Benefits of a Commercial Security System

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Why are commercial security systems important?

Commercial security systems are important for businesses of all sizes. Not only do they help to protect your property, but they help to keep your employees safe. A commercial security system includes features like video surveillance and alarm monitoring. It has other useful features like access control and fire detection.

Commerical Security Systems

The benefits of a commercial security system.

If you are looking for a commercial security system, the first thing to consider is what kind of security your business requires. It’s important to select a system with features that match those needs. For instance, a logistics operation may need access control to provide audit logs of who has entered the space and when. They may need to control when people can enter specific spaces. Having these types of options gives you more control in terms of what kind of security you need for your business. Checking the capabilities of each system will help you find the one that aligns with your needs and budget.

In another instance, retail may see more value in a CCTV system. This will give them the ability to review their entire location, inside and outside while allowing their team to focus on the client. Many systems allow for remote viewing through the Internet which helps managers to have peace of mind. 

Different Types of Systems

There are many different types of security systems that businesses can install to keep their employees and property safe.

Video Surveillance (CCTV)–

This is the most common type of security system. In the retail example we discussed earlier, security cameras help keep an eye on both the inside and outside of a business or property. These cameras can either be fixed in place or placed on a rotating dome. They cameras are usually connected to a recording system that enables remote viewing online. Extra features like remote monitoring can be included, allowing for the identification of intruders before they break in.

A wireless CCTV system is a type of surveillance camera that uses wireless transmission technology instead of wires. However, we do not usually recommend Wireless CCTV as it may be unreliable in most cases.   

Types of Security Systems

Video surveillance (CCTV) security system.

 Picture quality has always been important for security cameras. The old grainy security cameras are a thing of the past. Modern high-resolution cameras offer clear and crisp images that help catch criminals and enhance safety. You might not think picture quality matters for your security cameras, but it is vital for keeping an eye on your business. Low-quality images can make it difficult to identify criminals and may result in wrongful accusations. With the right choice, you can make sure you have the best picture quality for your security setup!

Access Control–

This is another common type of system that helps to limit entry to specific parts of a business and monitor who comes in and out. The main purpose of access control is to protect the building and its areas from unauthorized entry. Many commercial buildings today widely use access control systems.

Employee safety is another important consideration for businesses. Businesses can install alarm systems, panic buttons, and other safety features to keep their employees safe. 

Another important aspect of any commercial security system is its durability and reliability – ensuring when the system is tailored to fit your environment, it should work without fail, especially when you need it the most. Factors that can impact a security system’s reliability include how often false alarms occur and their severity, the number of different sensors used, and whether the system has backup features.

You can use your smartphone to connect to your security system. An app allows you to arm or disarm your business security system, turn on your cameras and CCTV, control thermostats and timers, and open or close garage doors and gate motors. You can also text or call employees and customers inside your commercial property. The commercial market has been shifting towards high-tech products in recent years, and the demand for advanced technology keeps increasing each year.

Installing and maintaining a security system

Installing and maintaining your system can seem like a large task, but with the right tips, you can get the most out of your system. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Have a professional install your system – this will ensure that it is installed correctly and is up to code. Professionals know how to install the devices in a way that is both secure and trusted. Additionally, they can help you choose the right device for your needs. 

2. Regularly test your system to make sure it is working properly

3. Keep your system updated with the latest software and firmware updates

4. Ensure all appropriate parties are trained on how to use the system correctly

Commercial Security System Installation & Monitoring

Installing and maintaining your security system

It is important to remember that when it comes to security, you get what you pay for. Professionally installed devices are typically more reliable and offer greater peace of mind than other DIY solutions bought from a store.

In conclusion, it’s important to have a security system in place for your business. Formally enacting safety and security measures in your property can empower you to keep your employees and customers safe. You can contact a commercial security services company to get started.

How to Prevent Water Damage

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Water damage is something that every homeowner wants to avoid. Below are a few measures you can take to help prevent water damage that may cost a lot of money.

We’re taking it from the top.

Inspect your roof.

Ensure that there aren’t any broken, cracked, missing or loose shingles up on your roof. It may not take a big environmental occurrence for your roof to leak. Without a weather-tight roof, your house may suffer water damage.

Know where your main water shut off valve is in your home.

Finding out the location of your main water valve and knowing how to turn it off is important. This could be the difference between minor and major water damage loss. If a pipe bursts in your home, the first thing to do is to shut off the main water supply. This will hopefully reduce damage.

Maintain your drains

The main job of your drainage system is to flush out wastewater to the sewer or septic. Every part of that system must work effectively or there may be a collection of water in sink cabinets. This is because it can lead to leaks inside walls or between floors. Ensure foreign liquids like grease, oil, and butter are disposed of appropriately. These substances can hinder a good drainage system and will be costly to remove. Make sure to keep your drains in excellent condition. This is also a good time to check appliances for leaks.

Check your water bill.

The easiest way to know if there’s a leak is by taking a look at your water bill. If you notice that the usage has increased significantly without any reason, it’s an indication that something’s wrong. If your fixtures look fine, have a look in different places. Outside pipes or hose connections are a good place to start.

Don’t put off known leaks for a later date

If moisture damage is ignored or if necessary, repairs are not acted on promptly, there’s a high chance of damage. This can come in the form of dry rot, mold, mildew, or even structural damage to your home. A point to note is that damage caused by a lack of maintenance may not be covered on your homeowner’s insurance policy.

Install environmental sensors

Environmental sensors can alert you about various conditions in your home and one of them is a flood sensor. A flood sensor can be placed in flood-prone areas. Near your hot water tank, or in basements, so you are notified of pooling before severe damage occurs.

Low-temperature sensors are another option to consider. They can detect a drop in temperature which can lead to water freezing in pipes, causing them to burst. A pipe burst is the last thing anyone would want to have to think about. To combat this, low-temperature sensors can alert you when temperatures fall below a set degree.

For more information, questions or concerns about plumbing in and around your home, give us a call on 902-429-4545 or visit WilsonsPlumbing.ca.

Sources:

https://www.autohomeboat.com/blog/10-tips-to-avoid-water-damage-to-your-home/

https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/how-to-prevent-water-damage/

https://buckleyins.com/prevent-water-damage/

Wilsons Supports Hope For Wildlife

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Hope for Wildlife, a charitable wildlife rehabilitation and education organization located in Seaforth, Nova Scotia, is one of the most inspiring places you will ever have the good fortune to visit.  What started out as a dream more than two decades ago for Argyle native and certified wildlife rehabilitator, Hope Swinimer, has grown into an organization which, as of 2018, cares for 4,500 animals and birds a year and assists more than 20,000 callers annually through its wildlife helpline.

Referring to herself as much a people person as a critter person, Hope has happily embraced over the years the tremendous growth of the organization’s paid staff and volunteer base. For the past 7 years, persons committing to a 16-week room and board only internship of hands-on wildlife rescue and rehabilitation work have been coming to HFW from all over Canada and other countries including Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey. In 2018 alone, 50 interns were accommodated.

In addition to working directly with its furry, feathered and scaly patients, Hope for Wildlife has opened its doors to thousands of human visitors by providing guided tours while staff and volunteers have participated in hundreds of off-site, community and school-based educational presentations.

There is no question Hope for Wildlife’s social profile in Nova Scotia is of an organization well- loved and supported by countless individuals and community groups as well as corporate sponsors.  Last spring, following a break-in to the centre that results in a loss of $1,000 of donation money and $1500 worth of property damage, donations and logistical support poured in. As a longtime friend and supporter of Hope for Wildlife, Wilsons Security was pleased to provide security system upgrades and ongoing monitoring service, free of charge.

At the time of the break-in, the door of forced entry was left ajar, thereby exposing the creatures inside to a long night of cold temperatures. This is particularly a problem for cold-blooded reptiles that depend on external heat sources.  Fortunately, none of the animals suffered irreparable harm. However, mindful of the importance of keeping these injured animals not only as safe but also as warm as possible, in December of last year, Wilsons Heating provided Hope For Wildlife with its very own new generator.  As stated on the Hope For Wildlife Facebook page:

Wilsons has supported Hope For Wildlife several times over the past few years and we can’t thank them enough for always coming through for us. They’ve made a massive project more manageable and our rehab animals more comfortable when we lose electricity.

Whether it’s a little saw-whet owl that flew into a window, a fawn found caught in a fence or an abandoned pet snake, Hope For Wildlife offers competent, loving and life-saving care to creatures that might otherwise not make it.  Returned to the wild or adopted by caring human families, every rehabilitated, Hope For Wildlife patient can look forward to an optimal outcome.

Here at Wilsons, we are proud to continue our support of such a worthwhile organization.

For information about educational and touring events, making a donation or volunteering at Hope for Wildlife, check out their website, www.hopeforwildlife.net or Facebook page.

What You Need to Know When Choosing a Security Camera System for Your Business or Commercial Property

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You’ve just had your latest eye exam and it’s time to invest in a new pair of glasses.  The new Flexiframe 900 offers a much lighter frame with no compromise in durability. The choice is a no-brainer. To offset the increased cost, you settle for cheaper lenses.  Next thing you know, you’re getting headaches from hours spent in front of your computer screen or outside on a sunny day with no protection from radiant glare.  Sure, the frames are great but at what cost?

Inventors initially created cameras in much the same way that the human eye functions, with multiple components to consider.  With today’s technology, advances in specific components of security camera systems are increasingly sophisticated. Here are two examples of recent advances in security camera system technology to consider.

Megapixels: The More the Merrier?  …

As image sensors, megapixels have left analog cameras in the dust. So, it only makes sense that high megapixel cameras will give you the best images of all, right? Not necessarily.  Without a quality lens, a 4-megapixel camera is no better than its analog ancestor. Plastic, low-quality lenses make high megapixel cameras more affordable but all the megapixels in the world won’t make up for poor input from a cheap set of lenses.

Space-Saving Compression Ratio:  Who Doesn’t Need More Space?

In any business, electronic space is a precious resource and any improvement in space-saving technology is a guaranteed winner, right?  Not necessarily. When it comes to security camera technology, this new space saving mode can compromise your overall network performance. Instead of the full complement of an 8-camera system, the doubled transmission bandwidth of the space-saving compression ratio means you’re down to 4 cameras max.

Consultation with Highly Trained and Experienced Professionals is the Key to a High Quality and Cost-Effective Video Camera System

At Wilsons, our knowledgeable and trained consultants will meet with you, on site, to go over your exact video surveillance needs. In choosing the system that works best for you, we will make sure you understand how the various components of your security camera options work and what will give you the most bang for your buck. Wilsons understands there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to video surveillance.  Give us a call and make an appointment today with one of our consultants.  We take the business of staying up to date with the latest video camera technology seriously and we want to pass on that knowledge to you.

Make an appointment today with one of Wilsons’ trained video surveillance consultants.  We are ready to meet with you, on site, to determine the best cameras and systems for your particular security needs.