Under protection, problems and issues December 19, 2025

KEN KIRSCHENBAUM, ESQ
ALARM - SECURITY INDUSTRY LEGAL EMAIL NEWSLETTER / THE ALARM EXCHANGE
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Under protection, problems and issues
December 19, 2025

Under protection, problems and issues

Ken
   I started in the security business in the late 60's while still in high school. My training and knowledge was a combination of things, people I knew that were a bit mischievous and would tell me how and what they did, at times that meant entering without permission. The owner of a sprinkler company had his inspector pick me up when I had no school so I could learn more about sprinkler systems and the alarms connected to them, many buildings we went into were protected by ADT, Holmes, Wells Fargo, Honeywell or similar companies, he would explain and show me how to circumvent the burglar alarm systems and what to do to protect the building from burglars, I found out about a year later, he was truly a professional burglar. Fire alarms were much simpler back then, I learned on Acme Fire Alarms, was able to visit and get training at the factory where a lot of the components were made.
   When we installed a burglar alarm every opening had to be protected, glass was foiled, doors had contacts, and some sort of secondary protection and a least two bells outside. In the 80's it seemed a lot of people were getting into the business and not providing full perimeter protection, one outdoor sounder, low prices, so I focused on fire alarms and sprinkler systems.
   Yesterday I went to a friends parents house, they had a kitchen fire (food on the stove) about a year ago, kitchen totaled, smoke damage throughout. Luckily when the fire started smoke made its way out of the kitchen, through the dining room, up the stairs to the smoke detector. Yeah, five rooms on the first floor and no detectors, one detector in the second floor hall, no detectors in the bedrooms and none in the basement.
   It is very rare that we install a fire alarm in a house, however, when we do, every room and all halls (except the kitchen and bathrooms) gets a smoke detector, even large closets if there is any source of ignition (light or receptacle). With commercial fire we have to follow guidelines, laws, codes, etc. and keep in mind, they are minimum requirements, not the best.
   I was at a holiday party in the host's house last week, I have been there a few times, he uses another alarm company which is fine since we are mainly commercial orientated, what I noticed or should say, didn't notice were smoke detectors, and also noted that it appeared they used glass break sensors, however, I was with someone who has a vast knowledge of glass break sensors, we both thought that the glass was not adequately protected, maybe we just didn't see something?
   Where am I going with all of this, if your looking to buy accounts, it would behoove you to visit each and every one to see what you're buying. If you did a job many years ago, the protected area may be different now. Did your sales person really provide the proper level of protection?
   I knew someone in the alarm business, he sold the business and went to work for a larger company, a few times he told me about jobs he was bidding and I told him it's not right, or it is under protected, etc. he said, I don't care, I need to sell the job to get my commission, not my problem. Many jobs get sold with the hopes of making up the profit with extras later. How many systems are out there that are providing a false sense of security, a problem and claim waiting to happen.
Jeff
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Response
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   As I read this trip down memory lane and observations on current deficiencies I was struck by the final question: "How many systems are out there that are providing a false sense of security, a problem and claim waiting to happen." My thought was, probably all of them. And, that's the point of the properly drafted alarm contracts, to convey the unmistakable message that security and fire alarms and measures are not foolproof and the providers of those services, all of you reading this, are not insurance companies.
   The point of the Disclaimer Notice is to emphasize that there is always more protection. I'd like to say that all the electronic protection is driven by the subscriber's budget, but that's not entirely true. Not all alarm companies deliver the same level of service and not all alarm companies have the same level of care.
   Jeff is well credentialed, trained and concerned, perhaps overly so if there is such a thing. I suppose one cynical point of view is that even the most fastidious alarm company sometimes can't overcome the subscriber's demands, requirements and often budget. That's not to suggest that all alarm companies strive to the same level of service; some have their eye on continued, relentless, growth, while others are up at night worrying about their customer's property and safety.
   We are getting ready to enter a new year. It's a good time to reflect on where you've been and where you're going as it pertains to your chosen career. The better you are at it and the more concerned you are in striving to "best practices' [which doesn't mean perfection] the closer you'll be to achieving your goals, appreciating your success and making more money.
   Jeff, thanks for all your articles and contributions to the industry and this forum in particular.

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Ken Kirschenbaum,Esq
Kirschenbaum & Kirschenbaum PC
Attorneys at Law
200 Garden City Plaza
Garden City, NY 11530
516 747 6700 x 301
ken@kirschenbaumesq.com
www.KirschenbaumEsq.com