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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Securing your Basement

One of the easiest ways to access a home is the basement. While its true that burglars enter homes mainly through front door or other first level accessibility, some choose to make their way in from down low. The unfortunate truth is that basements are rarely secured as tightly as main level doors and windows.

Let us take a look at some ways to secure your basement to the fullest.

1. Clear Windows: One of the keys to maintaining a secure basement is to keep your basement windows visible. This seems a bit counter-intuitive as most homeowners think that hiding possible entry points will serve to protect the house. Do not let shrubbery overgrow to mask these entryways. It will allow a burglar to hide behind something while making his way into your living space. You want your windows to be easily seen by neighbors and those who pass by. So avoid planting shrubs and flowers by those windows and trim those that are nearby on a regular basis. It will make a burglar think twice about trying to break into your home through the basement.

2. Protect The Windows: While clearing out the area by your windows will prove critical to giving an intruder second thoughts, you should take the extra step for enhanced protection. Add bars to your basement windows so that thieves cannot access them. Unprotected windows are sometimes weak enough to be kicked in or smashed with little effort. Do not give burglars an easy way into your home's foundation. Bars are an incredibly effective deterrent. They tell burglars that you mean business and that you have gone to great lengths to protect your home. Bars do not have to be unsightly. They come in all different types of styles, colors and shapes. They can always swing open so that you can exit in case of an emergency. You can even opt for removable bars that can be uninstalled in little time.

3. Security System: Your home security system can extend all the way to the basement. Be sure to put a sticker on your property near your basement windows to announce to thieves that you have installed a security system to protect your home's foundation. This is an excellent deterrent. If a thief attempts to access your basement through your window, your home's entry sensor will trigger the alarm. The monitoring company will contact the authorities and the burglar will likely flee or be caught.

 4. Add Security Film: If you would prefer to not use bars, opt for security film. It protects window glass from objects, natural disasters and intruders but is a bit more aesthetically pleasing than bars. The film really will prevent a thief from accessing your basement. Some are easy enough to be installed yourself.

5. Water Detection: Be sure to install a water detection system in your home's basement to prevent major damage. This involves the placement of special sensors in your basement and/or laundry room to notify the monitoring company when there is flooding or any sort of leak. Your basement's water detection will operate 24/7/365. You can even be alerted to flooding or leaks through an alert on your smartphone or by e-mail.

It is imperative that you reinforce your basement's entryways. Your home is just as vulnerable from windows and doors that lead to your basement as it is from the door in the front of the house. All it takes is a few precautions and you will be able to rest easy knowing that you have done all that you can to protect your home and family.

For more information on how you can secure your premises 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

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

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. 

Why You Should Have a Security System

There are a variety of things that can stop or deter a would be burglar from stealing your processions or harming your family. A home security system is by far the best deterrent that you can have. Unfortunately many people only feel the need to have a home security system installed after they have been violated. Obviously this is the wrong time to consider arming your home.

There are 4 main reasons why you should have a home security system and the areas of protection that they offer to you and your family:

1. Burglary Deterrent

2. Preventing a Confrontation(Home Invasion)

3. Loss Prevention

4. Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detection

Stopping a would be thief

Statistics show that you are less likely to be targeted by a thief if you have a security system sign in your front yard. Often times it is 3 to 4 times less likely. A burglar is looking for an easy target and if there is a potential of getting caught then they will, more often than not, move on to the next home that does not have an alarm system.

Reducing the threat of a home invasion

Home invasions are becoming more of an issue and you will want to make sure that your family is protected. If you are home at night you can arm your alarm system and still have freedom of movement in your home. So, if a home invasion is attempted the alarm system will sound and the home invader will most likely flee. If your home has alarm monitoring then the authorities will also be dispatched. If your alarm system has wireless capability then you can carry a key fob with you which have a panic button. This panic button can be used inside and outside your home in the event of an emergency. Make sure you test the range of your key fob so that you will be aware of the area that you can depend on activation.

 Preventing the loss of your possessions

When a burglary occurs in your home you can count on the loss of some of your possessions. The average loss is $1,700 per incident. An alarm system will not cost anywhere near that amount unless you have a very large home. If you have a very large home then the value of your processions is probably more than average so you can see that the loss will also be larger. An alarm system will discourage a burglar from entering your home at all or if they are bolder they will stay in your home for a shorter period of time because they know the authorities will be on there way.

Protection from Fire and Carbon Monoxide

A home burglary can obviously result in the feeling of being violated and lingering feelings of "what if they come back". A fire can cause much more damage to your home, processions and potentially the lives of your family. Even with many people being aware of this there are a large number of people that still do not have a smoke detector in the home. A burglar can steal some stuff but a fire can destroy everything. Most people think that a security system is meant to stop burglars but they are actually for the purpose of "home security" This means all things that can make your home more secure. A smoke detector should be installed on every alarm system. These are available in wired or wireless versions.

Where most fires start in family dwellings:

· Kitchen 23.5%

· Bedroom 12.7%

· Living Room 7.9%

· Chimney 7.1%

· Laundry Area 4.7%

Carbon Monoxide has become a problem in residential homes and the biggest issue is that Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death. This silent killer can attack you while you are sleeping and you may never wake up. A carbon monoxide detector can be installed and attached to your security system. These devices are also available in a wired or wireless version.

For this and more information contact Kelly Lynn 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

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.

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

Not A Cookie Cutter !

Along with Atlas Alarms Ltd. strive to be the industry leader in the sales and installation of high quality alarm systems by combining expertise, exceptional customer service, and competitive pricing for both residential and commercial applications.

I will attend your premise, residential or commercial and provide you with a complete security evaluation, tips on “how to secure your home yourself” and a professional quotation from Atlas Alarms Ltd. I will design a security system to fit your Budgetary needs and your security requirements. Do not be fooled by other alarm companies offering a "Basic System", your house is not cookie cutter why would you want your security system to be.

I will work closely with the technician to achieve a balance of feasibility and functionality in order to ensure that both the needs of the and the challenges of the individual system are met. Contact me either via kellywicks@atlasalarms.com to have your professional home security evaluation.

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