Whether you're self-employed or the owner of a limited company, it's a good idea to protect your business premises with a decent security system.

A state-of-the-art business security system may comprise a number of different technologies, including alarms, CCTV cameras, door entry panels, security barriers, or any combination of these. As you can probably imagine, a system like this doesn't come cheap, so you will probably want to deduct the cost from your business's taxable profit if you can.

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We're still feeling the effects of COVID-19 a year on, which means many of us have made significant changes to our home and working environments. With these changes in place, it's possible that you'll need to review your fire safety protocols to make sure that your employees and your family are kept safe at all times. 

Fire safety in your home

While COVID-19 lockdown restrictions are ongoing, spending an unprecedented amount of time in your house has become the new norm. Most house fires start in the kitchen, so while you might usually have your breakfast on the go and your lunch in the office cafeteria, now, you're making more of your meals at home. 

We all like to think that we remember to turn the hob off after every use, but with children home from school and the added stress of at-home zoom calls, it's easy to walk away from your oven and forget. This is where a simple snack can turn into a serious incident real fast!

Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your home is protected against fires during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Ensure that all of your fire alarms are in working order.

• Check that you have something to put out a fire should one occur, eg. a suitable fire extinguisher.

• Identify new risks & put plans in place to reduce the risk.

• Ensure that vulnerable or sick people understand what to do in the event of a fire.

• Make sure that escape routes are accessible (does your new home office have a fire escape?)

Fire safety in commercial properties

Commercial properties have really had to adapt to continue functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic, and with so many changes being made in the workplace, it's vital that fire safety procedures are reviewed and updated too.

Fire doors

We know that some premises have been propping open doors so that people walking through the building don't have to touch as many door handles. While this might seem like a perfectly acceptable idea, propping open your fire doors is incredibly dangerous.

Fire doors are designed to stop fires from spreading from one area of your building to another. Wherever possible, keep your self-closing fire doors shut.

Empty buildings

Lots of business owners have taken steps to close their premises for the time being. Whether your staff are working from home or your business has been deemed non-essential, there are a lot more empty buildings than usual. 

With fewer people on-site, it's unlikely that a fire will occur, but if a fire does start it has a much better chance of spreading before someone can be there to stop it. For this reason, it's important that you have a fire safety system in place before you leave your premises empty.

Our Fire Safety Systems

Here at IDS Security, we can design, install and maintain a fire safety system in your home or commercial premises that will keep you safe through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. 

Our team of installers has been installing fire safety systems for over 20 years, so we can provide sound advice and expertise. We also offer round-the-clock monitoring so that you have one less stress on your mind during these worrying times. 

Our Fire Alarm Systems >

To find out more about our fire safety systems, or to find out more about what we can do for you during the COVID-19 pandemic, give us a call on 029 20 753 251.

Read More:

• COVID-19 Cases Still Rising: Protect Your Business
• Can Thermal Screening Detect Coronavirus?

If you're keen to keep intruders off your property, then it's useful to know how burglars choose houses to steal from. Homeowners are busy and can sometimes forget to follow simple house security rules. Back doors are left unlocked, downstairs windows are left open and spare keys are hidden in obvious places.

In today's blog, we aim to answer the question 'how do burglars choose houses?' so that you can make conscious decisions that will keep your home safe.

Location

The location of your house is crucial for burglars. If you live on a quiet street where intruders are less likely to be seen by neighbours or passers-by, then that's a huge bonus. Houses near main roads are popular targets for burglars too because they make it easy to have a 'get-away' car nearby for an easy exit.

Burglars will also look at the properties in a particular area to determine whether there will be things of a high value to steal. A 'posh' neighbourhood might be chosen over a typically poorer area for example. Burglars might also look for houses with outbuildings and garages that might contain valuables, this means they won't have to disturb the main house where security systems are usually in place.

Access Points

Most burglars want to get in and get back out without being too conspicuous, for that reason, easy access points are very appealing.

When burglars are choosing houses, they're looking for doors and windows with vulnerable locks, back doors that may have been left open, and garage doors that might lead into the main house. 

Windows are also easy access points. You'll be surprised what burglars will do to gain access to your home. If they can squeeze their bodies through the tiny open window in your bathroom - they will! 

Signs you're away

Most burglars will look for obvious signs that you're out of the house when they're choosing a house to burgle. Being caught red-handed is not ideal, so they'll often wait until they're sure that you're off the property.

Contrary to popular belief, most burglaries take place during the day when it's more likely that you're away from the house working/running errands. 

Things that burglars look out for are:

• Dark houses without lights on
• Bins that have been left out for collection
• Unruly gardens that haven't been tended in a while
• No obvious signs of a security system in place

How to make sure burglars don't choose your house

(or make sure you can catch them if they do...)

We all wish that burglars won't choose our houses to steal from, but sadly, you can never be 100% sure. For that reason, we always recommend investing in a good security system that will both deter burglars and provide you with the evidence you need in case you need to track them down. 

Fitting an intruder alarm in your home is one thing, but combining this with a CCTV system or door entry system will provide you with the highest level of protection.

Home Security Systems >

Read More: Where Do Burglars Enter Your Home?

If you're interested in improving your home's security, contact us today and a member of the IDS team will be happy to help! 

Security cameras are often seen outside commercial properties, but they can be used around your home to keep your family and your belongings safe! Having a security camera looking over your front door, back door and in front of your garage door will deter thieves from approaching, but that's not the only benefit.

With security cameras around your home, you'll potentially save money on your insurance premiums and you'll have concrete evidence to take to the police should a break-in occur. 

Read More: Is it worth having a CCTV camera at home?

Security Systems for the Home

Here at IDS Security, we always advise homeowners to consider putting a comprehensive security system in place. As well as enquiring about security cameras for your home, we'd recommend taking a look at some of our other home security systems.

With the right home security system, you can rest easy at night and go away on holidays in the knowledge that your home is completely protected. 

Many of us have bikes, tools and other valuable items in our garages, this is why they're one of the most vulnerable places in the home. Other places burglars might try to take advantage of are open windows and unlocked doors.

They'll be looking out for signs that you're not home (that's why people often leave a light on when they head out for the day). But with your home security cameras, you won't need to rack up your electricity bill with the lights on to protect your house. Combine our best home security systems and even the most experienced burglars will have a hard time breaking in!

Read More: Where do burglars enter your home?

Our qualified technicians can you offer you great advice about the best security cameras for your home, but they can also give you a quote you for:

• Intruder Alarms
• Door Entry Systems
• Fire Alarms

Every home is different which is why we offer bespoke home security packages. If you'd like to start the ball rolling and get some security cameras installed around your home, get in touch and request a FREE survey.

Our Home Security Systems >

If you have any questions about security cameras for the home, or if you'd like to find out more about our security system services, give us a call on 029 20 753 251.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nothing is more important than keeping hygiene standards high. Every surface that you come into contact with could transmit the virus, particularly in public spaces, so today we're going to talk about a few hygiene tips you can practice to stay safe.

Keypad Systems & Biometrics

Keypads and biometric systems are put in place to allow a certain cohort of people to access a venue while keeping others out. They're often found outside office buildings, in blocks of flats and at the entrances to public car parks.

With so many people using them each day, it's vital that you practice good hygiene before, and after, touching them.

Make sure that your hands are clean before you touch the buttons. If you can't access water and soap, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Once you've used the keypad or biometric system, disinfect your hands again and give the buttons or touchpad a quick clean with an antibacterial wipe. 

Intercom Systems

In order to speak into an intercom system, you might need to move your face close to it. As we know, COVID-19 can be transmitted through breath droplets, so there's a possibility that you (or the person before you) could have transmitted the virus onto the intercom system.

For that reason, we advise you not to put your face too close to the intercom system. Where possible, wear a mask to shield your mouth and nose and prevent droplet transmission. 

The other part of the intercom system, in your house or flat, can be wiped over with antibacterial spray to remove any droplets and prevent the spread of COVID-19 within your household. 

The Most Hygienic Access Control Systems

While there are some access control systems that require you to touch or speak into them, there are also a lot of wireless access control systems that will prevent unnecessary physical contact. If you're thinking about implementing a new access control system outside your property or workplace, we'd highly recommend opting for either a contactless card or key fob system. 

With these systems, each individual who needs access to a particular area has their own personal entry key. Better still, the keys don't need to come into direct contact with the system to grant access. These systems provide excellent security while limiting the potential hygiene risks, a great choice all round. 

Our Access Control Systems >

If you're interested in adding an access control system to your property, get in touch with our expert technicians by calling - 029 20 753 251. They can help you create a security system that will limit the spread of COVID-19. 

Read More: COVID-19 Cases Still Rising: Protect Your Business