Your home is your sanctuary!

 Your home is your sanctuary. It is a place where fond memories are made and relaxing evenings are spent after a busy day. Your home is a safe haven where you and your family most feel at ease. If your home is under-protected or you've had a recent burglary, this may compromise the security you feel in your own home.

No one wants to become a statistic. Using a few simple home security tips and tricks, you can protect your belongings, thwart would-be thieves and increase your feeling of security while home and away.

 

Prevention begins outside your home from the minute it comes into view. Take a walk around your property with a critical eye to see what changes it needs. Here are a few you may have missed:

1. Don't provide places for thieves to hide: Trim trees and bushes that may give someone a place to hide or unnoticeable access to your windows. You should trim back any shrubs that are high enough to block a window.

You will also want to consider the lighting of your property. Look for places around your home that are very dark and may allow a thief access to your home under the cover of darkness. Consider installing lights in various places that can light up entrances. Motion detection spotlights are the best option to conserve energy and not annoy your neighbors or yourself with the bright lights.

2. Don't let thieves know you are not home: If you are planning to go on vacation, never announce it beforehand. We are a society that likes to share, and thieves love that about us. Sending a tweet that you've arrived at the airport or posting a status update on Facebook indicating that you can't wait to leave for your cruise is a great way to alert thieves that your home is empty. Save all updates about your vacation and picture sharing for when you return.

In addition, if you are planning to vacation, have a trusted friend or neighbor stop by every day to pick up the mail, newspapers and any fliers that may be left at the door. If a flier has been sitting on your front door for days, a thief could take notice and know you are on an extended leave.

Any time you are going to be gone during the night, even if it's just returning from work after it gets dark, you should have interior lights set to a timer. Having lights on will keep thieves guessing and will let you feel safer when you come home.

3. Keep your yard clean to prevent giving thieves an advantage: Many times, thieves will gain access to your home through a window they have broken. It is best that we don't give them a tool to do that. Clean up your yard of broken tree limbs after a storm. Ensure your kids put away their toys after playing outside. Never leave a ladder outside in the yard; a thief could use your ladder to gain access to a higher window that is more likely to be unlocked. Use the same precautions for tools, whether they are gardening or for the barbecue; lock them up when they aren't in use.

4. Take precautions to protect windows: If you are purchasing new windows for your home, it might be worth the upgrade to buy shatterproof glass. This would prevent anyone from breaking a window to gain access to your home. If new windows aren't in the budget, consider adding a security film to windows. This will prevent the glass from shattering upon breaking and may deter thieves from continuing their attempt to break in.

5. Secure sliding glass doors: Sliding glass doors have incredibly flimsy locks. A thief can easily pop them in an instant, giving quick access to your home. Installing a security bar for sliding doors would make gaining access to your home more difficult. This measure of protection is a must-have for all sliding doors and windows.

6. Always lock doors and windows: Keep windows locked when you are not home, when you go to bed at night and when they are not in use. If you like to sleep with a window open at night, install window locks that only allow the window to open a few inches.

You should also keep your garage door down, even during the day. Having the garage door open invites thieves inside to look around. It gives them quick, easy access inside your home. Even if they can't take something at the time, they can get enough of a look to see if your home is worth a visit later.

7. Change the locks as necessary: If you've just purchased a home from someone, your first order of business should be to meet the locksmith at your new home. You have no idea who is out there with a key just waiting for the moment to use it. In addition, if you've had a breakup recently, it is time to change the locks. The person may give you the key back, but you have no idea how many copies are out there. Having the locks changed is good for the peace of mind.

8. Install a home alarm system: While an alarm may not keep burglars from getting inside your home, it will deter some and bring the police to your home quickly, limiting what a thief is able to take. Home security systems will only work if you always remember to engage the alarm. You should have your alarm engaged while you are away or while you are at home as many thieves will attempt to break into one part of your home while you are busy in another. Also, many insurance companies may lower your home insurance premiums for having a home alarm system installed.

 Keeping your family, your belongings and your home safe and secure does not involve a lot of money. A few simple changes such as the home security tips mentioned above can protect everyone and everything for years to come.  For this and more information contact Kelly Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com

Why You Need A Monitored System in Your Home

Merriam-Webster defines "home” as "the place (such as a house or apartment) where a person lives.” If you are like most people, your home is so much more than the four walls and a roof where you return after a hard day’s work. Your home is your sanctuary. It is where everything that matters to you is. Your spouse, children, pets and possessions reside there, and all those things are well worth protecting. Whether you are home or away, you want to know that the things you value the most are being cared for. There are few better ways to ensure your property and loved ones are protected than by having a professionally-installed home security system.

Intrusion - When most people think home security, the first thing that jumps to mind is "burglary alarm.” Magnetic contacts on doors or windows, motion sensors and glass break detectors work in conjunction to notify the monitoring station that there is an unlawful intruder. If you are away, you can trust that the authorities have been contacted and will meet you there to help assess what damage has been done. If the unthinkable happens and you are home when an intrusion occurs, you do not have to worry about trying to reach out for help, yourself. The monitoring station has you covered 24/7, as long as the system is armed.

 While intrusion detection is an important component, it is not the only function of a monitored home security system. In fact, fire and life safety devices are essential to having a well-protected home. They work around the clock, whether your system is armed or not.

Monitored Smokes - From cooking fires to electrical malfunctions, there are many potential causes for residential fires. They can happen quickly and without warning. Moreover, statistics show that 50% of all fatal fires occur between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. A home security system with monitored smoke and heat detection devices means that, no matter the cause or the hour, someone is getting help to you quickly.

Monitored CO Detection - Carbon monoxide "an odorless, colorless gas, which can cause sudden illness and death” and which "is produced any time a fossil fuel is burned.” Humans cannot detect it. A disturbing fact, when you consider that many household items, including furnaces, portable generators and charcoal grills produce this poison gas. With the installation of carbon monoxide detectors near every sleeping area in your home, monitored detectors would offer an extra level of protection for your family.

Water Detection - While a flooded basement, laundry room or water closet is hardly a life-threatening event, water damage accounts for the most frequent causes of homeowners’ insurance claims. A monitored water detection system is designed to alert you of the presence of moisture before any major damage can occur. Like life safety devices, they are monitored 24/7, and can be essential to helping you prevent the considerable hassle and expense of dealing with the result of a leaking or burst pipe in your home.

Detection of intruders, fire and other emergency situations can give you the peace of mind you want and deserve when it comes to your home and the people you care for the most; but these are just a few benefits to having a monitored home security system professionally installed and serviced by Atlas Alarms. Contact us for a tailor-made proposal suited to your family’s unique security needs. - See more at: http://www.atlasalarms.com

Safety Tips 101:

1)  Store valuables in your child’s sock drawer rather than in your nightstand.

Thieves often scour the master bedroom but tend to leave children’s rooms untouched.

 2)  If your front entrance contains decorative glass, install your security keypad in a spot that is not visible from the doorstep.

That way, burglars won’t be able to peer in and see if the alarm is set.

3)  A mail slot goes against the wood grain, weakening the horizontal integrity of a door and making it easier to kick in.

Opt for a mailbox, or install your slot near the bottom of the front door, no higher than a quarter of the way up.

4)  Keep car keys next to your bed while you sleep.

If you hear a suspicious noise and suspect that someone is trying to break in, press the Panic button on your key ring. The car alarm will sound, and the burglar will have no choice but to flee the scene.

5)  Plant thorny shrubs, such as rosebushes, beneath ground-floor windows.

They’ll add beauty to your garden and deter burglars.

 6)  If you’re going away on vacation, ask a neighbor to check daily for flyers stuck in your front door.

Crafty criminals have been known to leave pizza ads in doors to see how long it takes for residents to remove them.

 7)  Rather than loading up the car the night before a weekend getaway, quickly do it in the morning right before you leave.

Left in front of the house, a fully packed car can serve as a green light for those looking for one.

 8)  Lower the volume of your telephone ringer.

This way a passerby won’t be able to hear it go to voice mail, which is an indication that no one is home.

9)  Don’t store wood near the side of the house, as it can easily be used by intruders as a step ladder up to a window.

Keep logs in the garage or in a pile at the edge of the yard and of course lock up ladders.

10)  Program your GPS for the nearest Police Station.  Store your Vehicle Registration in a safe location in the vehicle.

Thieves break into vehicles at community events, thus knowing how long you will be away from home, don't allow the thieves to find their way to your unattended home.

 11) Invest in a home Security System.

Homes with Security System's are less likely to be broken into.  Display lawn signs and door/window decals and be sure to use the Security System, even it just popping out for a few minutes.

 For more information contact Kelly Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com

 

Investing in a Security System

This articles offers insightful information on the benefits of investing in a quality home security alarm, the various components of security systems in the market today as well as tips or guidelines on what to look for when shopping for a security solution or system for your home.

Benefits:
The biggest and most important benefit of home security alarms is that they help keep you and your dear ones safe. In addition to that such security systems help users stop possible intrusions and catch burglars. As is the case with most products on the market home security systems come with their own set of pros and cons. It is for this reason that security system or alarm shoppers have to do their homework before setting out and making an actual purchase. Going through various home safety system websites and reading reviews from individuals who are using such products goes a long way in helping you identify whether or not the security alarm or system you wish to purchase is effective, reliable and meets your needs.

Components of Home Security Systems:
The large number of emerging security solution firms in the market today make it harder and sometimes even annoying for home owners or security system shoppers to identify or select the best security alarm options for their needs. Though there are quite a number of home safety system features offered by various companies in the market the following is a check list of basic features an effective security system should have:

• Siren
•  Door and or window contacts (sensors)
• Motion Detectors
• Control panel
• Keypad
• Battery back up
• Local Alarm Monitoring

Selecting the best security system for you home security needs:
The most important thing to do before purchasing a home safety system is identifying your home alarm needs. Doing so allows you to have a better understanding of what products and product features would best suit your needs.  For more information on Residential or Business Security contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com

Do I Need A Security System?

Have you thought about installing a home security system, but put it off because you don't think you really need one?


The number one reason to invest in a home security system is to protect your family and assets, the simple fact of installing a security system deters crime.

Reason #1 - To Deter Potential Crime

You might think that a crazy-loud k-9 is a great way to keep burglars away - and you wouldn't be wrong - but studies show that investing in a home security system is a proven way to keep burglars at bay.

The bottom line: Burglars are on the lookout for "soft targets," so making your home more difficult to access is likely to deter a break-in.

Reason #2 - To Detect Smoke and Fire

So, it's pretty obvious that a home security system can protect your home against burglary, but did you know that many security systems are also built to protect your home from a fire?

Here's how: A home fire alarm system is usually part of a total security system providing burglary protection in addition to fire protection. Such a system supervises doors, windows, and spaces within the home for break-in and may provide monitoring services to report a fire or intrusion to a Monitoring Center, where it can then be reported to your local police or fire department.

Reason #3 - To get a Discount on your Home Insurance

On top of being a burglar-deterrent, installing a home security system could also help lower the premium on your home insurance - and by a pretty penny at that.

In fact, Some companies may cut your premiums by as much as 15 or 20 percent if you install a Monitored Burglar and Fire Security System.
Reason #4 - To Control Your Home Remotely

Have you ever called a neighbor to ask whether you left your kitchen window open? Now there's an app for that, in a manner of speaking.

Most home security systems can alert you - via text or e-mail - when there's activity in your home that you want to know about. For example, you can get alerts every time someone enters your home.

Reason #5 - To Help Law Enforcement Respond Faster to Emergencies

What's another good reason to invest in a home security system? How about this: It can actually help children or seniors get medical attention in the event of an emergency.

How so, you're probably wondering? Well, if someone with health problems is living alone, they could carry a wireless transmitter that triggers their home security system if they need assistance. Many home security systems can include two-way intercoms so that when the system is triggered, you and your family members can communicate directly with the operators in case you can't get to a phone.

And while this little detail may not sound like much, to someone with limited mobility, who many not be able to get to the phone very quickly, it could prove extremely helpful.



For this and more information contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

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

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

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

Garage Security

 Garages present special challenges for security. Here are some tips for keeping your garage secure.

• 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.

For this and more Security information please contact me at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com

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

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

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

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

GARAGE REMOTES and B&E's

Just on the Noon News today: Elderly Lady from Abbotsford, BC had been at Church, when she came out to her car she found it had been broken into, to add further pain when she arrived home it had also been broken into. PLEASE people remove your garage remotes from your vehicles and blacken out your address on your insurance papers, and finally do not have your exact home address on your GPS.  For this and more helpful information please contact Kelly Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com

Ho Ho Ho Holidays!

As everyone is aware the Holidays are now just around the corner, are you ready? Have you started your shopping? Most people will be answering yes to both questions, but the real question is "Are you secure for the Holidays?"

More often than not I visit residences and business both around this time of year because of a recent break and enter. Statistics show there is always a rise in crime over the holiday season, please do not be a statistic! If you stop and think like a thief this is absolutely the best time of year to do a robbery. Homes have started shopping (or maybe even already done) and stores have extra stock with all the latest greatest gifts!! As you are aware a Security System will be a benefit in combating against crime. Thieves would rather go to a house or store that does not have a security system then one that does. A security system will not guarantee that is will keep the bad guy out but it does keep their time on the premises shorter, the siren is wailing and the Authorities are on the way.

For this and more information on how to protect yourself contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at KellyWicks@atlasalarms.com

Regular Routines - Warning

Here we are almost half way through September. Kids are back to school and we are back to our regular routines, time to think about Security! Regular routines are the best to advertise your home as vulnerable. Thieves often scope out their next target and since most persons cannot change their hours of work and children’s school hours the best alternative to prevent break in is obvious – Residential Alarm System.

Statistics show that homes that have electronic security and visibly display this are less likely to be broken into. While having an electronic security system will not 100% prevent a break in it will keep the time down that the bad guy is in your home. Every home design is different so should the design of the security system. If you cannot afford to have a fully complete security system installed at least having the basics to begin with is a good start. Your entry doors to the home should be protected with contacts (sensors) and have at least one interior motion detector for in the event that a window is breached. The motion detector should be placed in an area that the burglary will cross its path. And last but not least a smoke detector connected to the security system. Having a professional Security Company provide the Alarm Monitoring as they monitor the security system and call the authorities in the event of a breach or fire when you are not able to do so.

Once you have at minimal a “basic” security system installed you can always add further devices at a later date. Costs can be discussed with the Security Professional.

For this and more information on Security Systems please contact me at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com

A Good Nights Sleep!

The best way for you to get a good night's sleep is to have your home equipped with a Residential Security Alarm System. There are several systems on today's market and they will let you sleep peaceably, without a care in the world. Your alarm system will keep your most valuable possessions - your belongings and your family - safe and free from harm. Once your alarm system is installed, your chances of being robbed or invaded are much, much less than if your home is without adequate security. All it takes is one look at your posted "Burglar Alarm" signs, and would-be intruders choose to take their presence elsewhere!

The cost of an Alarm System varies, depending on the model and the number of features it has. But, no matter what the cost, it will be well worth the money you spend because of the peace of mind you'll have. The bottom line is: While it will take some cash to invest in a Security System, you'll likely save money on replacement costs for valuables and even on your home insurance bill. It will be one of the smartest things you have ever invested in for your family and for yourself.

You probably have lots of questions about a Residential Security System. First of all, you most likely don't have a clue as to what type of equipment you'll need. You might also be at a loss as to how a security system works. And, you've probably heard about the monitoring stations attached to alarm systems and are wondering just what and where they are. Everyone in the process of purchasing an alarm system has questions, so you certainly are not alone in your quest to find just the right system for your home.

The basic purpose of an alarm system is to keep unwanted intruders from entering your home. Alarm Systems do this by alerting local police authorities and also your neighbors when something is definitely wrong at your house. In addition to burglaries, the alarms work to alert authorities about fires and medical emergencies.

Your home will be monitored by a Security Monitoring Company any time you set the alarm. This can be while you're away on vacation, at work for the day or jut sleeping soundly at night. The choice is yours. All it takes is for the alarm to be activated in an emergency or during break in and within minutes help will be on its way to your home. There is simply no better way to protect your loved ones at all times - whether you're at home or away.

For this and more security information please contact Kelly Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com

Security System Benefits

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 getting in then stealing everything in sight. This is actually one of the oldest uses for Home Security 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.

Obviously, the first main benefit that Alarm Systems offer is the ability to monitor the safety of your home. The most basic models of Home Security come with ways to monitor doors and movement within your home. This allows you to turn on the Alarm System when you are gone, and alert you and the authorities if anything suspicious happens. It also allows you to turn on the Alarm System while you are home to alert you in the event there is an intruder.

The next main benefit of Alarm Systems is for fire detection 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. A Home Security 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 via the Monitoring Company 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 Home Security 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 Security Systems and how they can help you, please contact Kelly Wicks at Atlas Alarms at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com

Pets and Your Security System

Burglar alarms were designed to keep homes and families safe from unwanted intruders. For many homeowners, their pets are part of their family. A properly installed and operational burglar alarm can help pet owners feel more secure leaving their pets home alone for any amount of time.

Most homeowners today know the many benefits of burglar alarms such as:

-Protection against unwanted intruders.

-Peace of mind knowing their home is secure whether they are there or not.

-Life safety protection in the event a fire, home invasion, or carbon monoxide poisoning should occur in the home.

-Insurance discounts for having an alarm installed and monitored in the home.

For homeowners with pets, burglar alarms add pet protection as an incentive to have an alarm system installed in their home. What is great about burglar alarms is that they can be customized to fit the needs of homeowners as well as their four-legged friends.

For instance, during the daytime when their owner is away, a pet can stay safe and secure from the threat of a burglar with something as simple as a basic burglar alarm system. While some people may see their dog as a burglary deterrent, a determined burglar can easily get by the dog by offering it a treat or other incentive.

Even worse, a burglar once inside the home can cause harm to an animal if he feels the dog is getting in the way or is a threat to him. This is just one example of why burglar alarms should be used as a burglary deterrent, never a dog or any pet for that matter.

Many pet owners over the years have decided to leave their homes and their pets unprotected from burglar alarms because of the fear of false alarms. While it is true that pets and alarm systems did not mix well in the past, advancements in technology have made it easier than ever for pets to live in a home with a burglar alarm system installed in it.

It is important, however, for the security company to know that there are pets in the home so that the proper pet immune alarm devices such as pet immune motion detectors are used during the installation.

Homeowners who have cats, dogs, birds, fish, or any other type of animal in their home they want to protect, can benefit from having monitored burglar alarms that have smoke detectors and/or carbon monoxide detectors installed in them. If a fire breaks out or there is a carbon monoxide leak in the home, no matter what time of the day or night, a pet owner can feel secure knowing that their pet is protected 24/7.

Humans can pick up a phone and call for help, animals cannot. Burglar alarms combined with alarm monitoring are great tools for keeping pets safe and tools no pet lover should ever go without.

For this and more information contact Kelly Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com

Common Sense or Not?

Security is not always just for your home or your business it extends to all parts of your lives. Common sense is not always that commonly used. More often than not when I am walking up the driveways to my clients I notice vehicles unsecured or electronics just laying on the seats. I am arriving at their premises to provide Security but they have forgotten about their vehicles. Why is it that we forget our common sense when we lock our front door?

Below are some tips you can use to avoid being the victim of vehicle theft:
• Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk out of sight, or better yet bring them inside.
• Always park in high-traffic, well-lighted areas, when possible.
• Install a mechanical device that locks the steering wheel, column, or brakes. These devices are a visible deterent.
• Investigate the purchase of a vehicle theft tracking/security system, especially if you own one of the frequently stolen model vehicles.
• Never leave personal identification documents, vehicle ownership title, or credit cards in your vehicle.
• If you must leave your key with a valet, attendant, or mechanic leave only the ignition key. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable firm.
• In high theft areas the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should be etched on windows, doors, fenders and trunk lid. This makes it difficult for a thief to market your stolen car parts ("chop shop").
• Copy your license plate and vehicle information (VIN) numbers on a card and keep them with you. If your vehicle is stolen, the police will need this information to take a report.
• Many vehicles today come with some type of security system from the factory. Normally there are upgraded systems available if you ask. The best choice are systems that shut off the fuel supply so that a car can't be started or driven.
• Keep your home address information on your vehicle insurance papers blacked out.
• Program your GPS to the nearest local Police Station not your home, that way if your vehicle is stolen the GPS will not lead the bad guys straight to your house.
• If you have a RV be sure to use a device that prohibits anyone from them hitching it to their vehicle and driving away.
• Do not store expensive electronics in your RV.

For this and more security tips please contact Kelly Lynn Wicks of Atlas Alarms Ltd. at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com