This blog covers security system alerts. Ensuring the security of your premises outside of working hours is crucial for protecting your property, assets, and personnel. If a perimeter or intruder alarm is triggered during these times, having a reliable alert system can mean the difference between a minor scare and a major security breach. Here’s how you can set up your security system to alert you and your team when alarms go off outside of business hours.
1. Choose the Right Security System
Before setting up alert mechanisms, ensure that your security system is robust and reliable. Key components include:
- Perimeter Alarms: These systems protect the outer boundary of your premises using sensors such as infrared beams, motion detectors, and video surveillance with analytics.
- Intruder Alarms: These systems detect unauthorised access within the building, using door/window contacts, glass break sensors, and motion detectors.
Ensure your security system has an integrated alert feature or can connect to a separate alert system.
2. Set Up Alarm Monitoring Services
Monitoring services are essential for off-hours alerting. These services can monitor your alarms 24/7 and automatically alert key personnel if an alarm is triggered.
- Professional Monitoring: A professional monitoring centre receives real-time alerts when an alarm goes off. Operators then verify the alarm and notify you, designated personnel, or the emergency services.
- Self-Monitoring: Some systems allow you to monitor alarms via a mobile app, sending alerts directly to your device without needing a professional monitoring centre. This is a more cost-effective but less comprehensive option.
JKE are not tied to a single manufacturer nor do we have one contract with professional monitoring services that are available from a range of providers; we can point you in the right direction if you choose to use professional monitoring services. If you choose self monitoring JKE can provide you and your team with the training to set your system up correctly, resetting the system if triggered and setting do not disturb for team members on holiday for example.
3. Configure Alarm Alerts and Notifications
Setting up alert notifications correctly to ensure the right people are contacted when an alarm goes off is absolutely critical whether you have used professional or self monitoring for your security.
- SMS and Email Alerts: Configure the system to send automatic SMS or email alerts when an alarm is triggered. Ensure the alert includes key information, such as the time of the incident, the type of alarm, and its exact location.
- Push Notifications: Use a security app that offers push notifications, which can be faster and more reliable than SMS or email. Apps like SimpliSafe, or Honeywell Total Connect offer instant push notifications when an alarm is activated.
- Phone Calls: Some alarm systems can automatically call designated contacts when triggered. This feature can be useful for critical alerts that require immediate attention.
4. Integrate with Smart Business Systems
Integrating your security system with smart business automation systems can enhance security system alert capabilities.
- Smart Assistants: Systems like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa can provide voice alerts, lighting control, or camera access when an alarm is triggered.
- Smart Lights and Sirens: Set up smart lights or sirens to activate when an alarm goes off. This visual and audible alert can deter intruders and alert nearby personnel.
5. Set Up a Call List Protocol
Define a call list protocol to ensure a quick response:
- Primary Contacts: Designate the first point of contact, such as the business owner, security manager, or building supervisor.
- Secondary Contacts: If the primary contact cannot be reached, the system should alert secondary contacts.
- Emergency Services: Have protocols in place for when emergency services need to be contacted directly by the monitoring service.
Make sure all of the people in the primary and secondary contacts know how to react, how important it is they do react to security system alerts and what to do when their receive an alert.
6. Use Redundant Communication Paths
Ensure the alert system remains operational even if the primary communication method fails:
- Backup Power: Use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to keep your alarm system operational during power outages.
- Dual-Path Communication: Use both cellular and internet communication for alerts, ensuring redundancy if one path fails.
7. Test Your System Regularly
Regular testing is crucial to ensure that your alert system works correctly:
- Scheduled Tests: Test the alarm system and alert pathways at least once a month. Simulate different scenarios to ensure all contacts receive security system alerts promptly.
- Update Contact Information: Keep the contact list updated to reflect changes in personnel or emergency contact numbers.
Setting up security systems to alert people out of hours requires a combination of the right equipment, monitoring services, and alert protocols. By integrating multiple communication methods, maintaining updated contact information, and conducting regular tests, you can ensure your security system will effectively notify you and your team whenever an alarm is triggered outside of working hours. A well-configured alert system not only provides peace of mind but also enhances your overall security posture, ensuring a rapid response to any potential threats.