Welcome to the 4th online issue of the The Security Seeker Newsletter.  Seek the Security Seeker for the best security advice, statistics and stories.  If you find this email interesting, forward it to a friend and keep your friends secure, too! This email newsletter can be seen in its entirety at URSecure.com. 
Keep Secure! 

INSIDE the Security Seeker
- DSL may impede proper alarm transmission
- Crime Rate Update 
- Security Success Stories
- Tips for Reducing False Alarms
- Nothing to fear, but fear itself:  Dealing with 9-11 

DSL May Impede Proper Alarm Transmission

The widespread installation of Digital Subscriber Lines has caused trouble for many security systems owners. DSL is a technology that allows digital information to travel to a user over ordinary copper telephone wires, enabling them to access the Internet and talk on the phone at the same time. 

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is the type of DSL that most homeowners and small businesses use. It is referred to as "asymmetric" because the majority of its duplex bandwidth is devoted to downstream direction, or sending data to the user. Only a small portion of the bandwidth is available for uploading, since the user primarily relies on downloading information from the Internet.   

Up until recently, most DSL installations have been installed with a dedicated line that is not used for traditional analog phone equipment. In these DSL installations, a standard line has been retained for traditional phone equipment.  Many DSL providers have begun installing a service that combines DSL with standard phone service on a single line. In order for an analog device, such as a standard phone line or an alarm system, to operate over a DSL line a signal splitter that is designed for that type of line must be installed for each analog device.  If a splitter is not installed correctly, the alarm system's ability to communicate will be affected. Splitters can be installed by the phone company, the home owner, by a DSL provider or by your alarm company.  

If you have a monitored alarm system and you are having DSL installed, you have a few options to make sure both systems work at the end of the installation.  If you will have more than one phone line, make sure that the alarm is hooked up to the line without DSL.  If you only have one phone line, and it is DSL, then you will need to separate the DSL signal from the alarm system.  This can be done in two ways,  if you have your DSL line professionally installed, have the installer put a DSL Splitter on the phone line ahead of the alarm system.  If your DSL provider just sends you a bag of filters and says your service is activated, then you need to call the service department of your alarm company order a filter made for use with alarm systems.  As a general rule, whenever you have any work done to your phone lines, always test your alarm system before the phone technician leaves.  If you have a home alarm system, do not put your alarm box in series with your incoming ADSL line!

Home security systems with dial-out alert capability are often installed IN-LINE.. in other words, your telco line comes in, goes into your alarm box, comes out and continues to your junction box. The alarm system, whether active, standby or unpowered, is not providing you with a clean connection.

Although you can get DSL Sync with this method, the Alarm system can attenuate (reduce) some of the high frequencies required for high speed, leaving you with poor performance or worse. Isolate your alarm system behind microfilters, or on the voice circuit behind a splitter, as you would any other phone in your house.

Crime Rate Update

Security Success Stories

On a recent winter evening, a burglar broke into the main office of a drive-up car wash. Triggering the silent alarm, the signal was sent to your central station and the police were immediately dispatched. Just moments later, the authorities arrived and investigated the scene.  Not finding anyone, they assumed that the perpetrators had left, and so the police moved on.  Moments later, the burglar, still inside the building hiding in a closet, tried to escape by breaking a window which again triggered the alarm. Your central station dispatched the police again, and the suspect was apprehended leaving the scene of the crime.

This is only one of many situations that your central station encounters every day. Thanks to the quick and professional operators you can feel safe in your home and business.
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CLICK HERE if you have a success story you would like to share with others. 

Tips for Reducing False Alarms

WHY ARE FALSE ALARMS A PROBLEM?

• False alarms take police away from real emergencies.

• False alarms are not merely embarrassing, they endanger responding authorities and your whole community. Setting off a false alarm is like dialing 9-1-1; the police will respond thinking there is an emergency.

• False alarms can lead neighbors to ignore your alarm if it goes off repeatedly; it's like "crying wolf".

• In effect, your security system becomes less credible.

• False alarms may make you reluctant to arm your system -- exposing your home to undetected theft or fire.

• False alarms can cost you big fines in many U.S. cities and towns. In fact, in some instances, chronic abusers may even have police response suspended.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

76% of false alarms are caused by user error.

• To reduce that number, make sure anyone with a key to your home knows how to operate your system.

• Make special arrangements for guests or repair technicians.

• Routine maintenance can greatly reduce false alarms.

• Have your security company check and service your system (including batteries) regularly.

• Also, call your security company immediately if your system doesn't seem to be working correctly or before you do any remodeling.

WHAT IF YOUR ALARM GOES OFF?

1. Don't panic. Remember your security I.D. code.
2. Find out if there really is an intruder or fire and respond appropriately.
3. If the alarm activation was accidental, carefully disarm your system per your system's instructions.
4. After you've reset the system, wait for your monitoring station to call you.
5. Don't leave your home or business until you've spoken with your monitoring station and assured them there is not an emergency.

BE PREPARED!

1. Rehearse alarm cancellation with everyone who might use your system.
2. Make sure everyone who has a key to your home or business knows how to operate the security system.
3. Give all system users the name and number of your monitoring station and a security I.D. in case the alarm sounds.
4. Keep your security system instruction book, monitoring station's name and phone number handy (but not in an obvious place where an intruder can find it!)
5. Call your monitoring station if you change your phone number, get a pet, plan to sell or remodel your house, or test your system.

Nothing to fear but fear itself: 
Articles and Resources for dealing with 9-11

 "Beyond Blame--Reacting to the Terrorist Attack"
Education Development Center, Inc. 2001

NCPC Responds to Help Citizens Move Beyond Their Fear:
The events of September 11, 2001, still affect us all. 
"We have all been sobered. We feel vulnerable. We have felt afraid. Our religious traditions teach us that it's okay to be afraid, that we don't have to be our fears or live out our fears."  Jack Calhoun, President and CEO, NCPC

Contact Information

The Security Seeker is a customer service publication designed for security-minded consumers. If you have any questions or suggestions of how we might better service your security needs, or a success story you would like to submit for consideration, please contact Editor Peter Prestipino at (773) 725-0222 or (800) 827-3624, ext. 6033. Visit our web site: www.ursecure.com.