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You can now give your alarm commands with the Google Home app!
With Google Home and the new Alarm.com Action, you can ask your AFS Revolution Security System to perform a number of automation commands or check the status of smart home devices.
Simply tell Google to perform any of the following:
- Turn on the living room lights
- Lock the front door
- Turn down the thermostat to 68 degrees
- Arm Stay the security system
- Open the garage door*
- Disarm my system*
You can also ask Google any of the following:
- Are all the doors locked?
- What’s the temperature in the living room?
- Is my security system armed or disarmed?
- Is my garage door closed?
For more information on how to set your system up with Google Home, check out this handy article.
* The user is required to say a 4-digit pin code to disarm the system, unlock the door and open the garage door.
Google Home
Are Fire Extinguisher Covers Are Required?
It is not very well known, but fire extinguishers that have the potential to be exposed to damage from environmental conditions are required to be installed with protective covers. Not only is it common sense, there is a provision in NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers that mandates them.
Per NFPA 6.1.3.7 Fire extinguishers installed under conditions where they are subject to physical damage (e.g., from impact, vibration, the environment) shall be protected against damage.
(NFPA 10, 2013 Edition)
Almost every extinguisher that is outdoors needs an extinguisher cover to protect it from the elements. This includes extinguishers hung on the outsides of buildings, extinguishers at fueling racks, and extinguishers mounted on the outside of vehicles, such as fuel and trash trucks. Other applications include wheeled extinguishers that are outside at industrial facilities. American Fire & Security not only offers extinguisher covers for wheeled units, but we also have extinguisher covers for most hand extinguishers, including cartridge operated extinguishers that are frequently employed for vehicles and installed in industrial plants.
Our technicians will take a close look at extinguisher covers during annual maintenance of extinguishers. When you remove the extinguisher cover, examine the condition of the material, the hook and loop closure or elastic-back, and the window, where provided. Some extinguisher covers also have pull bottom tabs and straps that must be examined for wear. If any of these items are appear significantly worn or damaged, it is time for a new extinguisher cover.
If you have any questions about if your facility should have fire extinguisher covers please feel free to reach out to me at (937) 262-7937 or info@AFS911.com
Fire Extinguisher Cover
Is your Christmas gift at risk of catching fire?
One of the biggest Christmas gifts this season could also be one of the most dangerous. It’s the coveted Hoverboard. While it’s cool to be cruising around town in style it’s not cool to have your Hoverboard catch fire while using it. If you insist on getting a Hoverboard this holiday season there are a few things you should know:
- Please take the time to look at and research the product you buy. If it is compliant with federal standards, inspections, and certifications, it will have a mark on it or indicate such on its packaging, on the device itself, or on its charging equipment. Devices not bearing a mark indicating compliance likely have not been tested to meet minimum safety standards.
- After you have use your Hoverboard please give the device time to cool off prior to charging.
- When charging the battery please make sure you follow the manufacturers instructions.
- When riding your Hoverboard please wear safety gear.
- If the Hoverboard seems to be acting “funny” while you are riding it please turn it off right away.
- Overheating – if you notice the device is very hot, stop using it and check with your manufacturer or retailer. This could suggest a faulty battery that needs replacing.
- Make sure your Hoverboard is powered down at night and anytime you are not using it.
Here is a great video warning you of some of the dangers of Hoverbords from The More You Know: Channel 2 on You Tube.
We also always suggest that you check out the Consumer Product Safety Commission for any questions or safety concerns on products.
Tips For Choosing The Right Hidden Camera
Once you have decided to install a hidden camera at your home, business or warehouse, it’s important to choose one with the right features and capabilities for your specific application.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Be sure to choose a hidden camera that blends well into your environment
- Consider where you are going to be having the camera installed. Be sure to choose a concealment that won’t attract suspicion.
- Be sure to capture the level of detail you are looking for
- In order to produce detailed video that provides facial identification, you need a hidden camera that produces high-resolution images.
- Are you going to place the hidden camera outside? If so be sure that your camera has outdoor day/night capabilities.
- Be sure to select the right video recording solution
- If you want to record video with your hidden camera, there are several options:
- Connect your hidden camera to a compatible security system DVR for recording video
- You can have a separate DVR or micro DVR that is compatible with the hidden camera
- You can have a hidden camera with a built-in DVR
- If you want to record video with your hidden camera, there are several options:
Some of our most popular hidden cameras are:
- Clocks
- Smoke Detectors
- Books
- Binders
- Pencil Sharpeners
- Motion Detectors
- Ceiling Speakers
- Alarm Clocks
- Thermostats
For more information on Hidden/Covert Security Cameras check out our website or contact our office at (937) 262-7937 today!
4-Camera 1.3 Megapixel Outdoor Video Security System – February 2015 Special
Unique Hybrid+ technology supports analog and HD-TVI cameras, plus IP for complete flexibility
Features Include:
- 1.3 megapixel HD-TVI bullet security cameras provide 720p HD video
- Integrated IR array lets the cameras see up to 65′ in complete darkness
- Smart IR technology reduces IR over-exposure at the center of the image
- Supports up to 4 cameras: 4x analog and/or HD-TVI (any combination), 1x 720p IP camera can replace 1x analog channel
- DVR records 720p HD video @ 30 fps per channel, 1080p full HD video @ 12 fps per channel
- DVR offers multiple recording modes (continuous, motion detection, schedule)
- H.264 video compression to save hard drive storage space
- 1TB hard drive for weeks of video storage
- HDMI, VGA and BNC monitor outputs for convenient viewing
- Free iOS/Android mobile app for viewing live and recorded video remotely
- HD-TVI technology transmits zero latency HD video
- Basic Installation
Pricing includes 4 Cameras, DVR, Power Supply, Cable & Camera Terminations
For more information please contact your AFS Sales Representative or check out our February Newsletter!
What is a fusible link and how do they work?
At American Fire & Security we are continually servicing and maintaining kitchen hood systems and fire doors. One of the most important items for either one of these systems are the fusible links. Per NFPA and the manufacturers standards most fusible link systems must be inspected and maintained every 6 months.
What are Fusible Links?
Fusible links are temperature sensitive fire protection devices designed to be part of a fire protection system. The system is activated when the ambient temperature increases to the point that causes the fusible link to “break-apart”. At the point of breakage, it releases the pre-loaded fire protection device, thus restricting the spread of fire. Fusible links are manufactured under the most rigid quality procedures to assure the highest possible degree of uniformity and “break-away” reliability.
The fusible link is one of the simplest forms of heat detection devices. When links are used in a restaurant system, their purpose is to cause the system to function and extinguish the fire. Fusible links used in this manner are actually releasing devices that are heat actuated. They cause the system to automatically operate at a predetermined “fixed” temperature.
How do they work?
Links are employed to restrain the operation of the system until a fire occurs. Each link is connected by a cable to the restaurant system releasing mechanism. When a high temperature is reached, the two halves of the link separate. When the cable tension is released by the separation of the link, the system operates and wet chemical flows out the discharge nozzles into the fire area.
Why is it important to replace our fusible links?
Fusible Links are one of the most critical components of a kitchen fire suppression system. Many factors can inhibit the fusible link from working properly. NFPA requires the fusible links to be replaced semi-annually, but other factors such as grease build up, could cause the need for them to be replaced sooner.
For more information on Fusible Links or to schedule your next Kitchen Hood System or Fire Door inspection feel free to contact us at (937) 262-7937 or visit our web site!
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
Your Christmas Tree is a beautiful addition to your home during the holiday season. It brings you joy, cheer and reminds you of memories of Christmas past but are you and your family aware of Christmas Tree safety?
Per the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments respond to an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Bu following a few simple safety tips you can avoid tragedy during the holiday season.
When picking a tree:
- If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
- If you are getting a live tree, choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
When Placing the tree:
- If the tree is live:
- Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1″ – 2″ from the base of the trunk.
- Be sure to add water daily to prevent it from drying out.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
- Try to place the tree in a position that will not require stretching of cords across rooms and walkways.
Lighting & Decorating the tree:
- Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory like UL or ETL/ITSNA. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
- Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
- Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
- Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
After the holidays are over:
- Get rid of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.
- Check with your local community to find a recycling program.
- Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
The U. S. Fire Administration website has a stunning video from the National Institute of Standards and Training (NIST) illustrating how a dry Christmas tree can act like a blowtorch in your living room.
The National Fire Protection Association has side-by-side video
Introducing Next Generation Wireless Intercom System With Video
The new advanced wireless intercom system by OPTEX gives you the ability to not only know when somebody is outside your door, but to view and talk to them from the safety and comfort of any location inside your home or business.
The wireless intercom package includes a convenient wireless handheld unit with LCD monitor and a wireless doorbell/camera unit with over 330ft. transmission range, line of sight. It also allows for multiple handheld units, multiple doorbell/camera units and the ability to remotely release electronic door locks through a gateway/chime unit.
What are some benefits?
No more missed visitors. The system allows you to know when guests arrive at your door, and speak with them, from the convenience of multiple locations on your property.
No more unwanted guests. You never have to trust a peephole view or answer the door blindly again.
Easily Expandable. You can monitor up to two doors from up to four different locations.
Door release capability. When integrated with door locking hardware, the gateway unit will release the lock when the “open door” button is pressed on the handheld unit.
Battery powered. Both the door unit and handheld unit are battery powered, allowing for up to 330ft. transmission range, line of sight.
For more information please contact your AFS representative or give us a call at (937) 262-7937 today!
Z-Wave® Dimmable LED Light Bulb
We’re pleased to announce the newest addition to the AFS Revolution family of Z-Wave certified lighting, security, and control products!
The BulbZ is a Z-Wave controllable and fully-dimmable, instant-on LED screw-in light bulb that provides pleasant soft-white illumination. Equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent bulb and using only nice (9) watts of energy, BulbZ is estimated to save approximately $140 USD throughout its average lifespan*.
Features:
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Wirelessly control the bulb from anywhere (requires Z-Wave apps for iOS or Android devices)
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Turn the BulbZ ON, OFF, or use its dimming features to adjust to 100 levels of brightness.
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Acts as a wireless repeater to extend the Z-Wave mesh network to cover longer distances
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Integrates with other Z-Wave certified products
* Average Lifespan is based on usage of (3) hours/day
* Requires and American Fire & Security Alarm.com account
The BulbZ is on sale until Friday December 31, 2014.
For more information contact your AFS Representative or call us at (937) 262-7937 today!
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