Why use security fog? Posted on November 28, 2023May 6, 2025 by Marcus In today’s ever-changing security landscape, businesses and homeowners face numerous threats to their safety and property. Traditional security measures, such as alarms and surveillance systems, provide some level of protection, but they may not always deter determined intruders. This is where fog cannons can be useful. This innovative security solution has gained popularity for its ability to proactively minimize criminal activities. In this article, we will look into the reasons why you should consider using protective fog for security purposes, exploring the technology behind them, their benefits, and how they can be integrated into your security strategy. The Basics of Security Fog What is Security Fog? Security fog, also known as fog security or smoke screen, is a security technology designed to disorient and deter intruders by rapidly filling the area with a dense, white, non-toxic fog. This fog obscures vision and makes it nearly impossible for criminals to see, effectively disorienting them and in most cases making them flee. Understanding Fog Cannons Fog cannons, or security fog cannons, are devices that produce and release the security fog. These devices work by discharging a thick fog curtain that can cover a large area in just a few seconds. Fog cannons can be integrated with existing security systems and triggered by various methods, including motion sensors, alarms, or manual activation. If you want to understand security fog and fog cannons even better, then we have an even more comprehensive article on this topic. Reasons to Use Protective Fog for Security Rapid Response to Threats One of the primary advantages of protective fog and fog cannons is their quick response to security threats. When an intruder is detected, fog cannons will release the dense fog within seconds, preventing criminals from carrying out their intentions. This quick response can protect your property and valuable assets effectively. Deterrence Factor The mere presence of fog cannons can serve as a strong deterrent to potential intruders. Criminals are less likely to attempt a break-in when they know that their actions will be met with a wall of fog. This psychological deterrent can significantly reduce the likelihood of security breaches. Zero Visibility The dense security fog created by fog cannons reduces visibility to almost zero. This leaves intruders disoriented, confused, and unable to carry out their criminal activities. Whether they intended theft, vandalism, or any other criminal act, the fog makes it nearly impossible for them to see, let alone achieve their goals. Non-Toxic and Safe Security fog used in fog cannons is non-toxic and safe for humans, animals, and the environment. It leaves no residue, harm, or long-term health effects. This makes it an ideal choice for security measures, ensuring the well-being of both intruders and the property owner. Cost-Effective Security When compared to other security measures like hiring additional security personnel or installing advanced surveillance systems, security fog offers a cost-effective solution. The initial investment is often lower, and the ongoing maintenance costs are manageable. It’s a practical option for businesses and homeowners looking to enhance security without breaking the bank. A Security Solution for Every Need There is a Fog cannon for the specific needs and layout of your property. Whether you have a small retail store, a large warehouse, or a house, there is a fog cannon solution that can deliver the right amount of fog for your security needs. Minimal False Alarms Security fog cannons are designed to activate only in response to genuine threats. This minimizes the chances of false alarms, reducing the unnecessary disruption and costs associated with responding to false security alerts. Integrating Security Fog and Fog Cannons into Your Security Strategy Assessing Security Needs Before integrating fog security into your security strategy, it’s essential to assess your specific security needs. Consider factors like the size of your property, the type of threats you face, and your budget. This evaluation will help determine the appropriate fog cannon system for your situation. Professional Installation For the best results with fog cannons, professional installation is essential. Expert installers will position the devices effectively, seamlessly integrate them with your current security infrastructure, and offer ongoing maintenance and support. Find your local distributor here. Integration with Existing Security Systems Fog security can be seamlessly integrated with your existing security systems, including alarms, surveillance cameras, and access control systems. This integration ensures a coordinated response to security threats, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your security strategy. Regular Maintenance Like any other security system, fog cannons require regular maintenance to ensure they function correctly when needed. Periodic checks, refilling of fog fluid, and system testing are essential to keep your security fog system in peak condition. For that purpose, PROTECT has developed different software for the fog cannons, to ensure easy and problem-free monitoring and service. Read more about our different monitoring software solutions here. Employee Training If you are a business owner, it’s crucial to educate your employees on the use and purpose of fog cannons. In the event of a security breach, they should know how to trigger the system or react appropriately to stay safe. Examples of Where Security Fog and Fog Cannons can be Useful To illustrate the effectiveness of security fog and fog cannons in enhancing security, here are a few examples that showcase the positive impact of these systems. Retail Stores Retail businesses, especially those dealing with high-value goods, are often targets for theft. The installation of fog security has led to a significant reduction in theft incidents for plenty of retail stores. When a break-in is attempted, the fog is released, disorienting the intruders, and forcing them to flee empty-handed. Read our different case on retail business here. Warehouses Warehouses often house valuable merchandise and equipment. By integrating fog cannons into their security systems, these facilities can expect to experience a decline in break-ins and a reduced risk of theft. The quick response time of fog cannons ensures minimal loss and disruption to operations. Residential Properties Homeowners can also benefit from security fog. By using these systems as part of their home security strategy, they have successfully deterred burglaries and safeguarded their property and loved ones. The non-toxic nature of the fog ensures the safety of family members, pets, and the interior. You can learn more about fog security in a residential perspective here. Common Concerns and Misconceptions While security fog cannons offer numerous benefits, some concerns and misconceptions may deter people from embracing this technology. Let’s address a few of these common concerns: False Activation One concern is the possibility of fog cannons being activated by accident or false alarms. Modern security systems are equipped with advanced sensors to minimize the chances of false activation. Additionally, user training and maintenance play crucial roles in preventing unnecessary fog release. Impact on Health The fog used in protective fog systems is non-toxic and safe for humans and animals. It dissipates quickly and leaves no lasting health effects. There is no need to worry about any adverse health impacts from exposure to the fog. All our Fog Cannons and fog fluid is thoroughly tested by professionals. You can see all our approvals and tests here. Environmental Impact The fog generated by fog cannons is also safe for the environment. It does not contribute to pollution or environmental damage. The fog will disperse after a few hours, leaving no trace behind. Maintenance Costs While fog cannon systems do require maintenance, the costs are reasonable and manageable. Regular maintenance ensures that the system functions correctly when needed, which is essential for its effectiveness. Learn more about maintenance of PROTECT fog cannons here. Protective Fog Security is for Everyone In an age where security threats are a constant concern, fog security offers an excellent solution to safeguard businesses and homes. Fog cannons’ ability to respond rapidly, deter intruders, and provide a cost-effective security solution makes them an attractive choice for a wide range of security needs. As technology continues to advance, the integration of fog cannons with existing security systems will become even more seamless and effective. With the added benefit of being non-toxic and environmentally friendly, security fog is going to play an increasingly important role in modern security strategies. By embracing this innovative technology, you can enhance your security measures and protect your property, assets, and personnel effectively. Fog cannons are a smart choice for anyone seeking to enhance their safety and peace of mind.
How does a panic button work? Posted on November 6, 2023October 24, 2024 by Marcus A panic button is the perfect solution for activating your alarm system whenever an emergency occurs. It can be very useful when the alarm should be activated quickly and in a discreet manner. When using a panic button, a person can call for help without drawing attention to themself in a vulnerable situation. The risk of the situation escalating is thus minimized, as the criminal won’t figure out that help is on its way, or the alarm is activated. What is a panic button and how it works The purpose of a panic button solution is to activate your alarm whenever someone presses the button. The button is used for security purposes, but it can be in several kind of scenarios. Yet, the purpose, no matter the situation, is to send a signal to the receiving end of the alarm. The most popular use of a panic button solution is for robbery prevention purposes. When the robber enters the area, or someone feels in danger, the button can be pressed, to ensure your own security. Thus, a panic button is a great way of making employees feel safe. Especially in jobs where the chances of a dangerous situation might be more likely. The button can send a signal to the police, to let them know it’s an emergency. It is also possible to connect the button to a security device. This could be a fog cannon, as a way of preventing the robbery from escalating. Where are panic buttons helpful? Petrol stations are often victims of robberies, because most of the time there isn’t more than one person working. It is also due to the cash, tobacco and alcohol kept at the location. The same goes for kiosks, TABAC stores and liquor stores, because of their valuable inventory. Often the locations of petrol stations are remote, which also makes them vulnerable to robberies. Supermarkets also most often have cash and valuable stock, which is also a reason for robberies. Often it is very useful to have a panic button at check-out counters, where the cash is. Thereby the employee can call silently for help if an uncomfortable situation should occur. This could also be applicable at the front desk of e.g., hotels, banks and offices. Read our case on banks here Panic buttons are also used in private homes, where people want to have an extra layer of security. A panic button can be placed around the property, to ensure that there always is a possibility to call for help. This can be if an intruder should make their way close to or inside the home. You can connect the button to many different types of alarm centrals. It can thus also be used in hospitals or senior care facilities to call for help, if a health-related emergency should occur. The fact that a robber might know that a panic button is installed, can also reduce the likelihood of an unfortunate situation happening. The robber will then know that help can be summoned immediately if they try to rob a place with a panic button installed. How does a panic button and a fog cannon work together? As mentioned, a panic button will send a signal to the receiving end of the alarm. An option is a security fog cannon. With the press of a button, the alarm will activate, and this will then start the fog cannon. A fog cannon is a security solution, which in a few seconds, after the alarm is activated, will have removed all visibility in the area. This is done by discharging a dense white fog, which can’t be seen through. When someone presses the panic button, then they’ll be able to remove themselves from the situation. Meanwhile, the robber will be unable to see anything. This will also help ensure minimal loss and damage of property, as the robber or thief won’t be able to see and thereby steal anything or cause too much harm. For a panic button and a fog cannon to work together a central alarm is needed to connect the two. A PROTECT Fog Cannon works with any type of alarm system, and you can thereby use your already installed system. The panic button will send a signal to the alarm when pressed, which then will send a signal to the fog cannon, which will immediately activate. A robber’s reaction when a fog cannon is activated is to run away from the situation. Imagine the robber, high on adrenaline, walking into a petrol station with the goal of walking out with the money and valuable stock. Then the employee presses the button, and a dense white fog will shoot directly towards the robber. The situation is probably already stressful for the robber. But when one of their senses is compromised, due to the fog, then the most common reaction is to flee from the location immediately, to get away from the uncomfortable situation. Read our case on petrol stations here Which panic button solutions exist? You can buy panic button solutions from several manufacturers. Your current security provider will probably also have different panic button options. However, a new addition to the PROTECT product line is PROTECT Ajax Ready. This means that PROTECT Fog Cannons can be wirelessly connected to any Ajax alarm system. With the new addition, there are five different ways of wirelessly activating the fog. Ajax also offers panic button solutions, which can be used for this purpose. It is also possible for some alarm systems to have the panic button solution as a function on your phone. Ajax Ready also allows this, as the PROTECT Fog Cannon can be activated through the Ajax app. Thereby you will almost always have a panic button close by. Learn more about PROTECT Ajax Ready here Panic buttons can both be wired or wireless. The wireless option means you can always have the button on you. You then never have to compromise your safety and can always call for help. The wired option has the extra security of always knowing where to go to call for help. A wired panic button won’t get out of place, as it might happen with the wireless solution. If you’re interested in learning more about panic buttons and fog cannons, then please contact your local distributor. They will be ready to help you out with any questions or demands that you might have.