We received a letter to install a local fire alarm system for our four unit and five unit apartment buildings. The city of providence letter stated we were required by the Rhode Island Fire Safety Act to install a system consisting of smoke detectors, pull stations and horn strobes along with a centralized alarm panel. We had been getting very high prices from Alarm Companies here in RI complaining how difficult the installation was due to all wiring needing to be piped in conduit or raceway. In contacting AAA Alarms and Fire Protection in West Warwick, they advised me they could install a wireless system that would meet code and be much more cost effective, and look better as you would not see pipe or wires. I was very happy with the price, the installation, and the on going fire alarm testing that AAA Alarms does for me and give them a thumbs up on Knowing RI Fire alarm requirements and saving us money.
I recently had AAA out to my multi-site facility to re-vamp my outdated access control system. Their sales rep was able to help me with the transition from my old system to their new Sielox system with ease! They were able to create a network system for me with remote web access from any place in the world! I am able to make changes (add/delete employees) immediately from anywhere I am. I was extremely pleased with the low upfront cost and the many service options available to me. From the first point of contact with the sales team to the installation and everything in between, AAA was excellent to work with and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a new card access system!
Talk about complete SECURITY! AAA Alarms installs total security solutions that now only gave us a lock down system for our doors, but installed a total glass protection system that resists bullets and breakins! Finally true affordable piece of mind for our soft target school. Securing the entry vestibule with bullet resistance, man trapping our entryway with electronic locks and allowing teachers and school administrators and students through the main entrance using id badge cards and card readers, we finally feel safe!
My insurance company, Jewelers Mutual, recommended that I contact AAA Alarms as they meet the standards of high security line secure systems required by The Jewelery industry, manufacturers, retailers, etc. We have a large scale jewelry production facility in Attleboro, Ma, with gold and silver inventories that require vault protection and alarm certification from Underwriters Laboratories (UL). We had been with a large National provider ADT, (now Tyco) for many years and have watched the service degrade to the point of unacceptable. We decided to reach out to AAA Alarms and Fire Protection to have them access our present system and possible upgrades in accordance with UL standards. As it turns out, UL has a whole set of standards for alarm systems ranging from AA BB CC with varying extent levels of protection ranging from Level 1 (which is the highest used for 6 sided protection of a vault or safe), down to a level 4 which only requires moderate coverage such as partial motion detection and partial opening protection. Level 2 stockroom, is what we needed for our inventory of both raw and finished goods. This is a standard from UL that requires "4 step" motion detection. That means an intruder must be detected by the motion detection system within taking 4 steps EVERYWHERE in the area "certified" by AAA Alarms. AAA is authorized by UL to issue certificates that certify our system meets these specific standards, and it delineates on our certificate, exactly what we have for level of protection. This is how the insurance industry can verify it is a "good" alarm system and one that a jewelry facility needs given the high dollar value of gold silver etc. We also have a walk in modular vault, that is UL certified as "vault complete" level 1. This means that it has protection on all 6 sides. Even if someone tried to burrow up through the floor, would the AAA Alarm react. AAA meets the level 1 specification for our vault by using a sound system that detects any blows or drilling to the walls ceiling or floor of the vault. Additional sensors such as a heat sensor is installed on the vault door to protect against a blow torch or cutting tool, which would generate heat to trip the detector, and finally a door sensor to make certain the door is closed prior to arming. UL does not recognize motion sensors as valid protection devices in a vault or safe, as they are easily compromised by blocking them (inside job). Our premise is certified by AAA and UL as level 3 protection. This standard requires every door or window to have a sensor installed, and additionally, the longest dimension of the room needs volumetric protection (motion), a long with a few other details. AAA's experienced team of sales, installation and service is the one to call upon if you need a UL certified alarm as they know these systems!
We are a defense contractor located in Middletown RI, amd had been with what we thought was the only approved Alarm Contractor in RI for 30years. What a breath of fresh air to find AAA Alarms for the task! AAA Alarms meets all the necessary approvals for Underwriters Laboratory standards known as UL 2050. These are specific alarm installation and monitoring standards that must be adhered to by government defense contractors working with sensitive information and equipment or weapons systems. AAA Alarms is a local company based in RI with the experience understanding the UL specifications and we are thrilled to have switched to their service. Our Security officers now finally get to sleep through the night without annoying false alarms thanks to AAA's unique multipath line security network system. I would highly recommend these folks to handle your high security needs, as the service is unsurpassed!
Response from AAA Alarms And Fire Protection
The accreditation of a government facility can be a challenging task. It is imperative that Federal agencies and Government contractors consider the requirements developed by the Interagency Security Committee for federally owned or leased facilities. Delays in getting a facility accredited can cost valuable resources, time and money. Even further challenges arise when facility assessments are required in order to keep up your certification and accreditation. Consider the following three challenges and pitfalls facing Government contractors, and learn practical applications for avoiding them. 1. Contracting with an Alarm Service Provider that is not certified to meet the UL 2050 standard. This is typically one of the most common and costly mistakes for a Facility Security Officer, or FSO, who is tasked with a tremendous amount of responsibilities in order to get a space accredited in a specified period of time. The proper certification for protecting facilities that process classified material is the National Industrial Security Systems, or CRZH listing. A security company that has CRZH certification is authorized to consult, construct, inspect, monitor and certify a Closed Room or Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) within a specified radius of about a 4-hour response time, or 200 miles. Key application points: When contacting an Alarm Service Provider or Security Services Company for a quote, be sure that the company has UL 2050 certification, which is different from a UL certification or a provider of UL alarm systems. If a problem with the system is uncovered during the inspection, which is performed by a certified company, the issue could require the equipment to be removed and reinstalled by a certified company. This process can delay the project and the accreditation, and could mean costly expenses for the FSO. A listing of National Industrial Security Systems CRZH-listed companies can be found on www.ULalarmfinder.com. 2. Failing to obtain approval from the Cognizant Security Office and Cognizant Security Agency, or CSO/CSA, on an Intrusion Detection or Access Control system design prior to installation. This process is a requirement in DCID 6/9 Annex B 3.1.6 and the NSIPOM section 5-901. By obtaining approval prior to installation, you can potentially avoid additional costs and time delays associated with changing the design and/or parts of the system after installation. Key application points: Obtain approval from the CSO/CSA for an Intrusion Detection or Access Control system prior to installation. Since the Defense Security Service (DSS) requires a copy of the alarm company’s CRZH compliance certificate, obtain this early on in the project. 3. Utilizing the Intrusion Detection or Access Control systems for areas other than the accredited space. Secure spaces are required not to be left with communication that is not 128 bit encrypted. Because of limitations with the hardware that most security companies use, it prevents the connection of hardware outside of the secure space. Key application points: Choose a company that is UL 2050 certified and familiar with the government standard so that the project is properly installed. If a technical evaluation is performed and improper wiring was installed, facility operations could be shut down until the problem is corrected, causing project delays and costs. If there is cause for concern that an existing system is in violation, contact your provider for an examination. If the systems are connected and the communication is not encrypted, the problem should be resolved as quickly as possible in order to stay in compliance. A proactive Facility Service Officer will stay on top of possible system violations quickly. We at AAA Alarms (Parent Company Custom Systems, LLC, as listed by UL, pride ourselves with our knowledge of these Department of Defense approved systems that we custom design, install, service and monitor. Call AAA today for free estimate (401) 828-2271
