***********************
Comment On MFG Recalls From Sept 5, 2014 Article
***************************
    I have been involved with smoke detector recalls for 40 years.
    The basic problem is that the detector failure can compromise a system by failing to report a fire alarm as an early warning device.  In the case of an actual fire once the extra early warning time has passed the entire building and all the occupants can be overtaken by the fire.I served as an expert witness on the West Chase Hilton fore which had lawsuits and liability claims exceeding $100 million. A burnt smoke imbedded detector was brought back to the company and demonstrated that it still worked properly on Videotape. The manufacture was dropped from the overall lawsuit.     Several years later Notifier lost a major case and subsequently sold the company. 
    The liabilities can be triple damages in some States. In a $1M dollar suit the award can be 3M to the plaintiff. This could be an argument in the ESL recall as negligence could be claimed against the dealer who was advised about the problem and did nothing about it 5pm The subsequent fire with a loss of life and property could have been prevented. As a listened professional criminal negligence could also make this criminal case in a seminal manner to criminal negligence in driving to endanger and killing someone. 
    The Chinese manufacturers have been able to avoid the added costs and overhead of these potential lawsuits that must be included by domestic manufacturers and as a result have pushed many American manufacturers out of business. 
    The $30 dollar expense reimbursement does not pay for parking and gas on NYC . Labor time can be very expensive as my distributor had to go into an office building with scaffolding over a weekend cover all the furniture with drop cloths an proceed floor by floor through secure rooms which ment a paid security detail and a  building fire watch. The knowledgeable provider of fire systems is aware of the potential losses if he doesn't change the defective detectors. 
    Time to call Ken K & Company and get reimbursement as required. 
Montgomery Ames
*******************
alarm companies ‘charging for Police / Fire services
**********************
Ken:
    The issue of alarm companies ‘charging for Police / Fire services’ has me much annoyed!
    Years ago at SESCOA (there, I just dated myself) for training on alarm systems, the trainer, Mr. Jim Koelle, told the story of how in New York City there was a huge fire at an AT&T  Central Office. In order to keep protection of their customers, the Central Stations (who, due to direct wire or McCullough service no longer was able to provide service) had their GUARDS on corners. Alarms were SILENT in those days with Direct Wires or McCullough circuits as burglars were regularly caught by responding guards or Police. In an extremely short period of time it became evident to this technician as Jim was installing a SESCOA Alarm Central Station Receiver in New York and was seeing how 1st hand the Police would not be able to handle the wave of crime that would sweep over the area affected. ALARM SYSTEMS HELP TO KEEP CRIME IN CHECK…..don’t believe it – just look at the figures.
Joe Pfefer, President
Jade Alarm Co.
KC, MO
**************************
TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REPLY TO THIS EMAIL OR EMAIL Ken@Kirschenbaumesq.com.  Most comments and questions get circulated.

******************************************************************************************************************************************

                                                           Speaking Engagements


If you would like to schedule a free live video/webinar presentation for your association meeting or event contact Eileen Wagda at 516 747 6700 x 312.

********************************************************************************************************************************************

Alarm Association of Greater St. Louis.   September 16, 2014.  at Tech Electronics HQs office at 6437 Manchester  Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139.  Meeting is from 11:45 – 1:30  Video conference presentation starting at 12:15 CST.  For more information or to register contact Tony Drago adrago@tyco.com  www.alarmstl.org
********************
NYSESA - September 17, 2014 at Honor's Haven Resort, Ellenville, NY.  This is the NYS Electronic Security Assoc annual meeting.  Presentation on updated contracts and current legal issues will be at 10:30 AM.  For more information or reservations contact Dale R. Eller, Executive Director (814) 838-0301  dalereller@itzsolutions.com
***************
Texas Burglar and Fire Alarm Association.  October 1 - 4, 2014,  annual convention at San Luis Resort Spa & Conference Center, Galveston, TX.  Register here:  http://tbfaa.org/tbfaa-2014-convention-trade-show-attendee-registration/
For more info contact Debi at 281-859-4569.  Brad Shipp, Executive Director
*****************

Alabama Alarm Association.  AAA's Fall Meeting and Trade Show - October 21, 2014 from 3 to 5 PM at DoubleTree Hotel 808 South 20th Street Birmingham, AL 35205  for more info contact AAA Executive Director: director@alabamaalarm.org  (205) 933-9000 

********************