Lifeline News
Lifeline Join Forces with IWASP
Lifeline are proud to be approved as Official IWASP (Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership) Support Partners. The IOW Trading Standards Service originally joined forces with the Police, Fire and Rescue, Age Friendly Island and Citizens Advice Bureau to form a partnership called IWASP. These organisations work together to better protect people on the Isle of Wight from scams, doorstep crime, fraud and to support victims. IWASP doesn’t intend to stop there though, and are expanding partnerships, providing on-going support and information from a wide range of organisations and agencies, which now includes the multi award winning team here at Lifeline. As part of our commitment to our Island Customer Family and our Community Social Responsibility, we are delighted to partner with IWASP and help to keep people here on the Island informed about the current operational methods of would be scammers. Throughout our daily operations we often come across reports of individuals and businesses alike who have been the victims of scam style crimes. These might involve unsolicited telephone calls, Text Messages, Internet Scams, TV License, Tax Refunds, Calls claiming to represent Utility Companies, Schools and a host of similar style attempts to solicit money from unsuspecting persons. Mark […]
Brace for a post-lockdown burglary spike
The charity ‘CrimeStoppers-UK’ warn that criminals will target homes full of new gadgets bought during lockdown as we begin spending more time outside. This is what the charity has to say; New research by John Lewis shows an average household has bought over £4,000 worth of items during the pandemic to work, exercise and entertain at home. After a year of being stuck at home, the nation is making plans to go out again when lockdown eases. But as an independent charity, we’re warning that if we’re all not careful, Spring could feel like Christmas for burglars, due to the amount of new expensive items we’ve bought to get us through the pandemic. New research commissioned by John Lewis Home Insurance among 2,000 UK adults has found that, since the pandemic broke out, 71% of us have purchased new items such as gym equipment, tablets and TVs to turn our homes into offices, schools, gyms and our sole place to relax and entertain. The average amount spent buying these new items totals £4,338, with eight per cent of people spending between £5,000 and £30,000. The vast majority of those surveyed (86%) said that they’re already planning to go out if lockdown measures are […]
To Ring or Not to Ring
To Ring or Not to Ring Mark Lee, Managing Director at Lifeline Alarm Systems discusses the pros and cons of Video Door Bells. The improvement in technology and growth in CCTV demands has seen the proliferation of Video Doors Bells being sold and installed in domestic properties, not just here in the UK, but Worldwide. What should we make of these new devices and how do they really affect your security? Well let’s start at the beginning. Anything that helps to enhance your security has to be a good thing right. Well, I suppose we really have to go a bit deeper than that to get a real answer. The questions have to include, at what real cost (not just financial), what data am I giving away, is this my sole source of security, and how secure is it really? According to reports, major security flaws in popular smart doorbells are putting consumers at risk of being targeted by hackers inside their homes, according to consumer magazine Which. The consumer group says devices being sold on marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay, could easily be hacked or switched off by criminals. This is reported in an article published on the BBC’s website which can be read here. It is asking […]
Lockdown 3.0 Latest Updates
Lockdown 3.0 As part of the key workers and national infra structure Lifeline are continuing to operate as near normal as possible, with a few exceptions. Lifeline will continue to follow all ‘WHO’ (World Health Organisation) and Government Advice & Guidelines. Security & Fire safety personnel continue to remain Key Workers In March 2020 Ian Moore, CEO of the Fire Industry Association, was informed by James Brokenshire, Minister of State for Security at the Home Office, that “security & fire safety personnel can play a vital role at this time of national challenge. People working in these sectors who are essential to national infrastructure are “Key Workers” for the purposes of the Government’s guidance on COVID-19.” This position still remains in place. Works Risk Assessment Our team will be assessing the risks of all works. In the interim period we will be limiting works in domestic residences to an absolute minimum. This is for both the protection of our staff and customers. Where practical construction site based works will continue alongside the construction industry. Our staff will continue to: Maintain Safe Social Distance Ask persons to leave the are they are working in in a Safe Social Distance is or cannot […]
Lifeline, The First Thirty Years 1990 – 2020
Did you Know, Lifeline was 30 this year. The year 2020 has been a very different and challenging year for all of us. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we think, work, operate and interact with each other. This year has also marked a special year for the team at Lifeline. This is our 30th year in business. Incorporated in 1990, this year has seen the company reach a milestone 30th anniversary. Initially established in 1990, Lifeline have grown to become the Islands’ leading Electronic Fire & Security Company. The now multi award winning 25 strong team started off with humble beginnings, with just a couple of engineers, two old Bedford Rascal vans and a paraffin heater for comfort. We quickly identified the need to grow and gain accreditation for the work we would be undertaking. The directors immediately saw the need to be accredited with NSI Gold status. That coveted status was achieved in 1996 making 2021 our 25th year of NSI accreditation, which is still proudly held today. Some of the team that started with Lifeline at the very beginning are still with us today. Cindy Newnham, Ian Turner, Graeme and Jean Lee are all still here, growing older gracefully […]
Security at Every Level
As you would expect from the pace setters, the team at Lifeline take all forms of security extremely seriously. We do not play at security, it is not an add on, or a pastime, this is our business, with decades of experience. That is why we are pleased to announce that under the expert guidance from ESID Consultants we have now been awarded the coveted Cyber Essentials Accreditation. Over the last 10 years the world has seen a huge growth in cybercrime, something that has accelerated at this time of economic stress. According to the ONS (Office for National Statistics), there were 506,000 cases of unauthorised access to personal information in the UK (including hacking) in 2018 alone. Those are just the cases that were reported to the police! These numbers are only rising as we become more and more reliant on technology within our organisations. UK organisations are said to be experiencing more than 65,000 cyber-attacks each day. Much emphasis has been placed on securing personal and confidential data. In May 2018 all organisations in the EU were required to comply with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations). Cyber Essentials is a UK government information/data assurance scheme operated by […]
Service Delivery 24th December 2020 – January 4th 2021
Our offices will be closed from 12:00 noon Thursday 24th December and re-opening 08:30 Monday 4th January 2021. Offices will be closed and unable to accept deliveries. Telephone lines 01983 521621 will still be manned 24hours a day by human operators who will be pleased to take your call. An Emergency Engineer will be available and on call 24 hours a day throughout the entire shut down period. They will be able to provide telephone support, remote diagnostics where fitted and respond to emergency works. Please call our switchboard number and request a call from the on-call duty engineer. May we take this opportunity to wish you all a very well deserved peaceful and safe break with your families and friends. Whatever your plans may be, please keep safe and here’s to a more optimistic 2021.
Lockdown 2 – Service Update
As of November 2nd 2020, we are pleased to confirm that we are operating as near to normal service as possible. Following the latest Government guidelines, we continue to provide essential services under our ‘Key Worker’ status. We are monitoring events on a daily basis in order to deliver essential services safely and responsibly. Service works, maintenance support and installations continue, however these will be taking place only in strict adherence to safe working practices and Social Distancing measures. We wish our fellow business colleagues all the very best during this time, please keep safe. Updated Monday 9th November 2020, the following operations and protocols are currently in place: Monitoring and Operational Plans We are committed to keeping all Fire & Security Systems and Platforms monitored and supported by a dedicated team of professionals throughout. Your systems will remain fully operational, however should you require any assistance, telephone, remote and engineer support is available. Our main telephone number 01983 521621 remains fully manned and will be answered by human operators. 24/7. Where required, practical and possible we have made arrangements for staff to home work if at all possible. Fire & Security Engineers remain operational and are on call 24 hours a […]
End of the Line
Did you know, the year 2025 is set to see the end of the telephone line as we know it. BT Openreach has announced they are closing the copper wire telephone network across the UK for homes and businesses. For over 20 years we have been using the traditional telephone network for our home and business calls, and more recently our internet. This network uses copper wires to transmit analogue and digital signals. More importantly it has also been used for security alarm signals. Traditional phone lines (PSTN) use a copper line to send the communication signal to the alarm monitoring company. The phone line is typically used by both the household and the alarm system. How does this affect your Intruder Alarm Read more here.
Distinguished Career
At Lifeline Alarms & Security Services, we have a long history of developing high achievers. These individuals have been through dedicated apprenticeship schemes designed bring out their best potential. We are delighted that our very own Nicole Adhimar completed her Business Administration Level 3 Course in August 2020. Not content with just passing the course, Nic’s goal was to improve her personal development with the best score she could. Nic passed with ‘Distinction’ in all three elements. An outstanding achievement. Nic was mentored internally by Cindy Newnham and Chanelle Sulik at Lifeline. Speaking on Nicole’s success, Cindy said, “This was no mean feat, as I saw the work involved and I know just how difficult this was and how hard Nic has worked to accomplish this, including all the time on furlough too. Nic has done really well and I am SO proud of her, this is a brilliant achievement.” Nic added, “I never would have achieved this without the company’s support, I have had the best opportunity to learn from everyone here. It has been a great comfort, knowing that others (Savannah Lee and Chanelle Sulik) both know what it is like to complete this course, they […]
WightSAR – Seeing in the Dark
WightSAR can now see in the dark, with help from Lifeline Alarms & Security Services and the donation of a brand new valuable search and rescue tool. Isle of Wight Search and Rescue (WightSAR) is a voluntary organisation that assist Hampshire Constabulary and other agencies in searches for vulnerable missing persons on the Isle of Wight. In August 2020, the Team at Lifeline Alarms & Security Services were delighted to present WightSAR with a brand new Thermal Imaging Search and Rescue Camera. Searching for vulnerable, missing or endangered individuals presents many challenges to the WightSAR team of volunteers. Among the variations in terrain and location is the ever fight against reduced visibility. This might be down to natural diminishing daylight, searches in the hours of darkness, fog, rain and even searches at sea. Now utilising latest Thermal Imaging Technology, WightSAR have a new weapon in the armory. A brand-new thermal Imaging Camera donated by Lifeline Alarms & Security Services. The Hikvision DS-2TR03-35UM/W Thermal Scope has a thermal detector and 1024×768 OLED monitor, which provides clear image under harsh environment conditions like darkness, fog, smoke, dust, rain, snow, wood and camouflage. This enables the operator to see heat and energy sources […]
Back to Business Solutions
Lifeline Fire & Security is leading the way in assisting schools, colleges, factories and offices to return to work using the latest CCTV technology ‘Back to Business’ solutions. Temperature screening CCTV is the latest technology fast emerging from the Coronavirus pandemic. Using state-of-the-art thermal image processing technology, through which, thermal cameras are placed at entrances to facilities, specifically designed to detect elevated skin surface temperatures with multi-person detection. Identifying those potentially at risk individually or across a group. Newport based, Lifeline Fire & Security is leading the way in assisting schools, colleges, factories and offices to return to work using this latest CCTV technology and ‘Back to Business’ solutions. Solutions that can be fixed, portable, wall mounted or handheld. Importantly, this latest generation of systems cannot only detect elevated temperature but also whether a face mask is present or not, ensuring compliance where required in high risk areas. The latest AI technology also works to ignore false reads such as hot drinks and changes in ambient temperature. Mark Lee, Managing Director says – “We have held back from marketing this technology for the past few weeks, as we considered it a little insensitive to promote during lockdown. However, the […]
Latest Corona Virus Service Level May 13th 2020
We continue to make fine adjustments to our daily operational procedures. It is still paramount to ensure that that Life Safety & Security Systems remain in full working order to protect homes and businesses, when the might be most vulnerable. Our resilience, emergency and contingency plans at Lifeline are standing up extremely well to rigorous test during this time and we are continuing to maintain our high level of services to you. Following the latest update to Government guidelines, we continue on with our ‘Partial Lockdown’ phase however now with an aim to begin to restore some normality. Lifeline staff have been identified as ‘Key Workers’ in supporting and protecting Island Homes and Business and we will continue to do so. Works and installations are now beginning to be reactivated, however these will be taking place only in strict adherence to safe working and Social Distancing measures. We are very grateful to Banksy for allowing us and providing kind permission us to use his image above. We urge all to please follow government advice, Updated Wednesday 13th May, the following operations and protocols are currently in place: Monitoring and Operational Plans We are committed to keeping […]
Operational Updates 17th April 2020
We have made some small amendments to our operation procedures. At all times it is vital that Fire & Security Systems remain in full working order to protect homes and businesses, especially during uncertain times. We want to reassure that our resilience, emergency and contingency plans are standing up to rigorous test during this time and we are continuing to maintain our high level of services to you. Following the latest update to Government guidelines, we continue to operate our ‘Partial Lockdown’ phase. Lifeline staff have been identified as ‘Key Workers’ in supporting and protecting Island Homes and Business and we will continue to do so, albeit in slightly amended formats. We have already been heavily involved in supporting the NHS with new Fire & Security installations to protect their operations. We are very proud to be doing our part. We are continuing to take action to be responsible and to contribute our small part in limiting the effect and spread of the Coronavirus. We must all follow the relevant advice and take care of ourselves and others. Please follow government advice, Stay At Home, Save Lives, Protect the NHS. Updated Friday 17th April 2020, the following operations and protocols […]
Covid-19 Update – Lockdown Update 1 April 2020
We are currently facing never-before-seen circumstances. During times of public turmoil, it is vital that Fire & Security Systems remain in full working order to protect homes and businesses. We want to reassure you of our emergency plans, and contingencies during these uncertain times in order to maintain our high level of services to you. Given the latest current Government guidelines, we have now moved from our ‘Business as Normal’ Phase and now implemented our initial ‘Partial Lockdown’ phase. Lifeline staff have been identified as ‘Key Workers’, in supporting and protecting Island Homes and Business and we will continue to do so, albeit in slightly amended formats. We are taking these actions to be responsible and to contribute our small part in limiting the effect and spread of the Coronavirus. We must all follow the relevant advice and take care of ourselves and others. Please follow government advice, Stay At Home, Save Lives, Protect the NHS. Updated 1st April 2020, the following operations and protocols are currently in place: Monitoring and Operational Plans We are committed to keeping all Fire & Security Systems and Platforms monitored and supported by a dedicated team of professionals throughout. Your systems will remain fully operational, however […]
Covid-19 Coronavirus Policy Update
The Health & Safety of our staff, customers, members of the public and supply chain partners is of primary importance. The purpose of this policy is to address the current Covid-19 coronavirus which is currently infecting people across the world. Lifeline Alarm Systems Ltd continues to monitor carefully the news and guidance on the condition of the Coronavirus, in particular any impact this may have on our colleagues, members of the public, customers and potential business interruption. Also, to assure you that we have robust business continuity, contingency plans and risk registers in place. For a copy of our full current Covid-19 Policy and procedures, please click here.