Mobile surveillance units are a powerful, self-contained tool for protecting against crime.
My wife is a walking contingency plan. She is always at the ready and likes to be equipped for anything life throws at her. You need lip balm, cough drops, anti-bacterial wipes, band-aids, pain reliever, coffee creamer, or emergency socks, she’s got you covered. And although she’s never been a Girl Scout, she faithfully lives her life through their motto, “Be Prepared.”
While we affectionately tease her readiness (all in the name of good fun, of course), when it comes to issues like security and keeping mobile security systems reliably powered up and running, having a contingency plan is serious business.
Any time a security system experiences prolonged downtime, it opens a window where assets aren’t protected. This can include inventory, real estate, equipment, proprietary ideas, as well as employees and customers. Any type of theft, vandalism, or attack can be detrimental to the bottom line, the well-being of those on premises, and the overall reputation of the business.
Criminals rarely take a holiday, so it’s imperative that you have reliable security cameras that are powered up, dependable, and as determined as they are.
Mobile surveillance units are game changers when it comes to protecting facilities and businesses. Their flexibility, adaptability, and scalability all in a powerful self-contained unit make it a formidable tool against crime.
However, even the most muscular and sophisticated systems can be disrupted by unforeseen circumstances.
Surveillance systems are there to deter, detect, and prevent criminal mischief or acts from happening. Often criminals will see mobile security trailers as a sign that an area is being monitored and that is enough to stop them in their tracks. However, those who are more brazen may attempt to tamper with the units by distorting the camera’s view or field of vision or trying to damage the unit’s overall ability to function. This can be an attempt to render the units inoperable by either trying to cut the power source or damaging the units themselves.
Most power grids can withstand the demands of the area they are tasked with. However, in extreme circumstances like unusually prolonged extreme weather, power grids can be challenged to the point that service can be interrupted. Think heat waves where everyone is taxing the power grid. In cases of plummeting frigid temperatures, equipment can be affected and compromise their ability to operate. Other unforeseen cases where damage is done: the power grid can often create a ripple effect where machinery, equipment, and services that rely on electricity can be rendered useless once their supply of energy runs out. This can leave surveillance units with an unforeseen and unknown amount of downtime which can leave businesses unprotected and vulnerable.
Extreme weather or unpredictable circumstances can cause surprise disruptions to service and sometimes damage to equipment. Weather anomalies like hurricanes, blizzards, lightning strikes along with other natural disasters like wildfires, earthquakes, or avalanches can take out power grids and sources of traditional power that we take for granted. When it comes to natural disasters, it can be hard to estimate a timetable on when to expect services to return to normal. As a result, areas may be without resources or power for extended periods of time, which can leave surveillance trailers out of service once their stored power supplies are depleted.
While many of the above scenarios are by and large unpredictable, it doesn’t mean that surveillance systems can’t have preventative measures built in to combat the unforeseen. Many mobile surveillance units, including LVT’s units, have other means for contingency power if needed.
One of the biggest advantages of mobile surveillance units is that they can be deployed and re-deployed anywhere they are needed. Batteries play a large part in powering mobile surveillance units since tethered wires plugged into outlets can be counterproductive to its ability to be moved freely. They can also be a target for sabotage. Batteries can be safer options since they are enclosed and stored away safely from anyone who might attempt to tamper with them.
While batteries are prevalent in surveillance cameras and can be used as primary and/or back-up power sources, not all batteries are created equal. Their life spans and ability to be recharged or replaced altogether can differ widely based on their technologies and build.
Generators are one of the most popular choices when it comes to having a backup power source. Generators are used to power anything and everything from entire buildings and homes, to trailers, appliances, and other electronics. They run primarily on fuel which emits carbon monoxide, which can be potentially deadly. Generators tend to be noisier compared to other power options. Another downside is that their effectiveness can be compromised by colder temperatures which can be problematic for surveillance in colder months or areas.
Solar energy is becoming more and more popular as it is a clean and renewable energy source. One of the biggest misconceptions about solar power is that energy can only be captured on sunny days. Solar energy can be utilized and converted even on days when the sun isn’t shining brightly and can even be captured on overcast days. This allows power to be used while also being converted and stored in rechargeable batteries for future use. The renewable energy source ensures a constant supply of power to the unit and over time can also potentially deliver significant cost savings.
Fuel cell technology has taken traditional generators to the next level. Instead of running on gasoline, fuel cell generators run on methanol. As a result, they tend to be more efficient, quieter, and consume less fuel than regular generators. Fuel cell generators typically need to be refueled less and require less maintenance to keep it running. They also aren’t as affected by drops in temperature, making them more reliable in frigid conditions and colder weather regions.
When it comes to LVT mobile surveillance units, we understand the importance of eliminating operational downtime. While unforeseen circumstances can strike at any time, LVT minimizes the likelihood of service interruption by utilizing a myriad of solutions.
First, LVT’s mobile surveillance units leverage solar power energy to harness the power of the sun; the solar energy powers the trailers while simultaneously converting the energy to bankable power in secured battery units. This ensures that there is a constant and backup energy source that is continuously restored.
In addition, LVT employs another fail safe in smart generators which utilize fuel cell technology to essentially serve as a backup to the backup. When the sun just isn’t providing enough power and battery capacity has been exhausted, smart generators seamlessly kick in and bridge the gap to prevent any interruptions. The fuel cell technology is very quiet, and creates green, environmentally friendly electricity through a chemical reaction. It’s a reliable, low maintenance way to keep your surveillance system working even in extreme temperatures.
LVT offers security systems that are configured for ease and dependability to safeguard all your high priority assets in any environment. LVT also has the industry-leading uptime for mobile surveillance units. If you are interested to see how LVT can partner with you, reach out to see how we can be part of your overall security solution.
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