OSSI Archives - Page 2 of 2

Frequently Asked Questions about PSIM

Physical Security Information Management or PSIM is the absolute best system to manage security in a well-organized and communicated manner. So what exactly is PSIM and why do you need to know about it? Here are a few frequently asked PSIM questions: Q: What is PSIM? A: PSIM is software that is designed to integrate multiple unconnected security application devices and control them through one comprehensive user interface. Basically, PSIM brings your security systems together to work as one efficient unit. Q: What does PSIM do? A: PSIM collects and correlates events from a wide variety of security devices and information systems (video, access control sensors, analytics, networks, building systems, etc.) to empower personnel to identify and proactively resolve situations. Q: What is the benefit of integrating PSIM into your organization? A: Some benefits of integrating PSIM into your organization include increased control, improved situational awareness, system management, and reporting. [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:22:09-05:00PSIM|

Thoughts and prayers to Newtown

OSSI would like to offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and friends affected by the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut last Friday morning. I know that we are not the only ones who could not stop thinking about this horrifying tragedy these last few, long days. Our philosophy and mission is to make the world a safer place so while this tragedy occurred a thousand miles away, it truly saddens us. We offer our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.

dave2017-04-26T10:23:15-05:00School Security|

Educating teachers on school safety: Part One

This is part one of a two part series on how teachers can be educated on school safety to protect the future of our country: students. Many of the heroes of the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting were teachers. In a time of intense crisis, they were able to face one of the worst possible dangers to their lives and their student’s lives: a shooter while not having any kind of protection. The result could have been much worse. Many of the staff at this facility were trained and educated on how to deal with this type of situation. While the government works out ways to protect schools by discussing gun control and other tactics, schools are still potential targets for crazed shooters. However, there are ways for teachers and school personnel to protect their school from shooters before they become targets; and while a shooting is in progress. Ways to [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:20:39-05:00School Security|

Educating teachers on school safety: Part Two

This is part two of a two part series on how teachers can be educated on school safety to protect the future of our country: students. View part one here. Once you are aware of a shooting in your school, there are some specific actions you can take to protect yourself and your students: Barricade your door: Move all the desks and chairs to the door. A normal shooting lasts seven minutes, so the shooters is not going to waste time trying to push through a door if it is barricaded. Contact authorities: Text or call 911, alerting someone that there is an attack going on at your school once you and your students are secure. Turn off the lights: This prevents the shooter from being able to see clearly through the door or windows. Hide: The best places to hide are to get on the floor against a wall out of line of sight [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:20:53-05:00School Security|

Department of Homeland Security to launch safety study of scanners

The Department of Homeland Security, after being criticized by the general public and politicians, is launching a complete safety study of the scanners that are used to screen passengers at airports all across the nation. The review of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is performed by the National Academy of Science, a nonprofit group of scientists, to study the safety of the radiation emitted by scanners. Susan Collins, a senator from Maine, says that while the amount of radiation that passengers are exposed to is small when going through the scanners once, it is concerning what that means for frequent flyers, who may be exposed several times a week. Currently TSA uses two types of full-body scanners used to look for hidden objects underneath passenger’s clothing. These two types of scanners are: Non-ionizing radio frequency energy scanners - These are your typical security scanners seen at arenas and airports for decades. Backscatters - Backscatter [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:22:23-05:00Airport Security|