Fahrenheit 451 was originally rooted within the fire and burglar alarm industry but has since grown into expanding new fields including card access systems and IP Video (Anywhere Video).

In 2010, Fahrenheit 451 underwent a significant branding change in a desire to update its look and recommit to its core vision. Today we serve a larger number of clients than ever before and look forward to offering our customers exciting new products and ever-improving service in the future.

Biography of Randy Brown, 
President Fahrenheit 451

Randy Brown, the president and founder of Fahrenheit 451, has been active in the Fire Alarm Industry since 1980. He owned and operated his own fire alarm company, Code Red Fire Services for 10 years before selling to Grinnell Fire Protection in 2000. 

Randy has served a variety of roles within the Fire Alarm industry serving on over a dozen committees and associations. Randy is the Past-President of the Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA), Alberta Chapter and the current President of the Alberta Fire Safety Association (AFSA). He is an active member of the Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI) and the Accredited Condominium Managers Association (ACMA) in Calgary. He is also a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Alberta Fire Safety Officials Association (AFSOA).

He is a past Board Member of the Calgary Apartment Association (CAA) and chairs the Codes & Regulations Committee as well as being CAA’s representative on BOMA’s Codes & Regulations Committee. Randy is currently a member of the Fire Technical Council of Alberta and is involved with code review on a regular basis and also helped develop the Upgrading Guideline for Apartment Buildings built prior to 1974.

Today Randy & his wife Mary own and operate Fahrenheit 451. Randy is an avid family man who enjoys spending his spare time with his son and daughter.

Introduction

Crime rates are down.  Even with Calgary’s massive growth in recent history, statistics are indicating that overall reported instances of criminal activity have decreased.  Upon hearing this, you may be inclined to believe that your task of protecting your building against intruders, vandals, and thieves should be easier than ever.   The truth is that Calgary’s reduced crime rate is the result of a number of important factors, aside from the hard work and dedication of our police services:

• Increased Security Measures:  The restaurant, bar, and hospitality industries in Calgary have invested significantly in cutting edge video surveillance systems and partnered with other businesses to keep out undesirable cliental.  This has resulted in significantly less crime for those businesses and buildings that have invested in crime prevention, but not necessarily for those that have refrained.
• More Crimes are Going Unreported: The Calgary Herald reported that only 58% of victims reported their crimes to the police last year.  This was down 15% from the previous year.  Many incidents of theft or vandalism go unreported because citizens have little confidence that the perpetrators will ever be caught.

Another concern is that as criminal activity is effectively deterred from businesses in the downtown core, it may eventually lead to opportunity for crime in areas that are less secured such as surrounding areas and residential buildings with security weaknesses.

To avoid making your building a target to criminals looking for opportunities you should consider your entire building in the perspective of CPTED (or Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design).  CPTED emphasizes the importance of making your building unattractive to potential thieves and vandals.  Buildings that are easy to enter and exit or are poorly lit are attractive to criminals because the chances of getting caught are low.  No one solution will eliminate the problem entirely, but the following ideas may be of some help.

Laundry Rooms

The attractiveness of laundry rooms lies in both that there is the money that can be obtained and their tendency to be open 24 hours. In some cases laundry rooms have been the scene of unwanted sexual advancements.  Ask yourself the following questions about your laundry room:

• Location: Is the laundry room hidden in a basement or is it in an area that has lots of traffic? Can it be moved to an area with higher traffic? Can higher traffic be sent towards the laundry room by adding a social room or games room?
• Access: How easy is it to get into the laundry room? Is it locked or unlocked? If it is locked, is it a good lock? Is that lock protected by a mechanism that prevents prying the door open? Have you considered a card access system that will also allow you to track who enters the laundry room?
• Surveillance: Is the laundry room protected by video cameras? A surveillance system that is being recorded can help deter crime. The footage can also be used to identify criminals who commit vandalism and other crimes.
• Opportunity: Is there a lot of money left in the machines? If the money is emptied frequently and you do get broke into, then they will be less likely to return if they don’t get much. Better yet, eliminate cash altogether by going to smart cards or offering free laundry and increasing the rent.

Parkades

By far the largest problem in buildings is parkade break-ins. Start by looking at the exterior of your building.

• Private vs. Public Property: Is it clear when you leave the public sidewalk and step onto private property when people go to your building? Consider hedges, chain-link or wrought-iron fences, etc. as ways to establish that you are on private property. Keep hedges, bushes and trees trimmed so they do not provide hiding spots but they do make it clear that this is a well-maintained private property.
• Light Fixtures: Is the exterior of the building well lit? Consider adding metal-halide to brighten up the exterior of the building. The use of white or light coloured paints can also go a long way to enhancing the light levels.  Lighting should be reviewed to ensure that the area where the vehicles are parked is emphasized over the driving lanes. This allows residents walking towards their vehicles to see if someone is lurking around the vehicles. Too many parkades have the driving lanes over lit compared to the parking stalls. Consider a coat of white paint to really enhance the lighting. If funds are tight, start by painting around the light fixtures and expanding from there.
• Traffic Levels: If every parkade operated a 24-hour taxi stand, there would be no crime in parkades. The challenge is how you get more traffic moving through the parkade for legitimate reasons. A 24-hour security guard is very effective but way too expensive for most properties. Consider sharing these types of services with neighbouring buildings.
• Parkade Egress: One of the most common mistakes when hardening a parkade is locking the fire exits. If a door has an exit light over it (or if it is part of a designated fire exit route) then you must be able to get through that door (in an emergency) without the use of a key or special knowledge. Once inside the stairwell, you do not have to allow them back into the building unless that is part of the exit route. In many buildings, it is permissible to lock the stairwell doors from the stairwell side so once in the stairwell, you must exit unless you have a key. A word of caution however: Before changing, altering or locking an exit route, consult with a fire inspector.
• Door Fit: The locks and doors themselves are very important to keep unwanted people out. Some locks and doors are very easy to defeat. Cheap locks may not have enough “throw.” That is, the latch does not go into the door jamb very far. Other doors are easy to defeat because the door does not fit into the jamb very well. A simple plastic card can be used to defeat a door when the lock and door are sloppy. A blocker plate can often help overcome this problem.
• Access Controls: Key control is another big issue. Traditional keys can be copied.  Today Card Access systems allow each user to be issued a unique card and that is tracked by centralized software. It is nearly impossible to replicate a card and each time a user accesses a specific area, there is a record in the system. More importantly, if a card is lost or stolen it can easily be deleted from the system and you do not have to re-key the building. Generally, this type of system has an upfront cost, but its implementation can save you in the long run by deterring unauthorized access and keeping those who use your building accountable for their actions.
• Guest Access: Intercom systems are another area to look at. Older intercom systems can easily be crossed up to open the door even if nobody presses the door button. The new telephone entry systems are more secure in that only one resident can be called at a time and they must answer their phone before opening the door.  These new systems can also be programmed from the comfort of your office.

Graffiti

Graffiti is a very common vandalism problem and is very difficult to deal with.  Often the culture surrounding graffiti can have one vandal attempting to claim territory over another leading to a cluster of unwanted markings.  Other times they are simply crimes of opportunity.  Here are some tips for minimizing graffiti in your building:

• Immediate Removal: The most important thing with graffiti is to remove it or cover it up as soon as it is found. Graffiti vandals consider themselves to be artists and they want people to see their work. If it is covered up as soon as it is put up, they will soon move on to other areas. This is not an easy battle, but it can be won. The important thing is to never leave the graffiti there for any length of time.
• Ongoing Maintenance: The “broken window theory” has been tested in many cities and many different types of neighbourhoods. Each time the research shows that if a broken window on a property is not repaired, then very soon all of the windows on the property are broken. Simply put, a well-maintained property is less likely to attract crime.
• Surface Design: The other thing with graffiti is that it generally occurs on large flat surfaces. These surfaces are the canvas on which graffiti artists work. Walls should have rose bushes or something similar planted at the base to keep people away. Often if you paint the wall yourself with a mural or sign of some sort, they will leave it as well.

Summary

Designing your building to deter crime is not about implementing one strategy.  Instead it is reevaluating the entire building and looking for places of weakness.  Often times the cost of repairing deficient items seems substantial, but pales in comparison to potential damage that could be done if your building appears unmaintained.

Randy Brown is a security expert for Fahrenheit 451 Fire & Security.  If you have any questions regarding CPTED, please do not hesitate to contact Fahrenheit 451 at 403-256-6622 for more information.  We also specialize in Card Access Systems and Video Surveillance Systems that can be used to deter crime in your building.

Kantech Card Access Systems are also unique because they can be managed onsite or remotely by the staff of Fahrenheit 451 with a Hattrix subscription plan.  You might be wondering what exactly is Hattrix and why would you want to subscribe to it.  Hattrix  allows your card access system to be managed remotely by a qualified security professional and provides a number of cost saving advantages for your business.

• Savings on InfrastructureWhen you opt into the Hattrix program you no longer need an onsite computer to manage your card access system.  Not only will this save you initially but it will also limit reoccurring costs for computer maintenance.
• Savings on TrainingUpon the initial set-up of a card access system someone must be trained on how to manage the software.  With a Hattrix plan there is no required training.  When you require a change or report from you card access system you can simply pick up the phone and call Fahrenheit 451.  Training costs can increase with each employee turnover or employee vacation.  With Hattix you are never left at the mercy of a single employee.
• Timeliness of UpdatesMany card access updates are time sensitive.  If an employee or resident is barred access to a building it is an update that needs to be taken care of immediately to prevent potential backlash.  In an smaller organization without a human resources department, making changes to the card access system might not be on the top of your priority list upon the termination of an employee.  With Hattrix, your qualified security professionals are only a call away and will process your request in a timely fashion.
• Delegating ResponsibilityIn most small to medium sized businesses, employees are already overwhelmed with excess responsibilities that are not always outlined in their job description.  Delegating your card access security to one of your employees places a great deal of stress and responsibility on that person who likely already has enough tasks to keep them busy.  If you are subscribed to Hattrix, authorized individuals can quickly send us an e-mail to make changes to the card access system without any additional stress.

Fire Prevention Week 2011 commemorates the Great Chicago Fire that occurred on October 8-9, 1871.  This was a two-day fire that killed more than 250 people and left more than 100,000 homeless.  Obviously in the past fire fighting and prevention techniques were limited, but it was this event that lead to the creation of new fire safety standards and awareness campaigns.

Today simply being prepared and practicing everyday safe behaviours can greatly decrease the dangers presented by fires.  The major areas of focus for Fire Prevention Week are emergency planning, smoke alarms, and sprinkler systems.

Emergency Planning

Each building with a fire alarm in Calgary should be equipped with a Fire Safety Plan that details emergency procedures in the event of fire.  These plans should include resident handouts that summarize the details and their expected reaction in the event of an emergency.

Each family should also discuss fire safety prevention knowledge to help avoid fires from happening in the first place.  Everyone should also know the sound of the smoke alarm.

Smoke Alarms

Beyond simply knowing what a smoke alarm sounds like, each resident should also be testing their smoke alarms monthly.  To properly test a smoke alarm position a candle directly underneath it and extinguish the flame.  The smoke from the candle should set of the smoke alarm.  (Be careful not to create a fire hazard while using the candle).

Each time you complete an Fire Alarm inspection with Fahrenheit 451 we provide residents with an informative package that outlines their responsibilities for testing their smoke alarms and detailed instructions for completing the test.  When performing in-suite fire alarm testing we also complete a quick test of the smoke alarm as a courtesy to our clients.  To find out more about our annual testing visit our Fire Safety Services page.

Sprinkler Systems

When a fire breaks out in a room with a sprinkler system, 89% of the time the fire is contained to the room of origin.  Sprinklers have been known to reduce property damage by over 51%.  Your building’s sprinkler system should be checked both quarterly and annually based on the Calgary Fire Department’s guide to building responsibility.  Many people mistakenly believe that water damage caused by sprinkler systems can be more extensive than fire damage.  This has been proven by many studies to be massively incorrect.  A fire hose used to put out a fire uses eight times more water than a sprinkler system.

Resources for Property Managers

To help you manage the Fire Safety Systems in your building better, we have provided a number of informative resources that help managers understand the importance of maintaining your fire safety systems.  We also have resources that explain what responsibilities and regulations must be followed by building managers.

• Building Owner’s (or Manager’s) Responsibilities for Fire Safety Equipment
• The Importance of Quarterly Sprinkler Inspections
• 911 Emergency Planning Presentation for Building Managers

Resources to Distribute to Residents and Tenants

We understand that a large part of preventing fires in educating the residents who actually live in these buildings on a daily basis.  We have provided a number of articles and resources that are tailored to general population about fire safety.  Feel free to distribute these materials to your occupants as you see fit.

• Fire Prevention Week Safety Facts and Tips (Handout)
• Preventing Arson and Protecting Your Building (Article)
• NFPA Fire Prevention Week Website (News, Information)
• Sparky.org (Fire Safety Education for Children)

Physical Fire Prevention Week Information Packages

Each of our property management companies will be receiving a collection of National Fire Protection Association materials on Fire Prevention Week, but if you require more information do not hesitate to contact us.

Many of our clients prefer to leave their card access programming to Fahrenheit 451 because of employee turnover and the cost of training. When you choose to subscribe to the hattrix program you will receive timely updates, card programming, and reports conveniently provided by our knowledgeable staff.

The other major benefit of hosting your card access system with us is that you don’t need to worry about hardware failure and backing up your system. Too often the computer systems installed in buildings for use with a card access system are left in a dusty mechanical room and neglected. When you choose hattrix managed access, we will take all the responsibility for maintaing the health of the computers storing your data.

Watch our president, Randy Brown, discuss the benefits of Hattrix Managed Access Solutions at the International Security Conference in the video below.

The Fire Prevention Bureau, a Division of the Calgary Fire Department, has prepared a pamphlet listing the fire safety equipment maintenance requirements that are found in Division B of the Alberta Fire Code (AFC) (2006) for all existing buildings.

If you require clarification on any section of this document, you are welcome to contact us and we will ensure that your fire safety requirements are met.

Download the “Building Owner’s Responsibilities for Fire Safety Equipment“

Remember however, that owners failing to comply with maintenance requirements as identified in the Alberta Fire Code may be subject to fines of not more than $15,000 and / or imprisonment as per the Alberta Safety Codes Act..

While most buildings stay up to date on their annual sprinkler inspections because they are done concurrently with their fire alarm inspections, many building managers are unaware that they are not meeting the minimum requirements of the Calgary Fire Department.  Certain aspects of a sprinkler system need to be checked weekely and monthly and are fairly eas to do.  With the right training and knowledge, a building supervisor can perform these checks.

In contrast, quarterly inspections require a specialized technician because they involve flow tests to ensure adequate water movement and validating connections to the fire alarm system.  Fire pumps also need to be maintained, tested, and operated to ensure reliability.

Common Fire Sprinkler Failure Problems

The number one sprinkler failure is caused by corrosion in pipes.  Most sprinkler pipes are made from materials that are subject corrosion over time.  Proper flowing and flushing of the sprinkler system helps to keep the system functioning properly.

The Importance of Sprinkler Systems

Protect Your Occupants

• 57% less fire related deaths in buildings with a working sprinkler system (Source: NFPA).
• Every 3 Hours someone in North America dies in a fire related incident (Source: AFSA).

Prevent Property Damage

• 51% less property damage in buildings with working sprinkler system (Source: NFPA).
• 89% of sprinkler systems have kept a fire contained to the room of its origin (Source: NFPA).

Avoid Unnecessary Liability

• Your insurance may be at risk if you do not comply with regular Fire Alarm and Sprinkler Inspections.

Whether you are a property manager or a board member, our website is updated frequently with information that is pertinent to ensuring the safety of all tenants within your building.  We regularly write articles on fire safety, crime prevention, and emerging technologies that help to keep your building secure.  Stay tuned to our website for updates.

For more information on our website articles join our Safety and Security Mailing List and we will update you seasonally on the latest news within our industry. Don’t hesitate to contact us for all your fire alarm and security needs.

The effects of arson can range from increased insurance premiums and decline in property values to serious injury and loss of life.

Arson can also be difficult to prosecute due to the limited amount of physical evidence surrounding the incidents. Uncontrolled arson, along with other serious crime, creates rampant fear among residents, business customers, and potential visitors. If the community’s streets seem out of control, people will be afraid to come into that area to visit or do business.

While you cannot stop people from performing malicious attacks of vandalism, there are a number of tactics that will both deter arsonists from targeting your building and limit the amount of potential damage.

Arson Prevention Tactics

•  Keep leaves, firewood, overgrown brush and shrubbery, and other combustibles away from buildings.
• Keep doors and windows locked when a building is unoccupied. Board up abandoned buildings.
• Store all flammable liquids such as paints, gasoline, and aerosols in an approved storage location, e.g., locked cabinets, locked storage units, locked garages (preventing access to children), etc.
• Report suspicious activity near houses or other buildings to the local police and support Neighbourhood Watch programs.
• If you suspect a child is setting fires, notify the proper authorities. It may not be just a phase the child is going through.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach and sight of young children.
• If you know or suspect that arson was committed, contact your local fire department.
• The proper security measures can also go a long way in preventing such an event. With a card access system you can limit who is able to gain entry into your building and into what areas. A well-designed surveillance system will not only create video evidence of potential suspects but also has the power to deter arsonists from committing the crime in the first place.

Most importantly, ensure that your family is prepared for a fire and that you have the proper safety measures in place. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to have a “dual sensor” smoke alarm that can sound fast for both a fire with flames and a smoky fire that has fumes but little flame. A working smoke alarm greatly reduces the chances of serious injury or even death in the event of a fire.

Make and practice a home fire escape plan. Set a meeting place outside. Be sure everyone in your family knows at least two escape routes through the building.

Checklist for Fire Safety

• Have smoke alarms, smoke detectors and extinguishers throughout the building been checked annually?
• Is the building’s fire panel operating correctly?
• Do you have a fire safety plan?
• Have the appropriate residents that require extra assistance in the event of an emergency been noted in the fire safety plan for the fire department?
• Are evacuation signs posted throughout the building and easy to read?

Fire departments have responded to an estimated 53,600 intentional structure fire annually during 2003-2007. These fires resulted in 387 civilian deaths, 1,141 civilian injuries and an estimated $922 million direct property damage.

For more information on what your building should be doing to maintain its fire safety responsibilities please visit us at www.f451.ca/responsibility.

The next morning Fahrenheit 451 will inevitably receive a phone call to help our clients obtain footage from their camera system to aid the police in catching their criminal. Upon arriving on-site we find the video equipment covered in half an inch of dust and the recording device has been unplugged. The evidence that could have lead to a prosecution in this incident is now non-existent as a result of simple negligence.

At Fahrenheit 451, we stand behind our products and have great confidence in their ability to capture relevant video footage which can be used to increase the security of your building, but they still need to be maintained. This is why we strongly encourage you to get your video system checked semi-annually by a professional.

When we come on-site we will make sure that all of your systems cameras are functioning, dust-free, and focussed. We will ensure your video recording equipment is clean, powered, and functioning as it should.

After all, isn’t it better to know now that your equipment is not functioning correctly, then in a year when you have missed essential footage?

To find out more or to get a quote, please do not hesitate to contact us now.