monoxide detector. Most of you have seen or own at least one of the plug in models. What if your power goes out in the middle of the night? The security industry has many models of carbon monoxide detectors available. These detectors can be wired into your security system to not only provide a battery back-up. They can also be remotely monitored to provide you and your family with assistance should the leak be bad enough to render you unable to help yourself.

In addition to, another significant but less deadly is water. What kind of damage will occur if your hotwater tank springs a leak when you are on vacation? What if you accidentally leave a hose on and it leaks into your basement (This actually happened to my parents when I was a child). Even an overflowing toilet can cause anough damage to run into the tens of thousands if left undetected long enough.
A water sensor is a very inexpesive solution to reducing this kind of risk. Depending on your insurance company, having a series of water sensor installed in high risk area's and connected to your security system could reduce your home insurance premiums.

Many more potentially damaging occurances can be monitored. I have customers who monitor ice cream freezers and others who monitor the status of computer systems or highly important electrical circuits. If you have a particular area of concern, talk to your alarm technician there is most likely a detector on the market to put your mind at ease.

For free tips on keeping you and your family secure, please visit us at www.keepsafesystems.ca Or if you wish to discuss your security need, please feel free to phone us directly at
604-874-8772

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Customer satisfaction - www.KeepSafeSystems.ca

As a small to medium sized business with growth based almost entirely on word of mouth advertising, KeepSafe Systems obtains alot of business from unhappy customers of other larger companies who shall remain unnamed.
Although this is great for business, I find the level of customer dis-satisfaction among clients of larger security alarm companies apawling. Size is not an excuse for poor customer service, I have dealt with larger companies in many area's and service is not always bad and wait times are not always long.

How long do you wait?

If you just tripped your alarm, how long do you have to wait to get in touch with an operator? Yes small wait times are inevitable, however the 15 minute standard of some companies out there is beyond reproach.

As with any service industry, another important factor in the security alarm business is service response. If your security alarm false activates and it is not simple human error, the system should be looked at. At KeepSafe Systems, we provide free labour on service calls for our monitored clients. If a detector needs to be replaced and it is no longer under Manufacturer warranty, KeepSafe Systems will replace the faulty unit at cost. Just one more way KeepSafe Systems ensures our customers are happy with their security alarm system. After all, a malfunctioning security system is worse than having no security system at all.

If you are unhappy with your current security alarm company, by all means tell them so. Maybe they are just to busy to realise the importance of your satisfaction. Shake a few doors, make sure you are getting the service you deserve. If that doesn't work, they obviously don't deserve your business. There are plenty of security alarm companies out there who will happily provide you with the service you deserve. Typically these companies will not be found in the full page yellow page ads. Ask around.

If you are in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia area, please feel free to give KeepSafe Systems a try. Check us out at www.KeepSafeSystem.ca your neighbours will be happy you did. If you prefer talking to a real person, we can also be reached at 604-874-8772 - 24 hours a day 7 days a week... Seriously.