HOA Security and Access Control

Homeowner associations in subdivisions, planned communities, or condominium buildings make and enforce rules for the properties and residents. HOA-governed communities often have common areas like swimming pools, fitness centers, and clubhouses.

A private swimming pool run by a homeowner association is an attractive amenity for property owners and potential buyers. However, while they can be popular, pools create some liabilities for the association that need to be addressed to avoid safety and legal concerns. To retain the benefits that a pool brings to the community, the HOA board of directors or association management should mitigate these risks of operating a pool by instituting proper safety measures.

There are four areas of risk to consider:

  • Individuals getting hurt or drowning in the pool area
  • Chemical imbalances in the water that can cause illness
  • Overcrowding and unauthorized entry – this includes people swimming during closed hours or unsupervised children or pets gaining access
  • Vandalism

To mitigate these risks, a HOA should consider:

  1. Proper fencing and gating – this is a basic requirement and is required by North Carolina State law. Check here for a FAQ on Wake County Pool Regulations.
  2. Control access – options available to HOAs include mechanical coded lock systems, magnetic strip key cards, and coded key fobs. Card and key fobs are the most popular solutions to control swimming pool and fitness center access. Requiring proximity cards or badges to enter the pool gates keeps strangers or unattended children out while offering convenient access to members or residents. They can also be set up to open gates at specific times and coded so authorized personnel can review when keys are used for legal as well as illegal entry.
  3. Cameras – A perimeter fence and locked gate is a good start but will not always deter trespassers or vandalism and can’t help in identifying the perpetrators if this happens. Cameras are recommended to supplement fencing and gates. Cameras serve two purposes. If they are openly visible to people entering your community, they will serve as a deterrent to vandalism and off-hours entry. They will also provide helpful evidence for prosecuting individuals caught in the act of committing crimes or in enforcing violations of an HOA’s governing documents. In addition, should someone get hurt or drown, cameras offer the option to review the situation to ensure that safety equipment was in place and that lifeguards and EMTs followed protocol.    It is important to note that cameras should be regularly checked and maintained to ensure proper operation.

Key Considerations when installing or upgrading pool surveillance cameras:

1) Fencing and camera line of sight: Angles and positioning are major concerns for the direction you would like to aim the camera. Be mindful of potential visual obstructions that could become a problem in terms of where the camera is positioned.

2) Height off the ground: If possible, cameras should be placed at least nine feet above the floor/ground, so that it will be more difficult for would-be intruders to tamper with them.

3) Image quality: Your surveillance cameras should have “recognizable” image quality that could be used to identify a suspect or clarify a situation.  After all, what good is having video footage if you can’t use it when you need to? In addition to having the right camera, there needs to be enough lighting at night where the cameras are placed to produce usable images.

4) Camera angles for a clear view: For example, a camera that is positioned in an area with seasonal trees may be fine in the winter, but leaves may block the view in the summer. Or if you have a camera positioned towards nighttime lighting or morning/evening sun, it could hinder the camera’s field of vision during that time.

Secur Tek, Inc. has experience helping HOAs in the Triangle Area select and install the right equipment for the situation, budget, and homeowner requirements. We’d be happy to talk with you if you are in our service area, which includes Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, and Pittsboro in North Carolina.

 

To learn more, visit our HOA page.  Contact us by filling out the form or calling 919-387-1800.

 

 

Sensors and Your Security System

sensors and safety home security

When you think of a home or business security system, you might think of window and door sensors.  However, there are other sensors that can be integrated into your security system to improve your safety and security.  

Smoke detectors  

Smoke alarms are essential for a home or business. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 50% of all fatal home fires occur while people are sleeping.  When there is a fire, these alarms detect smoke particles and can warn you before you even smell the smoke, so you and your family can get out of the home safely. When integrated into a monitored security system, the fire department will be notified of a fire, even if you are away from home. 

Heat Sensors

Heat detectors differ from smoke alarms as they respond to high temperatures, not smoke particles, making them an ideal sensor for garages, attics, or commercial environments that are dusty or have exhaust fumes that could cause false alarms by a smoke detector. Fires that start in these areas are often not quickly detected and can be devastating. When the heat alarm is connected to your home security system, the smoke alarms will go off if the heat sensor is triggered, and if your system is monitored, call the fire department.

Heat sensors are recommended if you use many Lithium-ion batteries – in fact, some insurance companies are requiring homeowners to have a monitored security system with a smoke/heat sensor in the garage if an EV charger is installed.

Motion sensors

These sensors detect movement and can trigger alarms by sending a signal to your security system that an intruder is detected. This sets off the alarm, and if your system is monitored, it alerts the monitoring center to a potential threat in your home.

Glass break detectors

These are set to detect the frequency of the sound of breaking glass, they will set off the alarm. This lets you know if an intruder is trying to enter your home by breaking a window or glass door.

Gas Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors are recommended by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA).  Large amounts of CO can overcome a person in minutes, causing them to lose consciousness and suffocate. The gas has no odor, color, or taste – it cannot be detected by the senses, so detectors are a good idea to protect your family and pets.

Leak detection

Water sensors detect leaks from appliances and water pipes, preventing or limiting damage. It’s a growing problem; according to the American Insurance Association, water damage claims have been growing faster than any other component of homeowners insurance. Adding a water leak detector to your security system can alert you if this happens – our monitored smart system can even turn off a water shutoff to minimize damage.

Specialized sensors and monitoring systems

Secur-Tek can design specialized systems to fit specific needs. For instance, if you need to monitor elderly parents, systems can be set up to send notifications when they get up out of bed, open the medicine cabinet, or when there is no activity in the home for a period of time.

 

To learn more about how a security system with sensors can improve your safety and peace of mind, call Secur-Tek at 919-387-1800  or fill out the form below.

 

Resources

How to minimize risk from lithium-ion batteries

Home fire prevention tips from FEMA

Product alert – New Video Doorbell

first alert video doorbell

Have you been thinking about adding or upgrading your home security system by adding a video doorbell? 

If so, there is good news for the Raleigh/Durham area: Secur-Tek, Inc. now has the new VX1 HD Video Doorbell from First Alert!

With this new model, you can select and receive the alerts you want — like when there is a package delivery, animals, people, and/or vehicles — from your Total Connect home security system, right to your phone or PC.

In addition, this doorbell features:

  • A durable design that can withstand a variety of extreme weather conditions – including temperature, (-40 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit), humidity, dust, moisture, and ultraviolet rays.
  • Innovative AI that can reduce false alarms by detecting and differentiating between people, packages, vehicles, and animals. Homeowners can customize notifications and detection areas based on their needs.
  • Deterrence Features, including siren & spotlight LED.
  • Night vision Modes: IR (infrared light) and color night vision
  • Field of view options: Tall, Wide, and Full.
  • High Resolution: 5MP sensor, 2592×1944 pixels max.
  • Better Wi-Fi connection with Dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5Ghz
  • Anytime, anywhere programming, troubleshooting, account creation, and more via web, IOS, and Android devices.

 

If you are located in our service area and would like to learn more, contact Secur-Tek at 919-387-1800 or fill out the form below.

Secur-Tek, Inc. is locally owned and operated in Apex, NC, offering home and business security, monitoring, controlled access, automation, audio, and central vacuum systems.  We serve Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, and Pittsboro in North Carolina.

 

Are You Wasting Money on an Alarm System?

wasting money on alarm system

Safety statistics show that having an alarm system can be an effective tool for protecting your family and property from home invasions.

According to the National Council for Home Safety:

When Do They Happen? Burglaries most often occur during the day between 6 am and 6 pm while people are at work or running errands. The seasonality is quite simple as well, with snow and cold being principal deterrents, the lowest number of burglaries happen in February while burglary rates are higher in the summer.

How? Intruders are most attracted to houses that do not have home alarm systems.

  • The national average indicates that homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized.
  • 85% of convicted burglars said that they specifically look to see if there’s an alarm and that they would leave and target another property where no security system is installed.
  • The F.B.I also reports that 90% of all intrusions occur through doors; 6% occur through windows; 3% occur through the roof and 1% occur through the walls.

Who? Over 85% of thieves are amateurs with 41% saying break-ins are an impulsive decision.

The bottom line is that utilizing a security system on your property will offer an increased level of protection and peace of mind.

HOWEVER – you might be wasting your money on that home alarm system if:

1) You don’t set the alarm. This is understandable — but it can be impacted by the ease and convenience of doing this simple act. Therefore, thinking through your daily routines and researching which system is most compatible with your personality and lifestyle is an important part of choosing the best system for you and your family.

2) You don’t thoroughly understand and learn the proper usage or programming of the alarm system you have purchased. At Secur-Tek, our systems are easy to use, and we take the time to ensure you understand the system’s functionality.

3) You don’t have your installer use windows stickers and signs as a warning. We at Secur-Tek ensure that warning stickers and signs are placed in the optimal locations for good visibility and thus function as a key deterrent.

4) You don’t test the system on a regular basis. At Secur-Tek we only install high-quality security systems and recommend testing every month. It only takes a few minutes to ensure everything is functioning properly. You can find the steps here.

5) Your system isn’t monitored. You may have purchased a home with the alarm system already installed or installed one yourself. Although the noise of an alarm may scare off those who enter your home, it’s vital that you have a company monitor your alarm so that the police can investigate for forced entry. Monitoring is also critical in case of a fire or carbon monoxide leak, especially when your family is sleeping or away.

6) You leave the house with the windows/doors open or unlocked. Windows and back doors are a favorite, especially those left open in the warmer months and obscured by bushes or buildings. Many alarm systems do not go off if someone enters through an open window. If you don’t have a motion detector installed or alarm sensors on the windows, be sure to at least close and lock your windows when you are not home.

When used properly, alarm systems can be a very effective tool in deterring crime and protecting your family and home. We at Secur-Tek, Inc. partner with you to ensure you get the right system for your situation.

Please give us a call at 919.387.1800 or contact us by using the form below for a complimentary in-home consultation.

Secur-Tek, Inc. is locally owned and operated in Apex, NC, offering home and business security and monitoring. Secur-Tek also provides automation, audio, and central vacuum systems to customers in the Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, and Pittsboro areas.

Ensure Your Security System Is Functioning Properly with these Easy Checks

Your Security System is critical to keeping your family and property safe. Doing a few simple self-checks on your system is key to ensuring that it is working properly. We’ve listed a few easy, proactive actions you can take to ensure your system is operating in top order.

Perform Exterior Property Checks: 

  • Walk around your home occasionally and inspect the locks on all gates, doors and windows. Check the frames around each door and window to ensure there is no rotting, warping or any other condition that makes it easier to break in and enter.
  • Check all exterior lights (flood, porch, security) monthly to ensure they are functioning. Strong winds can sometimes cause security lighting to shift slightly or get debris on them, so the lighting is not aimed exactly where you want. Readjust and clean the lights as needed to maximize their effectiveness.
  • If you have cameras included in your system, examine them to make sure they have power, are aimed properly, and have not been bumped or damaged. Also, take the time to check your monitoring and recording devices to verify each camera is getting an image and recording appropriately.

At Secur-Tek, Inc. we also recommend the homeowner perform a yearly system test to check that all communications throughout the system are functioning as designed.

Here are the steps to follow:

            1) Place your system in test mode by calling:

Secur-Tek, Inc. @ 919-387-1800, 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday

OR

Affiliated Monitoring at 800-434-4000 24/7.

Please Note: You will need your account # and password.

            2) Arm your alarm system like you are getting ready to leave – it should start to beep, and countdown.  Wait for this process to complete. The alarm system is now armed.

  • Activate the alarm by utilizing the device(s) on the system you want to test; for example, open each door or window. 
  • Allow the alarm system to sound the “big” alarm. After the alarm has sounded for 3 to 4 seconds disarm the alarm system.
  • Clear the alarm from the keypad by either hitting the reset key or entering your code and ‘off’ twice.

            3) Verify with Secur-Tek, Inc. or Affiliated Monitoring that signals have been received. If signals are received, inform them the test is over. If no signals were received, you may need to schedule a service call with Secur-Tek.

 

Replacing the battery  – your system’s main battery life is typically 4-5 years depending on the usage and environment it is stored in. Here is the step-by-step process for changing out your main battery when your keypad displays “BATT” or “LOW BATTERY”

Inside your security panel (normally located in a closet) is a small square 12-volt battery about the size of a brick.  See Picture Below:

security system battery

  • First, disarm your alarm system.
  • Next, unlock and open the panel door. Slide the red and black wires away from the clips to remove the battery.

Please Note: We recommend taking the battery with you to purchase a replacement. If you bring the battery with you, the store can recycle it and you can get exactly the battery you need. Secur-Tek sells a 7AH Battery that you may purchase at our office. You can also purchase these at Batteries Plus.

  • With the new battery, connect the wires back to the terminals matching red to red and black to black — CAUTION – be sure to connect similar colors.
  • Close and lock the door. The new battery can take up to 24 hours to get fully charged. You may need to reset the keypad after replacing the battery to clear the low battery message.
  • Replacing batteries in your wireless sensors (example:  Door/Window Contact, Motion Detector, or Glass Break Detector).

Replacing batteries in your wireless sensors (example:  Door/Window Contact, Motion Detector, or Glass Break Detector)

First, you will need to put your system on test when replacing these batteries. The system will beep once when the cover to the wireless sensor is removed. You can go to the keypad and enter your code and off to silence this while you replace the batteries. Once you are finished, the keypad should clear of any troubles.

  • Inside each sensor is a 9-volt or 3-volt battery. Locate the tab or notch on the side or bottom of the contact and gently twist a flat head screwdriver in the notch to release the cover. Caution do not break plastic tab; if the tab is broken you must purchase a new sensor unit requiring a service visit.
  • Remove the cover and take out the existing battery(ies). Install the replacement(s), paying attention to match the polarity.
  • Now re-attach cover; the cover should click into place.
  • By following these steps, you can know that your security system is functioning properly, giving you the peace of mind that your property and family are safe.

If you have further questions, please call Secur-Tek at 919-387-1800. Asking questions now about your system or the operation of it can save valuable time later if an emergency does occur.

Secur-Tek is locally owned and operated in Apex, NC, offering home and business security, monitoring, automation audio and central vacuum systems. Our service area includes Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, and Pittsboro in North Carolina.