Just having a security system is not eno

Just having a security system is not enough to protect your business and your property. Read our latest blog on how to get the most out of your system and avoid some simple (but costly!) mistakes.

Tulsa & OKC Fire Extinguisher Inspections – Basic Requirements

As a business owner or manager in Tulsa or Oklahoma City, you may not often think about the fire extinguishers in your building or the need for them to be regularly inspected. In reality, though, these fire suppression systems are a vital tool against life-threatening fires. Thus, it’s essential to make sure that these fire protection systems will be reliable and ready to use in the event of a fire.

Fire extinguisher inspections in Tulsa and OKC are also required for companies to remain code compliant. What are some of the requirements for fire extinguisher inspections?

Monthly Inspections

Employers need to make sure that fire extinguishers are visually inspected monthly, pursuant to OSHA 1910.157(e)(2).  The business owner or a designated agent can perform this inspection.  During this inspection, you should ensure that:

• There are no visual signs of damage or leakage on the fire extinguisher.
• All fire extinguishers are in their proper place and can clearly be seen.
•  All of the safety seals and pins are intact.
• The operating instructions can clearly be seen.
• Make sure the extinguisher is still full. A dry chemical fire extinguisher should be shaken gently according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• The pressure gauge is in the operable range.

These monthly inspections are vital because fire extinguishers that have been damaged can be dangerous. The canister could possibly explode if it has significant damage or leakage.

Annual Inspections 

A comprehensive maintenance service must to be done at least once a year, or more often in extreme environments, as well as if an inspection indicates a need and at the time of hydrostatic testing, according to NFPA 10 and OSHA 1910.157(e)(3). A certified fire suppression professional should conduct this annual maintenance.

Mac Systems in Oklahoma City and Tulsa offers extensive on-site fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance services for all types and brands of extinguishers and fire protection systems. Our NICET-certified inspectors can perform almost all fire extinguisher services on-site including routine maintenance, recharging, internal examinations and required 6-year inspections. Hydrostatic testing is the only inspection that has to be performed off-site.

Other Required Inspections

Along with annual inspections, fire extinguishers are required to have a more thorough examination and testing every few years, depending on the type of extinguisher. Stored-pressure extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic testing are also required to have an internal examination and applicable maintenance procedures every 6 years.  Some of other types of fire extinguishers are required to have hydrostatic testing every 5 years. Consult the extinguisher’s manual for the specific requirements of each extinguisher.

Rather than worrying about fire extinguisher inspections for your business, why not leave everything to the fire protection experts at Mac Systems in Tulsa and OKC? We can take care of all your fire extinguisher inspections, maintenance, as well as documentation and reporting needs in order to keep you safe and code compliant.

Business Security Systems in Tulsa & OKC Heightened With 4K Video

4K ultra HD is now adding the same incredible picture detail that’s on the latest televisions to business security systems in OKC and Tulsa. With 4K resolution, businesses can secure large areas while being able to zoom in and view a subject in clear detail. Imagine the possibilities in enhanced security! How is this feature currently used in the Tulsa and OKC security industry?

“The ability to capture a large scene and zoom in on images without sacrificing pixels makes 4K idea for monitoring large areas, which is useful for city surveillance and transportation,” Lisa Hsu of A&S International noted. “ . . .This also allows for faster and more accurate monitoring in crowd management and perimeter protection requirements.”

Bosch Security Systems, Inc. introduced a new 4K ultra HD camera last year, the DINION IP ultra 8000 MP, which supports a wide-angle view and various focus points on a single screen.

“Its 12 megapixel or 4K ultra HD resolution allows any given subject to be viewed in detail unknown until now even when zoomed-in. As a result, the DINION IP ultra 8000 MP offers the decisive clarity needed for collecting relevant evidence for highly detailed and effective retrospective analysis,” Bosch noted. “Now, it is easy to keep an eye on the crowd, for example in a stadium, and provide enough detail to identify individual people.”

This UHD resolution can also improve business intelligence and productivity by accurately tracing personnel and customer paths, Hsu noted. Bosch’s DINION IP ultra 8000 MP camera can capture fast-moving objects in detail and track objects of interest in a wide-angle scene while also delivering easy retrospective analysis.

“Another differentiating feature of the DINION IP ultra 8000 MP camera is built-in Intelligent Video Analysis (IVA) . . . IVA helps to focus on relevant situations by alerting you when needed, or automatically tracking objects of interest. It also adds sense and structure to video data by adding metadata already in the camera,” Bosch noted. “This allows the quick retrieval of relevant images from hours of stored video. Metadata, together with the highly detailed images, make the difference when collecting irrefutable forensic evidence or when optimizing business processes based on, for example, people counting or crowd density information.”

This can greatly improve security for Tulsa and Oklahoma City businesses. However, one concern about 4K cameras is how they effective they will be in different lighting situations, but the new camera from Bosch has that issue taken care of already.

“Possible disturbances caused by fluctuating front or backlight are eliminated by Bosch’ unique built-in intelligence. The Intelligent Auto Exposure (IAE) technology dynamically adjusts the exposure of the camera to automatically adapt to changing light conditions, providing perfect exposure of objects of interest every time of day,” Bosch reported.

Other features of the DINION IP ultra 8000 MP camera allow it to have up to 50 reduction in storage costs and network strain without compromising video quality.

With all of these features, 4K video will no doubt become the standard for business security systems in Tulsa and OKC as these ultra high definition cameras offer a better user experience and increased security features.

For more information about the new Bosch 4K UHD camera, contact the video surveillance and security system specialists at Mac Systems in Tulsa and OKC.

(Photos courtesy of Bosch Security Systems)

Increase Your Tulsa & OKC Business and Security Using Axis’ Visual Goods Tracking Solution

“Every package has a story.” That’s the idea behind Axis Communications’ new visual goods tracking solution. This tracking and security solution from Axis allows logistics companies to get the full story behind every package to improve their processes and strengthen their business. How can this new tracking solution help improve Tulsa and Oklahoma City business security and productivity? And how does this system work?

In the logistics industry, getting the right packages to the right place quickly and undamaged is vital. But this doesn’t always happen and most often results in claims from unhappy customers.

“Claims affect your reputation. There’s also the possibility of compensation and penalties. And before you even get to that stage, there’s a time-consuming and costly investigation. Whether you’re trying to fill in the gaps between goods scans, or watching hours of video to discover what happened – the process is frustrating and the results are often inconclusive,” Axis noted.

This Axis system offers a wide range of network video solutions to help protect your business and track your customers’ goods. First, the Axis system works to secure your premises, buildings, and control access. The system includes easily integrated products like thermal cameras that can withstand harsh weather conditions; high definition, and intelligent cameras inside that can provide detailed images of objects and alert you to intrusion; as well as onboard cameras in trucks and vans that protect the drivers and products.

After ensuring the facility is completely secure, the visual goods tracking solution from Axis allows you to know the status of a package at every stage of its journey and find the video footage easily to prove the status in just seconds.

“At the moment, you probably have a warehouse management system (WMS) that links to your automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) solution. For most places, that means you’ll get a record of when a package has been scanned. It won’t tell you what’s happened to that package and it won’t reassure your customers you know what’s happened to it. Even if you have video cameras, if they’re not linked to your WMS and AIDC, you’ll be watching a lot of video to find out what happened to a package,” Axis said.

The new visual goods tracking solution integrates your AIDC and WMS with a video management system and network cameras to capture every aspect of the package handling process.

“That means you just type in a package’s ID and you can see video of its journey through your facility. So, if a customer makes a claim, or if you discover repeated deviations, you won’t just be able to find out what happened, you’ll be able to show it,” Axis noted. From goods receiving through conveyors, pallets, operator stations, and finally to shipping, each package is visually tracked with the Axis system.

How can this system benefit your Oklahoma City or Tulsa business?

“Boost business.” With the Axis system, you’ll be able to minimize the number of deviations and claims thus save money and time with investigations, fines, compensation, and insurance.

“And, you can increase profits by offering your customers an enhanced service that includes “full transparency,” Axis added.

“Improve processes.” This system can not only help to save time with less investigations, but also see where in each logistics process time is lost.

“You’ll know what’s happened to a package in just a couple of clicks of your mouse, quickly finding the cause of any irregularities. In addition, video can help you identify areas you need to improve and educate people on how to do things properly,” Axis said.

“Strengthen the brand.” This tracking and security system can help you greatly increase the quality of your customer service. Customers get their goods delivered on time and undamaged, and when something does go wrong, you can easily solve the problem.

“More often than not, your customers will judge you by how you deal with things when they go wrong. You’ll be able to show that you know exactly what’s happened to every package and resolve claims quickly. This will strengthen your relationships with customers and increase loyalty,” Axis noted.

This innovative visual goods tracking solution from Axis can increase your Tulsa or OKC business security and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of your logistics processes.

For more information on this Axis visual goods tracking system, contact the business security experts at Mac Systems in Tulsa and OKC.

Tulsa & OKC Fire Sprinkler Systems – Fact and Fiction

Fiction about fire sprinkler systems abound. These wrong ideas can cause business owners or homeowners to shy away from using these fire suppression systems to protect themselves and their properties.

Sometimes these misconceptions stem from what is portrayed about fire sprinklers in Hollywood movies, or they may just be things people presume to know about fire sprinklers. But today we’ll discuss some of the facts versus the myths about Tulsa and Oklahoma City fire sprinkler systems and how important they are for businesses and homes. Much of this information and statistics come from the foremost source in fire prevention – the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

True or False?

When a fire happens, every sprinkler will activate and thus everything in the house will be ruined. (FALSE)

This is the number one myth about sprinklers. Although this idea is often conveyed in movies, in reality only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate during a fire, spraying water directly onto the fire. “In 84% of home fires where the sprinklers operate, just one sprinkler operates,” NFPA noted.

Fire sprinklers will often leak or activate accidentally, maybe even because of a burning match or candle. (FALSE)

Leaks are very rare in fire sprinkler systems, and a sprinkler will not activate from exposure to a burning match or candle. “It is also rare for a damaged sprinkler system to release water, and when it happens, it is almost never an accident. Vandalism or misuse are typically involved,” NFPA disclosed.

A smoke alarm is enough protection. (FALSE)

Although smoke detectors alert residents to the presence of a fire danger, they do not in any way extinguish the fire. A fire can double in size every 30 seconds. Thus, even if you are alerted to the danger, a fire can still spread so quickly that it’s difficult to get out safely. Whereas, fire sprinklers reduce heat, flames, and smoke, giving you valuable time to escape.  “Smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying if a home fire occurs by about 33%. If you have a reported fire in your home, the risk of dying decreases by about 80% when sprinklers are present,” NFPA noted.

The water damage by a fire sprinkler system is more extensive and severe than fire damage. (FALSE)

The automatic fire sprinkler system will control and often extinguish the fire, and the resulting heat and smoke, in the area directly affected by the fire, and thus limit damage to other areas of the house, instead of the whole house being engulfed by fire and smoke. “Home fire sprinklers can control and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive on the scene,” the NFPA noted. “Any resulting water damage from the sprinkler will be much less severe than the damage caused by water from fire-fighting hose lines. Fire departments use up to 10 times as much water to extinguish a home fire as fire sprinklers would use to extinguish the same fire.”

“In a home with sprinklers, the average property loss per fire is cut by about 70% (compared to fires where sprinklers are not present,)” the NFPA added.

Fire sprinklers are “green.” (TRUE)

A study conducted by FM Global found that in the event of a home fire: “Greenhouse gas emissions were cut by 97.8%; Water usage was reduced between 50% and 91%; Fewer persistent pollutants, such as heavy metals, were found in sprinkler wastewater versus fire hose water.”

Residential fire sprinklers are very conspicuous and unattractive. (FALSE)

“New home fire sprinkler models are very unobtrusive, can be mounted flush with walls or ceilings, and can be concealed behind decorative covers,” NFPA noted.

Residential fire sprinkler systems in Tulsa and OKC are very expensive and will make housing unaffordable. (FALSE)

Actually, residential fire sprinklers are affordable and have become even more affordable in recent years. “The cost of installing home fire sprinklers averages $1.35 per sprinklered square foot,” the NFPA noted. “To put the cost of a sprinkler system into perspective, many people pay similar amounts for carpet upgrades, a paving stone driveway, or a whirlpool bath. Sales in many U.S. communities where sprinkler systems are available show that, not only are consumers requesting this feature, but also that houses with sprinkler systems are selling faster than those without.”

In fact, installing residential fire sprinklers may help to reduce insurance premiums and quality homeowners for tax rebates.

Check out the other myths about fire sprinklers at the NFPA’s Fire Sprinkler Initiative website.

The Tulsa and Oklahoma City fire sprinkler system experts at Mac Systems can also provide you with more information and can design, install, inspect, and maintain your complete fire detection and fire suppression system.

(Photos via the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition)

Choose Mac Systems as Your Tulsa or OKC Alarm Monitoring Company!

Whether for your fire alarm or security system alarm monitoring is vital to the safety of your organization. So it’s important to hire the right Tulsa or Oklahoma City alarm monitoring company to protect your business. What makes an effective alarm monitoring service and alarm company?

Reliable alarm monitoring. How helpful is alarm monitoring if it’s not reliable? MacNet wireless alarm monitoring from Mac Systems offers the most reliable means of having any system monitored compared with traditional alarm monitoring. Why is this?  MacNet uses a private mesh radio network that offers more reliability than alternatives by using redundancy of multiple signal pathways to the central station. This means that signals may either go directly from the monitored alarm panel to the central station or they may “hop” through other MacNet subscribers along many possible routes until they get a confirmed delivery at the central station. Either way, signals always make it through.

Because this Tulsa and Oklahoma City alarm monitoring service works through a mesh radio communications network and there is no need for third party communications like telephones or cellular networks, the system will always be up and running. Being independent from celluar networks and telephone service means you don’t have to worry about outages, jamming, or someone cutting the phone lines. Regardless of the weather, natural disasters, accidents, or problems with the phone company, MacNet alarm monitoring will be consistent.

Quick Response. In using this redundancy of multiple signal pathways along with the elimination of third-party communications, MacNet can deliver an even faster response than other options. MacNet signals are received by the central station in 2 seconds or less. This speed is vital when a fire can double in size every 30 seconds.

Because MacNet requires little installation with immediate monitoring, you can open your doors immediately and gain a certificate of occupancy faster for new buildings. There’s no cabling or IT department needed.

Local, One-Stop-Shop Alarm Service. Not only is the MacNet alarm monitoring system unmatched, but also with MacNet you’ll receive the peace of mind knowing Mac Systems will be there to help you with all your alarm needs. Being locally owned and operated, Mac Systems can provide you with the fastest, most reliable service 24/7.

And not only do we offer alarm monitoring service, but we also provide complete design, installation, and service for your entire fire protection system and security system. This local, all-inclusive service means you wont have to deal with multiple companies, and you’ll get comprehensive service to keep your business well protected. This one-stop-shop service can make your business more secure. We are well familiar with all aspects of fire alarms and fire suppression systems as well as security, access control, CCTVs, and more. Our NICET certified and factory trained technicians can keep your systems working most effectively.

Call us today to learn more about our MacNet alarm monitoring service in Tulsa and OKC and the complete line of life safety products and services we offer.

Differences Between Dry and Wet Fire Sprinkler Systems

Many businesses and households can benefit greatly by installing a fire sprinkler system. Tulsa and Oklahoma City business owners know the importance and often the code compliance requirements for having a fire sprinkler system in their building.

You have questions about how to choose the right system for your facility. For instance, you may hear the terms “wet fire sprinklers” and “dry fire sprinklers.” What do these terms mean and what’s the value of each system?

First consider, wet fire sprinkler systems. In wet pipe systems, the overhead sprinkler piping connected is filled with water under pressure.  When a fire causes one or more of the connected sprinklers to activate, water immediately discharges from the sprinkler head.

Wet pipe systems are the more common type of fire sprinkler system and the simplest. Because of their simplicity, they are very reliable and require less installation and maintenance. These are usually the first choice in fire sprinkler systems because they’re easy to work with, modify, and are often more reliable.

However, these systems cannot be installed in environments were the temperatures reach below 40 degrees F. And of course there can be severe property damage if there’s a leak or other malfunctions in the piping, especially if the area the sprinklers are protecting house sensitive equipment or documents.

Now consider Dry fire sprinkler systems, this lesser known sprinkler system does not have water in the direct non-heated sprinkler piping, but rather pressurized air or nitrogen.  The pressurized air holds back the water supply at a main dry-pipe valve. When a fire occurs and the sprinkler activates, the air pressure drops and the main dry-pipe valve opens to release the water into the piping system to discharge from the sprinklers.

These fire sprinkler systems are thus designed for environments with freezing temperatures like walk-in refrigerators, loading docks, and warehouses. Because of its special air pressure needs and other components, dry pipe sprinklers are more complex than wet fire sprinklers and are thus more costly to install and maintain.

Because water must travel from the valve to the piping and sprinklers, there can be a delay of up to 60 seconds in fire suppression. Dry fire sprinkler systems also have certain design restrictions as to their individual system size and thus can make additions to the system very difficult if not impossible. These systems can, however, be an addition to a larger wet pipe sprinkler system and just used in the environments that see freezing temperatures.

These are just a couple of several fire sprinkler system options available to Tulsa and OKC business owners. There are also fire sprinkler systems designed specifically to protect sensitive areas or equipment like data rooms or museums. Contact the fire sprinkler system experts at Mac Systems, Inc. for more information. We can take care of all your fire suppression needs including system design, installation, testing, inspections, and maintenance.

(Photos by Tyco)

Honeywell’s Pro-Watch® Provides Superior Tulsa & OKC Security System Operations

Manage with ease your entire Tulsa or OKC commercial security system along with other building management services across multiple sites with Pro-Watch® from Honeywell.

The Pro-Watch® Security Management Suite 4.2 from Honeywell Integrated Security is affording business owners with greater control, scalability, and flexibility in their security and total building management systems. How’s this? Well, this system combines a company’s access control, intrusion detection, IP video surveillance, and other building systems into one management solution. Thus, tasks and management is streamlined into one user interface to increase productivity while tightening security.  Pro-Watch® can be integrated with a company’s building operation systems such as lighting, heating and air conditioning, secondary fire, and ventilation.

One of the best features of Pro-Watch® is that it can be integrated into existing hardware from third-party manufacturers.

“It’s not uncommon for organizations to have access control, video surveillance and intrusion systems from separate manufacturers,” Eric Green, Senior Product Manager at Honeywell Security Products Americas told SecurityInfoWatch.com.  “Organizations are purchasing and expanding their security infrastructure as their business needs change. The Pro-Watch® platform provides users a seamless way to connect their disparate security systems onto a single management system. Organizations have the flexibility to use or upgrade their existing security systems, and expand those systems as their business grows.”

So, Pro-Watch® can make expanding a security system not only easy but also cost-effective. This security management system also provides detailed reports and auditing options for forensics, business intelligence data mining, and regulatory compliance.

Another feature of the Pro-Watch® security management system is its event options.

“Events may be routed to specific workstations and lined to automated system responses such as camera call-ups and outward notifications,” Honeywell noted. “Options for integrating intercom and mass notification components provide a vital link to the security dispatch center.”

Pro-Watch’s integration with other systems gives a way for companies to easily increase their perimeter protection.  Large organizations or those with multiple sites can benefit greatly from the easy integration of Pro-Watch® with other systems.

“The integration of SALTO disconnected readers to the Pro-Watch® platform further expands the added-value services integrators can deliver to their customers with large and remote facilities, such as healthcare and higher education institutions that typically have multiple buildings,” SecurityInfoWatch.com noted. “ . . .These solutions extend electronic access control to areas that were previously cost prohibitive to reach and give users access to the platform’s advanced reporting options.”

From large to small organizations, Pro-Watch® has been successful in managing badgeholder data, report on events, streamline business management, and effectively and efficiently increase security.

As a distributor of Honeywell’s security platforms, Mac Systems in Tulsa and Oklahoma City can help you determine which Pro-Watch® Security Management Suite is right for your business and help you effectively integrate the system into your organization.

(Photos by Honeywell)

Shield your Tulsa or OKC Business with Customizable Security Systems

It’s well known that business owners lead busy lives and at the same time have a number of complicated security risks to manage. Needing to try to prevent break-ins, vandalism, robberies, or even employee theft, business owners must have eyes everywhere. And thus they need a Tulsa or OKC security system that can meet all these challenges and more – they need a robust interactive security system.

Why a customizable interactive system? Well, an interactive security system gives you greater control over your company’s security and other daily operations.

Keep an eye on your business. Security systems with remote monitoring and control capabilities allow business owners to control the system from their smartphones, tablets, or laptops wherever they are. See what’s going on at your business when you are not there. Arm or disarm your system with a touch of a button. With Honeywell’s Total Connect, owners can even view up to 100 sites with just one login – perfect for those overseeing multiple locations such as real estate investors and franchise owners.

With Total Connect, owners are afforded an added level of security by viewing dark, poorly lit indoor areas remotely using low-light IP cameras.

The system also immediately notifies business owners or managers by email, text message, or video notification of any security disturbance inside or outside the business.

Keep track of employees. These interactive security systems combined with access control give business owners peace of mind knowing they can check in on their employees wherever they are at.

Monitor employee activity and restrict access to sensitive areas and receive alerts of system or sensor activity.

Honeywell’s Total Connect can include tracking services with real-time GPS location information, alerts, and can update all on your smartphone. With this system, owners can keep tabs on where employees are in route as well as find missing vehicles and monitor and recover stolen or lost assets.

Employees are more likely to be honest and provide better customer service if they know they are being monitored. These interactive security systems for Tulsa or OKC businesses can help you keep track of their activity while on the go.

Have remote control of your facility. With Total Connect from Honeywell, you can remotely control your thermostat, lights, and shades. Thus, you can save money on cooling, heating, and electricity by programming them to come on when your security system is activated or on another specific schedule.

The Tulsa and OKC security system experts at Mac Systems can help design and install the right interactive security solution for your company.

(Photos via Honeywell)

Fire Sprinklers in Tulsa and OKC Are Environmentally Friendly!

Fire sprinklers in Oklahoma City and Tulsa are made to help save lives and protect property, but did you know that fire sprinklers are also good for the environment?

Studies have been conducted in recent years on the environmental impact of fire sprinklers, and the results prove how “green” fire sprinkler systems really are.

FM Global in conjunction with the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition conducted full-scale fire tests in 2009 to compare the environmental impact of homes with sprinklers and those without sprinklers. Two 15 by 20 foot living rooms were built, both with the same furnishings, only one with fire sprinklers.  Firefighters started a fire in the same location in each room and waited for 10 minutes, based on the typical fire department response time.

According to the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, the tests revealed the following about a home outfitted with fire sprinklers in the event of a fire:

• Greenhouse gases released by burning buildings were lowered by 98%.
• Water used to fight the home fire was reduced between 50% and 91%.
• Water pollution like heavy metals found in fire hose water that is then released into the environment was also reduced.
• Fire damage was reduced by up to 97%.

Of course, the most important aspect of fire sprinklers is that they can help save the lives of those endangered by a fire, but it is interesting that a burning building also can have a significant negative impact on the environment.

This project studied the effects of household furnishing and finished materials burning, air and water pollutants released in a fire as well as the effects of disposing the fire-damaged contents of a home and the carbon footprint associated with rebuilding a burnt home, the NFPA noted. Thus, fire sprinklers can reduce these negative effects that a fire has on the environment.

In fact, the NFPA along with the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition have been working with Green Builder® Media in their VISION House® projects to highlight how fire sprinklers are an important aspect of sustainable homes by including fire sprinklers in their sustainable home designs.

On top of their numerous safety and environmental benefits, costs to install fire sprinkler systems have even lowered in recent years. The Fire Protection Research Foundation conducted a study on the average costs of residential fire sprinklers.

“In the 2013 update, the average cost per sprinklered square foot was $1.35. In the 2008 report, the average cost per sprinklered square foot was $1.61,” the Fire Protection Research Foundation noted.

The Tulsa & OKC fire sprinkler specialists at Mac Systems can help design and install the best fire sprinkler system for your home or business. We can handle all aspects of your fire sprinkler system including regular inspections, testing, and maintenance.