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Last Updated: Wednesday, May 16, 2012

California Firefighters Decry Use of Illegal and Dangerous Alarm Feature

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In an attempt to 'take a bite out of crime', some business owners in California have recently turned to an illegal and highly dangerous method of stymieing burglaries and robberies.

Referred to as "Security Fog Intruder Protection Systems", these seemingly benign installations are seeing an upswing in The Golden State, where they have long been prohibited by law.

Designed to fill an entire room - or even warehouse within seconds, with a thick floor-to-ceiling zero-visibility cloud that lingers (some vendors say for 25 minutes or more), the concerns of firefighters remain on safe egress and false alarms, the latter of which occurred this week in Los Angeles.

Responding with lights and sirens through crowded city streets, Los Angeles Fire Department crews discovered "heavy smoke" emanating from a commercial building. After forcibly entering the business and cutting holes in the roof to allow the massive smoke and anticipated heat to escape, the veteran team of firefighters discovered the source of their false alarm to be a security fog intruder protection system clearly prohibited by local municipal regulations and California Fire Code Section 316.4:

316.4 Security Devices. Any security device or system that emits any medium that could obscure a means of egress in any building, structure or premise shall be prohibited.

We encourage business and homeowners to employ only reputable and licensed alarm firms that know and obey the many lifesaving regulations of Fire and Life Safety Codes. Before any contract is signed, be certain to obtain an affirmation that any and all features of your business or home alarm system is compliant with local, regional, State and Provincial law.

Republished with permission of Los Angeles Fire Department. View original article here.

Author:Brian Humphrey - PIO - Los Angeles Fire Department

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Hello, I work for FlashFog Security. It was a FlashFog that prevented a burglary and triggered the false fire alarm described. While it seems like authorities should ban security fog, it might surprise you to know that in other countries insurers actually make it mandatory. In Europe, gun stores, pharmacies and other primary targets have it mandated as minimum security. Over 120,000 units operate legally. Citizens are allowed to purchase and the law ensures they are installed correctly. Without proper dialogue, Americans risk being denied a proven technology that is needed. Those burglars prepared well. This gang had just burglarized 15 local pharmacies over a two month period. They routinely defeat security that is supposed to work: they pry open metal bars, cut through window film, wear hoods to hide from cameras, and work so quickly that the alarm is useless as police have no time to respond. Police can tell you street drugs can be traced directly to attacks like these. On that night, when they put a rock through the window they faced security they could not counter. These thieves were defeated in 30 seconds by closing the gap they expertly exploit. One burglar tried to enter and exited safely though he went deep into the store. Video shows that egress was not an issue. He left empty handed. Chances are these criminals will stay away from businesses that display the same warning stickers. The drugs were not taken, the criminal found an exit and nobody was hurt. FlashFogs have prevented hundreds, if not thousands, of narcotic pills and firearms from reaching the streets in the USA. We appeal for an objective analysis that considers solutions to the safety challenges involved. For example, on that night the core problem was information. Unfortunately, when firefighters responded the fog�s effectiveness was misinterpreted as a large fire. The technology itself was not the culprit. It would have been different if the installation had been noted in the Computer Aided Dispatch file. Firefighters would have known to test for fog. This simple step would have avoided all the damage. Firefighters are exceedingly good at spreading important information in the fire community. Companies such as CVS, Zales and Saks Fifth Avenue operate units under formal permits from their local fire jurisdictions. FlashFog is endorsed by the Nat�l Community Pharmacy Association, the Nat�l Association of Firearm Retailers, and the Georgia Retailers Association. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives mentions security fog in their security seminars. It is legal in Canada, Australia and all European countries. Insurance companies, who have analyzed all risk involved, give discounts to FlashFog customers. Experience shows that security fog, under the correct regulatory framework, can protect the public and benefit the economy. I hope we can start dialogue. Sincerely, Alfredo Arias www.flashfogsecurity.com/123 ~ Alfredo Arias

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