Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Flush Mount vs. Surface Mount Traffic Spikes

Traffic spikes have many applications, though they may go by a number of names over different times and places. They have been called spike strips, tire shredders, and a variety of other nicknames, but, at base, these devices are an extremely effective way to manage automobile traffic. Although your options include both surface and flush mount spikes, both rely upon long metal barbs, teeth, or upward-pointing spikes to puncture tires and thus impede or halt wheeled vehicles. This makes traffic control spikes an ideal way to direct and control traffic in controlled areas.


Spiking Traffic

Much of the effectiveness for traffic control spikes comes down to their barbs and placement in specific areas. Although they may be either solid or hollow, the barbs are designed to flatten tires when driven over. Hollow barbs, in particular, will embed themselves in tires and so minimize risks for drivers by maintaining a steady pace of air leakage. In terms of the benefits, these devices mainly prevent automobiles and other wheeled vehicles from moving in the wrong direction, especially in one-way traffic lanes or locations. Doing so, though, prevents the many accidents and other issues that could result from such difficult situations.

Surface Control

When you imagine traffic control spikes in your mind, you are likely picturing the more basic surface mount spike strips. Surface mount units combine torsion springs with built-in speed bumps that incorporate bright yellow diamonds for greater visibility. Installation is relatively simple, with the following fundamental steps:

  • Plan and prepare the best location for installation based on your specific traffic needs, being sure to order the right number of sections.
  • Then, apply epoxy to the necessary sections before adhering them to your chosen asphalt and concrete surfaces in the areas where traffic is to be controlled.

These generally come in 3-foot sections of lock-down spikes that are combined to cover the needed area, with end caps for smooth transitions from such spiked sections.

Ground Control

While they share many of the same features as surface mount ones, flush mount control spikes are in-ground units that sit flush with the ground and so require some excavation. Fundamentally, this kind relies on individual spring-loaded barbs to manage traffic, with the possibility for spring retraction through stainless steel springs, weighted retraction via weight spikes, and lock-down capability, as well. Flush mount spikes are ideal for more permanent installations, but the process is relatively more complex, as it requires a bit more planning before excavation, drainage, and installation of concrete. Such units should be painted bright red for high visibility to vehicle drivers, and speed bumps also have to be installed alongside them to ensure speed control and safe passage of wheeled vehicles.

Both kinds of traffic control spikes require many warning signs to ensure that vehicle drivers are well aware of their presence and of the general flow of traffic, especially in one-way lanes and other special conditions. Similarly, both entail certain risks, especially for use by police who often deploy traffic spikes in high-danger situations. Yet, such use of traffic control spikes has led to innovation, with the creation of remotely deployable units, strips built into parking barriers, and other inventions. More importantly, the overall benefits more than warrant the necessary additions to your controlled locations as surface and flush mount spikes both so effectively and reliably ensure easy management and safe speed for vehicular traffic.

Monday, June 15, 2015

Security Cameras and Your Business

Keeping an eye on your business is good for several security reasons. You can keep an eye on employees, suspicious activity, customers and any possible intruders that my cause harm too your business. One of the best ways you can provide additional security to your place of business is by adding in security cameras. If you are wondering if security cameras are the best solution for providing security to your place of employment the reasons below will help you decide. 


Is a security camera system right for your business?

If you are trying to decide if a security camera system is right for your business you need to ask yourself this question, “Why are you thinking about installing a security camera system to begin with?” Did you recently have a break in within the business? Are you worried about cash thieves and individuals vandalizing you workplace? Have you suspected employee theft? Are you trying to deter robberies from occurring? Are you simply trying to protect your customers and staff? If you answered yes to any of these questions purchasing a security system for your place of business is actually a wise idea, but once you decide you want that type of security you have to figure out which areas are best to place the camera system within so you can properly keep and eye on your business. 

Where are some key places to place camera systems?

Once you decide that a security camera system is right for your home, it is essential that you place the cameras in prime locations. Some of the locations are above front desks, entranceways, and exit doors, throughout the shop or dinning room areas, near cash registers, near business safes, and in areas the customers and staff hangout as well as the parking lot area and wherever you keep supplies for your business. You want to be able to keep an eye on these key areas of importance because if any suspicious activity is occurring, you can capture it on tape so you can handle it properly. Camera systems are great for capturing images of people who steal from you along with the items they stole. Camera systems are excellent for catching vandalism acts as well. 

Where are some other places to hang camera systems?

Camera systems are amazing to place in gated community areas too near gate entrances. They can help protect a community from buglers and other potentially harmful introducers. Camera systems are not just for business. They are also useful within a home area too near garages, windows and entranceways if you run a business from home or need extra protection and security for your family. 

End Notes for Security Camera Systems 

Hopefully, with this information provided to you, you are able to figure out if a security camera system is right for you. Remember to ask yourself the question of, “Why are you thinking about installing a security camera system?” Once you can answer that questions with a reasonable answer like the ones just discussed then make your decision accordingly. 

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Improving the Security of Your Home

Security is a major concern for all homeowners, especially those looking for a rental residential unit. This is why a large number of home and property owners go to great lengths to ensure that security around the premises is tight. The installation of an automatic gate is among the most effective ways to beef residential security. This article discusses a few accessories that can help to enhance residential safety and security with an automatic gate.


An Access Control System: Access control is a great safety feature for automatic gates. There are various access control devices that can be used with automatic gates. These include vehicle tag readers, card readers, portable wireless transmitters and digital keypads among several others.

A Video Surveillance System: An automatic gate can also be made safer by having video surveillance systems installed for use with the gate. In order to enjoy this feature, the homeowner would have to invest in video cameras to be installed at the gate. As such, he or she can view and even have a record of everything that transpires at the gate.

Intercom systems: It is also a good idea to invest in an intercom station at the automatic gate as a way of enhancing residential safety. The main objective of having an intercom system at an automatic gate is that it provides a channel of communication with those on the inside when there is no one manning the gate. Intercom systems can be used together with video surveillance systems to reveal the full identity of anyone seeking access through the automatic gate. There are therefore very little chances than un-authorized persons will gain access into the residential premises.

Automatic gate alarm systems: A homeowner can also take advantage of automatic gate alarm systems to make their premises safer and more secure. A gate alarm system works by triggering a siren if the automatic gate happens to stay open for a pre-set duration of time. As such the homeowner is sure to be alerted in case of any unusual entry or exit from the gate. In addition to preventing forced entry into the residential premises, an automatic gate alarm system will also help to alert the homeowner in the event that their pets sneak out and leave the gate open.

Free exit devices:  Last but not least, there are a number of free exit devices that can automatically open the gate when vehicles exit the premises for example. These include photoelectric beams, loop detectors, and pressure switches.

Battery back-up systems: The number one disadvantage associated with automatic gates is the fact that they are non-functional in the absence of electricity. This is probably why a large number of home break-ins take place when there is no power. Investing in a battery back-up system is the best way for homeowners to ensure that their automatic gate is always functional even when the power fails. Automatic power back up systems get into operation immediately there’s a blackout and the person manning the gate may not even notice the transmission.

There is no putting a price tag on your residential security. The cost of not being secure is often higher than the financial input required for a large number of the mentioned accessories. Think of the accessories discussed above next time when looking to improve security and safety at a residential automatic gate.