Spring Has Sprung

Hand Held Sirens

El Niņo and You

Entered the Wrong Code?

Are You Housing Spiders?

Protect Your Phone Line

For Monital Customers

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Summer/Fall 1997
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Welcome to the Summer/Fall 1998 edition of Alarms Plus Signal

Message from the President.....

     Welcome to another issue of the "Alarms Plus Signal", the newsletter dedicated to providing important information to its commercial and residential customers.

      As an active member of the New Jersey Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (N.J.B.F.A.A.), I get involved with many issues that I would like to share with you.

      The Board of Directors fought to pass a Bill in order to license alarm  companies. This Bill is to protect customers. This legislation will set up a testing procedure for the training and licensing of Alarms Dealers and technicians.          Because installation and service requires access to your home and business,    statewide regulatory licensing provides confidence, assurance, and protection,   from fly-by-night operations ("Truck Slammers").

     As of January 8, 1998, Governor Christine Todd Whitman signed Bill No. 994 (A-994), which provides for the regulation of Locksmiths, Burglar and Fire Alarm Businesses, and Electronic Security Businesses.

     The N.J.B.F.A. Association's Scholarship Committee offers two (2) scholarship awards for high school students of police and fire personnel. If you qualify, let me know.

     The articles in this newsletter include various issues and concerns that customers telephone into our office. Such topics include: Burglar and fire Systems, C.C.T.V., and  Intercom Systems. I feel that if one person has a concern, chances are that many others have that same concern. Please write or call about any topics or questions that you would like to see addressed in future issues of the "Alarms Plus Signal."

Sincerely,
William B. Chernack,
President
Code 3 Security Systems, Inc. t/a Alarms Plus

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Spring Has Sprung... Open The Windows and Let the Fresh Air In!

     Alarms Plus can alarm your screens and continue the same amount of protection that you're accustomed to. This eliminates the By-Pass Mode every time you want to leave a window open. The screen has a special alarm mesh with internal wires within the screen forming a protective grid. Existing window screen frames can usually be used. These are compatible with most alarm systems. The screens are very durable and when the alarm system is off, can be cleaned like any ordinary screen. Call for additional information on installation and brochures.

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Oh---My Ears, It's A Hand-Held Alarm Siren

     The "Mugger Stopper" or "Patriot Alert" is a high-pitch (120 dB) tone, very similar to your home or office siren. This item is designed for personal protection for people of all ages. The device is approximately 3" x 3"(fits in your hand), lightweight, has a panic button or pull chord, and operates on a 9-volt battery. Use as a deterrent, or aid for help if you are attacked or harassed. This is a great gift idea for a teenager, mother, father, grandfather, grandmother, teacher, jogger, camper, hiker, biker, etc.... The cost is $12 each, plus postage and handling.

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Your Alarm and El Niņo: Be Prepared

      ZAP! Here comes a severe storm! Weather constantly changes and severe weather occurs as weather patterns change. Your alarm system and monitoring service can be interrupted when severe weather occurs. Surge protectors are recommended for all your household appliances to protect against lightning. Surge protectors should be placed on both the alarm control panel and telephone lines. Windstorms can cause downed power lines and telephone lines. Keep your owner's manual handy, in order to repair or reset your alarm system in the event of severe weather.

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Entered A Wrong Code? Hey, It Happens

     This is an important reminder for customers with Central Station Monitoring Service (CSM). When your alarm is activated the monitoring company will make three (3) consecutive attempts to call the premise for your passcode. If your passcode is busy for all 3 times, the CSM company will dispatch the police.                              

     For example, the cleaning service enters a wrong code and proceeds to walk through the home or office. The alarm is activated and a signal is sent to the CSM company, via the telephone line. The passive infrared units (PIR) are also sending signals via the telephone lines. The cleaning service might try to call Alarms Plus or the police department to cancel the false alarm. The CSM company's standard procedure for telephone busy signals is to call the premise to verify by receiving a passcode.After 3 consecutive attempts the police will be dispatched.

     The CSM company's standard procedure for telephone recorders is to not leave any message on the answering machine and dispatching the police.

     If you have the Call Waiting telephone feature, and you are using the telephone, please respond to the tone--it could be the CSM company. Alarms Plus cannot cancel the police, only you can, with the correct passcode. Try to give to give the CSM company a chance to call in order to eliminate the false alarm.

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Are You Housing Spiders???

       One of the most common causes of false alarms are spiders. Spiders are active at different times of the year. Spiders like to spin their webs on the outside of smoke detectors and passive infrared units(P.I.R.'s). You can reduce this false alarms problem by cleaning the smoke detectors and P.I.R.'s. Cleaning should always be done while the alarm system is in the off mode. Cleaning can be done by  dusting, wiping, or blowing compressed air into these alarm devices. It is strongly recommended that smoke detectors and P.I.R. units be cleaned annually.   Spider webs can either cause equipment to fail, or cause false alarms.

     You can purchase an Annual Service Plan or Maintenance Plan through Alarms Plus, which includes: one(1) ten-point check of your alarm system, and an inspection, cleaning, and adjustment, to insure maximum performance and safety. The Service Plan will cover all labor (not parts) and the Maintenance Plan will cover all parts and labor for one year.

    Alarms Plus does not want to insinuate, offend, imply, or insult any home or business of bad housekeeping techniques.

     I also suggest, for a home or business having renovations, that you cover or remove any alarm equipment in order to protect it. In the event that you forget to remove alarms devices, the same cleaning techniques may be used at the completion of the renovation (sometimes the exposure to dust will inhibit the alarm devices, requiring them to be replaced.)   

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Protect Your Telephone Line

     Many customers have concerns regarding the the effects on their alarm system once telephone lines have been severed. Please keep in mind that the telephone line is the main source of communication for an alarm system. This is an inquiry that seriously needs addressing, for your added security and protection.

     When the telephone lines are cut, the Central Station will not receive the signal to notify the police or fire departments; however, the premise sirens will sound. The solution for this is a product called AES-IntelliNet Radio Communication Network, which acts as a wireless communications link between your alarm system and the Central Station Monitoring Company.

     This wireless 2-way radio uses many alternate paths to send the signal to the Central Station. In contrast, the telephone line provides a single path via a wire, and if cut, will fail.

     The cost for all equipment is $1,115.00 and includes a one-year 2-way radio Central Station Monitoring Service fee. After the first year this cost be $16.00 per month (plus tax) in addition to the standard Central Station Monitoring fee which you are currently paying. Leasing is available at a cost of $55.00 per month, which includes the Central Station Monitoring service. Your alarm system needs to be connected both ways, via radio and telephone line, for your maximum security.

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To All Our Monital Central Station Customers:

     Monital has a website, www.monital.com. Follow this link to learn all about your Central Station Monitoring Company. Here you'll find such information as the General Company Information, Average Response Time, Who's Who, and much more!

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