Blue Light Magazine Highlights Solar Panel Theft

Solar panels for use as part of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system whether residential or commercial, are still a large expense and an integral part of the system.  Theft of such panels is causing substantial financial setbacks and interruptions in power sources from large-scale solar farms and parks.  To combat this threat of theft and vandalism, new security measures are being taken.

Various solar farms throughout the UK have installed the new security measures.  Technologies from 3 different companies have been combined to form one awesome surveillance package and system.  A video management system, thermal cameras, and video analytics software are all working cohesively to form a solution.  Testing is in process before the new system is released for personal use, but research is showing it is affective in detecting human intruders and identifying security breaches without additional persons stationed at the solar farms.

Since the system can be accessed online, there is no need for security additions at the premises other than the thermal cameras.  Human intruders are identified by body heat and can be easily distinguished from animals by stride and gait.  Motion sensors can also tell the difference in humans or wind rustling bushes so the system will not alert unless a true threat is detected.  Verbal warnings are then issued over a loud speaker system and if the threat is not deterred police can be called in to assist and investigate.

A surveillance system, that is additionally smart, such as this new technology, will be very cost effective.  The reduction of theft and vandalism cost is the highest cost savings, yet the upfront cost is very low to install such a system also.  There is no need for added personnel to increase payroll and benefits expense, and the ability to authenticate a threat before alerting will save in false-alarm costs.

Blue Light Magazine concentrates on reporting the latest breakthroughs for all emergency organisations and services.  A publication exclusively for emergency services, they aim to provide the latest information and news about the ambulance, fire, rescue, and police under the umbrella of Sigma Publishing.  If you are a member of a community service group or have family affiliations to such important groups, please share these publications.

Blue Light Magazine | Information document

Homes that are not fitted with fully functioning smoke alarms pose an increased risk to their occupants: that is, their risk of dying in a fire are doubled. These devices are incredibly inexpensive, so the risk truly is not worth the pennies it would cost having one, and if any additional help is needed in order to install one, the local Fire and Rescue Service can install it free of charge.

How many smoke detectors are sufficient? For many, only one is needed, but in multi-level homes, it is best to have an alarm on each level, explains Blue Light Magazine. The more operational smoke detectors there are, the more likely fire will be detected early, allowing it to be stopped or otherwise allowing people to vacate to safety.

Blue Light Magazine explains that installation of smoke alarms is not enough to ensure safety, however. They must also be maintained. Weekly testing should be conducted and batteries changed every year to make sure they are doing what they are meant to do, and the device itself should be swapped out every ten years to avoid deterioration that would render it ineffective.

Another consideration for those looking to protect themselves is which alarm should be installed. Blue Light Magazine delineates two types of alarms. Optical alarms sense a smoldering fire, while ionization alarms detect open fires. For single level homes, optical alarms are a good choice as they will not tend to go off accidentally. However, one of each is the ideal setup. Whichever alarm is chosen, they should be branded with the British Standard Kitemark.

Smoke alarms go a long way towards safety, but prevention is the best step people can take in avoiding the hazards of fire. A few steps Blue Light Magazine recommends taking include: keep cooking appliances clean; monitor anything left on a heat source closely; keep flammable objects away from heat sources; keep vents clear of obstructions; immediately unplug and isolate any appliance in which a fire starts, and get it serviced before using it again after a fire; and remember not to use water to stop a grease fire. The best way to deal with this last type of situation is to try and smother the fire with a lid if possible.

The combination of smoke detectors and these preventive measures will help any family be safe from fire hazards.