Alarms, Alarm Responses and Emergencies F.A.Q.'s
Alarms and alarm responses, indeed responding to any emergency, can quickly become, or create, safety and liability issues. Remember too that the courts may not agree with your definition of an emergency. The safety of all persons, starting with your personal safety, must always be your first concern.
Definition of emergency situation:
If the following four questions can be answered affirmatively, you have an emergency situation;
Is there a scene to protect?
Is the offense continuing?
Are other persons at risk?
Is there any evidence in danger of being lost?
Alarm F.A.Q.'s
When responding to alarms or emergencies, can security vehicles speed to get there on time?
No, Remember alarm/mobile responders have no exemptions to any laws.
What is the security professional’s first consideration in any and all emergencies?
The safety of all persons must always be the first concern.
What is meant by “Flying the Flag”?
Making yourself, your vehicle etc., highly visible before attempting to engage a subject or subjects.
What’s a “10-7”?
A two way acknowledgement by radio to dispatch that you’re on scene.
What’s the best use of a flashlight?
The best use of a flashlight is not to use one – if at all possible. Once you turn that light on you betray your presence and destroy your night vision.
What could be wrong with carrying an “over sized” flashlight?
Over sized flashlights are perceived to be weapons – select an effective and appropriate size.
Name some of the things that could cause you to lose your night vision?
- Colds
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Prescription drug use
- Smoking (especially heavily)
- Alcohol
- Lack of vitamin A in your diet
When exiting a building, what is the last thing you should do before locking it up?
If your search was uneventful, or it appears that the suspects are gone; take a moment before exiting to listen and “feel”, both inside the building and outside. Once outside, again, wait a moment to ensure that you are not locking yourself out with a problem subject. Then lock the building.
Alarm Systems
Why are alarm systems are widely used?
Alarm systems are for detecting intrusion as well as protecting against fire.
What causes a fire alarm to trigger?
Heat and smoke.
What is a sensor and how does it work?
Sensors are essentially detectors, whether they be motion detectors, microwave, infrared, etc.
Sensors are connected by wire to a control panel and when a sensor detects an intruder it opens its' contacts, causing an interruption in the circuit, which creates an “alarm.” The control unit then closes a relay to activate the horn, communicator or central station unit. The sensor remains this way until the alarm system has been reset.
We will continue to add to this alarm F.A.Q.'s page as needed.
