Anubis Systems Technologies

HOME SAFETY TIPS:

Safety in the home starts with the right "attitude". The "it's not going to happen to us" syndrome is probably the biggest single stumbling block to securing your family. "Home Invasion" is not the biggest menace to life and property regardless of what other security dealers may tell you. Statistically, your chances of experiencing this kind of event are extremely remote, even in communities where the "target" groups are supposed to reside.

Common sense says that you should keep hedges trimmed to a height that makes it easy to view your yard (and any suspicious activity that might occur there). Familiarize yourself with the neighbours. Start a Block Watch™ program. Make your own street difficult for someone to "case" by displaying the appropriate signage. You'd be surprised how a group of concerned citizens living in close proximity to each other can reduce the risk of a break-in or auto theft.

The far more pernicious and dangerous "foe" lurks in almost every average single family home. The villan to which we refer is called carbon monoxide (or CO), and make no mistake, this one is a killer. Silent and deadly, carbon monoxide in small quantities can cause nausea, headaches, and other "flu" like symptoms. In larger quantities it can cause drowsiness, and even death.

There are two things every home should be equipped with. A monitored fire detection system, and carbon monoxide sensors. You will note that we are NOT talking about household smoke alarms. We are recommending system smoke detectors tied into a security or fire alarm system. What most homes DON'T have during a power failure is a fire detection system, because most smoke alarms run on household current. Most common inexpensive smoke alarms are also of the wrong type for a residential application. This is explained on our FIRE ALARMS page under the heading SMOKE DETECTORS.

Here are some reasons we have for you to consider in installing system detectors rather than stand-alone "plug-in" devices:

• In most instances system detectors are "supervised" for faults by the main control panel;
• The onboard digital communicator can notify the authorities of a problem even if you're NOT at home;
• The system can be upgraded to allow for wireless key-fob or neckchain/belt panic transmitters;
• The system's battery back-up can monitor the home even in the complete absence of electrical power;
• The failure rate for system detectors is extremely low.
  

SAFETY TIPS FOR WORK
(AND THE OFFICE)

 
One of the most important issues with respect to personal security has it's roots in what happens at work. In a lot of cases, the employees don't have a great deal of input with respect to physical security in the workplace, but this attitude is changing with the increased awareness resulting from theft of company and personal property, and even more frightening, the violent attacks on office workers featured so prominently in the news within the last two years. Let's address these issues seperately:

• The theft of personal belongings from an office environment is not something most people are prepared to deal with. When it happens it's devastating, not only to the individual that was the target of the theft, but to co-workers as well. So what are a thieve's targets? They're usually items that are easy to carry. Wallets, purses, note-book computers, carry-alls, and shopping bags are all potential targets. Office equipment such as the aforementioned note-book computer can be secured quite inexpensively. A "chain and lock" combination which involves a high-tensile steel cable that secures the note-book to the desk surface is probably the cheapest method. Tamper alarms that emit a loud buzzing sound when the unit is lifted is another way to ensure this type of computer doesn't "walk away". Employee's personal effects should be stored in a secure area (a locker room with limited access during office hours is probably the best method). Locked drawers and file cabinets tend to draw attention to the fact that something of value is inside. Placing these types of furnishings in highly travelled areas minimizes the possiblity that an unauthorized individual will tamper with them. ID tags worn by all workers on your site is also a way to ensure a "visitor" or stranger to the workplace stands out. You've probably been to offices where visitors are checked in and tagged before they're allowed to proceed past reception. In a small office this may not always be a convenient or even possible method of "access control", but making sure everyone knows their co-workers "on sight" using a badging system is a good idea. Workers should be encouraged NOT to bring valuables to work, and to ensure personal items like credit cards and ID are always carried on their person, not left at or near their workstations. Losing your wallet and purse at work means the thief has access to your car and house keys as well as your address and other personal information. Keep in mind that "convenience" for you applies to anyone that happens to be carrying your wallet or purse and that that "anyone" may be paying you a more personal "visit".

• A lot of workplaces provide parking convenient to the business location. A good deal of the time, this arrangement is located in underground or covered parking lots. Please make sure these areas are well lit and ventilated. Keep recycling containers INSIDE the office premise so that vagrants and homeless individuals are not tempted to wander through or loiter in sensitive areas. Most businesses these days have fairly strict policies with respect to working "over-time". A dark parking lot with only a few cars in it and a lone individual walking to their vehicle after a hard day's work is a very open invitation to attack. Use common sense in these situations and never assume that your particular lot or area of the city is "safe".

• Most major businesses that employ a staff of over fifteen individuals have an HR (Human Resources) Department or Manager. It's important to keep employees properly motivated and encouraged. In smaller work places this is not difficult to do as the owner of the business is usually working hand-in-hand with the employees. Regular evaluation sessions that foster company spirit, individual growth, recognition, positive feed-back, and harmony should be the goal of every large HR Department. Where individual workers perceive themselves as nothing more than a mere "number" in the rank and file is definitely a sign that moral is low. Physical confrontation is sometimes difficult to avoid in situations that have deteriorated to this extent. Nothing is more traumatic to the worker than being laid off or fired, but sometimes it becomes necessary to do so. HR Policies have fairly strict guidelines when it comes to this drastic step. Often a restructuring of the company has the affect of rendering individuals or whole departments redundant. In this case, the HR Department should make every attempt to ensure the impact is minimized and valued employees are migrated to other positions where their contribution can continue. Where this is not possible, then adequate notice or a generous termination bonus should be considered. Firing an individual for cause is confrontational regardless of the circumstance or wording of the notice. Employing a licenced security guard service to aid in the removal of the individual is a good idea. Maintaining this service for a time period of up to one month after the individual's dismissal may be a prudent action as well. Unfortunately, none of us have crystal balls or are able to read the minds of our co-workers. A common-sense approach to HR Management, frequent worker encouragement, employee incentive plans and bonuses will harmonize the office and ensure a healthy workplace environment.

SAFETY TIPS FOR SCHOOL

Our kids are with a doubt, our most treasured gifts. From the time they first present themselves to the day we're finally laid to rest, we worry about them, care for their hurts (whether physical or emotional), and try to ensure their personal safety. When they're at home they're in an environment where we can exercise the maximum control, but as soon as they leave to walk to school, take part in extra-curricular activities, or simply drive down to the local burger place to meet their friends, we lose that control. It's at these times that our kids have to rely on themselves and some common-sense.

• Don't talk to strangers;
• Communicate (call home if you're going to be late);
• Wear brighter clothing at night so you're easily visible;
• Walk facing traffic if there's no sidewalk;
• Ensure your bike has the appropriate lights/reflectors if you're riding at dusk or at night;
• Never jay-walk - always use a cross-walk when crossing the road;
• Never carry your wallet, personal identification, or house keys in your back-pack or purse. Always carry these items on your person (in a pocket);
• Know where Block Parent™ houses are located along your route to school;
• Always walk with a buddy or in a group;
• If you're driving to school or university, always park in a well lit area. If you're staying late (classes or studying), always ask to be escorted to your vehicle. Most schools have security guards on duty. Use them, or ask a friend;
• Carry a cell phone (optional);
• If you are confronted, drop what you're carrying (or throw it at your assailant), shout or scream, and run;
• Never stop to assist someone strange to you (even if they ask and look "OK"). Go to the nearest telephone (or use your cell phone) to call for help for them;
• Don't leave home without an "emergency quarter" so you can call if you need to get picked up somewhere.

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