Security Seeker for Home & Business Owners

Maine Govenor Signs Carbon Monoxide Bill

klehan — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:08:00 GMT

Maine Gov. John Baldacci today ceremonially signed a measure intended to cut down on the number of carbon monoxide poisonings in Maine. LD 550 updates a law that governs the placement and testing of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and clarifies that both types of detectors must be powered by a battery and electricity.

"According to the Maine Center for Disease Control, between 150 and 200 people are hospitalized each year in Maine for carbon monoxide poisoning," Baldacci said at the signing. "This is a piece of legislation that is certain to improve the safety of Maine homes and I am pleased to sign it."

The measure was sponsored by Sen. Bill Diamond, a Cumberland County Democrat. It will take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

Lynchburg, VA, Warns of Door-to-Door Sales of Alarm Systems

klehan — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:15:00 GMT

Questions about door-to-door sales of alarm systems in Lynchburg, VA, have prompted police to caution residents and remind them to check out sales deals before committing.

Over the past few weeks, the Lynchburg Police Department has received many calls about door-to-door sales of home security alarm systems in the city, according to a police department news release.

Officers ask that residents keep a few things in mind if a salesperson comes to the door.

w Anyone who sells alarm systems in the city must have a local business license and a Department of Criminal Justice Services license before they can sell the systems, the release said. Ask to see the Department of Criminal Justice Services license before conducting business.

w Residents are not obligated to provide any personal information and have the right to ask a salesperson to leave the property.

w Take time to make a decision about home security. Consider getting several estimates and comparison shopping.

w Read all information carefully and make sure to know the terms of the contract before signing. Sales personnel should also tell residents about the local alarm ordinances.

w Remember that state code gives residents the right to cancel the alarm system order within three days of the sale.

The city’s alarm system ordinance is designed to encourage the proper installation, maintenance and use of alarm systems without diverting emergency personnel for false alarms.

If dispatchers receive more than two false alarms within a permit year for any system, the user has to pay a service assessment fee. The ordinance also requires that anyone who purchases a monitored alarm systems must buy an annual alarm permit for $30 before the system is activated.

For more information, visit http://www.lynchburgva.gov/index.aspx?page=4024 or contact Amy Lowe, alarm systems coordinator, at (434) 455-4286 or e-mail amy.lowe@lynchburgva.govor Melissa Foster, deputy director of Lynchburg’s Emergency Communications Center, at (434) 455-4149 or e-mail melissa.foster@lynchburgva.gov.

U.S. Senators Introduce Carbon Monoxide Bill

klehan — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:12:00 GMT

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar along with and Florida Sen. Bill Nelson introduced legislation Tuesday to combat deaths and injuries from carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Residential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act, modeled after similar legislation in Minnesota, would require the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to enforce stronger standards to protect people against the deadly dangers of carbon monoxide.

"When someone dies from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, it’s not just a private tragedy," said Klobuchar. "It’s a public tragedy, too. Because we know that, so often, it could have been prevented with better safeguards."

The Residential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act includes two key provisions. First, it would strengthen the safety standards for carbon monoxide alarms. The legislation would make these safety standards mandatory for all carbon monoxide alarms sold in the U.S.

Second, the legislation would require that the CPSC complete its review on whether portable generators sold in the U.S. can be equipped with safety mechanisms that, among other things, detect the level of carbon monoxide in the surrounding area and automatically turn off the portable generator before the level of CO reaches a threatening level.

Minnesota has a state law that requires all homes to have working CO alarms. Experts recommend installing them on each floor and near sleeping areas. A recent survey found that half of homes nationwide do not have CO alarms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 500 people die each year in America due to accidental CO poisoning. Another 15,000 people end up in the emergency room.

According to the CDC, 73 Minnesotans died of accidental CO poisoning between 1999 and 2004.

Minneapolis, PD, Warns of Pushy Alarm Salespeople

klehan — Thu, 21 May 2009 19:52:00 GMT

The city of Minneapolis is warning residents of high-pressure door-to-door home alarm sales efforts, which can seem like a good deal, but can end up costing homeowners thousands in the long-run.

The city wants homeowners to know there are often hidden installation fees associated with new alarm systems, and all companies charge monthly monitoring fees which can range from $30 to $50 or more.

Alarm users are required to pay for false alarms in Minneapolis. On the first false alarm call, residents are charged a registration fee of $30. The second alarm in a year costs $100, and the charge goes up $100 for each false alarm after that.

The reason for the false alarm charges is the cost to taxpayers for the use of police and other emergency crews. Poor-quality alarm systems could trigger false alarms, adding up costs for the homeowner.

If a home alarm salesperson comes to your house, the city advises homeowners to take the following steps:

Make sure the business is licensed: All door-to-door salespeople operating in Minneapolis need to carry a solicitors license: a picture I.D. card that customers can ask to see. If they do not provide one, its a sign that the business may not be licensed. To find out whether a salesperson or company is licensed, please call (612)673-2562

Document your conversation: Take good notes on the offers. Get the salespersons name, the company name and phone number. Also, get a written statement - not an estimate - that lists all costs, including installation and monthly or annual monitoring fees.

Ask about the company's policy: If the false alarm is due to faulty equipment, will you be reimbursed? Will service calls for the alarm be charged to you? Any contract should have this in writing.

Do not sign up right away or feel pressured to do so: Many sales pitches try to prompt you to act on the spot with one-time offers or other special deals. Remember, there are many alarm companies to choose from.

CO Detector Law Passes Maine House, Now to Senate

klehan — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:42:00 GMT

It is a well-known fact that all apartments in Maine must have fire detectors. But soon, carbon monoxide detectors may be added to the list of rental unit must-haves.

A bill that would require carbon monoxide detectors in all single-family homes being converted into apartments or rental units passed in the Maine Senate Tuesday.

The bill, LD 550, was sponsored by Sen. Bill Diamond (D-District 12).

"Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that you can't see, smell or taste. Every year Maine citizens die as a result of this deadly gas. The passage of this bill will help greatly in the prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning," Diamond said in a prepared statement.

The bill now heads to the Maine House for a vote.

Redding, WA, Sees Burglaries Rise during Recession

klehan — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:38:00 GMT

When Ilene Taylor opened her skateboard shop in Redding, WA, last December, she never considered getting a security system.

It proved to be a costly mistake.

Taylor's Redding Skate Shop, which she owns with her son, Casey Nelson, was burglarized in March. The thieves made off with about $8,000 in merchandise and stole her laptop computer.

She thinks the culprit picked the lock on the door of the business, which is near Churn Creek Road and Hartnell Avenue, across the street from the Four Corners shopping center.

"The police called at 4:30 in the morning and told us the door was wide open," Taylor recalled. "We drove down and my son - who's a big, burly guy - I was behind him and he just about fainted. I had to catch him.

"I hate to use 'rape,' but you feel that way - very invaded."

It didn't take long for Taylor and Nelson to invest in a new security system, which includes some video surveillance. They also changed the locks in the door.

The mother-and-son business partners are thankful they had insurance, but the break-in was a setback.

"I think it kind of stunted our growth, but we are coming around now. ... But it definitely hurt us," Taylor said.

Redding Police Department statistics show there were 32 business break-ins from January to April 15, a 29 percent decrease from the same period in 2008. However, larcenies - which are all types of theft - are up 12 percent this year.

Redding Police community service officer Mike Leonard said an economic downturn has the potential for an uptick in burglaries.

"People need to survive. ... People who are unemployed need to find money to survive," Leonard said. "Some will be able to do that legally and a percentage will do it illegally."

Leonard said most businesses in Redding have burglar alarms.

"When it comes down to a choice of two businesses that offer similar opportunities, a burglar with any level of intelligence will chose the business that doesn't have an obvious alarm," Leonard said.

But businesses should also consider installing a video surveillance system, Leonard said, adding that a do-it-yourselfer can install a four-camera system for between $400 to $1,200. Having a security a company do the work could cost significantly more.

Businesses shouldn't be bashful about advertising they have security.

"Put up signs that say, 'Smile, you're on camera,' " Leonard suggested.

"Just knowing that the video camera is up there and knowing what you're doing is being recorded, is a very powerful tool to dissuade people from committing a crime."

Police Captain: Burglars Avoid Alarm Systems

klehan — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:36:00 GMT

Southern Indiana police agencies are stepping up patrols after a pair being called the “daytime burglars” allegedly struck multiple homes this week.

The Floyd County Sheriff’s Department worked nine burglaries in April. Seven of those have been residences in Greenville. One was at Mike’s Tavern in Floyds Knobs. On Wednesday afternoon, a woman who lives along Ind. 62 came home to find one man in her garage and another trying to gain entrance through her front door, Floyd County Detective Capt. Jeff Topping said. About 10 to 15 minutes later, there was a report of a burglary in Greenville at a home on the 8800 block of Ind. 335.

That evening, residents from the 8700 block arrived home from work to find their home had been burglarized. On Friday morning, Floyd County police learned there have been two burglaries and two burglary attempts in Salem. Police believe the burglaries and attempts likely are related.

Police believe rural homes are being targeted because there are few neighbors nearby to notice them.

Topping said many burglary suspects have told him that they will avoid houses that have a security alarm sign in the front yard. Even if the house does not actually have a security alarm, the sign could dissuade potential burglars.

“We’ve stepped up patrol and are trying to apprehend these subjects,” Topping said.

He said it is just a matter of time before they are caught by police or by a scared home owner carrying a weapon.

“People that don’t want to work are looking for a fast dollar, but a fast dollar can turn into 20 years in prison,” Topping said. “Some have already realized that crime doesn’t pay.”

Washington Govenor Signs CO Detector Bill

klehan — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:23:00 GMT

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire on April 30, 2009, signed a bill into law designed to prevent carbon monoxide poisonings by requiring the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in new construction.

Amy Searight came to Olympia after losing her husband to carbon monoxide poisoning.

"Go ahead, spend $20. Don't have your life changed forever," she said.

Braidwood, IL, PD Providing Free Burglar Alarms to Minimize Crime

klehan — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:46:00 GMT

The Braidwood, IL, Police Department will now supply home burglar alarms for every Braidwood resident.

The announcement was made at the April 28 regular meeting of the Braidwood City Council. Acting Chief Brandon Myers said the department was now implementing the Home-BASE Project.

Home-BASE stands for "Home Burglary and Security Education" Project. The program is designed to reduce the amount of reported residential burglaries and thefts within the city of Braidwood. Burglaries and thefts account for the majority of crimes statewide, averaging just over 76 percent of all crimes reported annually.

In small communities, such as Braidwood, burglaries and thefts account for nearly 90 percent of all reported crimes. The Home-BASE Project is designed to educate community members on how easily a home can be burglarized. More importantly, the program provides strategies to help prevent these crimes from occurring.

The cornerstone of the Home-BASE Project is the distribution of residential burglar alarms by the Braidwood Police department. The city was provided with 1,728 window/door contact alarms by the Spring Grove, Illinois based corporation Intermatic Inc. Along with these alarms, Intermatic Inc. provided 3,456 adhesive electronic security decals, a total retail value of over $16,000.

"There are enough alarms and decals to provide nearly every home in the city with one alarm and two decals." Myers stated. "A program such as Home-BASE will go along way in repressing the major crime facing Braidwood and will help prevent the victimization of each of our citizens."

Myers also reminded citizens that the use of a home security system is not the only available method to prevent burglaries. Chief Myers encouraged the residents of Braidwood to lock their doors and use their lights.

"Every layer of defense put to use will help protect a homeowner from an unlawful break-in," Myers added.

Intermatic Inc. specializes in consumer energy control and various home security products. Intermatic products are widely distributed. They can be found at most retailers as well as quality electrical wholesalers.

Morton, PA, NOw Requires CO Detectors

klehan — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:38:00 GMT

The Morton, PA, council recently enacted an ordinance requiring carbon monoxide detectors in every residence and commercial establishment in the borough. The ordinance requires compliance by July 1.

Solicitor Jay Wills said the detectors are to be installed on every floor in a building used for habitation.

He noted the detectors will be needed before a certificate of occupation will be issued when a property changes hands, or for new construction.

Alycee Nelson Ruley told council the annual senior citizens prom, hosted by the Teens For Positive Empowerment organization will be 6 p.m. April 25 at the borough community building. Tickets are $8 and the minimum age for attendance is 50.

In another matter, Sunday Dyitt, president reorganized Morton Borough Fourth of July Committee, told council the committee is planning an Independence Day parade and needs financial help.

She estimated a budget of $1,677 for the event. Council promised to help fund the parade and fund raising events were also discussed.

Weston, CT, EMTs Want CO Detectors in Every Home

klehan — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:04:00 GMT

Emergency workers in Weston, CT, are moving closer to their goal of equipping every house in Weston with a carbon monoxide detector by Thanksgiving of this year.

Lou Dempsey of the Weston Volunteer Fire Department and Fire Chief John Pokorny told the Board of Selectmen last Thursday, April 2, that representatives from the fire department, EMS, and police have been discussing an awareness program that includes ultimately equipping every home in Weston with the life-saving detectors.

Mr. Dempsey explained that on Thanksgiving night this past year, his wife’s sister, brother-in-law, and their two children died of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning while on vacation in Colorado. The house they were staying in — they had won the trip at a charity auction — was not equipped with carbon monoxide detectors.
“We want to prevent this from happening to anyone else,” Mr. Dempsey said.

The town is partnering with Kidde, the largest manufacturer of CO detectors. Kidde has agreed to donate about 200 detectors for those who cannot afford one, and the company will sell the rest at a 30% discount, for a total cost of about $40,000.

Reacting to “the look on your faces,” Chief Pokorny laughed and told the selectmen, “Don’t worry, we’re not asking for money. You can relax.”

Mr. Dempsey said they are planning to fund the project from “sources we are identifying now,” including the Kiwanis Club of Weston, the Paul Newman Fund, and the Weston Women’s Club. The fire department will purchase the detectors and volunteers will install them.

Mr. Dempsey estimated that about 30% of homes in Weston already have carbon monoxide detectors. The fire department is developing a plan to identify those houses in town that do not.

Because building codes in Connecticut do not include any requirement to have CO detectors, the group is hoping to create a town ordinance that would do so. And then, they hope to bring the idea to other towns.

“We’re really trying to make a plan others could use. We want to expand this. We want to go as far as we can,” Chief Pokorny said.

Selectman Glenn Major asked that information on the proposed ordinance be brought before the board as soon as possible so as to expedite the process. “The process to have that approved takes a couple of months,” he said.

Chief Pokorny said they were close to working out the details on the ordinance.

Due in large part to the deaths of Ms. Dempsey’s sister and her family, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter just signed legislation into law requiring CO detectors in most new homes in that state. The measure requires all homes and apartment buildings offered for sale after July 1 to have carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms.

Homeowners and apartment owners also will have to install detectors if they complete any major renovations or additions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that about 500 people die each year in the United States from carbon monoxide poisoning. It can be caused by a malfunctioning furnace, water heater or stove, or by objects blocking a flue.

Oregon Lawmakers Urged to Require Carbon Monoxide Detectors

klehan — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:03:00 GMT

Choking back tears, Kari Rittenour urged a House committee on Wednesday to require that most homes and apartments in Oregon be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors to prevent tragedies like the one that took the life of her stepbrother and his family last Thanksgiving.

"It is the silent killer," Rittenour said of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that is the leading cause of accidental poisonings in the United States.

Rittenour's stepbrother, Parker Lofgren, his wife, Caroline, and their children, Owen and Sophie, died of carbon monoxide poisoning from an undetected lead while staying in a rental home in Aspen, Colo. Rittenour said the family was safety conscious and that their own home was equipped with carbon monoxide detectors.

"If this can happen to them, it can happen to anyone," she said.

The House Human Services Committee heard Rittenour during a hearing on House Bill 3450, which would require carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in all homes and apartment at the time of sale or rental or when a certificate of occupancy is issued.

Multnomah County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury told the committee that carbon monoxide can be fatal within minutes but that many deaths could be prevented by the installation of the detectors, which cost about $20. She said 19 other states already have laws that deal with the issue.

"We're not asking Oregon to do anything risky or innovative," Kafoury said.

There appeared to be widespread support for the bill on the committee and there was no outright opposition. Without being specific, state Fire Marshall Randy Simpson said he supported the legislation but that it may need to be amended and representatives of Oregon homebuilders and the makers of manufactured homes said they were concerned about the application of some technical aspects of the bill.

In the end, the committee decided to form a work group to devise changes to the bill before voting on it.

Charleston, OR, FD Checking /Installing Smoke Detectors on April 15

klehan — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:23:00 GMT

According to the Oregon State Fire Marshall, a working smoke alarm doubles your chance of surviving a fire and the Charleston, OR, Fire District is spreading that message with a first of it's kind campaign in the community.

Next Wednesday, April 15th, Charleston firefighters and volunteers will be going door to door for their first ever Smoke-Alarm Campaign.

The campaign is funded by the state through FEMA.

And Charleston Fire District was awarded 50 smoke alarms and $250 to use in the community.

Charleston Fire Chief Mick Sneddon says they are targeting two areas for the campaign.

"We are just going to blanket the community but we are going to focus on the Wallace and Barview areas."

Sneddon says it's important to test you're smoke alarm at least once a month to make sure it's working properly.

If you would like your alarm checked and you live in the Charleston Fire District, you can call 888-3268.

Alarm and Sprinklers Avert Disaster at Rehab Facility

klehan — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:20:00 GMT

In Terre Haute, IN, as a building’s charred remains smoke in silence, it’s difficult to remember that it could have been much worse.

“The point we’re trying to get across is that yes, there’s going to be damage. But if there had not been a sprinkler system in place, the damage would have been so much more,” said Robert Kleinheinz, the Illinois regional manager of the National Fire Sprinkler Association.

Kleinheinz was speaking in reference to Saturday afternoon’s fire at the Greene County Rehabilitation Center, where 22 residents escaped after a combined sprinkler and alarm system alerted them of the blaze.

Gus Matthias, owner of the building, said the fire alarm sounded and security personnel had everyone out before the fire department arrived.

“Certainly the firewalls did their job. The sprinkler did its job and the alarm system did its job,” he said. “Everything the building could do to keep itself from burning to the ground was done.”

Only 22 of the building’s 40 residents were inside at the time of the fire, but no injuries were reported.

According to statistics provided by the National Fire Protection Association, 1,557,500 fires were reported in America during 2007. The result was 3,430 civilian deaths, 17,675 civilian injuries and $14.6 billion in property damage.

But it’s tough to know what those numbers would have been without prevention mechanisms.

“The quicker the response time, the less damage,” said Darrick Scott, assistant chief of the Terre Haute Fire Department.

An unchecked fire doubles in size every 30 seconds, Scott said, noting time is of the essence.

“Sprinkler systems help check the fire, keep it at bay,” he said, explaining most are tied to an alarm system which immediately notifies authorities through smoke or heat sensors.

Bill Fairbanks, fire safety specialist for Indiana State University, said 95 percent of the time a sprinkler system can knock a fire out in its initial stages. “Those are pretty well accepted statistics,” he said.

ISU has about 30 buildings outfitted with water-based sprinkler systems, and new ones are going into some of them such as Buford Hall.

“The new president is taking a proactive stand,” he said of ISU President Dan Bradley. “It’s a very gratifying position,” he said, but “it’s not an inexpensive thing to do.”

Kleinheinz, whose organization works with contractors across the country, said costs vary widely on location and project size.

“It’s all building dependent,” he said. Factors ranging from the number of occupants to structural layout influence the project cost.

But regarding the fire in Bloomfield, he said the costs have to be weighed against the alternative. “That fire was probably held in check or partially extinguished by those sprinklers and saved those people,” he said.

“A lot of people think these are just for big buildings,” Scott said of alarm and sprinkler systems. “In the west coast it’s getting real popular in residential.”

Scott said there are no local laws requiring personal residences to maintain smoke alarms or other systems, but in rental properties, landlords must provide a smoke alarm and the tenant is required to maintain the battery. “A good smoke detector is pretty cheap at most of your home improvement centers,” he said.

From the least expensive smoke alarm to a sophisticated heat-activated sprinkler system, experts agreed that anything people can do to slow a fire and speed up emergency response will help.

Farmington, CT, PD Gives Seniors Safety Tips

klehan — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:30:00 GMT

You leave the interior door between the garage and the house open because you’re only going to the store for a few minutes.

You haven’t checked if your house alarm is working in months, or better yet, you don’t bother to turn it on when you leave.

It takes the average burglar about two to two-and-a-half minutes to grab what he’s looking for and leave, said Farmington police detective Brian Killiany.

But in that time you could lose thousands of dollars or an heirloom collection that represents a lifetime of treasured memories.

“The elderly are excellent targets because they tend to forget all the stuff they’ve accumulated over the years,” Killiany told seniors during a home-safety seminar Tuesday at the Community and Senior Center. “And immediately after you’ve been burglarized you feel violated and spend tons of money upgrading security.”

The seminar was part of a community policing initiative designed to offer some simple yet cost-effective tips to make seniors and their homes less of a target.

The seniors meet regularly on Tuesdays and enjoy presentations on a variety of topics, from exercise to home health care to safety issues, said Nancy Parent, director of Recreational and Community Services.

“The value of having something like this is in being informed,” Parent said. “It’s being not informed that creates fear.”

Burglars are “sneak thieves,” Killiany said. They prefer to come in through an easy access entry when no one is home. “Most burglaries occur between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., which is usually when mothers run errands because the kids are at school,” Killiany said. “They don’t want to interact with you. They do their homework. Most professional burglars are smart; they know when someone’s home.”

There are easy steps to take to make it harder for someone to break in, Killiany told the group. Most seemed like common sense, but as the detective pointed out, you actually have to use them.

Use solid doors, not hollow ones, for exterior entrances. If you don’t have deadbolt locks, buy expensive ones that are attached through to the stud. Leave the key in when you’re home — but take it out and actually lock the deadbolt when you leave.

If you have an alarm system, know how to use it properly — and make sure you actually use it. Have the system installed by a licensed reputable company, not your cousin who dabbles in electrical work, and if possible, make sure the alarm is loud.

“Remember, the average burglar takes only two minutes,” Killiany pointed out. “They’ll be long gone by the time we get there. But if you have a noisy alarm, it will scare them off. You want to bring as much attention to your home as possible.”

Other tips included making sure bushes and plants are trimmed back and don’t offer good hiding places for thieves. Knowing your neighbors — and having them know your habits, is a good idea as well. “They know whose car belongs and whose doesn’t,” he said. “It’s not such a bad thing, having nosy neighbors.”

The bottom line, Killiany said, residents need to make good security practices a habit, not an afterthought. “After you’ve been burglarized you feel violated,” he said. “It gives you the willies, your home is your castle. I know people who have actually moved after being burglarized because they felt someone else was sure to break in again.”

Frank Decicco admitted he took Killiany’s words to heart and will be installing deadbolts as soon as possible. “I think it was really informative,” the 78-year-old said. “I keep putting it off, but the deadbolt all the way into the stud is a good idea. I definitely learned quite a bit. Now the thing to do is act on it. No more excuses.”