Atronic Alarms, Inc

Our Favorite Mobile Phone Apps

2012-01-24T07:30:00.000-08:00

How many apps do you have downloaded on your iPhone, iPad, Droid or other Internet enabled smart phones? Which ones are your favorite? With thousands of Apps to choose from it might be a daunting task to start, so that is why we came up with a list of Apps we like here at the office.

Curtis Mayes, Installation Manager at Atronic Alarms, says his most valuable apps on his phone include Snaplink for his alarm system, Nviewer for his cameras, his Email app, and Facebook. He also uses IP Cam Viewer to check his staff in the office when he is not there. His fun app? Drag Racing.

Rick Zink, Commercial Design Consultant, has over 582 apps on his iPhone, and says that he couldn't live without Dropbox, a cloud-based app that allows him to access documents from multiple computers; Geomeasure, which gives him the ability to measure a building in seconds; iReconcile, a checkbook, accounting app and Redlazor, a barcode app. Then there is of course Google, which is pretty standard on most phones. (His fun app? Too many to list!)

Alysia LaRock, Marketing and Sales Support, said that she likes Facebook, PinInterest and Redbox, and also uses her Email App, Alarmnet and Total Connect for her home's security.

Jason Rothrove, Design Consultant, says that his "must have" app is Email. He also likes Craigslist.

Other popular Apps for Atronic employees include IC Realtime, which allows you to access and control IC cameras from your iPad or iPhone, and the H@me app for the HAI Home Automation System. There is also Weatherbug, Google Sky, Pandora Radio, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Five Reasons to Invest in a Monitored Security and Fire System

2012-01-18T14:49:00.000-08:00

PERSONAL SAFETY
If someone breaks into your home, alarms will sound to scare off the intruder as the monitoring station is contacted. After an initial call is placed to the location, the police are dispatched.

PEACE-OF-MIND
If your kids are coming home to an empty house, how nice would it be to know the proper authorities would be contacted if something happens? Additionally, many systems now have the option to view your home over a secure Internet connect with IP cameras so you can check in on your kids at any time.

PET SAFETY
A monitored fire system provides 24-hour protection even when the system is disarmed. The fire department is dispatched immediately if a signal is sent, which helps protect your pets and your home’s assets while you are away. A fire can get out of control in minutes, and immediate notification of the proper authorities may make all the difference between rescue and drastic loss.

“Ninety percent of your life and your survival come down to the small choices you make . . . Did you check the air pressure in your tires? Did you replace the batteries in your smoke detector?”
Author Ben Sherwood’s recounting of Sam Dunn’s experience in The Survivors Club

INSURANCE DISCOUNTS
It is obviously a benefit to the insurance companies if a home is protected from fire and theft. Most providers offer discounts off your homeowner’s insurance for monitored security and fire protection.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND LIFE SAFETY
Did you know that many systems have the ability to alert you to environmental changes in your home when you are not there? For example, if water is detected in your basement, if the temperature in your house is too low or if carbon monoxide is present.

Client Fights Vandalism with Video Analytics

2012-01-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

Gardner Energy, an electric utility company serving the 18,000 plus residents of Gardner, Kansas, runs three energy substations within five miles of each other to power the entire community. After an episode where vandals entered the premises after hours and damaged the control boxes, Darrin McNew, electric operations supervisor, met with Wes Cowsert of Atronic Alarms.

As a six year design consultant for Atronic, Wes knew immediately that IP video analytics would be the perfect solution to their problem.

Atronic Alarms' van at jobsite.

Installation of cameras on existing pole structures.

Actual video footage of the site, with the blue and red boxes identifying between
objects and people.

Video analytics are “smart” cameras that have the technology to distinguish between people, animals and vehicles which helps eliminate false alarms. About a third of the cost of a full-time guard service, video analytics provides 24-hour protection without hiring extra personnel or investing in recording equipment.

Atronic Alarms installed two wireless video analytic IP cameras at each substation which monitors all activity. Police are dispatched after verification that an intruder or vehicle may be trespassing.

Total Connect 2.0

2012-01-11T15:19:00.000-08:00

Total Connect 2.0 is Honeywell’s newest solution for home and business owners to have mobile and web access to monitor security, lighting, HVAC and video.

With hardwired or wireless IP cameras and access to the Internet through a smart phone, iPad or computer, Total Connect users can check in with family or employees from anywhere in the world.

The upgraded product utilizes many of the same functions of the older version but has an enhanced graphic interface, which makes it easier to track and manage your environment.

Know when your children get home from school or if they haven’t arrived home by a specific time.
Know if an elderly relative has left the premises, pressed a panic pendant or summoned emergency help.
Receive an alert when the security system has been armed or disarmed.
Find out when a liquor cabinet or safe has been opened.
Receive an alert if motion is sensed in a protected area indoors or outdoors.
Be alerted when flood or extreme temperatures have been detected.
Know if valuable objects like flat screen televisions, paintings, heirlooms, computers or office equipment are moved.

Total Connect 2.0 works with most of the Honeywell security control panels.

We Offer More than Just Security Systems

2012-01-09T06:30:00.000-08:00

[Warning: Subliminal Messages May be Included]

Atronic Alarms has been blessed with wonderful clients who share their stories with other people in the Kansas City area about their security, fire or home automation systems.

We also provide Access Control, Cameras, U.L. Commercial Fire Systems and Video Monitoring for residential and commercial applications.

Many times people will even take the time to provide feedback through our client satisfaction surveys, like the most recent one we received back on January 8, 2012.

"Sleeping much better since the alarm has been installed as we had a lot of car break-ins and one attempted house break-in in November. I was glad I accidentally tripped the alarm and saw how fast the response was from your monitoring center. Gave me peace of mind."

Much of our business comes from word-of-mouth and referrals by satisfied clients.

We also provide Access Control, Cameras, U.L. Commercial Fire Systems and Video Monitoring for residential and commercial applications.

However, our clients are also honest with some of the improvements they would like to see us make. We sincerely appreciate this and take each suggestion seriously.

We also provide Access Control, Cameras, U.L. Commercial Fire Systems and Video Monitoring for residential and commercial applications.

One client even told us increase our advertising in the area. "We didn't even know you provided Access Control," he said to one of the design consultants recently.

We also provide Access Control, Cameras, U.L. Commercial Fire Systems and Video Monitoring for residential and commercial applications.

There are many reasons why Atronic has been successful for 30 years and a small part of that reason is by investing money in employees and their satisfaction, not necessarily in advertising dollars.

We also provide Access Control, Cameras, U.L. Commercial Fire Systems and Video Monitoring for residential and commercial applications.

So, the next time your friends and peers are asking about alarm companies, let them know that Atronic Alarms is not just about residential security, fire and home automation. Let them know we can also provide Access Control, Cameras, U.L. Fire Systems, Remote Video Monitoring and Monitoring Verification. (In addition, if you are a monitoring client you will receive three months free monitoring if they become a client.)

Or, if that is too much of a mouthful, just have them just call us.

[End of Subliminal Messaging]

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Threat is Real

2012-01-03T13:53:00.000-08:00

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, invisible gas that comes from fuels, such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil and methane, that burn incompletely. You can't see it or smell it, and it's symptoms are most often confused with the flu, food poisoning and other illnesses.

Just recently a family in Kansas City barely survived CO poisoning. The threat is real and can be prevented by investing in a CO Detector that is linked to your alarm system. When the deadly gas is detected in your home, your monitoring station will be notified* and you or the proper authorities will be contacted. Your monthly monitoring from Atronic Alarms will not increase and you will be investing in the safety of your family and your pets with a CO device.

"CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound."
NFPA

Visit the Atronic Alarms website or contact us at 913.362.0000 for more information.

*Panel must be able to communicate and in good working order for all signals to be received at our monitoring station.

Holiday Appreciation Party

2011-12-05T17:33:00.001-08:00

This year the Atronic Alarms' holiday party was held for the staff at Jack Stack BBQ downtown on Sunday. Orchestrated by Amy Atha, Neil Atha's wife, it represented the classy, yet down-to-earth environment employees have come to appreciate. People mingled with each other, ate lunch and watched the Chiefs defeat the Bears.

Todd Harrison (right standing) announced Dustin Ditto as winner of a
gift card and teased him about returning the iPad he had
won the year before. Jason Rothrove (lower left) watches
while Amy Atha (lower middle) and Neil Atha join in the fun.

Todd Harrison, operations manager, smoothly MCd the event and raffled away prizes to lucky ticket holders including gift cards for gas, specialty meats and a Marriott hotel getaway. People cheered and clapped for the recipients. Nell Mathews, general manager, hit the jackpot by taking home the final prize: the iPad2.

Barb Suggs, accounting manager and Nell Mathews,
general manager have over 33 years of combined
experience at Atronic Alarms. Nell was the recipient of
this year's grand prize, the iPad2.

Employees and guests enjoyed the large fireplace at
Jack Stack BBQ.

Thank You

2011-11-21T04:32:00.001-08:00

It is during this time of year that we think particularly about what is important to us and what we are thankful for.

When President Perry Atha started Atronic Alarms, Inc. nearly 30 years ago he never imagined that his company would be in the position it is today, with over 30 people working together and his son, Neil, working alongside the veteran leaders as Vice President. Perry knows he owes the company's continued stability to the people of Kansas City.

As a 4th generation resident in the area, Perry had started the company in 1982 on the belief that he could provide his friends and family with a higher quality home security product and service. It they weren't satisfied, he wasn't satisfied. Over the years, Perry hand-picked his entire staff, from management to the installation technicians, whose propensity toward client satisfaction were consistent with his own. The company expanded into the commercial security field with access control, U.L. fire and remote business management solutions, and monitoring services now range from standard phone-line monitoring to monitoring over the Internet or remote verification.

Perry and his staff know that there are many options available for choosing an alarm provider. It is with deepest sincerity that the staff would like to say "Thank You" to clients and colleagues who have placed their trust and safety with Atronic Alarms. (Atronic will also be offering a Cyber Monday deal to facebook fans to show appreciation of their support and feedback.)

Happy Thanksgiving.

Visit Atronic Alarms' FACEBOOK page for more information and become a fan if you haven't already.

A Challenge : Remember Your Priorities

2011-11-17T11:31:00.001-08:00

A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.

The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. The sand filled up everything else.

He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”

“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car.

The sand is everything else. The small stuff.”

“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.

Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

Author Unknown

As this year's holiday season approaches, Atronic Alarms' challenges you to fill a jar with your own labelled rocks and revisit the items most important in your life.

The OmniPro II Home Automation System by HAI

2011-11-09T06:53:00.000-08:00

The CP-01 compliant and U.L. listed OmniPro II home automation and security system from HAI is the flagship of security controllers offered by Atronic Alarms. With the ability to support up to 176 zones of security, 64 thermostats, 31 rooms for lighting control (250 lights) and 16 access control readers, the OmniPro II has the largest feature set and can control the maximum number of devices for larger homes or businesses.

Many clients who have chosen the OmniPro II system enjoy the luxury of lighting their homes by schedule, motion detection, door openings, sunrise, sunset and alarm activation or deactivation. It can be programmed numerous ways, like with a touch of a button turning on or off every light in the entire house or utilizing the optional dimming feature for a romantic evening or social gathering.

Example: Don't have your children wake up in the middle of the night and walk through a dark hallway ever again. Your home automation system can be programmed with motion detectors that turn on a light when people activate the sensor.

Did you know that by dimming a light 10 percent, you can save 10 percent on electricity and double the life of a bulb? With an Omni system you can set your lights to 90 percent.

With the OmniPro II you can manage your heating and air conditioning system to save energy and money, while at the same time maintaining a comfortable living environment. Studies show that by turning your thermostat back 10-15 degrees for 8 hours you can save about 5%-15% a year on your heating bill.

Example: Program the thermostat to turn down the heat in the winter when you leave the house in the morning and raise slowly near the time you return. You can follow the same concept in the summer months, as well.

A client favorite of this security panel is the ability to automate your garage doors and call in from anywhere in the world on a secure telephone, iPad or computer to adjust your home's environment remotely. You can also integrate a variety of multi-room audio systems into the controller.

Example: Have you ever gone to bed and left your garage door open? You can program your garage doors to auto close at a certain time in the evening. In addition, a friend or colleague who comes into town early can be let in your door remotely through the HAI App on your iPad.

Atronic Alarms, Inc. is the only security dealer in the Kansas City surrounding area that has received the HAI 5-Star Dealer award for 11 consecutive years since the awards' inception in 2001.

Visit Atronic Alarms, Inc.

Sources: HAI Website | Department of Efficiency & Renewable Energy

Daylight Savings Ends on Sunday

2011-11-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we all fall back in time. Except for Arizona and Hawaii, residents in the United States must set their clock back one hour on November 6 at 2:00 a.m. If you own a home automation system, such as an Omni by HAI, it will conveniently adjust for you.

The end of Daylight Savings is also the time to change the batteries in your wireless and electrician-installed hardwired smoke detectors. Statistics have shown that nearly two-thirds of all home fire deaths in 2005 through 2009 resulted in fires without working smoke alarms, which include those with dead or no batteries. Your Atronic Alarms' hardwired smoke detectors have their battery backup in the alarm panel.

Daylight Savings originated with the theory that it would help with energy conservation. Still to this day it brings controversy, from sleep disturbance to energy offset methods. Either way, most of us get an extra hour of sleep this Sunday morning.

Statistic Source: NFPA website

Halloween Safety Tips and Treats

2011-10-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Halloween falls on an unseasonably warm day this year which will help bring the "trick or treaters" out in groves this evening. We have compiled a few reminders to keep your kids (or yourself) safe, along with a few fun facts about the holiday itself.

Tip #1: For those of you who don't have children, Slow Down. These small devils and vampires will be patrolling the streets and may pop out anytime behind parked cars.

TREAT : Halloween originated in Ireland and started with the Celtic culture and the "Druid" religion whose belief was that on October 31st (their "New Year's Eve) all the spirits who died that year would rise up and roam the earth. The Lord of Darkness, Lord Samhain, would arrive that night to gather these spirits and take them to the underworld.

Tip #2: Those glow-in-the-dark sticks are great to give to children to help provide visibility at night.

TREAT: Because of the superstitious black cat stories and beliefs, most animal shelters will not allow adoption of black cats near the end of October.

Tip #3: Don't go out alone. There is safety (and strength) in numbers. For young kids it is especially wise to stay with friends, neighborhood pals or Mom and Dad.

TREAT: Do you believe in haunted houses? There are several famous "haunts" in Kansas City, one being the Sauer Castle in Shawnee. The Sauer Castle is said to have numerous ghost stories associated with it starting back in the 1930s. These stories have since been discredited, but the old mansion still draws much attention from thrill-goers. The Castle was placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

Tip #4: Candles in Jack O'Lanterns can be fun, but keep them off the porch and away from flowing gowns and floppy pant legs. Flame-resistant costumes are available to purchase, as well.

TREAT: Did you know that Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bits? Also, the first Jack O'Lanterns were actually turnips.

Tip #5: Plan out the routes that your children should take, and slip a piece of paper in their outfit with their name, address and phone number.

TREAT: Halloween is also the birthday of Atronic Alarms General Manager, Nell Mathews. Nell has been with the company for over 20 years.

Atronic Alarms wishes everyone a Safe and Happy Halloween.

No Phone Lines? No Problem with Honeywell's Vista21ip Security System

2011-10-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

Don't have a home phone line but want a monitored alarm system? There are many options available now for monitoring security and fire without a phone line, and one of these is installing the Honeywell Vista-21iP security and fire system.

The 6280 Graphic Touchscreen Keypad serves as a security system keypad,
digital photo display and video viewer. The seven inch display is available in white and silver.

The Vista-21iP control panel comes with an on-board IP connection which provides sophisticated, reliable communication to the monitoring center through the Internet. It also has an optional snap-in GSM unit for cellular backup when the Internet is not available.

This user-friendly system can be aligned with Honeywell's Total Connect Video product, which allows you to view your home or business over a secure Internet connection with economically priced IP hardwired or wireless cameras. Below is a nighttime video of an actual event which alerted Todd Harrison, operation's manager at Atronic Alarms, through his Total Connect system that an escape was in progress:

Along with the technologically advanced IP functions, Honeywell offers smoke detectors that have a low temperature sensor built in, which can be set up to "alert" you at 43 degrees. This helps prevent frozen pipes or other costly winter disasters.

Additionally, one of the newer products for the system is an outdoor gate contact which is perfect for pool gates or privacy fences. If someone enters and breaks the contact, an alert can be sent through Total Connect to your PC or phone.

With the power of Honeywell and the knowledge and service of Atronic Alarms, the feature-rich Vista-21iP can be tailored in many ways to fit your specific security needs.

Visit Atronic Alarms, Inc. or contact us at 913.362.0000

Websites that Police Your Childs Online Activity

2011-10-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

Online social networking is one of the ways teens relate
to each other and create personal bonds.

The digital age. Even if you aren't on Facebook, MySpace, iGoogle or Twitter, it is almost certain that your children will be, if they aren't already. Preteens, teenagers and young adults are far more tech-savvy then the 40, 50 or 60 something generation. It is the way they learn, interact, and even date. And if they aren't on one of the more popular online social networks, it is only a matter of time before they plug into another one looming on the horizon; waiting to be discovered. Perhaps even one with a portal . . . now isn't that frightening.

Because this online social networking craze elevated the need for automated parental control systems, there are now websites and software programs available to analyze the content on your child's social networking sites. These programs alert you if there are sexual references, profanity, alcohol or drug references, bullying, violence or other acts of solicitation, and some single out "older" people who are not in your child's friend circle or whom others do not know.

Listed below are several monitoring sources we found during our research that were also reviewed by PC Magazine and Top Ten Reviews websites, and although Atronic Alarms, Inc. does not officially endorse or recommend any of these, they may be worth looking into:

ZoneAlarm SocialGuard - A software program specifically for Facebook or Twitter. $19.99 a year.
Minor Monitor - A web based program that is free to use. Must have child's login information.
SafetyWeb - Monitors various social networking sites as well as cell phones. $100.00 a year or $10.00 a month.
Net Nanny - A Detailed filtering program for PC and Mac to block inappropriate content on sites. $39.99 to $59.99.
Web Watcher - For the stealthy parent who wants to track all activity on a child's computer. $97.00
True Care - 24-hour monitoring for $9.99 a month. Online website to track child's profile on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.
AOL Safe Social - $9.99 a month.

Bottom line: Educate your children on the dangers of online social networking. Let them know that the Internet levels the playing field for the "bad guys" who create web profiles specifically to deceive people. Remind them not to befriend people they don't know and to secure their posts and their photos. The winner isn't the teenager with the most online friends, it is the teenager with the most online safety smarts.

Visit Atronic Alarms, Inc.

Office Building Fire Prevention

2011-10-12T16:55:00.000-07:00

The previous post featured NFPA's Fire Prevention Week's "Protect Your Family From Fire." Since "family" may additionally include the people you work and associate with on a daily basis, we felt office building fire prevention deserved a "shout out" during this week's awareness campaign.

2010 NFPA stats conclude that the bathroom is the leading area of origin of intentional fires set in public places, like stores, office buildings or schools. Complying to your city's fire code is the number one priority in fire prevention and safety. Each city is different, but below is a general list of guidelines to follow:

Make sure that your address on building is easily seen from street.
Keep objects clear from exit doorways and passages.
Your exit fire doors should NOT be propped open and should be self-closing.
Make sure your exit signs are self-illuminating.
Don't overuse extension cords.
Keep your block's fire hydrant easily accessible.
Assure that the fire extinguishers are in good working order.
Set up annual testing of your building's fire and sprinkler system.
Have a preparedness plan and an emergency evacuation procedure for occupants.

Atronic Alarms is certified to install fire systems in commercial rated buildings that require U.L. Certified installation and offers annual fire system inspections. For more information on commercial fire systems, visit the Atronic website.

Fire Prevention Week: Protect Your Family from Fire

2011-10-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

Reproduced from NFPA's Fire Prevention Week Website
www.firepreventionweek.org. ©2011 NFPA.

Fire Prevention Week is October 9 through 15 this year and the theme for the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) campaign is "Protect Your Family From Fire."

A fire prevention day was officially declared in 1920 by President Woodrow Wilson to honor those who died and were injured in two historical fires 50 years earlier: The Great Chicago Fire, which broke out on October 8, 1871 and did most of it's damage on October 9, killing more than 250 people and destroying more than 17,400 structures, and The Great Peshtigo Fire, which also started on October 8, 1871 in Wisconsin and roared through the Northeast part of the state, killing 1,152 people, burning 16 towns and destroying 1.2 million acres before it finally ended.

Several years later, Fire Prevention Week was observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls, and now continues to be the longest running public health and safety observance on record, according to the NFPA website.

There have been many important themes over the years, but "Protect Your Family From Fire" closely relates to the importance of home smoke detectors, fire escape plans and educating kids about fire safety. The NFPA website is full of activities for younger children, and schools usually discuss fire safety tips during this week and send information home for review. It is the perfect time to remind yourself and your family to:

Change batteries out of electrician-installed smoke detectors and other life-safety wireless devices twice a year. A good habit is to change them out on Daylight Savings and the day Daylight Savings ends, which this year is on November 6.
Check your smoke alarms once a month. Put your Atronic Alarms system on test first. (Read how.)
Develop a family "fire escape plan" with a meeting place outside the home and have at least two escape routes.
"Drop and roll" if your clothes are on fire and crawl on the ground in heavy smoke.
Don't leave pots on the stove unattended. Cooking is the #1 cause of fire in homes.
Turn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. Home heating methods is the #2 cause of fire in homes.
Don't leave candles unattended and keep them one foot away from anything that can burn.

If you currently have monitored Atronic Alarms, Inc. smoke and heat detectors, remember that they are "on" 24 hours-a-day, even when you disarm your security system. If you are interested in adding these devices to your current system, please contact the office at 913.362.0000 or visit Atronic Alarm's website for more information.

Crime Stoppers Achieves it's 10,000th Arrest

2011-10-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

(From a press release issued by Detective Kevin Boehm, coordinator of the KC Crime Stoppers)

As of September 30, 2011, the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline achieved its 10,000th felony arrest in program history. The anonymous reporting resource which pays cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of felony criminal suspects has been in operation in the Greater Kansas City area since October 1982.

The TIPS Hotline extends its appreciation to all area media outlets as well as federal, state and local law enforcement and most importantly the anonymous callers, web TIPSTERS and texters who have made the program a success and model for other Crime Stoppers programs world wide.

In addition to the 10,000th arrest the program has received over 118,000 TIPS and cleared 593 homicides, 1,565 robberies, 1,419 burglaries and provided anonymous information to law enforcement resulting in the arrest of 2,765 fugitives. 1,668 firearms have been recovered and $23,089,909.40 dollars in recovered property and narcotics seized. Cash payments to TIPSTERS have totaled $1,184,282.00 to date.

Todd Harrison, operations manager at Atronic Alarms, has served on the Board of KC Crime Stoppers for six years.

"I am very proud to be associated with a program that is fully committed to work with local law enforcement and the civilians to assist in putting felon's behind bars," Harrision said. "The 10,000th felony arrest is quite an accomplishment . . . that is 10,000 felon's taken off our streets, making our communities safer each and every day."

The New Generation of Security Technology

2011-10-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

"Smart" Cameras See People, Not Things, and Send Alerts to the Monitoring Station

Businesses and other building managers have been utilizing video surveillance as a key component in their security’s infrastructure for years. Security guards monitor the activity on the monitor and NVRs or DVRS store video to play back clips on demand.

Unfortunately, the cost of hiring a full time security guard and building upon your existing network isn’t always easily justified. In addition, cameras that catch the activity for forensic evidence won’t guaranty prevention of the criminal act.

Video analytics has the capability to distinguish people,
animals and vehicles to help eliminate false alarms.

Video monitoring, a security solution which utilizes adaptive video analytics with advanced camera technology to send images to the monitoring station, offers a more proactive approach to video surveillance for 1/5th the cost of a guard service. With video monitoring, theft and other acts of vandalism can actually be prevented as the motion activated video clip signals to the live person at the central monitoring station. This person then determines if the proper authorities need to be contacted, whether it be management personnel or the police.

Video monitoring can be a stand-alone system or easily integrates into your existing video surveillance. It is ideal for:

1. Energy substations prone to copper theft
2. Parking lots and outside equipment lots
3. Offices, warehouses and storage areas
4. Remote locations requiring wireless security, like boat docks and street corners
5. Multiple-site security

Wireless Alarm Devices and Applications

2011-09-30T12:09:00.000-07:00

There are two types of alarm systems for your home or business: wireless and hardwired. When professionally installed, both applications offer excellent security, fire and environmental protection. The term "wireless" refers to the sensors installed with the system, like a motion detector, door contact or smoke detector.

There are advantages to both and it depends upon your individual needs, as well as access to wiring, as to which one is right for you. In many cases, wireless and hardwired devices are used together.

Hardwired devices are usually the preference when there is easy access to wiring or installation takes place during the construction stage. In the past, hardwired applications have been preferred because of reliability and false alarm reduction practices.

However, with wireless technology advancing so much in recent years, the reliability of wireless security is very comparable to that of hardwired. Many types of wireless sensors are available for security, fire, medical alerts, carbon monoxide detection, hi/lo temperature detection and much more. Wireless security devices are also less invasive than hardwired, and are best used in older buildings where access to wiring is impossible or where installation would cause too much damage.

As with all wireless devices, batteries must be changed. Atronic recommends changing batteries every 6 months in order to maintain proper functionality. Today's long-lasting lithium batteries help this process and most panels installed by Atronic Alarms report to you when a battery is running low, long before the battery needs to be replaced. This message is also copied to the daily Atronic Alarms' low battery report, which is reviewed by a staff member and then a phone call is made to your residence.

There is another type of wireless system that is being discussed on the market today and that is "wireless communication," which is different than wireless security devices, and will be discussed in future posts.

Visit Atronic Alarms, Inc. on the web.

Your Fire System is Always "Armed"

2011-09-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

Did you know that if maintained and in good working order, your monitored fire system from Atronic Alarms is always on? Our monitoring station will receive signals 24/7/365 from your smoke and heat detectors whether you security system is armed or disarmed.

This is great news for you because it provides your family and your business with that extra layer of protection from fire related occurrences even if your security system is not armed. However, it is easy for people to forget due to the arming and disarming at the keypad and the mental thought that their entire system is "off," and we find that many false alarms occur as a result.

When you are cleaning your fire devices, or even cleaning around them, or when you are seasonally changing out the batteries in your wireless devices, please contact us to place your system on "test" before you begin. Most fire devices are highly sensitive due to their life safety status and are easily tripped if disturbed.

The "test" status for monitoring purposes means that any signal we receive during this time will be ignored. (To place your system on "test," you must provide us with your password.)

In fact, it is just good practice to contact us anytime you are working on your alarm system in general, whether it is changing the battery in the alarm panel, testing security devices or working around the wiring. Our job is to give you the highest level of security possible and the more you communicate with us the better service we can provide.

To contact us call 913.362.0000. For more information on the benefits of monitored fire systems, visit the Atronic Alarms website.

Note: Panel must be able to communicate and in good working order for all signals to be received at our monitoring station.

Client Pleased with Commercial Fire Systems in 40 Buildings

2011-09-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

The Associate Director of Property Management for Block Real Estate Services recently sent a letter to Perry Atha, President of Atronic Alarms, complimenting the installation of several fire alarm systems in their buildings.

"I would like to personally thank you and your staff for the recent job you completed at Pine Ridge Business Park. Changing out the fire alarm panels and an entire upgrade of the systems for 40 buildings is a daunting task. I was very pleased that Atronic Alarms was able to complete this upgrade on schedule, within budget and with little or no disruption to our tenants."
(Printed with permission.)

Atronic has worked with numerous businesses in the Kansas City area helping them with their security and fire solutions. As a UUJS Certified company to install fire alarm systems in commercial-rated buildings that require a U.L. Certified alarm installation, Atronic consultants custom design each system and work with fire marshals on a consistent basis to represent businesses at fire alarm inspections.

Atronic also offers maintenance programs and certified fire inspections. For more information visit the Atronic website.

Wow . . . It's a Live Person!

2011-09-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

Automated Voice Mail. Automated Voice Systems. "Press '1' for service; Press '2' for sales; Press '3' if it is an emergency . . .

We are living in a world where phone automation is the norm for most businesses. Some, however, have held on to the belief that a live person answering the phone is actually an outstanding, if not preferred, way to greet callers.

At Atronic Alarms, you will be disappointed if you call in expecting to get an automated voice answering system. You won't get to push buttons for the proper department or call back 2 or 3 times because you were disconnected.

Instead, you will likely get Iris, the front desk receptionist who handles the phone with ease and politely answers your questions or directs you to the person who can.

Sometimes you will get Alysia, who moved from the front desk into marketing and sales. Then there is Chrissy, the monitoring coordinator, who will answer the phone when Iris is on the other line.

You see, Atronic still has this old fashioned belief that a real person can help another real person far more efficiently and with a much higher level of satisfaction than an automated voice. And not only that, but these people are nice.

In fact, on occasion you may hear Barb, the accounting manager, answer the phone, or Nell, the general manager. Todd and Neil have even picked up the phone. A call coming in is a client needing help. Ringing phones do NOT go unnoticed at Atronic Alarms.

As for Perry? He is in the back office with a phone to his ear, but he has picked up that receiver once or twice if everyone else is busy, "Atronic Alarms, this is Perry."

Can you say that for most company presidents?

StormReady Communities in Kansas City

2011-09-08T10:03:00.000-07:00

StormReady is a program started by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Tulsa, Oklahoma 12 years ago to help arm communities "with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property-before and during the event, " according to the StormReady website.

Olathe is one of the six communities in Kansas to become a StormReady area. Missouri has 40 communities and among them are Smithville, Gladstone, Park University, Riverside, Independence, Lee's Summit, Belton, Raymore and Peculiar.

What that means to residents? These areas are prepared to help prevent weather-related deaths and injuries through planning, education and early warning systems.

To become a StormReady designation (a county, city, commercial site, university or supporter site) the area must show they follow six guidelines: Communication, NWS Information Reception, Hydrometerological Monitoring, Local Warning Dissemination, Community Preparedness and Administrative.

The KCTV5 station in Kansas City is a StormReady supporter, and the Honeywell plant is designated as a StormReady commercial site.

Source: NWS StormReady website

Labor Day in the United States

2011-09-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

Labor Day. For many of us it signifies an end to the summer. The end of swimming pools, vacations, boating, and summer fun with family and friends. Even though the calendar year hasn't changed, many of us mentally move into the next year with the start of school, fall sports, new T.V. shows and fall fashion trends.

Last but not least it provides most people a paid day off from work.

Labor Day unofficially began in 1882 in New York to pay tribute to union workers. It's concept spread and in 1894, after the deadly Pullman Strike (a conflict between railroads and labor unions), the U.S. legislature made it into a national holiday.

The Labor Day parade, which is still a large event in most communities, is a representation of "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations." (United States Department of Labor: The History of Labor Day". Retrieved 2011-09-02.)

As you take in your community's Labor Day festivities, enjoy the fall weather with a family BBQ or simply relax to prepare for the work week ahead, take a moment to appreciate the history of the Day and how the physical and mental strength of the American people continues to shape our country.

If I Were A Thief

2011-08-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

If I were a thief I would check your doors and windows first at your home to see if one is unlocked. I really don't want to make that much noise and cause too much attention to myself. I can slip through an unlocked sliding glass door without a problem. Windows are good, too. I love it when you forget to close your garage door.

I don't even mind entering the front door during the day when you are not home. In fact, I prefer it. (I know you are gone because your porch light is on, no lights or noise on inside and there are no cars in the driveway.) Inadequate deadbolts and locks allow me to jimmy it open without much noise.

If I were a thief I would lay low in bushes and shrubs in dimly lit areas and watch. Motion lights scare me off because I don't want the attention. I don't like barking dogs, either and those nosy neighbors really irritate me. The less activity, the better.

I don't like to make it too hard on myself. If one house seems to have an alarm system and the other doesn't, I'll hit the one without. Wouldn't you?

If I were a thief and I were casing cars, I would look to see if yours was unlocked or your windows rolled partially down. I also like to work in low-light areas and look into cars with valuables in plain view. I find it quite profitable when a cell phone, purse, laptop, iPad or GPS unit is sitting in the front seat. Jackpot! Is your car running? Double jackpot.

If I were a thief I would go everywhere, looking for victims who don't pay attention, who forget to take precautions and get careless. I don't like planners and preventative measures. I don't like neighborhood watch programs, police cars slowly rolling by, cameras or monitored customized security systems.

P.S. Oh, yeah, I'm also on facebook, twitter and all the other networking sites people use to communicate with each other. It's great when you talk about leaving on vacation for a week. It's even better when you don't secure your pages and I can look at everything . . . nice boat.

To download more information about safety and crime prevention, visit the Atronic Alarms, Inc. website.

Atronic Client Shares His Story on Copper Theft

2011-08-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

Copper theft, as we have noted many times in our blog, continues to be a problem for homes and businesses in the Kansas City area.

Recently a client of Atronic experienced firsthand the aftermath of what businesses can go through to recover from such a crime. Over the summer his electric company fell victim to thieves vandalizing their AC unit. This resulted in an extensive repair bill, an uncomfortable summer without adequate AC and a large insurance claim.

He recently shared with us a letter he had sent to Chief James Corwin of KCMO in response to the Chief's blog on residential copper theft and gave us permission to post it on our social media sites.

"I read your blog regarding copper thefts from vacant homes, and thought you might be interested in another aspect of this problem that is affecting many businesses in the metropolitan area.

After the company I work for suffered an $18,000 loss due to vandalism of one of our exterior AC condensing units (for the copper, of course), we realized that a simple precaution could possibly have prevented the theft."

He continues by telling the Chief how their company installed an auxiliary contact in the safety switch and then had it wired into their existing Atronic Alarms' security system. The monitoring station would be alerted if the power source was disconnected. With ample room in their security panel they had additional zones to arm their unit.

"Even though our new condensing unit has been placed on top of our building rather than on the ground, where it was, we’re still going to wire it into the security system... especially in light of the number of units that are now being stolen from atop buildings (as was recently reported happening in Topeka)."

There are many solutions now that home and business owners can look into when considering ways to protect their HVAC units. Another system Atronic offers actually monitors the copper within the unit, and any "tilt" that occurs when a perpetrator is tampering with it would alert the monitoring station. In this case, the power does not have to be shut off to trip the alarm.

Video monitoring is an option if business owners want an immediate notification when suspicious activity occurs around a perimeter. With economically priced outdoor IP cameras aimed on your HVAC unit the monitoring station would receive a live video and then can determine if a call to the authorities is warranted.

It is hard enough for business and home owners to watch their bottom line these days without worrying about someone vandalizing their HVAC units or other copper items around their building. Fortunately, there are some economical solutions that can be integrated to help prevent this expensive nuisance.

"Just wish we’d thought of this sooner, before we had to spend half the summer without adequate AC in our KC sales office, while waiting for the replacement equipment. At first, we were just going to eat the repair expense, but then learned that the entire system had to be replaced due to the needed refrigerant upgrade, which made it necessary to make an insurance claim in order to help cover the expense."
In a separate email to Todd Harrison, operations manager of Atronic Alarms.

Atronic Alarms would like to thank Charlie Brooks, Independent Electric, for sharing his experience.

Atronic Friends and Family Join Runners in Rivarly Run

2011-08-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, August 20, eleven friends and family members of Atronic Alarms laced up their running shoes to join the 459 other participants who made up the 2011 Rivalry Run, a Kansas vs Missouri race with proceeds directly benefiting the Domestic Violence Protective Services Agency (DVPSA).

The 5k run began at 8:00 a.m. through a course beginning and ending on Grand Boulevard in front of the Sprint Center. Atronic Alarms was a platinum sponsor of the event and paid for all eleven entries to help support the cause.

The DVPSA is a not-for-profit group in Kansas City committed to provide additional physical security services, education and ongoing support to battered spouses and children in the area.

What is Enhanced Call Verification?

2011-08-17T03:40:00.000-07:00

Enhanced Call Verification (ECV) is a procedure that the alarm industry developed after police and city officials across the United States considered going to the Verified Response monitoring policy. With Verified Response, police would respond to a burglary alarm only after a witness verified a crime or attempted crime has taken place. This procedure may lower the amount of false alarms but it would also significantly reduce the effectiveness of security systems.

With ECV (also referred to as Multiple Call Verification) the central monitoring station attempts to verify the burglary alarm before dispatching the police by calling a minimum of two separate telephone numbers. The first attempt is a verification call to the premises. If no responsible party is available, a second call is made to a cell phone or to an alternate number provided. (Since most false alarms occur arming or disarming the system it makes sense that someone is either on the premise or has recently left and (s)he should be available on a cell phone.) If there is still no one available to verify the alarm is false, the police will be called.

For any city and it's residents, false alarms are costly and time consuming as they place additional burden on police resources and take their time away from more serious situations. With the implementation of the ECV, false alarms have been reduced by as much as 50% according to studies conducted over the past decade. In fact, the National Sheriffs Association (NSA) endorsed ECV as a "proven and effective way to reduce unnecessary calls for service" during their membership meeting in June 2011 according to a July 15, 2011 press release.

The City of Leawood is currently the only ordinance in the Kansas City metro area that is requiring ECV for their residents but many of the other cities are moving toward this practice. As a false alarm reduction crusader, Atronic Alarms strongly suggests to all alarm users to set their emergency call lists up with the ECV in mind by providing at least two current phone numbers that would be called before the police are dispatched.

ECV applies only to burglary alarm signals and does not apply to fire, panic or hold-up. For more information on ECV or to review your emergency call list with Atronic Alarms, contact us at 913.362.0000.

Note: Atronic Alarms, Inc. boasts an industry low false alarm rate which led to receiving the Police Dispatch Quality Award (PDQ) in 2009, a National award honoring alarm companies dedicated to reducing false alarms.

Back-to-School Safety Tips for Children

2011-08-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

It is that time again in the season where children return to school. There are so many safety concerns with kids and school these days it is difficult to know where to focus. Depending upon the age of your child, mapping out routes for walking, biking and preparing them for school bus etiquette will assist in preventing problem areas as they travel to and from school. Many schools now have e-alerts which can provide a key contact with updates and emergency information through email or text.

If your child is older, discussions on proper use of cell phones during school (know who is calling, what NOT to send people and why) and Internet protocol is usually the way to go. It may also be wise to remind your young drivers that smaller children will be walking to and from school so extra caution should be taken at the wheel.

If you work outside the home and want to be notified when your family begins to arrive home, there are certain security features that can be added to your home to provide you with video clips, email and/or Internet alerts. For example, you can be alerted when:

The children come home for school
The backyard gate is opened
The garage door is opened
Someone uses the pool
Your gun safe or liquor cabinet is opened
A car drives up your driveway
Someone arms / disarms the security system

These are just a few ways a well designed security system can help you as you and your family begin the 2011-2012 school year.

Two-Way Voice Communication with Medical Alert Pendant

2011-08-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

When you get older, the minutes between the time you fall down and the time you can get help are critical. The New England Journal of Medicine says that after a fall or other emergency, 90% of people who get help within one hour will continue independent living, but after 12 hours without help only 10% will continue living at home.

This year Atronic Alarms started offering the world’s smallest two-way voice speaker phone pendant communicator which allows clients to communicate directly to the central monitoring station.

Much like a walkie-talkie, if the pendant is activated, a person from Atronic’s monitoring station will be able to talk directly to the client to asses the situation. It is a perfect, stand alone system for aging loved ones who still need the independence of living in their own home but require extra monitoring in case of emergencies.

The two-way communicable pendent
and optional mounting unit
are small and water-resistant with long-range capabilities.

One of the differences between this system and other emergency response systems is the range required in order for the pendant to work effectively.

“The range from where the base is located to the actual device is almost twice as long as other medical emergency response systems,” says Todd Harrison, operations’ manager at Atronic Alarms. “It allows people to move freely throughout their house and even opens the possibility of going outside in their yard.”

The pendant and optional mounting unit are water-resistant. Additional monitoring charges apply. Contact Atronic Alarms, Inc. at 913.362.0000 for more information on this system.

How to Properly Arm Your System and Exit the Premises

2011-08-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

Did you know that over 75 percent of all false alarms are a result of user error? According to the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), the most common errors occur when the alarm is being turned on. General guidelines to follow when arming your system to prevent false alarms are:

Check the alarm keypad and verify that the system is ready to go. If the alarm is not ready, check all doors and windows to make sure they are secure until the alarm is ready to be turned on.
Make certain that everyone who is leaving is ready to exit.
Enter the arming code and have all people exit. Most Atronic Alarms systems are set to a 45-90 second exit delay, depending upon location of your keypad to your door. Make sure you know how long you have to leave the building.
Close the exit door and lock it.
Wait by the door to make certain that the alarm did not go off.
If you must re-enter the premises, open the door and immediately turn off the alarm. Don't try to "outrun" the exit delay.
When you are ready to exit repeat the steps above.
If the alarm goes off do not leave until you have spoken to your alarm company. If they don't call you, contact them and have your username and password to properly cancel the police dispatch.

Remember, alarms are NOT considered false if you properly cancel dispatch.

Article Source: The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) "Tips for Alarm Users"

Monitor Your Security System Without a Phone Line

2011-08-03T12:54:00.001-07:00

Most security systems use telephone based monitoring. However, security manufacturers and central monitoring stations have been slowly evolving their products and services to prepare for the digital and Internet age. Now there are several options available for alarm system monitoring if you are thinking about disconnecting your home phone line.

Global System for Mobile Communication Unit (GSM)

The GSM unit uses a dedicated wireless connection that is completely independent of other communication networks.

The Internet

Many of the newer alarm panels are equipped with Internet Protocol (IP) technology which will allow monitoring over the Internet. One of the benefits of Internet monitoring is the ability to view your activity online. Additional services offer interactive features like the ability to adjust your thermostats, switch lights on and off or view your home online with IP cameras.

For more information on alarm system monitoring without phone lines contact an Atronic Alarms sales associate at 913.362.0000.

When Basement Flooding is a Problem

2011-08-01T06:45:00.000-07:00

If your home has a tendency to flood during spring or intense rains you will want to ask us about the "waterbug."

As the name suggests, the device is placed close to the sump pump or other areas prone to flooding and connects to you alarm panel. When the probes detect water, a signal is relayed over to the central station as a non-life threatening environmental alarm. Central station then notifies you about your water problem.

The "waterbug" has helped save many homeowners thousands of dollars in water damage. In some cases, insurance companies are offering discounts if this device is part of your alarm system.

Another piece of good news is that your monitoring with Atronic Alarms will NOT increase when you add this device.

Contact Atronic Alarms today to find out more about the "waterbug" at 913.362.0000 or visit our website.

Emergency Crime Trend in Lee's Summit, Missouri

2011-07-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

Atronic received an urgent email today from the Lee's Summit Police Department about residential crimes trending in the city that are taking place on Friday and Saturday evenings before midnight.

Several common denominators of these crimes are:

1. Back door pried open by someone who is not very skilled using pry tools

2. Pillow case taken from master bedroom

3. Jewelry boxes gone through or taken

4. Laptop computers and/or flat screen televisions stolen

The thieves are using the cover of darkness to sneak around undetected and the crimes have been occurring in all areas of the city.

To help keep criminals from targeting your home keep your backyard well lit, close your blinds after dark, keep your gates closed if your yard is fenced, talk with your neighbors and watch for any unusual activity. Contact 911 if you see anything suspicious.

Based upon a report put together by the Lee's Summit detective unit and crime analyst.

Staying Safe in Extreme Heat

2011-07-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

The heat is on here in Kansas City with the temperature stuck in the upper 90s and a heat index well over 100. To help prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke take these following five things into consideration:

1. Stay well hydrated. Drink plenty of extra water. Stay away from the sodas or other caffeinated drinks.
2. Exercise in the early morning or later in the evening where heat and humidity are at the lowest.
3. If you must work outside, frequently take shelter in cool, shady places. Use a cold, wet towel on the back of your neck to help keep your core temperature down. You can find towels specifically designed for this at a sporting goods store.
4. Eat light and healthy so your heart doesn't have to work as hard. Fruits are good because they can replenish any water lost.
5. Wear light, breathable clothing. As a general rule, the best fabrics for this are made from natural materials like cotton, linen, rayon and silk.

People with the greatest risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke are outside workers, the elderly, young children and those homes without air conditioning.

How long should my Carbon Monoxide Detectors last?

2011-07-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

Atronic Alarms recommends replacing your carbon monoxide detectors every five to six years. The devices will "beep" every six minutes after they reach their end-of-life cycle.

In addition, if your hardwired smoke detectors are beeping then they are electrician installed devices and their batteries need to be replaced. Atronic Alarms hardwired smoke detectors do not beep because their battery backup is in the panel.

Sometimes Atronic Alarms will install wireless smoke detectors. If they start to beep then that means their batteries are low. Contact the Central Monitoring Station at 913.432.4545 to put your system on "test" mode before you change the batteries. Have your user password ready.

Watch for Door-to-Door Scammers in Leawood, Kansas

2011-06-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

Leawood, Kansas residents are currently being approached by young, enthusiastic door-to-door sales people who are representing alarm companies to buy home security systems. They will persuade and mislead homeowners into upgrading their systems for free if they sign a long-term monitoring contract.

In many cases homeowners are led to believe that the representative is from their existing alarm provider.

Atronic Alarms is NOT affiliated with these companies, and we do not send out unscheduled sales or service representatives to your home.

If someone approaches you, do not give out your personal or alarm information, including call lists or verification codes, and do not sign anything without verifying the validity or credentials of the representative and the alarm company.

In addition, don't be fooled by a business phone number and a good web site. Security companies with ethical business practices will never pressure you into signing paperwork, and they are usually members of local and national alarm associations, the Better Business Bureau and their area chamber of commerce. If in doubt, contact the alarm coordinator in your city's ordinance police department.

Sources:
City of Leawood Alarm Coordinator
Electronic Security Association
Texas Burglar and Fire Alarm Association - Press Release "Unlicensed Alarm Companies Pushing Illegal Door-To-Door Sales Across Texas"

Retail Theft Up $4 Billion from 2009

2011-06-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

A study published from the latest National Retail Security Survey (NRSS) reveals that retailers lost more than $37 billion to theft in 2010.

The survey's preliminary results shows that this is a $4 billion increase compared to the year before. Retail theft includes employee theft, human administration error, vendor fraud and shoplifting.

Along that same note and closer to the Kansas City area, The Lawrence Journal World ran a story recently about business owners and the frustration they are experiencing with increased burglaries. The Lawrence Police Department is "encouraging people to lock doors at home, in the office or their vehicles to try to prevent burglaries. Police also encourage businesses to install security cameras."

Commercial security is available through many applications, including high definition IP cameras, Access Control and Intrusion.

Source: Lawrence Journal World and Security Sales & Integration Magazine.

More Knowledge; Better Rape Prevention

2011-06-17T04:54:00.001-07:00

In the past several days there have been 2 reported rapes and one reported sexual assault in the Kansas City metro area.

Two rapes have been reported in the Rosedale area next to the University of Kansas Hospital. The Kansas City Kansas police notified the news to call out to the metro area in hopes of tips to identify the rapist. They also want to remind people that KU Police Escorts are available by calling 588-5030.

In another area of town, called the Trolley Trail near East 85th and Main Street, a woman in her 50s reported being sexually assaulted at 5:50 a.m. Not much yet is known on that case.

If anyone knows anything about these three cases, contact the TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

Everyone is a potential victim for sexual assault, no matter your age, your race or social status. The main way to protect yourself and your family is to always be aware of your surroundings. Don't live in fear . . . live with knowledge.

The following is a list of other preventative measures:

If you walk or jog carry mace, pepper spray, your keys held between your fingers or a whistle. The mace can also be excellent protection against a dog attack, as well.
Try to walk or jog in populated areas.
At home, whether you are single or have a family, remember to always lock your doors.
When you are walking to and from your car to your work, the grocery store, the mall or anywhere else, walk with a purpose. Hold your head up and look people in the eye. Walk quickly and be aware of your surroundings.
Look under your car before you unlock the car door. It is possible for a body to hide under the car and cut your ankles.
Take a self-defense class. Not only is it a good exercise program but it will help you react quickly in case of an attack and show you key spots on a person as you take them off guard, perhaps make them lose their balance, and then you can run. Eyes. Nose. Throat. Groin. Knees. Feet.
Don't open your door to a stranger. Keep your safety chain on and stay on the phone with someone as you answer the door.
Keep your home well lit. Attackers hide in the shadows.
If you find someone is following you, drive to the nearest police station. If someone appears to need help loading something in a vehicle, let them know you will get them help. Walk back into the store and contact a security guard.
And please, if you own a security system . . . USE IT.

Sources and other Rape Prevention sites:

http://www.kansascity.com/2011/06/16/2953975/police-investigating-report-of.html

http://www.nbcactionnews.com/dpp/news/crime/kansas-city,-kansas-police-department-asks-for-help-in-identifying-rape-suspect

http://www.kevincoffee.com/women_safety/rape_prevention_tips.htm

http://ezinearticles.com/?Protecting-Yourself-Against-Rape&id=244770

Fraud Protection

2011-06-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

As the blogger at Atronic Alarms I research many facts and figures about safety protocol and procedures. Normally this research is conducted through conversations with local authorities, alarm companies or going online for extensive Internet searching.

This post, however, is coming from first hand, personal experience.

Bank fraud. It happened. Over the weekend there were four transactions to my personal account totaling $600.00.

I had first caught it on Sunday and on Monday I called the bank. I was relieved to hear that I was covered by Fraud Protection, a service they offer that "watches" accounts and flags anything out of the ordinary. They had me scheduled to be called that day because they had noticed many unusual transactions. After filling out some paperwork, canceling and reinstating the debit card, no money was lost.

"The company we use has lists of "fraudulent" organizations and will notice them immediately if one appears as a withdrawal. They will contact you to verify you did not authorize the transaction."
First Option Bank, Louisburg, KS

Talking with the bank, as well as extensively with the company, Fraud Prevention Services in North Dakota, it was clear that this kind of thing happens ALL OF THE TIME. In order to protect yourself from bank fraud, follow these simple rules:

1. Check with your bank to understand their procedures of fraud protection. Make sure your bank offers this service on debit card transactions.

2. Update your contact information with the bank. When fraud is detected, the company will contact you to verify the wrong-doing so it can be stopped from going through your account.

3. Check over your bank transactions at least once a week. Many banks offer the online service so you can log into your account easily and see all withdrawals. I noticed the post description, didn't recognize it, Googled the company name and found it to be a company in France.

4. Don't hand over your credit/debit card to waiters or other cashiers who leave and return. During this time they can write down the information, including your pin numbers on the back. Eat out a lot? Pay with cash.

5. Don't ever respond to emails or phone calls from what appears to be your bank asking for you to "update" personal information like bank account number, social security or maiden names. Banks do not update their information through this way.

In the end it was a fantastic learning opportunity. My bank has a safety net. Does yours?

Links to more resources:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Is-It-Safe-to-Bank-usnews-4209634978.html?x=0

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/data/idt.shtm

Local Non-Profit Uses Security Systems in their Fight Against Domestic Violence

2011-06-09T14:39:00.000-07:00

LENEXA, KAN, June 9, 2011 - Victims of Domestic Violence in the Kansas City metro area have the option of receiving the services of the Domestic Violence Protection Services Agency (DVPSA), a non-profit organization that offers additional protection services to these victims and their families.

With services that range from physical protection to education and increasing awareness and more recently, home security systems, the DVPSA works with local shelters across the metro to continually provide assistance to those who want to transition to a life free of abuse.

Wade Thomas, the founder of the agency who has a background in protective services, said that he started the program back in 2009 because he saw clear gaps in the domestic violence system. He felt he could help people who had separated from their abusers but whose lives were still in danger.

“Many people receive help in leaving an abusive relationship but then discover that their abusers continue to be a threat. Our primary initiative assigns off-duty police officers to victims in order to provide a physical body of protection for people who are being threatened after separating from their abusers,” Thomas said.

When he designed the business plan back in 2008, Thomas knew that in working with donations and fund-raising events the organization’s ability to provide 24-hour protection would be limited depending on the amount of support they received from the community. Additionally, he realized that unless other layers of security were added they couldn’t properly protect victims around the clock at an affordable rate. In May, he approached Atronic Alarms, Inc., a locally owned and operated security company in Lenexa, Kansas, and talked with them about additional services.

“When Wade asked for our help we didn’t even hesitate,” said Todd Harrison, operations manager of Atronic Alarms, Inc. “The vision of this organization is exceptional and we can assist them by providing the consulting, design and installation of quality security systems for these victims.”

According to Harrison, with special protocol setup a monitored security system can dispatch the police immediately if there is an alarm.

Atronic Alarms recently finished a security installation in a metro-area home where the women’s abuser had threatened her life and the lives of her family. Unfortunately, as in most cases, the restraining order she had set up will not guarantee their safety.

“Can you imagine living your life in a constant state of fear, not ever knowing when your abuser is going to show up at your house . . . your work? That is what these women live with on a daily basis and it is far more prevalent than the general population is aware of,” Thomas said. “With Atronic’s help we are now able to offer a monitored security system to these victims and their families who might not otherwise be able to afford it.”

DVPSA receives it’s funding through donations and their annual 5K run/walk held in August in downtown Kansas City, The Rivalry Run: Kansas vs. Missouri.

“The Rivalry Run is our biggest fundraiser,” Thomas said. “It is a fun way to raise awareness and help prevent domestic violence. We are thankful for our many sponsors and participants who support this event. We hope to see you August 20th.”

Summer Protocol: Update Your "Call List" to Eliminate False Alarm Dispatches

2011-06-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

If you have children who are returning home from college, a new service person or builder starting work, or are planning a summer vacation it is critical that you contact Atronic Alarms and update your information at the central monitoring station.

There are two types of people who should be included in your call list: Users and Notifiers.

Your call list is the reference sheet we use to contact you or verify a user's password and access level. If your information is not current false dispatches may occur.

A user is a person who will be entering your property and arming/disarming your security system, like a maid, a cleaning service, pet sitter a relative or your college student home for the summer. This person should have both a keypad code and a password. If an alarm is accidently set off and if the user cannot provide the correct password to the central monitoring station, the police will be dispatched and false alarm fees will incur.

A notifier, on the other hand, is a person who the central monitoring station will contact in case of an alarm or emergency who can make decisions. This person is normally the owner of the property. Notifier information must be updated if phone numbers change or when vacations or long trips are taken so we know your itinerary and how to reach you, or someone else, if there is a problem.

For example, we received a water device alert from a residence when the family was out of town. Because we knew who to contact we could quickly assess the situation and assist in solving the problem before much water damage occurred.

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

Memorial day was officially proclaimed in May of 1868 by General John Logan who was national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. It was to honor the memory of those who had died in the war. Flowers were placed on graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. It became an official federal holiday in 1971.

Since then it has become synonymous with a three day weekend, barbecues, swimming pools, lakes and friends. Many people say that much of the traditional observance of memorial day has diminished over the years.

In December 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance resolution was passed asking that at 3:00 p.m. all Americans take a moment of silence to "informally observe in their own way" those who lost their lives serving our nation.

It is 3:15 now, and the moment of silence should be over. Atronic Alarms proudly displays the American flag in front of the building and gives a "shout out" to all who have served and all who have fallen in the name of the United States of America.

Source: usmemorialday.org

Summer Safety for Kids

2011-05-26T20:14:00.000-07:00

Most kids are excited to get out of school for the summer so they can sleep in, play video games, read books, play outdoors, invite friends over and duck the torment their parents give them about cleaning their room and doing chores.

It is important to remember that since children are home, safety dynamics have changed. More frequent running in and out of the house means you will probably arm and disarm your system differently. You may want to add different codes or users. If this is the case, please contact Atronic Alarms so we can let Alarm Central update their call and user list.

Most cell phones have the ability to turn on a GPS tracking system. This may come in handy during the summer months if your kids are old enough to drive. It is usually just an extra monthly charge from your mobile provider and can be used in case of an emergency.

If you work out of the home and your teens are in and out, you may want to think about investing in a economical video monitoring system that will allow you to keep track of them through mobile phone and computer video alerts. The system is perfect for those summer times where a little extra activity in the house doesn't have to mean any less safety.

Atronic wishes everyone a safe summer.

Safety Before and During a Tornado or other Severe Weather

2011-05-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

After the recent events with our neighbors in Joplin, Missouri, and because spring storms in the Midwest can be severe, we thought it would be fitting to remind people on how to prepare for violent weather that may help increase chances of survival during a tornado.

On the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web site a page is dedicated to Tornadoes and how to protect yourself and your family. Below are highlights:

As with any safety preparation plan, sit down with your family and talk about what to do in case of severe weather or a tornado. Make sure you know the tornado warning system in your town or area and can distinguish between a "watch" siren versus a "warning" siren.
Show kids a second way to exit from each room.
Create an Emergency First Aid Kit, keep it current, and remind family members where it is located. A tool box or fishing tackle box is a great place to store the contents.
Keep batteries, flashlights, and a battery operated radio in your shelter. Do not use matches or lighters after a tornado until you are sure there are no gas leaks.
Teach your kids to stay away from windows and glass and to quickly grab a blanket or pillow to cover themselves.
Safest place during a tornado is in the interior part of a basement unless you have a storm shelter. If there is no basement, go to an inside room without windows on the lowest floor: Hallways, bathroom or closet.
If you are outdoors, avoid areas with many trees and vehicles. Lie down in a gully, ditch or lowest spot on the ground. Cover your head with your arms.
After a major disaster, shut off the electricity and turn off your water. Try to stay off the phone except to report an emergency. Be careful when entering any structure that has been damaged.
Teach your kids basic first aid, like applying pressure to a wound, covering with a blanket or jacket to prevent shock and etc.

Types of Cameras for Home or Business Surveillance

2011-05-17T07:07:00.000-07:00

There are many camera types to consider for indoors and out for your home or business surveillance system. Below is an example of each:

Dome or Mini-Dome Cameras

Dome cameras are usually used when discreet applications are required. The actual lens is obscured from an onlooker's view and is more tamper resistant than other cameras.

Bullet Cameras

Bullet cameras are NOT named "Bullet" because they are bullet proof. They are named "Bullet" because of their size. They are small and can be adjusted easily. Some come with infrared lighting, and they can be used indoors and out.

Box Cameras

Box cameras are comprised of the camera body, lens and power supply. Each can be custom designed to meet your needs. They can either be an IP camera or analog.

Pan/Tilt/Zoom Cameras

Pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) cameras are very versatile. They can move left and right, tilt up and down, rotate 360 degrees, and zoom in or out to get the perfect view of the scene. PTZs are operated by the end user with a joystick or on the computer with navigation keys.

For more information on camera systems, visit our web site.

Why Have a Home Automation System?

2011-05-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

Extra Security

Have you gone to bed and left your garage doors open? A home management system can be programmed to automatically close your garage doors when left open and the system is “armed” and in the “night” mode.

Fire Safety

If you have a fire, The Omni U.L. Listed and CP-01 compliant home management system will shut your HVAC off. This helps prevent smoke and fire from being circulated in the building as well as oxygen that is pumping from the unit.

Lighting

Do you take a summer vacation or winter elsewhere? Automated lighting controls will give the home a “lived in” look while the home is unoccupied as the system randomly turns on and off lights from evening to evening. You will also never again have to come home to a “dark” house.

Remote Access

Have you ever left your home and wondered if you remembered to turn off lights, set the alarm, or close the garage doors? Rest assured that a home management system can help by giving you remote access through your mobile phone, iPad or your computer.

Smart Codes

If your children come home after school, a home management system can “text” you with a confirmation that your child has arrived safely. It will also give you the ability to track who is arming or disarming the system, as well as allow you to choose who can arm the system and when the user can arm it (i.e. the maid service) . . . all on a daily basis.

Energy Management

By controlling temperature and lighting based on time of day or occupancy, home management systems can reduce energy costs. Studies show that dimming a light by just 10% can save 10% on electricity and double the life of a bulb. You can also automate heating and cooling in your home for maximum efficiency and comfort.

To read more about HAI's Omni Home Automation systems, visit the Atronic Alarms website or contact us at 913.362.0000.

Source: Home Automation, Inc.

False Alarm Fees Increase in Kansas City, Missouri

2011-05-04T06:02:00.000-07:00

The KCMO Police Department, starting May 1, 2011, will increase annual renewal fees from $40.00 to $49.00 per year depending upon the number of false alarms. This applies to both residential and business alarm users.

Residential users are allowed two free false alarms per year and are now charged $49.00 for each additional false alarm (up to $147.00). Businesses must pay $49.00 for each false alarm.

The ordinance defines false alarms as "an alarm signal eliciting a police response when a situation requiring immediate response does not in fact exist."

If a residential or business security owner has no false alarms in a year, there is no fee to renew. (Visit our web site for a comprehensive list of permits and fees.)

Atronic Alarms is driven in the prevention of false alarms. Systems are custom designed with the end user's lifestyle in mind and use quality equipment installed by highly trained professionals. Read more on false alarm reduction.

Commercial CCTV Systems for Your Business, Building or Office

2011-05-02T11:18:00.001-07:00

Protect, Monitor and Provide Evidence

Video security surveillance systems help protect your property, your people and your assets from vandalism or other wrong-doing. It can also verify and provide evidence that an actual break-in is occurring. Whether it is a single camera you need or a complex, multiple integrated network, there is a camera solution that will fit your needs.

There are two main types of camera systems: Analog and Digital. Analog cameras convert signals into a format that can be received by a television, VCR or monitor and is the long-established standard in video surveillance.

Digital or Network Cameras, are rapidly becoming the mainstream as they digitize the video signal and provide people with images not only through their existing networks but through web browsers that can be accessed through the Internet.

Both camera systems have their place in video surveillance. Combining cameras surveillance with access control and other security features, like motion detectors, glass break detectors and panic buttons, can provide your building layers of security giving you maximum protection. Visit our web site for more information on CCTV for your business.

Solutions for Copper Theft and Video Monitoring and Alarm Verification

2011-04-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Copper theft has increased over the last several years and businesses are starting to find out how expensive it can be. Not only do you have to replace what was stolen but you also have the cost to repair the damage. Thousands of dollars can be lost if a building is targeted. On April 27, 2011 the Kansascity.com web site posted that Cerner will spend over $100,000.00 to cover expenses from copper thievery.

Atronic Alarms is now offering several solutions for copper theft. One is a security device that covers HVAC units on buildings. It is affordable and can usually be incorporated into the existing security system.

The other solution is Video Monitoring and Alarm Verification. Cameras are placed around a secured area and when an unauthorized person enters into a camera's view, the video image is immediately sent to the central monitoring station for verification of an actual attack or a false alarm. This type of service reduces dispatching the police when unnecessary and increases faster dispatching when there is an actual. It can be used as a stand-alone system or can usually be incorporated into the building's existing security, as well.

A Decade of Excellence : Atronic Honored with 2011 HAI 5-Star-Dealer Status

2011-04-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

It has been a decade since Atronic Alarms, Inc. first received the HAI 5-Star Dealer Award which symbolizes excellence in Atronic's procedures, service and sales for HAI's home automation products.

The program was first initialized in 2001 by HAI and since its inception Atronic Alarms, Inc. has received the award each consecutive year. Atronic is the only security dealer in the Kansas City metro and surrounding area that is an HAI 5-Star Dealer.

Atronic Alarms offers the Omni Home Automation line of security products, which enables clients to manage their home's environment through automated lighting, garage doors and thermostats.

Security systems are rapidly becoming more of a remote management tool with options to integrate cameras and remote view over your laptop or even your mobile phone. New technology is making it easier and more affordable to secure your home or business and keep an "eye" on things when you are away.

Many "apps" are available to download for different mobile phones. For an example of how the Android uses the HAI application for snaplink, visit the youtube video, Snap-Link Mobile for Android.

Additionally, read more about home automation and how it can benefit you.

Tax Day Safety Tips : Avoid Identity Theft

2011-04-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome to tax day 2011. Most of us on this day are focused on those pesky tax returns and getting them to the I.R.S., either hard copies or electronically, before day's end. This is a perfect time to remind you about identity theft and provide a couple of tips to help prevent it.

According to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Identity Theft Survey Report of 2003, almost 10 million Americans (or 4.6% of the population) have discovered that they were a victim of some sort of ID theft within the last year.

Identity thieves steal your information by several ways: Mailbox raiding or dumpster diving and fraudulent activity through email, the telephone, ATM machines and personal file hacking. Social networking sites are also used by identity thieves to find more personal information to help "fill in the gaps."

The average victim spends 30 hours resolving their ID theft problems, total each year American spend 297 million hours resolving their ID theft problems.

To help keep your identity on maximum security during tax season, follow these five rules:

1. If you file your return electronically, do so with an authorized e-file partner of the IRS.

2. Encrypt copies you keep on your computer.

3. Make sure your Internet security is up-to-date.

4. Turn off all sharing services.

5. Make sure your Internet connection is secure before you file. There should be a "https" at the beginning of the web site address.

Source(s): http://www.allbusiness.com/crime-law-enforcement-corrections/criminal-offenses-fraud/13828784-1.html

http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/main.aspx?dbName=DocumentViewer&DocumentID=32359#4

Atronic Receives New Awards and Achievements

2011-04-14T08:31:00.000-07:00

This year at the International Security Conference (ISC) West in Las Vegas, Todd Harrison and Neil Atha represented Atronic Alarms to receive for the first time the Honeywell Dealer of the Year Second Place in Dodger's Group Award.

Atronic was also given the recognition as a Panasonic I-Pro Gold Dealer and was a finalist (top three) in the nationwide SAMMY's Dealer of the Year and Best Newsletter category. Atronic has been a finalist in the SAMMY Award program for the last 3 consecutive years.

When Lightening Strikes it May Damage Alarm Panel

2011-04-11T06:57:00.000-07:00

The numerous thunderstorms that are produced each spring usually have many lightening strikes. If lightening hits your property, it will more than likely damage electronics such as computers, answering machines, televisions and even security panels.

Many times our clients have had more service calls and false alarms after lightening has hit their property. This is the reason Atronic Alarms started a policy on lightening damage many years ago. Since a security and fire system are both life safety devices Atronic recommends replacing all powered devices after a lightening strike, helping the system perform as designed. Most insurance carriers understand this and agree to replace the needed items.

Atronic Alarms does sell a surge kit for alarm panels which helps protect the phone line into the panel as well as the electrical. However, it does not prevent lightening from entering the panel through a device such as a keypad or siren.

If you experience a hit or surge to the system, it may cause the phone line to go into "trouble" condition. Go to your alarm panel and "power it down" by disconnecting the battery and the transformer. Then unplug the telephone interface on your panel and contact the Atronic Alarms service department at 913.362.0000.

Neil Atha Joins Atronic Alarms as Vice President

2011-04-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

MARCH 4, 2011 (Lenexa, KS): In January Neil Atha joined Atronic Alarms, Inc in Lenexa, Kansas as vice president of the 29-year-old company.

Neil graduated from SMU in Dallas, Texas in 2007 with a degree in Economics with an emphasis in Financial Applications. He joins Atronic having worked three years in the Dallas, Texas as a regional account manager for a national security integrator.

Atronic Alarms, Inc., founded in 1982 by Perry Atha, president, is a locally owned and operated security, fire and home automation company serving the Kansas City metro area.

5 Tips for Reducing False Alarms

2011-03-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

#1. Clean out your smoke detectors. Winter spiders, cobwebs and dust can falsely set off your smoke detectors. Put your panel on test and “blow” out the dust with a can of air.

#2. Make sure plants are not in range of any motion detectors when your vents kick on. Also, floating balloons, fans or electric heaters may activate your motion detectors.

#3. Make sure your family understands how to use the system and if needed, how to cancel false alarms. Contact us for additional training if needed.

#4. Secure all windows and doors BEFORE turning on the security system.

#5. Keep your panel in shape with a yearly tune-up. Each device will be tested and cleaned to keep your system in top shape, reduce the possibility of false alarms and help ensure it will work properly when called upon.

Access Control for Your Office or Building

2011-03-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

Access control is a term that means restricting access to certain areas of a building. Most common are entry points into the building itself along with offices or rooms that you want only certain people with authority to enter.

Access control is usually the second layer of security following your intrusion and fire system.

Features of access control include:

Cards or codes that can be added or removed at any time, thus eliminating the need to "re-key"
Restrictions on certain areas of your building to allow only those with the proper card to enter
Automatic opening and closing of doors at set times to assure security and increase efficiency
The ability to control your building or office remotely and, when integrated into other security systems, can alert you over phone or email when areas have been entered

An access control system reduces the burden of business management by allowing you to secure areas of your office, like client file rooms and your IT room, and by eliminating user error (did they remember to lock the building?). It also assists in reducing shrinkage, remote management and provides an overall feeling of safety among employees.

Ten Tips for Vacation Safety

2011-03-18T11:50:00.001-07:00

Spring break is either here or right around the corner. Before you pack up and head out, be aware of the following ways to keep you and your family safe while on vacation.

1. Don't post your vacation plans on facebook, twitter, your blog or any other social media outlet.

2. Make a copy of everything in your wallet and keep in a fire proof safe just in case your wallet gets stolen or lost.

3. Leave your itinerary with relatives or friends so someone knows where you are going.

4. Have someone pick up your mail, your newspapers and watch your house. A car parked in your driveway helps keep your home looking "active."

5. Don't travel with your expensive jewelry. Thieves may target you as someone who may have a wallet full of cash.

6. Automate your lights inside your home to turn on and off at set times.

7. Become informed of the crime in the area in which you are vacationing.

8. If you are staying in a hotel, be aware of all emergency exists and use the hotel safe.

9. If traveling with young children it is a good idea to have them wear an ID of some kind: bracelet, necklace, Velcro shoe tags, and teach them to scream and drop to the ground if a stranger tries to pick them up. Also, make sure you have a current photo I.D. of each child in your wallet.

10. Make sure your young teen has current phone numbers for all family members in their phones.

New Keyfob for Honeywell Systems Shows Status

2011-03-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

The new Honeywell 4-button keyfob offers simple push-button arming and disarming that makes operation easy for family members of all ages. No codes to remember, sleek and compact (looks great on keyrings, backpacks and more) and LED confirmation that transmission has been sent makes turning your security system on and off the smart choice. The four buttons may be programmed with security, lights, garage doors and much more.

Most security systems have optional keyfobs available to order. Contact Atronic Alarms, Inc. today to find out what is available for your system at 913.362.0000 or visit the web site.

Atronic Alarms, Inc. Receives Finalist Position in SAMMY Categories

2011-03-09T11:05:00.001-08:00

For the third consecutive year, nationally acclaimed judges representing different marketing and advertising venues chose Atronic Alarms as a finalist in two categories of the nationwide SAMMY awards.

The SAMMYs are hosted by Security Sales & Integration and honor the best in security companies' marketing, installing and business practices. Atronic is a finalist in two categories: Installer of the Year, which features the entire company, and the client's quarterly newsletter.

Winners will be announced in April at the ISC Conferences in Las Vegas.

Fire Systems for Your Business

2011-02-21T12:26:00.000-08:00

Most occupied commercial buildings are required to have a fire alarm system. These fire alarm systems are monitored and can be tied into the sprinkler system that is in the building, as well.

Fire alarms systems normally require a second phone line for the sole purpose of contacting the Central Monitoring station. However, newer equipment on the market does not require a second phone line due to cellular technology.

Components of a fire alarm system include the panel (brains of the system), fire keypad, pull stations, smoke detectors, horns, strobes or other enunciating devices.

Most commercial fire systems are required by the local Authority Housing Jurisdiction (AHJ) to be inspected and tested on a routine bases according the codes of the city municipality in which your building is located. Work with a company who offers maintenance programs that provide regular, no-hassle service calls to your location and certified inspections on your fire system.

Atronic Alarms, Inc. is one of the few companies in the area that is UUJS Certified to install fire alarm systems in commercial-rated buildings that require a U.L. Certified Alarm Installation. The Atronic consultants work with fire marshals on a consistent basis and represent your company at all fire alarm inspections to get your Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO).

Intrusion Systems for Your Business

2011-02-14T08:05:00.000-08:00

The foundation for building your security system is with an intrusion system, which is protection in and around your building that assists in preventing break-ins before they happen (or alerting the police department immediately after.)

Components of intrusion systems can include door contacts, window contacts, motion detectors, beams, glass breakage detectors and environmental sensors.

Intrusion systems that are becoming more popular go beyond perimeter protection and are known in the industry as remote management and remote notification. These systems allow you to check in to your business from a remote location, arm or disarm systems from over a web based phone, and provide video verification immediately after an event.

10 Reasons to Invest in an Alarm System for your Home

2011-02-09T10:11:00.000-08:00

10 Reasons to Invest in a Security Fire Alarm System for your Home

Reason #1: Safety from intruders

Reason #2: Monitoring of children, pets or older adults

Reason #3: Fire protection

Reason #4: Carbon Monoxide protection

Reason #5: Water alerts in basements or other areas of concern

Reason #6: Hi or low temperature alerts

Reason #7: Lifestyle ease and remote management

Reason #8: Receive a discount off of your home owner's insurance

Reason #9: Increase value of your home

Reason #10: Increase home's energy efficiency

Want more reasons? Contact Atronic Alarms at 913.362.0000 or visit our web site.

Nell Mathews Celebrates 20 Years with Kansas City Alarm Company

2011-02-03T10:15:00.000-08:00

When Nell Mathews walked into Atronic Alarms' office back in January of 1991, she was interviewing for an accounting position for the small company of seven employees. She had just come from a second interview with a much larger corporation, and remembers meeting with President and Developer of Atronic Alarms, Perry Atha. They talked for two hours.

"It was so easy and enjoyable to communicate with Perry," Mathews said, 20 years later. "I even told my husband after the larger company offered me a position how much I had liked the 'young guy at the alarm company,' and that I was not sure if I wanted to get back into the corporate environment where you were just a number."

Atha had originally interviewed Mathews for a part-time position, but expanded it to full time when she said she was not looking for a part-time job.

"He called on Friday at 3:30 and told me, 'We may not have enough for you to do right now to keep you busy full-time, but bring a book and we'll see you Monday,' " Mathews said.

Now, the General Manager of the Lenexa based security company says that she likens her years with Atronic Alarms as a secondary family due to "the relationships I have built and developed with customers and employees over the years."

Atronic Alarms, Inc. is now a company with over 31 employees, with Mathews as the longest standing Manager in the company. Her strong customer service values and "open door" policy for all employees has made her a favorite among clients and staff. Lovingly referred to as "mom-atron," Mathews has been known in the past for her long hours and after hours client or employee calls.

"Many times I will receive a call in the middle of the night from Alarm Central letting me know if there has been an 'actual' so steps can be taken," Mathews said. "At that point I contact the client to make sure things are O.K. and to see if there is anything I can do from our end."

Mathews' current duties consist of running the customer service and quality control department, motivating and mentoring employees, assisting all managers from various departments when called upon, and working close with the Operation's Manager in creating changes in protocol, paperwork, and improving productivity and profitability.

"Atronic Alarms is just an excellent place to develop a career," Mathews said. "Perry communicates with everyone on the staff which allows you to be part of a 'bigger plan.' The morals and business ethics we take are mirrored in every employee we hire."

One thing that Mathews takes pride in is knowing that her contributions and work ethic helped to create success for the company she loves.

"It is not just a job to me, but a chance to help people, whether it is the client or whether an employee is having a bad day," Mathews says. "I take pride and a sense of achievement when a problem is solved or a better solution is put into action. At the end of the day, when the fires are put out and the last phone call is answered, I am satisfied."

Security for Your Business

2011-01-28T06:40:00.000-08:00

When referring the business or commercial security, the term "security system" is the umbrella terminology for the following: intrusion, fire, access control and cctv. Each type of system brings different features to security. Sometimes a building may just have one system, like the required fire system. However, most businesses combine several systems together to create security layers.

Intrusion Systems:

Intrusion is what most people refer to when they use the broad term, "security." Intrusion systems include door and window contacts, motion detectors, outdoor beams, glass breakage devices, and panic buttons. When a contact or device is breached (someone opens the front door) then a signal is transferred to the monitoring station and the proper people are contacted.

Fire Systems:

Building codes state that U.L. fire systems are required in most businesses and are to be inspected and tested on a regular basis. Fire systems include smoke and heat detectors and can be tied into the building's sprinkler system. Pull stations are installed in designated areas to provide manual communication to the sirens or strobes and the monitoring station.

Access Control Systems:

Access control is a term used to describe entry and exit points in a building and specifies who is allowed in certain areas. Access control can be thought of as "keyless entry" because systems utilize keyfobs or key cards instead of keys. Employee's "keys" can be removed or added easily through a computer program which ties into system.

CCTV Systems:

CCTV is short for Closed Circuit T.V., or cameras. Cameras are placed strategically in or around your building and images can be recorded on a DVR or NVR or clips can be stored and transferred through the Internet to your phone or computer.

Are Your Pets Safe?

2011-01-20T15:23:00.001-08:00

Have you ever thought about what happens to your dog, cat, bird or fish if a fire breaks out while you are away?

Code requires that homeowners install smoke detectors in specific areas of the house. These detectors can be installed by you, your electrician or by an alarm company.

Security company smoke detectors are tied into the alarm panel and send a signal into the central monitoring station when smoke is detected. When a signal is received, the fire department is immediately dispatched. Read more on how monitored fire detectors may help save your pets.

Medical Alert Pendant

2011-01-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

Atronic Alarms, Inc. sells a new medical alert pendant that features a 2-way voice system to allow clients to communicate directly with the people at the central monitoring station. For example, if an elderly women fell down or had a life-threatening emergency, she could push the button and talk to a "live" person who would then dispatch the proper authorities.

It is important to know that as the oldest baby boomers become senior citizens in 2011, the percentage of people 65 and older is projected to grow faster than any other age group.

The New England Journal of Medicine says that after a fall or other emergency, 90% of people who get help within one hour will continue independent living, but after 12 hours without help only 10% of people will continue to live at home.

For more information on the medical alert pendant, visit Atronic Alarms, Inc.

Update Your Call List

2011-01-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

How long has it been since you have updated your call list with your alarm company? It is very important for the central monitoring station to have current and accurate phone numbers to key people in your home or business.

Mobile phone numbers have become very important to add to your call list. You want your security provider to be able to reach you in the event of an alarm, especially if you are out of town or away from the house. The first reason is to alert you of the security breach, the second is to determine what action to take. Is it an environmental sensor? Can you contact someone to check out the house? Was a window contact breached? Motion detector? Should you dispatch the police? Did the new housekeeper walk in who was not on the call list and could not provide a password? Can you cancel the dispatch? (The normal installation procedure or Atronic Alarms is to place each device on their own zone which helps us track to see exactly what device is setting off the system.) The correct contacts and phone numbers on your call list will keep unnecessary dispatches to a minimum, eliminating false alarm fees.

If you receive a letter from your alarm company asking to update phone numbers and contact numbers, don't ignore it. Look it over carefully and make the appropriate changes. The correct information on a call list can help speed up the decision making process, reduce false alarms and keep you updated in the event of an emergency.

New Year Resolution: No More False Alarms

2011-01-04T11:31:00.001-08:00

Are you guilty of setting off your alarm system once or twice a year and forgetting your password? Do you have your password taped onto your keypad just in case you need it? Do you keep your security system turned off because you can't remember how to use it? If these things relate to you in any way, then read on. We're going to help you with some new year's resolutions.

Resolution Number One: I Won't Keep Passcodes or Passwords Taped to My Phone or Keypad

While this may be a wonderful way of reminding you or your family in case you need to recite it, it is also a wonderful way in allowing intruders to walk in, answer the central station monitoring call and repeat the password, thus canceling the dispatch. Not everyone has a photographic memory, and those of us who need help must come up with alternative methods. It won't be the same for everyone, but some helpful tricks are writing down a word similar, perhaps a synonym or word that rhymes. Write your password on a small piece of paper and tuck it away in a book on your shelf. They even sell storage safes that double as a book.

Resolution Number Two: No More False Alarms

Okay, so we all have occasional moments when kids burst in or out of the doors before disarming the system, or you walk in the house with your hands full, answer a phone call and realize that your alarm is going off. Don't Panic. Simply turn off your sirens and expect a call from the central monitoring station. In order to maintain your good record with the city and not dispatch the police, you MUST have your password (See Resolution Number One) and be able to give it to the central station. If this happens it is not considered a false alarm. The less false alarms the city's task force has to worry about, the better their time (and our money) will be spent in working on the important issues in the community.

Resolution Number Three: I've Invested in My System; I Will Use My System

Don't feel ashamed if you need to contact your security provider (the alarm company where you purchased your system) to ask questions. Many times they can send you a manual of your system, or "cheat sheets" can be found on the Internet to walk through the process of re-learning your security system. Maybe you have moved into a new home with a system and need to learn how to operate it, or maybe you have just turned off your system because there have been problems in the past, like a device wasn't working properly. Either way, contact your provider and they will come out and test your system, fix the problems and train you on the best way to use it.

For more information on how to reduce false alarms, visit http://www.atronicalarms.com/reducefalsealarms.html

Safe at Home by ESA

2010-12-27T15:07:00.000-08:00

The Electronic Security Association (ESA) issued a press release last week about kids staying safe at home during the holiday winter break, as well as how to help protect your home if you leave town. Visit the ESA site or click here to read more about ways to increase home safety over the holidays.

The Atronic Holiday Celebration

2010-12-20T10:50:00.000-08:00

It was a grand site to see on December 12th as 31 Atronic employees, plus their guests, joined Perry and his wife, Kathy, for the staff Holiday party at Jack Gage Tavern on the Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri.

Photo #1 Perry Atha and Todd Harrison hand out gifts. #2 The Buffet. #3 Rob Kemp video chats with staff.

The fun started in the afternoon with a buffet and door prizes given away by Todd Harrison, operations manager. After surviving many lean years in the struggling economy, Atronic celebrated their employees by handing out many wonderful gift cards and gifts . . . one being a new iPad.

Gifts and drinks aside, it was the heartfelt speech that Perry gave, thanking his staff for the hard work each one puts into the company, and the video chat between cancer patient Rob Kemp and staff, which left a special place inside everyone's heart that day.

Barb Suggs, accounting manager, smiles with her daughter. For more photos, visit the Atronic Alarms' Facebook Page.

Stop Freezing Pipes and Other Winter Disasters

2010-12-14T13:19:00.000-08:00

Protect your home, vacation home, pool house or guest house from freezing pipes with a hi/low temperature sensor that easily installs into most existing security systems.

The environmental device monitors temperatures from -30 to +130° F and has adjustable high and low alarm set points. When the temperature reaches above or below the point you specify, the central monitoring station is contacted and you are immediately notified.

Insurance carriers are starting to offer additional discounts off of homeowner's insurance if a home is equipped with a monitored environmental sensor, such as water detectors and temperature sensors.

Visit http://www.atronicalarms.com/environmental-sensors.html for more information

The "Thanks" in Thanksgiving

2010-11-27T09:05:00.000-08:00

Todd Harrison, operations manager of Atronic Alarms, sent out an email the day before the Thanksgiving holiday asking people what they were thankful for. He then told them that he was thankful for "the opportunity to work with each and every one of you."

He asked that each one, if they would like to participate, "reply to all" and send his or her moment of thanks to everyone in the company.

Everyone responded, and aside from the expected practical jokes that were included (one sent a picture of beer) the theme throughout the employees was gratitude for family and their current work environment.

One employee responded, "I am ... thankful that over 22 years ago I came to work here for a person and company that I can respect and count on."

When Perry started the company in 1982, his philosophy of a strong, well-balanced workplace always included personal time and family. This foundation assists in drawing quality people to the Atronic team where many have decided that Atronic Alarms will be the company from which they will retire.

Like a family tied together by blood, by marriage, or by friendship, the professionals of Atronic Alarms, Inc. are tied together by loyalty . . . and it is moments like these that help reinforce the bond that all of them have for one another.

What Makes an Alarm Company Different?

2010-11-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

Differences in alarm companies and the services they provide are easily noticeable in most areas: live person answering a phone versus a recording; month-to-month monitoring contracts versus two-three year contacts; locally owned and operated servicing your specific area versus nationwide firm servicing all areas; local monitoring station versus monitoring station in another state and etcetera.

There is one difference in security providers, however, that is not so outwardly noticeable. It is not spelled out in their marketing or sales material, not written flourishingly about on their web sites or branded on plaques and hung in the office.

That one difference is Sweating the Small Stuff.

The difference between hashing out and picking apart each new product that has come out on the market. The difference between discussing small parts of a system design, like what transformer works on which panel. The difference between spending an hour on the telephone talking to a client to update his call list because the family is heading out of town for two weeks. The difference between a service technician finding water in a client's basement, contacting the plumbers and waiting on the job to let them in the house.

If you spend one day in at the office at 8220 Melrose Drive in Lenexa you will understand why the company is so successful as you listen to Perry in his office asking Steve about a unique programming setup; see Todd, Alec and Jason discussing the final details on a client's paperwork; overhear Jay hashing out with Nell the next day's morning installation schedule; watch Chrissy at quitting time calling Central Station to provide up-to-date information on the end user; witness Rick, George, Shaunn and Curtis standing over over blue prints talking about integrating a new access control system into an existing building; see Wade check in with Nate about the arrival of a unique part for a client and watch Alysia listening intently to all incoming calls as she directs them to the proper people.

And that is just the internal office staff.

The service and installation professionals who make up the Atronic team and continually receive high remarks and a rating of excellence on client surveys are also out in the field, Sweating the Small Stuff.

It is the Small Stuff that matters, the time each person in the office takes to go over the details so the client will be satisfied. It is the hard work and elbow grease put into each project so at the end of the day, each employee feels pride and satisfaction knowing the job was done right.

It isn't easy, Sweating the Small Stuff, and it has been said that on a personal basis, you shouldn't sweat the small stuff. As a company, however, it is the path that leads to success.

Important Facts About Smoke Detectors

2010-10-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

Did You Know?

Smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a fire by 50 percent.
You must replace your smoke detectors every 10 years.
Hardwired smoke detectors are more likely to operate properly than detectors which run on batteries only.
Interconnected smoke alarms on all floors increase safety.
Heating is the second leading cause of home fires, fire deaths and fire injuries.

Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Parking Lot Safety-Protect Your Employees

2010-10-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

Your employees are your greatest asset. Help them feel safe in their working environment by providing them with two-way communication that is quick and effective in an event of an emergency situation.

Emergency call boxes can be strategically installed in parking lots, parking garages, stairwells, and other areas of your campus or building. These interactive security system solutions offer people the ability to gain tangible, interactive feedback in a crisis situation.

For example, the brightly colored pole in the parking lot can be easily found when a car refuses to start or if someone is needing other assistance. When activated, the patron is connected to the guards on patrol or directly to a central station monitoring company, who then assesses the situation and will contact emergency personnel if needed.

When coupled with other reactive security measures, like cameras, emergency call boxes can not only help reduce the threat of a dangerous situation, but will make a statement to your employees about your commitment to their safety.

Furnaces, Fireplaces and Alarms, Oh My!

2010-09-20T18:54:00.000-07:00

Cooler weather in the midwest usually arrives mid September and by the time Halloween rolls around, many of us have switched on the heat during the evening and perhaps even started a fire in the fireplace. A greater risk of carbon monoxide poisoning can occur during the colder months because of the high usage of heating equipment.

Called “The Silent Killer,” Carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with flu-like symptoms, food poisoning and other illnesses. Protect your loved ones with a carbon monoxide detector which can be connected into your security system and will alert the monitoring station when CO is detected.

Your monthly monitoring costs will not increase, and your insurance company may even take additional discounts off your homeowner’s insurance.

Contact Atronic Alarms at 913.362.0000 for more information on how carbon monoxide detectors and other environmental sensors work for you.

Back to School - Help Keep Your Kids Safe

2010-08-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

There are so many safety concerns with kids and school these days it is difficult to know where to focus. Depending upon the age of your child, mapping out routes for walking, biking and preparing them for school bus etiquette will assist in preventing problem areas as they travel to and from school. If your child is older, discussions on proper use of cell phones during school (know who is calling, what NOT to send people) and Internet protocol is usually the way to go. If you work outside the home and want to be notified when your kids arrive home, there are certain security features that can be added to your home to provide you with email and/or Internet alerts. Want to make sure your gun safe or liquor cabinet stays closed? Want to watch your kids over a highly secured Internet connection? These are just a few ways a well designed security system can help you as you and your family begin the 2010-2011 school year.

What is Home Automation?

2010-07-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

Home Automation is defined as a process, or system (using different methods or equipment) which provides the ability to enhance one's lifestyle and make a home more comfortable, safe and efficient.

An automated home adjusts the security, cooling, heating, and lighting automatically for comfort, energy savings, and convenience. An HAI home automation system can take the place of a standard security system or work with an existing system. For an affordable price, it greatly increases the value, safety, and efficiency of your home and can be controlled remotely through a telephone or a over the Internet.

Is the system easy to understand and operate? Very. Even young children can learn and understand how to use the basic features of the system. Day-to-day events are controlled with one button, such as "day," "night" or "away." More specific activities are menu driven to change temperature, lights, audio and more.

Home Automation can be expanded to also include touch screens, pool, spa, or irrigation controls, drapery controls, remotes,Whole Home Audio systems, and home theater control into one central system.

Firework Safety: What Your Family Needs to Know

2010-06-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

July 4th is a time of celebrating the Nation's Independence with family, friends, food and fireworks. Some people spend the evening enjoying a community fireworks display, while others find the thrills of lighting fireworks on their own. Even though there are many restrictions in Kansas City and the surrounding areas, most of those restrictions don't include sparklers.

Thousands of sparklers will be placed into the hands of the smallest of children over the weekend. Most people don't realize that they are giving their kids a flame that is twice as hot as burning wood. Sparklers burn at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, while wood burns at 600 degrees Fahrenheit. You can melt glass at 900 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to a 2010 Fireworks report by the National Fire Protection Association, the highest risk of firework injury were children and teens between the ages of 5-9 and 15-19. Additionally, in 2008, the highest source of firework related injuries reported were from sparklers, tying with small firecracker injuries at 21 percent.

Be safe this weekend. Talk to your children about the dangers of fireworks. If you use sparklers, light them away from you body and hold them out, not up. Attend a fireworks display sponsored by your community or other local organizations. The safest way to avoid danger is to let the professionals handle the heat.

For more information on firework statistics, as well as a graph showing sparkler heat, visit the NFPA web site.

Monitored Fire Protection - Why it is So Important

2010-06-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

According to a new study by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires account for 92 percent of fire deaths that occur in structures, causing an average of 2,840 civilian deaths each year.

Perhaps you are saying to yourself, "I already have a smoke alarm in my home and I test it regularly, so I'm okay."

It is true that all homes are required to come equipped with working smoke alarms. Many times electricians install these devices. So what is the difference between that and "monitored" fire protection?

Monitored fire protection means that the smoke alarms installed by an alarm company are connected to a security panel and contact the proper authorities when the device is tripped.

There are many benefits to having a monitored smoke alarm. One is that your home, valuable and pets are more protected while you are away. If a fire breaks out while you are at work, the fire department will be immediately notified. Another reason is that many insurance companies provide extra discounts of off your homeowners insurance if you have monitored security and fire in your home.

To read more on the benefits of monitored fire protection, visit the Atronic Alarms' web site.

Atronic Winner of Ingrams 2010 Best Companies to Work for in Kansas City

2010-06-03T09:46:00.001-07:00

Atronic Alarms is proud to announce their most recent accomplishment as one of the businesses in Kansas City who won the 2010 Best Companies to Work For, sponsored by Ingram's Business Magazine.

Companies were chosen based on their management practices, training and development opportunities, pay and benefits, work environment, financial outlook and community service.

"Even though the economy has been tough, we have pulled together as a company to continue to provide excellence to our clients," said Todd Harrison, operation's manager. "Some days are tougher than others, but the staff we have, each one outstanding in his and her position, finds pride in this commitment."

Atronic was a winner in the Small Companies Category, and is featured in the June issue of Ingrams magazine.

"It was a great honor to be selected as one of the winners. There's no better way to say this to your team that "you're doing a great job," Harrison said.

Visit www.atronicalarms.com or www.ingramsonline.com for more information.

How to Choose an Alarm Company

2010-05-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

You've made the decision to purchase an alarm system for your home. You've determined that your assets and loved ones could benefit from an extra layer of protection to keep them safe. You also might know that installing a monitored security and fire system in your home will provide additional discounts off of your homeowners insurance and increase your property value.

Whatever your reasons, they have sent you online to research the subject on how to find a reputable alarm company in your area. The following recommendations and questions to ask and consider when choosing an alarm company will help you make an educated decision:

1. Ask your friends. Are they satisfied with their security system provider? Are they satisfied with their monitoring company? You might also call your local police department and talk with the alarm coordinator.

2. Select companies who are members and in good standing of the following organizations:

Electronic Security Organization (formally known as NBFAA)

False Alarm Reduction Association

Better Business Bureau

Local Chamber of Commerce

3. Know your facts and what questions to ask. What is your warranty agreement and how much do you charge for service calls? Reputable firms provide a one-year parts and labor warranty on newly installed systems. Also, know upfront if you are signing a long-term monitoring contract. How long is the term? What if there are problems and you want to cancel monitoring? There are many companies that, once you get into this type of monitoring agreement it is very difficult to cancel.

4. Does the salesperson meet you at your home to determine the best system for you or does he or she quote you a system over the phone? The more customized the system is for your lifestyle, the less probability of system malfunctions and false alarms.

5. Does the company have a false alarm program that continually focuses on false alarm reduction for their clients?

6. Is the company licensed? Do they do background and criminal checks on all employees?

7. Is the company part of a dealer program with high quality, premium products?

8. How long has the company been in business?

9. Understand how the alarm is supposed to react if someone breaks into your house. What do you do? What will the monitoring company do?

10. Be a smart consumer and don't be afraid to ask questions. For more information about Atronic Alarms visit Advantages of Atronic Alarms, Inc.

Neighborhood Watch

2010-04-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

This month, a group of people in a small town outside Kansas City began tallying up recent break-ins that seemed to be centrally located and targeting farm houses and out buildings. With more than eight burglaries in two months, the word spread and residents were on high alert. Suspicious looking vehicles were noted and discussed among the neighbors; emails sent. Two days ago, an email was sent out about an arrest that had been made as a result of one neighbor's phone call.

Whether or not this is the alleged robber who had been breaking into homes and barns at night or whether the arrest is something unrelated is yet to be known. What has come from this, however, is that it took a community of people to keep their eyes open and call in the suspicious car. This type of community watch adds an extra layer of security to the residents of the area.

The National Sheriffs' Association started the Neighborhood Watch program in 1972 to pull citizens and local crime officials together in an effort to keep neighborhood's safe. Presently, Neighborhood Watch signs are seen all over the Kansas City area.

If you and your neighbors are interested in setting up a "watch" program, there are many resources on the Internet now that can assist you through the steps. A few are noted below:

You will need a map of the neighborhood with names, phone numbers and email addresses.
Utilize your teens in the neighborhood. They can be a great source and it will give them a feeling of responsibility.
Get a crime prevention officer to discuss crime issues in area.
Create a list of what initially needs to be addressed in your neighborhood.
Obtain facts about the crime in your neighborhood through police reports and newspapers.

Visit the Atronic Alarms' web site to learn more.

Building a Home: Prewiring for Security

2010-04-21T15:53:00.000-07:00

The April 16-22 issue of the Kansas City Business Journal touted a front page article on builders who "Rise from Dread" focusing on the local home building market. After the slump in the economy, a story like this makes a positive impression.

If you are in the market this spring or summer to build a home, make sure you or your builder prewires the home for security, fire and home automation even if you are undecided on purchasing a system at the time. Wire is a very inexpensive way to "future proof" your home and it allows you to easily install security features after the walls are closed up. Even if you aren't interested in the technology today you may be in the future or if you sell your home.

Most security companies will perform the prewire for you or your builder at a very economical price. Reputable companies who run the wires keep locations of the runs on file and it can be referred to at any time.

Go to the Atronic Alarms' web site for more information on prewiring you home.

Dog Breeds Considered Good Watchdogs

2010-04-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

According to the FARA Residential Security booklet, certain dog breeds have been documented by professional dog handlers as more of a deterrent to intruders than others. Apparently, the following breeds are considered good "guard dogs:"

1. Bull Mastiff

2. Rottweiler

3. Doberman Pinscher

4. Komondor

5. Puli

6. Giant Schnauzer

7. German Shepard

8. Rhodesian Ridgeback

9. Kuvasz

Good "watchdogs" include:

1. Rottweiler

2. German Shepard

3. West Highland White Terrier

4. Yorkshire Terrier

5. Calm Terrier

6. Airedale Terrier

7. Poodle

8. Miniature Schnauzer

Click on the link above to find out the "worst" watchdogs!

Happy 28th Year Anniversary, Atronic Alarms!

2010-04-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

This morning the Atronic Alarms office staff gathered to surprise owner and developer, Perry Atha, with a cake, a couple of balloons, and some grins.

Perry started the company in April of 1982 after moving back to Kansas City and researching Alarm Systems for his home only to find that there was a need for a professional, reputable security provider in the area. With a degree in business, a strong interest in technology and a newly formed friendship with an alarm installer, Perry decided to develop a security company that promoted and provided strong relationships and involvement in the community based on trust.

28 years later, Atronic Alarms is currently one of the largest, locally owned and operated, custom designed security and home automation companies in the Kansas City area.

In first photo (left to right): Perry Atha, Todd Harrison, George Echohawk, Jay Dupuy, Steve Kort, Nell Mathews, Alec Saysoff, Justin Smith and Chrissy Wyble.

Second photo (left to right): Perry Atha and Todd Harrison.

Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

2010-04-12T08:44:00.000-07:00

Identity theft can be prevented, or the damage can be lessened considerably, by taking a few steps in your everyday life to keep your private information secured.

1. Run a credit report on yourself to double check the facts

2. Shred all of your credit, debit, ATM card receipts, bank statements, and tax documents before you dispose of them

3. If you close a checking account, make sure all remaining checks are shredded

4. Family web site? Don't give too much personal info, like place of birth or mother's maiden name. These are often used as passwords

5. Keep a copy of all credit cards or other forms of ID that you carry with you and keep it in a fire-proof safe or safety deposit box outside the home

6. Balance your checkbook and savings with the bank often to assure there are no discrepancies

7. Shred all unused pre-approved credit card offers

Atronic Alarms is 2010 HAI 5-Star Dealer

2010-04-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

Atronic Alarms, Inc received the news today that they are once again awarded the honor of being an HAI 5-Star Dealer.

Home Automation, Inc (HAI) presents this to HAI Dealers each year to selected companies who apply to be considered for the award. The award criteria is based on how many years the company has installed HAI systems and the number of installations performed the previous year.

Atronic Alarms has been an HAI Awarded Dealer since 2001, when the program began.

Out of the ten security companies in the Kansas City area who offer HAI's home automation security systems, Atronic is the only one who received this honor.

Landscaping Your Home for Security

2010-03-25T16:04:00.000-07:00

Winter is officially over, the Robins are pulling worms, and there have been sightings of flying bugs. Your crocuses have bloomed, daffodils are opening and you can't wait to get out in the yard to begin this season's landscaping projects.

While you are laying out new plans and cultivating your brain for full-steam ahead this landscaping season, don't forget to think about security.

How can landscaping affect your security? Just remember the bottom line: if you have a lot of hiding places and secluded areas in your outdoor paradise then it is probably not deterring the criminal element.

Bad guys like areas that are overgrown and shadowed so they can watch, or "case," the residence. Some people even would argue that the more overgrown the area is, the more likely it will appeal to intruders. Perhaps they are thinking they'll find an open or "loose" window push open; perhaps they think that no one lives there. What ever their thoughts, they are able to linger in the bushes while deciding what to do.

If you are the type of person who likes a secluded area with a lot of shrubbery, you may want to consider utilizing lighting effects to enhance the area in the dark. Motion lights are excellent because they are not glowing constantly and only come on when tripped. Not only does this help lower electricity usage but it may startle someone enough to make them leave.

There is a fine line between privacy and seclusion. Keep your home well lit and maintained. Remember, the best security measure is prevention.

Insurance Discounts on Environmental Sensors

2010-03-19T15:34:00.001-07:00

It has been brought to Atronic's attention by some clients that insurance carriers are beginning to offer an additional discount on homeowner's policies for installing environmental devices like CO detectors, water bugs and temperatures sensors. Contact your insurance dealer for specifics and let us know what you find out!

New Members of the Atronic Team

2010-03-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

Alysia LaRock has joined Atronic Alarms, Inc. as the front desk receptionist and accounting assistant. She graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a BSBA emphasis in Marketing and was recently voted on by the Atronic Alarms' employees as the "Employee of the Quarter" for Spring 2010.

Bryan Beets has joined Atronic Alarms, Inc. as a commercial design consultant. Bryan brings over seven years of security industry background to the company. Specialized in a wide spectrum of loss prevention technology, Bryan’s expertise has helped companies generate returns on investment and win state-wide private security awards. A former business owner, Bryan maintains the absolute value of delivering service excellence to people in the Kansa City area.

Alec Saysoff has joined Atronic Alarms, Inc. as a design consultant after spending past summers working for the company as an intern in the installation department. Alec graduates with a BGS, double majoring in Communication Studies and History, from the University of Kansas this May. His past customer service experience provides a strong base for developing the personal, one-on-one client relationship that people have learned to expect from Atronic Alarms.

Operation Pawntrace

2010-03-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

"Operation Pawntrace" is a program conducted by the Kansas City Missouri Police Department (as well as many others in the U.S.) as a way to track valuable that have been stolen and then pawned for money. Simply mark your property with your Missouri driver's license number and then follow it with "KCMO."

For example, 123456789KCMO.

Inventory all of your property (make, model number, serial number, etc.) and then place in a safe place. Pawn shop employees enter this information into a database which is checked daily by property crimes detectives.

When you file a police report with the information you have recorded, the pawned items can be located, along with suspect information.

Source: KCMO Police Department web site, Crime Prevention Handbook, pg 18.

Low False Alarm Rates

2010-03-11T06:20:00.000-08:00

Atronic's Low False Alarm Rates. Last year, Atronic Alarms won the national Police Dispatch Quality award for excellence in false-alarm prevention strategies. There is a three-year waiting period to submit for the honor again. However, upon review by Atronic using false alarm statistics provided by local municipalities, Atronic is proud to announce that their false alarm ratios are well below national averages and among the lowest locally.

What does a "low false alarm rate" actually mean? If you take the number of a particular alarm company's active systems, divide it into the number of false alarms that were reported for these systems, you will get the false alarm rate. For example, if an alarm company has 100 systems in a city ordinance and only one reported false alarm, the false alarm rate for that company would be .01.

In 2006, the industry average was .5.

Atronic's false alarm rate in 2009 for the Kansas City, Missouri area was .056.

Atronic can brag about this all they want, but what does that mean to you, the client? With your Atronic Alarms system and regular tune-ups, false alarms may start becoming a thing of the past!

For more information on how to prevent false alarms, go to http://www.atronicalarms.com/reducefalsealarms.html.

What NOT to Do on Facebook

2010-03-09T08:51:00.001-08:00

Facebook and Twitter are great social networking groups. They help keep you connected to friends, reconnect with people long-lost, and let "bad guys" know every move you make.

DON'T post on your social Internet pages when you will be leaving for a vacation, how long you will be gone, or who is, or who is not, house-sitting while you are away. DON'T post about your teenage daughter baby-sitting tonight while you and your spouse head off for the weekend. DON'T post about your kids coming home after school to an empty house before you get home from work.

Remember to use common sense in your social networking. Be Safe.

Atronic is SAMMY FInalist

2010-03-03T13:38:00.001-08:00

For two years in a row, Atronic Alarms has been finalist in the Security, Sales and Integration SAMMY awards, a national honor given to security companies around the country for their outstanding marketing techniques.

Last week, Atronic Alarms found out that it is a finalist in two categories this year: Best Newsletter and Best Display Advertisement. The winners will be announced at the ISC West on March 23, 2010.

More People Getting Alarms Around Waldo

2010-02-23T11:04:00.000-08:00

Read and watch video on NBC's Action news regarding home security due to crime scare in Waldo area of Kansas City. Other security methods include barking dogs, outdoor motion activated lights and securing all of your doors/windows.

What to Do if You are Attacked

2010-02-10T13:40:00.000-08:00

According to Reader's Digest October 2009 issue relaying interviews with FBI agents and Security professionals, when attacked outside your home, yell "fire, fire" instead of "help." With most bystanders, yelling "fire" will trigger a response to come help or at least come take a look at the hoopla. If they hear a scream and a "help," then their self-preservation sense kicks in.

Craig Albright - 30 Years in Business

2010-02-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

In 1999, Craig Albright's experience in the alarm industry since 1980 led him to Perry Atha and the locally owned and operated alarm company in the southern area of Kansas City. Perry knew immediately after meeting with Craig that his experience and work ethic would benefit Atronic Alarms, Inc., so Craig was brought on to run the service department. Now, 11 years later, Craig sums up his 30-year tenure in the security field with a question and answer format that can be found on the Atronic Alarm's web site.

Chimney on Fire

2010-02-01T06:24:00.000-08:00

My neighbors nearly set their house on fire.

Apparently one morning a couple of weeks ago they stoked up the fire first thing to warm the house. The fire was nice and hot. Suddenly, they heard a roaring sound, and they ran outside to look at the chimney.

Flames were leaping out of the top.

The outside wall and the inside wall were hot, and they knew they only had a couple of minutes before the fire department would need to be called. So they doused the chimney and their fireplace with water and managed to put out the fire themselves.

What happened? There had been no chimney inspection or cleaning in quite some time, and apparently they had used one of those creosote burning logs and then stoked up a nice, hot fire. The creosote burning log burned up the creosote in the fireplace, but the remains were located in a "pocket" that hadn't been cleaned out and the nice, hot fire set it aflame.

Bottom line? Get your chimney inspected each fall. Keep your smoke detectors cleaned and working. It doesn't just happen to "other people." Stay safe.