Security Alarms and World Class Monitoring

Although alarms are well known for detecting burglars, modern alarm technology goes far beyond this basic role and can make your life much more convenient as well as protecting assets.

A properly designed, installed and monitored alarm system improves security and safety in many ways.

Intruder Detection

This is the traditional role of an alarm. Detectors using Microwave, Passive and Active Infra-Red, Seismic, Magnetic or Sonic (for detecting glass breakage) technology are placed across all points where intruders may gain entry. Typically this would include doors, windows and roof cavities. Additional detectors are deployed in areas such as living rooms and hallways, in order to detect subsequent movement by an intruder. In some cases, detectors may be used outdoors, in gardens and side passages to detect intruders well before they get near the building proper.

 

Cameras

Dramatic price reductions in the last few years have meant cameras are no longer confined to commercial environments and are an increasingly popular technology in homes. Camera technology allow you to see who is outside your property and (if recorded) identify anyone who may have come past while you were out, friend or foe. No more wondering who hit your parked car, stole your newspaper or spray-painted your fence. They are also fantastic for keeping an eye on the kids - even from work.

As a security tool however, they are particularly useful in identifying criminal activity. That's assuming the criminal won't simply go elsewhere once they see the cameras. Very often they do. We can install high-quality cameras and recording equipment which can be viewed on elegant flat-panel monitors, remotely (via Internet) or on your home computer and televisions. If you are renovating it is even easier and the actual cost may surprise you.

 

We highly recommend remote camera monitoring. Calamity can view your cameras as part of our high-quality monitoring service. When an alarm is activated at your premises, the cameras on site send recorded and real-time video of what happened both prior to the alarm and immediately afterward, to our monitoring centre. We can immediately see if it was an unknown person entering your premises, or in the case of panic buttons, if you are being held-up or under duress.

Due to the high number of false alarms, Police generally will not respond in a hurry to alarm activations, if at all. However, if there is confirmation of a crime in progress, police will get there, fast. Calamity can re-use or expand your existing CCTV systems, or install new camera and intercom technology.

 

 

Feeling Safe at Home

Fixed or portable Panic switches can be installed allow you to discretely and silently summon emergency assistance if your home is subject to criminal activity while you at home.

Alarms can be divided into smaller 'zones' so you can still be protected and feel safe while you are at home. When you go out, you would normally arm the whole system. When you are at home however, you can arm, for example, only the outside of the house and doors and windows, but not the inside, so you can still walk around. When you sleep, you can arm the downstairs area or the backyard but not the bathrooms and bedrooms.

Cleaners and gardeners can be given their own codes which can be immediately cancelled if they stop working for you and allow you to know exactly what time staff come and go.

For Parents

We design alarms to protect you and your loved ones just as much when you are at home, as when you go out. Local alarms, which sound a buzzer or chime inside the house, can be installed on pool fences, gates and other potentially dangerous areas for safety and peace of mind.

 

We can also program systems to alert you to a door, gate or garage being opened while you are at home. No more worrying about the kids or your pets getting hurt.

We have simple systems which can automatically detect inactivity, for example by a babysitter or carer who may have fallen down or fallen asleep. If no activity is detected for a predetermined period, the system will (optionally) sound a local buzzer. if there is still no response, contact you or summon appropriate assistance. You can enjoy your night out, knowing that your family is protected.

We can install flood detectors in the laundry or bathroom for those times when you are distracted and forget to turn off the tap.

Working back and want to know the kids got home safely from school? Our systems can send you an SMS or an email letting you know exactly when they came home. If you have cameras installed, we can even send you a picture for total peace of mind.

Remote Arming

If you have left the house for the day and forgotten to 'arm' your alarm, give us a call and we can do it for you, remotely, so you won’t need to decide between returning home or leaving your valuables unprotected and uninsured.

System Integration

Our systems can be integrated with lighting, climate control and other home systems. This increases convenience and can save you money. For example, when you arm the alarm as you leave, it can automatically turn off your lights and air-conditioning (in case you forgot) or divert the phone for you. When you come home at night, our systems can turn lights on for you. If the alarm has been armed for an extended period, for example you are away, lights can be automatically operated to give a 'lived-in' appearance. The possibilities are endless.

Design and Installation

Calamity will design a fit-for-purpose system which will precisely meet your security and lifestyle requirements. One size does not fit all. Each of our installations is specific to the site and the assets being protected. In general, we follow these steps:

Site Study and Risk Assessment

This helps us identify what you are trying to protect and from what danger. We survey your property and determine any unique risks. We also identify all access points in your physical environment, obvious (doors, windows) and less obvious (service ducts, stormwater channels, roof cavities, neighbouring properties etc.)

If you have existing, current security technology, alarms, cameras and so on, we can reuse it or integrate it into expanded and updated systems, provided it meets our quality standards, and is cost effective.

System Design

Having identified what requires protection, our consultants will design and specify a system to suit. This includes all on-site technology as well as the most appropriate communications path for remote monitoring, depending on your security requirements. User-friendliness is important to us and we want to ensure that whatever system we install, you and your family will be able to use it to its full capability. Sometimes it is not possible to run cables to all locations, in which case we use high-quality wireless detectors.

If you have pets, we can use specific detectors that are 'pet immune'. These are appropriate to the size and type of your animal to ensure they can still detect intruders but not be subject to false alarms caused by your pets.

We will specify and quote for all significant components and labour, providing you with clear details of why we have selected each technology and how it is to be used.

Physical Security Review

We would also be happy to review your doors, windows and locking systems to ensure they are sufficient to your overall home security.

We can also install electronic and keyless access controls, which can be particularly useful if you have kids, gardeners or cleaners, or you like going to the beach without your keys.

Installation and Testing

Our installers and technicians will work with you to quickly install all components with minimal interruption to your life. We will arrange a time and we will be on time. All work areas will be left cleaner than they were found.

We fully test the system to ensure proper detection as well as communication to our central monitoring station.

Training and Handover

Our staff will demonstrate all relevant usage of the system and make sure you understand its operation.

After-Sales Service

In line with our aim for perfect customer service, at an agreed time after installation, we will contact you to discuss any issues which may have arisen and ensure everything we have done is meeting your expectations. Of course you are also welcome to contact us at any time to discuss any specific issues.

Routine Maintenance

We always recommend routine maintenance of security systems. At a minimum, this would involve an annual check in line with the requirements of Australian Standard AS2201.1. We will work with you to tailor a maintenance and service plan to suit your specific requirements. This ensures that any faults are found and rectified before they expose you unnecessarily to risk. Preventative maintenance is also carried out, including changing any batteries before they fail and testing all detectors and other components. A written report or certificate will be provided as required.

Quality

All systems, installation and commissioning are subject to our quality controls and review processes. Read about our Quality System here.