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Photo: R.M. Rajarathinam

Go hi-tech Video phones come handy in the security system

With crime on the rise, a bungalow, apartments in a building complex or a flourishing commercial establishment, all are equally at risk. Sadly, a closed padlocked door and grilled windows are no longer deterrents for the resourceful and enterprising thieves of today, especially when the house is empty or when old people, lonely women or children are alone at home. In such an unsettling scenario, the need to upgrade and intensify our security measures is inevitable. And to fill in that void, electronic surveillance is now at hand.

Once the staple fare of spy-flicks; the miniature-hidden camera, the microscopic concealed microphone, the closed circuit TV (CCTV), elaborate and complex surveillance systems, automatically opening gates, fire-alarm systems and sprinklers, anti-burglar or anti-trespassing alarm systems…and many more hi-fi home and office protection gadgets; are a familiar sight today. One observes them installed in banks, jewellery stores and similar sensitive areas, as well as commonplace areas like shopping malls. These monitoring devices assist the authorities keep an eye on things and follow-up any misdeeds. But these gadgets are not exclusively for institutions or offices, there is a line of security gadgets fashioned specifically for the vigilant homeowner to safeguard and defend his own turf and base. Notable amongst the home-security solutions are the video door phone and the intrusion or burglar alarm systems. The video door phone is affixed to the entrance door allowing one to see and converse directly with the visitor before opening the door. And for complexes, there is the integrated apartment package wherein all flats are equipped with a video door phone and the watchman gets to verify with the resident via a phone and camera system before letting the visitor into the building. This also doubles as an intercom within the building. There are a range of sensitive sensors that detect motion, cutting of wires, breaking of glass, vibrations, body heat, gas leak, smoke, and (fire) heat. But the utility of these devices is limited. These gadgets only warn of an impending disaster. In contrast, in many cities, private firms have launched a comprehensive system, wherein, when any alarm is triggered, a signal is simultaneously sent to their offices as well via a wireless connection, to which trained personnel respond immediately. They contact the concerned department (fire, police or medical), the client, and simultaneously despatch their own personnel as well in response to any alarm triggered. In Visakhapatnam the Sri Sai Phalguna (SSP) Electronic Security Pvt. Ltd offers this service for a nominal fee. They maintain a 24/7, 365 days monitoring station. As a part of their services, a manually triggered emergency switch is also installed in the house (and bedroom) for prompt assistance in medical emergencies, and the family doctor is contacted. For commercial establishments, they provide a range of surveillance systems, with an option wherein the video feed can be relayed to a static IP address, allowing one to observe the happenings on their premises from anywhere in the world. For further information regarding their services contact, Y. Sujatha at 92466 15860, 0891 – 6463730.

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