Category: Commercial Security

Introducing Resideo’s ProSeries: Tech Savvy and Easy to Use

Are you looking for a cutting-edge security and smart home system? Resideo’s new ProSeries delivers a complete security and smart-home solution that’s simple to use and integrates seamlessly into your life.

With a refreshed user interface, ProSeries is easy to use with a consistent look and feel across all products, including the panel, touchscreen, and app. This streamlined look makes it easy to learn and operate your new ProSeries security system.

In addition, the ProSeries offers built-in voice control for hands-free operation, video alarm verification to reduce false alarms, and convenient hands-free system disarming. It’s truly the next generation of alarm technology.

ProSeries works with a family of wireless sensors and devices which are interchangeable across the entire platform. 

Homeowners can take advantage of an expanded line of sensors and life-safety devices and can easily add smoke and carbon monoxide detection, flood sensors, smart thermometers, and more. Best of all? These life-safety sensors are all connected throughout the system. If a smoke alarm goes on in your garage, you’ll be notified in your living room or anywhere you happen to be with the TotalConnect 2.0 smartphone app. 

Other devices include indoor and outdoor wireless sirens with built-in strobe lights and an indoor MotionViewer and video alarm verification. These MotionViewers are totally wireless and transmit alerts and images, even in a blackout situation without power or Wi-Fi.

All of this backed up by Resideo’s decades of experience in the alarm industry and powerful AES-128 encryption to ensure a high level of data security. 

Advanced Security Systems is proud to offer the ProSeries family of security products to all our customers in Northern California and Southern Oregon.

Give us a call at 877-443-6366 or schedule a consultation today, and learn more about protecting your home with Resideo’s ProSeries.

Related:

Keep An Eye On Your Front Door With Skybell® Video Doorbell

The Complete Guide To Keeping Your Packages Safe

Update Your Total Connect 2.0 App For A New Look & Feel

Securing Your Business During the Holidays

According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, robbery and personal larceny rise by 20% during the holiday season. This is proof that porch pirates aren’t the only ones who strike during this time of year. If you have a commercial property to protect, here are some quick ways to ensure your security equipment is up to date, tested, and ready to go for the upcoming holidays.

Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. With many businesses closing their doors for a long holiday weekend, taking a few extra security steps can help prevent break-ins, vandalism, and other big problems.

Video Monitoring

Roughly 64 percent of all small businesses experience some form of theft, whether from patrons or employees. But a lot of that can be negated simply by the presence of a video monitoring security system.

Burglary is considered a crime of opportunity because, to employees or customers, it seems like there are absolutely no consequences for stealing or no way of getting caught. And studies say that this crime is amplified by 20 percent during the holiday season. Theft can cost small businesses tens of thousands of dollars. Those numbers are drastically reduced by adding a security system to your business.

The presence of a video monitoring system also goes a long in preventing vandalism. According to the U.S Small Business Administration, one act of vandalism costs the receiving business an average of $3,370. That can take a considerable toll on a small business.

Testing Systems

The importance of video monitoring for businesses can’t be overstated, but what about those who rely on traditional security systems? The holiday season is the perfect time for users to test systems and upgrade older systems with the newest technology.

Testing your alarm system is easy. Call our monitoring center at 707-442-0681 and provide your password or account number to notify our dispatchers you are testing your system. Arm your system, wait for it to be armed, then open a door or window, and wait for the alarm to sound for 30 seconds. Enter your code to disarm. When done, contact our monitoring center again to ensure that the test signals were received and let them know you’re all done.

Reducing False Alarms

It’s fun and festive for businesses to spruce up their stores with fun decorations to get in the spirit of the season, but it can lead to some unexpected consequences. However, be sure that decorations are not blocking cameras or creating blind spots in the surveillance. Another issue with decorations can be an uptick in false alarms. Moving decor, whether it’s the HVAC system blowing decorative material or mechanical moving decorations, is a major cause of false alarms. And false alarms can lead to unwanted fines.

Updating Contacts

As you prepare for the holiday season, make sure that your contact lists are up to date. In an emergency, you’ll want to ensure that our central monitoring center can contact the correct people. Please take a minute to review your contact list by calling our office at 707-443-6366 or make updates right away with our contact list update form (this form will open as a PDF).

The holidays truly are the most wonderful time of the year, and you can truly enjoy this time of year with updated video monitoring systems that keep your business protected and your minds at ease.

Keeping Your Business Secure During COVID-19

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, many of us in California and Oregon have been sent home from our shops, offices, and businesses to ‘shelter in place.’

Doctors tell us the best way to stay healthy during the pandemic is through social distancing—maintaining six feet between others and only going out for the essentials.

[Check out the CDC’s Full List of COVID-19 Preventative Measures]

For many employees and business owners, COVID19 has created a challenging situation that includes leaving their place of work for days, if not weeks at a time.

The best way to get peace of mind knowing that your property is protected while you’re at home is with a professionally designed and installed security system. But an alarm system is so much more than sensors and a siren. Here are five important ways your alarm system can keep you and your property safe during the COVID19 quarantine.

#1 Remote Access Keeps You Connected to Your Home and Business

Remote access has been a revolution in the alarm industry, allowing users to control their systems without having to be at their property. Sure, you can arm and disarm your alarm system from anywhere. But did you know you can also see details about who’s arming and disarming your alarm system, what time alarm events took place, and even set schedules so your system automatically arms when you want it to? That’s the power of modern alarm systems, which are fully operable from anywhere as long as you’ve got your smartphone.

#2 Hands-Free = Germ-Free: Add a remote keyfob to arm and disarm without having to enter your code

During quarantine, when clean hands are critical, many customers have asked us, “how can I use my system hands-free?” Remote key fobs are a great solution. You can arm and disarm your alarm system just like you do your car: with a battery-operated key fob that fits with your house and car keys. Many existing security systems, even some older ones, can function with a key fob. Contact us to learn more about adding one to your security system.

#3 Electronic locks make it easy to grant access from wherever you are

Maybe you’re sheltering-in-place and can’t get to your place of business but want to send a trusted friend or relative to make sure everything is OK. With remote-access door locks, you can be in control of who’s coming and going without having to be near the physical location of your business property.

Electronic locks are offered by trusted lock manufacturers, such as Yale, Schlage, Kwikset, and others, and they seamlessly integrate with your alarm system.

#4 Always Know Who’s At Your Door With Video Doorbells

Video doorbells aren’t just for home use. As more and more businesses are installing video doorbells, these innovative devices are becoming a vital part of a connected security system. The latest models are outfitted for ‘professional’ use with higher resolution cameras attractive finishes to match any decor.

#5 Your Monitored Smoke and CO Detectors are always working for you

One aspect of a modern alarm system that businesses and homeowners both love is always-on smoke and carbon monoxide detection. Without ever having to set your alarm, your property and family are protected from potentially dangerous situations. All thanks to our 24/7 monitoring station and professionally installed smoke and CO detectors. In California, all new buildings are required to include smoke and CO detection, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your home or business is equipped with monitored detection. That means our dispatchers are alerted anytime a detector is activated, without any action from the user. You don’t have to set your alarm or even call dispatch if you suspect smoke or carbon monoxide are present—our Central Station dispatchers will get the signal automatically and begin calling your responsible party call list to alert the user to the potential danger.

Many things are uncertain during the unprecedented COVID19 outbreak, but one thing’s for sure. Advanced Security Systems is there 24/7 for your security needs.

Updates on the 3G Sunset

We’re another month closer to Verizon and AT&T’s planned sunset of the 3G cellular network in 2022.

The idea is that if the cell companies shut down the older 3G network, they can free up resources for more advanced networks, like LTE and 5G. The issue facing consumers is that many alarm systems use the 3G network to send signals to our Central Monitoring Station.

If your alarm system uses cellular communication, there’s a good chance you’re using the 3G network and will need to upgrade before the shut-off date in 2022.

While 3G was once the state-of-the-art network has been replaced by newer network protocols known as 4G LTE, which stands for Fourth Generation Long-Term Evolution. 4G LTE is more robust, offering greater speeds, larger data limits, and more reliability. As consumers, we’ve seen the changes in cellular network technologies when we upgraded from BlackBerries to the original iPhone to today’s ultra-fast iPhone and Android models.

So how do we update your existing alarm system to use the latest technology? Our technicians are visiting thousands of customers one by one and swapping the cellular radio module inside the alarm panel. It’s a simple job, but also one that’s critically important. All alarm systems that don’t get upgraded to 4G LTE by 2022 will be DOA.

Advanced Security Systems is taking a proactive approach to ensuring our customers aren’t impacted by the 3G sunset. Our alarm technicians will automatically complete your LTE upgrade if we are at your property to perform repair or maintenance service. We’ve also begun contacting all of our customers who will need their systems upgraded. If you haven’t heard from us, feel free to call our office, and we’ll check to see if you need the upgrade.

If you want to learn more about the sunset and your upgrade options, please contact us today! Toll-free 877-443-6366 or visit us online at www.advancedsecurity.us/3G.

*Upgrade special is based on your system’s age and capabilities. Please note that some systems cannot be upgraded and will need to be replaced. 

What to Know About the Upcoming 3G Network Sunset

Verizon and AT&T have announced the Sunset of the 3G cellular network in 2022. Read our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the 3G Network Sunset.

What is happening?

In the coming months, cellular companies will shut down the older 3G network to free up resources for the more-advanced LTE network. Currently, your alarm system uses the 3G network to transmit alarm signals to Advanced Security System’s Central Monitoring Station. While 3G was the state-of-the-art network when your equipment was installed, the FCC is now allowing cellular carriers to shut down the 3G network in 2022. After that, the 3G network will no longer be supported by cellular carriers and your alarm system will not be able to communicate unless you update your alarm communicator.

 

Why is it happening?

Cellular networks have undergone a steady evolution since the 1980s. By ending 3G services, cellular carriers are able to repurpose limited network resources to the newer LTE and 5G networks.

 

Is cellular still a good option?

While we offer a number of communication technologies, cellular is one of the most effective, secure and reliable. With more and more people canceling their land-line phone service, cellular communication has become the standard in the alarm industry. Of course, we would be happy to discuss alternatives with you.

 

Will cellular technology change again?

The current LTE network will be the standard for the foreseeable future. But since technology advances rapidly, it’s likely that cellular networks will evolve to new technology in the future. At that time, LTE communicators will likely need to be upgraded to keep pace, however cellular companies have committed to supporting the LTE network for the next 10 years.

 

Why not upgrade to the 5G network?

While the 5G network promises many advantages, it’s not ready for widespread consumer use. A few cities have seen the introduction of the 5G network, but these are limited cases. It will likely be several years before 5G networks are widely available.

 

What do I need to do?

Advanced Security Systems can let you know if your system needs will be affected by the 3G Sunset. You can call us directly and we’ll be able to assist you.

Advanced Security Systems Announces Acquisition of Petaluma’s K & R Security

Petaluma, Calif.—Advanced Security Systems announces the asset purchase of one of Petaluma’s oldest and largest security system providers, K & R Security, Inc.

 

Karim Salih, president and operator of K & R Security, is also announcing his retirement along with the sale. Salih and his wife will remain in the Petaluma area and continue to be active members of the community.

 

“In announcing my retirement, I was careful to select a security system provider with over 48 years of combined experience, not only in security systems, but access control systems, surveillance systems, and fire alarm systems. Advanced Security fills the bill with a proven track record of operating a local, family-owned, regional security company.”

 

Chuck Petrusha, president and CEO of Advanced Security Systems, offers a warm welcome to the K & R Security clients. “I can assure our K & R Security clients a smooth transition with the quality of service, monitoring, and testing you’ve come to trust,” says Petrusha.

 

Advanced Security Systems with offices in Santa Rosa, Eureka, and Crescent City, will continue to service K & R Security customers from its existing Sonoma County location. Customers can use K & R Security telephone numbers to contact the main office and the monitoring station—707-762-5311 (office) and 800-353-3064 (24-hour monitoring station)—that they are used to.

 

Advanced Security Systems is a full-service alarm company with capabilities of monitoring, and working on leading brands in the market place. Advanced Security technicians are factory authorized and trained in the latest technologies and security products.

 

For more information, visit www.advancedsecurity.us.

Advanced Security Systems Merges with North Coast Signal

(Pictured above- George Valdovinos, Service Coordinator, replaces a security sign to reflect the merger of North Coast Signal into Advanced Security Systems.)

Fort Bragg-   Advanced Security Systems has announced a planned merger with one of Mendocino Counties’ most knowledgeable alarm companies- North Coast Signal Inc.  North Coast Signal has served the Mendocino County area for 10 years and shares the same values as the 45-year-old, family-owned Advanced Security.  Together they will form a full-service security and life safety company with a complete line of security, fire, surveillance, and medical monitoring.  The merger also benefits North Coast Signal’s customers by utilizing Advanced Security Systems’ 24-hour state of the art alarm monitoring center.  After the transition, North Coast Signal owner, Tony Barlow, will retire this year.

 

North Coast Signal customers can expect expanded services while they receive the same local service and fast response they have come to trust.  Expanded services include 24-hour on-call technicians to provide service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, locally owned and operated monitoring center, factory trained and certified technicians, easy automatic payment options, and online bill pay from the website- www.advancedsecurity.us.

 

“We are excited to welcome North Coast Signal’s clients into our company.  This merger is a great fit for both of us as we are already servicing these same communities.  It is a great honor to help protect these customers and keep up the level of service that only a local security company can provide” said Chuck Petrusha, CEO.

 

For more information, please call 707.962.0333 or visit www.advancedsecurity.us.