5 Events that call for Home Security Services

There are major events that occur which call for taking action.  That action maybe the installation of a Home Alarm System or the retention of  concierge security services.

Injury which restricts mobility New Family Addition Promotion Divorce Thieves targeting Neighborhood

CAI Institute Expo Mark Your Calendar

CAI Institute Expo- Mark Your Calendar for March 9, 2013!  While the date hasn't been posted on CAI Institute website yet, we have the official date from reliable sources.  Check next week, download the Registration, sign-up and we'll see you at the Expo.  Be sure to come by our booth!

How to Survive an Active Shooter

First and foremost develop a "Survivor's Mindset" which is one of the most valuable pieces of advise we've heard.  Be prepared and know what's going on around you and how to survive it.  The Houston Police Dept (HPD) in conjunction with Homeland Security have developed a YouTube video: Run, Hide, Fight.  It only takes a few minutes to watch this.
Officer Stephen Daniel of the HPD summariezes it this way:

“Active shooter” incidents — like the one last summer in Aurora, Colo., and more recently in Milwaukee — have forced law enforcement to re-evaluate training and tactics.

And they tell those who find themselves in an active shooter situation to run, hide, fight.

Run — Escape if possible. Encourage and help others, but get yourself out regardless of whether others agree to follow.

Hide — Conceal yourself out of the shooter’s view, behind large objects when possible.

Fight — As a last resort and only if your life depends on it. But commit to your actions.

YouTube Review: CIA.gov

From time to time we will be sharing interesting and informative YouTube Channels.  This week's showcase is our very own Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which is the agency tasked with protecting Americans on American soil.  Their YouTube Channel ciagov videoes range from outer space recon to Charlie The Robotic fish.  Check it out and share your reactions here.

Crime In Our Ct Towns

What do thieves love to steal from your Home?

Did you know that after Cash, TOOLS, are the most commonly stolen item taken from a Home.  So keep that garage door secure at all times.  According to a recent article in Security InfoWatch entitled 10 Hot Commodities A Burglar Can't Resist Taking from your Home: Cash, Tools, Jewelry and your Identity are specific targets burglars.  This article provides some tips to help protect your possessions.  Please share with us other TIPS that you use.

Aurora Lesson: Posted Guards at Movie Theaters?

The Huffington Post recent article asks the same questions as many of us are struggling with in the after-math of the Aurora, Colorado cineplex mass shooting.  Could Posted Security Guards possibly have saved lives or foiled the shooter.?  Apparently, the cineplex owner had Posted Security Guards at other premiers.  We would like to hear from you.  Would you feel safer, if the cineplex you frequented had Posted Security Guards?

Website Review: Safe At Home

Safe At Home Online

	the first member organization focused on home safety
	identifying common and hidden hazards in and around the home
	to “protect you and yours in and from your home". Their Safety Products Amazon Store has an extensive selection of personal Safety Products from reflective backpacks, caps and glasses.  Well worth checking out.

Community Association Security Services

Metroguard, Inc

Communnity Association Security Services

Community Benefits

• Parking Control
• Parking Enforcement
• Safety Enhanced
• Sense of Security
• Peace of Mind
• Visible Presence

Our Services Prevent

•     Environmental Damage

•       Loitering

•       Parking Conflicts

•       Sabotage

•       Trespassing

•       Vandalism                      

 METROGUARD, INC

Provides Security Services to over 600 businesses and Community Associations.

Please call for details and Consultation.

1-800-495-0400

An On-Line Tool for Security Professionals

Security-Today is an online resource for Security Professionals.  It's monthly magazine publishes timely Feature articles and well as important relevant industry news.  The TIPS and Readers Choice Awards provide instant insight.  Recommended reading for busy security professionals on the go.

Metroguard, Inc. Security Services

•COMMERCIAL SECURITY SERVICES:
  Alarm Response Investigations
  Building Closings
  Key-Holding
  Mobile Security Patrols and Checks
  Parking Patrol.........................................
  Plant Closings
  Security Officers On-Site
  Real-Time Mobile Video Monitoring

•RESIDENTIAL SECURITY SERVICES:
 Alarm Verification
 HouseWatch Services - A Custom Personalized Program
 Key-Holding
 Personal Protection

•REFERRAL PROGRAM
  A NEW and Exciting Program..Stay Tuned for Details


•Video Discussing Our Services

Reward Offered $50,000 by FBI

The FBI is offering $50,000 Reward for Information surrounding five bank robberies in the local area. See the full article on-line at the Fairfield Patch.  The Fairfield Patch is a great on-line source of breaking news for local communities.

Summer is Travel Time

When preparing to Travel, line up possible Resources that may be critical for your safety, especially when  traveling abroad.  Security Info Net has conducted extensive research and their site lists dozens of links covering Travel Advisories, Travel Medicine and Health, Travel News and Tips as well as Expatriate Links.  Take control of your safety by getting informed then happy travels!

Create a Neighborhood Watch Program

The Neighborhood Watch Program was created in 1972 by the National Sheriff's Association (NSA)
 and is considered to be the oldest well-known local crime prevention program.  Since 9-11 this program has expanded to include local disaster preparedness, emergency response and terrorism awareness.


Setting-up a Neighborhood Watch Program is relatively easy with the step by step instructions and resources provides by USAonWatch Organization

4th of July Sparkler Safety Tips

With the 4th of July festivity planning taking place now,  please take a few minutes to think about and commit to personal and family safety.  The Fireworks Safety Council provides important Fireworks and Sparkler Safety Tips as well as important Safety videos.
Special Safety Tips regarding Sparklers include the following:

And note these special safety tips, if using sparklers:

• Always remain standing while using sparklers. • Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers. • Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time. • Never throw sparklers. • Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out.

 Be sure to drop

spent sparklers in a bucket of water. • Teach children not to wave sparklers, or run, while holding sparklers.

5 Ways Police Can Use Social Media

Most communities have websites which provide their citizens with basic contact information, resources and links.  While extremely useful, it is a static snapshot in time.  Typically, websites are are not interactive nor dynamic.  There are, however, Social Media Tools, such as Facebook and Twitter that now play that role.  They're being used to:

1.  Issue an Alert, i.e. power outages, road closings
2.  Post Photo of "Wanted"



3.  Provide Timely Information to Public
4.  Post Significant Arrest                                                   
5. Post job openings

Read how Kansas City Police created a  YouTube Channel which include videos with "Crime Prevention Tips".  They've even embrace Pinterest as an additional communication channel.
Tell us how your community Police Department is using Social Media.

App Review: Caregivers Keep Tract of Elderly Family and Friends

“Tell My Geo™” was designed to quell some of the anxieties and related problems that result from the reality of accommodating the needs of persons such as our elders who exhibit early signs of AD and MCI.  This application uses Iconosys’ proprietary secure tethering technology for adults to monitor and track the location of their AD-affected family members/loved ones, and gives those suffering with AD much needed resources for finding their way home and locating their loved ones or care-providers in real-time. Check it out at:  Tell My Geo, An Android App.

Gadget Review: Pet Tracker

tagg, The Pet Tracker, a pretty interesting device. Just attach it to your pet's collar, set the parameters  of where the pet can roam and you're done.  If your pet wanders outside it's approved territory, then you are notified.  Check-out the comprehensive review by the folks at Gadgeteer 

ATM Skimming Closer Than You Think

The New Canaan Patch.com/ details the recent apprehension of a Bronx man tied to ATM Skimming in New Canaan.  See how to protect yourself by checking out the FBI hints.

FBI on Avoiding ATM Skimming

Beware ATM SKimming FBI Report

Key Holding and Peace of Mind

House Watch Security Services Key Holding

METROGUARD, INC.     1-800-495-0400

Home Security Services while you Travel

METROGUARD, INC.   1-800-495-0400

Hey, hope this picture will remind you to call us if you are planning to travel either for a short or even long term.  We customize our Home Security Services Package to meet your needs.

Don't forget to give us a call 800-495-0400.  Just like one of our clients did recently.  He was on his way to the airport and was unsure of whether or not he had turned off the coffee pot.  One quick call to us, and we were at his home, checked out the situation and put him at ease as he stepped into the airplane and settled down for a six hour flight...Worry Free, too!

Thanks to Senior Security Officer, Dan Sera, for sharing this story with us.

Security Guard Company Technology

Well, we hope you like this rendition of our security guard, protection services.  We were able to do this by using the software provided at http://www.tagxedo.com.  It's free, it's fun and very easy to use.  Let us know what you think of this new tool.

Crime in your Area

CityRating Crime Statistics and Ratings by Town. A great searchable website.  Just pop in the name of your town for a glimpse of important facts on this topic.

Home Security and Crime Rates

Home Security and Crime Rates

Spot Hidden Gun

Browse more How To infographics.

Lightening Strike vs Electrical Shock which is Most Likely?

 For the most part, in stormy weather, people are frightened that they will be hit by lightening. As it turns out, you are almost 9 times more likely to sustain electrical related injury via contact with overhead power lines.  Contact with wiring, transformers or other electrical components cause 27% of said injuries.

Watch out for the machine tools, appliance or light fixture! 

Contact with their electric current caused 17% of injuries.  So last year, one was 3.5x more likely to sustain injuries from these things than from lightening.  Here's a great Virtual Home Video from the Electrical Safety Institute.  You may want to view with your kids.  I know when I was in 1st grader, I poked a pencil in a rotating fan!  Would like to know how many others have stories like that. Let us know!

May is National Electrical Safety Month

Did you know (DYK)  there  are, yearly,  over 300 electrocutions and 4,000 injuries caused by electrical hazards and that's just in the workplace?

Electrical Fatalities by Industry Group as a Pct. of Total Electrical Fatalities, 2003-2010

Construction, 52%

Professional and business services, 13%

Trade, transportation, and utilities, 11%

Natural resources and mining, 9%

Manufacturing, 8%

All other industry groups, 6%

Compiled by the Electrical Safety Foundation International using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CFOI, 1992‐2010

Take a minute to checkout  the Electrical Safety Foundation International resources on Workplace Safety, Home Safety and A Kids Corner that's fun and interactive.   An outstanding education tool.
The folks at  http://www.reliableplant.com have a current article with great Safety Tips, too.
Let us know what you found out!

The ultimate goal of Metroguard's Clients is to safeguard their assets, family and self.  We can think of no better place for them to start than with their own health!  That is why we are committed to providing relevant Check lists and Guidelines.  Prevention is the first line of defense in any Security Solutions Plan.

Severe Weather. Did You Take the Pledge?

Well, it's official!  This week, April 22-28 has been designated as the National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. The goal according to Weather Channel communique is to "engage consumers to be proactive about their severe weather preparedness plans". For those of us in Connecticut, we shouldn't need to much urging to do this given what happened in October 2011.  An early snow fall coupled with leaves on tress  brought down and disrupted  electricy to thousands upon thousand of Ct. residents.  This is a call to action!  Million Preparedness Pledge, have yo taken the pledge?  The goal of the Million Preparedness Pledge is to inspire  and motivate 1 million people to commit to be prepared before a weather emergency.
This effort is being spear-headed and sponsored by FEMA, NOAA, the American Red Cross and The Weather Channel.  This is a call to action, that is important to you and your family as well as your community.  If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem.

Is there a Security Audit in Your Facility's Future?

“Law enforcement responds to criminal activity and security is designed to mitigate criminal activity,” Benne says. Paul Benne, is a senior associate of technology and a security specialist with Syska Hennessy Group.
For an insightful discussion on why conduct a facility Security Audit,  review this article Your Real Risks.  While the cost of conducting a comprehensive Security Audit may run $10,000 to $50,000, a portion of that may be mitigated by having an in-depth discussion with your insurance carrier.

Early Detection key for Warren Buffet

A little prior planning, followed by action yields desired results.  We urge our clients, friends, family and fans to heed Warren Buffet's sage advise and TAKE ACTION, get screened.
Prostate Cancer kills over 28,000 men each year.  Did you know this?   According to the Cleveland Clinic,  80% of men reaching their 80's will have some cancerous cells in their prostate.  The key to survival , as Warren Buffet said, early detection.
Check-out the American Cancer Society's  Find Cancer Early-Screening Guidelines.
The ultimate goal of the clients of Metroguard is to safeguard their assets, family and self.  We can think of no better place for them to start than with their own health!  That is why we are committed to providing relevant Check lists and Guidelines.  Prevention is the first line of defense in any Security Solutions Plan.

Tornadoes in Connecticut? Are you ready?

Most of us in Connecticut think that tornadoes are something that happen in the Mid-West or in the Southern states... well, anywhere but here in Ct.
Apparently, 100 tornadoes or possible tornadoes have struck Ct. in recent history.  The folks over at Wikipedia have compiled the History of Tornadoes in Ct. and is the source of this recap graph.  For our purposes, the next 6 months is prime time for tornadoes.  To that end, the question is, how prepared are you and your family? How prepared is your business, building and facilities?
     Check back with us, as we compile Emergency Readiness Checklists and Emergency Resources that we hope will help keep you and yours safe. In the interim, look at and download this checklist prepared by FEMA and American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness List...
Let know know what steps you are taking to prepare for an emergency.

   

Building and Facility Managers Resources

INDUSTRY LINKS:
American Association of School Administrators
Community Association Institute
Ct. Association of Health Care Facilities
Ct. School Buildings and Grounds Association
Construction Institute
Electrical Safety Foundation
Facilities Net
Facilityzone
International Association of Venue Managers, Inc.
International Facility Management Association, Ct. Chapter
National Institute of Building Sciences
.
PUBLICATIONS:
Todays Facility Manager

SCHOLARLY RESEARCH:

Important Tips for Selecting Outside Contractors

Plant Services Magazine details 7 Tips for Picking an Outside Contractor.  While the article is addressing hiring maintenance contractors, their tips apply in general when thinking about outsourcing.  Four key concepts to keep in mind.
1.  Precise Planning of your needs
2.  Hire the right Qualified workforce
3.  Engage those with the right equipment for the job
4.  What's their Safety Record?

We'd like to hear from you.  What are your TIPS on Outsourcing and Engaging Outside Contractors?

Facility Managers Embrace Social Media

The folks over at the International Association of Venue Managers, Inc. published  a great article in the Dec. 2011/Jan 2012 magazine which reviews the Social Media platform landscape and recaps ways to use these exciting tools.  An important observation they make is to focus on two to four platforms that make sense for your organization. Don't forget You Tube, it  is the second most popular website in the world.  Follow this link to read the entire article:  Facility Manager Maagazine

Have you developed a You Tube channel for  your facility for say Safety Instruction videos?
Let us know how your applying Social Media platforms at your facility.

False Alarms

Check-out this link hosted by the False Alarm Reduction System folks.  You can pop in a couple of numbers to determine what it's costing your community to response to False Alarms.  The wasted money is staggering.  But of even more significance is municipalities passing ordinances that require businesses to provide on-site verification of an actual emergency.  A possible  result of these ordinances,  is Non-Response, and this can potentially  put your business at risk.

Condo Vehicle Towing State Statute

Any solution-set regarding your condominium's parking problem probably includes Towing the offenders vehicle.  If that's true for your Condo, it might be good to  review the current State Statutes.  Here's a handy link to Ct. State Statute Title 14, Sec 14-145c

Community Association Institute (CAI) Expo

Hats off to the folks at Community Association Institute (CAIonline.org) for organizing and hosting an exciting Expo.  The participants numbered in the hundreds, vendors were there by the dozens, including ourselves, of course.  The Expo was informative and provided amble opportunity to meet people who were genuinely interested in improving and enhancing their communities.  We at Metroguard, Inc. are already planning next year's event.  Please let us know what information you would like us to discuss next we meet.  

          Let us know how your Association is using Social Media to interact with residents.

Trends in Home Security Monitoring

Check-out a current discussion on the impact new technology is having on Home Security and Home Security Monitoring.  The good folks at  SDM Magazine have captured the important aspects of this timely topic.

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