Setting up fire alarm systems and fire monitoring are fundamental elements in your home’s fire safety plan. However, that is only the beginning. Educating your children on fire prevention, fire safety, and how to manage an emergency are vital in keeping your family safe. According to the American Red Cross, not only are children under five…
With more DIY security systems than ever available with the touch of a button, families around the world are choosing to protect their homes with easy to install cameras and alarms. The expert team at FSS Technologies aims to help homeowners make the right choice for their families when selecting a home security system. A…
We recently talked about the various codes required for your security and fire protection systems. We also talked about why monitoring is vital as part of a business’s fire safety system—mainly because the code may require it. This blog will address the pros and cons of self-monitoring your business’ entire alarm system versus the cost of professional security monitoring. First, what is the difference between the two? Professional vs. Self…
The bad news—a fire breaks out in your workplace. The good news—you are ready because you have done your homework and prepared for the possibility of an emergency. Emergency Action Plan The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires most employers to have an emergency action plan for various scenarios, including fires in the workplace. There are…
We’ve talked about the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in previous blogs and how it is essential to understand and obey their standards when installing, testing, and maintaining fire alarm systems. Fire Alarm Monitoring is the Law Your business might need to include monitoring as part of its fire safety system due to NFPA 101® . NFPA…
Fire protection is highly regulated and technically complex. Commercial fires cause billions in property damage each year and pose serious risks to life, property, and legal liability. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) establishes standards to ensure businesses implement proper systems to prevent these outcomes. As fire protection technology evolves, so do the NFPA’s requirements….
According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five American adults live with a disability. The most common disabilities are hearing or vision impairments, mobility issues like arthritis or a diminished ability to live independently, speech and language challenges, and cognitive conditions including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Recently we talked about…
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was created to stop discrimination against and to ensure the rights of people with disabilities. It serves as an equal opportunity law for people with disabilities, defined as “physical or mental impairment that substantively limits one or more major life activities.” For businesses, the ADA means that the services…
When Spectrum closed the doors on its home security system business in February 2020, many customers were left high and dry. The Spectrum Backstory Spectrum is a subsidiary of Charter Communications, the second-largest cable provider in the country offering service in 42 states. Charter inherited Spectrum in a 2016 merger with Time Warner Cable and Bright House…
Instating work from home policies to protect your employees and help to stop the potential spread of COVID-19 is one step that organizations are taking to keep their company safe. But, with all your employees at home, how can you protect the other assets that make up your business? Regardless of the type of company…
Home security used to be synonymous with burglar alarms, but this is no longer the case. Home security today is not only about protection, but also comfort, convenience, communication, and information. All home security systems never were the same—there were different manufacturers, different types of equipment, and various providers. Today, there are entirely new categories…
The chicken or the egg. Not asking which came first in this case, just which one you like better. In the world of security systems, which came first between wired and wireless was answered long ago. But the question of which is better remains. Let’s start with a quick overview of how each of these…
Cloud-based systems allow authorized users to access live video feeds, door controls, and system alerts from any device, anywhere in the world. Whether you’re on vacation, at home, or managing multiple sites, all you need is an internet connection. Traditional on-premises systems often require VPN access or being physically onsite, creating delays in response and inefficiencies in oversight.
With cloud video surveillance, your footage is stored securely offsite in redundant, encrypted data centers. This means no risk of physical theft, damage, or failure of local equipment. On-premises recorders (like DVRs or NVRs) are vulnerable to power outages, hard drive crashes, tampering, or theft—leaving critical video evidence permanently lost.
Cloud-based systems are managed and updated by the provider. Software patches, firmware updates, and new features are deployed automatically—ensuring you always have the latest protections without burdening your IT staff. On-premises systems often require manual updates, which are frequently delayed or overlooked, creating security gaps and vulnerabilities.
Cloud-based platforms are designed with native integrations in mind. You can control doors, monitor cameras, and respond to alarms all from one dashboard. Event linking is possible—for instance, a door forced open can trigger a camera to record and send an alert instantly. On-prem systems are often siloed, requiring multiple logins, separate vendors, and disjointed monitoring.
Cloud systems are inherently scalable. Whether you’re adding one door or five new buildings, it’s just a matter of adding licenses and hardware—no major infrastructure overhaul required. Centralized management allows you to monitor and control multiple locations from one account. On-prem solutions typically require new servers, more IT resources, and duplicate installations for each site.