Security System Operation FAQ

Posted on June 23, 2011

Q: Will my pet set off my security system?

A: Most of security systems installed today can distinguish between pets and people. Even the most basic motion detector will not register any pet up to 40lbs. If you have a bigger pet or multiple pets, you can request the 100lb motion detector.

Q: Will a home security system report to the central station if the phone line is cut?

A: No. A security system cannot contact the monitoring station if the phone line is not available. Some systems have a backup long range radio which can be installed for this type of situation.

Q: How can I help to prevent false alarms from my security system?

A: Get familiar with the arming and disarming of your system. Educate anyone who uses your system. And test the system on a regular basis basis; monthly or weekly is suggested. Make sure that all of the components are working properly and positioned clear of dirt and dust Continue reading →

Security System Maintenence FAQ

Posted on June 20, 2011

Q: How long do batteries typically last?

A: The battery life will depend on the size of your security system. Many systems will have a battery that can last up to 8 hours.

Q: Can an electrical outage or power surge set off my alarm?

A: Yes. High-end security systems are sensitive electrical instruments and a strong, sudden surge can cause it to trigger.

Q: What happens during power outages?

A: The battery will take over and will operate the security system until your full power is restored or the batteries are exhausted.

Q: How often should I test my security system? Continue reading →

Auto Security System Monitoring

Posted on June 17, 2011

You’ve probably experienced it yourself. A car alarm goes off and you keep walking. Because auto alarms are sensitive to motion and loud noises, they sound a little too easily. The problem is when everyone cries wolf, no one comes running. That makes the average noise-making auto security system far less of a deterrent than anyone would like it to be. Monitoring services aim to remedy that problem.

GPS Locators

There are many different GPS locating devices available to help track your car after it has been stolen. The name LoJack has practically become synonymous with car security system tracking.

LoJack has a 24 hour return guarantees on any vehicle equipped with their tracking system. Because their transmitters are extremely hard for a thief to find, LoJack maintains it gets the results competitors can’t. LoJack costs around $700, which is a no-brainer investment for someone with a BMW, but may give some car owners pause for thought Continue reading →

Total Home Protection

Posted on June 14, 2011

There are many things you can do to prevent your house from being burglarized. Besides having some form of cheap home security system or one of the best home security systems, there are also other steps which can be taken to keep your home safe from crime.

Some quick ideas include providing good lighting around the exterior of your house. You should also install security lights which have motion sensors built in to them. Shrubs which do not obscure windows are essential. Another important thing to keep in mind is that all garage doors should be kept closed.

Similarly the valuables should be engraved with your driver’s license number. If you are on vacation, you should try to make strangers believe that you are still at home. Continue reading →

Three Reasons For A Wireless Security System

Posted on June 11, 2011

Safety

When you get a wireless security system safety is a primary concern. Simply putting up a security system company’s sign in your yard, thieves are going to think twice regarding even wandering near your house. Anything that increases a burglar’s risk of notice or capture is a helpful deterrent. Getting a security system, if nothing else, makes his job harder.

Of course, a sign on your patio alone is not as big a deterrent it once was largely because thieves are aware that some people buy fake security system signs. Cheap home owners or those who just cannot afford the prices of home security systems began using these signs in their yards. Continue reading →

Importance of a Car Alarm

Posted on June 8, 2011

The most obvious benefit of having car alarms and security systems installed in your vehicle is that it will encourage people with bad intentions to stay away from your ride.

Even with your diligence in protecting your vehicle, an effective car alarm system is still necessary. The installation of a security system is essential to protect the safety of your vehicle. However, you must make certain that your alarm system has been properly installed and then use it properly to ensure effectiveness.

One benefit of having security devices installed in your vehicle is that you will generally get lower insurance premiums when purchasing car insurance policies. Continue reading →

Understanding False Alarm Risks

Posted on June 5, 2011

A False Alarm, for all alarms except fire alarms, is an alarm caused by human error or equipment problems requiring police response, with no evidence of an actual crime having been committed.  A False Fire Alarm is any activation caused by an equipment malfunction.

What are the most frequent human errors that cause alarms? Continue reading →

Top Reasons To Add Surveillance To Your Security System

Posted on June 2, 2011

According to a 2009 survey by Harris Polls, 96 percent of Americans support government use of video surveillance in public places to prevent terrorism. Since then, several technology companies have developed artificial intelligence applications capable of learning to identify “suspicious” and “unusual” public behaviors to help law enforcement screen for potential crime.

Advances in technology – including software, camera size and affordability of security systems incorporating camera use – allow us to use CCTV systems for more than just preventing terrorism Continue reading →

The Basics Of Getting A Home Security System

Posted on May 31, 2011

There are many factors that go into establishing an adequate security system for a home or business, chief among them is the crime rate in the area. There are two considerations when reviewing the crime rate, the actual rate available from the local police department and the perceived crime rate, from area residents and how secure they feel in their surroundings. Neighborhood conditions often give people a false sense of doom and in some cases a false sense of security.

Another important factor is the size of a security system an individual can afford. Some of the most reliable security systems can be purchased and installed by a home owner for a few hundred dollars. However, if your plan is to include an automatic dialer for professional monitoring purposes Continue reading →

Steps To Preventing False Alarms

Posted on May 27, 2011

False alarms are not only annoying, but in many parts of the country, they have become illegal. As a security system owner, you have a responsibility to prevent false alarms. The keys are to work with your security system provider and to check your system regularly to ensure proper functioning. Here are seven steps to guide you:

  • Instruct all authorized users, both permanent and temporary, on the proper operation of your security system. Call your security system provider and let them know you are testing your system to provide all users with hands-on practice.
  • Ensure that each security system user has a confidential password or pass number for proper identification when communicating with your provider. Continue reading →