With the new season just around the corner, winter’s short, dark days are finally coming to an end but keeping your workplace in tip-top condition to prevent break-ins and accidents is still important. Prevention is key to keeping your employees and environment safe, so at Signal Security we’ve put together our top tips on maintaining workplace safety between seasons.
Smoke Detectors
As winter comes to an end, it’s easy to forget about smoke detectors however it’s important your alarms are kept well maintained for dangerous accidents that can happen all year long. Make sure yours are properly installed with fresh batteries with the change of season.If you have any queries on smoke detector maintenance or installation, don’t hesitate to give our team of experts a call today on 1300 73 83 93 to arrange a site-visit.
Motion sensor lights
If you haven’t taken advantage of motion sensor lights this winter, consider them for spring as an all year round safety precaution. Interior and exterior lights can prevent an intruder from concealing his illegal activities and motion sensor lights in particular are an inexpensive way to deter crime at your business.
Keeping spaces visible
Alongside strong additional lighting inside and outside your work place, it’s important to keep any views into building clear and in view at all times. Robbers don’t want to be seen and they are less likely to target your business if a passer-by can see what’s going on.
Spring Cleaning
Take advantage of the new season to de-clutter the office and remove any electrical hazards in particular that may be left over from winter. Broken equipment and cords pose a dangerous hazard to staff so have them organised and/or removed.
At Signal Security, we understand that children are a parent’s life and joy and as a result, take their safety and security very seriously. With parents increasingly working longer hours and after-school care and baby sitters not always available, intercom and home surveillance systems are becoming popular as a great means of ensuring safety for your children when adult supervision isn’t available.
To assist with keeping your children safe, we’ve put together our top tips on how to best prepare your kids when adult supervision isn’t available.
1. Neighbourhood Watch
When your children reach a certain age, staying home alone without parent supervision becomes an option but be sure to let your neighbours know during these times to keep an extra eye out on any unusual activity.
2. Key Phone Numbers
Create and keep a list of important contacts (including emergency numbers) on the fridge, dining room table, bedroom, or on speed dial. This means your children can have easy access to contact the right people when home without supervision.
3. Stranger Danger
Teach your children how to exercise caution when the doorbell rings. Video intercom systems allow those inside the home to view who’s at the door before letting them in, perfect in conjunction with one of the first lessons kids are taught on stranger danger.
4. Home Surveillance (CCTV)
Keep an all-seeing eye on your home and loved ones with CCTV. What this type of system allows is the ability to securely view your cameras from any smartphone, tablet or computer with Internet access in an easy-to-use operation – perfect for those times when you get stuck at work.
5. Practice a ‘test run’
Even if you’re confident about your child’s maturity, it’s wise to practice some trial runs and discuss the options your kids have when home alone – what should one do if a smoke alarm goes off, or a small fire starts? What to say to strangers at the door? Running through a few different scenarios will make both yourself and your children feel more at ease.
If you would like to discuss how Signal Security can better protect your loved ones, give our team of experts a call today on 1300 73 83 93 to arrange a customised solution from our extensive range of home security products.
The move to PIN only purchases is part of a security initiative to make payments safer and more convenient for your business and customers, in a bid to crack down on Australia’s credit card fraud that has previously run to a shocking $81 million a year – most of this on credit cards where it wasn’t necessary to enter a PIN. From the first of this month, PIN has become the main form of card payment authorisation across Australian retail outlets, phasing out signature verification as point of sale terminals migrate to new software. But just why is this industry-wide movement necessary?
Increased Security
Whilst signatures can be forged, PINs are a much more secure form of identification with only a one in 10,000 chance of someone guessing their personal identification number.
Convenience
PIN transactions are more efficient than signing too, the customer only needs to enter their digits and the transaction is done.
Terminal Changes
There will be no need to worry about changes to terminal software or hardware, as transactions will be authorised electronically by the cardholder’s bank.
Contact-less/online tractions
For purchases under $100 on chip cards, contactless transactions are still available, such as Visa payWave, MasterCard PayPass or American Express Contactless. However for any transactions greater than $100 however, a PIN will need to be entered.
Forgotten PINs
If a customer has forgotten or mistaken their PIN, advise them to call or visit their nearest bank branch, or if they have a bank app on their smartphone, many of these allow for quick PIN changes too!
Changing PINs
PINs can be changed at any time at bank branches or at most ATMs, when the current PIN is known.
Remaining Signature Use
Customers sill may need to use a signature when a terminal is down or when shopping overseas, so it’s still important that the back of a customer’s card is still signed.
International Customers
The change to PIN does not affect international cardholders they will continue to use PIN or sign, as determined by their card issuer.
Signature Exceptions
Customers who may find it challenging to use PIN due to disability or medial condition, may be eligible for a signature-only card that enables them to continue signing rather than using PIN. If staff members come across customers with these disabilities, encourage them to contact their bank to find out more about signature exceptions.
