In this issue:
Fire Alarm Installation Methods is ideal for those who wish to expand their knowledge of the installation, service and maintenance of fire alarm systems.
The course also provides the necessary review material to prepare for NICET Level 1 and Level 2 examinations. Fire Alarm Installation Methods follows the structure of NFPA 72 and is based on the 1996 edition of NFPA 72 and NFPA 70.
The classroom version of Fire Alarm Installation Methods culminates with a two-hour multiple-choice examination. Attendees who successfully complete the exam will receive a certificate of course completion.
A schedule for this course can be found at www.alarm.org/nts/courses/faim.html.
Fire Alarm Installation Methods is just one of the classroom courses offered by NBFAA's National Training School. For a complete schedule of these courses, visit www.alarm.org/nts/. These schedules are updated regularly, so be sure to check back often.
For information on courses, contact NTS at 866-636-1687 or by e-mail at nts@alarm.org.
Don't forget that online NTS training is also available! Alarm
Technician (Level 1) and Fire Alarm Installation Methods (FAIM)
are online, with Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician (ABAT) coming
later this year.
Supreme Security Minimizes Fire Damage for Jeweler
NBFAA member company Supreme Security Systems of Union, N.J., recently helped minimize fire damage at Terrace Jewelers, a New Jersey-based jewelry store.
Local authorities and store owner, Wayne Ferdinand, were alerted to
the fire by a security device installed by Supreme. The blaze was quickly
contained by local firefighters, and Terrace Jewelers officially reopened
for business shortly after the fire.
The fire began with a candle flame after store hours. The smoke from
the fire likely triggered motion sensors, which were installed to monitor
and prevent break-ins and burglaries, but not intended for fire detection
and prevention. The sensors then alerted Supreme Security Systems' Central
Monitoring Station and local authorities.
"This type of incident can be devastating to retail stores such as ours," said Wayne Ferdinand, owner of Terrace Jewelers. "One fire can completely wipe out the entire inventory or destroy the show floor. Responsiveness is the only weapon to combat this damage, and we most certainly had that from Supreme Security Systems. Supreme continued to be helpful and accessible in the days following the fire and that kind of quick response and service is definitely invaluable to a business owner."
As a result of Supreme's responsiveness, the store endured mostly minor cosmetic damage and the majority of the inventory remained intact and undamaged. Ferdinand has been a customer of Supreme since he opened Terrace Jewelers four years ago.
"While it's important to stress that motion detectors should never
replace fire/life safety devices, we were pleased that we were able
to help Mr. Ferdinand and Terrace Jewelers safely endure the damage
and continue on with business," said David Bitton, vice president
and COO of Supreme Security Systems. "Our customers know that we
will always work to ensure the quickest and most efficient response
in the event of a fire, break in or other security breach."
NBFAA and SDM Magazine are looking for success stories just like this
for consideration for the 2006 First Line of Defense Award. If you have
a similar story about a time that your company's electronic security
or life safety system helped save lives, avert property damage or prevent
a crime, send it along. If your story is selected, you and your customer
will win a free trip to Las Vegas during the 2006 ISC West, courtesy
of NBFAA and SDM. There you will be honored at the awards ceremony,
and your story will be featured in SDM Magazine.
To submit your story, fill out the online form at http://www.alarm.org/pr/flod/.
If you have questions, call 301-585-1855 or send an e-mail to communications@alarm.org.
Joseph Pfefer, president of Kansas City, Missouri-based NBFAA member company, Jade Alarm Co., recently received an award from the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department in appreciation of a job well done as chairman of the Kansas City Alarm Association's False Alarm Task Force.
As chairman, he has assisted in teaching more than 30 alarm classes in
conjunction with Mike Thoelke, the police department's alarm coordinator.
Kansas City's success is two-fold, because while the number of systems
installed has increased, the number of false alarms has decreased from
2.5 per user to 0.7 per user-thanks in-part to Pfefer's dedication.
We want to hear from you. If you
have a story you'd like to share with other NBFAA members, contact us
at 301-585-1855 or by e-mail at communications@alarm.org.
Since its introduction in late 2003, Security America Risk Retention Group (SARRG) has helped NBFAA member companies save thousands of dollars on their general liability/errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policies. And recently, the program expanded its offerings to provide up to $5 million in coverage!
The SARRG Board of Directors recently accepted a proposal from Employers Reinsurance Corporation (ERC), an AM Best 'A' rated company to extend coverage availability to a maximum of $5 million per occurrence. This opens the door to many NBFAA members who previously couldn't take advantage of the insurance because they needed coverage in excess of $1 million.
And remember, SARRG is also working with local brokers, allowing members to maintain established relationships with their current brokers and take advantage of the savings that SARRG offers.
Security America Risk Retention Group is just one of the many benefits
available to NBFAA members. For more information on the program, visit
www.securityamericarrg.com
or call 866-315-3838.
The Security Industry Association's 3rd Annual Government Sales and Marketing Summit is set for June 14-15, 2005 in Washington, D.C. The two-day conference and networking event is designed to introduce companies to the business opportunities, legislative initiatives and key decision makers involved with Government business relevant to the electronic physical security industry.
The cost of the event is $195 for SIA members and $295 for non-members. NBFAA members can take advantage of the SIA rate. Registration closes on May 20, so register soon to take advantage of this opportunity.
This event will bring top procurement officials from various federal agencies, top policy officials from Congress and key representatives from prime government contractors together with attendees in an interactive conference and networking forum.
Sessions for the 2005 Summit include: GSA Schedule Contracting - Benefits and Challenges; Government Procurement - Profiles of Success; and Specifications & Technologies - Proven Pathways to Key Decision Makers, among others.
For more information or to register, contact Cathy Mrosko, SIA's
Associate Director of Industry Groups and Government Affairs at
703-683-2075.
Simi Valley Council Approves Alarm Ordinance
Last week, the Simi Valley City Council voted unanimously to implement a burglar alarm ordinance, ending three months of work on the matter.
Under the new ordinance, if an alarm triggered at a home or business turns out to be false three times in a calendar year, police will only respond to subsequent alarms if a breach has been verified by two of the following methods - video, activation of exterior alarm sensors, activation of interior alarm sensors, phone or private guard. Alarms would only need to be verified between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., with the ordinance suspended during the night.
Home and business owners will also face fines. The third false
alarm in a year carries a $150 fine, the fourth a $250 fine and
each additional false alarm a $500 fine.
Law enforcement and transportation officials in California are discussing using cameras to monitor and record freeway traffic as investigations into a rash of deadly highway shootings continue.
The plan is to buy high-tech surveillance cameras and hook up Caltrans' existing freeway-monitoring cameras to recorders to catch the perpetrators of nine shootings that have occurred on California freeways since mid-March. Four people have been killed in those nine shootings.
Caltrans is considering upgrading the traffic-monitoring
cameras it planned to install because those cameras may not be able
to provide the level of detail needed to catch freeway shooters.
For Member Update Sponsorship information
contact
NBFAA Director of Business Development Tonja
Jenkins.
If
you have questions, comments or concerns about Member Update, please contact
the Communications Department.
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Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA)