How Does a Fire Prevention Plan Benefit Your Workplace?

There is always a risk of an unintentional fire being started in commercial buildings and industrial plants, and, without a proper set of safety measures put in place, fires can spiral out of control extremely quickly.

Not only will this put you and your employees at risk of serious injury or death, but an out-of-control flame can cause an incredible amount of damage to the property, as well as any expensive equipment. Thus, the importance of having a fire prevention plan in place, including a set of guidelines detailing what to do if a fire has been started.

Major Fire Hazards

Commercial and industrial buildings are home to their fair share of major fire hazards. The following are some of the most common fire hazards that can be found in the workplace.

Dust - As we’re sure you know, dust is everywhere and is the cause of a lot of annoyance. Believe it or not, dust is actually a fire hazard as well. Dust can easily gather in hard-to-reach areas, specifically inside computers, microwaves, and other heat-producing electrical equipment. If these items go uncleaned for too long, then the dust inside of them can catch fire.

Power - Circuits One of the most common fire hazards in the workplace is the overloading of power sockets. When too much equipment is being powered by a single socket, the circuits can overheat and become potential ignition sources. This can be avoided by unplugging or deactivating equipment when it is not being used.

Combustible Materials - Materials like paper and cardboard can prove to be fire hazards, as they are easily flammable and are often piled up in large quantities. If these materials are left near an outlet or some other electrical appliance, then this could pose a risk of a fire starting.

Flammable Liquids - Similarly to combustible materials like paper and cardboard, certain liquids can catch fire if kept too close to a potential ignition source. While this may be less common depending on the industry you work in, any amount of flammable liquid can create a risk of a fire starting.

Creating a Fire Prevention Plan

With the proper precautions put in place, it is possible to prevent or control a fire before it causes any serious damage. The following are important things to consider when creating a fire prevention plan.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Fire extinguishers are some of the most commonly used fire protection equipment in commercial buildings and workplaces. Fire extinguishers need to be placed in any and all high-risk areas, and there should be at least one located on every floor of the building.

Fire extinguishers are extremely effective at putting out fires, but will likely not suffice if the fire has managed to spread a substantial amount. That said, if the fire is still new and hasn’t grown terribly large, a fire extinguisher should be able to do the trick.

A fire extinguisher is only as effective as the person using it, and employees are responsible for knowing how to properly utilize fire extinguishers, as well as where they are located in the building. This should be something that you make sure they are aware of when they are hired.

FIRE ALARMS

While fire alarms won’t necessarily help put out the fire, they are still vitally important to your building. Fires can spread quickly from their place of inception to the rest of the building, and it is crucial that everybody is made aware that they are in danger. A fire alarm needs to be activated by a person, and it will let out a loud, continuous sound to let everyone know that they need to vacate the building.
 
Some varieties of fire alarms, called smoke detectors, will automatically sound an alarm if smoke has been detected in the building. These can be extra effective, as they can let people know that a fire has been started before anyone has actually discovered it, reducing the risk of someone getting hurt.

If your workplace is not outfitted with a proper fire alarm system, then the time to do so is now. Not having working fire alarms puts you and your employees at great risk. Midwest Alarm Services can outfit your building with the latest in fire alarm technology, so that you are always prepared for the possibility of a fire starting.

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

One of the most effective ways to extinguish a fire is by installing a sprinkler system in your building. These can be activated by a person or the sprinklers themselves if they detect a flame. Upon being activated, these will rain water down on any of the floors where a fire was detected, ideally drowning out the flame before any significant damage has been done.

Establishing Procedures in the Case of an Out-of Control Flame

Of course, it is impossible for a building to be 100% foolproof, and, no matter how many safety precautions you put in place, there is always a chance that a fire could wreak havoc in your workplace. Thus, it is important to establish procedures and a set of rules to follow if your employees are put in danger by an out-of-control flame.

ESTABLISH A PREDETERMINED ROUTE FOR EXITING THE BUILDING

If an uncontrollable fire is raging in your building, then the most important thing to do is get everybody out of the building as quickly as possible. The less time that people are exposed to the flames and smoke, the less likely they are to suffer from burns or lung damage. For each and every floor and room in your building, you and your employees need to know the quickest way out of the building from that particular location.

If the level they are on is not the ground floor, then they will have to make use of a fire escape. If your building is not outfitted with a fire escape, then it needs to be. Using the elevators is not a good idea. If there is no fire escape, then use the stairs.

Following these predetermined routes with little to no deviation is the best way to get out safely. Encourage people to leave their belongings behind and get out as quickly as possible. The less time they spend inside the building the better.

EDUCATE YOUR EMPLOYEES IN FIRE SAFETY

You and your employees should know proper fire safety etiquette. This includes things like crawling and staying low to the ground to avoid smoke, feeling doors with the back of your hand before entering them (to ensure that it is not excessively hot behind the door), using the fire escape and stairs before anything else, and covering your mouth and nose to prevent smoke inhalation.

Most importantly, try not to panic. If everybody has been properly educated on how to handle themselves in the event of a fire, as well as all the predetermined evacuation procedures, then panicking will only cloud judgement and cause more problems.

Furthermore, make sure that your building is up to proper fire safety codes and standards. Doors should open outwardly, there should be no design flaws that could contribute to a flame, and the building should be outfitted with fire escapes and fire extinguishers.

If you need an effective and advanced fire alarm system installed in your workplace, Midwest Alarm Services has you covered. We offer a number of different types of fire alarm systems and services. In addition, we can also outfit your building with the latest in video surveillance, access control, and security technology.

Partner with Midwest Alarm Services to provide your employees and customers with the safest possible experience and give you greater peace of mind while working. Contact us today for more information.

How Does Biometric Access Control Work?

Access control prevents unwanted visitors from entering your premises. Biometric access control has grown in popularity over the last couple of years and we have been asked by many of our prospects and clients, “How does biometric access control work and what is it?”

Biometric access control represents a modern type of security technology that can present a series of benefits across multiple industries. Today, we’re going to explain how biometric access control works, and how useful it is for certain businesses.

But first, what is it?

Biometric Access Control Explained

Biometrics are the analysis of biological data using technology. Typically, this data relates to specific physical traits that an individual might have. So, biometric access control is the use of this biological data to either grant or deny access to a building or area of a building.

What biological data and physical traits are we talking about? More often than not, biometric access control looks at things that are unique to each individual. This includes fingerprints, retina scans, facial recognition, and/or voice. To understand what happens with this data, we need to take a more in-depth look at how these systems work.

How Do Biometric Access Control Systems Work?

A lot of science and technology are behind biometric access control and its functionality. The good news is that there’s a straightforward way of explaining things.

Essentially, biometric access control systems record biological data from human beings. They have scanners equipped to them, which collects all of this data. For example, there’s a fingerprint scanner that analyzes one of your fingerprints and keeps them in a data file. You then choose who you want to have access to whatever’s behind the access control system, and register their fingerprints.

Now, when you go to open the door, you scan your finger. The system analyzes the print and sees if it matches one in the database. If it does, then the access control opens up and lets you in. If there’s no match, then access is denied.

Of course, fingerprints are just one of many examples in biometric access control. However, they’re the most common form of biometrics as it’s easy and convenient to scan a print.

Retina scanning is also used, and this involves scanning the retinas in your eyes. Facial recognition has also started becoming more mainstream – largely thanks to the iPhone X, introducing it to the consumer market in 2018.

It doesn’t really matter what type of biometrics are being measured, the same concept always applies. Here’s an even more simplified summary of how things work:

• Biometric access control analyzes specific biological data, e.g. fingerprints

• A database is created containing all the biological data from people that are allowed access

• Individuals are scanned when they use the access control system

• If their biological data is on-record, they’re granted access

• If there’s no match for their biological data, they’re denied access
   

What Are The Benefits Of Biometric Access Control?

In general, access control is a beneficial security measure. It adds an extra layer of protection that helps control who’s allowed where. But, biometric access control takes things to a whole new level of security.

The problem with normal access control – using keypads and passwords – is that codes can be guessed and keycards can be lost or stolen.

Also, after frequent use, the numbers on a keypad can appear slightly worn or faded, giving away which numbers make up the code. So, there’s a possibility – although slim – that someone without access can get hold of the code and gain access.

With biometric scanning, this is significantly harder. The only way someone can gain access is if they possess an exact replica of the biological data stored in the system.

You can’t mimic biological data nor can you take a lucky guess – you’d literally need someone who is in the system to be there to get through the access control.

Consequently, biometric access control is far more secure and much harder for someone to break into.

What Industries Can Benefit?

This type of access control has many uses across a plethora of industries. With that in mind, here are some industries where we believe this technology will be most beneficial:

PUBLIC SECTOR

Government is full of different sections and different people moving around all the time who have different clearances. What’s more, there’s so much private information in various government buildings. So, to keep things as secure as possible, they could benefit from biometric access control. It can close off sections of buildings and stop random people from bursting into government buildings and seeing private information.

HEALTHCARE

The healthcare industry is also packed full of private and confidential information. Again, biometric scanning can be very handy here. It’s often used in hospitals to restrict access to data servers or filing rooms. But, it can also be used to gain access to more confined areas of hospitals – like wings with contagious patients.

GENERAL BUSINESSES

This type of access control is also useful across the general business world. It can be used to protect office buildings – while doubling up as a new way for workers to clock in every morning.

Only your staff can have access to your office, and this prevents unwanted visitors. It can also help shut off private areas, like filing and documentation rooms.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Police stations, detention centers, and any other institutions like this can greatly benefit from biometric access control. A crucial aspect of law enforcement is ensuring the public’s safety. Access control does this by making sure only select people are allowed in and out of police stations, prisons, detention centers, etc.

It can prevent instances where someone tries to break into a prison to help a prisoner escape – or worse.

As you can see, biometric access control can be used in many different ways. Hopefully, this guide has taught you more about how this technology works and why it’s useful. If you’re looking for a way to enhance your security measures, then this might just be it.

Please reach out to our Kansas City branch at (913) 677-5771  for more information or connect with us here.

Implementing Proper School Security: Keeping Students Safe

In order to keep students and staff members safe, it is crucial that schools are properly prepared for crisis situations, such as an active shooter. School security can be improved in a number of ways, whether it’s through upgraded security technology or increased safety practices. By properly implementing safety precautions and an effective security system throughout your school, you can provide greater peace of mind for students, parents and staff members.

Updating and Increasing Electronic Security Systems

First and foremost, in order to ensure that your campus is as secure as possible, we recommend outfitting your building with the latest safety and security technology. By having the following security systems, the risk to your students, staff members and any visitors is greatly reduced.

ACCESS CONTROL

Speaking of visitors, the ability to regulate who is entering and exiting the building is a serious concern. Without proper access control systems and door security measures, anyone can come and go as they please. This poses a serious security risk. Doors should be locked at all times when school is in session and visitors should be properly authorized before they can enter.

When it comes to students and staff, it could be beneficial to install some form of door access control. Students and staff have individual identification cards, and, with the proper systems in place, they can be used to gain access to entrances into the building. That way, those without the proper IDs cannot enter the building unless they have permission to do so.

Of course, there is always a risk of people losing their ID cards or intentionally giving them to somebody who is unauthorized. If you feel that this is too great of a risk, then consider only giving access cards to staff members. If students need to enter, then they can hold their IDs up to a camera, so that the front office workers can verify that they’re allowed to enter.

SECURITY CAMERAS

When you think of a security system, video surveillance cameras are probably one of the first things that come to mind. This is for good reason, as security cameras are one of the most important layers of any good security system. If they aren’t already, please give us a call or submit a free quote request to see about having them installed on your campus.

Security cameras add those additional eyes when it would be impossible to have enough security guards to monitor any suspicious activity or unauthorized people on your campus. Video cameras don’t just help with intruders, however. They can also be used to identify safety hazards, fires and high-traffic areas of the school that could lead to issues if an evacuation is needed.

There are many different types of security cameras, each with their own benefits. Utilizing a combination of high-quality security cameras and placing them in important locations, such as hallways, entrances and parking lots, is crucial to keeping your campus safe. We can help you figure out which are best for your situation!

ALARMS AND INTERCOMS

Fire alarms and intercom systems are important for proper communication amongst staff members and students. Every school should undoubtedly be outfitted with a fire alarm system. Intercoms can be used to communicate important safety information to everyone in the school at once. For example, if there is a fire, then you can inform everyone where the fire is taking place. If there is an intruder, then you can announce what part of the building is being occupied. Intercom sound systems and mass notifications can be used to provide instructions for how to proceed in any emergency situation. 

Proper communication is key to creating a safe environment, and alarms and intercom systems are one of the most effective ways of communicating important school-wide information very quickly.

Proper School Safety Precautions and Procedures

IMPLEMENTING PLANS

While implementing a proper security system is important, it is nothing without properly educating all students and staff about what the procedure is during any crisis situation. At the beginning of every school year, plans need to be put in place to determine what the best course of action is for each potential scenario. This includes situations such as an active shooter, a fire, a severe storm or tornado, or even chemical threats.

INSTRUCTING STUDENTS AND STAFF ON COURSE OF ACTION

Once these plans are in place, the next step to take is to inform all students and staff members of the best way to conduct themselves in the event of an emergency. Conducting regularly scheduled drills is one of the best ways to do this, as well as reiterating the correct procedures at the beginning of each semester.

When it comes to fire drills, these should be practiced once a month, and each teacher should go over with their students the best route to exit the building, as the closest entrance and fastest evacuation routes change depending on the location of each classroom. Severe weather and tornado drills, as well as what to do in the event of an intruder, should be reviewed on a regular basis.

PERFORMING RISK ASSESSMENTS

Once you have a plan in place and have made sure that all students and staff have been instructed on how to handle themselves during a crisis, it is important that you continually assess possible risks and ways that you can improve your plans for the future. 

Whether this is analyzing areas of the building that tend to get overcrowded, making evacuation routes for more efficient or determining security camera blind spots, make sure that you and the other administrators review drills and safety procedures on a regular basis to ensure that they are as effective as possible.

Partnering with Midwest Alarm to Outfit Your Campus with the Latest in Security Technology

We are one of the industry leaders in advanced security technology and can outfit commercial buildings and schools with the latest in access control, video surveillance, intrusion and fire alarms and intercom technology. With our security solutions and a well-developed plan in place, your staff members, students and their parents will have greater peace of mind while school is in session.

On-Premise Mass Notification Systems for Your Campus

ACCOUNTING FOR ALL AREAS

Your school campus probably already has the infrastructure needed to communicate with people on a massive scale. It’s possible you’ll need to add some power switches or other small fixes but you’re likely 80% of the way there. 

What we want to ideally see is every space (inside and outside) being accounted for with working speakers to cover all spaces. The biggest area where most fall short is outdoors. We see security cameras all over campus but a lack of speakers, with open spaces being the least covered areas. 

PRO TIP: It’s easy to connect the outdoor speakers with the indoor speakers using your IP network and tying it to your analog network.

WHERE MASS NOTIFICATION CAN BE DELIVERED

Live and prerecorded audio can be delivered to: 

• IP desk phones via Multicast (not applicable to all IP phones)

• Personal computers (both MAC and Windows machines)

• Traditional overhead paging speakers

• IP speakers

• Smartphones via mobile apps

PRO TIP: Pre-record your intrusive audio broadcasting so it’s ready to roll in the event of an emergency where there is no time and nobody is thinking straight. 

5 COMMON MASS NOTIFICATION MISTAKES

Below are the five most common mistakes we see with on-campus mass notification systems.

1. Speakers with failed components. We find that speakers are rarely tested so it’s assumed they’re working when they’re, in fact, not. Some of these speakers are 30+ years old and still installed but not functioning.

2. Improper coverage. If you have audio holes, then a percentage of people will not hear your announcement or emergency update. Many schools have staff specifically for instruction and other technology but outdoor audio specifically is often overlooked. 

3. Forgoing visual alerts. Visual messaging is powerful especially with a large percentage of students wearing earphones now. Short visual messages on the screen placed at the right height and location can help communicate your mass notification. 

4. The volume is too low. One common mistake is to use the same level of volume for day-to-day communications as you do with emergency notifications. This either makes it inaudible to some and/or easy to tune out. Turn up the volume for emergencies!

5. Practicing incorrect procedures. The problem with practicing incorrectly is that practice makes permanent habits. Our advice is to fix any of the issues listed above and then practice using the entire system as designed. This will help cut down on chaos which only works to the advantage of the person creating it.

Security cameras are great and necessary for detection but don’t forget notification. We’re encouraging all campuses to utilize mass notification systems because it’s the right thing to do, not because you have to. That being said, there may come a day that it’s required, especially as schools start to fully reopen this fall. This is one great way to put your COVID relief dollars to good use. For more information, give us a call or schedule a free survey of your campus!

The Risks of Not Having an Access Control System

Building security is a common concern for businesses of all sizes. Security needs are ever-changing and, in the modern era, businesses are vulnerable to a number of security threats from theft to vandalism to violent crime. As a business owner, taking the necessary security measures to ensure that your business, your employees and your visitors remain unharmed is imperative. Keep reading to learn the risks of not having an access control system!

Why Your Business Needs an Access Control System

If you are considering installing an access control system, check out a few of the risks that might leave you vulnerable without it.

THE ENTRANCES OF YOUR BUILDING ARE NOT SECURE

In this day and age, you never know who will walk through your doors. Without an access control system (or a managed access control system), your business will have an increased amount of risk and exposure, not knowing who is coming or going and when. 

However, with a fully operational access control system in place, you will be able to successfully prevent unauthorized individuals from entering your building (both during operating hours and after-hours). When protecting your employees at this level, you give them peace of mind and it increases their overall job satisfaction and productivity levels. 

POTENTIAL OF THEFT OR UNWANTED VISITORS

Business owners are often frustrated when employees enter their building during off-hours without their prior permission or management’s knowledge. Unmonitored activity in and around your business can lead to some serious problems. It may not seem like a big deal to allow people to come and go from the premises as they please but, based on past experience, the chances are good that you are better off providing authorization and tracking every move. Access can be narrowed down to different rules and allowances for each building, specific areas within the building, staff and times of the day. 

This way,  you won’t have unauthorized employees, customers or vendors entering your building at any time of day or night without a trace. Don’t let your business become a hotspot of criminal activity!

UNREGULATED ACCESS TO SECURE AREAS OF BUILDING

As indicated above, not everyone in your organization should have access to every area of your building and if your building has offices or rooms with sensitive information, protecting those areas becomes even more crucial. Without an access control system, you won’t be able to program different levels of restricted access based on the status and security clearance of each employee. You also won’t be able to create customized schedules that grant or deny access to your building during certain hours of the day or night. An access control system makes it easy to let you know who comes and goes at all times.

NO PROTECTION FROM EMPLOYEE THEFT

No one wants to think that their employees are stealing from them, according to the Association of Fraud Examiners, internal theft accounts for up to 5% of annual revenues for businesses. Although access control can’t prevent theft completely, it can hinder it by prohibiting employees from accessing the building as they please. 

Access control can also be used alongside your existing time-logging systems so you know exactly when an employee starts their day or leaves for the day, preventing them from not clocking out in an attempt to gain more hours when they are actually not working.

To ensure that your access control system is 100% secure, contact us. We can audit your space, maintain an existing system or install a new access control system in your building to ensure the safety of your employees and assets.

4 Measures You Can Take to Boost Hospital Security

Violence can happen anywhere - movie theaters, schools, even churches - and healthcare organizations and hospitals are no exception. In fact, the CDC notes that the rate of violent acts and nonfatal assaults in the healthcare and social assistance industry is substantially higher than that in the private industry as a whole. Keep reading so that you are empowered to stay on top of your hospital security.

Jason Berenstein, Director of Security at Oakland Regional Hospital, says that violent acts are, unfortunately, a sign of the times. “Everyone in a hospital needs to be prepared for the worst,” he says. Gail Blanchard-Saiger, the Vice President of Labor and Employment at the California Hospital Association, says that as hospitals are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, security and law enforcement in hospitals can be quite a challenge.

Lost in the headlines, news cycles and the fear generated by violent attacks and terrorist threats is the fact that attacks worldwide have been declining. Yet, there is no room for complacency, especially since these attacks tend to rise and fall in waves when people are under stress.

How to Boost Hospital Security

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to hospital security. But there are measures hospitals can take to keep employees, patients and facilities safe. From having designated security personnel to securing hospital property with the proper systems, there are many things you can do to ensure safety and security for everyone.

1. Make Security Available in the Most Volatile Areas

Regardless of the time of day or the level of activity, having security officers stationed at your facility’s most volatile areas is a good move. Some facility owners and managers think that they may be a bit relaxed with security in the overnight shift or when fewer people are around. But certain potentially chaotic areas in your healthcare facility such as an emergency room will always need security. Patients in psychiatric units, for example, tend to act out without a warning which makes security presence in such areas essential.

2. Train Your Staff & Other Proactive Security Measures

The adage is, hospitals are more reactive than proactive. But being proactive, specifically about security, can help mitigate injuries, liability, or loss of life. It’s better to have procedures and policies in place before an incident happens, instead of having to decide on what to do while it’s taking place, or afterward. We discuss this a lot in our communications regarding intrusion and this is no different!

Ask your head hospital security officer to train your staff for handling violence in the workplace. Arm them with knowledge on how they can respond to a security issue or attack.

You can also stage drills that allow your medical staff to learn how to respond in dangerous situations that may otherwise frighten them in real life. By helping your staff create an action plan for such situations, you also help prepare them for possible violent situations outside the workplace.

It also pays to train employees to keep an eye out for anything that seems odd or out of place. When in doubt, it’s wise to use the “see something, say something" approach.

When employees are proactive and immediately speak up regarding a possible untoward incident, it’s easier to resolve the situation before any potential damage comes of it.

3. Limit Areas of Public Access

It can be challenging for hospitals to welcome guests and at the same time maintain an acceptable level of security. Hospitals must accommodate visitors but how do you keep guests from wandering in unauthorized areas?

You can keep an eye on more visitors and decrease the risk that comes with them wandering off into laboratories, patient rooms and other areas that are “off-limits” by reducing the parts of your facility that may be available to the public. This way, you can keep the bulk of visitors in a central location, where they can be monitored by security officers. As an extra measure, we recommend installing CCTV cameras throughout your facility.

4. Install Access Control Systems

Limiting the number of “threatening” persons you allow on-site or in highly charged areas isn’t as simple as looking for a “bad guy” patch on a visitor’s jacket. There are other ways you can restrict access to certain areas in your facility. If you aren’t able to station a hospital security officer at the main entrance, installing access card readers on locked doors is a great option. Many hospitals use both forms of security. 

Access control systems prevent unwanted access to your premises and let you monitor and control activities in your facility from any location. Our access control systems ensure your business operations remain undisrupted and your employees and the people under your care remain safe.

Implementing security measures and features into your healthcare facility not only maximizes the utilization of human resources and lowers operational costs, but also promotes employee and patient satisfaction.

When your patients, staff and visitors feel safe upon entry, their confidence in your organization is reinforced and they are able to focus on more urgent, pressing matters like patient care.

Elevate the Level of Security in Your Facility with Midwest Alarm Services

We bring years of valuable experience designing, installing and providing support for access control systems that help you effectively increase and manage your healthcare facility’s security. And you don’t have to worry about installing your new system as we have a team of access control system technicians who make sure your technology keeps your facility safe from intruders.

Find out more about protecting your staff, visitors, data and physical assets from damage, intrusion, misuse or theft. Call us at 888-767-2794 or click to request a free consultation.

The 4 Most Common Fire Code Violations

4 Common Fire Code Violations

Knowing what’s considered a fire code violation can be complex and challenging. In most cases, violations take place simply because business owners aren’t aware of what the fire code requirements are. Most cities have a defined compliance process but depending on the local, county, and state rules, some may have fewer or more technicalities to consider.

The good news is that most common fire code violations are easy to identify and equally as easy to remedy! Below are the four most common violations.

1. OBSTRUCTED EXITS AND PASSAGEWAYS

The biggest problem isn’t with the everyday exits but with emergency exits. Since emergency exits are (hopefully) used rather infrequently, items end up being stacked up in front of them either obstructing the exit or hiding it. In the worst-case scenarios, emergency exit doors are sometimes chained and locked. 

To state the obvious, no items of any kind should impede the pathway to any exit doors inside or outside of your facility. Keep all emergency exits and corridors, free of chairs, filing cabinets, small tables, and any other type of miscellaneous storage items that could potentially cause injury to people or block them from getting out.

In the event of an emergency, if people can’t get out of your building or facility you’ll likely end up having to deal with a lot more than just a fine. If you know this is happening in your building, you should immediately let facility personnel know so they can do something about it. 

2. UNILLUMINATED EXIT SIGNS

Much like a blocked exit can cause problems in the event of an emergency, so can exit signs that aren’t illuminated. An average exit sign isn’t enough! It’s extremely important that they are illuminated and placed in a position where they can be easily seen in the event of an emergency. 

It is recommended that exit signs stay illuminated at all times, including when the building is not occupied or is closed to the public. If a fire emergency occurs during off-hours, there may be employees or contractors, such as cleaning crews, in the building. 

It’s also important to note that your facility may lose power, so all exit signs should also have backup batteries. This will ensure they are illuminated for a minimum of 90 minutes in the event of a power outage.

3. EXPIRED FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Sometimes, our inspectors come across fire extinguishers with expired inspection tags. Fire extinguishers are designed to give the ability to put out a small fire, which is why it’s crucial to ensure that all of your fire extinguishers are up to date on their inspections. Much like emergency exits, fire extinguishers should also be in plain sight, not obscured from view, and have nothing blocking access to them. They should be mounted to a wall surface in order to protect them from damage. If you happen to notice the gauge needle on your fire extinguisher pointing in the red area rather than the green area, notify your local fire marshal’s office immediately. To save time, you can hire a fire protection company to perform your monthly fire extinguisher inspections.

4. PAINTED FIRE SPRINKLER HEADS

When performing an inspection, fire marshals will check to see if there is adequate clearance around each sprinkler deflector. They will also check to see if the sprinkler heads have been painted. Manufacturers are the only entities allowed to paint fire sprinkler heads, so it’s important for painters to cover all of the fire sprinkler heads (especially when using a sprayer). 

If the ceilings aren’t too high, you can easily identify the issue by performing a simple visual inspection at ground level. Any fire sprinkler heads that have been painted over will need to be replaced by a professional fire protection contractor to ensure that water will be able to disperse without obstruction.

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS TO PREVENT FIRE CODE VIOLATIONS?

The best way to avoid fire code violations, as well as the time and cost of correcting the violations, is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. 

1. Install a professional, up-to-date fire alarm system and keep it well maintained throughout the year. 

2. Access your city’s building information system so that you can look up what your jurisdiction’s violations are and any permit applications you may need to complete for your address. 

3. Check your local fire department’s public records for any information pertaining to your building and make sure you have a valid certificate of occupancy.

If that information proves hard to find (fire codes can sometimes have more than 50 different types of permit requirements), we recommend that you consult with your local fire marshal who will be able to access all of the above information for you. They will also be able to assist you in your efforts, notify you of any common violations and make recommendations to correct them.

We know how important it is to keep your employees, visitors, and buildings safe. We can install and update your fire alarm systems to ensure that they are not only up to code but will alert both the building's occupants in case of emergency AND the fire department. Click here to contact us for more information on fire inspections, fire prevention, and fire alarm monitoring! 

Cloud-Based Keyless Entry

Q & A WITH SHANNON DAVIS ON CLOUD-BASED KEYLESS ENTRY FROM OPENPATH

In our last blog, we covered the risks of not having an access control system. In this blog, we’ll cover the benefits of not only having access control but having the new cloud-based access control from Openpath, brought to you by Midwest Alarm Services. 

Our Q & A with Shannon Davis will take you through a deeper dive into keyless entry from a user’s perspective. Shannon, boasting nearly 30 years in the security industry, is our Technical Support Specialist in Kansas City. 

Q: What sets Openpath apart from other access control providers? 
A: The readers are touchless which is even more important in this day and age. Your reader can stay in your pocket or purse. You can swipe your hand or use your smartphone or smartwatch as a keyfob and save the expense of cards or keyfobs. You can adjust the range usually up to a couple of feet, which is handy if your hands are full! 

Q: My facility requires physical badges; can key cards and key fobs still be used? 
A: Yes! If an employee forgets their badge, smartphones are a great backup since those are rarely forgotten! 

Q: What does it mean to have a cloud-based access control service? 
A: You don’t have to worry about having a server on-site, so it’s one less thing to buy and maintain. This is all done remotely and software updates happen automatically. 
You are almost never without a connection to your reader, which operates using Bluetooth, wifi, and cellular. 

Q: Can I lock all of my doors at once? 
A: Yes. The feature is called Lockdown, allowing you to hit a button to lock all of your doors at once. This has been prevalent in schools but a lot of businesses use it too. 
You can also manage the presets if you want to section out the doors and create different events. So, say there is a situation on the east side of campus and you’re on the west side; you can customize it to lock down the east side doors only. 
It’s one of those great features that is there if needed but we hope never has to be employed. 

Q: Can I let visitors in remotely?
A: Yes. It’s called Guest Pass and is very useful when you don’t want to give out a badge or if someone doesn’t have their phone or badge on them. 

Q: What about my smart locks? 
A: Openpath has partnered with Schlage locks to integrate with their technology using Bluetooth. This brings your cost down significantly (probably by half) of a traditional door that you want to wire for access control. Hardwiring is always better and more reliable, but this is an option if it’s just not in your budget. Or, sometimes there are obstacles such as marble walls, which you’d rather not cut through or damage. 

Q: How user-friendly are the reporting features?
A: Reporting is done in real-time via any web browser. You can see which events are happening now, track occupancy, and more. So, in the event of an emergency, you’ll know exactly how many people are in any given area of your campus. 

Q: What other integrations are there? 
A: The Openpath software uses webhooks, so a lot of integrations can be set up fairly simply and inexpensively. Normally, it takes someone writing code behind the scenes but webhooks have changed all of that. You can create a predefined event and tie it into another third-party system, too. Slack (one of the first ) and Google are examples. You can limit occupancy in your fitness center or cafeteria, for example. 

Q: What do you know about the hardware side of things?
A: The back-end hardware and control boards are affordably made in the U.S.

Q: What about Managed Access Control (MAC)?
A: It’s still possible but probably less likely you’ll need it based on how easy cloud-based access control is! Midwest Alarm will maintain access and can set up alerts in case the controller goes offline. So far, our customers love managing Openpath themselves. 

Q: I have a lot of employees; how easy is it to sync them? 
A: New and existing employees can all be synced using Active Directory (new hires will be added automatically). A good alternative to Microsoft’s Active Directory is Okta. 

Q: Does it integrate with our Midwest Alarm video cameras? 
A: Using the Milestone app, yes. A new access control reader is coming out that has the camera built into it. So, if someone shows up who wouldn’t normally have door access (or who forgot their badge), you’re able to visually verify them and let them in. Alternatively, if anyone leaves a secure door propped open, you can easily identify the guilty party. 

Q: What else does Openpath offer?
A:  They offer wellness checks via a third party. It’s fairly expensive but could be useful for the right business. 

Shannon is clearly a fan of Openpath keyless entry! But that is only because his customers like it so much. Property managers especially love it because they are likely to have multiple properties in various locations so it makes their lives easier. 

The convenience of this new technology has been a game-changer and Midwest Alarm is happy to bring it to you. To learn more, contact us for a free consultation!

A Note from our President

I recently read a book of individual stories from those who have served in the military over the past 15 years. One story made me reflect on our business at Midwest Alarm Services and the impact we have on public safety.

The story was about a Navy sailor who was lamenting to a Marine at a bar that he had never seen combat or had the opportunity to fire on the enemy. The Marine listened and told the sailor, there were many times they needed support from the Navy, either in attack planes coming off carriers or supplies being delivered. If it wasn’t for the support the Marines received in the field from the Navy, he personally would not have survived. The sailor went back to his crew on the ship and told them that they might not carry a gun, but their work on the ship was vital to helping the soldiers in the field do their jobs.

This reminded me of our team at Midwest Alarm Services. We are not the individuals who go into buildings to fight fires and rescue individuals, but we are the team who provides and services life safety systems that make those buildings safer, and alerts authorities with the information they need to quickly and effectively respond. In the event of a fire, the equipment we provide allows the fire departments to know exactly where the fire is at in the building and where it is spreading, so they can put it out in less time. 

We are extremely fortunate to have a dedicated staff that works extremely hard at what they do and in doing so make the buildings that people live and work in safe and secure.

Doug Richard
President of Midwest Alarm Services

Fire Hazards, Prevention & Procedures for Buildings

We all know that fires escalate quickly but we often don’t consider the risks and what our plans will be should a fire occur. 

The first step is to assume your commercial building or industrial plant is always at risk. That means potentially serious injury (or death) to you and your employees and damage to your property and equipment. 

So just as it’s important to have a fire prevention plan in place addressing any potential risk factors, it is equally important to have a set of guidelines detailing what to do in the event of a fire (and to practice them).

Major Fire Hazards

The following are some of the most common fire hazards that can be found in the workplace, including your commercial and industrial buildings. For a full explanation of major fire hazards, head over to our Most Common Fire Hazards in the Workplace & How to Prevent Them blog. 

• Dust 

• Faulty electrical equipment

• Flammable liquids and vapors

• Objects that generate heat

• Untested fire alarms

• Unmonitored fire alarms

• Blocked fire exits

• Overloaded power circuits 

• Waste and combustible materials 

• Fire doors left open

With the proper precautions put in place, it is possible to prevent or control a fire before it causes any serious damage. The following are important considerations when creating a fire prevention plan.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Fire extinguishers are some of the most commonly used fire protection equipment in commercial buildings and workplaces. They should be placed in any and all high-risk areas, and there should be at least one located on every floor of the building.

When caught early, fire extinguishers are extremely effective at putting out fires but will likely not suffice if the fire has managed to spread a substantial amount. Only as effective as the person using it, all employees should know how to properly use fire extinguishers and their location throughout the building(s). 

FIRE ALARMS

While fire alarms won’t put the fire out, they are vitally important to your building. Due to the rate at which fires spread, it is crucial that everybody is made aware that they are in danger. 

Fire alarms that are manually activated by a person will let out a loud, continuous sound to let everyone know to vacate the building.

A smoke alarm, however, will automatically sound an alarm if smoke has been detected in the building which is priceless in terms of buying time to get everyone out. It’s not only critical to the safety of everyone in the building but required by law/code. 

If your workplace is not outfitted with a proper fire alarm system, then the time to do so is now per NFPA 72®: 

National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®

NFPA 72 provides the latest safety provisions to meet society's changing fire detection, signaling, and emergency communications demands. In addition to the core focus on fire alarm systems, the Code includes requirements for mass notification systems used for weather emergencies; terrorist events; biological, chemical, and nuclear emergencies; and other threats.

Midwest Alarm Services can outfit your building with the latest in fire alarm technology, so that you are always prepared for the possibility of a fire starting.

MONITORED FIRE ALARMS

While not required, fire alarms with 24/7 monitoring provide the speed necessary to prevent a fire from going from bad to worse. Perhaps nobody is in the building when the fire starts or the folks who are there have been compromised. The Midwest Alarm Monitoring Center is staffed 24/7 with trained professionals who can ensure the fire department is on its way to you with little to no time lost.

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

One of the most effective ways to extinguish a fire is by installing a sprinkler system. Operable both by high heat detection and manual operations, sprinklers will distribute pressurized water onto any of the areas where air between 135 and 165 degrees is detected, ideally drowning out the flame before any significant damage has been done.

Establishing Fire Procedures in the Case of a Spreading Flame

No matter how many safety precautions you put in place, there is always that chance a fire could get out of hand and wreak havoc in your building. It is important to establish procedures and a set of rules to follow if your tenants and/or employees are put in danger by a quickly spreading flame.

ESTABLISH A PREDETERMINED ROUTE FOR EXITING THE BUILDING

When it’s time to get everybody out of the building, every second counts. The less time that people are exposed to the flames and smoke, the less likely they are to suffer from burns or lung damage. All building occupants need to know the quickest way out of the building from every interior location.

Any floor that is not the ground floor should be equipped with a fire escape or stairs. Using the elevators is contraindicated in the event of a fire.

Following and practicing these predetermined routes with little to no deviation is the best way to get out safely. Everyone should be encouraged to leave their belongings behind and evacuate as quickly as possible. The less time they spend inside the building, the better.

EDUCATE YOUR EMPLOYEES IN FIRE SAFETY

Your tenants and/or employees should know proper fire safety etiquette. This includes things like crawling and staying low to the ground to avoid smoke, feeling doors with the back of your hand before entering them (to check for heat), using the fire escape and stairs before anything else, and covering their mouths and noses to prevent smoke inhalation.

Most importantly, teach everyone not to panic. If everybody has been properly educated on how to handle themselves in the event of a fire, as well as all the predetermined evacuation procedures, it will help reduce panic which only clouds judgment and causes additional problems.

Furthermore, make sure that your building is up to proper fire safety codes and standards. Doors should open outwardly, avoid design flaws and outfit your buildings with fire escapes and fire extinguishers.

If you need an effective and advanced fire alarm system installed in your building(s), Midwest Alarm Services has you covered. We offer a number of different types of fire alarm systems and services, including 24/7 fire monitoring. In addition, we can outfit your building with the latest in video surveillance, access control, and any other needed security technology.

Partner with Midwest Alarm Services to provide your tenants, employees, and visitors with the safest possible experience, giving you greater peace of mind whether you are on or off the clock!

The Most Common Fire Hazards in the Workplace & How to Prevent Them

Every year, fires in the workplace can cause serious damage, injury, and death. You might think that it will never happen to your business, but the only real peace of mind is taking all of the proper precautions. 

Below we have outlined the most common causes of fire and how to prevent these fire hazards in the workplace. First, let's take a look at some statistics just to give an idea of the impact fire has on businesses across the country.

• In 2020, there were 3,500 fire-related deaths in the U.S.

• According to the NFPA, firefighters respond to a fire every 24 seconds in the U.S.

• Fire crews respond to around 37,000 fires at industrial or manufacturing properties annually - most fires were caused by mechanical failures and equipment malfunctions.

• A single warehouse fire causes an average of $128,099 in damage. 

The Best Ways To Prevent Fire In The Workplace

Most fires are preventable. Here’s a rundown of some of the best ways to prevent fires in industrial or commercial settings:

• Properly dispose of hazardous waste - oils, chemicals, and other hazardous waste should all be properly disposed of as soon as possible.

• Maintain equipment regularly - everything should be up to code and checked over to a schedule especially in an industrial environment. 

• Safe storage - all chemicals and flammable materials should be stored as safely as possible.

• Keep a clean environment - ensure your team cleans up after themselves and hire a cleaner to ensure your business is clean to a professional standard.

• Education & Evacuation - teach building occupants how to handle a fire extinguisher and practice your evacuation plans.

• Make sure your building is secure - implement building security measures such as alarm systems and access control to deter people from committing crimes that could damage your premises, such as arson.

• Have a designated smoking area - a designated smoking area away from the workplace is vital.

• Have accessible, functioning equipment - such as easily accessible extinguishers and properly working sprinklers.

• Have an emergency plan - know who to call, how to stop the fire from spreading, etc. Having practiced emergency fire plans laid out beforehand will make it so much easier.

• Adhere to safety guidelines - know what the safety guidelines are in your area and industry and stick to them.

Causes of Workplace Fires

Every business should adjust its approach to fire prevention based on its unique layout and circumstances. Read on for some of the most common causes of fire and how you can prevent them.

DUST

Dust is everywhere but it is especially prevalent when machinery is used to cut wood, plastic, and metal. If there is a build-up of dust and no proper ventilation, explosions and fires can occur in enclosed spaces.

Extraction fans are a must, and equipment and machinery should be kept free of dust and grease as they can heat up when the machine is in use. Keep everything clean and make sure your workplace is well ventilated.

For all other workplaces, make sure that work areas that have a lot of cords or electrical equipment -- such as server rooms -- are dust-free.

FAULTY ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

One of the most common causes of fire in the workplace is loose cabling and damaged plugs. To prevent this, you should replace faulty equipment ASAP. Equipment should be regularly tested by an expert to ensure it is compliant; procure someone who is certified to come in and ensure that you are not putting your employees in danger with faulty electrical equipment.

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS & VAPORS

Industrial warehouses and factories often have flammable liquids and vapors on site, and these, although necessary to business operations, can be a danger if they are not handled properly.

Large amounts of flammable liquid can ignite in a millisecond if they come in contact with a single spark. Flammable liquids and solvents must be properly sealed and stored.

If a flammable liquid is spilled it must be cleaned up right away using the proper cleaning solutions and equipment.

In addition to that, make sure you have safety signs placed in the areas where these liquids are stored and that your team has received safety training so that they know what and what not to do when they are near these chemicals.

OBJECTS THAT GENERATE HEAT

The heat generated from machinery can be a threat to the workplace, especially if you have combustible materials nearby. It may seem obvious but sometimes workers are in a hurry and leave combustible materials near machinery that gets hot.

Machinery must never be left running or unattended when not in use. When leaving work for the day, ensure employees know that everything should be switched off and cooled down before clocking out.

UNTESTED FIRE ALARMS

Something as simple as an untested fire alarm could be the reason that your business, even with the smallest fire, goes up in flames. Set up annual compliance testing with a professional to ensure your fire alarms and other life safety equipment are all in full working order at all times. You’re doing so will not only keep your tenants and/or employees safe but you’ll meet the requirements of your local building department, fire inspectors, and even your insurance carrier. 

Midwest Alarm provides fire inspections. What are we testing?

• Fire alarms

• Portable fire extinguishers

• Range hoods

• Sprinkler systems

UNMONITORED FIRE ALARMS

Having fire alarms is the bare minimum. While not required, fire alarms with 24/7 monitoring provide the speed necessary to prevent a fire from going from bad to worse. Perhaps nobody is in the building when the fire starts or the folks who are there have been compromised. The Midwest Alarm Monitoring Center is staffed 24/7 with trained professionals who can ensure the fire department is on its way to you with little to no time lost.

BLOCKED FIRE EXITS

Your business should be free from clutter and your fire exits need to be accessible. If your fire exits are blocked, this is not only a common fire code violation but it obviously also prevents your employees from being able to escape the building in the case of a fire.

It may not seem like a big deal to set some delivery boxes by the fire exit door until you are able to take them out to the dumpster, but this seemingly minor thing could be fatal to those who are in the building. Plus, one seemingly innocent gesture often leads to others following suit and now it’s not just a few boxes.

OVERLOADED POWER SOCKETS

This one is easily avoided but is still one of the most common causes of fires. Overloading power sockets is inadvisable. Keeping outlet usage to a minimum will avoid overloading and overheating your power sockets.

We highly suggest using approved power strips if you have a lot of machinery or devices that need to be plugged in. These help control the amount of electricity emitted from the power socket and are necessary when it comes to preventing fires.

STORAGE OF WASTE AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL

Paper, cardboard, and other combustible materials can cause a problem in all types of work environments, offices especially. These materials are the perfect fuel for a fire to spread quickly so you should avoid keeping combustible materials on-site as best you possibly can.

If you do have to keep a lot of paper and cardboard on-hand for fulfillment or other purposes, make sure they are in an area where a fire is unlikely to start, and don’t let them pile up. Use the appropriate recycling containers that are distanced from any heat or fire sources in your building. Label these containers clearly and make sure no one is using them to dispose of things like cigarettes.

LEAVING FIRE DOORS OPEN

It is very likely that your business has fire doors somewhere on the premises. They are often left open because people want to move things in and out of the building quickly but this renders the doors absolutely pointless if a fire breaks out.

Fire doors are specially designed to prevent fires from spreading and, therefore, keep the building occupants safe while exiting. If these doors are left open, the fire will spread quicker than if they were closed and the risk of someone getting severely injured significantly increases.

It is important that your employees can quickly tell the difference between your fire doors and fire exits. Your fire exits should already be properly labeled but your fire doors might not be. We highly suggest putting up a sign that says something along the lines of, "Fire Door: Leave Closed At All Times."

SMOKING

You can’t stop everybody in your office from smoking, but you can designate a  smoking area away from the main building. Make sure this area is clearly marked and has a designated receptacle for employees to dispose of cigarettes into.   Make designated smoking areas a clear rule that everybody sticks to and reiterate the importance of extinguishing cigarettes completely.  

If you are worried about fire hazards in your building, the first safety step is putting policies in place that prevent fires before they happen. The second step is to ensure that your fire alarm system is monitored, up to date, and functioning correctly. Learn more about fire alarm system upgrades, installation, and maintenance from the experts at Midwest Alarm Systems!

Latch: Access Control Made Solely for Apartment Buildings

If you are an apartment complex owner or manager, Latch is the best thing since sliced bread. Hang with us as we interview resident expert, Greg Heine/NICET Level III, out of our Omaha and Lincoln Midwest Alabranches as to why we can make such a bold claim. You might even like this solution more than bread...and we can almost guarantee that your tenants will, too!

Q: What is Latch?

LatchOS is a keyless entry system made specifically for residential apartment buildings. Residents can now access their building and their unit completely wirelessly. It’s a full-building operating system of software, products and services designed to make your building safer and more efficient. Best of all, no hardware is required and they’ve thought of all checks and balances! 

Q: How does Latch differ from Openpath?

Openpath can be used anywhere and in buildings of all sizes whereas Latch is only used for residential apartment complexes. It has multi-tenant properties in mind. I have yet to find a limit on size, either. We did an 800-door job recently! 

Q: How easy is Latch to install, maintain and use?

All of our Midwest Alarm Services teams can install Latch for you. As for the property owner/manager, it’s extremely easy to program and make updates and changes. Latch was designed to be self-sufficient so everyone using it will have an even easy time with it! 

Q: Why do tenants love Latch?

It’s mobile-friendly. Latch caught on that pretty much everyone carries their smartphone (or Apple watch) on them at all times. It’s a lifeline. So, they designed the system around current times. However, in the instances where tenants happen to forget their phone or its charge is dead, everyone is assigned their own individual PIN number to enter in the keypad. If for some reason a tenant forgets their pin, they can use the intercom to contact the on-duty property manager or maintenance person and be let in. Another use for Latch cameras so the party in need can be easily identified. 

If all else fails, your property managers would be the only ones with access to physical keys for each door. 

Q: How do tenants give access to their guests?

Tenants can send mobile credentials to any guest for a set amount of time from one day to an infinite amount of time. This is useful for dog walkers, house cleaners, deliveries, family members and so on. 

How it works: send a pin to your guest via the app. This ensures you never have to share your personal pin! 

Q: What if tenants don’t want to give guests access?

There is an intercom system that integrates with the smartphone app. So, say they are using Grub Hub to order dinner, the delivery driver would find your name in the intercom to call you and you can let them in the building’s front door. It’s strongly encouraged to use Latch’s integrated camera system for an added measure of safety. 

Q: Are there any other integrations?

Latch will integrate with some video camera systems; please contact Midwest Alarm Services for more information on that. They are also integrating with smart apartment features such as thermostats, lighting, wall outlets, etc. 

Q: How are the locksets powered? 

Wireless locksets are battery powered so your maintenance team will get notifications when the battery power reaches 20%. Remember, manual keys can always override the system if needed. 

Q: Is it 100% cloud-based?

Yes, which means there are no computers or servers onsite to buy or maintain. The fee is for annual software hosting. When it’s time, you get notified to upgrade the system’s firmware. This can be done in a snap via the app or any web browser. 

Q: Where is the cost savings? 

1. No computers or servers to buy or maintain. 

2. No access cards to purchase since it’s 100% mobile. 

3. No need to re-key the locks and make new keys every time one of your tenants moves out. 

4. Reduced payroll hours to do all of the above!

Q: Are access cards or key fobs an option if needed? 

Yes, key fobs can be made upon request but it’s not required. They are very helpful to lend out to contractors (plumbers, electricians, etc.) who are in and out frequently for the day or on an ongoing basis until the project is over. You can assign them a pin but the key fob prevents them from having to download the app for a temporary job. 

Q: What are some of Latch’s other safety measures? 

Your tenants are notified anytime someone has entered their apartment unit. This can help weed out property managers who aren’t following the rules and notifying tenants upon entry. You can also see the report of everyone who enters the front door of the building, which can help with investigations if any type of crime has happened on-site.

Q: What about tampering or hackers?

Latch has a secure, encrypted connection back to the cloud host so hacking has not been an issue. There really is no way to physically tamper with it other than removing the card reader from the wall but this would not allow access to an intruder. Plus, a signal is immediately sent if any Latch unit has been tampered with or damaged. The locksets are securely mounted in place so I don’t foresee that happening. See the next Q & A for what happens when someone tries to break in by guessing your pin. 

Q: Tell us more about the optional cameras?

All devices have a camera built-in! When activated, you’ll always see who came to the door, whether your tenants are home or away. If someone is using random codes to attempt a break-in, Latch sends real-time alerts to your property manager and the tenant. Note, a video feed of this event is not available at this time but a still photo is sent. Latch will begin sending after only one unsuccessful login and every time thereafter until ceased. 

Q: How soon before my changes go live? 

Whether adding a new tenant or making other necessary changes, they are all done in real-time. Many other manufacturers are set up to run once/day and often at night so there is a delay but not with Latch! It’s done instantaneously so your updates are live right away. 

Q: Will the locksets fit my existing doors? 

Yes! The Latch lockset should slip right into place when removing the existing lockset in the vast majority of cases (I’d say 99% of the time!). 

This new technology for apartment complexes definitely has Greg’s seal of approval and that’s backed by a long list of very happy customers. Give us a call to see if Latch is right for you! 

4 Reasons to Maintain Your Access Control System

There are a wide variety of security systems available on the market today for businesses and schools of all types. No matter which security system you may have in place, there is always room for more effectiveness in regards to safety.

While access control systems can involve key cards, pin codes, or biometric scanners, they also include business alarms and security monitoring systems. An electronic access control system is much like any other electronic process of verification, but can also assist you in keeping outside intruders from gaining access to valuable office devices, as well as confidential business information. 

Having an effective access control system will also help keep employees and students safe. There are an infinite number of reasons you should properly maintain your access control system, but today we will give you the top four.

1. Restricting Unauthorized Access & Reduce Theft

According to The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), organizations lose an estimated 5% of annual revenues to fraud each year. An access control system makes it extremely difficult for, employees, intruders, or any unauthorized individuals to gain access to that which you don’t want to be accessed. It provides you with control over who has access to the various areas within your place of business, such as any high-risk areas, confidential files, etc. while also deterring criminals. 

Simply put, anyone without the exact credentials and/or identification cards that are required will not be allowed access and/or entry. Only those who have been pre-authorized by you and logged in to your access control system will get in.

2. Electronic Visitor & History Log

On the same note of restricted access, access control systems can also provide you with an electronic log of each occurrence where access was granted on your property. This information can be recorded and reviewed at a later time. Reports can be generated to see who has accessed what, where, and when, creating an audit trail that enables you to electronically manage the time and attendance of your employees. 

Access control systems can also provide you with muster reports that allow you to instantly see precisely who is where in your building in case of a shutdown, lockdown, or emergency.

3. Improved Surveillance & Better Visibility

Access control systems are meant to be deterrents and prevent hazardous events from occurring by keeping people out. However, emergencies do occur and control systems need to be used during or after an event. 

With a standard door and alarm system, an alarm will go off letting you know when someone breaches an entry and identifies which door triggered the alarm. But, who opened the door? With an access control system, you have the ability to integrate your video surveillance cameras with your door locks to create a seamless and secure environment. You can now view immediate surveillance video if an emergency situation arises. Videos can also be recorded and stored in your centralized security office for use in the future.

4. How You Benefit from Building Access Control Systems

Whether you are running a business or managing a school district, ensuring the safety of each and every person that enters your building(s) is your legal duty. In fact, there are health and safety issues that could potentially arise if your access control systems are not maintained to operational standards. Risks such as workers being trapped in buildings, disruption to procedures and systems, and loss/theft of company/school property. 

By using an access control system, you are able to manage every aspect of your job site from a central location, allowing your facility to be secured against outside and inside threats in a matter of seconds. You’ve now increased the safety of all personnel on-site.

The goal of access control systems is always the same: to increase safety and security at any location. Conduct regular maintenance on your access control systems to ensure proper function and the utmost safety. Contact us for assistance!

Access Control Challenges in College Dorms

In colleges and universities, student, faculty, and staff security is a primary concern. According to Campus Safety and Security Data, there was a combined total of 62,787 burglaries, robberies, and vehicle theft across U.S. college dorms in a two-year period.

These statistics have led schools to be on high alert, ensuring everyone on campus (and in student housing) is safe from harm. With so many college campuses extending over several acres, it’s more and more challenging to keep everyone safe. One solution to the problem is access control but it’s a job for the professionals. But, what is access control?

Understanding Access Control

Access control is a security technique that restricts access to an environment or facility. It essentially means allowing the right people in designated places at designated times and preventing anyone else from entering. By using a set of specific credentials to be granted access, such as fingerprint scans or keycards, only those who are designated can enter.

An excellent choice for student housing and other campus security, access control solves the following challenges. 

Use of the Outdated Lock & Key

Many college dormitories still use outdated physical lock-and-key systems. The problem with this is that keys are easily lost and locks are easily picked or broken. This type of security system isn’t practical because there may be a number of doors inside the residence hall, meaning students are forced to carry multiple keys.

Digitizing access control systems is more economical. Most systems use keycards and biometrics. While keycards can be lost, too, access to a dorm building can be remotely canceled or suspended immediately. Plus, a lost or stolen card no longer means replacing the door locks.

The use of biometric locks adds another level of security because the system is almost foolproof. Because these locks use fingerprints, access to certain rooms and the dorm building itself is limited only to those with pre-approved biometrics. There’s no risk of losing a key or having it stolen and there’s no need to manually lock doors anymore. For places with high-traffic entrances like college dorms, access control is ideal.

High Student Turnover in Residence Halls

Many colleges and universities require their students to stay in campus-based residence halls for a designated number of years. Many students choose to move into their own housing once this period has passed. A high turnover rate means it can be hard for student housing property managers to keep up with who still has access to their buildings.

With an access control system in place, you don’t have to worry about collecting keys from students. You simply turn off their access.

Not Knowing Who’s Entering or Exiting the Building

Another problem that’s common in college dormitories is not knowing who’s coming and going. Regular keys can be wielded by anyone, so it’s a constant security risk. If a key gets lost or stolen, there’s no way of tracing its whereabouts or if it’s being used by someone else to come and go.

However, the use of keycards or biometrics to open doors leaves a digital record of a person’s entry into the building, including the time and point of entry. If something goes wrong inside, like theft, access control records will show exactly who was inside the building at that time.

This also makes access control systems a perfect companion to surveillance systems and monitored security cameras. 

Unrestricted Access to Any Part of the Building

One of the biggest issues with building safety is the ability to limit access to parts of the building for certain periods of time. In most cases, students have 24/7 access to their dorm, especially if the building utilizes a lock and key system. A separate locking mechanism would be needed to restrict access to certain areas or during specific times.

With a proper access control system, however, you can set specific time restrictions on your residents’ access to the building (all or parts of it). This allows you to grant access to specific areas to only the people who need it and only when needed. This feature is also beneficial for dormitories that set curfews. Because residents can only enter and exit until a specific time, they’re more likely to return before being locked out. 

The numerous possibilities and configurations are customizable to your campus’s needs and this doesn’t have to be a stand-alone security measure. Access control pairs perfectly with our pre-event monitoring (CAPSOL) and mass notification systems (live broadcast of high-risk, life-threatening emergencies). Contact Midwest Alarm Services for help with making your campus fully secure!

Panic Buttons in Hospitals

"Small hospitals are not immune to newsworthy/cringe-worthy stories. Protecting and keeping our staff safe was a huge and growing concern but we have been able to combat a lot of our worries thanks to panic buttons from Midwest Alarm Services."

-Matt Olson, Plant Operations Manager at Sanford Sheldon Medical Center 

"It’s hard to be in health care right now," said Cynthia Kelleher, Chief Executive Officer of the University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute, where patients include those just off ventilators for COVID-19. "It’s even harder if you feel threatened at your job." 

If you work in health care or know someone who does, this statement probably hits home. According to the Mayo Clinic c/o Bloomberg, "The rate of violent incidents more than doubled during the pandemic to 2.53 per 1,000 visits compared with 1.13 in the three months before the pandemic and there’s a positive association between the case rate and the rate of violence." 

And, it’s certainly not just hospitals taking the hit. "There’s been an increase in harassment of workers in groceries, restaurants, and airlines during the pandemic. But critically ill COVID patients in hospitals are a particularly explosive situation," said Martin McGahan, who co-heads Alvarez & Marsal’s health-care turnaround practice. 

These incidents are, in part, to blame for the rise in turnover and expenses. That’s why U.S. hospitals are requesting billions in federal safety funds which would be used toward panic buttons among other things (lighting, locks, and security training, to name a few others). 

Protecting America’s already burnt-out staff is paramount. Health care workers who have been hit, shoved, kicked, and spit on report that COVID has made things worse.

Sanford Sheldon Medical Center’s Matt Olson, a Midwest Alarm Service customer, reports his experience.

In a small hospital in small-town Iowa, the night shift can be a little scary, especially when working with a smaller crew. After a recent incident of patient violence toward the night nurses, Matt Olson, Plant Operations Manager, knew something had to be done. 

"They had no form of protection so it was then that I knew the night nurses needed a way to contact the police quickly and discreetly," he said. 

He swiftly contacted his Midwest Alarm Services rep who’d previously helped him with fire alarm inspections and was soon saying yes to a panic button. 

"The panic button immediately gave our mostly female staff a sense of confidence and security. I spoke to the local police to assure them that we would only use it if someone’s life was in danger and they have responded favorably to that," he said. 

Upon first use after installation, Matt didn’t predict that it would be used to protect not his staff but a patient’s life. When a self-harming patient unexpectedly ran out of the hospital, they were worried he was a threat to himself or possibly others. 

"My staff was concerned for his life so some of them followed him outside to see where he went (so they could direct the authorities) while another employee pressed the panic button," Matt recalled. 

The police were able to arrive on the scene in a timely fashion, quickly discuss his approximate whereabouts with the nurses and find him within a block or two of the hospital. They brought the runaway patient back to the hospital.

Another panic button instance illustrates the need for discretion when calling the police. Patients can become more aggravated if they know you’re placing the call to 911. When a uniformed police officer brought a threatening patient in for treatment, he stayed until he felt it safe to leave. While there together, which spanned over several hours, the patient was very calm and cooperative. Everyone agreed it was okay for the officer to leave the patient alone with the staff. But, as soon as the officer was out of sight, the patient became combative and unruly. Thanks to their panic button (unbeknownst to the upset patient), the police officer returned quickly. 

"This is one of those cases where the patient’s anger would have likely escalated had he known the nurses were calling the police to come back so we were thankful for the discretion of a panic button," Matt reported.

There have been three total incidents at Sanford Sheldon Medical Center in the past two years. All have come from the ER even though Matt has supplied several other departments with panic buttons (front hospital nurse’s station, ER admissions desk, the ER itself (located centrally and very accessibly in the hallway), the clinic, and the senior care facility. 

"Small hospitals are not immune to newsworthy/cringe-worthy, danger-inducing stories. Protecting and keeping our staff safe was a huge and growing concern but we have been able to squall a lot of our worries thanks to panic buttons from Midwest Alarm Services," Matt said.

Matt conducts annual safety training with his entire staff and keeps in touch with the local authorities on expectations. It has worked very well for Sanford Sheldon Medical Center. If you would like to know more about installing panic buttons in your hospital, please contact us. 

Source: 

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-10/hospitals-seek-funds-for-panic-buttons-amid-pandemic-violence 

Fire Prevention in Restaurants

The Dangers Behind Kitchen Doors: Fire Prevention in Restaurants

A restaurant’s priority should not only be to offer an exceptional dining experience to its patrons but to ensure that the experience is a safe one for all parties housed under its roof. And we’re not talking about food safety here! 

Life’s major events and celebrations with families, friends, and partners are often celebrated in restaurants. Think about how many acquaintances have become close, inseparable friends or romantic partners after shared meals in a café or restaurant. There’s just something special about dining out with loved ones, gathering at a table, and excitedly waiting for the dishes that you didn’t have to cook. 

The financial impact of this massive economy is impressive, too. According to the National Restaurant Association, restaurant industry sales were around 4% of the national gross domestic product in 2019. Employing 15.3 million people with another 1.6 million jobs over the next decade, we know these hot spots aren’t going anywhere. 

Fire Culprits in a Restaurant Kitchen

What goes on behind a restaurant’s kitchen doors is a different world filled with potential safety risks and danger. With the consistent presence of open flames and hot liquids, the kitchen staff is exposed to fire hazards daily. According to Insurance Solutions of America, “Around 40% of restaurant fires start in the kitchen, and nearly 20% of those can be traced to the stove.” Further, more than 8,000 restaurants catch fire every year which costs more than $245 million in property damage annually. 

The most common causes of restaurant kitchen fires:

• Cooking Oil & Grease Traps. According to the National Fire Protection Association, mishandling of cooking oil and other kitchen materials ignited almost half (43%) of restaurant fires.

• Range Hoods & Exhaust Systems. If there is grease buildup in your range hood and ductwork, flammable vapors can be extracted and fires can spread rampantly. 

• Gas Leaks. Old and neglected equipment in restaurant kitchens increases the risk of fires. Gas leaks are very dangerous and can result in explosions that can cause the biggest restaurant fires.

• Electrical. Restaurant fires are also commonly caused by unsafe wiring, sockets, and switches that are exposed to flammable and combustible materials.

Restaurant Fire Prevention

It’s important to understand that restaurant kitchens are always at risk of fire. It’s just the nature of this business, which is why it’s important to take steps in preventing fires to protect your customers, employees, and vendors.

Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid a fire in your food establishment. Check out our top four tips below!

1. Install an Automatic Fire-Suppression System

Fire suppression systems are extremely important for preventing restaurant kitchen fires. Since almost half of kitchen fires are caused by cooking flames, this system will automatically dispense liquid that will suppress a cooking fire and will shut down the fuel supply in the case of a cooking fire.

1. Regular Maintenance and Inspections

A restaurant kitchen uses a lot of electrical equipment and regular maintenance should be prioritized and scheduled. Preventing fire in the kitchen takes more than just installing the said suppression systems. These systems should also be regularly inspected to make sure that they are properly working and will function when needed. 

Range hoods and exhaust systems should be inspected twice per year to catch grease build-ups early.

1. Invest in Fire Alarms & Security Systems

​Installing fire alarms and security systems in your restaurant allows you to keep an eye on the entire kitchen, even while away. Observe best (and worst) practices for improving operating protocols and procedures. A monitored fire alarm will help catch a small cooking fire, giving you the chance to prevent it from blazing out of control. The extra set of eyes (from the monitoring center) will react quickly when nobody else is able, sending the fire department without delay when needed. 

1. Train Your Kitchen Staff

Your kitchen staff is the primary people who are exposed to the risk of fire and it’s imperative that they know not only how to prevent an outbreak but also how to respond in the event a fire occurs. Staff training could involve ensuring everyone knows how to use a fire extinguisher, properly use and store flammable liquids and enact your emergency plan. 

A restaurant is a business that takes years to plan and a huge amount of money to establish. Yes, you run a business for profit but it goes beyond that. Most restaurant owners have big hearts and a deep desire to serve their patrons. It’s about providing a place where people can bond and enjoy one of life's greatest pleasures. And safety has to come first!

Midwest Alarm Services is versed in regular maintenance of your fire alarm, vent hood, and fire extinguishers. If you don’t already have a fire detector or security system, we can handle that for you, too. Contact us to learn more and let us help you keep your restaurant, staff, and patrons safe.

Think Out Loud: How Quality Sound Systems Improve Your Meetings

Your meetings require quality, audible communications. Having the proper audio technology gives you the ability to maximize meeting room function while ensuring smooth communication between the facilitator and participants. Keep reading to find out how clear audio makes for comfortable and successful meetings and presentations.

Why Sound Quality, Clarity & Volume Matter

Sound system design is based on a number of factors. The layout, size, and shape of a room determine the range of sound that can be translated clearly through a speaker or heard through a built-in microphone. With the proper, correctly calibrated audio systems, a presenter can be heard loud and clear by attendees no matter the size of the room.

In larger meeting rooms and auditoriums, built-in microphones aren't enough. They may require louder than normal audio and more clarity. Background noise and echos are distracting which can damage the effectiveness of a meeting or presentation. Some may tune out altogether. Even worse, presenters’ credibility may be damaged through the perception that there has been a lack of planning and organization. By having a modern sound system in place, meetings are productive and participants are engaged.

Aside from sound systems, sound-absorbing materials such as acoustic wall panels and moveable walls help audio become louder and clearer. This is important in large meeting rooms. By absorbing the sound and reducing reverberation, those who have trouble hearing will be able to understand what is being discussed. With increased volume and clarity, you’ll have fewer disruptions and misunderstandings.

Avoiding Technical Difficulties

Audio is vital in delivering a quality sound experience. But a visual presentation is no good with poor audio or no sound. Precious minutes are wasted trying to get it fixed (we’ve all been there!). Pausing to get technology to work is distracting, causing your participants to lose attention. Instead, imagine simply walking into the room and presenting right away without issue.

A high-tech meeting room sound system has sophisticated technology such as a hands-free control so the presenter can move around with a wireless microphone. This benefits a meeting with multiple presenters, a number of seating areas, and several room divisions. Speakers are able to cover a wide area, presenters can interact directly with members, keeping them involved the whole time. For speakers who like audience engagement, everyone can actively participate with the right sound system.

Hybrid Employees & Remote Meetings

You have employees here, there, and everywhere. With a professional sound system in place, distractions (think side conversations and background noise) are minimized due to sound masking. Audio output disturbances caused by frequency interference won't be encountered. Without interruptions, you are able to keep your meetings crisp and concise.

With so many employees working remotely and the challenges of global communications, the right technology is paramount. Software plays its part and there are many telecom services that provide excellent digital communication services. It would be a shame if the hardware being used did not match the performance of the software. Get the right sound system and no one will have to worry about microphone feedback or buzzing sounds because everything needed for successful communication is in place.

The Psychology of Sound

Every aspect of a meeting, from the seating to the lighting, has an impact on participants. This is especially true for sensory-rich environments because they stimulate the brain, liven up the senses, encourage learning and attract attention. In any meeting where visuals and sound are involved, attendants are more likely to become engaged. Sound, particularly, has the ability to transform a small space into a huge arena if it is clear and pleasant.

Over the years, technological advancements have made it possible to ensure that meetings are more effective, productive, and successful. Whether through video streaming or sound system engineering, businesses are now able to create a rich environment for their employees so meetings and conferences become more engaging.

Being misunderstood due to poor acoustics can be discouraging! Instead, allow all of your speakers the confidence that they are being heard.

A Provider of Audio and Communications

In addition to sound systems, Midwest Alarm Services provides businesses with fire protection, access control, mass communications, video surveillance, and business security services. Our sound system clients include educational facilities, music halls, sports arenas, churches, auditoriums, commercial offices, hospitals, and other commercial and industrial businesses. Contact us for more information!

Why You Need a Network of Fire Alarm Systems

Having an effective network of fire alarm systems is critical to the safety of any establishment. Without them, you run the risk of major fire damage, employee injury, and significant reconstruction costs. 

Well-functioning fire alarm systems enable you to provide an early warning to speed up evacuation time for people in the building and reduce property damage. Over the years, fire alarm technology has evolved, allowing for increased safety. Thanks to a properly installed network of fire alarm systems, you can benefit from greater protection from accidental fires that could spread throughout your property.

What Makes Networked Fire Alarms Different?

A networked alarm system communicates data throughout the fire alarm panels, allowing for greater control over the fire safety of an entire building. These systems can be customized to meet the specific needs of your facility, no matter what the size.

The control panel is a fundamental component of the system. Large fire alarm systems feature control panels for every floor of the building (or a variety of set locations). Each panel maintains the status and control of a designated area.

A network fire alarm system allows you to access panel information from a central location. A single-system view saves you from visiting multiple physical sites. Furthermore, networking improves survival rates. Should a single panel lose communication, the remaining panels can still function and communicate with each other.

An Efficient, Central Monitoring System

Networking technology gives building owners superior command and control during a fire. Midwest Alarm Systems installs fire alarm systems with application design in mind to suit your facility’s unique fire protection needs. By choosing our systems, you can enjoy the following benefits.

ENHANCED COMMAND AND CONTROL CAPABILITIES

Access to your entire system from a centralized dashboard, making it easier to command and control your fire alarm system. Administrators can check the status of intelligent devices within their system remotely using computer software. For instance, they can adjust the sensitivity of smoke detectors and disable devices from their dashboard.

BETTER SURVIVABILITY

A comprehensive network of fire alarm systems can function in a standalone mode, but they can also communicate intelligently. Its superior survivability means that no one component can take down the whole system, even when communication in one panel is down.

CONVENIENT EVENT DOCUMENTATION & REPORT REVIEWS

Using the centralized dashboard, authorized users can pull up historical reports, view previous system adjustments, and review troubleshooting and advisory logs. Administrators can use this information to learn about what caused an alarm to go off and why.

COST-EFFECTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Shifting to a networked fire alarm system results in lower annual monitoring costs. Standalone systems require two transmission channels and a central monitoring agreement. Networking technology, on the other hand, needs only one transmission channel and monitoring agreement for your entire building.

MASS NOTIFICATION INTEGRATION

If you include emergency communications to your networked system, you can integrate it with your current mass notification system and deliver critical messages to people during an emergency. Administrators can do this with an inside and/or outside building voice announcement, on-screen pop-up displays, text messages, emails and more.

The safety of your building and its occupants is of the utmost importance. We have installed fire and security systems in healthcare, manufacturing, educational, and industrial facilities across the Midwest and we know what it takes to keep your establishment safe and secure. We look forward to protecting you, too! Contact us for more information.

Video Surveillance: Open vs. Proprietary

Safety is one of the few things in the world that is truly priceless. So, when it comes to deciding between an open platform or a proprietary-based security and/or video surveillance, how do you decide? While on the surface, it may seem like they both accomplish the same goal, the inner workings of each are where you will find the differences between the two.

Proprietary Systems: Pros & Cons

Proprietary platforms have been around for quite a while and for good reason. When you limit the amount of access to your security surveillance system, you also somewhat limit the chance of potential breaches. Proprietary systems often coordinate exclusively with the company that manufactured the equipment, software, and the system itself, all of which make for a great match and terrific compatibility. 

While proprietary systems may look attractive from afar, the closer you get is where you will discover its disadvantages. First, there is a limited base of service and upgradeability, which is dependent upon your manufacturer and service provider. A proprietary system typically can only be repaired by the same company that installed the system (using their replacement parts), which can be much more expensive than an open platform system. That also means they exclusively control the price, service rates, and response times. 

Another drawback comes when the user experiences a software crash. New upgrades in technology happen all the time and, with a proprietary system, getting those new updates becomes much more difficult.

Open Platform Systems: The Future is Now

The future is evolving towards open platform systems all the time. Open platform systems are designed to integrate with a wide range of equipment and software. The number of qualified service technicians who can work on open platform systems is much higher and they are more readily available than their proprietary counterparts.

Built to allow integration and interchangeability, the upkeep of your open platform system is much more budget-friendly than that of proprietary systems. 

But, what happens when you decide you want to part ways with your surveillance system and move to something else? Maybe there are features you need but are not available with your current system. 

No worries. 

Typically, open platform systems can be easily switched and you can seamlessly transition to new equipment or a different system altogether. You shouldn’t have to replace all components of your current system unless you want to. 

Migrating to or installing an open platform system opens the doors to nearly limitless capabilities. The upgrades to your security system become more accessible and frequent. Your safety and security are never compromised since security protocols for open platform systems are secured the same, if not better, than any other system in the industry.

For your video surveillance system, IP cameras can run on most video management platforms depending on 1) architecture (whether it is an open type) 2) age of the cameras and 3) recording device specifications. Essentially, Midwest Alarm Services simply installs new software, programs the cameras into the system and a new platform is up and running.

The bottom line is that you should never have to compromise your safety or security when it comes to wanting the best security platform for your business. In the long run, an open platform system gives you greater flexibility and control over your system without leaving you to the whims of the manufacturer or installing company.

Hospital Security Audit: How Secure Is Your Access Control System

Medical institutions face many challenges. One of the most important is ensuring the safety and well-being of all on-premise individuals. Hospital access control systems are used to increase security but they can only help if installed and set up correctly and efficiently. A cohesive effort between hospital management, security, HR, and IT is necessary to ensure everyone’s safety, prevent theft and violence and avoid a shutdown of hospital operations.

WHO IS PROTECTED BY ACCESS CONTROL? 

Even in a smaller hospital setting, it is difficult for security cameras and personnel to keep an eye on everyone at all times. Not only that, your security officers may not be allowed access to specific areas, such as those that house dangerous substances or contagious patients. With access control, you can protect all people throughout your hospital at all times.

• Hospital staff – administrative, doctors, nurses, utility crews, volunteers, etc.

• Patients – referrals, walk-ins, scheduled check-ups, emergency cases, inpatients, outpatients

• Visitors – family and friends of patients, hospital staff visitors

• Hospital suppliers – medical representatives, delivery crews for medical and non-medical supplies

• Vendors – cafeteria and concessions servers, gift shop staff, and all other vendors

The need to protect staff, patients, and visitors from those with malicious intent is also something to consider. 

ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM FUNCTIONS

Protecting high-traffic areas may seem a little more obvious, but there are also critical areas of the hospital that don’t receive high foot traffic and still require stringent security. Implementing access control means protecting all areas from unauthorized access and restricting entry to areas that are closed off to the public.

It also allows for monitoring the movement of guests and hospital personnel throughout the building(s), identifying individuals who can access restricted rooms, and granting entry to personnel who have clearance to specific areas of the hospital. Your security team is enabled to program specific security parameters based on your needs.

In such a fast-paced environment, it is critical that hospital security is ready and able to respond when a crisis occurs, such as a sudden influx of emergency patients, a stream of media, and police in pursuit of a high-profile patient or a dangerous individual entering the building. Access control systems allow you to deploy lockdowns (specific areas or the entire facility) and usher people in the right direction during an emergency to ensure their safety.

Incorporating access control maintenance in your routine security audits will ensure your systems are working properly.

ACCESS CONTROL SECURITY AUDITS: FOCUS POINTS

Regular audits are vital for ensuring that your access control systems are functioning correctly. It is important to pay particular attention to the following five areas. 

1. Physical Barriers – Access control audits should include tests on physical barriers like magnetic and auto-lock doors and turnstiles and speed gates for pedestrians and cars. Barriers that are slow to respond could be problematic in emergency situations.

2. Identification Devices – Impress upon your staff the importance of keeping their personal identification and access keys safe. Built-in devices like biometric-access locks, access control keypads and identification sensors must be programmed to admit the correct clearance levels into certain areas of the hospital. The audit should also extend to the data logs, which show an accurate record of foot traffic into restricted areas.

3. Door Control Hardware and Software – Faulty access control due to careless installation and software bugs can render your access control system useless.

4. Clearances – It’s imperative for the administration to keep a close watch over the clearances of all hospital employees, vendors, and visitors.

5. Human Resources should immediately deactivate identification devices of resigned or terminated employees. Don’t wait for a system audit but do initiate small, periodic audits to ensure everyone has the proper access.

If you are looking to update or upgrade your hospital’s access control systems, we can help. Not only that, we specialize in nurse call systems, panic buttons, fire detection, mass notification, and communications systems installation, integration, and maintenance, too. Contact us for more information!