LOS ANGELES – With the Y2K scare merely a speck in our rearview mirror today, Y2K7 (2007) may provide a whole new and much less publicized can of technology worms. Beginning this year, Daylight Savings Time (DST) has been extended by the U.S. government by a month. Now DST will start on the second Sunday in March (March 11) and end on the first Sunday in November (Nov. 4). Until now, DST was from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October. Are your campus’ safety and security technology prepared for the change?
Security and fire alarm systems, access controls systems, and a host of other vital operations have real-time clock chips that timestamp log openings, closings, trouble signals, alarms, and more. If these chips were installed without the new DST rules, vital information could end up inaccurate and access control systems could be on the wrong schedule March 11 to April 8 and Oct. 28 to Nov. 4.
Fortunately, many security equipment manufacturers have taken a proactive approach to assisting their customers through this transition. Video specialist Pelco, for example, has implemented a DST information and guidelines page on its Web site to assist its customers. Access control Web applications provider Brivo has released version 7.3.2 of its ACS WebService application free of charge to its customers to ensure a seamless transition. Be sure to check with your integrator to make sure your facilities are ready and up to date.
In addition, to help other contractors and security system end-users prepare for the impending time shift, Ron Lander, president of Norco, Calif.-based Ultrasafe Security, winner of Security Sales & Integration magazine’s Integrated Residential Installation of the Year, has provided a comprehensive guide. Read his SSI Web Exclusive: Y2K+7.3-11: Are You Prepared for the March 11, 2007 Time Change? and be sure the DST issue joins Y2K as another disaster averted in your rearview mirror.
