Houston Security Company
Our company is focused on the Industrial, Corporate and Commercial Electronic Security needs. However, many of our clients ask us to do their residence and weekend home needs. Generally, this is the only time we venture into the “residential market”.
The reason is simple. The national home security companies are willing to give away a complete system in order to own their customers for 3-4 years. We do not operate in this market, however, we can provide monitoring of home security alarm systems at a rate competitive to the market. $19.95 a month based on a 24 month agreement. It does require you have a system we can easily monitor without the addition of a new panel or other equipment.
We also have self monitoring options for those of you with smart phones and are more interested in being able to remotely control your system and know whenever your system is activated. The only requirement is Internet Access we can tap into and install our device. Not all security alarm panels are compatible so please contact us for a complete listing. You would also need to download an app to be able to control your system from your phone.
Intercom Systems – Video has come into it’s own from necessity!
Video Intercoms have been around for years for commercial, industrial and corporate settings. Now the cost has dropped significantly enough to be a staple in the home electronics market, providing a safer way to see who is knocking at your door.
The latest provides color and the ability to pan/tilt/zoom all on a consumer grade unit.
Do not put yourself or a family member at risk answering the door. Know who is on the other side.
Also, back this up with a few outdoor cameras to provide notification prior to them even reaching the door. Positioned correctly you will be able to see if it is your next door neighbor or one thug with two buddies around the corner.
Safe “Floors” or “Cores”
The technology and advancements made in Safe Room or Panic Room design is now leading to new and better concepts for residential and Industrial/Commercial applications.
Devices previously designed and developed for other uses can be used to secure area’s of the home, office or complex in the event of alarm or manual activation.
In many residences that have “safe” or “panic” rooms, these are primarily located in the Master bedroom area. Now, we can physically protect wings, floors and or the entire structure from penetration beyond just secure and alarmed doors and windows.
The best designs, however, are not retro-fits. They are integrating the systems into the design prior to construction so systems can be recessed and hidden from view. Allowances in design to integrate these systems can be extensive to make their presence concealed and non-obtrusive to the eye. In some cases, redesign is necessary to accommodate higher levels of security.
Call me at 713-553-6212 for additional information.
Steven Carr
Safe or Panic Rooms
Safe Rooms – Residential and Commercial
As a business owner myself, I appreciate the added peace of mind that a safe room offers to a home owner who lives in a large home and is perceived to have valuables and other items of value ready for the taking.
I also have an appreciation for dealing with an industry focused on putting bad people behind bars and “protecting” good citizens. Having been involved in legal action and threats in the past, I live in a gated community, which is a security plus, but certainly not the total solution.
Security starts at the perimeter of your property and today’s advancements in Closed Circuit TV systems (Security Camera’s) allows for smart Digital Video Recording units that allow for on-screen motion detection and alarm outputs when motion occurs during alarmed periods.
In the security industry, we call this a pre-alarm and do not interface this into the security reporting feature. . Having “eyes” watching your perimeter alerts you to any breach and can set off interior chimes, activate viewing monitors, turn on outside and inside lights if at night, and give you those needed seconds to gather the family before the home perimeter is reached.
Many thieves today go to the power and communication lines outside to keep the alarm system from communicating. We address this in several ways providing redundancy and security reporting of alarm activations.
Doors locks and latches can be easily re-enforced to defend against “kick ins”. Windows can be treated with film that resists blows from heavy objects, again, providing time for you and your family to reach your safe room. With the breach of a door or window, your alarm system should instantly go off, alerting police or security to any possible threat.
Planning your safe room and what options you want.
The first consideration is “where”. Although many master bedroom closets are converted into safe rooms, sometimes an unused, adjacent bedroom is best, especially if it is inbetween the Master Bedroom and the other bedrooms or common areas.
Next to consider it “what for”. Is it only going to serve emergency security situations that are short term? That would be one (1) hour or less. Midterm from one (1) hour to four (4) hours. Longterm from 5+ hours. With the right construction, a saferoom can protect you during severe weather or huricanes. These are generally over in minutes or a few hours.
Once you determine the where and what for, the options you feel are important come into play.
Basic options should be:
- Bullet Proofing of walls, floors (if not on concrete) and ceiling
- Fireproofing
- Waterproofing
- Hidden/lockable access and emergency egress doors
- Backup Power
- Security Cameras – exterior and covert interior with DVR
- Security communications keypad
- Reduntant wireless communications
- Exterior Visual Signals of secure room activation (Horns and Strobes)
- “Buddy System” redundancy with neighbors, if possible
Other options available:
- Separate Ventilation systems
- Backup Power Systems
- Reduntant Communications
- Electric Toilets and drinking water
- Noise Deterents
- Weapons Safe
Because a safe room can be multifuctional, it can serve for closet space, book shelves, office area, etc… no need to “dedicate” space to seldom needed usage.
Budgeting – this level of security is best addressed pre-construction of a home or commercial facility. Costs will range between $7,000 and $40,000+, depending on options.
Post-construction installation will run about 35% higher and will take a third (1/3) longer to finish.
If you are looking for simply a safe location for violent weather, there is a nice pre-built steel enclosure that can be located in a garage or exterior room and drilled into exist concrete slab or foundation. This can be brought in with a forklift and positioned into place.
Planning Options – Do it yourself vs hiring a professional.
Much of the planning and implementation can be done by yourself, even the electronics and security camera’s, if you are so inclined. Be sure to check with your local authorities about permits needed for electrical and alarms.
Some city’s also require alarm permits before they will even respond to a home alarm activation.
Camera’s do not necessarily need permits because they are low voltage. Just be sure you are not invading a neighbors privacy when you position your outside cameras..
For commercial and industrial applications, we work with Security Directors, Architects and contractors to design and implement corporate security protocols and provide safe rooms to protect executives and staff from direct physical threats.
Our goal and designs are for your protection during a critical breach of security.
Houston Safe Rooms
Houston Safe Rooms
What is a Safe Room or Panic Room?
A safe room is an access controlled, fortified or “hardened” room (walk-in-vault) where you and your family members can go, quickly sealing the door behind you and remaining safe until police or law enforcement officers can assist in clearing the premises.
These rooms are quickly becoming a standard design in new, larger homes and a common retrofit in existing homes, where business owners and executives want to provide a safe area for family members to gather in the event of a break in or home invasion. Combined with alarm activated roll-down walls, your family or, in a commercial application, employees will have additional time and opportunity to get to a secure location.
Residential – Commonly located in or off of the master bedroom closet, newer designs are incorporating multiple paths from other bedrooms to a small closet sized room with protected walls, ceilings and floors. Additionally, safes, weapons and vaults can be located in or connected to a safe room so that access is protected.
The doors are usually steel or hardened and re-enforced to prevent someone from breaking through or shooting into the room.
A single button activates access and automatic closure and can only be opened from inside or by electronic access on the outside. The outer walls are either steel plate and plywood or concrete block with steel re-enforcement to make them bullet and battering ram proof. Options may include:
Access doors behind bookshelves, faux walls and under stairwells.
Bullet proofing fabric or steel
Waterproofing
Separate ventilation systems
Battery backup powered lights and power supply for communication and camera system
Cameras to view activities in and outside the home. Interior cameras should be covert.
Hidden roll down walls to protect additional areas of the home
Electric toilets for longer duration stays for severe weather or standoffs
Noise deterrents – Sound generating devices that make it physically impossible to remain in the home
There is usually phone, cellular and backup communication, back up power and other options to keep you in communication with law officials. Additionally, lights and sirens can selectively be activated to alert neighbors and passerby’s. For longer duration stays AND in the event of hurricane’s and tornado’s, an accessible water supply and toilet is necessary.
Optional Closed Circuit Surveillance Camera’s provide views of the exterior and interior of the residence to assist in the location of the intruders. Although a good panic room should be used for only a few minutes until help arrives, some have additional features for longer stays, including electric toilets, water supplies and propane gas operated refrigerators.
Once you have created a safe room in your home, remember the following:
- Create a family plan for when and how to use the safe room
- Keep your perimeter security system active whenever possible.
- Have non-threatening drills with young children
- Stock the safe room in advance with emergency supplies
- If possible, have a trickle charge UPS for power and light or buy some battery operated stick up lighting.
- Assume power and phone lines will be cut, so have a dedicated cellular phone in the room and keep it charged. Buy Purchase a pre-paid Walmart phone to avoid monthly bills..
- Call the police and confirm your security monitoring company also called.
- Refuse to come out of the safe room until police arrive
- Remain calm…remember it’s not a panic room, it is a safe room.
Commercial & Industrial – Provide your staff secure passage to a safe “zone’ and reasonable security from the general public or disgruntled employees. Start with your public access areas, protecting receptionists, management and executives.
When considering the benefit of such a room for your business or executive offices, be sure you also enhance your existing electronic security system with backup cellular communication and additional perimeter security.
Any device allowing early detection of a threat can increase the time allowance to get to safety. In a gated, fenced area, this “pre-alarm” feature can provide several seconds head start. Conference rooms can be quickly converted to a secure mustering point.
Call me if you have any questions.
Steven Carr
713-553-6212
Access Control Design
Access Control Design Overview
Access Control – When ever you implement locking hardware or electronics on a door, you are limiting access.
In today’s Electronic Access Control market, limiting access to a building or facility comes in many variations and functions.
Locking doors can be accomplished through Mag Locks, Strikes, rim devices and Full Mortise Electrified hardware. They allow the user the ability to lock and unlock a door based on the criteria of time and who wants/needs access.
With a professional building Access Control system and hardware, you have multiple levels of access, locked/unlocked time capabilities, archiving events, input and output controls based on who, what and when and door status reporting.
Each door is configured with a lock, an interior method of unlocking, a door contact (for door status reporting) and a reader or keypad.
Including the door contact allows the system to “see” if the door is open, closed, forced open and/or held open for more than a programmable period of time.
Exit or Egress devices play a special role in making your system meet current local code addressing electronically controlled doors. Since a fatal accident in Houston, in the mid 1990′s, all Magentic locking doors must be interfaced to the fire alarm system to unlock in event of fire alarm activation.
Magnetic locks need to have an egress button located within 5 feet of the door to physically kill the power to the lock(s). It also sends a signal to the access system to unlock the door for a specified period of time. The technology and code is changing to require a “pneumatic” egress button to assure the unlock time, although most unlocking of the mag locks is done with Egress motion detectors.
An Egress motion detector is needed to unlock the door based on interior motion AND shunt the door position contact so a “forced door” situation does not occur.
Reader technology now offers many options: Keypads, Proximity, Wiegand, Bio-metric, voice, RF Transmitters and endless combinations of the above. I do not ever recommend keypads alone, but when combined with other technology it becomes not just what you know and what you have BUT can include Who you are with bio-metrics.
Keypads offer few variations, but I love the scrambling number keypads that allow you to see the numbers only directly from the front and scrambles the numbers on each activation.
Bio-metrics can include fingerprint, voice, hand geometry and retina eye scans. Eventually DNA may even play a factor.
Card technology includes Barcodes, Weigand, Proximity and RF. The new “smart card” allow you to carry information with you as to who you are, ie…fingerprints, access levels, security clearance, etc….
Printing on the cards has become a popular option of many large companies who incorporate their Photo ID system with the Access System. There are many printers on the market that accomodate this function.
The Access Control software offers various input/output controls allowing activation of systems or devices upon reading of your identity, like turning on the AC system for a specified time if you come in on the weekend.
Most Access Control systems offer interfacing/interactivity to many other systems like CCTV, Alarms, HVAC, Fire, and more, all controlled through the same software solution.
Most systems also provide 12VDC operation which allows limited backup battery operation. Here in Houston, with some hurricane outages lasting days, if not weeks, we make sure we are interfaced with back up generators when available. This keeps the building locked and secured for prolonged outages.
I hope this helps you down the road to ask the right questions. If you need help, please email or call.
Steven Carr
Intercom Systems/Residential and Commercial
Houston Security Intercoms for Home and Business
Intercoms have come a long way from just recent years past.
Today, an intercom can be one door to a master unit or 4000 doors to multiple masters. With the introduction of IP based intercoms, the possibilities are limitless.
Other than IP, the next greatest advancement is the incorporation of color pan tilt cameras and controls.
Home units offer the same features but commercial door units now offer built in Access Card Readers and can go over 500′ on Cat 5 wiring with video included.
In my opinion, there is one leading manufacturer, Aiphone. Their selection and variety are unsurpassed. Intercoms are easy to install and come in any configuration you need. Give me a call and I can show you the options.
Steven Carr
Access Controlled Gates
Houston Security Electronic Gate Solutions
Access Controlled or Gated security for a business or shared living facility is a great way to control traffic to parking areas but is not without challenges.
Most systems consist of a rolling or swing gate, a gate operator, an access control system (with card readers, wireless transmitters, pin pads or RF Tags for the windshield), safety loops for keeping the gate from closing on vehicles, communication systems for visitors and a method for free or controlled egress.
In the City of Houston and other local municipalities, a Gate Permit is required along with a 911 keyed “Knox Box” for allowing the Fire Department access to the property in the event of an emergency. In the box is either a pull cable to uncouple the chain or some other means to manually or electronically open the gate.
The Basic Components and operation of an Electronic Gate System include:
1. The Gate – early in your design, the type of gate needs to be determined. Most commercial facilities will use a cantilever type gate design with a roller support. For heavy gates, this is the best system. Most gates today are either Wrought Iron or an aluminum look-alike. Industrial facilities can get away with tubular galvanized steel frames and chain link mesh. Weight on either is still important because it effects the design as well as the size of the gate operator.
Depending on the traffic, the best designs include an access AND an egress gate.
Residential and light commercial applications might choose to go with a single or double swing gate. Most swing gates are constructed from light weight aluminum materials with the look of wrought iron.
Another common option, but less secure is Barrier Gate Arm Operators. These are also a high maintenance item because people insist on trying to piggy back and rush closing gates, only to break the arms. Look into breakaway arms and high density plastics for light weight and easier repairs. Gate arms can be a single bar or articulating bars. Allow width for large vehicles and height clearances. For parking facilities, articulating arms help control height regulations for the low ceilings of a parking garage.
2. The Gate Controller – the gate controller is one of the most important components and will need regular maintenance and adjustments. This is just the nature of the beast. The “beefier” the better. Look for high “cycles per hour” and horse power ratings. Trust me…, spending more up front on the gate controller is a good investment for less headaches in the future.
There are several good manufacturers of gate controllers. Call me for a link showing several.
3. Access Control System with TeleAccess – This is going to be a vital component as well because it has to be managed on a regular basis and is computer based. Be sure to get a system that can be controlled remotely over the Internet
First thing to do is determine how you want to activate the gate to open. Access Card, Wireless Transmitter, Key Pad, Windshield tag or biometrics. the two most common are Access Cards and Windshield tags.
Once the above is determined, the next step is to determine how this interfaces to a system that also incorporates communication for visitors. There are many systems offered today that provide these options. The “smarts” of the system allows for an electronic directory that, when selected, calls the person they are visiting who then activates the gate through the phone by pushing the 9 key.
Some manufacturers include Sentex, Viking, DoorKing, Pach, Elite, and Liftmaster. Local security vendors have immediate access to most of these brands. All offer easy “Human” interface to program in users, phone numbers, card codes, pin numbers, etc….
4. Safety Loops – These devices keep the gate or gate arm from closing on vehicles, saving damage claims. They can be drive loops “cut” into existing concrete or be electronic beam types. Both require an interface to the opener and Access Operating system to keep open or reopen the gate controller.
Each situation dictates the best system to use. On free egress (drive up and open gates), you need what is called a drive loop. This tells the system a car is present on the inside of the gate and opens the gate so they can egress.
5. Other Misc components – You will need gooseneck stands for the readers and communication systems. Be sure to request they get set in concrete and ask for “bollards with plastic cover shields ” to protect your equipment. Regardless of what you do, these will be hit by careless drivers.
This is why I never recommend a complete system without Security Cameras to watch the gates and controls. It is great to have a license plate and video of the driver when they damage your equipment. Video recordings make insurance claims much easier. Be sure your lighting at night is reasonable but remember to request camera’s with IR (Infrared) Illumination.
Intercoms can replace the TeleAccess devices if you have a manned guard gate 24 hours a day for visitors to communicate with.
Tiger Teeth or equivalent. These allow you to control free egress without a gate opener. If someone tries to “go in the out”, it shreds their tires. Pretty much maintenance free, they come in 3′ to 6′ foot sections.
WARNING – YOU MUST HAVE SIGNAGE WITH FLASHING LIGHTS WARNING DRIVERS OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF DRIVING THE WRONG WAY!
I hope this helps you learn the basics so you are a more informed customer!
Steven Carr
Houston Security Cameras
Selecting the right Security Camera
or Surveillance System
Although most of our CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) systems are commercial and Industrial installations, the same equipment can be used for residential applications.
However, there is a big difference between the surveillance equipment you can buy at a discount electronics store or discount clubs and the equipment a professional Security Systems integrator specifies for commercial applications. The biggest difference is in capability, quality, warranty length and function.
Please understand that MOST Security Companies WILL NOT install equipment a resident has purchased for a residential application. You get into all sorts of warranty issues, function and camera challenges. Also note , any installing company MUST have a State license to install CCTV systems. These are issued by the Texas DPS department.
Additionally, be careful because there are many “camera experts” who are not licensed to install cameras and have no liability/workmens comp insurance. Working in a residence has unique challenges and the last thing you want is a half installed system with a hole in your ceiling where a “Trunk Slammer” technician missed a ceiling joist and left the installation. Be sure the selected installation company has insurance and has been in business for at least a couple of years.
Now, before you make a camera system purchase, consider the following questions:
- What type of surveillance camera should you choose?
- Should I get a weatherproof security camera even if the camera is not directly exposed to the elements?
- What size monitor and Digital Video Recorder do I need to purchase?
- What options are important in a Digital Video Recorder? Does it have motion activated Real-Time recording capabilities? Can I access it from the Internet or my smart phone?
- Is a wireless video surveillance camera security system a good option for my application?
- Where can I get a covert wireless security camera like a nanny cam or Teddy cam?
- What is a CCD chip?
- What are my surveillance requirements and how do I design my system around them?
- What is the focal length of a security camera lens and what difference does it make?
- How can I get the best resolution from my security systems? What is TVL?
- Do I need to add exterior lighting or do I go with Infared Illumination?
- What is the lux rating of the camera and what does it mean? What are the low light levels?
- Do you need to allow for Back Light Compensation?
- How high is the camera going to be mounted? ( You don’t want to be looking just at the tops of a burglar’s head)
Most “boxed” systems use a specific wiring type with pre-measured lengths of wire included in the “kit”. This is unfortunate if the camera needs to be located further than the wiring permits. Every splice you make results in degradation of the signal quality.
Additionally, most of the cameras included have a set lens focal length and this often times results in a camera not providing the best picture from the location you are foced to locate the camera in. Ideally, purchase a camera with a vari-focal lens. This means it is field adjustable to allow you to determine the range of view best for you.
So, how do you determine the best lens for the job? Well, professionals use lens calculators to size the lens by measuring the distance from the camera to what or where you want to have on the monitor. The height of the range of view is equal to .75 x width of view. You need to know the distance to the object, the size of the camera’s CCD micro chip (Charge-Coupled Device) and the width of the view you need.
As you can see, sometimes it takes someone who knows what they are doing to assist. This is not to say you can’t gain the knowledge to choose the right equipment and install the system yourself. I hope this helps you down the road to ask the right questions. If you need help, please email or call.
Home Automation and Control
Houston Home Automation and Control using The BAT System
Home Automation has been around for many years but it is finally coming into it’s own. Ask the attendees at the annual Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas this past year. (January 6 – 9, 2011)
With the advent of the “Smart Phone” you can now control your home from a home automation app allowing you to view camera’s, turn off and on systems, open garage doors, unlock electrical locks, adjust temperature settings and much more.
For the alarm industry, a local firm, ONDuty, has developed a cutting edge device for controlling alarm systems and accessories through your smart phone with a Broadband Alarm Transmitter (BAT).
You choose the destination of each type of signal. Alarm, supervisory, trouble, Open/Close, and other signals can be routed to the central station, or directly to you. Additional features are:
No costly telephone lines. (Broadband Alarm Monitoring requires Broadband)
Works with any broadband Internet (Cable modem, DSL or Satellite)
Remote Internet control of Arm/Disarm, Bypass and User management.
Iphone App for remote control.
Notifications by Text or Email. (Arm/Disarm, Alarms and Testing)
Latch-Key Reporting – Know when your child arrives home.
Internet Alarm Monitoring products are simple to install, versatile in signal processing, and is very affordable.
State of the art and locally manufactured, this is one device that will enhance your alarm system overnight.
Steven Carr