What is an integrated Alarm System?

What is an Integrated Alarm System?

Designing a fire and security detection and alarm system into a new building in a piecemeal fashion is a waste of time, money and energy. With wireless connectivity, every device for fire and physical safety can be integrated into a seamless system to be monitored from a central control point.

When fire, smoke or unauthorized entries occur in a building or complex, integrated alarm systems will be activated and control personnel notified of the location of the emergency. A Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) system can focus on the specific area of the threat to assist in directing evacuation if needed.

Collaborating with a NICET-certified fire safety and monitoring company like High Rise Security Systems in Chicago will help you to design the right integrated system for your high-rise or campus buildings.

Notifier Integrated Alarm Systems

Notifier by Honeywell Integrated Systems wirelessly connects all fire and smoke detection, alarm, access control and evacuation systems into one system connected to a single point-of-control work station. At the very moment a threat occurs, the location and severity of the problem can be instantly detected, assessed and acted upon.

In case of a fire or smoke emergency, the integrated system identifies the exact location to initiate evacuation while instantly signaling for emergency personnel response.

If an unauthorized or troublesome intruder should be present, personnel can locate the individual, while the integrated alarm systems call for emergency help and lock down specific areas if necessary.

Systems like CCTV and motion detectors help to visually identify the location of an emergency or stranded individual.

Evacuation Systems

In emergencies, an integrated system recognizes the location of the problem and provides audio and visual instructions to all occupants to vacate the building. Special directional and live or recorded voice instructions will direct the way.

What is a Photoelectric Smoke detector?

There are two methods of smoke detection on the market. These are: photoelectric and ionization, and each is effective for specific situations. Photoelectric detectors tend to respond quickest in smoldering, smoky environments, while ionization detectors respond faster to flaming, spreading fires.

Many fire safety companies and OSHA recommend a combination smoke detector that employs both methods.

What is a Photoelectric Smoke Detector?

Photoelectric smoke detectors operate with a light source and a sensor. When smoke particles pass into the light path of the detection device, the light is scattered and then detected by the light sensor. With this interruption, the device sounds an alarm that alerts occupants to the presence of smoke.

A photoelectric detector usually acts more quickly since fires often begin in a smoldering state before bursting into flames. Early on, the source emits larger particles that can be detected by the photoelectric sensors sooner than other methods. Early detection is critical in saving lives and immediate response.

Notifier Advanced Multi-Criteria Fire Detector

Notifier by Honeywell incorporates four systems for early fire detection. In addition to a photoelectric smoke detector, the Multi Criterial Fire Detector adds thermal, carbon monoxide and infrared monitoring which detects every element of a developing fire at the earliest stage.

Smoke Alarm Placement and Maintenance

OSHA recommends that all photoelectric and other smoke detection devices be kept separate from areas of contact or corrosion. These are highly sensitive and abuse can cause the system to become unreliable.

Qualified smoke alarm system maintenance specialists should perform regular preventative maintenance on sensitive photoelectric smoke detectors. Over time, ambient dust, grime and foreign material, will accumulate on the sensors and light source causing the equipment to malfunction or become inoperable. In Chicago, contact High Rise Security Systems to discuss ongoing maintenance of your smoke detection systems.

Fire and Safety Specialists

The most essential, underlying mission of any building design is to protect the lives of every occupant during an emergency.

Whether you’re designing or remodeling a building or conducting a safety review to meet local fire code or OSHA requirements, collaboration with proven professional fire and safety specialists is a critical first step.

High Rise Security Systems has maintained over 30 years of professional experience as fire and safety specialists in the Chicago region. Experts in fire detection and notification equipment, plus facility security systems, HRSS sells, installs and maintains the most effective, state-of-the-art equipment in the industry.

High-rise residential structures, college campuses, office buildings, and hospitals throughout Chicago rely on HRSS professionals to design, install, monitor and maintain integrated fire detection and security systems.

Fire and Safety Design

High Rise Security System experts will provide professional collaboration during the design phase of building construction or remodel. With computer-aided design technology (AutoCAD), HRSS technicians will replicate the building design to mirror precisely the type, number and location of fire detection systems and physical security devices for optimum safety.

In the process, safe and unencumbered evacuation routes are defined.

Integrating Fire and Security Systems

During the construction phase, High Rise Security experts can fully integrate a security system that can be monitored wirelessly from a central control point or other location. Fire emergencies and security breaches can be answered with instant response to maintain the safety of all building occupants.

Fire Alarm Monitoring, Testing and Maintenance

No system in any building is more critical to occupant safety than fire and smoke detection devices and alarms. HRSS sells, installs and maintains the most sophisticated fire detection systems available, including Notifier by Honeywell.

And, to ensure ongoing protection, HRSS will monitor, test and service all systems regularly to ensure long-term and effective reliability.

Integrated Alarm Systems: Protect your Business From Multiple Threats

What are integrated alarm systems?

Protecting the physical safety of building occupants is the ultimate responsibility of every building owner or manager. Protection from fire, smoke and unwanted intruders should be a principal design consideration for any building. Technologies such as state-of-the-art smoke and fire detection, visual monitoring, central door locking and unlocking capability and secure access control allow for the integration of all components into a single, easily managed system.

Integrated systems are a convergence of all of many technologies designed to protect occupants and materials from the spectrum of potential threats.

What Are the Benefits is Integrated Alarm Systems?

All functions may be controlled from a central point through an integrated Notifier by Honeywell Gateway System. Security personnel, working from a central control room, can monitor every system in the building.

The advantages are:

• Immediate crisis detection
• Quick response to developing threats
• Immediate interface with appropriate emergency agencies
• Systems may be monitored from any location
• Appropriate evacuation instructions through public address voice commands
• Lock-downs to isolate undesirable intrusions or fire/smoke situations
• Identify external threats before they occur

In some cases, even energy management systems can be incorporated into fire and security systems.

Fire Detection and Notification Systems

In Chicago, High Rise Security Systems (HRSS) is an experienced, licensed fire and physical security company. During the design or renovation of any building, HRSS will design the appropriate integrated system that unifies all security systems wirelessly for central monitoring. The design will be determined by the size and use of the facility. With Computer Aided Design capability, HRSS experts can replicate the entire building to determine the proper placement, number and types of equipment to be used.

Closed Circuit Camera Surveillance

Interior and exterior surveillance technology has evolved significantly. Camera systems may be installed with 360 degree flexibility and set for zooming in for a close-up image. External CCTV cameras are even designed to “zero in” on a license plate number as a vehicle speeds away. Visually monitoring entry and exit is an important function and may be used to identify unwanted intruders.

Access Control

Access control is intended to identify those who should be admitted to a building and reject those who are not. Today, means of identification are becoming more sophisticated than traditional ID cards. Fingerprints, eye scans and other methods are becoming more prevalent in the security industry and may be incorporated into integrated alarm systems.

Security Systems: Tips To Make Your School Safer

Security System Tips to make Your School Safer

School security is the most essential priority today for administrators. Threats from smoke and fire and, notably, unauthorized intrusions cannot be underestimated. Parents wish to send their students off to school with the fullest confidence than they will be safe from potential disaster.

Security in large college campus dorms and classroom buildings must also be carefully monitored.

Security of schools buildings has become a significant priority in recent years. As populations grow in certain areas of the nation, new and larger educational facilities are being constructed. At the same time, many older facilities are being upgraded with newer, more sophisticated systems to install the most responsive mechanisms available. Exterior and interior surveillance equipment is being integrated to monitor any unusual external activity.

Fire, smoke and physical safety elements are being integrated into single comprehensive systems for central control and monitoring.

Government agencies, including Homeland Security, have established a number of guidelines to protect these environments.

Best Practices for School Safety

In recent years, administrators have accelerated programs and systems to enhance student security. Educating and reinforcing school security measures and preparedness plans have led to closer cooperation with public safety agencies. Communications strategies have been bolstered. Alert, well-prepared staff and employees are clearly the first line of defense. Practicing emergency response and executing coordinated evacuation and lock-down plans are essential.

Integrated and Centrally Monitored Systems

For critical control, all detection and monitoring devices should be wirelessly connected to central control areas. In addition to carefully arrayed fire and smoke detection systems, strategically placed Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras can monitor virtually every zone of the building. Wirelessly, administrators and public safety agencies can oversee activities in and around the facility from any location. Central control allows for methodical and intelligent response to emergencies by locating and isolating the threat.

Commercial Security System Installation

To minimize the threat of fire and smoke, state-of-the-art fire detection equipment and accessories can provide early warning notification and instructions for relocation and evacuation. Instant response and timely reaction by the occupants and fire officials can eliminate the potential threats to the occupants.

High Rise Security Systems (HRSS)

In Chicagoland, HRSS is providing high-tech commercial security systems and installation. With scientifically designed Notifier integrated systems to monitor developing threats, students are far safer than in past decades.

Is it A Okay To Let My Building Sup Fix Our Fire Alarms

Is It OK to Let My Building Sup Fix Our Fire Alarms?

Building superintendents tend to be “jacks-of-all-trades”, capable of rewiring light switches, unclogging drains, and replacing furnace filters. Their talents must be diverse because there are so many parts of a building that can go awry. Since the superintendent’s budget is generally very limited, performance is frequently measured by how many functions can be performed internally.

Fire alarm repair should never be performed by staff. These detection and notification systems are electronically complex and integrated with many other components. Without proper training, certification and licensing for the specific equipment, attempting to perform fire alarm maintenance can result in disaster.

Integrated Fire Alarm Repair

Performing fire alarm repair is becoming far more complicated than simply tweaking some wires or cleaning dirt from around the detector. Today’s integrated systems link every sensor and notification component to all of the designated building zones and a central control monitor. Disruption in any component can diminish the overall effectiveness of the building system.

Malfunction of any component of a fire alarm system, no matter how slight, can result in disastrous results including death and injury to occupants.

Certified Agencies for Fire Alarm Maintenance

Over time, as fire alarm components wear out, wires loosen, and grime accumulates because of ambient conditions, repairs and replacements are required. A professional commercial fire protection company should test your systems at regular intervals to ensure everything is working properly. Only licensed experts know how the components are programmed and connected in order to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Untrained maintenance staff is simply not qualified to make even minor fire alarm repairs. Any misstep can disrupt the entire network requiring costly rework or void a warranty.

Preventative Maintenance of Fire Detection and Notification Systems

The best course for avoiding disruption from faulty repair by untrained maintenance staff is to contract with a licensed and reputable fire alarm system company, preferably the one that designed and installed the original equipment. With documentation, the technician is able to effectively test every component to determine which element of the system may be malfunctioning. If parts need to be replaced, the technician can replace and reprogram quickly.

High Rise Security Systems (HRSS) in Chicagoland

For over 30 years, HRSS has been a highly reliable designer, installer and maintainer of state-of-the-art fire detection and notification systems. Trust your fire alarm repair to the experts at HRSS.