Criminals and burglars are more likely to strike out against women than men, and the best way to avoid unsafe situations is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Follow these home security tips for women to enhance your security and to give yourself peace of mind regarding the safety of your home.
• Always lock up! Whether you are heading out for a long vacation or just making a quick trip to the store, it is crucial that you make sure that all doors and windows are locked. In fact, it is a good idea to maintain locked windows and doors even when you are at home.
• Install a home security system and make sure you turn it on every time you leave the house. If possible, also activate your home security system before going to bed.
• Eliminate any potential hiding places: keep the exterior of your home well lit, and make sure that there are no shrubs or fences obscuring the view to your house.
• Only open your door for people you know or are expecting. If you are unsure of who is on the other side of the door, you should not open it.
• If someone drops you off at home, ask them to stay and watch until you are safely indoors.
• Have your key ready before you get to your door.
• Don’t list your full name on your mailbox. This only gives burglars more information about who is living in your home.
• If you come home to an open door and know that nobody else is home, do not go inside. Instead, call the police from a nearby home and ask them to escort you into your home.
• If you live alone, do not advertise this fact. Lone women are an easy target for criminals.
• Trust your judgment. If you feel that a certain situation or person may be a threat to your security or that of your home, avoid it. It is always better to be safe than to be sorry.
For this and more information please contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
Friday, November 2, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
10 Tips for Security
1. Don’t open your door to strangers or solicitors. Most home invaders knock on the front door to gain entry. They pose as someone in distress, a person asking for directions, workers, delivery persons, or they may be offering to do work for you.
2. Lock your windows and doors and keep your garage door closed and locked even when you are home.
3. Install solid core doors, heavy duty locks, and window security devices.
4. Check to see who is at your door before opening it by using a peephole, intercom system, or nearby window.
5. Use your front porch light to help you see outside.
6. Don’t rely on chains to keep intruders out, they don’t.
7. If you have an alarm system, use the "stay" mode or "instant" mode while you are home. If someone attempts to gain entry, the alarm will sound and get help to you.
8. Have an escape plan. Train your family on where to go and what to say. If someone can escape, the invaders will have lost their advantage of privacy and time.
9. Consider owning a dog for protection. If this isn’t possible, an empty dog bowl left on the porch gives the impression that there is a dog on the premises.
10. If you live alone, place men’s boots or other clothing laying around or yell “I’ll get it” when answering the door to make it seem like your not alone.
For this and more information please contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
2. Lock your windows and doors and keep your garage door closed and locked even when you are home.
3. Install solid core doors, heavy duty locks, and window security devices.
4. Check to see who is at your door before opening it by using a peephole, intercom system, or nearby window.
5. Use your front porch light to help you see outside.
6. Don’t rely on chains to keep intruders out, they don’t.
7. If you have an alarm system, use the "stay" mode or "instant" mode while you are home. If someone attempts to gain entry, the alarm will sound and get help to you.
8. Have an escape plan. Train your family on where to go and what to say. If someone can escape, the invaders will have lost their advantage of privacy and time.
9. Consider owning a dog for protection. If this isn’t possible, an empty dog bowl left on the porch gives the impression that there is a dog on the premises.
10. If you live alone, place men’s boots or other clothing laying around or yell “I’ll get it” when answering the door to make it seem like your not alone.
For this and more information please contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Commercial Security
A commercial Security System is a must for any Business with a physical store. If you want to trust that your business is safe at all times, you need to protect it well. Installing a system to protect against crimes like vandalism, burglary, and other common crimes is going to give you more peace of mind than you might expect. When it comes to finding the right alarm system, you have to think about what you need and which features are most important. Here are some great features to look for when evaluating commercial Security Systems:
- Motion Sensors. Even if you have an alarm, criminals can find a way to bypass it. If you put in motion sensors with your system, it will be more difficult for them to get through your business and cause any harm without setting off the alarm.
- Surveillance Cameras. You need to be able to monitor your business so that you can catch anyone who breaks in or tries to commit crimes against your business. With cameras poised at all the entry points and throughout the business, it will be easier to see who is coming and going, including those who are trying to harm your company.
- 24 Hour Monitoring. Any Commercial Security System needs a 24 Hour Monitoring Centre. Knowing your business is in the hands of a Company who will monitor your business at all times, will make you feel much safer and be reassured that your business is protected and will be attended should the alarm be triggered.
- Customer service and support isn't usually a feature that you would look for in your commercial system, but you really need to make sure that you get these two things. You cannot trust your business to just anyone, and ensuring that you are buying your alarm from a reputable company that you are able to keep in touch with and trust is very important.
These are all great features to consider when you are investing in a Commercial Security System. Do your research before you make a decision to figure out which systems are best for your business and how you can make the most of your purchase. Look for professional, reputable services that will give you everything that you want and need in your Commercial Security System, no matter what you might be looking for. If you've invested yourself and your money into a business, you need to make sure that you invest in protecting it, as well.
For this and more information, please contact Kelly Lynn Wicks via email at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
- Motion Sensors. Even if you have an alarm, criminals can find a way to bypass it. If you put in motion sensors with your system, it will be more difficult for them to get through your business and cause any harm without setting off the alarm.
- Surveillance Cameras. You need to be able to monitor your business so that you can catch anyone who breaks in or tries to commit crimes against your business. With cameras poised at all the entry points and throughout the business, it will be easier to see who is coming and going, including those who are trying to harm your company.
- 24 Hour Monitoring. Any Commercial Security System needs a 24 Hour Monitoring Centre. Knowing your business is in the hands of a Company who will monitor your business at all times, will make you feel much safer and be reassured that your business is protected and will be attended should the alarm be triggered.
- Customer service and support isn't usually a feature that you would look for in your commercial system, but you really need to make sure that you get these two things. You cannot trust your business to just anyone, and ensuring that you are buying your alarm from a reputable company that you are able to keep in touch with and trust is very important.
These are all great features to consider when you are investing in a Commercial Security System. Do your research before you make a decision to figure out which systems are best for your business and how you can make the most of your purchase. Look for professional, reputable services that will give you everything that you want and need in your Commercial Security System, no matter what you might be looking for. If you've invested yourself and your money into a business, you need to make sure that you invest in protecting it, as well.
For this and more information, please contact Kelly Lynn Wicks via email at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Back Yard Fun!!!
Well now that summer is here and we are all out enjoying the great weather, please do not become lazy or forgetful in your security. Thieves do not take vacations, in fact they work even harder in the summer due to the easy pickings!
Keep your house locked up properly when not at home. I know that we all like the option have leaving a window open for cooler air and that breeze but that open window just beckons the thief! If you do have an alarm system you can have "venting" contacts added to your windows, this way you can still arm your alarm system and leave the window open for air.
Back yard fun calls for your attention to your security as well. While in the back yard this summer please be sure to arm your security system, just bypass the back door to allow access in and out of your house while keeping the remainder of the secure.
Finally - vehicles - keep them locked and be sure to hide or better yet remove any valuables that are in site. I even recommend opening your glove box and center glove box to display them being empty. Keep in mind that even spare change could invite a thief.
For this and more information please contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
Keep your house locked up properly when not at home. I know that we all like the option have leaving a window open for cooler air and that breeze but that open window just beckons the thief! If you do have an alarm system you can have "venting" contacts added to your windows, this way you can still arm your alarm system and leave the window open for air.
Back yard fun calls for your attention to your security as well. While in the back yard this summer please be sure to arm your security system, just bypass the back door to allow access in and out of your house while keeping the remainder of the secure.
Finally - vehicles - keep them locked and be sure to hide or better yet remove any valuables that are in site. I even recommend opening your glove box and center glove box to display them being empty. Keep in mind that even spare change could invite a thief.
For this and more information please contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
Friday, May 11, 2012
Going Away on Vacation?
Going Away on Vacation?
Your home is most vulnerable when you are away for an extended period of time.
Be sure to practice good crime prevention techniques so the house you come back to is as safe as you left it.
Have someone you trust check your home and pick up your mail and papers while you’re away on vacation. Tell that person when you are leaving and when you will be back. If you decide to come home early or stay away longer, make sure they know.
For a small fee, you can have the Post Office hold your mail until you return from vacation. You should also know whether your home insurance policy has limits for the length of time your home can be vacant.
A lived-in look will give an outsider the impression that someone is at home. While you are away, have:
•The driveway shovelled in the winter and your grass cut in the summer.
•Lights on timers that would normally reflect your daily activity.
•A neighbour park a car in your driveway.
•A neighbour put some of their garbage at the end of your driveway on garbage day.
Making arrangements to have these normal daily routines continue while you are on vacation will give a potential burglar the impression that someone is at home.
For this and more information contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
Your home is most vulnerable when you are away for an extended period of time.
Be sure to practice good crime prevention techniques so the house you come back to is as safe as you left it.
Have someone you trust check your home and pick up your mail and papers while you’re away on vacation. Tell that person when you are leaving and when you will be back. If you decide to come home early or stay away longer, make sure they know.
For a small fee, you can have the Post Office hold your mail until you return from vacation. You should also know whether your home insurance policy has limits for the length of time your home can be vacant.
A lived-in look will give an outsider the impression that someone is at home. While you are away, have:
•The driveway shovelled in the winter and your grass cut in the summer.
•Lights on timers that would normally reflect your daily activity.
•A neighbour park a car in your driveway.
•A neighbour put some of their garbage at the end of your driveway on garbage day.
Making arrangements to have these normal daily routines continue while you are on vacation will give a potential burglar the impression that someone is at home.
For this and more information contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
Friday, April 27, 2012
Garage Security
- If you frost or cover your garage windows, burglars won't be able to tell if your car is gone.
- Keep your garage door closed and locked even when your car is not in the garage.
- Install a peephole in the door separating the house from the garage. If you hear suspicious sounds, you can check without opening the door.
- Are you worried about someone entering your house through your attached garage? If the garage door lifts on a track, a C-clamp can provide extra security since the door cannot be opened if you tighten the C-clamp on the track next to the roller.
Friday, April 13, 2012
How Aware are You?
Your home is where your Life takes place, where your Family meets together and your Children sleep soundly at night. Your Home houses not only memories but the important physical pieces of your life as well. Whether it is photo albums or special documents about insurance or financial information these are the things that our lives are built upon. When someone breaks into your home your space is violated and your safety is compromised. Having a Home Security System can not only keep your belongings from getting into the wrong hands, but keep you feeling safe as well. When considering your Home Security there are several things to consider.
Plan for safety. Have a family plan as to where you will go or what you will do in case of an emergency or disaster. Talk about items in your home that you want to have added protection for and how you can do this. If you don't have a plan you will not know what to do in a worst case scenario. Be prepared so that you never have to be put in that situation.
Look at Home Security Systems as they are improving everyday and now offer more benefits than they ever have before. It may be worth the investment to not only have a System installed but to have Alarm Monitoring as well. This way you can assure your peace of mind, even when you are away. Do research on the costs and services that will work well for you so that you feel comfortable with the System that you have installed.
Probably one of the most important things to consider when thinking about Home Security is your instincts, as a homeowner oftentimes you can pinpoint areas of your home or property that may be susceptible to criminals. This is also where a Security Consultant will help you, they can do a walkthrough of your home and point out areas of concern.
Once you are aware of your surroundings and you are continually doing all that you can to protect your family and home from danger, chances are you will be safe. Use common sense when it comes to leaving doors and windows open or leaving items visible that may be a lure for a thief. Adding a Home Security System will not only give you added protection but additional peace of mind as well. No price is too high to protect your family and property.
For this and more information contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
Plan for safety. Have a family plan as to where you will go or what you will do in case of an emergency or disaster. Talk about items in your home that you want to have added protection for and how you can do this. If you don't have a plan you will not know what to do in a worst case scenario. Be prepared so that you never have to be put in that situation.
Look at Home Security Systems as they are improving everyday and now offer more benefits than they ever have before. It may be worth the investment to not only have a System installed but to have Alarm Monitoring as well. This way you can assure your peace of mind, even when you are away. Do research on the costs and services that will work well for you so that you feel comfortable with the System that you have installed.
Probably one of the most important things to consider when thinking about Home Security is your instincts, as a homeowner oftentimes you can pinpoint areas of your home or property that may be susceptible to criminals. This is also where a Security Consultant will help you, they can do a walkthrough of your home and point out areas of concern.
Once you are aware of your surroundings and you are continually doing all that you can to protect your family and home from danger, chances are you will be safe. Use common sense when it comes to leaving doors and windows open or leaving items visible that may be a lure for a thief. Adding a Home Security System will not only give you added protection but additional peace of mind as well. No price is too high to protect your family and property.
For this and more information contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
Monday, March 19, 2012
Stop - Think and Be Secure!
So many times in life we just go along doing the same old same old, well take a minute to rethink your security.
1. Where are your spare keys hung? Is this where the burglar can find them easily?
2. When you have cash, where do you keep it? On your dresser in your bedroom?
3. Where are your spare credit cards kept? Or even your credit card information?
4. Do you keep your lights on a timer when you are gone?
5. Is there is radio or TV left on when you are away?
6. Who picks up your mail/newspaper in your absence?
7. When you are home are your doors locked? Is your security system armed?
8. Do you sleep with your car keys next to your bed so that you can hit the alarm button on the fob just in case?
9. Is your GPS programmed for HOME? Do you really want to direct burglars to your home if your car is stolen? (black out your address on your insurance papers)
10. Is your vehicle is parked outside are all valuables hidden from plain sight? Is the vehicle locked?
11. Where is your jewelry kept? In your jewelry box on your dresser?
12. Do you have an itemized list of all household items? With digital cameras it is easier than ever to have all items logged.
13. Is the side gate to your back yard pad locked?
14. On garbage day do you put out boxes of new items as advertisement?
15. Is your Security System monitored?
For more information on your security contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Crimes of Opportunity
Time after time residential burglaries are crimes of opportunity. The thief wants to get in and get out as quick as possible and as quietly as possible. You as a home owner have to make your home the least attractive to the possibility of a visit from a thief. Of course we all know to keep shrubs clipped and ladders locked up, all windows and doors secure. Timers on lights and tvs when not at home and the mail picked up when away on vacation. You have even had a professional Security Company install a Security System that is monitored.
However crime can still happen even to the most prepared home. The thief has now entered your home and wants to grab as many valuables as they can and get out. They will of course head to your master bedroom as this is where your jewelry and money is stored, then it’s off to the media room for further valuables. Keeping your valuables in a jewellery box on the dresser along with cash on the dresser is only aiding the thief during their quick trip through your home.
You can invest in a safe that is mounted securely to the floor or wall that will make it almost impossible for the thief to gain access to your valuables. But if you cannot afford a safe there are other places to keep your valuables, hidden storages behind mirrors or paintings, or under floor boards. Diversion Safes or Can Safes are a great way to hide things in Plain Sight. Many Can Safes are made from product cans that are used in everyday life. From soda pop cans to dog food to bathroom products and cleaning supplies. These cans look just like the original product containers. These are weighted to feel like they are full and who would ever guess that these could hold your money or other valuables.
No matter what or how a person decides to hide their valuables or personal property, one thing is clear; everyone should have a plan or special place to hide or stash their valuable property. There are too many choices available today to have an excuse for not doing anything.
For this and more information on security please contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
However crime can still happen even to the most prepared home. The thief has now entered your home and wants to grab as many valuables as they can and get out. They will of course head to your master bedroom as this is where your jewelry and money is stored, then it’s off to the media room for further valuables. Keeping your valuables in a jewellery box on the dresser along with cash on the dresser is only aiding the thief during their quick trip through your home.
You can invest in a safe that is mounted securely to the floor or wall that will make it almost impossible for the thief to gain access to your valuables. But if you cannot afford a safe there are other places to keep your valuables, hidden storages behind mirrors or paintings, or under floor boards. Diversion Safes or Can Safes are a great way to hide things in Plain Sight. Many Can Safes are made from product cans that are used in everyday life. From soda pop cans to dog food to bathroom products and cleaning supplies. These cans look just like the original product containers. These are weighted to feel like they are full and who would ever guess that these could hold your money or other valuables.
No matter what or how a person decides to hide their valuables or personal property, one thing is clear; everyone should have a plan or special place to hide or stash their valuable property. There are too many choices available today to have an excuse for not doing anything.
For this and more information on security please contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Use Your Security System and more!
Adding a monitored Home Security System is a great way to improve the security and safety of your family. Once you have the system installed, the goal is to make sure your family uses the system. There are some features that make your system more user friendly and part of your day to day life at home.
Along side your basic features you will want to make sure your system has a remote control keyfob, chime notification and instant arming.
Remote Control Keyfob
To arm and disarm your alarm system, you typically will have to go to the keypad to enter your alarm code. With a remote control key fob, you can arm and disarm the system remotely without going to the keypad. There is no need for you to run to the keypad to disarm the system, just push one button on the keyfob.
When you are in bed upstairs and do not want to go downstairs to arm the system, push one button and your system is armed. So when you get your burglar alarm system, make sure you include remote control keyfobs.
Chime Notification when doors and windows are opened
If you have little kids or teenagers who love to sneak out, you will love this feature. With this feature, the system will alert you when a door or window is opened.
With just a few key strokes on your keypad you can tell your Security System to be in Chime Mode.
So when your two year old opens the sliding door and is trying to get out to the pool, the system will chime from the keypad. You can then go after him to get him back in the house. Similarly, when your teenager opens their bedroom window to sneak out, the system will chime.
Instant Mode
This mode is also only a few keystrokes on your keypad telling the Security System to be in Instant Mode, thus having all devices armed in instant. Unlike the normal arming leaving your entry doors in delay mode allowing you the delay time when you enter, Instant Mode arms your entry doors in Instant, not allowing any enter delay time. Use this mode when the whole family is in for the night, your entry doors are now instant, so if anyone enters your home the doors go directly into alarm.
For this and more information please contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
Along side your basic features you will want to make sure your system has a remote control keyfob, chime notification and instant arming.
Remote Control Keyfob
To arm and disarm your alarm system, you typically will have to go to the keypad to enter your alarm code. With a remote control key fob, you can arm and disarm the system remotely without going to the keypad. There is no need for you to run to the keypad to disarm the system, just push one button on the keyfob.
When you are in bed upstairs and do not want to go downstairs to arm the system, push one button and your system is armed. So when you get your burglar alarm system, make sure you include remote control keyfobs.
Chime Notification when doors and windows are opened
If you have little kids or teenagers who love to sneak out, you will love this feature. With this feature, the system will alert you when a door or window is opened.
With just a few key strokes on your keypad you can tell your Security System to be in Chime Mode.
So when your two year old opens the sliding door and is trying to get out to the pool, the system will chime from the keypad. You can then go after him to get him back in the house. Similarly, when your teenager opens their bedroom window to sneak out, the system will chime.
Instant Mode
This mode is also only a few keystrokes on your keypad telling the Security System to be in Instant Mode, thus having all devices armed in instant. Unlike the normal arming leaving your entry doors in delay mode allowing you the delay time when you enter, Instant Mode arms your entry doors in Instant, not allowing any enter delay time. Use this mode when the whole family is in for the night, your entry doors are now instant, so if anyone enters your home the doors go directly into alarm.
For this and more information please contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
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