We’re lucky that we don’t live in New Orleans circa 2005 when Hurricane Katrina swept through and destroyed the homes and livelihoods of thousands of people; we’re lucky we don’t live too near to low-lying  beaches or in a place where tsunamis are a problem. For these people seasonal and flash flooding can be a major issue for the safety and well-being of their homes and businesses. We do live in one of the wettest climates in the United States, and often in old homes with aging pipes and we do need to be weary of water-related problems in homes and offices. Thankfully, Allied Fire and Security has the answer for you.

With the WaterCop Automatic Water Shut-Off System, you can be certain that flooding and water-damage done by aging, faulty and defective plumbing and appliances are no longer an issue. The WaterCop system helps to prevent damage done by water leakage by shutting off the main water supply to a home or business the moment it senses a leak. In addition, WaterCop can detect freezing temperatures (that might cause a pipe to burst with pressure) and shut off the main – this will help prevent damage in the event that the pipe does eventually burst.

This system is perfect for all homes, but is especially useful in buildings that are not always, fully occupied like vacation homes and businesses; and in places where a little bit of water damage can go a long way like in condos and high rise apartments, hospitals, and financial institutions.

It is always better to be safe than sorry in the event of broken pipes or a dysfunctional water main. You can talk to our consultants in one of our stores for more information on the WaterCop system and a breakdown of installation protocol and costs.

A lot of times, we talk a lot about the doom and gloom that goes along with working in the security industry – it is, of course, always important to be prepared for the very worst. So we spend a lot of time thinking about how to dissuade that mastermind burglar from planning a mastermind break-in in to your home; how to scare off the arsonist who is just aching to set fire to your business; and in the case any of these things do happen, to how prevent the total loss of personal possessions and prevent harm to loved one.

And then sometimes, a story like this one comes along, and we sit back in our seats and chuckle – and we remember that being prepared for the worst doesn’t mean it’s going to happen, and that just because we are paid to think about what could happen, doesn’t mean that everyone out there is aiming to steal or harm you.

This guy, who broke into a Portland-area home, makes the robbers in Home Alone look like geniuses:

Burglar’s 911 call: “I just broke in to a house, and the owners came home!”
911 operator: “Wait, you broke into a house?”
Burglar: “Yeah.”

Timothy Chapek, 25, allegedly broke into a home in Portland, Oregon to take a shower. When he heard the owner come home, he got scared. And yes, called 911.

While he’s calling 911, you can hear homeowner Hillary McKenzie…

Hillary McKenzie, homeowner (overheard on 911 call): “Why are you in my house talking a shower?”
Clark: “I’m sorry. My name is Timothy Chapek.”
McKenzie: “Why are you in my shower?”
Clark: “I broke in…”
McKenzie: “Alright, I am call the police.”

McKenzie: “He’s in the bathroom, the door’s shut, and he said he is there, and I said (laughing), ‘who the hell are you?.”
911 operator: “Did he sound like he was high or drunk?”
McKenzie: “Well, he is obviously nuts.”

Is that absolutely the weirdest, craziest thing ever? In a way, it makes me glad to remember that most robbers are scared and stupid and have no alternative than stealing…this guy just needed a shower….

Police in Spokane have recently said they are concerned about a rash of suspicious fires that seem to have been intentionally set in the Spokane area. Did you know that 55% of all arson, or intentionally set fires, involve kids under the age of 18 years? It follows that there are more fires set in the summer time than any other season of the year. After all, kids are out of school in the summer; many of them don’t have too much to do and are bored with their summer break. And very interesting to note, especially to all home owners out there, is that the majority of arson is set in small alleyways behind homes where the arsonist can set up a fire without causing a stir with the neighbors.

Spokane Assistant Chief Schaeffer noted of alleyways, “the alleyways are a great method for the arsonist to go from home to home to home. With a little bit of effort they can start a really big fire, with really big consequences without being detected.” Oftentimes the worst arson fires are set in situations like this because, the arsonist may be able to set fire to many homes or backyards without anyone noticing. All these fires can connect and cause a significant amount of damage in a neighborhood.

While it would be idea to be able to avoid these situations full out, that’s not always possible. You can minimize your chances of being subject to an arson attack by making sure your alleyway is free and clear of garbage, cardboard boxes, carpet scraps, and other combustible material. Additionally, the use of motion-activated lights may help to scare off any potential arsonist from your alleyway.

But, as with anything, it is always better to be safe and prepared than be sorry. There are certain things you can do to help protect your valuables and loved ones in case of an arson-fire: make sure you have a working fire alarm in every room of the house – especially in bedrooms and areas where a fire might be started (the kitchen, anywhere with electrical equipment); keep any and all personal documents and keepsakes in a fireproof safe ; and discuss an evacuation plan with all members of your family. Our salespeople at any of our three stores would be glad to give you a proposal for the most secure and fire-safe home you can get in the North West.

3051 E Valley Rd.
Renton, WA
98057 Phone: 425-988-6500  Toll Free: 1-888-333-3921

425 W Second Ave.
Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: 509-624-3152   Toll Free: 1-800-448-8338

530 NE Couch St.
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: 503-281-1177   Toll Free: 1-800-729-3925