Midwest Alarm Services 2013 Q2 Newsletter

2013 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Conference and Expo

I recently returned from the annual NFPA Conference and Expo held in Chicago. This is a worldwide conference for everything under the subject of "Fire Protection". My interest at the meeting is under the subject Fire Alarm and Detection Systems and within that subject heading the talk of the conference was all about Emergency Communication Systems (ECS) or as they are sometimes known as "Mass Notification Systems". Every fire alarm system manufacturer had their version of the ECS on display. Our product, Notifier by Honeywell, had a very prominent and hands-on display of this system and all of the add-on options to enhance the use of the system.

The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA 72), in Chapter 24, set forth the requirements for the installation and use of these systems. They all begin with a voice fire alarm system. The "Layer 1" as it is called in the code, is notification of occupants inside of a building or buildings and controlled only by authorized users. Layer 1 is considered to be the most reliable layer in building an ECS. After layer 1 is completed other layers can be added. Options in other layers that can be added are communications to occupants on the exterior of buildings, automatic paging, texting and emails and finally public broadcasting. These layers can be used in combination.

Please give us a call at Midwest Alarm Services to see how to begin building your Emergency Communication System at your building, your campus or on your network.

Dustin Smyth, President
Midwest Alarm Services

New Product Spotlight - New Synchronized Clocks From Primex Wireless

Two new clock styles have been added to the Primex Wireless lineup to bring a fresh look to offices, classrooms and public areas. Both styles integrate seamlessly with your existing wireless synchronized clock system:
 

	The new Square Traditional Series Analog Clock offers contemporary styling with bold, easy-to-read digits. Measuring 13.5" (34.29cm) square, the clock features a durable, high-impact polycarbonate frame and lens.
	For hallways and other applications more suited to a digital clock, the new slim-design digital is a perfect fit. Bright LED 2.5 in. (6.35cm) high digits are easily viewable up to 150 feet away.

For more information about these and other Primex Wireless synchronized clocks, contact your local Midwest Alarm Services sales representative.

Midwest Alarm Supports Iowa Schools

Midwest Alarm Services is pleased to announce we will be attending the Iowa Schools Buildings and Grounds Summer conference on July 11th. For the last several years Midwest Alarm employees have looked forward to this event to connect with our many current customers and, introduce ourselves to new people. Doug Richard and Mike Wells will be in attendance at the Midwest Alarm Services display. Please stop by to inquire about our many services or to simply ask about any code questions you may have.

Associated Builders and Contractors Exposition

 

Midwest Alarm Services attended the Associated Builders and Contractors Exposition in March at the Prairie Meadows Events and Conference Center. Pictured are the two representatives that attended the show, Brian Jarnagin and Paul Bridges (L to R). It was great to see everyone that stopped by the booth. Thank you to ABC for inviting us to this event.

Contact us if you were unable to stop by or would like to discuss a particular project or system.

Team Spotlight - Donna Mulder

Donna Mulder began her career at Per Mar in 1997 assisting the physical security division during the Iowa State Fair. She was hired full time as a central station dispatcher in Des Moines, Iowa. When the call center was relocated to Davenport, Donna was promoted to the HR/Payroll department where she remained until 2009 when Midwest Alarm requested her transfer and promoted her to service coordinator. Donna has adjusted to the crazy hectic summers, while still keeping a positive attitude, which in our business is not always easy. After coordinating the schedule for the technicians in Iowa and Illinois all day, she is kept busy by her two daughters and their activities. We are fortunate to have Donna as part of our team.

Midwest Alarm Anniversaries

We have several associates celebrating service anniversaries this quarter: