Safety with Privacy
District safety is "always priority one"
SituCon Systems. The Port Washington (N.Y.) Union Free School District (PWUFSD) was looking for a better way to ensure the safety of its students and staff. The PWUFSD Emergency Preparedness Committee, authorized by the board of education and consisting of first-responders, district personnel and local community leaders, sought a solution. Should a dangerous incident occur, a system would need to instantly alert school administrators and the Port Washington Police Department while enabling responders to observe the situation remotely.
In addition to finding a video-based safety solution that was affordable, expandable and easy to deploy, one of the greatest challenges the district faced was continuing to provide a proper learning environment and not allow cameras to infringe upon student and teacher privacy.
The district installed SituCon Systems’ Emergency Awareness Solution with Privacy Protecting Technology. Now, in the event of a dangerous situation, a faculty member can push a wireless SituCon "InstantAlert" button to immediately provide school administrators and the police with critical information such as the individual’s name, location and phone number. Simultaneously, "eyelids" on the cameras open, providing real-time video of the situation at the police dispatch center and on responding officers’ smartphones.
At all other times, SituCam’s eyelids remain closed, preventing camera operation and making it obvious that monitoring is not possible, thereby providing student and teacher privacy.
Students and teachers are better protected, as authorities can respond more quickly and get the necessary assistance on the way without delay.
Select the September 2011 issue RSN number 159 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Door closer
Corbin Russwin. The DC5000 Series Cam Action Door Closer offers lower opening resistance than a rack and pinion-type closer and optimum closing force, enabling doors to open easily while providing the right amount of power to close and latch properly. Durable design, adjustable spring power, and superior strength and wear resistance make the DC5000 ideal for use in education facilities. The DC5000 provides a wide 110-degree opening range for both push-side and pull-side installations.
Select the September 2011 issue RSN number 150 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Safety certification
Code Blue Corporation. The company has been approved to apply the ETL mark for certification to the UL 2017 Standard for its low- and high-voltage products. The UL 2017 Standard covers emergency signaling devices and represents a more demanding standard. Certified products will bear the Intertek ETL Listed Mark. The ETL Listed Mark is proof of product compliance to North American safety standards.
Select the September 2011 issue RSN number 151 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Sprinkler wire guard
Chase Security Systems. The Chase Security CSSPW 433 Sprinkler Head Wire Guard protects against vandalism or accidental damage. The wire guard measures 4 inches inside diameter with a depth of 3 inches. Units are made of 7-gauge steel and welded at all points for strength. The CSSPW 433 can be provided alone or accompanied by a service plan to attach to pendant pipes, avoiding the need to remove installed sprinklers.
Select the September 2011 issue RSN number 152 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Electronic locks/Smart padlocks
Videx. CyberLock provides electronic access and key control nearly anywhere a mechanical lock is present. Retrofitting existing lock hardware is as simple as removing a mechanical lock’s key-cylinder and replacing it with the CyberLock electronic cylinder. Electronic locks, smart padlocks and programmable keys offer a variety of solutions that can quickly provide the physical security and key control a school needs.
Select the September 2011 issue RSN number 153 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Smartphone app
Schlage Electronics. A new smartphone app provides access to Schlage "How-To" videos from YouTube, Install and User Guides and datasheets for the Schlage AD-Series and CO-Series locking systems. Customers can even call the Customer Care Center directly from the app. The free applications are available for iPhone, iPad and Android smartphones.
Select the September 2011 issue RSN number 154 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Security software
Genetec. The company has announced the release of the latest version of its unified security platform, Security Center 5.0. With this latest release, the Security Center now supports an embedded video recording and streaming engine. Additional features include an enhanced architecture that facilitates the installation and maintenance of the platform; third-party intrusion integration of alarm panels and perimeter detection devices; a new plug-in architecture for adding third-party integrations; standby and redundant archiving capabilities. With Security Center 5.0, customers now can configure and manage IP cameras and encoders, recording schedules, camera settings and more.
Select the September 2011 issue RSN number 155 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Access-control software
Secura Key. SK-NET Version 4.02 includes enhancements enabling the software to work better with SK-EZ/ID Photo Badge Design and Printing Software when large numbers of photos and/or large photo file sizes are used. It adds an activity log entry for User Add, Delete and Modify, as well as various other improvements. It also works with Microsoft Windows 7, Vista and XP. SK-NET software controls a network of SK-ACP two-door access-control panels, allowing up to 100 panels per location.
Select the September 2011 issue RSN number 156 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Eyewash station
Acorn Safety. The Portable Gravity-Fed Eyewash Station (Model #S0P50) is ideal for low-traffic or remote areas where a person’s eyes may be exposed to injurious or corrosive materials, and there is no immediately available supply of potable water. The eyewash station does not require plumbing and can be wall-mounted or placed on a countertop or other flat surface. It is a highly visible yellow, with a UV-protected polyethylene tank with no moving parts.
Select the September 2011 issue RSN number 157 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Life-safety damper catalog
Greenheck. A new 36-page catalog details the company’s line of life-safety dampers including fire dampers, combination fire smoke and smoke dampers, round UL dampers and ceiling radiation dampers. The catalog’s easy-to-use format features quick-reference guides for model selection, and model and size limitations charts. It also includes information on design and construction features, installation and convenience features, options and accessories.
Select the September 2011 issue RSN number 158 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
