I See You!

Do you ever get the feeling you’re being watched? That’s the premise behind many movies and television shows; but chances are, it happens more than you may think! More and more commercial and residential spaces are utilizing video surveillance as a security measure – and for good reason! There are many benefits to adding security cameras as part of your home or business security systems including acting as a theft deterrent, monitoring activities, and serving as evidence for any crimes committed.

Deterrent

If a potential thief sees you have video surveillance, they are far less likely to pick your house or place of business as a target. They know that the chances of them getting caught are increased, and they will move on to an option much “safer” for them. This also works internally. If your employees or home contractors are aware that you have cameras installed, chances are good they will resist the temptation to steal from you.

Monitoring

Beyond warding off potential threats, a camera surveillance system can serve multiple uses while you are away from your residence or business. If you are gone on vacation, you will be able to see what is going on in or around your house. While you are not physically at your business facility, you can still see what your employees are doing in all areas of your space (even from your tablet or mobile device). This helps not only alert you when theft or vandalism is occurring, but helps you keep an eye on pets, employees, and other liabilities and interests.

Evidence

Should a crime be committed despite a surveillance system being in place, the good news is that you can use the images collected as evidence. Countless times, footage taken from security cameras has been exactly what was needed to identify and convict criminals, whether it was theft or another crime committed on personal or corporate property.

All these reasons and more are why you should consider investing in a video surveillance system to accompany your other security measures. Watch Guard can help you decide what is best for you and will design a security system for your unique personal or business surveillance needs. We’ll give you peace of mind knowing you really can be two places at once, watching out for what’s important to you while being free to enjoy life!

Back to Business

You may only think in terms of security companies as being those salesmen who come to your door and want to stick a sign in your yard or sticker on your window. Or you may have actually made the wise decision to invest in one of those home security systems and always rest easy while you’re away, knowing your home is protected. However, have you considered how a home security company can help protect your business? At Watch Guard, we are more than just intrusion and burglar alarms. We offer many services that will help guard your business both during and after office hours including Temperature Monitors, Commercial Fire Alarms, and Access Control.

Temperature Monitors

There are many companies who need specific temperature monitoring of certain areas of their commercial space. Restaurants need to ensure their refrigerated areas do not drop below certain temperatures to avoid food spoilage. IT server rooms have to maintain set temperatures to avoid overheating and possible data loss. Garden centers and nurseries have to keep certain plants at specific temperatures for proper growth. Our systems are able to monitor all this and notify you when temperatures drop or rise beyond your required range – protecting your investments from total loss.

Commercial Fire Alarms

Every building and commercial space is different, but typically fire alarms, smoke detectors, and sprinklers are standard code requirements. What is not always required, though, is monitoring of these systems. You may have your sprinklers going off, possibly ruining valuable business property, without you even being made aware. By installing our commercial fire alarm monitoring, you can always know what’s going on with your fire alarm and sprinkler system at all times.

Access Control

Depending on your business, controlled entrance may be a necessity. If you deal with highly sensitive data, you may need to allow only certain persons into designated areas. If you are a school or daycare, you are likely to only permit entrance for parents, faculty, and visitors you are expecting. Churches may have offices located away from main entrances and will need to have a controlled access system to allow for visitors. There are many unique needs for these types of secured commercial spaces, and Watch Guard can provide appropriate monitoring and security for each one.

No matter what your business, some things are universal. The need to protect your customers, corporate investments, and commercial property is a necessity and one that should not be overlooked when it comes to budgeting. Talk to Watch Guard today for ways we can help make your business safe and secure, allowing you to get back to business!

No More Monsters - Tips for Personal Safety

What were your fears as a young child?  Was it the monster under your bed?  The boogieman in your closet? As a kid, I always thought that grown-ups were fearless.  They were the brave guardians over us; and as long as they were in the room, all would be well.

Since growing up, though, I’ve realized that we big kids have our own sets of fears now, too.  They may not be monsters or boogiemen; but most of us have, at some point in time, been fearful for our safety.

These fears may be particularly present for certain women who travel alone, are at home alone during the day, or are left alone for long periods of time without their spouses (such as in the military or traveling professions).  Now that said, safety for men is just as important and just as real a concern, but women are oftentimes presented with circumstances that cause them to be particularly vulnerable to an attack.

Outside the Home

• Always be alert when you are walking around.  Notice the people around you, events occurring, and take note of possible places to run or escape should a dangerous situation occur.

• Walk and park in well-lit areas near crowds.  Walk confidently, on the side of the street facing traffic, and close to the curb to avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys where someone may be lurking.

• When walking to your car, keep keys in hand with your finger on the alarm.  If an attacker approaches, hitting your alarm may cause them to start running.  It is also wise to have someone on your cell phone with you so they can hear anything transpiring on your end.

• When entering your vehicle, only unlock your door.  There may be someone waiting to jump in on the other side as soon as you hit the button to unlock.

• Plan to wear clothes and shoes that allow you to move easily.  Those stilettos might look great; but if you were to need to get out of a situation quickly, they may greatly hinder your ability to run.

• As far as safety while traveling, keep your windows up and doors locked.  Never, ever pick up hitchhikers.  If you should have car trouble, raise your hood and stay inside your car.  Make phone calls from inside your car; and if someone stops by to help, have them make a phone call for you while you remain inside your car.  Remember, too, that many cars automatically unlock when put it park, so pay attention to this.

Inside the Home

• If someone comes to the door, it is wise to not answer unless you know him.  If they are asking to use your phone, have them wait outside, lock your door, and make the phone call for him.  If they appear to be a deliveryman or serviceman, only answer the door or let them in the house after you check for signs of uniforms, labeled trucks, and a business card.  If you are not expecting them, be extra cautious before inviting them in your home and immediately call the company they claim to be with to verify their reason for being at your home.

• Always keep all your windows and doors locked.  A home security system will also help to guard against forced entry and will alert authorities immediately should one occur.

• If you should find signs of a forced entry upon arriving home, do not enter the house.  Go to a safe place right away and call the authorities.  Do not enter your home without them.
• When someone calls, never give the impression you are home alone.  Someone simply “can’t come to the phone right now” – never say, “He is not here.”  If you are in a situation where your spouse is away for an extended period of time, never let anyone on the phone know this.  Telephone scams are rampant, and many criminals use phone calls to find out valuable information.

The most important advice to follow, though, is to trust your instincts.  Intuition is a powerful force; and even if the situation seems innocent on the surface, if your gut is telling you otherwise, leave immediately.

If you’d like more information on personal safety, please contact us at Watch Guard.  Our goal is your security and peace of mind, and we want all of our clients to sleep easily at night, not having to live in fear of their grown-up monsters!

Tips for a Safe Trip Home

The holiday season is wrapping up, and many of us are hitting the road.  It’s been a busy few weeks, and now all that’s left is the long trip home, unpacking, and taking down all the decorations.  In a couple days, we’ll be back to our normal lives. What is important not to overlook on your trip home is travel safety.  We may think that road rage, carjacking, or other safety concerns only happen in the movies or to other people.  The truth is, though, it can happen to any one at any time.  The good news is that there are some basic precautions you can take to help minimize your risk during your post-holiday travels.

General Travel Safety

As a general safety precaution, always drive with your doors locked.  If on a road with frequent stoplights, stop signs, or heavy traffic, roll your windows up.  Whenever your car is stationary, it becomes vulnerable.  Keep enough distance between the cars around you to allow for you to pull away if someone were to begin getting in your car.  NEVER pick up hitchhikers – EVER!  If you stop somewhere to shop or eat, try to park near the door or underneath a light.  While you are travelling, lock any valuables in your trunk so as not to entice intruders.  Be smart and think through simple safety measures you can take on a daily basis to keep you safe on the road.

Safety when Provoked

If you do happen to have an encounter where you are being provoked on the road, whether it is a simple nudge on the bumper or a more aggressive act, drive away!  Your safety is most important – don’t let your anger cause you to engage in a potentially dangerous situation.  Definitely do not roll down your window, but do try to get their license plate, if safely possible.  Call the police, and head to a public place or a police station.  Especially if you feel you are being followed, do not go to your home.  You do not want the aggressor to know where you live.  Always head to a safe and busy public location where you can get help.

Safety during Emergency

Depending on the situation, if you find yourself in a fender bender, with a flat tire, or broken down, your safest course of action may be to stay in your car with locked doors.  Remember, too, that many cars will automatically unlock when put in park.  Call your insurance, the police, roadside assistance, or a friend – whatever is necessary for your circumstances.  Do not trust strangers.  If someone stops to assist you, ask him to phone for help or go to the nearest service station to let them know you need help.  If you feel you are in danger, you should immediately call the police or begin honking your horn to try to ward off any attacker.

Long road trips are hard enough without having to deal with the dangers of road rage and carjacking.  To avoid becoming a victim, follow these general safety guidelines, always have a charged cell phone, stay alert, and trust your instincts!  If you would like any more information on staying safe once you get home, please visit us today!