There’s a lot to consider when deciding on the best security and fire system for your business or rental property. First is prioritizing the features you need:
- Intrusion detection sensors on doors and windows
- Motion detectors
- Video surveillance cameras
- Access control systems to manage who can enter the building
- Fire alarms with smoke detectors
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- A monitoring service that alerts you in case of an intrusion or fire
Then there are the regulations, both state and federal code standards that have to be met, especially for rental units that sleep 8 or more and businesses which are open to the public.
It can take quite a bit of research to figure out what is the best route to ensure that your property is secure, safe, and compliant while keeping the budget as low as possible. One size doesn’t fit all. Factors to consider when choosing a system:
- Business size and layout: Determine the number of sensors and cameras needed based on your space
- Budget: Compare costs of different systems and features
- Scalability: Consider future growth and potential need for system expansion
- Installation and maintenance: Choose a provider with reliable installation and maintenance services
- Commitment: Does the purchase contract lock you in for several years, or will you have flexibility to change providers should the relationship not meet your needs over time?
Get The Professional Help You Need
That’s where working with security experts who deal with these questions every day can really help you navigate the code requirements and design a system that makes sense for your specific needs. But you want to beware of providers who may sell proprietary equipment that “only they can maintain”. These companies may try to use inspection to fool you into buying unnecessary new equipment and/or a long-term contract commitment.
You’ll want to find a provider who is certified to perform a Vermont Fire TQP (Certification of Fitness). They know what the state regulations require, so that there will be no surprises after installation when the state inspector checks your system out. If your provider also has experience with obtaining variances from the state, they can save you a lot of headache, stress and money.
We asked Michael Blais, owner of Countryside Alarms in Mt. Holly, about TQP, and he said, “We are a private company and do not report our findings to the State of Vermont. We’ll perform a Vermont Fire TQP inspection on any fire system that is not restricted by proprietary business practices. Businesses can trust us to have their best interests in mind, and to honestly assess their unique needs and requirements. We will help our customers with obtaining a variance if that is needed to keep costs to a minimum.”
A Mission to Serve and Protect
Blais is on a mission to help Vermont small businesses and landlords to be safe and compliant, affordably. His commitment to protect Vermont businesses and communities goes far beyond profit motive. As an example, his company has not raised their central monitoring fees since 1988. “Countryside Alarms does not require long term contracts, because we’re confident that we’re providing the highest quality equipment and most professional service available anywhere,”he adds.
Countryside Alarms is a family-owned and operated business that provides quality service to the people of New England and beyond. They are Vermont’s premier Honeywell and Resideo dealer committed to only sell American-made products, and they have been running strong for over 40 years. They currently maintain a team of 40 well-trained employees. Mike himself is widely considered to be Vermont’s leading private expert on state and federal fire code, and his professional architect and contractor customers who are building large commercial enterprises, schools and institutions rely on his knowledge to design the most affordable, fully-compliant life safety systems they can install.
Blais focuses on educating his customers about what is required, and what is available. He stays abreast of changes to code and researches the newest technology and state of the art equipment in the industry, so he can offer the best individual advice to each customer.
For many small businesses, Blais recommends a totally wireless, modular system such as Resideo’s professional security system, the ProSeries A7 for Business. Resideo’s product literature reads, “Whether you’re looking for a system to help protect against intruders, alert you to potential hazards or just welcome you to the office, the ProSeries family of products brings security, safety and comfort together in a hassle-free package that’s easy to control and grows over time, alongside your business. ”
With such a modular system, you can be sure that you are only paying for components that you really need for your unique property. Plus, many of the components are Smart business compatible, so you can control both the system and your lights, temperature and other settings remotely.
The final key to a successful security and life system installation is your monitoring service. Countryside Alarms is the only full monitoring service company located in Vermont, and they are 100% self-contained. Countryside’s alarm monitoring service is very beneficial and strongly recommended by Blais, as it allows your alarm system to be properly monitored by personnel who are very knowledgeable about the equipment and can be properly maintained, updated and repaired as needed.
The Benefits of Quality Alarm System Monitoring:
- Chances of being burglarized reduced 300-400%.
- Save up to 20% off your homeowners insurance.
- Protection for your business, employees and renters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- An extra set of eyes on your business property when your not there or cannot hear the alarm.
- Peace of mind knowing what matters most to you is protected.
In conclusion, a customized life safety and security system is imperative for any small business to protect life and property. But determining what system will be best for your specific situation can be daunting. It is recommended that business owners and landlords hire a professional installer who has the knowledge, experience and equipment to provide you with exactly the system you need, affordably, and who will help you navigate the state bureaucracy to ensure your system is fully-compliant.
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