On April 21, 2012, TW Systems gathered many of their staff, family members, and friends to help raise money for the Central Virginia Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In addition to supporting studies which hope to reveal the cause and course of the disease, the Central Virginia Chapter also provides much needed education, programs, and services to those affected by MS in Central Virginia – including the diagnosed, their friends and families, and the healthcare professionals who work with them.

The number of people living with multiple sclerosis increases every hour of every day. This astonishing rate is not going to slow down, let alone stop, until we’ve found a cure. Research has made some incredible advances recently, but the world can still only offer disease management drugs and therapies to the 400,000 people living with MS in America.

We are proud to say that out of 20 corporate teams, TW System raised the seventh highest amount at the time this blog was posted!

• All have been available for many years. Therefore, they are both proven effective ways of installing a system. 
• All are monitored by a professional security monitoring system.

Advantages and Disadvantages to Wired, Wireless, or a Combination System.

Wired Systems

• A wired system requires a more intense installation. For that reason, professional security firms are usually called in to perform the task. Many times a home and/or business owner will choose to have a system installed when first building the structure, before they move in, or when they renovate the structure. If a wired system is being installed in an established structure, professional security technicians are trained to conceal the wiring behind crown molding, baseboards, and in the walls. When installed by professionals, the average person wouldn’t know that a wired system was installed. 
• There are no limitations as to the distance other security components (i.e., motion detectors, door alarms, etc.) are installed from each other since they are wired and do not work off of any type of radio or infrared frequency. 
• A wired system is more difficult for an intruder to disable. If an intruder tampers with the wiring, it will activate an alarm alerting law enforcement immediately. 
• A wired system not only runs on electricity but, in many instances, also has a battery back-up should the electricity go out. 
• Wired systems usually have less long-term maintenance since you do not have to replace batteries like you would with a wireless system. 
• When moving from the structure to another, it can be difficult to take the wired system with you.

Wireless Systems

• Wireless systems can usually be installed in most any type and age of structure since it works with any one or all of the following: radio frequency (RF), low frequency (LF), and/or infrared frequency (IR). Therefore, very little “hard wiring,” if any, is necessary depending on the type of system installed. 
• Adding additional options such as motion and/or glass breakage detectors, etc. to a wireless system after the initial installation is considerably easier than a wired system. 
• However, adding additional options may be limited because of the distance between key components. 
• Wireless systems can be controlled remotely via a smart phone or over an Internet connection. 
• A wireless system is easier to take with you when moving to another location.

Combination Systems – These may be the ideal system in many instances since it is the best of both the wired and wireless system.

Consult a security professional as to what system will best fit your needs and situation.

 There are many types of cameras on the market. Which you choose depends on why, where, and when it is being used. Cameras can be set to continually record or record should activity be picked up on a strategically placed camera inside and/or outside your property.

Types of Cameras:

• Exterior Cameras – These cameras come in many styles and are usually placed to focus on strategic areas of your property. You may want to keep an eye on your yard, vehicles, exterior buildings, entrance ways into your home and/or exterior buildings.
• Interior Cameras – Since exterior cameras are not focused on every area outside your home, having cameras on windows and doorways from the inside can also be an important component in protecting people & property. A burglar can see if a camera is focused on an exterior door or window. But, will not see the one focused on a window and/or door from the inside until it’s too late and they have been recorded entering your property. Interior cameras also serve the same purpose as hidden cameras without the secrecy.
• Hidden Cameras – These cameras come with a built in DVR and can provide video surveillance of caregivers, babysitters, maids, children and even workers in your home.

 Today’s camera technology provides:

• color or black and white views,
• digital, high pixel pictures,
• digital, high pixel recording, and
• remote viewing via Internet.

As always, we recommend you consult with a trained security professional before making a decision.

Door contacts – These are a two part device. One part goes at the top of the door itself while the other goes on the door jam. When they are not completely lined up, a message is sent to the keypad/control panel which announces that the door is open and/or the door is not secure when trying to arm the system.

Window contacts – These work the same as the door contacts. They are a two part device and are placed at the top of a window. One part goes on the window itself while the other goes on the window frame. When they are not completely lined up, a message is sent to the control panel which announces that the window is open and/or the system is not secure when trying to arm the system.

Keypad/control panel – These are commonly found beside an exit such as the front and/or back doors. It is where the system is “armed,” all the messages are displayed from the various components of the system, and, if wanted, where the system announces there is an issue… such as a door not being closed completely or there is an error when trying to arm the system.

Motion detection – A motion detector measures movement in a preset area such as a room and/or area outside. When movement is detected either it sounds an alert and/or activates other sounding devices that movement has been detected. These are usually on a time schedule. For instance, if movement occurs between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am then an alert is set off.

Glass breakage detection – Devices are placed within a certain distance from each window on the ceiling to detect when glass is broken. These are usually installed just for first floor windows. However, they are sometimes installed for upper floor windows as well. This is especially true if those windows have access to them via steps and/or fire escapes.  When glass breakage is detected either it sounds an alert and/or activates other sounding devices that glass has been broken.

Smoke, gas & carbon monoxide detection – These devices are installed throughout various areas of the structure. Should smoke, carbon monoxide, and/or a gas leak be detected, notification is sent to the keypad/control panel and/or a sound is blasted from the device and/or the keypad/control panel or sirens if they are installed.

Light control – Many times, this is an overlooked component when installing a security system. However, it is proven that lights are a great deterrent for criminals. The lights can be just the standard lights of the structure or strobe lights for additional security efforts. Standard lights can be set to come on and go off at pre-determined times. This option is also a great electric bill saver as well. A strobe light can be set to come on should any alert sound on the system such as smoke, intruder detection, glass breakage, etc. Additionally, light control provides a way for inhabitants of the structure to get out and/or find a safe place. Exterior lighting control can not only deter criminals, but can also alert neighbors that something is happening if they flash during an alert/alarm situation. Therefore, they should be visible from all angles of your structure. It is important that lights also have a back-up power source should the electricity be cut or there is a power outage.

Sirens – Sirens come in different tones. For example, one tone could be for an intrusion attempt while another if the gas, smoke, and/or carbon monoxide alert is sounded. It is always best to have sirens installed both inside and outside of your structure. They are great at alerting neighbors when something wrong is happening at your home and/or business.

CCTV – The benefits of having a CCTV system installed at your home and/or business is discussed in another one of our blogs. Briefly speaking, having a CCTV system not only deters criminal activity but, should it happen, you have invaluable documentation for law enforcement and prosecution efforts.

Access Control – An access control system can be independent of a security system or work in connection with a system. They allow and/or deny access to the structure and/or specific areas of a structure. They can also provide such valuable information as who came/went as well as the date and time the individual entered and/or left the structure. An access control system also makes it more difficult for a criminal to enter the structure and/or area. They usually do not want to take the extra time necessary to try and get past the system.

Cellular Back-up– If using a land line based system, your line can be cut. A cellular back-up system provides continued contact with authorities and does not involve a cellular bill nor contract. Just a nominal fee, usually no more than a few dollars a month added to your monthly monitoring fee.

Monitoring – A must have component! Whenever a life threatening alert is sounded and/or announced you want first responders alerted immediately. Professional monitoring companies make sure this happens. The average fee for this service is approximately $20 – $30 a month. This is an invaluable investment for you to receive help when you need it! Without Monitoring to alert authorities, the system is NOT providing you 100% protection. If something happens while you are away and authorities are not alerted, your equipment & records can be lost at your business and family pets, possessions, and/or your home can be lost at your residence. Most all installers of all of the above-mentioned components offer monitoring to their clients.

 We, at TW Systems are happy to assist you with your security system needs. Our staff of professionals is available to answer your questions and provide information and consultation.

TW Systems, Inc. is participating in the 2012 MS Walk: Richmond on April 21 at Innsbrooke in Glen Allen, VA.  Please  join our walk team and help us raise money to find a cure for this disease that not only affects one of our team members but the lives of thousands of others in our community.

By joining TW Systems’ Walk team, you will be signing up not just for a day of fun, but also for a celebration of the great things we can achieve when working together for a common cause. Each step we take is one step closer to a cure – and closer to A World Free of MS. So what are you waiting for? Register online or make a donation on our team’s behalf at www.iwalkforms.org. Get your family, friends, and co-workers together to join in raising money. It will be a great day for all involved!

If you can’t walk with us, please make a donation of any amount. Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated! Hope to see you at the walk. In the meantime…

Click here to view the team page for
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?team_id=283315&pg=team&fr_id=18143&et=qZ2WeyOatnr0YdPEB4tVqw&s_tafId=235419

Click here to view the company page for TW Systems Inc.
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?company=TW+Systems+Inc.&company_id=49918&pg=company&fr_id=18143&et=z_qVAdCLXVHvRD7uPDsaJw&s_tafId=235419

P.S. If you would like more information about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, how proceeds from the Walk MS are used, or the other ways you can get involved in the fight against MS, please visit www.MoveVA.org.

http://www.nbc12.com/story/16927315/police-nab-5-teens-in-string-of-chesterfield-breakins

FACT: Rate of home burglaries without certified alarm systems: 1 in 3 homes without 1 in 250 with an alarm system.

FACT: 59% of burglaries occur during the day. While 41% occur at night.

FACT: On average, a burglary occurs in the US every 14.6 seconds.

FACT: 66% of most burglaries are forced entry, 26% unlawful entry, and 8% forcible entry attempts.

FACT: The average burglar lives within 2 miles of their target and is a male teenager.

FACT: Only 14% of US residents have an anti-burglar protection system installed in their homes.

FACT: Many insurance companies covering homes offer premium discounts for having an alarm system.

 1.  What are the characteristics of a “typical” home burglar?

a.  Male, age 25 – 40, lives within a few miles of his targeted area.

b.  Female, age 15 – 25, lives within 20 miles of her targeted area.

c.  Male, teenager, lives within two miles of his targeted area.

2.  How frequently does a burglary take place in the US?

a.  Every 5 minutes.

b.  Every 14.6 seconds.

c.  Every 2 minutes.

3.  What percentage of burglaries are residential?

a.  65.8%

b.  75.4%

c.  48.7%

4.  What time of day do most burglaries occur?

a.  11:00 pm – 5:00 am

b.  10:00 am – 3:00 pm

c.  8:00 am – 1:00 pm

5.  How much time does a burglar stay in a home?

a.  2 – 5 minutes

b.  7 – 10 minutes

c.  8 – 12 minutes

6.  Which is the first room a burglar goes for valuables?

a.  Kitchen

b.  Master bedroom

c.  Office/extra bedroom

7.  Where are the first places burglars look for valuables?

a.  Freezer, bedroom closet, and dresser drawers.

b.  Shoe boxes, freezer, and between mattresses.

c.  Linen closet, old pocket books, and freezer.

8.  What are the FBI’s burglary rates of homes with/without alarm systems?

a.  1 in 10 without an alarm and 1 in 100 with an alarm system.

b.  1 in 20 without an alarm and 1 in 200 with an alarm system.

c.  1 in 3 without an alarm and 1 in 250 with an alarm system.

9.  Does landscaping (i.e., Keeping shrubs & trees trimmed and/or away against your home.) pay a part in preventing burglaries?

a.  Yes

b.  No

10.  What’s the longest a burglar wants to spend breaking into a home?

a.  30 seconds

b.  60 seconds

c.  90 seconds

Answers below…

Answers: 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-b, 5-c, 6-b, 7-a, 8-c, 9-a, 10-b.