Why Invest in a Security System for Businesses?

 

Your business is more than just a place of work; it’s an investment, a livelihood, and a space where employees and customers interact. However, workplaces are susceptible to various security risks. Investing in a comprehensive security system is a strategic move that offers a ton of benefits.

Read on to learn some of these advantages.

Prevention of Vandalism

The main reason to invest in a business security system is to deter theft and vandalism. Businesses, especially those with valuable inventory or sensitive information, are prime targets for criminals. An easy way to ward them off is by equipping the premises with visible security measures like surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and security personnel.

Knowing that a building is equipped with safety measures makes it a less attractive target, significantly reducing the likelihood of criminal activity.

Prevention of Workplace Accidents

A business that prioritizes security helps develop a sense of safety and well-being. Surveillance systems can monitor criminal activity and workplace accidents or disputes. In the event of an incident, having recorded footage can help resolve issues quickly and fairly. This protection extends to customers, guaranteeing that their interactions are safe and secure, which in turn builds trust and loyalty.

Reduction of Insurance Costs

Many insurance providers offer low premiums to businesses with detailed security systems. The rationale is simple: an organization with a lower risk of theft, vandalism, or damage is less likely to file for insurance claims. This leads to significant cost savings over time, which can be redirected into other areas, further contributing to growth. Additionally, a well-documented safety system can simplify the claims process if an incident does occur, ensuring quicker resolutions and less financial strain.

Remote Monitoring and Control

With a strong security system, business owners and managers can monitor their premises from anywhere in the world using smartphones or computers. This capability is especially useful for multi-site operations or for owners who travel frequently. Additionally, access control systems can help manage employee entry and exit, making sure that only authorized personnel can access certain areas. This can reduce the risk of internal theft or misconduct.

Remote monitoring provides peace of mind, as you know that your business is secure at all times.

Regulatory Compliance

Certain industries are subject to strict regulatory requirements regarding security and data protection. For example, organizations handling sensitive customer information, like financial institutions or healthcare providers, must comply with regulations like HIPAA or PCI-DSS. Ensuring physical safety, such as controlling access to sensitive areas and monitoring activity, is an integral part of meeting these compliance standards.

Mitigation of Emergencies

Security systems play a critical role in emergency response situations. In the event of a fire, break-in, or other emergencies, safety measures equipped with alarms and communication capabilities can alert authorities promptly. Quick response times can save the organization from damage, prevent loss, and guarantee the safety of everyone on the premises.

Selecting the optimal security system for your business requires careful consideration. Factors like the building size, industry, location, and budget play a significant role. A comprehensive commercial safety system typically includes intrusion detection, access control, fire systems, video surveillance, and environmental systems.

At On Pointe Security, we offer tailored security solutions to meet your business's unique needs. Invest in a system that safeguards your assets, employees, and reputation. Contact us today for a free consultation, or call us at (207) 509-3531.

Why Invest in a Home Security System?

 

Your home is your safe space and haven, and you can never be too careful about its security. Research suggests that homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be robbed. So, the installation of home security systems is important to protect your home against potential threats. With the right home security in place, you will ensure the safety of your loved ones and belongings and enjoy better peace of mind.

Here’s why investing in a security system can be a wise decision for homeowners. 

Preventing Burglaries

One primary reason for installing this security solution is to prevent burglaries. Burglars usually target homes that do not have a security system in place. A visible security system, such as burglar alarms or surveillance cameras, can discourage criminals from attempting to break into your home. The presence of these devices alone often makes a potential intruder think twice, reducing the risk of a break-in.

Protecting Valuables

We all have items that hold significant value, whether expensive electronics, jewelry, or sentimental family heirlooms. A home security system helps protect these valuables from theft. With advanced burglar alarms and video surveillance, you can monitor your home in real-time and receive alerts if any suspicious activity is detected. This immediate notification allows you to take action quickly and potentially prevent the loss of your valuable possessions.

Ensuring Fire Safety

These systems are important not just for preventing burglaries but also for fire safety. Most modern systems include fire alarms that detect smoke or heat. These alarms alert you of potential fire hazards, giving you and your family time to evacuate and call emergency services. Early detection helps prevent fire damage and ensures the safety of everyone in the household.

Monitoring Your Home Remotely

Home security systems now offer features that allow you to check in on your property from anywhere using your smartphone or computer. Whether you’re at work, or on vacation, you can can monitor your home to ensure safety. These systems send you instant alerts if something is amiss.

Lowering Home Insurance Premiums

Many insurance companies offer discounts on home insurance premiums for homes with security systems. The reasoning is simple: these homes are less likely to experience theft or damage, reducing the risk for the insurance provider. Installing a reliable home security system can lower your insurance costs, making it a financially sound investment.

Increasing Property Value

Potential buyers often view security systems as a valuable feature. It gives off the idea that the property has been well-maintained. This added value can be a significant advantage when selling your home.

Choosing the Right System

When selecting a home security system, consider your specific needs. Burglar alarms, fire systems, and video surveillance are key components that can be tailored to fit your requirements. Assess the layout of your home, the level of security you desire, and any additional features you might need. Consulting with a professional security company can help you make an informed decision and install the system correctly.

Don't wait until it's too late. On Pointe Security offers custom-tailored home security systems featuring burglar alarms, fire protection, and video surveillance. Contact us for a free consultation or call us at (207) 509-3531 and experience peace of mind like never before.

Exploring On Pointe’s Comprehensive Security Solutions

 

Knowing your home or business is truly protected allows you to relax and focus on what matters most. At On Pointe Security, we go beyond just installing alarms and cameras. We take the time to understand your specific needs and work with you to design a customized solution that provides comprehensive protection and peace of mind.

Explore our commercial and residential security services and discover what makes On Pointe Security unique.

Who We Are

On Pointe Security is a Maine-based company dedicated to meeting the security needs of local communities. We prioritize building solid and trusted relationships with each customer. Our team of skilled professionals delivers tailored security solutions that fit your specific requirements.

What We Do

On Pointe Security provides comprehensive security solutions to homeowners and businesses. Our expertise lies in modern commercial surveillance networks and cutting-edge home security systems, which enhance safety and comfort for our customers.

Residential Security We design and install custom home security systems, such as burglar alarms, fire systems, and video surveillance, all tailored to your needs.

Commercial Security

Businesses face unique security challenges each day, and our team works closely to design a customized security system. Our commercial security solutions include intrusion detection, access control, fire systems, video surveillance, environmental systems, and more.

We also offer a layered security system that combines access control, 24/7 alarm monitoring, and high-definition video surveillance. This powerful trio gives contractors and property managers complete security. Additionally, we handle annual fire inspections and mandated fire alarm testing, so you can rest assured that your project is compliant and protected.

Our Range of Security Solutions

At On Pointe Security, we offer comprehensive security solutions to meet your specific needs. Here's a closer look at some of our most popular offerings:

Burglar Alarm Systems

The burglar alarm systems designed for homes and businesses help deter intruders and alert you promptly if a break-in occurs. They feature door/window sensors, motion detectors, keypads, and optional enhancements such as video surveillance and remote access.

Video Surveillance Systems

Home and business video surveillance solutions allow you to monitor your property remotely, providing safety and valuable evidence in case of an incident.

Fire Systems

A reliable fire system protects your home or business from fire hazards. We design and install expert fire systems that meet all code requirements and safeguard your assets from accidents.

Communities We Serve

On Pointe Security takes pride in serving the local community and surrounding areas of Maine. From Gray to Portland, Lewiston to Bangor, we extend our services far and wide, ensuring that residents and businesses have better access to quality security solutions.

Discover how On Pointe Security can customize a plan that fits your budget and specific needs. Contact us today on our website or phone us at (207) 509-3531 to schedule your free consultation. We're dedicated to helping you achieve the peace of mind you deserve.

Deep Sentinel

 Deep Sentinel

            Your modern security system is a marvel of technology.  So many of the systems we provide at On Pointe are very advanced, possessing a variety of intelligent sensors, automations, and cutting edge AI that make them incredibly helpful to securing your home or business.  Plus, with helpful surveillance tools like Video Doorbells you can take your security into your own hands.  Despite all this technology though, no automated system can make a judgement call, and if you aren’t available to use additional surveillance tools, you aren’t in a position to make key decisions in response to situations as they unfold in real time.

            Therefore, we are so excited to offer Deep Sentinel! The Deep Sentinel video surveillance system comes with full time live monitoring by real people trained and authorized to assess any threat or danger to your property.  AI and automated systems are a tireless and important part of any modern security strategy (including Deep Sentinel) but, having human judgement available to make the decision to confront individuals or contact the authorities, or assess the situation with real human judgement, avoiding false alarms, is priceless.

            The way Deep Sentinel works is that you purchase hardware for their camera system which you then own outright and can self-monitor at no cost on your smartphone or computer.  This is similar to many other surveillance systems, like video doorbells.  Installation is a breeze with rechargeable batteries that can last for months and wireless data transfer over your Wi-Fi network.  You need absolutely no new wiring!

While our certified professionals should install the system to make sure it will work optimally, you don’t need an electrician involved, so installation is fast and our technicians will assess your situation and needs, then guide you through every step of the process.

            While this system is available and excellent for homeowners, it is a powerful commercial grade solution that can help business owners to have peace of mind after closing for the night.  Deep Sentinel’s AI-augmented approach to identifying potential criminal activity is the perfect alternative to hiring expensive live security services in many situations.

            The real power of the Deep Sentinel system is that for just about $3 a day, you can have your security feeds monitored live by trained guards 24/7/365! It doesn’t stop at monitoring though.  Guards can directly address any person with a unique two-way communication system that can help to verify identities and intentions before either calling in authorities, notifying you, or verifying that everything is just fine.  

            While it’s not the same as having a physically present guard, these trained professionals understand how to communicate their authority and prevent crimes before they occur.  Check out this exciting video showing this unique service in action!  Deep Sentinel guarantees 30 second response time for a number of common crimes, often resulting in total prevention. And in cases where prevention isn’t possible, rest easy knowing that Deep Sentinel’s accurate action reports are taken seriously by police and result in faster action by authorities than AI security systems. 

SkyBell Video Doorbells

SkyBell Video Doorbells

            Staying safe in today’s changing world requires a lot of different pieces working together in a cohesive way. As experts in security, we are always exploring new ways to help our clients secure their homes and businesses. Some of these come in the form of new services we can offer, including suggesting and installing new hardware options that operate entirely in parallel to your traditional security system.

            The SkyBell line of video doorbells are a great example of the next step you can take to protect your home, family, and property. For a one-time purchase fee you can add a permanent, subscription-free layer to the security of your home, with live monitoring and automatic motion-activated recording, powered continuously by your existing doorbell’s wiring, accessible from anywhere on your smartphone.

            Unlike many camera systems, the SkyBell Video Doorbell is also suited to Maine’s challenging climate. It’s rate to operate from -40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has another advantage over traditional video camera surveillance systems, it allows you to engage in two way audio communication. Meaning that you can still talk to anyone who you want to see that drops by while you’re away. This can be especially helpful for talking to people who regularly have to access your home when you’re busy such as house cleaners and pet sitters. Forget to leave a note? No problem, just say hi and let them know in real time when they arrive.

            With sleek, modern silver and black models that can fit virtually any aesthetic while remaining visible enough to act as a deterrent, SkyBell video doorbells are a great addition to any home. Whether you’re concerned about packages being stolen from your porch, want to be able to monitor your home when you’re away, or just know who’s at the door before you answer it, the subscription-free business model SkyBell boasts means that you can use the hardware we install for years to come and the investment will repay its initial cost many times over its lifetime.
            Adding to the long term value of your SkyBell video doorbell is the savings on homeowner’s insurance that comes with it. Just like with a traditional security system, many insurance companies will discount your insurance when you have a SkyBell video doorbell, some companies by as much as 5% thanks to the powerful deterrent these devices offer against burglaries and casual theft. Added to its reasonable price and a lack of a subscription fee, it is a no brainer investment in your peace of mind.

            At On Pointe Security, we believe that the main function of any security system should be to make your life easier and your property safer. With this in mind, we encourage you to work with our qualified professionals for installing and setting up these devices. Reach out to us to consult with us on details such as what model will work best for you and when we can send a professional installer to your property.

 

Access Control

Your security system is the first step towards physical security you can rely upon with confidence. What can you do to further secure your business after having a basic alarm system installed, alongside heavy doors and good locks? A more comprehensive access control system can assign individuals unique access cards that allow physical access to your building or a secure room or storage area and can monitor access to a much higher degree. Access cards are the gold standard for security checkpoints and site safety in the modern age, allowing for quick, personalized access from whole facilities and manufacturing sites to individual doors in your local office. 

w“Physical Access Control” refers to restricting entrance to a property, a building, or a room to only authorized persons by technological means. Commonly controlling physical access revolves around an existing alarm system, allowing only authorized persons to disarm the alarm and access the protected space. This can be accomplished with personalized codes or security cards that help you keep track of who is accessing the space, and when. 

While all security systems provide physical monitoring to some degree, it is equally accessible to everyone with a code. An access control system can do a lot more to protect your building. The main difference between physical access control and traditional security systems is the added capability to monitor and control access to parts of your physical space without having to alarm the entire building. With the selective control of a physical access system, you have the option to alarm individual doors so you can add an extra layer of security to areas where sensitive data and money are held. Such a solution is perfect for a managerial office for a local small business, providing total peace of mind. 

With a physical access control system, you can limit who has access to inventory, for example, to restrict access within a manufacturing facility or warehouse. Making sure only authorized personnel have access to your operations floor and office spaces, and only during their working hours, can help protect your inventory and mitigate your liability for stored materials and personnel safety. For sensitive manufacturing projects and office security we have the option to install additional physical access control points between sections of a facility. This security is particularly helpful when protecting sensitive client information; helping your clients feel confident that their records are safe behind multiple levels of physical security. 

In industries such as the technology sector, some of the most important security considerations revolve around data. However, digital data security is meaningless without physical security. The best firewalls in the world can’t protect data from physical infiltration. Restricting access to sensitive information and computer systems using physical access control is a necessary step in taking data security seriously. 

The benefits go beyond simple peace of mind for your employees and your clients, physical access control can be required in some industries and under some circumstances to be compliant with regulations such as HIPPA or PCI, or may be required in contracts with clients requiring data or information security. Like many other aspects of your security system, physical access control can help qualify you for significant business insurance discounts, making the system more affordable than you might expect.

Panic Buttons & Medical Pendants

The key feature of any security system is the ability to summon help when you need it.  While your basic security system will do this when it’s armed and subsequently triggered, this typically means you aren’t home, or you’re asleep, or it may alert authorities in response to other dangers such as fire or alert you to flooding, but this may not always cover your needs or unexpected emergencies.  

If there is an intruder when the system isn’t armed because you’re home, your security system won’t be active.  Though this isn’t common, it is a terrifying scenario. However, many business security systems have been designed to deal with this exact situation for many years.  Silent alarms in banks have been a mainstay for decades, allowing tellers to quickly and safely alert the authorities to an emergency. 

To this end, installing panic buttons near registers, safes, and any other likely targets, as well as at reception desks and any other ‘gatekeeper’ post is a wise way to keep employees safe.  Even with on-site security personnel, arming them with panic buttons to alert the authorities when a situation arises reduces their personal risk and the risk to any other employees, customers, or other vulnerable parties.

Even in cases where armed robbery is unlikely, panic buttons allow your staff (or your family) to get help when they are unable to make a phone call or must have assistance as immediately as possible. 

This same concept is available for home alarm systems in the form of wearable and static panic buttons. These panic buttons alert the correct authorities as fast as possible through the Central Monitoring Station.  Wearable panic buttons are generally designed to be worn as a pendant or bracelet that is easy to activate in an emergency.  By integrating these buttons into your existing security system, you give yourself an instant way to make use of the substantial resources tied to your security system.  The 24/7 Central Monitoring Station can be made aware of emergencies your system simply can’t recognize on its own.

This technology may sound familiar.  Medical alert systems have been advertised on television for many years, allowing you to call for help immediately if you have an unexpected fall or other medical emergency. They operate under precisely the same principles, but are focused specifically on medical emergencies, whereas a good security system will summon whatever kind of help you need.

In many ways, the widespread use of this technology in homes through medical alert systems has been excellent for helping to make these systems even more reliable and safe through extensive testing and innovation in real world settings and scenarios.  The buttons and systems available today typically involve more redundancies and digital monitoring than in the past, helping to ensure they will work properly when you activate them, or that you will know when such a system is in need of maintenance.

In these troubled times, protecting yourself, your family, and your employees from violence and other dangers is more important and challenging than ever.  Being proactive in addressing these risks requires you to prepare today for the problems you may face tomorrow.  Installing panic buttons in strategic locations and/or offering wearable panic buttons to your employees will help to keep them safe by getting the right emergency services involved as quickly as possible.

7 Steps To Improve Fire Safety In Your Home

Keeping your family safe from a house fire requires common sense, planning, preparation, and an understanding of the main causes of a catastrophic house fire.  While we all have the peace of mind a basic smoke detector system offers, there is so much more you can do to both reduce your risk of a fire and equip yourself to respond quickly to a fire to ensure the safety of everyone in your home.

1)    Make a Home Evacuation Plan
We’ve all heard this one before, but how many of us actually have a plan in place?  Making sure everyone is completely aware of the best and safest ways to exit the house in case of a fire can be the difference between life and death.  Try to have at least two ways out of every room. Having a designated family meeting place in case of an emergency helps to ensure that your family members can be accounted for quickly.

2)    Follow This Simple Preparedness Checklist:
Of course, you should always follow manufacturer guidelines for safe use and maintenance practices for all equipment, but these are some especially important examples.

▢ Test all Fire alarms monthly, replacing any dead batteries.  Make sure that you replace your fire alarms every ten years, to reduce the risk of equipment failure.
▢ Check monthly that your fire extinguishers don't need service or replacement.
▢ Update and review your Evacuation Plan with all household members twice a year.
▢ Always clean your dryer’s lint trap before using it and clean out its exhaust system at least annually, more often if you’re using the dryer more than 4 times a week.

3)    Remodeling or Building Your Home Soon?
Look into installing a sprinkler system for the most vulnerable rooms in your home, such as your kitchen, workshop, garage, and any rooms that contain a furnace or fireplace. These can dramatically reduce the damage caused by a fire.

Even if a Sprinkler system isn’t right for you, reconstruction is a great time to assess your needs for appropriate fire extinguishers, new hard-wired alarms, and any other prevention and mitigation equipment you may need.

4)    Be Vigilant
Be sure that you visually inspect and deal with likely causes of fire at least once a year, call in a professional for assistance as needed.  Here is an example checklist of major fire risks.

▢ Grease: Beware build up in your kitchen (for example, under your burners or behind your stove).
▢ Radiators: Cobwebs and dust must be cleaned out following manufacturer guidelines every Autumn before starting up your furnace for the first time.  Inspect the radiators for any damage or signs of failure when cleaning them.
▢ Furnace: Check for rust, cleanliness, and any signs of a potential leak or other problem.
▢ Chimney: Follow the recommendations of your furnace or wood stove manufacturer, but generally your chimney should be inspected and cleaned by a professional every year depending on the type and quantity of fuel you burn during winter.
▢ Wiring: Try to always keep an eye out for fraying or bare patches on the power cords on your appliances and any wires visible in an unfinished basement or other room. Electrical fires are a serious danger.

5)    Always Keep Heaters Safe
Make certain that radiators, baseboard heaters, and space heaters are at least three feet away from any easily flammable object such as upholstered furniture. Avoid leaving heaters on when there is no one home to monitor them. Take a look at this article for more general information about how to keep your radiator use safe.

6)    Protect Your Children
Keep matches, candles, lighters, and accelerants well out of the easy reach of children, ideally lock these up or childproof their containers.  Teach your children to respect fire and not play with it.

7)    Consider a Monitored Fire Alarm System
Even if you do everything right and have all the prevention and mitigation available, there is still a risk of fire.  Your best choice to reduce the consequences if a fire occurs despite your best efforts is to have a monitored Fire Alarm system.  Most security systems also contain devices for the detection of fire conditions. 

Here at On Pointe Security Systems, we pride ourselves on doing everything we can to help you keep your business, home, and family safe.  Call us today at 207-509-3531 to schedule a free estimate.

Protection Against Basement Flooding

When you hear “security system” you probably think of solutions like our Burglar Systems. However, there is a lot more to protecting your home than simply stopping human intruders.  Especially in winter, the environment itself can be a much more likely and devastating threat to your home! Frozen pipes, flooded basements, and accidental fires are more common in our Maine winters and can be protected from with a security system.

It happens often that we have our first warm day and the snow begins to melt, but the ground is still frozen.  Where can all that meltwater go if the ground is frozen? It usually ends up in your basement! Even if your basement usually spared, eventually the water makes it to our waterways, which rise high and sometimes overrun their banks.  Unless you're situated on top of a hill or have an expensive system to actively keep your basement dry with pumps, all that water can flood your home with no outward sign.

Getting early warning from a flood sensor can save you from disaster.  Early action allows you to save important property and deal with these seasonal menaces before they're a problem.  Most flood sensors will alert you when the incoming water is just a trickle.  Not to mention, if you have a burst or leaking pipe, these systems can make you aware of them long before serious damage occurs.

Another function that offers great peace of mind in winter is temperature monitoring.  Don't worry about your furnace's pilot light going out or any other kind of HVAC failure. You will be notified if your home's temperature ever drops below 40°F.  These systems can also warn you if your summertime air conditioning fails and your house gets too hot, a real lifesaver for any pets left at home.