ProTek Security

What About Dedicated Fire Protection? You might have a security system but are you protected from fire? In fact, many homeowners, business owners, and security companies overlook the need for fire protection. By having a dedicated fire system or a security system monitor your business or residence for fire, you can greatly reduce the amount of damage this often overlooked risk can cause. Most of ProTek's customers feel better knowing that they're protected against fire hazards. Imagine how much better you'll feel knowing that the fire department will be notified at the first hint of trouble. Did you know that most insurance companies provide a discount to customers who install a monitored fire system? Check with your carrier to see if you qualify.
Already Have An Alarm? When was the last time you had every component tested to make sure it was functioning properly? ProTek can maintain your system to ensure it stays in top operating condition. Do you have false alarms? Most false alarms can be eliminated through proper installation and service, even if you have pets. Does your current system protect you while you're home? ProTek can adjust your current system to allow you to move around inside, while keeping everyone else outside. Sleep better at night knowing you and your family or your business is protected 24 hours a day. Does your current system protect you in case of fire? You should consider adding fire protection to your current system. Without fire monitoring, you leave a large gap in your business or home's protection.
Is it Monitored? If your system isn't monitored, who will respond when you're not home? ProTek has a state-of-the-art monitoring facility which will notify you and dispatch the proper authorities (Police or Fire Department) in case of emergency. With a ProTek System, the authorities are able to be notified to know exactly which sensor triggered an alarm. For example, if the fire department is dispatched, they are able to be notified that the basement furnace room smoke detector indicated a hazardous condition. This improves response times dramatically and pinpoints the problem location.
Caution: A monitored alarm uses the phone line to call the monitoring company. If personal safety were at risk when the alarm sounds, a business or home owner would be unable to call 911 or call for help by phone while the alarm system is communicating through the phone line with the monitoring company. The only way to keep this from happening would be to have more than one telephone line into the business or house or have a cellular phone available.
Unmonitored systems typically have on-site alarms and/or flashing lights that indicate the security system has been breached. It relies on you or your neighbors as the eyes and ears to see or hear the alarms and then to call police or fire department. Neighbors or passersby should never investigate an alarm themselves. With an unmonitored system, it is best to have a combination of strobe lights and alarms. They should be located on the street side of the business or home and in an as-inaccessible spot as possible. Because it can be difficult to determine the location of a siren, it is best to discuss this with your neighbors and to place the siren and flashing light on the business house where it can be easily seen. Fire horn/strobe lights should be located in highly visible locations to be easily seen and heard by guests or patrons of a fire condition. Manual fire pull stations should be near perimeter doors and exits.
Smoke Detectors. Smoke Detectors should be placed throughout the business or home. The smokes must be mounted from the wall as smoke skips the corner when crawling up the wall to the ceiling. If you own a business or home and have the correct coverage you may be eligible for a Insurance Discount when you have Central Alarm Monitoring. There are also infrared beam sensors that will detect smoke rising in large areas such as churches or schools.
Heat Detectors. There are typically 4- Kinds of Heat Detectors. 1-135 Degree and 1-194 Degree "Fixed" Means The Temperature must reach 135 Degrees to trip it. 1-135 and 1-194 Degree "Rate Of Rise" Means that the detector will see the temperature raising too rapidly and will trip under these conditions. Heat Detectors should be mounted in Boiler Rooms 194 Degree Heats, Attics 194 Degree, Kitchens 135 Degree, Garages 135 Degree. ETC. For special high temperature areas there are heat sensors rated at higher temperature ratings, however you need to check with local regulations that require high rated heat sensors.
Gas Detectors. Natural Gas Detectors Natural gas is a general term. Natural gas is principally methane gas mixed with varying quantities of ethane, propane, butane, and other gases. Natural gas is one of the most popular forms of fuel today because of its' performance and the ability not to pollute the environment. Families use natural gas for their gas range stoves, furnaces, hot water heater, gas grills, or gas fireplaces. Natural gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Your local gas company adds an egg like smell to your natural gas to help with the detection of a gas leak. All persons don't display the same sensitivity to the egg like smell, so the smell can go unnoticed (very dangerous). Your sense of smell decreases when you are sleeping (your most vulnerable state) or if you have a cold. Natural gas is convenient but it can be very dangerous. If a natural gas leak occurs in your home or office a violent explosion could occur, which could result in serious injuries to you and family. If your home or office doesn't explode from a gas leak, poisoning could take place through inhalation. A natural gas detector you can give you peace of mind and ensure a safe home for you and your family. Things to consider when selecting a natural gas detector Natural gas detector units vary greatly in price, features, and ease of installation. Some of them must be professionally installed and may be connected to your home security system. Other brands resemble smoke detectors and are easy for you to install. Regardless of which detector you choose, certain facts are important: It is important that the natural gas detector will not be set off by other elements in your home, such as cigarette smoke or humidity level. Many detectors will respond to other dangerous chemicals in addition to natural gas, such as propane (LP). Detector Should be mounted near the ceiling or as close as you can get them. Natural gas rises to the ceiling. The distance between your gas detector and the potential sources of a gas leak is important. Gas detectors are similar to smoke detectors, in that they need to be installed in a location where their audible warning is likely to be heard and where the material of concern--natural gas--is likely to accumulate, such as a basement. ProTek will assist you in identifying appropriate locations in which to install your detector. If you have multiple sources of natural gas in your home, you might need two gas detectors or one detector with dual sensors. This is especially true if the gas sources are spaced far apart. Carbon Monoxide: At minimum 1 should be placed outside the sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible gas that dwells in our homes. You can't taste, smell, feel, see or hear carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide kills hundreds of families in America every year according to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). An additional 10,000 seek medical attention due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Don't let your family become a number this gruesome statistic. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas produced the incomplete combustion of fuel - natural gas, oil, coal, wood, kerosene, etc. Examples of carbon monoxide producing devices include: Fuel fired furnaces (non-electric) Gas water heaters Fireplaces and wood stoves Gas stoves Gas dryers Charcoal grills Lawnmowers, trimmers and other yard equipment Automobiles It is safe to say that all families have at least one of these pieces of equipment in there homes or work place. If one of these pieces of equipment to malfunction, injury or death can occur to you or a family member. The only way of knowing if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide exist in your home is to purchase a carbon monoxide detector. If you live in a large home you may want to purchase more than one (one one each level of the home is suggested). A detector will alert your family if carbon monoxide reaches dangerous level in your home. A detector is a proven device that has saved many lives. A carbon monoxide detector you can give you peace of mind and ensure a safe home for you and your family.
Smoke detectors that are monitored by a U.L. listed Central Monitoring Station are effective. Whether you are home or away, ProTek will always be looking out for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind. Check the batteries and test your smoke alarm monthly. Have a planned escape route for your home with a safe meeting place. Make sure that each room has an alternative escape route in case the first is inaccessible. Hold practice drills regularly so the entire family is familiar with the procedure for safely exiting the house. Do not overload electrical sockets. Unplug items when they are not in use. Furnaces and heating systems should be cleaned on an annual basis. Install a spark arrestor on your chimney to prevent sparks from starting a fire on your roof, nearby trees, etc. Also, cut back trees so they do not hang directly over the chimney. In case of an actual fire situation, it is imperative that your address is easily seen by emergency vehicles. For more information regarding fire safety, please visit the National Fire Protection Agency’s website at www.nfpa.org