When it comes to building securitsome numerous products and services helpelp prevent break-ins, such as CCTV, physical barriers, access cont,rol and intruder alarms. But what happens in the unfortunate event that someone still manages to get inside the property?
In this instance, something like a smoke screen can be perfectly positioned to act as a final barrier to prevent theft and burglary.
Building security and benefits
In this article, APE highlights what security smoke screens are, how they can be used for improving building security and the benefits they offer.
For help in building security, do not hesitate to get in touch with the expert team here at A.P.E Fire and Security. APE can help to get the most from industry-leading, reliable and innovative fire and security systems and products.
What is a Security Smoke Screen?
A security smoke screen is an innovative product that fills a room with dense smoke. Within seconds, a room can be transformed into a confusing and disorientating environment that is virtually impossible to see in.
This helps to deter any criminals from pursuing their intentions and forces them to leave the building.
An extra layer of protection
Smoke screens are also often referred to as fog security systems too (depending on the product manufacturer)
The dense smoke creates an extra layer of protection and security for a building, which is particularly useful for those looking to protect valuable assets.
The smoke used won’t cause any harm when breathed in, instead, it is solely there to obscure visibility and make it extremely difficult to navigate within. Smoke screens are also often referred to as fog security systems too (depending on the product manufacturer).
How Does a Security Smoke Screen Work?
There are different types of smoke screens available, and they can often include unique specifications and functionality, but most will be connected to an intruder alarm. Once the intruder alarm is triggered, the smoke generator is automatically activated. This makes it a very automated process and one that is instant, helping users have peace of mind, even when users are not there.
Smoke screens can generate and disperse smoke very quickly and the innovative technology is designed to maximize the way the smoke protects and hides valuables. Depending on the manufacturer, the way smoke is generated and dispersed may vary, but they all achieve the same result.
Benefits of Smoke Screens
Smoke screens offer a wealth of benefits, including:
Speed
Any obstacles, such as a smoke screen, that slows them down, will be very effective at preventing theft
Smoke screens can fill a room with dense smoke within seconds. This makes it perfect for stopping criminals in their path. No need to wait on the police to arrive, no need to hope CCTV caught the burglary, instead, benefits from knowing that the smoke screen will likely force any criminals to abandon their original plans and exit.
Burglars usually want to be in and out of a property as soon as possible to reduce the risk of getting caught. Any obstacles, such as a smoke screen, that slows them down, will be very effective at preventing theft.
Lasting
As previously mentioned, burglars want to get in and out of a property as soon as possible so waiting for the smoke to eventually disperse is far from ideal for them.
Smoke screens can linger in the air for long enough that a criminal simply won’t have the time to wait for it to eventually fade.
Effectiveness
Smoke screens are proven to be highly effective at preventing theft. Although the smoke is harmless, the nature of how it fills the room is certainly enough to intimidate and confuse any burglars. There’s no time to think, and no time for plan B, which reduces the ability to burgle a property.
It’s very hard for a criminal to adapt when visibility is so poor. It creates an environment that is too difficult to navigate through. Security systems that help to prevent theft are also much better than just relying on CCTV to record any incriminating evidence, which may then be followed by a lengthy police investigation.
Valuables
As the smoke fills the room, the criminals are likely going to want to leave as soon as possible
Smoke screens are well suited to protect valuables and high-priced assets. By triggering a smoke screen to hide these assets and valuables, criminals simply won’t be able to see them.
As the smoke fills the room, the criminals are likely going to want to leave as soon as possible and won’t have the time (or visibility) to try and find valuable items.
Adaptable
Smoke screens come in all shapes and sizes and have been adapted for both the domestic and commercial markets. Small boxes that generate smoke screens and fog can be placed next to a safe in users' houses to protect those family heirlooms.
Or similarly, large-scale generators can be used in industrial units to protect vast amounts of stock. Whatever users need to protect, smoke screens are likely to provide some peace of mind.
Integrated
An intruder alarm could be used to activate the smoke, helping create a very integrated security solution
The beauty of smoke screens is that they can be integrated into users existing security systems. This means that an intruder alarm could be used to activate the smoke, helping create a very integrated and comprehensive security solution.
Used alongside CCTV, access control, and intruder alarms, smoke screens can help add a layer of security to protect buildings and their assets. Being able to monitor CCTV footage remotely could mean that users can quickly watch the smoke screen in action and see the effectiveness from anywhere in the world.
A.P.E Fire and Security
A.P.E Fire and Security help individuals and businesses leverage the very best in fire and security solutions. Fully accredited and with over 40 years of experience, they pride themselves on providing a first-class service, prioritizing the protection of users' premises and customer satisfaction.
As well as helping design and install security systems, A.P.E Fire and Security offer service and maintenance for a wide range of fire and security systems including; intruder alarms, smoke screens, CCTV, access control, intercom, and fire alarms. They have a diverse team of skilled, trusted, and experienced engineers who will be happy to discuss service and maintenance contracts with users, even if their existing installation was not completed by APE.