Category: Community

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.

3G Sunset: For Some, the Network Shutdown is Coming Early

Are you ready for the 3G Sunset? The 3G cellular network will be retired by AT&T and Verizon during 2021. But some network users are finding their service has been cut off well before the 2021 deadline.

Why the early shut-off? It turns out there are a few situations where users can find themselves without 3G network access. They include:

Areas Recently Hit by Natural Disasters

If you live in an area that’s been recently affected by natural disasters, there’s a good chance the 3G network won’t be returning. The reason is that when fires, floods, or other events damage 3G cell towers, cellular companies replace those towers with current equipment. And that typically means a 4G LTE tower. 

You’re Using a “Roaming” 3G Network

Some cellular customers are actually using a “roaming” version of the 3G network. Roaming is an agreement among cellular providers to share access as users move throughout the network. For example, if your cellular service provider is Verizon, but you’re in an area where Verizon doesn’t have service, another cellular provider will grant you network access on Verizon’s behalf. Roaming is common in rural areas and other places where cellular coverage isn’t complete.

The bad news? Most users won’t know they’re on a roaming network until it’s too late. For some alarm system users, the deadline to upgrade can be as early as Dec. 31, 2020. 

Don’t wait to find out if you’re a roaming customer! Upgrade your alarm system to a new LTE communicator and ensure your system can access the reliable LTE cellular network.

Related

Learn more about the 3G Sunset in our FAQ

Advanced Security Systems: One of Sonoma County’s ‘Best Places to Work’

Advanced Security Systems is among the “Best Places to Work” in Sonoma County, according to a new survey conducted by the North Bay Business Journal. The ranking appeared in the publication’s Aug. 31 edition.

“We’re honored to be included on this list with other great Sonoma County businesses. This recognition truly belongs to our great employees. When you surround yourself with quality people, it creates an environment that attracts other quality folks,” says Chuck Petrusha, CEO and President of Advanced Security Systems.

Businesses were ranked by total number of full-time employees, benefit packages, and the types of positions most in demand. This is the first year Advanced Security Systems has been included in the ranking.

The companies that made the “Best Places to Work” list will be honored at a virtual event on Sept. 23 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The event is free to the public and co-hosted by the North Bay Business Journal. Register at nbbj.news/bptw20.

You can view the publication’s digital edition here: https://northbaybusinessjournal-ca.newsmemory.com/. The report appears on page 12.

3 Ways to Avoid Home Security Scammers

It’s about dinner time, and there’s an unexpected knock at your door. It’s a door-to-door salesman offering the deal of a lifetime on a new security system. The question is: do you trust this salesman and let him in your home? Sure, there’s a (small) chance you’re about to get the best deal ever. But more likely, you’ll be inviting a high-pressure salesman into your home. Don’t let aggressive sales tactics trick you into signing up for more than you need.

 

In this article, you will learn three important tips that will help you understand the sales process for buying an alarm system. You’ll also learn how to avoid the trap of high-pressure sales and avoid security scammers.

 

Check IDs, So You Know Who You Are Dealing With

Pushy sales professionals use their authority to get into your house and separate you from your money. In California and Oregon, laws protect consumers from coercive sales. In both states, homeowners can cancel any order over $25 within three days of the initial sale when the transaction occurs in the person’s home. The law applies any time a sale takes place away from the salesman’s place of business.

 

Of course, these laws only protect you when you are dealing with a reputable company. Be sure to check the IDs of anyone entering your home, so you know you’re dealing with an authorized company representative.

 

And don’t be afraid to be assertive—if you’re not interested, don’t be afraid to directly tell the salesman.

 

Nothing is Really Free

Offering a ‘free alarm system’ is a common tactic used in aggressive sales. The idea is to offer you something big upfront in exchange for a multi-year commitment to pay $50 or more per month. For the company, it’s a small cost to give you free equipment as a trade for thousands of dollars in income. It’s the same sales method used by cell phone companies. Companies get customers to sign up for expensive cellular service by giving away smartphones for free.

 

And who doesn’t want free stuff? 

 

As a consumer, it’s always a better deal to purchase the equipment up front and secure a lower monthly payment. When you own the equipment outright, you can avoid long-term contracts, and easily change service providers if you’re unhappy.

 

Carefully Review the Contract with Your Security Consultant

Reading the fine print is excellent advice when signing any contract, not just an alarm company’s contract. In addition to securing your right to cancel, consumer protection laws are designed to help you avoid unwanted purchases. Here are some items your security sales rep is required to include in an agreement:

 

  • Is there a written agreement, signed by you, the buyer?
  • Is the written agreement is in the same language that was principally used in the sales presentation?
  • Name of the seller
  • Address of seller’s “place of business”
  • Date of the transaction
  • Date by which the buyer can give notice of cancellation: Must be at least three “business days” after the date of the transaction

 

Want to Avoid Scams? Call a Local Provider

Talk to your friends and associates and look for referrals to a local and trusted alarm company. Chances are other home- and business owners have worked with a local alarm company in your area. Once you’ve contacted a local company, a representative should set an appointment to meet with you and conduct a full security assessment of your property.

 

Ask these important questions

Before you sign anything, be sure you ask these important questions, which will help you be sure you’re working with a reputable company with a long-standing history of customer satisfaction.

 

  • How long have you been in business?
  • Where is your central station located?
  • Are you bonded and licensed to operate in this state?

 

With these tips, you’re ready to avoid high-pressure sales tactics and purchase a security system with peace of mind. Remember, a security system can be one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make. Be sure that you’re working with a reputable company that puts your interests first. At Advanced Security Systems, we have been proudly delivering “peace of mind” since 1971.

 

Learn more about our security solutions and request a free quote today.

By | July 14th, 2020 | Categorie: Community

Advanced Security Systems Remains Open During COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place Order

Dear Customers: As an essential service provider, Advanced Security Systems continues to service and install burglar, fire alarm, access control, and surveillance systems during the governor’s stay-at-home order.

Your alarm system is also continuously monitored by or 24/7 dispatch center.

Please note that our offices are temporarily closed to in-person visits.
If you need immediate assistance please dial our office at 1-707-443-6366. We are available for parts pick-up, deliveries, payments, and other services.

Thank you for your patience during this trying time. Please stay safe and healthy out there.

By | March 26th, 2020 | Categorie: Community

Our Continuing Commitment to You During COVID-19

As an essential business, Advanced Security Systems is committed to protecting our community’s homes and businesses. Our No. 1 priority is delivering peace of mind to our customers. Advanced Security Systems has taken steps to increase the safety and well-being of our staff and customers.

 

Protecting You at Home

With shelter-in-place orders in effect throughout Oregon and California, we’re spending more time at home. We want you to know that our team of professional dispatchers has been continuously monitoring your alarm system since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

If you need service at home, our technicians are ready to help. We’re taking extra precautions and closely following the CDC’s hygiene recommendations, including wearing masks and frequently disinfecting our vehicles and equipment.

 

Protecting the Advanced Security Systems Team

If you or anyone in your home is showing signs of illness, we ask that you reschedule any service visits you may have. Call our office at 1-707-443-6366 any time before your appointment to reschedule at no cost.

Our sales team is also ready to help you with new installations or additions to existing systems. We’re happy to meet with you in person using social distancing guidelines, or we can conduct a meeting online using a platform like Zoom, Google Hangouts, or Facebook Messenger.

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. If you or someone you know would benefit from our services, please reach out to us at 707-443-6366.

Advanced Security Taps 20-Year Industry Veteran to Lead Santa Rosa Office

Santa Rosa, Calif.—With more than 20 years of experience in the fire and security industry, Nicholas Bowden is well prepared for his new role. In October, Advanced Security Systems announced Nicholas Bowden will serve as the company’s regional General Manager in Santa Rosa.

Bowden’s wealth of experience will be an asset as he steps into a leadership position with the 47-year-old company. Bowden’s role includes overseeing day-to-day operations for the region, as well as serving as the lead security consultant for commercial and industrial clients.

Most recently, Bowden served as the branch manager for First Alarm in Rohnert Park, Calif., where he oversaw all operations for office. Bowden brings a wealth of industry knowledge with a focus in his career as a technician, sales representative, regional sales manager, and now as general manager for the North Bay region.

Bowden is a northern California native and lives with his wife and three children. In his free time, Nick enjoys spending time with his family and is a frequent volunteer with the Young Men’s Ultimate Weekend – NorthBay.

With offices throughout Northern California, Advanced Security Systems has been the region’s leading security dealer for nearly 50 years. The company offers a complete line of security systems for both homes and businesses. For more information, visit www.advancedsecurity.us.

By | December 23rd, 2019 | Categorie: Community

Advanced Security CEO Petrusha Shares Career Tips with Local Students

Last month, Advanced Security Systems had the honor of taking part in the Be Your Own Boss Career Panels Eureka High and Saint Bernard’s Academy. It’s always great to connect with the community and share with our young students the amazing career potentials in the alarm industry.

Interested in joining our team? Check out our careers page for opportunities in your area.

The security industry is fast-paced, ever-evolving, and offers an exciting work environment. We’re looking for enthusiastic team players who have what it takes to adapt to the continual changes that keep our company ahead of the technology curve and highly successful.

Currently, we are hiring friendly, full-time technicians with strong customer service skills for our Santa Rosa location, which covers Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma, and Napa counties. All applicant levels will be considered, from base-level trainee to CFLST & NICET certified technicians.

If you or someone you know would be a good fit for this position, don’t hesitate to send us your resume:
Advanced Security Systems
ATTN: HR
1336 Fourth Street
Eureka, CA 95501

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.