Ready For Spring Break

Posted on May 24, 2011

Spring Break is here. Now that the sun is out and the kids are off school, it’s time to for a quick, refreshing getaway. Only what to do about the house when you’re gone?

Turning on a light and asking the neighbors to keep an eye may have worked in 1975, but in today’s world in which neighbors are usually at work or out most of the day, safeguarding your home requires more sophistication.

Consider your home’s vulnerabilities while you’re gone. Do you have a side yard with a gate that doesn’t lock? Do you have scalable fences? Did you kennel the dog or leave it with friends or family? Did you stop or forward your mail – letting the mail carrier and people at the post office know you won’t be home? Continue reading →

Auto Alarm Features and Functions: Part 2

Posted on May 21, 2011

Panic/Car Locator

If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable walking to your car, think how nice it would have been to have known you could set off your car’s alarm if needed. All you have to do press and hold one button of your Panic Button-equipped security system and the system will go into full alarm mode. This can not only help protect you, but help you find your car in a crowded parking lot.

Passive Arming

Unlike active arming, which requires you to arm the security system Continue reading →

Auto Alarm Features and Functions: Part 1

Posted on May 18, 2011

Although vehicles today frequently come with manufacturer installed security system, they are often very basic devices. Smart car owners know that a quality auto alarm can better protect both car and driver.

Car alarms come with numerous features and functions. Before shopping for an enhanced auto security system, get to know all the features available in today’s car alarms.

We’ve put together a comprehensive list. Here’s A-M. Continue reading →

Help The Police To Help You

Posted on May 15, 2011

Police departments across America are working hard to improve crime prevention with limited resources. They need your help. You home or commercial security system can be a fantastic way for them to hone in on theft. However, it only helps if alarms are accurate and reliable. False alarms use up countless hours of taxpayer funded manpower. In an effort to reduce false alarms and help law enforcement keep your area safe, consider the following:

  • Teach everyone who has a key how to properly turn your security system on and off -including the housekeeper, babysitter, real estate agent. Include instructions on how to cancel a false alarm. Continue reading →

Procedures For False Alarm Reduction

Posted on May 12, 2011

False alarms have become a target of police in jurisdictions throughout the country. Both homes and businesses are subject to penalties for repeat false alarms. That means you need to be a conscientious operator of your home and commercial security system.

Police departments throughout country advise residents with home security systems to do the following:

  • Make sure all alarmed doors and windows are locked.
  • Keep pets, balloons, fans, heaters, plants, curtains, decorations from motion sensor areas.
  • Educate everyone who has legal access to Continue reading →

Commercial Security Systems for the Novice

Posted on May 8, 2011

Commercial security systems are vital to your business safe operation. However, their effectiveness is completely dependent on choosing the right setup. That means you need to consider your business’ needs. When shopping for a commercial security system, examine:

  • Access points
  • Areas of special significance
  • Any particular security feature, like a safe requiring a special alarm
  • Site layout issues
  • Windows and Continue reading →

Best Add-On Features

Posted on May 5, 2011

Not all home security systems are created equal. Although perimeter monitoring is always essential, it provides only basic protection. Your investment in a home security system can result in so much more. Maximize your family’s safety by upgrading your home security system to include these invaluable elements.

Smoke Detectors:

These provide an early warning of fire and should be installed throughout your home.

Glass Break Detectors:

These devices recognize the sound of glass breaking and Continue reading →

Enhance Your Safety With Motion Sensors

Posted on May 2, 2011

While perimeter security is absolutely the first thing you should get in your home security system, it isn’t really the whole enchilada.

When it comes to protecting your home, you want several layers of defenses. If protecting the people inside your home is important, you’ll need something smarter than door and window sensors.

What if you aren’t able to arm every point of entry with your home security system? What if a sensor fails? What if someone finds a way in through a basement or attic which you never thought was possible?

That’s where motion sensors come in. An intruder’s movement can give him away – and save your home and family from disaster.

One common concern about motion sensors is pets. No one wants their security system to go off every five minutes because their golden lab jumped up on the sofa. This is easily remedied with careful positioning of sensors to be slightly higher than your pet’s height. Still, this may or may not work well with cats who tend to jump to very high places, unless they are confined to a particular room without sensors.

Motion sensors also offer Continue reading →

15 Facts About Burglary And Crime

Posted on April 21, 2011

When we think about whether we need and want a home security system, we typically look at costs, features and benefits. Sometimes we think about discounts on homeowners insurance. But there are more serious reasons most people would rather not examine. Consider the following 15 facts.

1. Most crimes happen because someone gave a criminal an opportunity to act.

2. Little planning goes into most burglaries.

3. No neighborhood – rich or poor – is safe from crime.

4. Professional burglars are very rare.

5. Most burglars are neighborhood juveniles. Continue reading →

Features That Enhance Home Security

Posted on April 18, 2011

Home security systems offer several ways to protect your beyond basic perimeter monitoring. They can guard against disasters and offer residents personal emergency protection as well. When getting a home security system, consider a few key features that can add to your overall protection.

  • Smoke Detectors – Add another layer of protection to your home, especially when they are integrated into the home security system. Not only do smoke detectors indicate a fire and give you time to escape safely, but when included in a home security package, they automatically notify the managing company and the fire department. Some systems even integrate the power supply to the smoke detectors. That means you will not have to ever replace the batteries.
  • Back-Up Power Supply – Is important in maintaining home security even during a power outage, when the risk of break-ins and looting is increased. Your home alarm should be effective even when your power is not. The easiest to maintain back-up power supplies use standard size batteries. Look for a model that uses rechargeable batteries to lower your maintenance costs.
  • GSM Control Panel – Is vital to any home security system. The heart of the home security system, the master alarm control panel is typically installed on a wall in a location with easy access. The panel receives information from all other sensors and key pads, computes it, and transmits relevant information to the monitoring company. If you choose to arm the system from the panel when you leave the house, the master control panel also receives the disarm code when you return home. Some can even be disarmed by telephone.
  • Talking Devices – Make it easy for you to Continue reading →