Press Releases

Fire Safety Tips for Thanksgiving

We understand how stressful the holidays can be. From hosting loved ones to traveling long distances, to not burning the turkey, the last thing on your mind is making sure your smoke alarms are working. This Thanksgiving, before the festivities begin, take some time to prep your home for any fire threats that might arise.

  1. Stay In The Kitchen While Cooking On The Stove
    Make sure whenever there is an open flame that you are watching it carefully. If you need to step away, ask a loved one to watch the flame or simply turn off the stove–turning off the stove prevents any possibility of the flame getting out of control while you are not present.
  2. Use Caution With Deep Fryers
    When deep frying a turkey, always deep fry outdoors and at least 10 feet away from your home. Make sure that your fryer is on a stable, flat surface to avoid any chance of it tipping over.
  3. Keep Fire Safety Equipment Nearby
    Fire safety equipment like fire extinguishers and smoke alarms should all be nearby and easily accessible. Before the holidays begin, check if your smoke alarms are on and functioning properly, and check if your fire extinguisher is not expired.
  4. Be Mindful of Flammable Items Near Cooking Areas
    Keep towels, oven mitts, and paper items like recipe cards or napkins at a safe distance from the stove and other heat sources. Ensure that nothing flammable is within reach of burners or open flames, as these items can catch fire quickly.
  5. Limit the Number of People in the Kitchen
    Thanksgiving kitchens are often bustling, but too many people in a small area can lead to accidents. Designate a primary cook or limit the number of people moving around near the stove and oven to prevent spills, burns, and distractions that could result in a fire.

By following these tips, you can keep your family safe and make the most of your Thanksgiving! From all of us at Esscoe, have a safe and joyful Thanksgiving!

Direct Link

Modern, Unified Security Solutions – Genetec Security Center SaaS

The Genetec SaaS Security Center is your perfect blend of enterprise-grade security features and cloud-based speed and functionality.

SaaS Designed For You
Modify your security system exactly to your needs. With flexible deployments, you can utilize connected solutions with cloud-native services while storing and processing locally or in the cloud–wherever is best for you. The Security Center SaaS can also adapt to new technology from an open ecosystem of technology partners, so you are only paying for what your business needs.

Advanced Security Capabilities
The Genetec Security Center SaaS system has built-in forensics search capabilities to merge metadata from a variety of devices equipped with edge analytics in a single, intuitive user interface. The system quickly presents results to operators with an intuitive design so they can make quicker, better-informed decisions, and also adapts to every job with web, mobile and desktop applications.

Everything In One Place
Find everything you need in one, unified interface. Get a global view of all your activities and sites on maps and unified reports. Monitor and respond to incidents and view security related data from a single system. Simplify the entire installation and configuration process with remote deployment and system management tools, easy enrollment workflows, and quick web configuration. With all capabilities easily accessible, security has never been easier.

Meeting Your Needs Today and Tomorrow
Security Center SaaS meets your needs today and can grow with you as your business grows. With a customizable approach, you can move to cloud and scale at your own pace. Add direct-to-cloud devices, use your current hardware, and connect on-prem sites. From an all cloud approach to a hybrid model, everything can be customized and modified as your security needs expand.

Contact us today to take your security system to the next level!

Direct Link

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

At Esscoe, we are incredibly proud of the range of services we provide, the friendly hospitality we embrace, and the results that keep our clients coming back. Whether you’re inquiring about a security system or in need of an inspection, Esscoe can take care of your life safety needs. Don’t just take our word for it—check out a few client testimonials that highlight our team’s dedication to getting the job done right!

Professionalism Every Step Of The Way “I have had the privilege to work with Esscoe on nearly 40 projects over the past 20 years. Those projects range from security upgrades to new fire alarm system installations. Esscoe has really set themselves apart from their competitors in their teaming approach with each project. You can count on true professionalism and support at time of bid, through construction, and close out. The support is driven by their prompt and reliable Customer Service.” -Jayson Lange, Aldridge Electric

Our Team Is Dedicated To Success – “I couldn’t be more impressed with Esscoe. From the moment we engaged with them, their commitment to excellence was evident. Their team is incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail. They are truly experts when it comes to Edwards systems and they go above and beyond to help me maintain a safe and reliable fire alarm system.” -Patrick Gunville, The University of Chicago Medicine

Reliable Support Whenever You Need “Esscoe understands that a fire system is an important investment for the owner, offering competitive pricing to match. I have been extremely satisfied with their wide range of services, including system maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. Esscoe has consistently provided comprehensive services, ensuring that our fire alarm system remains in optimal condition and functions reliably at all times across our entire college campus.” -John Briseno, Lake Forest College

Now that you’ve heard from some of our valued clients, don’t hesitate to give us a call today! Contact our experts at 847.847.3200 or email us at info@esscoe.com

Direct Link

Press Release

Convergint Acquires Esscoe, Expanding Service Offerings in Midwestern U.S.

Acquisition Adds More Than 80 Colleagues, Expanding Service Capabilities in Education, Finance, Utilities, Government, Healthcare, and Data Center Markets

September 09, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

SCHAUMBURG, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Convergint, a global leader in service-based systems integration, today announced that it has acquired Esscoe, a premier provider of mission-critical security and fire and life safety systems in the Chicago and Midwest regions. Esscoe is a local market leader, offering exceptional design and engineering capabilities and fully integrated, tech-enabled security solutions. The acquisition enables Convergint to accelerate growth across the Midwestern U.S.—building on Esscoe’s long-standing reputation for delivering cutting-edge solutions to its customers.

“Their commitment to market-leading service has earned them a loyal, extensive customer base across this critical region. Their mission resonates strongly with Convergint’s own Values and Beliefs and dedication to being our customers’ best service provider.”

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Lake Zurich, Illinois, Esscoe provides customers with essential security, life safety, and mass notification systems. The acquisition adds more than 80 local colleagues to Convergint, leveraging Esscoe’s established customer base to greatly expand market reach and technology expertise. Esscoe will bolster Convergint’s key service capabilities across verticals including financial, utilities, government, healthcare, and data centers.

“Esscoe’s deep technological expertise and innovative approach align perfectly with our strategic growth plans,” said Ann Fandozzi, CEO of Convergint. “Their commitment to market-leading service has earned them a loyal, extensive customer base across this critical region. Their mission resonates strongly with Convergint’s own Values and Beliefs and dedication to being our customers’ best service provider.”

“For nearly two decades, Mike Cook, Todd Keppy, and I have led Esscoe with a commitment to innovation and customer success,” said Scott Bartmess, Principal, Esscoe. “By joining Convergint, the Esscoe team is elevating our capacity to support customer growth locally, nationally and globally. This partnership allows us to join our expertise with Convergint’s extensive resources, creating a powerful combination that will be highly beneficial for the success of both our valued customers and colleagues.”

About Convergint

Convergint is a 2.5 billion USD global, industry-leading systems integrator that designs, installs, and services electronic security, cybersecurity, fire and life safety, building automation, and audio-visual systems. Listed as the #1 systems integrator in SDM Magazine’s Top Systems Integrators Report for the past 7 years, Convergint leads with over 10,000 colleagues and more than 220 locations worldwide. To learn more about Convergint, visit www.convergint.com.

Contacts

Mary Parisi
203-612-0818
mary.parisi@convergint.com

Direct Link

Fire Safety Regulations Then And Now: Comparing UL 268 6th And 7th Editions

For the first time since 1976, the worldwide standards for smoke detectors have been updated. The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standard for Smoke Detectors for Fire Alarm Systems recently published the UL 268 7th Edition, the biggest change to smoke alarms in 30 years. The new regulations in fire safety aim to tackle modern fire threats and simultaneously improve building occupant’s life safety.

How much can fire threats and safety change in 30 years? In a rapidly changing world, advancements in technology also means safety threats become more advanced alongside it. According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), the average escape time from a fire in 1978 was roughly 17 minutes. However, thirty years later, that time sharply decreased to an average escape time of only 3 minutes. With modern day threats becoming faster and more dangerous, smoke detection systems need to be strides ahead to keep people safe.

The primary difference between the UL 268 6th and 7th editions is the update to better address synthetic materials. More often than not, the items in our homes, offices, schools and other places are made of synthetic materials like polyester or polyurethane foam. These materials are very flammable in comparison to natural materials that were more widely used 30 years ago, like cotton and wood. The UL 268 7th Edition can distinguish between these different materials and has the capability to react to synthetic fires quickly.

The other major update from the 6th edition to the 7th is the technology to distinguish between real fire threats and nuisance alarms. Has this ever happened to you? You are cooking and accidentally set off the smoke detector, so to stop the noise, you deactivate your smoke detector or take the batteries out altogether. The 6th edition was designed to activate at any sign of smoke, but in the long run, it led to more tenants turning off their smoke detectors and not turning them back on, increasing their risk of not knowing if there is a real fire threat. The UL 268 7th Edition was designed with this exact circumstance in mind, and is now able to differentiate between fire threats and nuisance alarms such as cooking smoke or even dust that accumulates over time.

In 2018, Edwards became the first multi-criteria smoke detector manufacturer to receive UL 268 7th edition certification with the new Signature Optica detectors. Edwards’ Optica Duct Detectors are uniquely designed to resist the environmental challenges of the HVAC environment and use detection algorithms to differentiate between nuisance particles, like cooking smoke, dust or steam, and serious threats.

Modern day fire threats require modern solutions, and the new regulations included in UL 268 7th Edition ensure that you and your community can stay safe and more aware of your surroundings. For more information about how you can update your system to the 7th edition, contact esscoe.com!

Direct Link

The Essential Guide to Distribution Center Security

Managing a large facility comes with complicated challenges. With multiple vehicles and entities operating on different schedules, you need an advanced security system that can juggle just as much as you. We’ve compiled the most important security measures you can implement in your facility so you can keep things running on schedule without having to worry about security.

License Plate Recognition
Be alerted to authorized and unauthorized vehicles entering your facility. Gain insight into your facility and surrounding area, enhancing safety and efficiency. Create and manage databases to track activity and trigger system events.

Truck Gate Safety
Actively protect and monitor vehicular and intermodal access points to your facility and property. Simplify and secure the flow of traffic at entrances and exits with integrated solutions into access control and video surveillance systems.

Perimeter Security
Secure your facility from unauthorized access with increased awareness, through turnstiles and sensors against unpermitted access and other threats.

Access Control
Authenticate the identities of employees and visitors as they enter and leave the facility. Integrate intrusion sensors to share alarm notifications for perimeter detection events.

Video Surveillance
Monitor vulnerable areas, analyze, and record video footage to detect suspicious activity. Utilize advanced camera analytics to track people and objects across critical boundaries to trigger notifications and external systems, such as security lights and network audio.

Fire Command Centers
Address emergencies like severe weather, fire and security immediately with a master microphone and voice evacuation signaling control unit so everyone in your facility can be alerted and exit safely. Control your smoke exhaust, and removal systems all from the same command center.

Managing the security of a large distribution center can be difficult, so let us do the heavy lifting for you. Esscoe offers professional camera setup and fine-tuning to ensure accuracy and reliability for your security systems. Offerings include PoE cameras as well as solar-powered solutions communicating back to a central video management system. Contact us today to learn about our solutions!

Direct Link

Protecting Your Building and People

At Esscoe, we specialize in safeguarding your building and its occupants with top-tier fire alarm and life safety solutions. Our commitment is to provide the highest level of protection and peace of mind.

Esscoe offers tailored solutions that align with your specific requirements. From the installation of state-of-the-art fire alarm systems to ensuring their ongoing functionality, we have you covered. Our services are designed to meet the unique demands of your facility, ensuring optimal safety at all times.

We pride ourselves on servicing and inspecting equipment from all manufacturers, regardless of their age or make. With Esscoe, you can trust that your fire alarm systems are in expert hands.

Esscoe provides web-based reporting and archiving solutions, ensuring that your records are accessible and well-maintained for years to come. Accurate record-keeping is crucial for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with safety regulations, and we make this process seamless and efficient.

For more information about our services and how we can help protect your building, contact us today. Esscoe – where safety meets excellence.

Direct Link

Enhancing Community Safety with Genetec AutoVu Cloudrunner

Keeping communities, campuses, and perimeters safe has never been more crucial. Introducing the Genetec AutoVu Cloudrunner, a cutting-edge solution for comprehensive vehicle monitoring and investigation.

What is AutoVu Cloudrunner?

AutoVu Cloudrunner goes beyond traditional License Plate Recognition (LPR). It’s a vehicle-centric investigation solution that provides access to key physical characteristics and analytics surrounding vehicle behavior. This enables quick identification and extraction of suspect vehicles, making it an invaluable tool for security professionals.

Key Benefits

AutoVu Cloudrunner offers a range of benefits designed to enhance security operations:

  • Proactive Danger Detection: Identify potential threats before they escalate.
  • Rapid Deployment: Utilize solar and cellular technologies for swift installation.
  • Scalable Model: Flexible hardware and subscription options to fit various needs.
  • Collaborative Capabilities: Work seamlessly with neighboring stakeholders.
  • Remote Calibration and Updates: Ensure optimal performance with easy remote adjustments.
  • 24/7 Operation: Continuous protection with cloud, on-premises, and evidence custody platforms.

For more information on how AutoVu Cloudrunner can enhance your security efforts, visit Genetec AutoVu Cloudrunner or call Esscoe!

Direct Link

Esscoe: Your Trusted Advisor

Security and Life Safety Systems are crucial for any business. Such important systems need reliable advisors, someone you can wholeheartedly trust. When it comes to reliable advisors, there’s no one more reliable than Esscoe.

Esscoe is capable of equipping an entire building with a comprehensive set of security software and hardware systems. Our experienced team of certified designers, engineers, and security subject matter experts can perform design, benchmarking, deployment, and physical/logical maintenance of your security systems.

To learn more, watch our short video above or contact an Esscoe representative.

Direct Link

The New Security Center SaaS, from Genetec

Genetec has unveiled their new Security Center SaaS, and we’re excited to share with you the amazing benefits offered by this software as a service! This unified software solution provides enterprise-grade access control, video management, intrusion and communications monitoring, automation, forensic search, and more through cloud-native services.

The Benefits:

Fast
Spin up new sites anywhere in the world with remote connectivity, deployment, and management

Non-stop
Get continuous access to new software capabilities and features as they become available

Easy
Make your enterprise-grade deployment and maintenance easier with security software offered as a service (SaaS)

Scalable
Scale up to thousands of sites and devices with seamless connectivity, hybrid storage options, and edge computing

Flexible
Choose to record video locally or in the cloud, select cameras that best suit your needs, and decide where to store and process your data

    Direct Link