security tips « Tags « home security news and security alarm system information

Posts Tagged ‘security tips’

Choosing The Best Home Alarm Monitoring Company

Friday, July 8th, 2011

There are dozens of alarm monitoring companies out there to choose from. Having an alarm system has become very commonplace, because it is a very smart thing to do. Offering yourself an added measure of protection is important in every instance. Once you have decided to install an alarm system, you face the major decision of choosing a company to work with.

As with any decision about a service being provided, the first place you should look for help in making your decision is to people you trust. Begin with your family and friends, relatives, neighbors, and acquaintances. Search out the people you know who have an alarm monitoring company working for them, keeping them safe. Talk to as many people as you can to determine how they feel about their alarm monitoring. Are they happy with the product, and are they happy with the service that accompanies the product? Have they had any issues, or do they present any concerns about their alarm monitoring?

Once you have talked to enough people, you will have a pretty comprehensive list of alarm monitoring companies. The next thing to do is to go through the list and weed out the good from the bad. If any of your friends and family were unhappy with their alarm monitoring, cross that company right off your list. Narrow your list down to the top 3 or 4 alarm companies recommended by your friends. After you have reached this point, it is time to do your own homework. Start calling around to the best liked companies on your list and find out some important information.

When choosing an alarm monitoring company, there are a few qualifications to look for. Find out if they offer non-stop protection, every hour of the day. Find out what kind of training their staff is required to have. Make sure they have a back up system in place in case of a power outage or computer crash. Also verify that the alarm company is registered with the appropriate fire alarm and burglar associations.

After contacting and reviewing the information on the top alarm monitoring companies on your list it will be easy to make a decision. Consider price, installation time, and monthly maintenance in choosing an alarm company. Make sure you find a company that has every product you are looking for. You should have a pretty clear picture of what you want included with your system by talking to your friends and family about their systems. Choosing an alarm monitoring company can be time consuming, but an important decision such as this should be made properly.

To find more articles like the one just written follow this link to Home Security Los Angeles or visit our website at Houston Home Security to contact the author or get more information.

Tags: Alarm Company, Alarm Systems, Home Security Atlanta, Security Alarm Company, Security Systems, security tips
Posted in Smith Cares | No Comments »

How to Narrow Down the Selection of Alarm Companies

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

There is quite the array of alarm companies today, and they range from international giants to mom-and-pop local stores. The products offered by all these stores may seem the same, but selecting the correct company is an important decision. Alarm dealers each vary and specialize in different areas, and finding the one that best suits your needs is a great way to maximize the potential of your home security system.

One element to consider is customer service. You want a company that will help you though the entire alarm process, especially if you don’t know much about home security systems. Large alarm companies have dedicated customer service representatives, and smaller companies can bring the local get-to-know-you feel to your security buying experience. Choosing between the two is a matter of personal preference, but you should make sure the company you choose provides relevant information and doesn’t leave you short-handed with your security. Companies that offer excellent customer service will usually continue servicing your system after installation, which is always a good bonus.

Product variety is another way to determine which alarm companies dealer best suits your needs. If you are an expert in alarm systems and know exactly what you want, then product variety might not be an issue. However, most people need help selecting a system, and alarm companies with a large variety can make sure you get the best possible system. A larger variety usually means you can find a more affordable option, which will help max out your security needs if you have a limited budget.

Finally, expertise is a must. Talking with the company representatives should leave you feeling comfortable they know a great deal about security and are doing all they can to find the correct system for your needs. Upon installation, excellent alarm companies should know exactly where to place sensors, cameras, motion detectors, or any other elements of your home security system. A highly trained staff will ensure your home is as secure as possible and allow you to enjoy the invaluable peace of mind that comes with a high-quality alarm system.

Yes, there is a massive amount of alarm companies out there, but taking the time to find the one that best fits your needs will ensure the success of your home security system. A good alarm dealer will make it easy to find an alarm system that will best protect your home no matter how unique your security situation is. Narrowing down companies based on customer service, variety, and expertise will make the process of selecting a dealer much simpler than just going with the first company you find.

To find more articles like the one just written follow this link to Smith Alarm or visit our website at Los Angeles Alarm Companies to contact the author or get more information.

Tags: Alarm Company, Alarm Systems, Check your security sytem, Home Security, Security Monitoring, Security Opportunities, Security Systems, security tips
Posted in Smith Cares | No Comments »

Living With Alarm Systems

Monday, March 21st, 2011

When you traditionally think about an alarm system, you probably think of images that include a burglar, dressed in all black, breaking the windows of a home go get in and steal everything in sight. This is actually one of the oldest uses for alarm systems that is still an important part of the overall function of these systems today, although not the only one. Alarm systems have come a long way in the last few decades. There are now more features than ever that can allow you to control your system from your cell phone, stream live video while you are on vacation, and even alert the paramedics if there is a medical emergency in your home. All of these huge safety benefits are only a few of the reasons that you should look into installing a quality alarm system in your home.

Obviously, the first main benefit that alarm systems offer is the ability to monitor the safety of your home. The most basic models of alarm systems come with ways to monitor doors and movement within your home. This allows you to set the alarm when you are gone, and alert you and the authorities if anything suspicious happens.

The next main benefit of alarm systems is that they can be tied into your existing fire detection equipment to make a powerful safety net over your home. Fire is one of the main risks to a home and can injure and even kill the occupants of a home. Because of this it is important to have some way to immediately alert the fire department of any fires that do start can be put out quickly. An alarm system that is tied into smoke and heat detectors in your home can offer the perfect amount of safety and assurance that the fire department will be notified in the event of a fire.

Another function that alarm systems play is the ability to notify paramedics in case of a medical emergency. This function can be especially useful to the elderly and people who are under medical supervision. Many alarm systems now come with a remote that can be worn around a person’s neck so that if they fall or need assistance, they are only a push of button away from getting the help that they need.

These functions are only some of the important benefits that you can get from installing an alarm system in your home or business. For more information on alarm systems and how they can help you, do some research on the Internet.

To find more articles like the one just written follow this link to Smith Alarms or visit our website at Los Angeles Home Security to contact the author or get more information.

Tags: Alarm Company, Alarm Systems, Check your security sytem, Security Monitoring, security tips
Posted in Home Security Tips | No Comments »

The Three Security Levels of a Home Alarm

Thursday, January 6th, 2011

Everyone wants a house in which they can feel safe. A home cannot be cozy and welcoming if there is a threatening atmosphere looming overhead. The words homey often seem to accompany the words safe. To have a homey and safe house there are three lines of defense that must be put into place. The first line of defense is purely visual, the second is the alarm system itself, and the last one involves the police. Between these three defenses a home can stay snug and secure.

Let’s take a look at the first line of defense, the visual aspect. Burglars are looking for homes that appear to be easy to break into. They want a quick entrance and they want to enter without attracting any attention. If you have window decals and signs in the yard the burglar will instantly be aware that your house might not be the best choice to burglarize. Lights and alarms are not something they want to face. In order for this first line of defense to work however, all signs and decals should be in plain sight. Shrubbery should not block window decals or signs, and it is best to place the yard sign somewhere in clear sight near the front of the yard.

The second line of defense, the actual security system, is vital for a safe home. While the mere sight of alarm systems will deter many burglars, it won’t frighten them all. You need to ensure that your security system is working properly and is turned on when you leave the house or go to sleep. It is a good idea to periodically check on the system to ensure it is still functioning properly. Make sure the security system monitors and protects all possible means of entry into the house. There are many additional safety functions that can be used to enhance your protection that you might want to look into as well.

The third line of defense, the police, has the most severe ramifications for the burglar. This is the stage where the local authorities take action. All security-monitored systems receive information on the statuses of homes and can report things out of the ordinary to the local police.

When you have these three lines of defense working together as a functioning unit, then and only then, will your home be safe. If just one part of the system is missing or malfunctioning then the whole system ceases to work properly and might not be able to deter burglars.

To get more information on Home Security Alarm Systems, please visit www.smithmonitoring.com to get the best advice on Houston Home Security for you.

Tags: Alarm Systems, Home Security, Housing Market, security tips
Posted in New Home Owners | No Comments »

Greater Protection

Thursday, December 30th, 2010

In a continually advancing wireless world, electronic users require more and more remote features to help with everyday tasks. Wireless key fobs can add worth and convenience to any security system. Wireless remotes allow management control over their home alarm systems, as well as portable personal protection. Users can arm and disarm the system without difficulty as they approach their house or, through the panic button, call for help from anywhere close by, or inside the home.

Full wireless operation has two requirements: a radio transmitter, with which to send signals, and a wireless receiver to receive those signals, translate them, and internally relay them to the alarm system control panel. Your wireless alarm setup will include either a stand-alone receiver or a receiver integrated into a keypad.

Typically, a LED found between or on the buttons will light up, indicating a signal has been sent to the control panel receiver. Some even include a display with an updated response from the control panel. A typical function of key fobs is ‘Away Arming’, where both the interior and exterior zones will be armed, allowing you to exit the premises. Another feature is ‘Disarm’, which allows the user to disarm the system without entering any access code. The ‘Panic’ function must usually be pressed for three seconds in order to notify the central monitoring station of a situation requiring the police. Obviously you would need a monitored account already activated for this function to work.

Newer models allow communication from the key fob to the panel and vice-versa. Featuring icon displays and built-in buzzers, these newer options provide both visual and audible indications of the system’s status. Most wireless key fobs have more than one function, and normally consist of 3 functions, a panic remote that can be used to arm and disarm, as well as a variety of additional remote functions. Wireless key remotes like the new DSC WT4989 have up to five buttons, a system status button, as well as four additional programmable buttons with six available function options. Programming for some additional functions can include garage door openers, indoor/outdoor light operation, or powered gate access. However, signals will not be received if the key is not within the range of the wireless receiver.

Newer key fobs sometimes include backlit icon displays, and built-in buzzers for audible feedback. Three years of battery life and LED flashlights are currently among the most popular common features. To reduce false alarms, there is usually a 3-second delay on panic functions. Check with your alarm dealer to add wireless key fobs to your systems, or to get them included in your new home security package. Key fobs can bring a little more peace of mind around the home and allow the user to arm/disarm the system with the touch of a button.

For more information about Home Security Alarm Companies. Stop by the Smith Security site where you can find out all about Houston Home Security and we may be able to help.

Tags: Alarm Systems, home alarm systems, security tips
Posted in Home Security Tips | No Comments »

Facebook’s Victims

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

Facebook is a strong uniting force in the world today. Preschool friends can be found with a couple clicks, surprise parties can be easily planned, and everyone you know can be informed of an engagement in a matter of seconds. Now, with phones that can access Internet, at any time of day, whether in the middle of class or lunch, a person can go on Facebook. Facebook allows complete strangers to befriend you, look at your pictures, chat with you, read all about you, and even read your conversations with other people on your main wall.

While some adults still hold off from immersing themselves into this new world on account of it being “dangerous” few pay them any attention. After all, if you plan on staying in touch with friends you have to text, skype, email, twitter, or at least have a Facebook account. Besides, it can’t be that dangerous, right?

Depends on what you do with the technology you use. Since the beginning of time there have always been people taking advantage of others. Now, with inexperienced people using technology, troublemakers can be alerted to the opportune moment to strike. Take Facebook for example. While a wonderful way to get reconnect with old friends and stay connected with new ones, posting too much information on your account can be dangerous. Don’t put your address, work location, or phone number on Facebook ever. The trouble with Facebook is nothing you erase from your account is ever truly deleted. Some companies, government agencies, or people trying to take advantage of others are pulling up deleted material from Facebook accounts. If you already have information on your account, still delete it; just keep in mind if someone tries hard enough they might be able to view it.

Facebook can also be dangerous when it comes to friends. Never add someone you don’t know. You’ve heard it a hundred times but it’s true. If the person looks familiar and you’re not sure if they were on your 3rd grade soccer team or not, send them a private message asking them how you know them. Or better yet, don’t add them or talk to them at all. If it really is your friend you should at least be able to recognize their name or picture. However, if you really are wanting to reconnect with someone and they have a different screen name, or you can’t tell by the picture who it is, ask them how they know you. If nothing they say rings a bell the only bell that should be going off is a warning bell. Do not add that person. Thousands of people go online to find gullible targets. Facebook provides the perfect setting. They can find out someone’s birthday, where their home is, who their friends are, and more. They can do this all the while not revealing a single bit of their own identity.

Facebook is a fun tool to maintain friendships if used right. Just make sure you don’t put personal information on it, and make sure everyone you add you actually know. Another way to ensure you and your home are safe is through a home security system. Even if you don’t have Facebook or keep your account spotless, there is still the chance that a complete stranger will try and break into your house.

For more information about Dallas Home Security Alarm Companies or if you are looking for a Garfield Home Security Alarm Company, stop by the Smith Security site where you can find out all about our services. We also just recently began providing Austin Home Security Alarm service.

Tags: Home Security, security tips
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

How Security Systems Communicate

Saturday, June 12th, 2010

Over the past year I have fielded a lot of questions about how security systems communicate with their monitoring station. I have noticed these questions are coming mostly from new homeowners. The truth is simple; a system must have a way to communicate to the monitoring station. Over the years technology has changed to allow alternate ways of communication. Some of the most common ways to communicate are landline, Digital phone service, GSM, or Voip.

The copper landline is the oldest and still one of the most reliable ways of communication. One of the benefits of this type of line is its reliability. It works even during power outages. In most cities you can get this type of line for about twenty dollars per month for just a basic line. With the invention of the cell phone and family plans, homeowners have seriously considered doing away with landlines.

The digital phone service is some of the newer technology, the most common too, and is provided by your local cable company. It is usually offered with a package deal with phone service being around twenty-five dollars per month. This phone service will work with most alarms systems. Digital phone service will not work during power outages. There are also VOIP phone services available through Atat Uverse, Verizon Fios, and Vonage, which is getting pretty popular. Internet operated phones will not work during power outages, or during times where there are temporary internet outages.

The fastest growing trend on monitoring is the GSM Technology, which is usually the cheapest way to monitor your system. This technology allows signals to be sent through the cell towers and is hooked to the alarm’s backup power supply. Some of the GSM services that alarm companies use will even work with fire monitoring, and will send detailed signals to their central monitoring stations letting them know what zone an alarm penetrated. Usually the GSM service will carry a monthly fee but is usually cheaper than alternate phone services. This service is only for your alarm to send signals, and will have to be installed by your monitoring company Charges may apply for this type of service.

Technology has changed a lot over the last 30 years. There is a pretty good chance if you have had your alarm in your home more than 20 years it will only work with a landline. If you are looking to change your phone service, it is important that you contact your monitoring company to make sure your system is compatible. In most cases, your company will have to send a service tech out to reprogram or upgrade your system to make it work. You could be charged for this service, and in most cases, it may make sense to shop around unless you are happy with your company.

Tags: Alarm Company, Alarm Systems, buying a new home, Check your security sytem, Easy to use Systems, Home owners discount, Home Security, Home Security Houston, Home Security Industry, Security Alarm Company, Security Monitoring, security tips
Posted in Home Security Houston | No Comments »