On March 23rd at Innsbrook in Glen Allen, VA, the TW Systems team participated in the MS Richmond Walk to raise money for a cure.

TW Systems has a team member with MS as well as business colleagues and friends who also have MS. Each of them could really use a cure. Please remember that fund raising doesn’t stop with the walk. The more money raised, the quicker there is a chance of a cure being developed. You can go online any time to the local MS web site, and make a donation. Any participation in helping to raise money to find a cure for MS is greatly appreciated!

TW Systems also participates in other walks such as the heart association, Alzheimer’s, and more. Upcoming dates and sign-up information for future walks we will be participating in will be posted soon.

Smoke Alarms – Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms save lives, minimize property damage, and prevent injuries. There are two types of smoke alarms: 1) Photoelectric sensing which detects visible fire particles that are usually associated with a smoldering fire, and 2) Ionization sensing which detects invisible fire particles. Both are effective in detecting fire. However, the Ionization detects particles sooner than the Photoelectric. Ideally, both types should be on each floor of a home with more than one on a floor if it’s a larger home.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors – If someone you know utilizes such fuels as gasoline, oil, wood, or propane in their home then this would be an invaluable gift! Because carbon monoxide is odorless, tasteless, and invisible, it is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the US. A CO detector is the only way to know if it is in a structure. Here are some important features to look for when considering a CO detector: 1) An electrochemical sensor is more stable in humid areas and/or areas with fluctuating temperatures. It also has less false alarms due to regular household chemicals and 2) A built-in feature that alerts you when the CO detector is at the “end of its life” and needs to be replaced.

Fire Extinguishers – Residential fire extinguishers can be found in stores such as Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware, etc. Determining which extinguisher to purchase is as easy as A, B, and C… because there are three classes of fires. Class A extinguishers put our ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper. Class B extinguishers are used on fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, paint, oil, and even kitchen grease. Class C extinguishers are used in fires involving electrical equipment or wires. Today, many extinguishers have multi-class ratings and are labeled with designations such as A-B, B-C, or A-B-C. If you do not purchase a multi-purchase extinguisher such as A-B-C, then make sure you purchase the type of extinguisher for the applicable room such as Class B for the kitchen or garage, or Class A for rooms with a fireplace. Whereas older labels used to show letters, newer labeling shows pictures of what the extinguisher can extinguish.

New multi-use fire extinguisher label

Portable Escape Ladders – When deciding what escape ladder to purchase look for one that… 1) is long enough to reach the ground level of the home in which will be used, 2) light enough for a child to pick up and put over the window sill, and 3) strong enough to hold the weight of the heaviest person in the home. Additionally, there should be an escape ladder in every room above the ground floor level. If the ground floor level is on a slope, then those rooms over looking the sloped area of the land should have escape ladders.

As an added bonus to the above gift, add a Gift Certificate for the installation of the smoke alarm and/or carbon monoxide detector.

Two other things… 1) make sure that any smoke alarm, CO detector, and/or fire extinguisher meets the strict standards set by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and 2) while you’re at it, pick up one or all of these for yourself as well!

TW Systems is happy to answer any questions concerning this article. We also offer installation services for smoke alarms and CO detectors. Call us to day!

Tis the season… holiday shopping, getting ready for family gatherings, and putting up holiday decoration. Unfortunately, along with the hustle and bustle of the season is an increased risk of the unthinkable… holiday related fires.  Many of us are so caught up in preparing for the holiday that we forget about some of the precautions necessary with our holiday preparations. Below are tips from the United States Fire Administration to help you protect your family and property by reducing the chances of becoming a holiday fire statistic.

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

• Selecting a Tree for the Holiday – Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
• Caring for Your Tree – Do not place your tree close to fireplaces or heat vents. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
• Disposing of Your Tree – Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Menorah and Kinara Safety

• Make sure that you use a sturdy, fire-safe menorah or kinara.
• Place the menorah/kinara on a steady table and make sure all combustibles are at least three feet from the candles’ flame.
• Avoid placing the menorah/kinara in small, closed areas, such as closets or between bookshelves.
• Keep the candles away from anything flammable.
• Avoid putting your menorah/kinara in windows or near doorways. If they catch fire, your exit could be blocked.
• Check the candles often to make sure they haven’t burned down too low.
• Never leave lit candles unattended.

Holiday Lights

• Maintain Your Holiday Lights – Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only UL-approved lighting.
• Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets – Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.
• Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended

Holiday Decorations

During the holidays, fire departments responded to an average of 1,150 home fires that are caused by decorations. Those fires caused an average of three fire deaths, 56 fire related injuries, and more than $24.8 million in property damage because of the fire. Protect your home from a holiday decoration fire by following these four simple steps:

• Use only nonflammable decorations
• Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace
• Consider an artificial Christmas trees
• Keep all decorations away from heat sources

 Candle Care

• Avoid using lit candles
• Never put lit candles on a tree
• Never leave candles unattended

For more information visit http://www.ReadyVirginia.gov and http://www.vafire.com

As an approved American Institute of Architects CES provider, TW Systems is now offering a FREE, one hour LU/HSW credit course, Maximizing Technology for Life Safety Continuum, for topic area Electronic Safety & Security in the following categories:

• Design & Design Services,
• Materials & Methods,
• Project Types, and
• Other

AIA CES Course Available from TW Systems

• keeping out unauthorized people,
• letting authorized people in your home, and
• even records who comes & goes with dates and times.

Types of Access Control Systems – All of the types listed below can be used in conjunction with a security system or by itself if a security system is not installed. Of course, determining what type of access control and if a security system is needed as well is dependent on many factors, where you live, if any type of system is in place and compatible with something new, if in a multi-dwelling building if authorized by the owners, etc. A professional security consultant can assist with determining which system is best for your situation.

• Keyless - A cost effective option, this usually with a key pad by the door or on the door and opens with a numeric code. However, it does have the least options and/or features.
• Card/FOB Swipe - Either option is easy to carry and use and there is no code to remember.
• Telephone Entry – This option is typically installed in conjunction with a keyless or card/FOB swipe enabling the homeowner to inquire verbally and/or visually who is at the door and “buzz” them in if approved. It’s also great if the resident has limited mobility.

Access Control Features:

• System Integration – integrate with security/burglary systems, unlock doors should a fire occur, door status notification, and control lighting when entering. 
• Remote Access Control – with this feature you can perform one or all of these features: lock/unlock doors with mobile device or via the Internet, receive communications of who enters/leaves, lock status, and add/delete authorized individuals.

As mentioned, it is always best to consult with a security professional to determine the best options available to you and for your situation. Call us TODAY to set up a consultation.

TW Systems audio visual systems for residential, businesses, commercial, educational, retail, governmental, healthcare, and childcare environments.

 on as wanted. Below is a brief synopsis of the different types of audio visual systems available. Of course, each one offers numerous choices for equipment, sound quality, and options. The key is to do your research and consult the professionals for what’s best for your budget and goals.

• Surround Sound – No matter the room size, you can now experience every rip, roaring, thundering sound & feel as if you are in the action with your own customized surround sound system. Systems can range from a few feet of coverage in a specific area of a room to the entire room becoming a “boom box” experience. 
• Media Room – With online movie rentals & cheap “movie box” rental stations, it’s easy to bring the theater experience home with your own customized media room. The right combination of television, sound system, and acoustics will take your dream to reality. Whether it’s a cozy night at home or hanging with the guys, your home will be the place to “be” for you, your family and friends. 
• Sound Environments – From the kitchen to the bedroom, each family member can enjoy their own music, radio, and/or MP3 playlist in their own space with a multi-room media system! 
• Entire Home Automation – Connect your sound system, security system, lighting & temperature controls to one system and control them with the touch of a button. Then sit back & enjoy living with ease & comfort.

Not sure what system and/or equipment is best for you. Call our office today to schedule an consultation appointment with our audio visual specialist to get the most sound and options for your space and your budget.