Fire Alarm Systems

Rendin Alarm Company proudly represents The Honeywell Company and its quality products.  Among our services is Commercial Fire Protection and Alarm Systems.  The following is from Honeywell’s Vendor Support Site.  We hope you find it interesting!

Honeywell Launches New Series of Silent Knight Fire Alarm Control Panels

The new Silent Knight 6000 Series includes four panels with point capacities ranging from 100 to 1,110 points.

Honeywell introduces the Silent Knight 6000 Series, an expansion of addressable fire alarm control panels (FACPs) and accessories sold through Rendin Alarm Company.

The 6000 Series includes four new panels with point capacities ranging from 100 to 1,110 points for greater flexibility and larger installs, according to the company.

Up to 17 panels can now be connected with a designated panel acting as a common communicator for critical system information.

Signaling line circuits can be added as needed until maximum point levels are reached. The panels also include built-in support for SWIFT wireless detection.

Other product enhancements include field upgradable firmware, USB programming, built-in IP/POTs communications, new cellular side car options and more.

“Development of the new 6000 Series was focused on giving our customers more capabilities and making systems easier to install,” says Susan Adam, marketing director for fire systems, Honeywell Home and Building Technologies. “The Silent Knight brand has been a leader in the fire system market since entering it in 1961, and this new offering continues our tradition and commitment to customers.”

The new Silent Knight 6820EVS fire alarm control panel and Emergency Voice System (EVS) combines a fire and emergency mass notification system, integrated and housed in a single panel, while meeting stringent governmental requirements for mass notification as described in UL 2572, according to the company.

This combination fire and emergency voice system is said to be useful for managing fire and non-fire events where life safety and property protection depend on clear and timely communications.

Honeywell says both the 6820EVS and 6860 remote annunciator feature a large, 160-character (4-line by 40-character) display for improved readability of system messages, as well as four programmable buttons that help save time when executing routine or complex tasks at the panel.

If you are interested in The Silent Knight or any other security system for your business or home, please contact Rendin Alarm Company today at (610)544-5755

Thank You!

Stormy Weather Season is Beautiful Weather for Burglars

Cellular Alarm Systems a Solution During Outages

Sometimes during burglaries or home invasions, an intruder will cut the phone line to prevent the alarm system from reaching the monitoring center. The lines can also be cut accidentally during construction work.   Evening thunderstorms are also a good time for burglars to break into a home.  When there are power outages, alarm systems may be disabled.  And more brazen thieves can work while homeowners are at home under the cover of thunder. Two common ways to get around this problem are cellular backup systems and wireless broadband systems.

In many cases, modern home security systems come equipped with cellular backup.  This is a system that routes the signal wirelessly using the same technology as cellphones—no landline required.Cellular monitoring is a game-changer. It eliminates one of the greatest vulnerabilities of traditional home security systems: the fact that the physical line between the alarm and the monitoring station is vulnerable to breaks. Having the cellular backup option means that if the primary connection goes out, you still have a lifeline.There are two types of cellular monitoring systems: direct and indirect. Direct systems send their signal straight to the alarm company’s central monitoring station, while indirect systems route the signal to a third-party monitoring station. Some people may prefer the direct method because it has fewer variables involved, but either method gets the job done.

At Rendin Alarm Company, our Monitoring Centers are here for you and will always be alerted when you enlist our cellular systems with battery capabilities.  When you think about safety for your Family, you need to consider all of your options.  Call Rendin Alarm today at (610) 544-5755 and speak to a consultant who will gladly answer all of your questions.  You may also visit us online at www.rendinalarm.com.

Don’t risk your Family’s, Businesses’ or Home’s security.  Call Rendin Alarm Today.

Thank you!

Away on Vacation?

Are you Going Away on Vacation?

Home alarm systems

Burglars at Work while You are on Vacation!

That’s awesome!  You deserved it.  You worked hard for it!  And the last thing you need is to come home to a house that has been robbed!  So now that vacation season is coming, we at Rendin Alarm Company want to dispense our annual advice! There are many things, which you can do to protect your home while you are away.  This way you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about your home.  Here are some ways you can help protect your home while you are away.

Pack your vehicle the night before you leave when it is dark out to avoid “advertising” that you will be away.
Avoid that one neighbor who asks loudly from across the street “HEY! Y’all going away? Have fun!”

Have a neighbor grab your mail and newspapers, etc.
A pile-up is a tell-tale sign you are away.

Put your lights on a timer.
Create the appearance your home is occupied.


Double Check that all windows and doors (on every floor) are locked.  Make sure your garage is locked as well.
Make it a challenge for goodness sake!

Make sure the perimeter of your home is well lit.
This way the neighbors can report anything suspicious they may see.

Hire someone to mow your lawn while you are away.
A freshly cut lawn indicates you are around.

Keep a car in your driveway.
Again – looks are deceiving!

Enlist a Smart Home Security System from Rendin Alarm!
Stay in the know wherever you go with Total Connect Remote Services. Real-time alerts, GPS vehicle and asset tracking, video viewing and mobile control put peace of mind in the palm of your hand – helping you stay connected to your family and home 24/7. Honeywell Total Connect is all you need to turn your smartphone into a smart home! Remotely arm, disarm or check the status of your security system.

CO Detectors can earn You an insurance Break

CO Detectors

Honeywell Ademco 5800CO Wireless CO Detector

CO Detectors in Your Home

Homeowners’ insurance isn’t a topic that most people like to think about, but insurance discounts? Now we’re talking. For first-time homebuyers the prospect of adding home insurance to the other long list of costs can seem daunting. Yet homeowners’ insurance isn’t just required for your mortgage, it’s an important part of a plan to keep you and your home safe.

Generally homeowners’ insurance covers damage from fire, most storms (some insurance does not include flood damage), theft, and more.  It can also protect you in case someone is injured in your home. It is a wise investment in your financial safety.

 Luckily there are some ways you can improve your home that not only may boost resale value, but can also knock a little off your homeowners’ insurance rates. Most Homeowners do not know about all the homeowners’ insurance discounts available to them. Below are a few key areas to focus on.

Home security

Those who live in a gated community may be entitled to a discount. Gated communities tend to have lower rates of theft, vandalism, and other crimes. Having a security system in place can pare as much as 15 percent off your policy depending on the provider! Dead-bolt locks can also be a discount for some providers.

Fire safety

The installation of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors isn’t just necessary protection for your family, it’s also something insurance underwriters smile upon. Also for fire protection, a sprinkler system, heat detectors, fire escapes and plenty of fire extinguishers are also important. And keep those flammable substances outside the home at a cool temperature to avoid overheating and fire risk.

Child Safety

You may have children that are old enough to leave home alone for an hour or so, but are too young to discern that something is wrong in the home.  A monitored CO, Fire, Smoke and Burglary System will help ensure their safety.

Pet Safety

Your pets can’t call 911.  If they are home while you are not, a monitored CO system will alert the authorities of a leak.  If you have a smart home system or monitored system, it can alert you by text of voice as well.

Please contact us today with any questions you may have or to schedule a consultation.  (610) 544-5755  or [email protected]

Thank you!

 

 

Spring into Action – Home Alarm Systems

Spring Is Here!
So Spring into Action and Protect your Home with an Alarm System from Rendin Alarm!

Despite the awful cold weather here in the Northeast United States, it IS Spring.  As of today!  But the fact that it has been so cold has prompted many folks to take those Island Vacations now!  And that is awesome!

But there are burglars out there who thrive on people’s vacations.  Its an all too familiar story.  Folks come home from a wonderful trip away only to find that they have been robbed while they are away.  There are lots of things you can do to safeguard your home from a burglary.  Foremost is enlisting Rendin Alarm Company to help protect your home.

But in addition to that, you may follow these tips:

Ask Someone to Keep an Eye on Things
Having a good neighbor keep an eye on your home is a great idea.


Install Timers on Your Electronics

Having lights and maybe even a stereo go on at varying times gives the impression of you being home.

Have Someone Mow the Lawn/Shovel the Driveway
You “Must be home” if your grass is freshly mowed or driveway is shoveled.

Stop the Mail
Takes 5 minutes at the post office.  OR – have that great neighbor bring your mail in for you.

Beware of Social Media
Your vacation pics are awesome.  But they will be just as awesome if you post them when you get home!  Posting that you are away is an invitation to be robbed.

Lock Everything 
And we mean everything!  Every window, door and transom.

Don’t Leave Spare Keys Out
No keys under the Matt, flower pot or stone.  And if you are in long term parking, don’t leave them in your car.

Lock the Garage Door 
There’s probably lots of valuable items in your garage as well.  And tools and ladders to force entry on the second floor.  But those windows are gonna’ be locked, right?!

Don’t Lead Burglars to Your Home With Your GPS  
They think of everything.  If you have built in GPS, clear any memory of your home address.  Burglars break into cars at airports and take your home address off your GPS.

Stash Valuables in the Safe  
Don’t have one?  Get one!

Have Someone Take the Trash Out  
Again.  Appearances are everything!

Hire a House Sitter  
The best you can do!  They may eat all your food, but it’s worth it!

Finally, a well-lit perimeter, Rendin Alarm Signs and stickers posted at points of entry and a car in the driveway are great deterrents!
For more information CALL US at (610) 544-5755 or contact us online by clicking HERE

Now go enjoy that vacation!!

 

Wireless and Cellular Alarm Systems

Wireless and Cellular Alarm Systems

Today more and more businesses have switched over to Voice Over IP systems.  But in the event that those powered systems go down due to a power outage, your alarm system will not work.  You are at your most vulnerable when your power is out, you don’t want the added risk of no alarm.  So you need to switch to a cellular radio network.  Rendin Alarm can help.  We want you to think about scenarios such as pets left home alone.  In the event of a gas leak or carbon monoxide leak when the system is down, they are at risk.

Wireless alarm

Honeywell Wireless Alarm System.

In the context of home security systems, a distinction is made between wireless and cellular in order to differentiate the transfer of alarm signals within the home with how signals are sent from the home to the outside.

  • ‘Wireless’ refers to the communications method inside the home between the sensors and the control panel.
  • ‘Cellular’ pertains to the wireless approach used to send signals from the control panel to the outside such as to the monitoring station or to a smart device.

To clarify further: Inside the home, communications between the alarm system’s sensors and control panel are either wired or wireless. When an alarm is triggered, the control panel can be set up to contact the monitoring station through a landline phone or internet connection; or, wirelessly via cellular links. A home security system is said to be fully wireless then if it is ‘wireless with cellular monitoring’.Let’s break it down:

What’s Wireless?

In a wired set-up, communication is done via wires which run through the power supply, control panel and sensors. In a wireless home security system, information is not transferred through wires or cables. Alarm signals are transmitted wirelessly between the different sensors and the control panel using proprietary radio frequencies. Proprietary? meaning that the system has a frequency different from other wireless devices so that they do not interfere each other.

What’s Cellular?

Cellular refers to the wireless approach to sending an alarm signal from the control panel to the outside. Many home security companies now offer the option of cellular monitoring with their wireless systems. With this type of monitoring, a cellular module is built-in to the control panel so that when the alarm goes off, the panel immediately sends a signal to the monitoring station using cellular and radio-based technology, the same way that text messages are sent.

Cellular pertains also to communications between the security system and a smart device. For example, the control unit can be programmed to send text alerts to the homeowner’s smartphone to report system activity.

Wireless with Cellular Monitoring

A fully wireless home security system ?a wireless alarm set-up inside the home plus cellular monitoring — is considered a best of both worlds scenario. Together in one package, they leverage each other’s strengths:

  • Easy to install and use.
  • More reliable, faster data transmission since the control panel operates like a cellphone on a network dedicated to the home alarm system.
  • The cellular network, through smartphone and tablet applications, allows a homeowner to be constantly connected in real time to the alarm system and to other integrated home automation functions.
  • Safer with no power and phone lines for potential intruders to cut to disable the system.
  • Less vulnerable to power outages which affect wired set-ups.

For more information, Contact Us at (610) 544-5755 or follow us here!

Save Money on Homeowners Insurance

Save Money on Homeowners Insurance with a Monitored Alarm System

Homeowners insurance, according to a Federal Reserve Board estimate, costs between $300 to $1,000 annually. Assuming an average cost of $650, a 10 percent discount on your homeowners insurance for a monitored alarm system saves you $65 each year.  If your Homeowners Insurance costs more that that, your saving will be even greater.

When you get homeowners insurance, you are investing in protecting your assets.  So it only makes sense that you would want an alarm system, with remote monitoring, to protect your Family, Business and Property.   An alarm system is the greatest proactive measure you can take to protect that which is valuable to you.

In many instances, just the KNOWLEDGE that there is an on-premise alarm system is enough to deter a burglary.  That is why it is so important that your prominently display your Rendin Alarm Security Stickers near your property’s points of entry.

Ten Things to Consider when Buying Homeowners Insurance

1. shop around for coverage

If you own a home, your mortgage lender will likely require you to get homeowners insurance. To find a policy, consider getting quotes from a handful of home insurance companies, and assess their coverages, limits, and deductibles.Make sure you aren’t sacrificing protection for bare-minimum price either. And since you’re probably going to be communicating with your insurer during stressful moments, consider picking a company that is known for quality customer service and 24/7 support.

2. find out the company rating

A.M. Best is a great source for third-party ratings for virtually any insurer in the United States. Their rating analysis involves comparing the business to other businesses, and evaluating them against industry standards. Put simply, it’s an assessment of a company’s ability to meet its obligations to customers (such as paying claims), which can help provide peace of mind when picking homeowners insurance.

3. consider the location

If you are in the market for buying a home, bear in mind that the location of your house could impact how much you pay for home insurance. For example, if the house is in a hamlet with volunteer firefighters, or the closest fire station is more than 5 miles away, rates may start to hike up. Premiums could also be higher if the house is in a geographical location that is vulnerable to natural disasters like wildfires or tornadoes. Other regional factors that could affect insurance rates include crime rate and general building costs in the area.

4. take advantage of discounts

Most companies offer homeowners insurance discounts for behavior that mitigates risks, so take advantage of them. From storm shutter installation and smoke detectors, to burglar alarms and water safety systems, you may be able to save some extra cash on your home insurance premium. Some homeowners insurance companies even offer discounts for simply being a new home buyer. Also, improving your credit score could increase your chances of getting a better rate. The higher your credit score, the lower your perceived risk may be.

5. go online

The most effective way to commence your research is by venturing on the internet. Simply typing in “homeowners insurance quotes” on a given search engine is guaranteed to illuminate your screen with a bevy of pertinent information and options.

 

6. know the costs

Remember, you’re going to want your house insured for its replacement cost, not its market value. While the market value denotes the amount a buyer pays for the home, the replacement cost concerns the expenses needed to repair or rebuild the entire home. Keep in mind the costs that may be required to transport the materials to the site, as well as other factors like inflation.

7. compare deductibles

As you start to build your policy, you can finally set your homeowners insurance deductibles. The deductible is how much you’d pay out of pocket on a claim. For instance, choosing a higher deductible could help you lower your monthly premium — but it would mean more money coming out your wallet before your insurance company pays out.On the flipside, a lower deductible means you’d pay less out of pocket after a claim — but your homeowners rates may be higher each month. There are certainly pros and cons for both cases, and ultimately it comes down to your financial security and personal circumstances.

8. know the home in and out

If you have recently bought a home, make sure to get a claims history report from the seller. This report details any previous damage to the home, such as fires, flooding, and other incidents. It can clue you in on any of the home’s frailties that could increase homeowners insurance rates — or, worse, make it difficult to even get insurance.The Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange is the largest database used by the insurance industry, providing a history of damages to a home that resulted in a claim being filed. The disclosure outlines the date, type, and amount paid for the claim, as well as other helpful information. Because factors like the age of the electrical system, plumbing, and other components within the home could impact premiums, try to gather as much information as you can to gauge potential issues. Bear in mind that newer homes are usually in better condition than older homes, and could, therefore, be cheaper to insure in some cases.

9. answer questions honestly

When getting your quote and selecting home insurance coverages, honesty is critical. Getting the proper information helps your insurance company provide more reliable protection. For example, if you plan on upgrading your kitchen, the value of the home is likely to increase, and your coverage needs to reflect that for your protection. Likewise, if you plan on having a home office, you want to make sure you have the proper liability coverage just in case a client slips on that vinegar floor solution you forgot to towel dry.Not only could providing incorrect information lead to an inaccurate quote, but the insurer may end up cancelling your policy.

10. know your coverage

Homeowners not understanding their coverage is a more common issue than one might think. And in a way, it’s understandable. A standard homeowners insurance policy is an intricate piece of literature, outlining the nuances of what is and isn’t covered.

 

 

Restaurants Resolve to be Safer in 2018 – Video Surveillance Systems

Restaurant Surveillance

Video Surveillance Systems for Restaurants

Restaurants Resolve to be Safer in 2018 – Video Surveillance Systems

Theft is a huge problem in the business world.  And sadly, a large percentage of theft in the workplace comes from those you depend on – your employees.  Warehouse inventory vanishes, computers, ink & paper, artwork and even toiletries are taken on a regular basis.

One of the biggest industries by far to be robbed by its employees is the Restaurant Industry.  And there are MANY layers of theft that could be eliminated by the presence of surveillance cameras.  When employees know they are being watched, they are extremely unlikely to steal anything.  And not just stealing, but goofing off, smoking, drinking, etc are all behaviors, which can be curtailed by the presence of surveillance cameras.

Below are some examples of types of theft in the Restaurant Industry, which can be eliminated by the presence of surveillance cameras:

  • Giving away of free product in exchange for tips
  • Employees drinking while on duty
  • Kitchen Staff giving away free food to friends of staffers
  • Theft of food products from refrigerators and dry storage
  • Theft of Liquor and Beer from storage areas
  • Employees Clocking out fellow employees long after they have left (Theft of Payroll)
  • Staff taking excessive breaks while on the clock
  • Removing cash from the registers
  • Ringing “No Sale” for an item and removing the cash received from the till later
  • improper ringing of items

Poor Business Practices can lead to lost Revenue

In addition to intentional theft, surveillance cameras may be used as an effective training tool, which may help eliminate loss of revenue.  You may notice certain types of employee behavior that can cause a guest to never return.  And you can do it from the back office or from your home.  With the proper remote access, you can observe your staff from anywhere with a smartphone, desktop or laptop!  Here’s a few examples of how surveillance may be effective for staff training:

  • Did the Server greet the guests in a timely fashion?
  • Were they taking a smoke break when they should be in their section?
  • Did the food come out in a timely fashion?
  • Was the table cleared during the dining experience?
  • Was the food properly prepared?
  • Were the bartenders talking to friends and neglecting other Guests?
  • Were the servers neat, presentable and in uniform?
  • Were the staffers drinking in front of guests?

These are just a few ways you can help eliminate theft and loss of revenue with a video surveillance.  Many establishments see such a dramatic reduction in theft, that the systems literally pay for themselves in a very short period of time!  Call Rendin Alarm TODAY at (610) 544-5755 to see if a surveillance system can help your business decrease or even eliminate theft!  Or visit us at https://rendinalarm.com.

Everyday Safety Tips for You and Your Family

Sleep Safely with Rendin. Every Day Safety Tips

Every Day Safety Tips from Rendin Alarm

At Rendin Alarm, we care about your Family’s safety beyond the boundaries, which our alarm systems protect.  For this reason, we have collected some safety tips from Police Stations across the Nation.  Below you will find some great safety tips for you,  your Family and your co-workers.

On the street:

  • Keep house and car keys separate.
  • Have keys ready.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Stay in well-lit areas.
  • Walk in the center of sidewalks. Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys.
  • Do not carry excessive cash.
  • If attacked:
    • Yell loudly
    • Use instincts, fight and never give up

 In your car:

  • Check underneath and inside your car before entering.
  • Keep your car in good working order, including gas and all fluid levels up.
  • If your car breaks down, turn on flashers, lock your doors and get as far off the road as you can. Call  for police assistance.
  • If you are being followed, go to the nearest police or fire station, well-lit gas station or public place – do not go home.
  • When driving, place purse of valuables underneath your seats.

In parking lots:

  • Park under a light at night if you anticipate it will be dark upon return.
  • Note where you parked your car for a quick and safe exit.

 At home:

  • Routinely lock all windows and doors.
  • Keep entrances well-lit. Use timers for lights, both inside and outside.
  • Check identification of repair contractors or sales individuals.
  • Never indicate you are home alone.
  • Get to know your neighbors.
  • Door chains are not sufficient protection. Install a deadbolt.
  • Contact your local police department to inquire about a home security check.

Online:

  • Do not post future plans that you will be vacationing.
  • Do not post pictures of your vacation while you are away.
  • Do not accept friend requests from strangers.

We hope you will Take these tips to heart and help ensure a safer lifestyle.  If you do not have a security system in place at your home or business, please contact Rendin Alarm at 610-544-5755 today.  Or click HERE for a listing of our services.

Holiday Home Burglaries

Holiday Home Theft

Holiday Home Burglaries

Prevent Holiday Home Theft

Happy Holidays from Rendin Alarm Company!

“One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure!”

The Holidays are a joyous season for many and people who celebrate and those who don’t all take advantage of the Holiday shopping bargains!  But during the Holidays, the thieves are having a joyous season as well. Holiday Home Burglaries are on the Rise. It is a shame that there are such risks out there, but it’s a cruel fact of life.  So here are a few tips from Rendin Alarm Company, which can help you reduce your risk of having Holiday Home Burglaries this Season.

Don’t advertise what you bought!

It is awesome that you got that new flat screen TV, the new laptop, camera, tablet and mixer.  And guess what?  Burglars also think it’s awesome!  So what you should do is invest in a small box cutter and break down your packaging into manageable pieces, which can fit into a plastic recycling bag.  This way, no one will be tempted by what they see is new in your home.

Don’t leave ’em in the dark!

Are you going away for the Holidays?  Make sure you have your lights on a timer.  This gives the impression of someone being home. Keep your exterior lights on in the front back and sides of your home.  The more light that covers your property, the less likely a burglar is to risk being seen and the easier it will be to prevent Holiday Home Burglaries.

Have your packages delivered to your workplace!

Theft of deliveries is becoming more common than ever.  Individuals are more brazen than ever when it comes to stealing items from front porches and stoops.  It is a good idea to have close neighbors who may be at home to receive your deliveries.  But if that can’t happen, ask your boss if you can have your packages delivered to you at work.  This way, deliveries are usually made during business hours and you can ensure you are getting them.

Avoid Holiday Home Burglaries. Call Rendin for a Consultation!

Call Rendin Alarm Company (https://rendinalarm.com) today at 610-544-5755 to find out about getting an alarm system for your home.  There is no better deterrent to a home invasion than a properly installed alarm system with 24-hour monitoring and a prominently displayed Rendin Alarm Company Logo!  You can also fill out the form below and a Rendin Alarm Representative will get back to you promptly.

Thank you and have a SAFE Holiday Season!