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The benefits of CCTV Towers for Long Range Surveillance

Posted on January 18, 2024January 18, 2024 by admin

In built up environments, CCTV cameras are now an extremely common sight, acting as a deterrent and active defender against interference and intrusion.

However, whilst most commercial premises can protect themselves pretty efficiently using standard CCTV towers, it is much harder on vacant premises and large outdoor sites where limited scope and field of vision are major concerns.

Construction sites, car parks, and warehouses are just some of the spaces that can face this problem and in this article we are going to take a look at one potential solution in the form of CCTV towers.

Why are CCTV towers good for long range surveillance?

CCTV towers provide long distance surveillance over a wide and long area, thanks to the exceptional functionality of the PTZ cameras and the height of the pole they are mounted on.

https://trusthire.co.uk/commercial-cctv/ supply such towers across the UK and regularly get feedback from customers on how impressed they are with the distance of the cameras coverage and the clarity of details even from a distance.

For obvious reasons, long distance CCTV is most often required in outdoor spaces, which is why these towers are also manufactured specifically to cope with poor weather conditions. They still produce exceptional imagery in rain and snow and with a robust base won’t be blown over in a storm.

Thanks to the infrared camera technology that it built into top CCTV towers, they also work perfectly at night and in low light conditions.

What additional features can be built into a CCTV tower?

Customising your CCTV system to meet the specific needs of your business is a must is you are serious about maximising you security.

With the introduction of AI technology and the remarkable other technological advancements that have been made over the past few years, it will come as no surprise to learn that there are plenty of different features and clever add-ons that can be built into the modern CCTV tower.

Just some of the most effective of these features include:

ANPR

An absolute must if you operate a car park or are looking to remotely control access into a commercial site. These cameras will automatically read and check the registration plate of the vehicle attempting to gain access and take a pre-programmed action based on their identification.

Person Tracking

Movement detection is a pretty common feature of CCTV these days but the tracking technology built into the latest CCTV towers takes things to the next level.

These cameras not only alert you when someone accesses the premises but they also track them the entire time they are there, ensuring that if anything at all happens outside the ordinary, you and your security team are the very first to know.

Time Lapse

Take a step back and look at project progress over a long period of time rather than seeing footage in real time.

Not all CCTV has to be security related and towers can be a great tool for optimising your systems as well.

Is triple glazing worth it?

Posted on September 1, 2023September 1, 2023 by admin

It is widely accepted that double glazing is a must have on any new home and is a priority upgrade for any property without it in place.

Double glazing offers an instant massive upgrade on energy efficiency, sound reduction, security, and durability in comparison to the out dated single glazing and if you still have single glazed units it is essential that you replace them as a matter of urgency.

In more recent times, you may have come across triple glazing, an upgrade even on the high performing double glazing, claiming to be superior in every aspect and a must have for the modern homeowner.

Triple glazing involves the installation of a further layer of glass within the window frame, matched by an additional argon gas filling inside. This doubles the number of air cavities within the window unit.

Some people believe that the upgrade to triple glazing from double will soon become essential in the same way that single to double is today, whilst others think that this is a step too far and triple glazing isn’t actually required. The truth is somewhere in the middle. Double to triple glazing is not as big of an upgrade as single to double glazing in terms of the boost you get in energy efficiency, but there certainly is a big difference between the two.

In this blog we will examine if triple glazing really is worth the hype and help you decide if it is worth installing in your own home.

What are the advantages of triple glazing?

Triple Glazing does everything that double glazing does, only better. It offers much lower U-Values (the measurement used to determine a windows energy efficiency, is much harder for an intruder to break through, and prevents almost all noise from entering your home. There can be no doubt that your property will be a safer, more comfortable, and more relaxing place to be with triple glazing installed than without.

If you were building your own home, it would certainly make sense to install triple glazing instead of double. The additional cost is worth it for the benefits you receive and you get the peace of mind that your home is well prepared for whatever the future may bring. Similarly, if you still have single glazing installed and are desperately in need of an upgrade you might decide to skip double glazing altogether and simply upgrade directly to triple.

On the other hand, if you have recently had double glazing installed, the general consensus is that it probably isn’t worth upgrading further to triple glazing. If you aren’t sure, the best thing to do is to get in touch with a professional such as the Advanced Group who will be able to conduct a survey of your property to determine the energy efficiency boost you could receive by upgrading to triple glazing and the potential savings that could be made. This will allow you to make a more informed final decision and reduce risk significantly.

10 questions to ask when hiring a security company

Posted on May 3, 2023May 3, 2023 by admin

Finding the right company to provide security services for your company is a huge decision to make, and not one you want to make lightly.

Each and every Newcastle business is different with its own unique threats that must be managed and security requirements that must be met. The perfect security company Newcastle will use their local knowledge and extensive knowledge and skills to do all this and more, keeping your staff, assets, and property fully protected at all times.

So how exactly do you go about finding such a company? With so many options available and the full-time responsibility of managing your business to worry about, the research involved in finding the right security firm can be a daunting one.

To help make the whole process significantly more straightforward, here are 10 of the biggest tips to consider when searching for the right security company.

1) What are their reviews like?

There is no better way to get an idea of what a security company is like to work with than to read the reviews of their previous clients.

Like everything else, nowadays the best place to start when looking for reviews is online, however, you might be better off speaking to some of your fellow local businesses, asking them about their experienced with their own security company and whether they would recommend them.

2) Are they properly insured?

In order to perform security guarding services in the UK, security personnel must hold a valid SIA licence.

The SIA is the industry regulator for private security and ensure that all officers hold the required skills and maintain a high standard of work at all times.

Your first port of call for any security company search should be the SIA website, where you will find a catalogue of SIA accredited companies in your area.

3) Do they have experience in your industry?

A security firm may have a fantastic reputation and hold all the licenses and accreditations that you could possibly think of, but if they have never worked in your industry before, they may not be the right fit for your needs.

When consulting with a security company, ask them about the specific security needs they believe your company has and ensure that they offer all the services required to meet them.

4) What additional skills do their officers possess?

All SIA licenced security guards will be trained in certain areas as standard including conflict resolution, crowd management, and more.

Any additional skills possessed by security guards, however, are a bonus, and may give a certain security firm the edge when you are making your final decision.

First aid experience, for example, is an incredibly valuable asset for a security guard to possess.

5) How experienced are they?

Having undergone the required training for an SIA license will give a security guard all the skills required to perform a range of guarding duties. However, there is just nothing quite like years of field experience to hone their abilities.

If a security company has been in operation for many years, this is not a guarantee of competence, but they are clearly doing something right, and will have adapted and refined their services to provide the best possible service to their clients.

6) What technologies do they provide?

Technology is an invaluable part of any modern security solution and security guards will work alongside CCTV, alarm systems, remote tracking tools, and more to maximise the effectiveness of their services.

If a security company offers such technologies alongside their guarding services, their staff will likely have a better knowledge of how to utilise them most effectively.

7) How is their customer service?

If a security company can’t respond promptly and with a high degree of professionalism when dealing with a new potential client, this is a major reg flag for what they will be like to work with long term.

It not only suggests poor customer service but also that you are not a priority as a client. Steer well clear if you ever feel that you are not the number one focus of a security company’s attention.

8) Are they happy to work with your staff?

Security officers should slip seamlessly into your team, building good relationships with your existing staff and working with them to promote best practice in terms of security, health, and safety.

9) Do they offer flexible services?

You never know when your security requirements may change, and it is important that your security company’s services can adapt. Avoid entering into a fixed contract that has no room for future expansion or development.

10) How much do they charge?

Security services should be as cost-effective as possible but avoid choosing based purely on price and cheap services will only cost you in the long run.

Set a budget and look for security companies in Newcastle that fall into it whilst satisfying all of the criteria above.

Do solar panels work in bad weather?

Posted on September 28, 2022September 28, 2022 by admin

Scottish homeowners are installing more solar panel systems than ever before.

However, many others who may have been considering panel installation are put off by the thought that our often-cloudy weather may reduce the effectiveness of solar panels to such an extent that they are no longer a worthwhile investment.

For this reason, we have put together this guide to solar panel use in overcast conditions, giving you all the information, you need to make the smartest decision for your home.

Is solar power worth it?

Solar panels are almost always an excellent investment, offering dramatically reduced, or even eliminated, energy bills, and helping you to reduce your carbon footprint.

According to Solar Energy UK, solar panel installation soared by 71% in 2021, compared to the previous year, with 61,455 properties having panels of some kind installed.

Around 25% of these installations were in Scotland.

Deciding whether or not solar panels are the right investment for you can be tough so here are some factors to consider when making the decision:

Any shading on your roof
The angle that the solar panels will be at
Hours of daylight and amount of sunlight
How much energy your home requires

The impact of some of these factors can be hard to determine, so the best thing to do is to have a home assessment conducted by an expert before making your final decision.

How do solar panels work in poor weather conditions?

One of the biggest determining factors in the effectiveness of solar panels that is completely out of your control is the weather.

Despite common belief, solar panels can still operate in rain, fog, and even snow as long as they are not fully covered although their efficiency rates will understandably drop in comparison to a sunny day.

What many people don’t realise is that solar panels actually perform better in cool temperatures, with their production falling once the temperature rises above 25 degrees Celsius.

During the summer, therefore, when temperatures rise, fog can actually be a good thing for your solar panel production, cooling them down to a point at which they can produce energy at an optimum level.

Of course, given that solar panels rely on light to function, rainy overcast conditions will certainly have a negative impact on efficiency levels, and you can expect your system to produce around 10-25% of their expected capacity during rainy weather.

Clouds will also reduce performance, but not to the same extent as rain, achieving as much as 45% of what could be expected under ideal conditions.

Not all solar panels are the same however, and these numbers will vary based on quality and installation.

The highest quality solar panels on the market, such as those installed by Greener Energy Group, are far better at absorbing ambient light than other panels, and will, therefore, perform much better in overcast conditions.

Make sure that if you live in a shaded area or somewhere that experiences a lot of different weather conditions, you check with your chosen installer about how the panels they are offering will be impacted.

A professional installer will be able to assess your home and recommend the perfect solar panel type for maximum performance.

Are solar panels worth it?

Given the inevitable drop in performance seen during inclement weather are solar panels really worth the investment in a country with a climate as unpredictable as Scotland?

In a word, yes.

When combined with a solar battery which can store energy produced during sunny weather for use at night or when it is overcast, solar panels are highly-cost effective and will more than pay for themselves during their lifespan.

Even if you don’t have a battery installed, you will be able to sell any excess energy produced at times of high production back into the national grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme and use these savings to offset the cost of any grid energy that you use at night or during inclement weather.

Furthermore, installing solar panels is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

You will also see your home’s value increase after installation, so if you ever come to sell, you may be able to achieve higher offers as potential buyers see your property as future-ready.

Overall, the benefits of solar panel installation far outweigh any occasional drop in KWH production on a rainy day and are a worthwhile investment for anyone who is looking to provide their home with clean and completely free energy for years to come.

For more information on solar panel installation, or to arrange a survey of your home to determine the best location and type of panels for your needs, contact Greener Energy Group today on 03335 77 66 999.

Top Tips for Winter Boiler Maintenance

Posted on September 27, 2022September 27, 2022 by admin

Your boiler failing during the winter is a major inconvenience and potentially a serious problem – denying you access to hot water and regular heating in your home. Boilers are infamously temperamental, but there are ways to prevent issues from happening.

In this article we will go over the various ways you can maintain your boiler in preparation for the winter and ensure it remains fully functional.

Make sure you are getting your annual maintenance service

Regular boiler servicing CHS Glasgow will ensure your boiler lasts longer, operates more efficiently (saving you money on energy bills), and avoids unnecessary breakdowns or faults.

One of the best things you can do is to get your service done during the summer. This is because it’ll avoid the winter months, when you’re using your boiler the most – meaning you can bypass blockages and ensure the engineer is able to check all the components are working at maximum efficiency. If there’s anything broken or worn out – it can be replaced – and during a time when you aren’t reliant on the boiler for warmth.

This means you can avoid having to deal with a broken boiler during the winter – which is a nightmare to say the least.

You should ensure you have a service scheduled each year by a Gas Safe certified engineer to perform the maintenance work.

Cleaning

Boiler maintenance is all about regular cleaning and servicing. While you can do many of the simpler tasks yourself, it’ll be important to bring in the services of a professional.

Some basic things you can do include dusting off the boiler and wiping it down. This can help to prevent the gathering of grime which will end up clogging the boiler’s pipework, tubes, as well as its valves.

Always leave any internal cleaning work to a fully trained, gas-safe approved professional.

Regularly make use of your system

This tip is ultimately applicable to all year round but is always important to keep a note of.

You should switch on your heating system on a regular basis – even during the summer. This is because boilers and heating systems can end up clogging because of under-use.

During the months before the winter, it is good to turn the system on for around 20 minutes each day (until the radiators have heated up).

Radiators

It’s important to be mindful of your radiator’s functionality. One process to help this is called purging (also known as bleeding).

The good maintenance of radiators is vital to ensure they maintain longevity and remain energy efficient. Failure to do this will not only cost you in terms of repairs for your radiators – but it’ll also end up costing you in terms of energy efficiency and bigger bills.

Air becomes trapped inside radiators over the year and will accumulate. You can purge your radiators by twisting their purging value (using a screwdriver) – you will want to have a receptable to catch any water that ends up coming out. Twist this valve until the radiator emits a whistling sound, before closing the purging value (when the whistling value stops).

Defrosting Pipes

Standing or still water in pipes has the potential to freeze during the Winter. Because frozen water expands, the result can be the pipework bursting – causing serious damage and completely shutting down the boiler.

One option here is to defrost the pipes by pouring tepid water over them. It is important you do not use boiling or hot water – this can seriously damage the pipes.

Insulate pipework

It is important that heat retention is maintained. By insulating exposed pipes, you will be able to help maximise the heat retention in your central heating system – helping it to run far more cost efficiently. It will also help to prevent pipes from freezing during cold temperatures. Protective layers can be bought from hardware stores and is easy to fit as well.

Consider replacements

Older boilers are at particular risk during the winter – and often this is when they suffer serious breakdowns and other issues.

Boilers should usually be replaced after ten to fifteen years – as after this point they become increasingly inefficient and unreliable. Repairing older boilers often tends to be quite expensive, and if your boiler is old enough it is often better simply to have it replaced with a new one.

Monitor Pressure Gauges

A system which is operating as intended should display a pressure between 1.0 and 1.5 bar (though if you have a system guide, it should indicate whether the correct pressure differs to this general guide).

Perform regular checks to make sure that the pressure is correct; dips in pressure can indicate a leak – and leaks are a serious problem which will require a professional’s attention as soon as possible.

9 tips for protecting your home from burglars

Posted on July 12, 2022July 12, 2022 by admin

Covid-19 saw a drop in the number of home burglaries being committed in the UK, but as the country has opened up once more, these devastating incidents have returned with a vengeance.

Being the victim of burglary is a traumatic experience for all involved but luckily there are plenty of things you can do to deter unwelcome intruders from targeting your home.

According to Police advice, 9 of the best anti-burglar precautions you can take are:

1. Keep valuables hidden

Keeping your valuable items out of sight from windows is an easy but effective way of making your home a less attractive prospect for criminals.

Laptops, tablets, jewellery, and other small but expensive items left lying around are the perfect target for opportunist burglars, and for the sake of a few seconds tidying up, the risk is simply not taking.

The same applies to leaving valuables lying on the back seat of your car whilst parked on the driveway or on the road outside your home where they could easily be spotted by passers-by.

2. Install a gravel driveway

One of the most unusual security measures, investing in a gravel driveway or path will make stealth impossible for burglars, alerting residents that someone is approaching long before they reach your property.

The loud crunching noise produces by gravel close to doorways and accessible windows is much more likely to deter criminals than grass or tarmac that allows a silent approach.

3. Be careful with packaging

Leaving gift boxes, or the boxes from items such as a new TV, outside your home is a tell-tale sign for burglars that there is value to be had inside your home.

Store all boxes well out of sight until you are able to safely dispose of them at your local recycling centre.

4. Lock windows and doors

A huge number of burglaries committed in the UK come as a result of open windows or doors left unlocked whilst no-one is inside the property.

Even when you are at home, keep your doors and windows securely locked when not in use and draw your curtains shut after dark.

5. Install a Burglar Alarm

Around ¾ of UK homes have no burglar alarms in place, a worrying statistic given that they are one of the most effective possible security measures at preventing domestic crime.

Burglar alarms with motion detectors placed near all entry points will give a loud audio warning when triggered causing intruders to make a swift retreat and alerting you and your neighbours to their presence.

Ensure that the alarm box, control panel, and alarm wiring are also well concealed or installed out of reach to prevent intruders disabling or disconnecting your security system before entering.

Also make sure to have your alarm installed by a professional and respected security firm as a faulty alarm may either result in false alarms that lead to neighbours simply ignoring the sound after a while, or the alarm not activating properly in a real emergency.

6. Don’t leave notes

Notes left on your front door such as “leave parcel outside” or “back in 20 minutes” is a bad idea, advertising to burglars that the property is unoccupied, and they have plenty of time to break-in without being disturbed.

7. Buy a safe

A locked safe, especially one bolted to the floor, is a relatively inexpensive way to protect your most precious expensive and sentimental items.

Some of the most important items that many people choose to store in their own personal safe include jewellery, family heirlooms, and photos stored on an external backup hard drive.

8. Don’t forget about outbuildings

Many people concentrate so much on home security, they forget about the expensive equipment and tools stored in garages, sheds, and other outbuildings.

Ensure all your outbuildings are locked at all times and if secure windows and doors cannot be installed, consider storing your most valuable items elsewhere.

If you have a CCTV Security installation Glasgow system in your home you may be able to install an additional camera into your existing circuit, allowing you to remotely monitor activity in your outbuildings if they are not visible from your property.

9. Increase visibility

Hiding your property from view behind tall bushes and fencing may initially appear as a good way to avoid the attention of burglars, but the opposite is actually true.

All this will do is give intruders plenty of hiding spots when entering your property and allow them to approach from the main road without the risk of being seen by passers-by or neighbours.

Instead, you should keep bushes and trees at the front of your home well-manicured and ensure fences are no taller than 1m high.

However, it is a good idea to have taller fencing or hedges at the back and sides of your property to prevent burglars from gaining easy access.