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Take steps to avoid accidentally dispatching the fire department to your home.

Do you have a monitored home fire alarm system? Spring home remodeling projects like painting, sanding and others can create heavy amounts of dust or fumes – which can accidently set off your smoke alarms and result in the fire department being dispatched to your home! To prevent this from happening, call the Central Monitoring Station at 1-800-482-9800 and ask them to put your system on "test" for the time period you will be doing the work. You will need your account number and password to complete this, but once it is on "test," the monitoring station will know not to dispatch emergency services for this time period.

Learn the most likely reasons you are seeing "Zone Fault" on your keypad.

Intrusion alarm systems need to have all of the zones clear before arming the system. What this means is, if a door is open or there are people moving in the area of motion detectors, the system will not arm – it is protecting you against a potential false alarm. When you are about to arm your alarm system, make sure all of your doors are closed tightly and locked, and that everyone is out of the house or business. If not, you will likely see the words "Zone Fault" on your keypad as you try to arm. Call or stop by Lappen Security to learn more!

Why hidden cameras may not provide the results you are looking for.

Many of our customers have called to ask us about hidden cameras, desiring to hide cameras in spaces the size of a pinhole. The theory is that they are more likely to catch people committing improper actions if wrongdoers do not realize they are being observed. The reality is generally not consistent with this theory. First, hidden pinhole cameras often have very limited or obstructed viewing angles – which makes it difficult to collect the evidence needed to prosecute for criminal behavior. Also, hidden cameras do not provide any sort of deterrence to wrong behavior. Between lack of the perfect shot for evidence and lack of deterrence, hidden pinhole cameras tend not to be an effective solution. Rather, putting cameras in plain sight tends to be more effective: by providing optimal, unobstructed shots, and by sending a message to those who have been doing wrong that they will be seen. Call or stop by Lappen Security to learn more!

Paxton offers a quick and easy way to check them all ... and more!

Many of our customers with multiple access control doors are seeking an easy way to check and ensure each of those doors is operating properly. By utilizing Paxton's Net2 Site Graphics tool and uploading a building drawing to the software, you can see all of your doors simultaneously, along with their current status in real time. The Site Graphics tool also allows select compatible cameras to be integrated into the system. This camera integration provides instant, 1-click access to view live events – simply click the desired camera icon on the building drawing to view live action. Call or stop by Lappen Security to learn more!

DVRs provide convenient, affordable alternatives to capture and share video clips.

All DVRs (digital video recorders) we have sold in the past 5 years provide multiple options for copying video clips from the hard drive. One option is to burn the clip to a CD, but long clips often are too large to fit. An excellent, affordable alternative is to use the USB port on your DVR to save the clip onto a flash drive. When saved to a flash drive, the viewing software is automatically saved to the flash drive, too – so that anyone with a USB port can easily view the clip. Stop by Lappen Security for a demo or to pick up some spare flash drives!

Add an additional layer of security for your important and valuable items.

A home safe is a great way to secure important papers, jewelry and many other valuable items you want to protect – not only from intruders, but also from fire and other natural disasters. Lappen Security currently has three high-quality, fire-rated safes in our showroom on which we are offering great in-store specials. To find out more, stop in our showroom and talk to any one of our team members. We are open Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Here is a simple way to remember what to do in a fire emergency.

R: Rescue - Remove any employees or visitors from immediate danger.
A: Alarm - Pull the nearest Fire Alarm and call the proper emergency phone number.
C: Contain - Contain all smoke and toxic fumes by closing all doors and windows.
E: Extinguish & Evacuate - Follow all posted and verbal procedures.
Contact Lappen Security for more tips on proper procedures for dealing with safety emergencies.

You may be surprised to discover the REAL enemy of electronics....

Many of our video surveillance customers have situations where their equipment needs to be stored in outdoor, unheated rooms, and they often ask us about extremely COLD days like we are currently having. The answer often surprises people in that digital video recorders and other electronic equipment are perfectly safe and will run completely normally on days this cold. Why? Because the machines actually produce their own heat, so cold is not the enemy in this case. HOT summer days are the time to keep an eye – and an extra fan – on the machines. Contact Lappen Security for tips on maximizing your security through proper care of your equipment.

Sharing codewords with others can unexpectedly put your security system at risk.

Never give your alarm system "codeword" out to anyone. Should your alarm system be triggered, the monitoring station will spring into action and begin calling your call list. It is very important that if they call, YOU have your codeword ready for them. However, if you give your codeword to others, you have no control over with whom it is shared ... and it could ultimately put your security system at risk by allowing an intruder or other unauthorized person to stop the authorities from being dispatched. Contact Lappen Security for tips on maximizing your alarm system security, determining your call list and more.

Lappen can help by offering security checks and reports at no cost to your business.

Many local companies are facing tough times with layoffs and cutbacks, making any extra time the remaining employees have very limited. At Lappen, we realize that security is still important to your business, but time and resources might be stretched too thin to spend much of your time paying attention to it.

Let us help you with that! Lappen Security will provide a FREE inspection of all of your exterior doors, along with a complete, written report of any potential security risks and hardware problems. Contact Lappen Security to take advantage of this great offer!

How to add a second layer of defense when surveillance isn't enough.

In the recent rash of retail robberies, criminals are covering themselves from head to toe, rendering the video surveillance recordings almost useless and gathering very little information from the event. For business owners, this means there becomes a need for enhanced security.

Our recommendation for retail facilities that are concerned about the threat of robberies would be to have a monitored panic button installed. By pushing this button, it alerts police that a criminal activity is in progress and the authorities will be dispatched immediately to assist you. Contact Lappen for information or to get started.

Financial Accountability/Responsibility Saves Time, Money and Enhances Security.

Access Control is a fantastic solution to making sure you have control over who gets into your facility and when. Once access control has been established, setting up an internal policy for those receiving access control cards or fobs is the next step you should consider. Part of the policy is to notify each person, in writing, of the terms and conditions of having possession of an access token.

The most successful policies are those that include a financial investment (averaging $15-$25) to be made by a cardholder in the event of a lost or stolen card/fob – these policies greatly reduce the number of people requesting replacement access tokens. Many companies without this type of policy call frequently for replacement stock – which costs employers time and money and increases security risks. Call today if you have further questions!

Winter weather can – and does – cause doors to act differently than they do in the summer months.

This time of year is a great time to call Lappen to have a Door PM (preventive maintenance) done to inspect, test and clean all of the working parts of your door hardware. Keeping your doors in top working condition will ensure your doors are closing and latching properly, keeping your building secure and keeping the cold air out! Call today!

Lappen Security uses the latest video surveillance technology to help you capture more complete security data.

Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) Cameras are able to cover a large amount of property with only one camera. However, PTZs have a downfall: when the camera turns or zooms in on one specific area, the rest of the area is now not being recorded – which means if an event happens that is not in that camera's current line of sight, it will not be available on your DVR as evidence.

Lappen Security has done a lot of research into finding a solution that can not only cover a large area, but also has the ability to zoom in and capture specific detail such as faces or license plates – while continuing to record the entire area seamlessly. For more information about High-Definition Megapixel Technology, contact Lappen Security or stop in our showroom for more details.

Maximize your security protection with fresh batteries, testing and inspection.

Spring and Fall are the times of year most synonymous with changing batteries in your smoke detectors, and fall has just arrived – so be sure to make it a point to put that on your to-do list. Also, it would be a good idea to check your CO2 detectors and any other wireless security equipment you have (such as motion or glass-break detectors) as they have batteries, as well. Lappen Security does offer a testing and inspection service available to any of our customers, and we can take care of all of those batteries for you, as well as make sure your system is working at its best. Contact Lappen Security for more details.

Unforeseen circumstances can cause DVRs to lock up and stop recording.

Check your security system's Digital Video Recorder (DVR) frequently to ensure it is recording. A "frozen" DVR is often the result of a fluctuation in the electricity running to it, and can be easily fixed on your own. If your DVR has stopped recording, the first thing to try is to completely power down your DVR, wait a few seconds with it off, and then power it back up. Once you have done that, come back about 10 minutes later and check to see that it is recording again. If it is, you should be good to go; if not, give one of our trained technicians a call for further assistance.

Did you know that improperly installed Weather Stripping on a door could cause you security issues?

When Weather Stripping and Door Sweeps are installed on a door, most of the time they are installed to keep the cold air completely out. Like anything else, Weather Stripping and Door Sweeps require tolerance, and if adequate tolerance is not figured into the installation process, the door will not close or function properly. One of the things we do at Lappen Security Products is adjust and remedy problem doors, as well as install new doors with properly placed Weather Stripping. When we work on your doors, we not only take into consideration your battle with the elements, but also your security. To learn more, contact Lappen Security.

This notice showing up on your security system keypad is not necessarily a bad thing.

The "Zone Faulted" notice can appear frequently and often goes unnoticed by system owners. If you happen to see the notice on your keypad, it simply means that the system has detected motion or an opened door. During that time, it will not allow you to arm the system as it is trying to prevent a false alarm. If you see the "Zone Faulted" notice – and there isn't anybody else in the building – check to see if there are windows open or fans blowing things around that created motion, or possibly a door wasn't shut tightly and has blown open. To learn more about your security system notices, contact Lappen Security.

Burglars are not the only hazard to your safety -- maximize your security system to ensure protection from these often invisible threats.

Home Security systems don't ONLY protect against burglars...they can also protect against environmental hazards such as CO gas, smoke and many more. For more information on environmental hazard monitoring, please contact Lappen Security.

Gain peace of mind and convenience with versatile door monitoring systems.

Have you ever wondered if the doors were left open at your facility? Do you need to ensure your facility is locked down but do not have the time to go check every door? With the Paxton Access Control system, any door can be monitored regarding open/closed status -- and can even be programmed to send you an e-mail alert any time the door is left or forced open -- giving you the peace of mind that, when the last person leaves for the night, your facility is locked down from intruders. Contact Lappen Security to learn more.

Avoid damage and improve the life of your screens with a few simple steps.

Flat screen monitors, also known as LCD monitors, are a little different from CRT monitors when it comes to cleaning. Unlike a glass-screened CRT monitor, flat screen monitors (including LCD TVs) are much more sensitive and are easily scratched and damaged. For example, avoid cleaning with any kind of paper, spraying liquids on the screen and more. See all of the easy tips in this flat screen monitor cleaning guide.

Bolster security by changing the locks.

Moving into a new home? The first thing you'll want to do is get your locks changed. Whether it is new construction or a pre-owned house, there is a very good chance there are keys out there that will open your doors. Contact one of our locksmiths today to determine the best solution for your home.

Printing photo IDs on your access control cards can cost you more money in the long run.

An average access control card will cost you between $3.50 and $7.00 each, and by printing a photo ID directly on the access control card, you are ensuring that you will NOT be able to reuse that card should that person's employment with your company end. If the card is not printed on, most access control systems will allow you to re-issue that same card to a different user. Printing your photo ID on blank PVC cards or on removable stickers are options that can save your company a fair amount of money in the long term. Feel free to contact us for more information.

Access control system offers easy tracking and documentation.

Companies have often asked how they can keep track of contractors' hours on their site. With the Paxton Access Control system, this can be accomplished with the easy-to-use software and in/out readers. This feature allows you to quickly see who is currently on your site and keep track of how long they are there. The Paxton software also offers custom reports so that you can easily document these logs and print them for your files, to give to your contractors, etc. Feel free to contact us for more information.

One size does NOT fit all. Ensure you're getting the protection you need by understanding the multiple types and the security they provide.

Safes can be broken down into many different levels of protection. For example, there are:

• basic security safes
• fire protection safes
• burglary protection safes
• burglary/fire protection safes
• data safes
• high security safes

To discover all that safes have to offer – and ensure you have the proper protection to meet your specific needs – stop by Lappen Security and speak to one of our experts; we will be happy to answer all of your questions. Feel free to contact us for more information.

Knowing ahead of time what to do can save trouble for all parties.

It does happen: for a variety of reasons, your intrusion alarm can go off by accident. Knowing the proper way to handle this and being prepared ahead of time can save you – and everyone involved – unnecessary troubles. Here is what you should do:

1) Determine if there really is a fire or intruder.*
2) Don't panic – remember your code.
3) If the alarm was accidental:

• Disarm your system.
• Carefully press each number of your code. Practice and be prepared to reset.
• After you've reset the system, call the Central Station to report the accidental activation.
• Do not leave your facility or home until you have spoken with a Central Station Operator.
• Do not call the police department in the event of a false alarm; they will not cancel the dispatch.

*Do NOT do this if it means putting your or another person's safety at risk.

Feel free to contact us for more information.

Avoid potential hardware failure and damage with a simple service call.

The fluid that is inside your door closers thickens in the winter and thins in the summer, thus needing a seasonal change. A simple service call to have your door closers adjusted could save you from a potential failure and the messy and unwanted consequences that follow – including hydraulic fluid leaking all over your door, your door not being able to close properly and the wind catching your open door, which can damage your hinges and the door itself.

Feel free to contact us for more information or to schedule a service call.

Take care to eliminate items that can falsely set off security system alarms.

If you have a home security system with motion detectors, it is always best to turn off your fans if they are in the area of any motion detectors when you arm your system. Also, be mindful of pets or even party balloons as these can also trigger a false alarm.

Feel free to contact us for more tips on avoiding false alarms.

Policies that include financial responsibility reduce access card loss/replacement.

Does your company have access control? If so, is there an access control card replacement policy in place? Most companies provide staff with their first access control card at no charge. But when staff lose cards, they need to be replaced ... which costs money. Data shows that companies without a replacement policy are frequently re-ordering access cards -- at a cost to the company. On the other hand, companies that establish a lost card policy which requires staff to pay for replacement cards are rarely re-ordering access cards. Fewer replacements also means better security, since there are fewer lost cards available to get into the wrong hands.

Contact us to learn more about how you can maximize the efficiency of your security systems.

Wireless technology is not all it is cracked up to be, especially when it comes to security.

Wireless systems are designed for open areas with little to no obstruction between transmitter and receiver. The vast majority of buildings have concrete walls, brick, drywall and/or wood that blocks wireless signals and makes a wireless system less effective. Therefore, to optimize system stability and reliability, it is always best to consider a hard-wired security system.

Contact us to learn more about how you can maximize your security systems.

This simple step can help make your entryway more secure.

When installing a strike plate on your residential door, it is best NOT to use the screws that originally came with the deadbolt or lock. Instead, use longer screws that will penetrate into the 2x4 in the wall. This will give you more security in the event someone tries to kick your door in.

Contact us to learn more about how you can improve the security of your residence.

Having process control problems? Not sure where certain problems are happening in the line of production? Lappen Security Products has a solution!

Security Cameras are not just for keeping an eye out for "the bad guys" -- we also use them in or around heavy machinery or on line production so that potential trouble spots can be spotted much earlier, and the root cause of the problem can usually be detected much earlier in the process, saving you time and money!

Contact us to learn more about how security cameras can be used to improve YOUR business.

Protect the security of your home/office – take the extra step of removing your car key from the rest of your keys when lending your vehicle.

Don't "lend" your house/office keys along with your car keys. While it's easy to do so absentmindedly, it is not a good idea to give your house/office keys to people you lend your vehicle to – or when you bring it in for maintenance or repairs. While it is uncomfortable to think about, the reality is that once your keys are out of your possession, it is hard to control who might have access to them (acquaintances of friends, co-workers, employees, etc.). If they get into 'the wrong hands,' your house/office keys could easily be copied without your knowledge.

Feel free to contact us to learn more.

Frozen locks are very common in the winter time, and calling a locksmith to come get them open can be rather expensive, not to mention very inconvenient. The good news is that frozen locks are very easy to prevent. Simply lubricate your lock cylinders with a non-freezing Teflon or silicone-based spray at this time of year, before the harsh winter winds start to blow. This will likely last you throughout the winter and keep your locks from freezing – and help you avoid a very cold and agonizing experience.

Lappen Security carries these specialized sprays and can help you choose the one that's right for your locks. Feel free to stop by to pick up a can, or contact us to learn more.

Worried about frozen pipes? Eliminate the constant worry -- and expensive damages -- with freeze sensors that will alert you before there is a problem.

Today, many of us travel during the winter months to get away from the cold weather. Unfortunately, we can't take our homes with us. Vacation property owners also leave their lake home or cottage unoccupied for long periods of time, leaving this valuable asset open to damage caused by falling temps.

Fortunately, Lappen Security offers low temperature alarms for homes, cabins, vacation properties and businesses/industry. Our freeze sensors will call you before pipes freeze, giving you ample time to locate a neighbor, friend, relative or employee to come and get the problem resolved before temps reach a critical level.

Feel free to contact us to learn more about how you can put your mind at ease with monitoring alarms.

When it's time to change, upgrade or add door locking hardware, you may need to purchase something new ... but reconditioned pre-owned locks could be your best option.

Looking for new locking door hardware? At Lappen Security, not only do we have a showroom with an outstanding selection of new locks, but we also recondition pre-owned locks and get them ready for anyone who might be on a tight budget.

Stop in to our showroom Monday thru Friday between 8:00am and 4:30pm and let us show you all of the locking door hardware options we have. We can help you find the most cost-effective solution for maximum security to fit your specific needs.

Feel free to contact us to learn more. Or stop in at our store! (map)

Did you know that you can integrate smoke detectors and other types of alerts with monitored alarm systems to better safeguard your home?

Having a monitored alarm system with smoke detectors on every floor of your house can save precious seconds and minutes in the event of a fire. NON-monitored smoke detectors provide little value to you if you are not home: by the time anybody notices that your house in on fire, smoke is probably billowing out of your windows and it is likely that your home, pets and possessions will be lost.

Alternatively, a MONITORED smoke detector alarm system could save 10 to 15 minutes in response time: a significant amount of time when it comes to fire damage and the chance for saving your treasured possessions. Monitored alarm systems can also be set up to monitor for deadly CO2 (carbon dioxide) gas, as well as for sump pump problems, high/low temperatures (indicating problems with heating/cooling systems) and intruder detection.

Additionally, some insurance policies offer reduced rates for homes with these types of monitored alarm systems; check with your insurance carrier for availability and specifics.

Contact us to learn more about the types of monitored alarm systems available to help you protect your home (or business) from fire and other types of damage.

Help guard against loss of time and money – arm yourself with the facts about security systems that offer flexibility and ease of use.

In our fast-paced world, we expect some things to change ... but we don't necessarily think about something in the "outside world" affecting our security needs in-house. However, it happens more often than you might expect. For example, changes in laws regarding handling customer credit card information now require merchants and others who have access to this data to enforce much more strict access control measures - for both electronic and printed records. In situations like this, suddenly we find ourselves needing an extra layer of security for a particular area or room - for example, an IT room or a room containing customer credit card information.

One way of adding an extra layer of security to a particular room is to require a person to not only use their proximity (RF - Radio Frequency) fob or card, but also input a code to obtain access. The Paxton Access PK75 Reader and full Control System allows for this type of flexibility. The user-friendly software provides the ability to change the level of security with just the click of a mouse, allowing the Reader to function as a fully functional proximity reader alone, a keypad alone, or both. This system flexibility allows you to adapt to changes in security needs without having to install a whole new system - saving time and money.

Learn more about choosing the right security system and the options available by contacting us for more information – we'd love to talk with you.

Get in the habit of using your deadbolts on your house and business. The deadbolt is where the majority, if not all, of your security comes from.

Many people simply use the lock that is part of the door knob. While it can certainly slow an intruder down, most of these locks are not very sturdy and can easily be broken. Some of the benefits to using a deadbolt lock include:

• Hard to 'pick' or break
  Most non-deadbolt locks are "spring-bolt" locks, which use a spring to hold the bolt in place. That means that a pry bar or other tool can be used to apply pressure to the bolt and push it open. A deadbolt on the other hand can only be moved to the open position by rotating the lock cylindar (like you do with your key). A deadbolt can therefore provide an enhanced barrier to entry without a key.
• Less attractive target for intruders
  Since it takes much more effort for an intruder to 'pick' or break a deadbolt lock, they are less likely to do it (too much work) and are more likely to be noticed by neighbors, pets, etc.
• Ensures door is properly closed and locked
  When using spring-bolt-type locks, it is easy to forget to set the lock or to only turn the locking mechanism (little button in the door knob) partially. In either case, your door is not properly locked. In addition, even if the spring-bolt lock is properly set, the door can appear to be closed, but may not have been pulled shut quite tightly enough for the bolt to engage in the jamb - this is very easy to miss. A deadbolt can only be engaged once the door is completely closed.
• Avoid locking yourself out
  Most of us have done it at least once... Because a deadbolt can only be operated with a key (exterior), you cannot accidentally lock yourself out.

Note: Deadbolt locks come in a variety of styles, which provide higher and lower levels of security. Feel free to contact us for more information -- we would be happy to help you determine the best type of lock to use for your particular situation.