Security is King: Conversations with KingAlarm's John Azar

security is Conversations with King Alarm’s John Azar king

You’re asleep and suddenly the clanking sound of your grille jars you awake. You sit up, unsure of whether you’re still dreaming, and decide to listen more keenly. You hear the grille open and your front door groans on its hinges. Someone has invaded your home, your comfort-zone, your safe space. With not a minute to spare, you jump out of bed and attempt to grab something to defend yourself with but it’s dark and you fumble.

They’ve heard you and now they’re headed your way.

You stifle your scream as their heavy steps get closer. You’re frantic as you try hide.

You run towards your closet but your bedroom door is flung wide open. It’s too late. They’ve found you, and you slowly turn to face them.

“Hey girl! What are you doing?” is the question that punctuates the darkness right before the lights are turned on.

“Why do you look so frightened? Oh no! Wait! Did you think I was a thief? Ahhhm, is that a cushion in your hand? What were you planning to do? Tell me to lay down while you find somewhere to hide? Didn’t you remember I was spending the night? You fell asleep with your front door open, again. Yea, you gotta stop doing that”.

A wave of relief washes over you. It’s only your sister.

Home invasions are frightening. Whether we’ve experienced them or know someone who has, most of us can relate to how harrowing these incidents are. Not only are they frightening, but they’re dangerous, and inevitably, they’re very costly. Repairing damaged windows, grilles, doors and replacing stolen items can be mentally and financially debilitating. Nowhere is truly off-limits. Break-ins can occur at any time, to anyone, in any neighbourhood.

Home and A Way (H.A.A) wanted to put their readers in a position to better protect themselves and their loved ones against a home invasion so we sat down with security expert and head honcho at KingAlarm, John Azar (J.A), who has, over the last 15 years, armed Jamaicans with the right tools and information to protect themselves and their investments.

1. H.A.A: How has home security evolved in the last few years and what are the available options?

J.A: Home security has evolved in the last 10 years thanks to technological advancements. Today, there are a wide array of security products and services available to enhance the security of one's home. Persons can benefit from CCTV cameras, gate openers, intrusion detection alarms, smoke detectors and smart locks. With these tools, persons have the option to layer their security system by having two or more of these options depending on their security needs.

2. H.A.A: With this type of evolution, would you say that the traditional “padlock and key” are obsolete?

J.A: I wouldn’t say that the traditional padlock and key are "obsolete" but I certainly would say that as the criminal element evolves, so too must we. Therefore, the traditional "padlock and key" on its own is not as effective in today's world. 3. H.A.A: What are the newest innovations in home security?

J.A: You can now link your home automation with security devices and can monitor your home remotely from anywhere in the world. There are also outdoor detection devices that send video images to the homeowner once movement has been detected. Even the more conventional systems have seen great advances. Today, there are biometric locks or smart locks that can be placed on your door or grille that are opened either by using an app on your mobile device, a pin code or your fingerprint. 4. H.A.A: You mentioned a security monitoring system; can a homeowner “diy” that installation or is it better to have the system installed and monitored by a security firm? J.A: Yes, homeowners can purchase a general home intrusion alert system and monitor it themselves. However, having professionals install a security

system significantly reduces any margin of error during the installation process. I’m sure I could paint my house but I’m also sure I couldn’t do it as well as a professional painter could! With security, we often don't get second chances, so it’s important to get it right the first time. Having systems monitored by a company like KingAlarm means that in the event of an alarm, our highly trained Armed Response and Special ‎Operations teams will quickly respond. The feeling of knowing you’re not alone is priceless.

Additionally, I strongly believe that your security system should be customised based on your needs. Therefore, a security firm will more than likely conduct an audit to assess and advise on the best solution, with your budget in mind, of course. On that note about budget, if affordability is an issue and a household will require two or more security features, the most important one is prioritised and the others installed over time.

5. H.A.A: What are some steps that Jamaicans can take to better protect themselves and their loved ones?

J.A: There are so many things that individuals can do to better protect themselves. However these are the general tips I usually tell my clientele.

• Lock your doors and windows. Sounds pretty simple, but it's often the simplest and most obvious precautions that homeowners tend to forget and which burglars tend to exploit.

• Burglarise yourself. As weird as that sounds, look at, and around, your home to assess those weak spots that would allow someone else to gain access.

• Don't place valuables near or under windows. This will give criminals easy access to your valuables.

• Don’t have money or jewellery lying out in

view from a window. Consider purchasing two fireresistant safes: one for your valuables, and one for important documents and data. To protect your safes from theft, bolt them to the floor. • Don't tell strangers your daily routines. Also avoid telling others about the valuables in your home. If you're at home working outside, leave all other doors that are out of sight locked.

• Don’t leave tools or ladders in your yard. Burglars may use them to gain access to your home.

• Be wary about posting your vacation plans and

updates on social media websites. Even though you trust your friends, you never know who might learn that you're not home.

• If you have children, discuss home security with

them. Talk to them about not talking to strangers about their home, its contents, or family schedules.

• Prune lower branches of trees near your house.

They may help a burglar gain access to a secondstory window.

• Don’t place the boxes for newly bought appliances

at your gate to await garbage collection. Always dispose of these boxes by cutting them into much smaller pieces. You don’t want everyone knowing that you just bought a brand new television.

John Azar is the Managing Director for the KingAlarm Security Company.

For more information visit their website, kingalarmjamaica.com or contact John via email at john_p_azar@kingalarmjamaica.com