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

Create the Illusion.

With it being within days for summer vacation to begin now is the best time to remember to create the illusion that someone is occuppying your residence while you are away.  Keep in mind these tips are best followed anytime when you are leaving your home, whether for a long holiday or just a short weekend getaway.

• If you are going on vacation, leave your home in the care of someone you trust and let them know where you can be reached in case of emergency.

• Arrange to have your mail and newspapers picked up, your grass cut, the leaves raked (or the snow removed as necessary).

• Have a neighbour check both inside and outside the house every few days.

• Use timers on interior lights when you are going to be away or just out for the evening. These can be set to turn the lights and radio or television on and off intermittently to give the appearance that someone is home.

• Have a neighbour park their car in your driveway or your designated parking stall. If you have a garage, keep the door closed and locked so no one can see if your car is gone.

• Turn the ringer on your telephone off or set your answering machine or voicemail to pick up on the second ring and do not leave specific information about your absence.

• Install security lights around the perimeter of your house. They are relatively inexpensive and are a great deterrent, especially if they are set with motion detectors. If you already have non-motion lights, battery operated add-on motion sensors exist that simply screw into the existing light socket and mount near the fixture.

• Never leave a note or a voicemail message indicating you are not at home.

• Leave shades, blinds and curtains in normal positions.

• Do not share your vacation plans in social media, like Facebook and Twitter.

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

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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

Secure Your Home

Home security systems are a great way to provide peace of mind. A home security system will not only protect your family while at home, they can often provide a quick link to the authorities while you're away when your system is monitored. Home security systems are used to ensure the safety of your home and family. Home security systems are very effective and easy to use.

It's just important to know what your goal is for the system. Do you want to protect the people when they are in the home or your possessions when the people are away? Home security systems are a great investment and are a must have for every household to keep your family safe inside as well as your possessions. Most everyone has been broken into or knows someone on their street who has been the victim of a break-in, so it makes sense to consider some kind of home security system.

Some home security systems are commonly perceived as consisting of flashing lights and loud sirens. While some systems certainly do employ these methods, it is important to be aware that certain home security systems have become quite sophisticated.

A good home security system is not the only way to guarantee home security; some basic common sense steps need to be taken to safeguard your home to give you total protection. If a burglar is delayed just a few minutes, he is apt to give up and try another less problematic home.

Home security systems are now easy to operate and come with a variety of options and styles. But best of all, they provide you with better security and more peace of mind than you've ever had before. Home security systems are a vital part of keeping your family and your home safe. If you have never tried shopping for a home security system before, it can be a little overwhelming but well worth the effort.

Secure your home using some common sense home security ideas. For advice on home security systems contact Kelly Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.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

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

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

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

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

Security Systems Save Lives!

Were you aware that the right home burglar alarm can literally save your family's lives? Many people are not aware of this, but it is true.

There are a variety of ways that the right alarm will help make sure that if problems happen, your family will have the best chance possible to keep your family out of danger and safe. Below are the different ways that the right alarm will save your family's lives.

1: Burglary - Everyone understands that this is a danger that every family can face, which is the top reason that many people decide to get a system in the first place. A good alarm will help ensure that a burglar is stopped from getting into your home before they can put your family in danger.

If a burglar does get in, then you will know that help will be at your home quickly due to the security system you have that sets off the alarm.

2: Fire and Smoke - Did you know that many alarm systems will help protect your family from fire and smoke, which can easily kill your family without a good warning system? If you get a system that offers an alert to these two dangers, then you will not have to worry about either one of these dangers from taking any of your family away from you before they should be.

3: Carbon Monoxide - This is definitely a danger that can happen in any home, but most people don't know that many alarms will detect this danger. You definitely want to get an alarm that provides security for carbon dioxide since without warning, your family will easily lose their lives, without even knowing what has happened to them.

4: Medical Emergencies - There are many times that medical emergencies can occur in any home. Again, there are a lot of systems these days that have added security measures so you can easily call for help if an emergency should happen.

Being able to quickly get help with a medical emergency is one of the most effective ways to ensure that your family members or you have the best chance possible to survive this. You may lose someone you love very easily, without help quickly.

These are the most imperative ways that choosing the right home burglar alarm literally can save your family's lives. Now it is your time to make a decision about which home burglar alarm is going to be the best to keep you and your family as safe as they can be at home.

For more information on this and many more security assessments contact Kelly Lynn Wicks @ 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

Homeowners Dream and Responsibilty

For many of us, our dream is about being surrounded by our loving family and having a home that we can call our own. However, as homeowners, we do carry the responsibility of ensuring that our home is as secure as possible - this means that home security and home safety are two of the most important considerations for any homeowner.

Of course, choosing the right decor, the right landscape and the right swimming pool are important decisions when it comes to purchasing or building your home, but what about security? All too often, this is one area where many homeowners fall short - somehow believing that "nothing bad" will ever happen to them in their homes. While, of course, this is something we all hope for, the reality is that accidents, such as home invasions happen each and every day and while first responders, such as the police, will be on site to assist with the aftermath, the responsibility lies with you to make sure that you have put in place the appropriate security measures that will warn you and your loved ones should any type of unfortunate incident of this nature occurs.

Of course, nobody likes to think about these types of scenarios - it is actually quite sad to think that you have to protect your home because another person might want to bring harm to you and your family. However, it is a fact of life and this means purchasing the right type of home alarm equipment.

Choosing the right home security can be a bit daunting, however, the best course of action it find out exactly what type of home alarms are currently available on the market and to work from there. For this and more in depth information on home and business security contact Kelly Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com or call 604-791-0089.

Commercial Security

Installing a home or commercial security system is undoubtedly a wise decision but it can be a slightly daunting experience due to the sheer amount of choice. The Security Industry is huge with a wide range of security systems to choose from. So which one is right for you?

Many Security Specialists offer a property assessment service to calculate your personal security needs. Discuss with a professional to ensure you pick the perfect system. A Security Expert can let you know which areas of your premises that are vulnerable and ensure you find the most appropriate security solution to suit your needs.

CCTV - Security Cameras are a great way to ensure that your business is safe. Consult with a specialist to assess your needs and to best address the areas of concern.

Intruder Alarms secure your company when you are away and are essential for peace of mind. There are a number of options when it comes to intruder alarms. There are alarms that sound when a window or door is disturbed or panic buttons to help protect your employees all of which should be monitored by a Professional Alarm Company to ensure the correct dispatch of authorities on the appropriate signal.

For more information or for a property assessment of your premises contact; Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com or visit http://www.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.