Most business owners envision security as video cameras, access control, and motion sensors. However, there are many threats you cannot see that can be far more damaging than theft. Frozen pipes rupturing during winter, sump pump failures during heavy rain, or undetected gas leaks can cause devastating damage to your business.

Since opening in 1982, Alarm Security Inc. (ASI) has provided commercial security solutions across Chicago. One of the services we provide that isn’t frequently considered is environmental monitoring. Environmental monitoring is an important addition to any commercial security system.

What Is Environmental Monitoring?

Environmental monitoring adds a layer of protection beyond traditional security, monitoring for events that can harm people or damage property. Environmental sensors connect to your alarm system and to 24/7 alarm monitoring. When a sensor detects an issue, our monitoring center is alerted immediately.

Environmental sensors monitor the following hazards:

• Temperature sensors: Trigger an alert if the temperature drops below a set level. This can prevent pipes from freezing and ensure the safety of sensitive inventory or equipment.
• Water sensors: Detect water leaks from broken pipes, sump pump failures, roof leaks, or flooding.
• Gas leak detectors: Monitor for the presence of natural gas, propane, or carbon monoxide before it reaches unsafe levels.
• Sump pump monitors: Alert the monitoring center if the pump fails or water levels rise.
• Humidity sensors: Monitor humidity levels to protect electronics, paperwork, medicines, and other items that are easily damaged by moisture.

Environmental Threats in the Chicago Area

Chicago businesses deal with unique environmental challenges that make environmental monitoring worthwhile.

• Severe cold. Winters in Illinois can get very cold, putting pipes at risk of freezing and bursting. If a pipe bursts in a commercial building that’s unoccupied, it could mean damage to your inventory, equipment, and walls by morning. With temperature sensors, you can detect a heating failure before pipes freeze.
• Heavy rains. Heavy rains can cause localized flooding. Commercial properties with below-grade space are particularly vulnerable to water damage. A water sensor in the right location can detect water long before it causes major damage.
• Aging infrastructure. Many Chicago-area commercial properties have older plumbing, heating, and gas systems that can experience failures. Environmental monitoring can alert you to problems before they become serious issues.

How ASI Environmental Monitoring Works

Environmental monitoring is not a separate product. It’s a component of the alarm system we customize for each customer.

1. Site Evaluation and Identification of Threats

No two buildings are alike. A warehouse in Elk Grove Village, a restaurant in downtown Chicago, or a marijuana grower in Des Plaines all have different environmental risks. To determine the risks at your property, our technicians visit your site and look for vulnerable areas where sensors should be installed.

2. Installation of the Sensors

Each sensor must be installed in the correct location to work effectively. For example, temperature sensors should be placed near vulnerable piping, water sensors should be positioned in areas prone to water collection, and gas sensors should be near potential gas leaks. Our team places the sensors in the locations that provide maximum coverage and minimize false alarms.

3. Connection to 24/7 Alarm Monitoring

All sensors connect to our 24/7 alarm monitoring center. When an event occurs, our professionals receive the alert immediately and can take action. They can contact emergency services or designated individuals at your business.

4. Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Environmental monitoring only works if the sensors are functioning properly. That’s why we offer ongoing maintenance to keep your sensors in good condition. ASI has local service technicians ready to maintain your equipment when needed.

Who Can Benefit from Environmental Monitoring?

Any business can benefit from the protection environmental monitoring offers, but some are especially at risk:

• Warehouses and distribution facilities: Large open spaces require monitoring for both water and temperature. * Restaurants and Food Service: Gas detection enhances safety, and temperature monitoring preserves coolers and freezers.
• Retail Stores: Water and temperature sensors safeguard inventory and facilities while unoccupied.
• Cannabis Facilities: Temperature, humidity, and gas monitoring ensure product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Office Buildings with Server Rooms: Temperature and humidity monitoring safeguards critical IT equipment.
• Schools and Government Facilities: Monitoring ensures occupant safety and protects against expensive property damage.

The Cost of No Monitoring

A heating system failure on a Friday night in January causes the temperature to drop below freezing. Come Monday morning, pipes have burst and flooded the building, destroying inventory, equipment, carpeting, and drywall. Insurance might pay for some of the damage, but the costs associated with lost revenue, downtime, and deductibles mount quickly.

But if the temperature dropped on Saturday morning and a sensor detected the drop, then our monitoring center could alert you and a heating contractor could fix the problem before the property sustains any damage.

Environmental monitoring is one of the most effective commercial security investments because the cost of environmental monitoring is a small fraction of the cost of the damage it prevents.

Why Choose ASI for Environmental Monitoring?

There are a lot of details to consider when evaluating an environmental monitoring provider for your business:

• 40+ years of experience in the Chicago area: We’ve been dealing with the environmental issues that Illinois properties face since 1982.
• A single-source provider: Burglar alarms, fire alarm systems, video surveillance, access control, and environmental monitoring come from the same source.
• Local and fast response: Our technicians are located in Des Plaines and can be on-site within hours, not days.
• Bosch Authorized Dealer: We use Bosch equipment that is reliable, easy to maintain, and professional grade.
• 24/7 professional monitoring: Environmental sensors receive 24/7 monitoring and immediate response.
• Customized for your needs: Sensors are placed strategically depending on your property’s individual risk factors.

FAQs

Can I add environmental sensors to my existing security system?

In most cases, you can. If your existing system can accommodate additional sensors, then we can integrate environmental monitoring into your current set-up rather than replacing the entire system. A technician will examine your system and make the recommendation that works best for your budget.

How soon does the monitoring center respond to an environmental sensor alert?

The alarm monitoring center receives alerts as soon as the sensors detect an issue. A trained professional then follows your custom action plan, which may include contacting specified individuals, escalating the situation if necessary, or calling emergency services.

Are there facilities that require environmental monitoring for compliance?

Some facilities and industries may require environmental monitoring, such as cannabis facilities, food storage operations, pharmaceutical environments, and certain buildings due to fire codes. Environmental monitoring can also serve as a useful safety precaution and loss prevention tool, even if not strictly required by regulations.

Can environmental sensors trigger false alarms?

If a system is properly installed and maintained, environmental sensors provide high accuracy. Careful consideration of sensor placement and sensitivity settings helps prevent false alarms while still providing a level of protection for your business.

How much does environmental monitoring cost?

Prices vary depending on facility size, number and type of sensors, and existing infrastructure. But environmental monitoring can be a very cost-effective layer of protection relative to the costs of a single freeze or water damage event.

Take Steps to Safeguard Your Business Today

A burglar alarm helps stop thieves. A fire alarm system guards against fires. Video surveillance records what happened after a crime occurs. Environmental monitoring takes a proactive approach to disaster prevention, identifying problems like frozen pipes, basement flooding, gas leaks, and failed sump pumps before they result in significant damage.

Alarm Security Inc. has been helping businesses in the Chicago metro area stay safe for over 40 years. We’d be happy to conduct a thorough assessment of your business and help you determine which environmental risks you face and which environmental sensors will best address them.

To schedule a free consultation, call (847) 390-9600 or contact our Des Plaines team today.