Friday, September 30, 2011

Wireless Alarm Devices and Applications

There are two types of alarm systems for your home or business: wireless and hardwired. When professionally installed, both applications offer excellent security, fire and environmental protection. The term "wireless" refers to the sensors installed with the system, like a motion detector, door contact or smoke detector.

There are advantages to both and it depends upon your individual needs, as well as access to wiring, as to which one is right for you. In many cases, wireless and hardwired devices are used together.

Hardwired devices are usually the preference when there is easy access to wiring or installation takes place during the construction stage. In the past, hardwired applications have been preferred because of reliability and false alarm reduction practices.

However, with wireless technology advancing so much in recent years, the reliability of wireless security is very comparable to that of hardwired. Many types of wireless sensors are available for security, fire, medical alerts, carbon monoxide detection, hi/lo temperature detection and much more. Wireless security devices are also less invasive than hardwired, and are best used in older buildings where access to wiring is impossible or where installation would cause too much damage.

As with all wireless devices, batteries must be changed. Atronic recommends changing batteries every 6 months in order to maintain proper functionality. Today's long-lasting lithium batteries help this process and most panels installed by Atronic Alarms report to you when a battery is running low, long before the battery needs to be replaced. This message is also copied to the daily Atronic Alarms' low battery report, which is reviewed by a staff member and then a phone call is made to your residence.

There is another type of wireless system that is being discussed on the market today and that is "wireless communication," which is different than wireless security devices, and will be discussed in future posts.

Visit Atronic Alarms, Inc. on the web.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Your Fire System is Always "Armed"

Did you know that if maintained and in good working order, your monitored fire system from Atronic Alarms is always on? Our monitoring station will receive signals 24/7/365 from your smoke and heat detectors whether you security system is armed or disarmed.

This is great news for you because it provides your family and your business with that extra layer of protection from fire related occurrences even if your security system is not armed. However, it is easy for people to forget due to the arming and disarming at the keypad and the mental thought that their entire system is "off," and we find that many false alarms occur as a result.

When you are cleaning your fire devices, or even cleaning around them, or when you are seasonally changing out the batteries in your wireless devices, please contact us to place your system on "test" before you begin. Most fire devices are highly sensitive due to their life safety status and are easily tripped if disturbed.

The "test" status for monitoring purposes means that any signal we receive during this time will be ignored. (To place your system on "test," you must provide us with your password.) 

In fact, it is just good practice to contact us anytime you are working on your alarm system in general, whether it is changing the battery in the alarm panel, testing security devices or working around the wiring. Our job is to give you the highest level of security possible and the more you communicate with us the better service we can provide.

To contact us call 913.362.0000. For more information on the benefits of monitored fire systems, visit the Atronic Alarms website.

Note: Panel must be able to communicate and in good working order for all signals to be received at our monitoring station. 




Friday, September 16, 2011

Client Pleased with Commercial Fire Systems in 40 Buildings

The Associate Director of Property Management for Block Real Estate Services recently sent a letter to Perry Atha, President of Atronic Alarms, complimenting the installation of several fire alarm systems in their buildings.
"I would like to personally thank you and your staff for the recent job you completed at Pine Ridge Business Park. Changing out the fire alarm panels and an entire upgrade of the systems for 40 buildings is a daunting task. I was very pleased that Atronic Alarms was able to complete this upgrade on schedule, within budget and with little or no disruption to our tenants."
(Printed with permission.)
Atronic has worked with numerous businesses in the Kansas City area helping them with their security and fire solutions. As a UUJS Certified company to install fire alarm systems in commercial-rated buildings that require a U.L. Certified alarm installation, Atronic consultants custom design each system and work with fire marshals on a consistent basis to represent businesses at fire alarm inspections.



Atronic also offers maintenance programs and certified fire inspections. For more information visit the Atronic website.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Wow . . . It's a Live Person!

Automated Voice Mail. Automated Voice Systems. "Press '1' for service; Press '2' for sales; Press '3' if it is an emergency . . .

We are living in a world where phone automation is the norm for most businesses. Some, however, have held on to the belief that a live person answering the phone is actually an outstanding, if not preferred, way to greet callers.

At Atronic Alarms, you will be disappointed if you call in expecting to get an automated voice answering system. You won't get to push buttons for the proper department or call back 2 or 3 times because you were disconnected.

Instead, you will likely get Iris, the front desk receptionist who handles the phone with ease and politely answers your questions or directs you to the person who can.

Sometimes you will get Alysia, who moved from the front desk into marketing and sales. Then there is Chrissy, the monitoring coordinator, who will answer the phone when Iris is on the other line.

You see, Atronic still has this old fashioned belief that a real person can help another real person far more efficiently and with a much higher level of satisfaction than an automated voice. And not only that, but these people are nice.

In fact, on occasion you may hear Barb, the accounting manager, answer the phone, or Nell, the general manager. Todd and Neil have even picked up the phone. A call coming in is a client needing help. Ringing phones do NOT go unnoticed at Atronic Alarms.

As for Perry? He is in the back office with a phone to his ear, but he has picked up that receiver once or twice if everyone else is busy, "Atronic Alarms, this is Perry."

Can you say that for most company presidents?



Thursday, September 8, 2011

StormReady Communities in Kansas City

StormReady is a program started by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Tulsa, Oklahoma 12 years ago to help arm communities "with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property-before and during the event, " according to the StormReady website.

Olathe is one of the six communities in Kansas to become a StormReady area. Missouri has 40 communities and among them are Smithville, Gladstone, Park University, Riverside, Independence, Lee's Summit, Belton, Raymore and Peculiar.

What that means to residents? These areas are prepared to help prevent weather-related deaths and injuries through planning, education and early warning systems. 

To become a StormReady designation (a county, city, commercial site, university or supporter site) the area must show they follow six guidelines: Communication, NWS Information Reception, Hydrometerological Monitoring, Local Warning Dissemination, Community Preparedness and Administrative.

The KCTV5 station in Kansas City is a StormReady supporter, and the Honeywell plant is designated as a StormReady commercial site.


Source: NWS StormReady website

Monday, September 5, 2011

Labor Day in the United States

Labor Day. For many of us it signifies an end to the summer. The end of swimming pools, vacations, boating, and summer fun with family and friends. Even though the calendar year hasn't changed, many of us mentally move into the next year with the start of school, fall sports, new T.V. shows and fall fashion trends.

Last but not least it provides most people a paid day off from work.

Labor Day unofficially began in 1882 in New York to pay tribute to union workers. It's concept spread and in 1894, after the deadly Pullman Strike (a conflict between railroads and labor unions), the U.S. legislature made it into a national holiday.

The Labor Day parade, which is still a large event in most communities, is a representation of "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations." (United States Department of Labor: The History of Labor Day". Retrieved 2011-09-02.)

As you take in your community's Labor Day festivities, enjoy the fall weather with a family BBQ or simply relax to prepare for the work week ahead, take a moment to appreciate the history of the Day and how the physical and mental strength of the American people continues to shape our country.