Protecting your Home

Protecting Your Home

In many cases of home burglaries, thieves enter the house through a door or window that was left unlocked. The fact is, thieves are “lazy,” and many burglaries can be prevented by using simple strategies to deter them from attempting to enter your home. Keep in mind that there’s more at stake than your possessions — a significant number of violent crimes that occur in the home are committed during household burglaries. Following are some tips on how to protect your home and your family from burglars.

• Lock all doors and windows, including your garage door, when you leave the house and while sleeping.
• Install a dead-bolt and/or a secondary locking system on doors that lead outside. Using a lock that can only be operated from the inside is an extra security measure.
• Remember that patio doors with glass panels can be especially vulnerable. Consider installing double-cylinder locks, where you need a key to unlock both sides, so that a burglar can’t enter your home simply by breaking the glass next to the lock. Also, insert a board at the bottom of the door, to prevent the door from sliding.
• Be suspicious of anyone who asks to enter your home for any type of “maintenance” reason. There are numerous cases of impersonating electricians or gas line inspectors who turn out to be dangerous. Always demand to see an official company ID.
• Install peepholes or wide-angle viewers in your doors.
• Replace burned out light bulbs quickly. Thieves like homes with inadequate lighting. Consider incorporating lighting into your landscaping.
• Keep trees and shrubs around doorways, windows and porches trimmed. The bushes that provide privacy also give burglars a place to hide. Dense shrubs can even make for a makeshift ladder, helping a thief into your home through a window.
• Get involved in a neighborhood watch group. Local police departments can provide you with information on how to establish a watch group in your neighborhood.
• Consider installing an alarm system.

While You’re Away

• Use random access timers that automatically change what time your lights go on and off each night. Lighting patterns that vary appear more natural.
• Ask a neighbor to park his or her car in your driveway.
• Keep expensive items out of view from the yard or the street.
• Have your mail and newspapers picked up by a neighbor or held at the post office.
• Ask your neighbors to call the police if they notice any suspicious activity. Leave a phone number where you can be reached in case of an emergency.

For more information on protecting your home...  contact me at kellywicks@atlas alarms.com

Perks on Owning a Security System!

Consumers who believe that security systems only guard against theft haven’t done their homework. Surely the most obvious benefit of a home security system is burglary prevention, and that’s for good reason. Alarm systems work in both low-tech and high-tech ways to deter break-ins.

On the low tech side, yard signs and window decals often are enough to ward off potential intruders. Most criminals are cowards. Seeing that your home is protected with state of the art technology, burglars will think twice before breaking and entering. If they decide to proceed anyway, sensors on windows and doors detect when someone has entered or exited your home. When your system is armed and an intruder enters your home without punching in your security code, an alert is sent to a monitoring center, and authorities will be dispatched.  But, as the late night commercials say, “Wait! There’s more!” Following are other ways your system can protect you from common problems:

Fire prevention

Fires pose a threat to your family, home and belongings, so you don’t take fire prevention lightly. You make sure to repair broken electronics, smoke outdoors and watch over lit candles. Security systems boost your protection from fires. Heat and smoke sensors send a signal to your system when they detect a threat. An alert then travels to monitoring center where security professionals will quickly make sure you are safe. If needed, firefighters will be sent to your home to handle the situation.

Carbon monoxide

The threat of carbon monoxide makes homeowners and parents nervous and for good reason: This poisonous gas is tasteless, colorless and odorless, which makes it nearly impossible to detect. But carbon monoxide sensors added to a home security system can sniff out the presence of this gas and alert your security system, much like heat and smoker sensors do for fire. Security experts will of course assess the situation and dispatch emergency professionals to your residence if necessary.

Medical emergencies

Disasters are sometimes manmade. Medical emergencies come about all on their own. Your father might fall in the tub or you break your leg while no one else is home. The truth is that accidents and severe illness can come out of nowhere. For these scenarios, security systems can be triggered manually. Instead of sensors detecting a menace, household members can trigger the alarm via a medical pendant or fob. Your system will contact a monitoring center, where a security professional will make sure that everyone in your home is all right. If anyone requires medical attention, an ambulance will be dispatched to your house.

Water

You can also buy water sensors to alert you to the possibility of flooding in your home. Water can damage floors and furniture within a matter of minutes. With these sensors you can minimize damage when rising waters enter your home or a pipe bursts.

Home security systems protect against a wide range of dangers, and they have the potential to pay themselves off. With an alarm system, you can potentially earn a sizeable discount on your homeowners insurance. Savings could be as great as 20% off your premium. Twenty-four-hour monitoring for your home can be quite affordable, too. Knowing that you are protecting yourself, family, home and belongings is key to peace of mind.

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

10Top Security Tips for 2013

As we kick off another year, welcoming in 2013 , I think it’s a great time to think about your personal safety and security for the New Year.

It’s common today to hear about all the new high-tech wonder gadgets that will make our lives safer and more secure in the future. Everything from  DVR’s, High Definition TV to smart cards will have a role to play in our personal security. However, here are 10 easy, “no-brainer” ways to help make your life safer starting right now.

1. If possible, don’t jog or walk alone — especially at night and in less-populated areas.
Simply put: There is usually enhanced safety in numbers.

2. Properly lock your home — including closing your garage door — even when you are at home. I can’t tell you the number of times I have been told their valuables (tools, lawnmowers, bikes, toys, etc.) have been taken from an open garage, even when the owner was at home.
Simply put: Install and use good home locks and secure your garage

3. Take the time to record the serial numbers of all your valuables and electronics. Also, you may want to consider marking certain items with your driver’s license number. You may also want to consider videotaping the contents of your home for insurance purpose as well.
 Simply put: Record identifying marketings on all items.

4. Please be sure to listen to that “little voice” inside of all of us. If those hairs on the back of your neck stand up or something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. Be aware of your surroundings and look for any suspicious persons and activities.
Simply put: Trust your instincts.

5. Don’t carry around large amounts of cash or wear glittery jewelry or valuables. Also, if you need to use an ATM, go to a busy, well-lit location and only withdraw the amount of cash you really need.
Simply put: Don’t flash your cash and valuables.

6. Park your vehicle in well-lit, populated areas. Don’t leave your key in the ignition and properly secure your vehicle (i.e. close your windows and lock the doors) when you park. Also, don’t leave any valuables in plain sight.
Simply put: Don’t make your vehicle a personal invitation to a potential lawbreaker.

7. Get to know your neighbors. In setting-up neighborhood watch programs, it is often said that a so-called “nosy neighbor” is the best home break-in crime fighting device available.
Simply put: Your trusted neighbor may be your first line of defense against criminal activity in your home.

8. Consider carrying a Cell Phone — especially if you are going somewhere alone. Also, you may want to tell a family member or a close friend of your travel plans in case of an emergency.
Quick security tip: A Cell Phone will not only be useful as a possible crime prevention tool, but also in case of other types of emergencies.

9. Install a high-quality security system — both in your home and vehicle.
Simply put: It’s better to scare criminals away before they enter your home rather than to encounter them inside.

10. If you do observe any suspicious persons or activities — call your local police immediately.
Simply put: It’s better to call law enforcement to report a suspicious person or incident rather than to wait until an actual crime is committed.

A final word: Use your common sense. Be and act safety smart.

For this and more information 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

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

Planning Your Vacation? Plan Your Security NOW!!

As spring and summer approach, many families will be leaving their homes empty for a few weeks to enjoy a little R&R. Don't let your opportunity to enjoy some quality time away with the family become an opportunity for burglars to invade your home.

A well-planned vacation includes a plan for minding the fort while you're away. Some common strategies include: getting a house sitter, having a neighbor bring in mail and newspapers, leaving on some lights or putting some on timers, and possibly getting a security system.
The old standby in this situation seems to be: lights-timers-neighbors. Any plan is better than no plan at all, and ensuring that your papers and mail don't pile up is a good place to start. Having a trusted neighbor take care of these items and possibly even park a car in your driveway can be a great help. Shedding a little light on the subject property can't hurt either. Be careful with the lights though, when overdone it could actually send the message that the lights are on, but no body's home. If your home has a sprinkler system that is on a timer, you may want to set it up to operate intermittently while you're away too. Just be sure to abide by any watering restrictions that might be in place.

While leaving some lights on or utilizing items on timers might give the impression that someone is home. Someone actually being in the home is a much better idea. Try to get a trusted friend or family member to temporarily take up residence in your home while you are away. Your home will truly be more secure and you will be able to enjoy your time away that much more knowing that it is.

If you already have a security system, use it. If you haven't used it in quite some time and cannot remember exactly how, consult your instruction manual or your security company well in advance of your departure date. This will help you to avoid a great deal of last minute frustration. If you plan to have a house or pet sitter, ensure that they know how to operate the security system too. You should also communicate your vacation plans with your monitoring company. Let them know things like: the dates you will be away, your return date, if the house will be vacant or the numbers for your house or pet sitter, if there is to be one. Some companies may also let you request immediate dispatch if the home is to be completely vacant. This may temporarily bypass the need for a verification call to the home, which is required by most police departments and could speed up the dispatch process. You may also want to give them the numbers where you will be staying for ease of contacting you should they need to.
If you don't have a security system and are thinking about getting one, plan ahead. Security companies get a rush of business around vacation time too. The best companies will book up just like the best hotels at the beach. You should do your research and shopping well in advance to ensure that you can get your security system installed in time and that you get to use your alarm company of choice.

With a little planning you can enjoy your dream vacation without the worry of a burglary nightmare.

Contact me at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com for more information.

Home Security Monitoring

If you do not already have a monitored home security system, you might be completely unaware of the options that are available to you. Even if you already have security monitoring, you still might not be fully aware of the options available beyond your current monitored home security system. In its most basic sense home security monitoring protects your family and possessions from burglary but it can do so much more than that.

Protection from fire is just one of the other capabilities of a monitored home security system. While a monitored security system will not prevent fires, it can sound an alarm that could summon the fire department quickly enough to prevent catastrophic damage to your property. Many home security systems have a smoke detection system that enables the security system to detect the presence of smoke which could indicate a fire in the house. When this (fire) alarm is triggered, a message is sent to the Alarm Control Centre which alerts the operators that smoke has been detected in the home. The operators will then contact the property owner to determine whether it is a false alarm or a true emergency. If it is an emergency the Alarm Control Centre Operator will contact the local fire department to alert them to the fire on the property.

For this and more monitoring information please feel free to contact me at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com or visit Atlas Alarms Ltd. at http://www.atlasalarms.com/

I look forward to hearing from you!

Home Security 101

Congratulations, you have now decided to go ahead with a residential security system. Where to start?

This can be a very daunting decision, so many companies to choose from and so many views on the subject. Word of mouth is the best place to start when researching security alarm companies. Friends, neighbours or family members all are great resource tool. Yellow pages or the Internet are also good resource tools to implement. This can still be over whelming to say the least! Choose a couple of different companies to contact, each will have their own view on the subject and will advertise different packages to choose from. Remember your home is not a cookie cutter home therefore the cookie cutter package may not fit your security requirements. It is best to have a professional security representative visit your home and provide you with a professional quotation. Keep in mind when comparing the security company quotations that your should compare apples to apples; same number of door/window contacts, motion detectors, keypads, term of agreement and location of the alarm monitoring centre.

Facts to know about home security systems; what are the devices to be used?

Door/window devices or known as magnetic contacts are placed in the door/window frame and are triggered when the door/window are opened.

Motion sensors or motion detectors are placed through out your home to detect movement of an intruder once inside the home. Pet Immune Motion detectors are also available.

Keypads are the device that you use to operate (arm or disarm) the security system, normally placed at the main entry to your home. Additional keypads can be placed in locations such as master bedrooms or secondary entry points to your home.

Control panel this is the "brain" of the security system and is placed in a secure location within your home. A home owner rarely if ever has to access the control panel.

Smoke sensors or detectors are just that, smoke detectors, however the alarm company smoke detectors are connected to the security system and will send a "fire" signal to the monitoring centre.

There are two basic installation methods of security systems; hardwired and wireless or in some circumstances hybrid which is a combination of both hardwired and wireless devices. Hardwired means that each device has a wire connecting it to the main control panel, normally the wire is hidden in your crawl space, attic or unfinished basement. Wireless devices are just that - they are wireless, they are connected to the main control panel via RF signals.

Overwhelmed yet? Yes it is a bit confusing and that is why you should have a professional security representative visit your home. The professional is best to determine the number of points (entry areas) that are at risk and whether or not your home should be hard wired or wireless.

A monitored security system vs a non-monitored (local) security system.

When a monitored security system is activated, it connects to a monitoring centre via the phone line. If a detector goes off while the system is activated, the phone line automatically sends a signal to our monitoring centre. When a non-monitored security system is activated you are on your own, you can hope that the neighbours may hear the alarm siren and call the authorities but in today's society we are all trained to avoid others problems. Therefore for the few dollars a month it costs for security alarm monitoring is well worth the investment, besides most insurance companies will provide you with a discount upon proof of a monitored security system.