We Never Used to Lock Our Doors!

At least once a day someone says to me, "It wasn't so long ago that nobody even locked their doors. Why is the home security alarm system so popular now?" The answer is that there are actually several reasons people want the protection these systems provide.

1. People don't feel as safe as they used to feel. Crime rates might be rising. But the real reason people don't feel as safe is that the media informs us every evening of all of the crimes occurring in homes in our area. Whether there is or isn't more crime, we are certainly more aware of neighborhood crime.

2. We, as a society, tend to believe that burglaries and other crimes increase during times of economic hardship. This is certainly true in some areas, and the media encourages us to believe it is true in all areas. Convinced of a rising crime rate, people invest in home security alarm systems.

3. When people buy a home or live in a neighborhood where a large number of people have a home security alarm system they tend to believe they also need a system. The assumption is that there is a good reason the neighbors have security systems.

4. Many home builders are including wiring for home security alarm systems as part of the basic construction package on new homes. It is hard to know whether builders are responding to a trend or there is a trend that follows what builders are installing in new homes.

5. Lifestyles encourage many people to want a home security alarm system to protect their families. For those who travel frequently for business, for parents who want to know their children are returning to a secure home, for parents who occasionally leave older children home alone, the security system offers confidence the children are safe.

6. People with disabilities who want to live independently can install home security alarm system equipment that offers monitoring safeguards to keep them safe. They might install a monitor that sends out an alert should they fall. If they could not reach an emergency button, the monitoring company would investigate and send help.

7. People who worry about elderly parents can install a complete home security alarm system that includes pendants or emergency buttons should they fall or require help, the monitoring company will call and then send the appropriate authorities.

If you have concerns about the safety of your family, contact Kelly Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com to help you assess your risk, analyze your needs, and create a home security alarm system that fits your needs and your budget. 

Moving - Home Security Tips

Spring is approaching, which means that a lot of you will be relocating soon. I want to help make your move flow as easily as possible, which is why I have taken the time to compose a checklist of sorts that you can use to help guide you through the process.
Change All Of the Door Locks in Your New Home
Real estate and leasing agents, workmen, former residents…and anyone associated with a former residence is likely to have a key to your new abode. Don’t assume that any of these individuals are above breaking into your home. From the day that you take possession, you and the people that you authorize should be the only ones with keys to your door locks.  Remember to also place pin locks on all sliding doors (and windows).
Install an Alarm System
Before you spend a single night in your new home install an alarm system.  Contact Atlas Alarms for your no-charge home security evaulation.  (NOTE: If you haven’t already done so, contact your insurance agent to inquire about any discounts that you may be eligible for by securing your home with an alarm system.)
Alert Your Monitoring Company
Contact yourMonitoring Company to update them on your move. More often than not you will have to provide 30 Days written notice.
Place Security Warnings Around Your Home
Deterrents are your first line of defense against burglary. Let the bad guys know that you’re prepared and they’ll likely move onto an unsuspecting residence, instead. One of the most effective ways to go about this is to place security warnings on your windows, your front lawn and anywhere else visible to the casual observer.
Secure Your Fencing
Walk around your front, side and back yard and check for holes or weak areas in your fencing and, if found, repair these issues right away. I also recommend a lock on your gate.  Not only will this help keep burglars away, but doing so will also help keep pets and young children inside.
Introduce Yourself to Your New neighbors
A face-to-face introduction helps neighbors establish a rapport with one another. Such an introduction may also heighten vigilance amongst homeowners. Without appearing paranoid, let your new neighbors know that they can contact you anytime they see or hear anything unusual around your property and that you will kindly do the same for them.
Inquire About a Neighborhood Watch Program
Call or visit your local police department to find out who is in charge of your local neighborhood watch meetings and when they are held. If you discover that no such program exists, speak to your police department about starting one. This is a great way to get to know your neighbors while fighting crime at the same time.
Start Fresh
Start fresh and change the batteries in all of the smoke detectors in your new home.

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

Thieves Dont Want You To Know This!

You are a conscientious homeowner and do everything you can to protect your home. Why, you've even installed a home security system to make sure your family and belongings are protected. But did you know that burglars case homes everyday and take note of certain things in order to choose which house they're going to hit?
One of the top home security tips that will prevent burglars from even thinking of breaking into your home is to recycle your garbage properly. How else do people find out what you have in your home except through the waste cartons and packaging that you throw out on the curb? If handymen are setting up your new home theater system, have them bring all the packages with them. Or, tear and shred any packaging that you have in your home and use them for plant mulch. Don't advertise your vacations! Posting your vacation plans on Facebook is a great way to invite someone into your home. But you don't have to be so technical about it. Does your plumber, your hairdresser or your manicurist really need to know you'll be out for the next two weeks? Unless they're your family, you don't need to tell them anything.
It's a good idea to set up a monitored alarm system in your home, so you should look for a reliable company like to help you set it up properly. Don't hide the fact that you have a home security system set up, advertise it! But, have a few alarm switches and motion detectors and lights set up where burglars won't expect them. Believe it or not, your second story needs alarms, especially in the master bedroom's window. It's more urgent when you have a glass door that leads to your room over the porch. Burglars don't like the dark but you don't need to have football flood lights on the perimeter of your back yard install lights triggered by motion detectors for large mass objects.
For more information on hone and business security contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at 604-791-0089 or kellywicks@atlasalarms.com

Oops - I just forgot!

Sometimes, people get a bit lazy when it comes to taking care of their homes and apartments. It's not a matter of leaving things be, it's a matter of not taking the right steps to ensure that everything stays the way that it is. While most people can admit to forgetting to shut a window before heading to work or perpetually leaving deadbolts unlocked, sometimes these small mistakes are not rewarded with the benefit of no one around to take advantage of them. And without seeing consequences, sometimes homeowners continue to do things the lazy way, rather than taking a couple of minutes to make sure that everything is as it should be.

When it comes to home security, making mistakes on a regular basis isn't just something to forget about: it's something that can lead to being more vulnerable for break-ins. The trouble is that people often forget burglars who are good at their jobs aren't going to be appear as threats or suspicious people while casing a home. And if they are able to notice that your front door is perpetually left unlocked or keys left sitting in the ignition to a car, they'll be sure to take advantage of it when the time is right.

Not all mistakes are that obvious, though. Here are five of the biggest home security mistakes, and simple ways to prevent them from leaving your house at a disadvantage.

#5 - Leaving valuables in a car. Sure, it makes sense if you're running late on the way home that you don't feel like lugging in the GPS and laptop from the car, but sometimes this can lead to robberies that don't even involve the house. Talented burglars know to hit cars when homes are occupied, so remember to go ahead and bring pricey electronics inside, no matter what.

#4 - Not securing a window air-conditioning unit. If you have a window unit, then you know that there is space around where it fits into the window that can be used to pry that window open. Be sure that you have the window unit secured, either with a cage or something else that acts as a deterrent. Otherwise, consider your home security the same as if you left a window open every single time you left the house or went to bed.

#3 - Forgetting to lock deadbolts. It takes mere seconds, yet is a major way to keep robbers from being able to break in. There's simply no excuse not to.

#2 - Not setting the home alarm system. If you've spent the money on it, why not take the couple of seconds that it takes to remember to punch in the code before leaving. Make sure everyone else in the house knows how to, too.

#1 - Putting a spare key somewhere "hidden." Under the mat? Behind a potted plant? Burglars are likely to look all of these places. Try to keep spare keys in the hands of trusted friends and relatives instead. This way, there's far less chance of the worst kind of break-in: one where someone simply uses your spare key and takes all the time he wants.

For more information or a quotation on a Security System be it residential or commercial please contact me at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com

BE PROACTIVE not REACTIVE

Let me start from the beginning: As a home owner you should be proactive instead of reactive. Thieves will not wait until your home is protected they will strike now while the picking is ripe. To many home owners wait to contact a security company until they become victims of a robbery, while in fact it is proven in statistics that homes with visible security are 14 times less likely to become victims of burglary.

To secure your home you should step back and think like a thief, take a walk around your home and look at the obvious entry points. Are there ladders just laying about that can easily reach that second floor balcony with that open French door? Are there windows left open for ventilation that can easily be accessed by a thief from the level of a nearby fence? These and many more areas are the most inviting to thieves, as they give them easy access to your home without much effort on their part. Take the time to lock down your ladders and always ensure that all doors and windows are properly secured before leaving your home unattended.

All exterior doors should be solid doors with deadbolts and door enforcers. Install peep holes for viewing before opening. Windows and sliding glass doors that can be lifted out from the outside can be secured by installing pan head screws in the upper track, adjust to allow free back and forth movement but with minimum up and down movement. Also secure with commercially available locks or use a broomstick or wooden dowel in the lower track. I personally liked broken hockey sticks, the shafts fit just perfect into sliding door tracks. Garage doors should be closed and locked whenever you are not around.

Install timers on all exterior lights that automatically turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn, thieves do not like to be seen. Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed as to not allow for hiding places. Outdoor sheds should also be locked with secure heavy duty locks.

Residential Security Systems: As every home is different with its own strengths and weaknesses, consult a security expert to visit your home and provide you a quality system designed to fit your security requirements and your budget. For less than a $1.00 a day you can protect your home with a security system, keep that in perspective when you think you can not afford one when you purchase your morning coffee.

A security system will not guarantee to keep the bad guys out but it will keep the time they are in your home to a minimum. Be sure that the security system you purchase is monitored. Alarm monitoring means that someone is always watching your home via the security system along with the alarm monitoring center. Once the system has been breached the monitoring center is notified and the appropriate authorities are dispatched to your home. The loud obnoxious siren will scare off the thief as well.

Security Systems are unique to each premise; hard wired, wireless or a combination of both, they can include fire protection, flood/water, heat and carbon monoxide, perimeter (doors and windows) and interior protection. Again have a security expert visit your home for your requirements. For more information on security for your home and a host of useful tips on safety visit email me at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com Kelly Lynn Wicks