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Posts Tagged ‘security tips’

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
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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
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Tips For Reporting A Crime In Your Community

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

Have you ever come home and found that someone has broken into your home and stole some of your belongings? Have you looked out your window and caught someone breaking into your neighbor’s house? What would be the best action to take in these situations? No one wants to go through these types of situations. They are horrible experiences and can leave you feeling insecure, angry, or worse, it could ruin your trust toward other people. If you ever find yourself in one of these situations, here are some things you should do right away.

Everyone knows the first thing to do, call the police. It’s good to always have some kind of emergence number close to you at all times because you never know when a crime could take place. A good example is to have an emergency number programmed into your cell phone. Most phones now come with an emergency number on speed dial pre-programmed for you. If you are ever in a situation and need to call 911, but for some reason you cannot stay on the phone the whole time, make sure you keep your line open long enough so they are able to track your location.

When you want to report something to the police, do so as soon as possible. Do not wait until the next day. Waiting until the next day could cause some of the details to be skipped over or forgotten. You need to get all the information to them correctly. If you make the call right after the incident, things are still going to be fresh in your mind. You also may not be able to take any legal action that may be needed if you have gone beyond a certain timeframe. Waiting until the next day could also stir up suspicion when reporting the break-in. People could think you are making up the story.

Make sure you talk to a police officer. Try not to leave a message, but ask to speak to an officer in person. You can call and request to have an officer come to your house if you are not able to go to the police station. Make sure to get the number from the officer you spoke to. It’s never a bad idea to follow up and check to see how things are going.

These simple tips could help you out when reporting a crime to the police, especially if you have experienced or witnessed a break-in. With summer time coming its good to make sure you have good protection for your home. If your home is not protected, look into getting a security system for protection it. Your chances of being broken into can go from one out of every four houses, to one out of every sixty houses. A security system is good to have, and can give you the peace of mind needed while you are away or sitting on your own couch.

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

Tags: Alarm Company, Alarm Systems, buying a new home, Dallas Alarm Company, Dallas Home Security, Home Security, Security Monitoring, Security Systems, security tips
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Burglary Prevention for Your Home

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

According to the FBI, a home is burglarized in the United States almost every 16 seconds. A burglary is a non-confrontational property crime that takes place when no one is home. A burglary is usually committed by a male under the age of 25 searching for small items that can be easily turned into cash. Burglars usually prefer entering through open windows or doors, and about 70% of the time will use force to get into your house. July and August are the busiest months for burglars. Burglars case neighborhoods looking for homes that will appear to be easy targets. There are simple steps you can take to prevent your home from being targeted by a burglar.

A monitored home security system is one of the most effective ways to protect your home. Just the yard sign and window decals are usually enough to frighten a burglar. A high-quality alarm system should cover your exterior doors and should include a motion detector, and/or window contacts, as well as glass break detectors. The siren should be at least 85 decibels, which will be loud enough to notify neighbors. Try not to set your own system off. If you want to test your system, alert your neighbors first. This will prevent them from ignoring the alarm like most people do with car alarms. Find out if you are being monitored by an UL approved monitoring station, if not, you should be.

If a security system is not an option for you there are other steps you can take to make sure your home is secure. Make sure all windows are locked and it is difficult for someone to see inside your home. You may need to have another blocking device to keep windows from opening. Make sure all entrances are locked. Use a deadbolt if you have one. A good deadbolt lock must have at least a 1-inch pin. The frame of the door is crucial as well. If the doorframe is reinforced with kick plates, it will make kicking in the door extremely difficult.

Most don’t understand that the outside appearance of your home is important. Always keep your grass mowed and the bushes around windows trimmed. Do not leave newspapers on the porch, or mail in the mailbox, as this is a clear sign that no one is home or else that the occupants may be on vacation. If leaving home for an extended period of time, have someone look after the house and gather the mail or feed the animals. It is also a good idea to have some type of noise in the house like a radio or television. Timed lights that come on at different hours are also beneficial.

Statistics reveal that 7 out of 10 burglaries could have been prevented. It is the little things that we do that make a big difference. If you purchase new electronics, don’t throw the boxes on the curb to be seen by everyone, use your city’s recycling area. Shred any documents that have personal information that could make your home a target. Try and get the whole neighborhood involved in some type of watch program. This makes everyone more aware of what is happening in the community. However, a security system is still the most effective way to protect your prized possessions.

For more information about Dallas Home Security Alarm Companies or if you are looking for a Lewisville 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: Security Monitoring, Security Systems, security tips
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Greater Protection. Complete Security. With Wireless Remotes

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

In a continually advancing wireless world, electronic users demand more and more remote features to help with everyday tasks. Wireless key fobs can add value and simplicity to any security system. Wireless remotes allow management control of their home alarm systems, as well as portable personal protection directly at their fingertips. Users can arm and disarm the system easily as they approach their house or, through the panic button, call for help from anywhere close by, or inside the house.

Full wireless operation has two requirements: a radio transmitter to send signals, and a wireless receiver to collect those signals, interpret 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 built into a keypad.

For the most part, 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 displays with updated responses from the control panel. A typical function of key fobs is ‘Away Arming’, by which 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 an access code. The ‘Panic’ function usually must be pressed for three seconds for it to notify the central monitoring station of a situation requiring the police. Obviously you will need a monitored account already activated for this function to work.

Newer models enable communication from the key fob to the panel and vice-versa. These newer options, featuring icon displays and built-in buzzers, have both visual and audible indications of the system’s status. Most wireless key fobs have more than just 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 other 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 choices. Programming for some additional functions can include door openers for the garage, indoor/outdoor light operation, or powered gate access. The only requirement is that the key is within the range of the wireless receiver or else signals will not be received.

Some newer key fobs include backlit icon displays, and built-in buzzers for audible feedback. Currently, the most popular common features are three years of battery life and LED flashlights. For false alarm reduction, there is usually a full 3-second delay on panic functions. Check with your alarm dealer to add wireless key fobs to your systems, or to get them included directly in your new home security package. Key fobs can bring peace to the home and allow the user to arm/disarm the system with the touch of a button.

For more information about Dallas Home Security Alarm Companies or if you are looking for a Mckinney 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: Alarm Systems, Arm/Disarm System, Check your security sytem, Easy to use Systems, Home Security, Home Security Atlanta, Key Fobs, Security Monitoring, Security Systems, security tips, Wireless Remotes
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