TECHNOLOGY
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ACCESS CONTROL
Homeless Veterans Get New Calif. Home Secured by Advanced Security Systems
Advanced Security Systems, SDM’s 2021 Dealer of the Year, installed an integrated security system at Bayview Heights, the newly constructed Redwood Veterans and Homeless Center in downtown Eureka, Calif. The project also included a life safety system (fire alarm), access control, video surveillance, intercom system, and security.
Construction of the 50-unit, three-story building was completed by Danco Builders Northwest, a division of the Danco Group. The $20 million construction provides new living spaces for 50 formerly homeless individuals and veterans, featuring residential units in groups of seven. Bayview Heights also includes space for the Veterans Administration to assist residents with case management, behavioral health treatment, employment training, and job placement. Building amenities include a rooftop community garden and patio, Energy Star appliances, wiring for internet and cable, and a fully enclosed courtyard.
All residents have incomes below 50 percent of the median income in Humboldt County, Calif., which has the largest homeless population per capita in the state. Funding was provided by California’s Veteran Housing and Homelessness Prevention Program, tax credits, and rent supports from the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program and Humboldt County.
Advanced Security has a long-standing relationship with Danco Builders, which recommended that they bid on the project, said Rick Petrusha, vice president and general manager of Advanced Security. Because it was an R1 occupancy project, the building required an automatic fire alarm system with low frequency sounders, as well as access control and other elements, he said.
IMAGE COURTESY ADVANCED SECURITY
Advanced installed a Notifier by Honeywell fire alarm system and sprinkler system; Sielox access control system on all exterior gates, lobbies, and areas leading to different portions of the building; Digital Watchdog cameras and surveillance system for all common areas and around the exterior of the building; and DMP full camera security system in the office area, Petrusha said.
Residents are provided with an access control key fob that allows them to enter the facility, exit the elevator only on their floor, enter their apartment, and access the common areas, said Bayview Heights Property Manager and Director Erica Farnum.
“Most of the residents have struggled with addiction issues and on the streets always had their stuff stolen, so security is a top concern for both the residents and the people who work at the facility,” she added. “Visitors buzz the intercom with a video monitor on the access control system to request entry, and must register if allowed to enter.”
The property also has security cameras on the outside of the facility, in the back parking lot, and inside the facility in hallways and common areas, enabling security guards to immediately spot developing issues, according to Farnum. “They help keep everyone safe, whether that is keeping people out of the facility, or letting them know to stay inside while police or the Department of Health and Human Services comes and helps them resolve issues,” she said.
Farnum credits the security systems as being critical to the facility’s functionality: “Without them I wouldn’t be able to do my job!” She described how the facility’s smoke detectors have alerted them to potential problems, whether residents are smoking in their room, or accidentally left the stove on when they went out. In the latter case, security guards were able to enter the apartment and turn off the stove before it caused a fire. Recently when the automatic controls on the elevator were down and the facility had to use manual controls, the intercomsystem helped residents let the office know to send the elevator to their floor, she added. — By Laura Mazzuca Toops, SDM Managing Editor //
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IMAGE COURTESY OF AMAG Technology
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IMAGE COURTESY OF EPIC SMART HOMES
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