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

• 
  

Safety Tips 101:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 8)  Lower the volume of your telephone ringer.

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

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

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

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

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

 11) Invest in a home Security System.

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

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

 

10 Tips for Security

1. Don’t open your door to strangers or solicitors. Most home invaders knock on the front door to gain entry. They pose as someone in distress, a person asking for directions, workers, delivery persons, or they may be offering to do work for you.

2. Lock your windows and doors and keep your garage door closed and locked even when you are home.

3. Install solid core doors, heavy duty locks, and window security devices.

4. Check to see who is at your door before opening it by using a peephole, intercom system, or nearby window.

5. Use your front porch light to help you see outside.

6. Don’t rely on chains to keep intruders out, they don’t.

7. If you have an alarm system, use the "stay" mode or "instant" mode while you are home. If someone attempts to gain entry, the alarm will sound and get help to you.

8. Have an escape plan. Train your family on where to go and what to say. If someone can escape, the invaders will have lost their advantage of privacy and time.

9. Consider owning a dog for protection. If this isn’t possible, an empty dog bowl left on the porch gives the impression that there is a dog on the premises.

10. If you live alone, place men’s boots or other clothing laying around or yell “I’ll get it” when answering the door to make it seem like your not alone.

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

Back Yard Fun!!!

Well now that summer is here and we are all out enjoying the great weather, please do not become lazy or forgetful in your security.  Thieves do not take vacations, in fact they work even harder in the summer due to the easy pickings!

Keep your house locked up properly when not at home.  I know that we all like the option have leaving a window open for cooler air and that breeze but that open window just beckons the thief!  If you do have an alarm system you can have "venting" contacts added to your windows, this way you can still arm your alarm system and leave the window open for air. 

Back yard fun calls for your attention to your security as well.  While in the back yard this summer please be sure to arm your security system, just bypass the back door to allow access in and out of your house while keeping the remainder of the secure.

Finally - vehicles - keep them locked and be sure to hide or better yet remove any valuables that are in site.  I even recommend opening your glove box and center glove box to display them being empty.  Keep in mind that even spare change could invite a thief.

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

How Aware are You?

Your home is where your Life takes place, where your Family meets together and your Children sleep soundly at night. Your Home houses not only memories but the important physical pieces of your life as well. Whether it is photo albums or special documents about insurance or financial information these are the things that our lives are built upon. When someone breaks into your home your space is violated and your safety is compromised. Having a Home Security System can not only keep your belongings from getting into the wrong hands, but keep you feeling safe as well. When considering your Home Security there are several things to consider.

Plan for safety. Have a family plan as to where you will go or what you will do in case of an emergency or disaster. Talk about items in your home that you want to have added protection for and how you can do this. If you don't have a plan you will not know what to do in a worst case scenario. Be prepared so that you never have to be put in that situation.

Look at Home Security Systems as they are improving everyday and now offer more benefits than they ever have before. It may be worth the investment to not only have a System installed but to have Alarm Monitoring as well. This way you can assure your peace of mind, even when you are away.  Do research on the costs and services that will work well for you so that you feel comfortable with the System that you have installed.

Probably one of the most important things to consider when thinking about Home Security is your instincts, as a homeowner oftentimes you can pinpoint areas of your home or property that may be susceptible to criminals. This is also where a Security Consultant will help you, they can do a walkthrough of your home and point out areas of concern.

Once you are aware of your surroundings and you are continually doing all that you can to protect your family and home from danger, chances are you will be safe. Use common sense when it comes to leaving doors and windows open or leaving items visible that may be a lure for a thief. Adding a Home Security System will not only give you added protection but additional peace of mind as well. No price is too high to protect your family and property.

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

Crimes of Opportunity

Time after time residential burglaries are crimes of opportunity.  The thief wants to get in and get out as quick as possible and as quietly as possible.  You as a home owner have to make your home the least attractive to the possibility of a visit from a thief.  Of course we all know to keep shrubs clipped and ladders locked up, all windows and doors secure.  Timers on lights and tvs when not at home and the mail picked up when away on vacation.  You have even had a professional Security Company install a Security System that is monitored. 

However crime can still happen even to the most prepared home.  The thief has now entered your home and wants to grab as many valuables as they can and get out.  They will of course head to your master bedroom as this is where your jewelry and money is stored, then it’s off to the media room for further valuables.  Keeping your valuables in a jewellery box on the dresser along with cash on the dresser is only aiding the thief during their quick trip through your home. 

You can invest in a safe that is mounted securely to the floor or wall that will make it almost impossible for the thief to gain access to your valuables.  But if you cannot afford a safe there are other places to keep your valuables, hidden storages behind mirrors or paintings, or under floor boards.  Diversion Safes or Can Safes are a great way to hide things in Plain Sight.  Many Can Safes are made from product cans that are used in everyday life. From soda pop cans to dog food to bathroom products and cleaning supplies. These cans look just like the original product containers. These are weighted to feel like they are full and who would ever guess that these could hold your money or other valuables.

No matter what or how a person decides to hide their valuables or personal property, one thing is clear; everyone should have a plan or special place to hide or stash their valuable property. There are too many choices available today to have an excuse for not doing anything.

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

Use Your Security System and more!

Adding a monitored Home Security System is a great way to improve the security and safety of your family. Once you have the system installed, the goal is to make sure your family uses the system. There are some features that make your system more user friendly and part of your day to day life at home.
Along side your basic features you will want to make sure your system has a remote control keyfob, chime notification and instant arming.
Remote Control Keyfob
To arm and disarm your alarm system, you typically will have to go to the keypad to enter your alarm code. With a remote control key fob, you can arm and disarm the system remotely without going to the keypad. There is no need for you to run to the keypad to disarm the system, just push one button on the keyfob.
When you are in bed upstairs and do not want to go downstairs to arm the system, push one button and your system is armed. So when you get your burglar alarm system, make sure you include remote control keyfobs.
Chime Notification when doors and windows are opened
If you have little kids or teenagers who love to sneak out, you will love this feature. With this feature, the system will alert you when a door or window is opened.
With just a few key strokes on your keypad you can tell your Security System to be in Chime Mode.
So when your two year old opens the sliding door and is trying to get out to the pool, the system will chime from the keypad. You can then go after him to get him back in the house. Similarly, when your teenager opens their bedroom window to sneak out, the system will chime.
Instant Mode
This mode is also only a few keystrokes on your keypad telling the Security System to be in Instant Mode, thus having all devices armed in instant.  Unlike the normal arming leaving your entry doors in delay mode allowing you the delay time when you enter, Instant Mode arms your entry doors in Instant, not allowing any enter delay time.  Use this mode when the whole family is in for the night, your entry doors are now instant, so if anyone enters your home the doors go directly into alarm.

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

Security System Benefits

When you traditionally think about an Alarm System, you probably think of images that include a burglar, dressed in all black, breaking the windows of a home getting in then stealing everything in sight. This is actually one of the oldest uses for Home Security that is still an important part of the overall function of these systems today, although not the only one. Alarm Systems have come a long way in the last few decades.

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

The next main benefit of Alarm Systems is for fire detection to make a powerful safety net over your home. Fire is one of the main risks to a home and can injure and even kill the occupants of a home. Because of this it is important to have some way to immediately alert the Fire Department of any fires that do start can be put out quickly. A Home Security System that is tied into smoke and heat detectors in your home can offer the perfect amount of safety and assurance that the Fire Department will be notified via the Monitoring Company in the event of a fire.

Another function that Alarm Systems play is the ability to notify Paramedics in case of a medical emergency. This function can be especially useful to the elderly and people who are under medical supervision. Many Home Security Systems now come with a remote that can be worn around a person's neck so that if they fall or need assistance, they are only a push of button away from getting the help that they need.

These functions are only some of the important benefits that you can get from installing an Alarm System in your home or business. For more information on Security Systems and how they can help you, please contact Kelly Wicks at Atlas Alarms at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com

Pets and Your Security System

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

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

-Protection against unwanted intruders.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Common Sense or Not?

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

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

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

How You Can Prevent False Alarms

False alarms have been a hot topic lately and for good reason. They tax police resources and heighten pressure on authorities to manage first responder dispatches. This can result in changes to alarm by-laws and increased false alarm fines to residents.

By working together, the general public, security professionals and police departments can reduce false alarms.

Consumer error is the number one cause of false dispatches. A false dispatch occurs when an alarm system is set-off, police are called and there is no intruder or emergency situation.

Here are a few tips on how to make the best use of your security system by reducing false alarms.
1) Ask for Enhanced Call Verification and provide multiple contacts: “Enhanced Call Verification” means that your monitoring company will try to get in touch with two or more of your contacts to confirm your alarm’s validity before issuing a dispatch. Communities that require Enhanced Call Verification have seen reductions of unnecessary law enforcement response between 30 and 50 percent.
2) Maintain your “call list”: Keep your “call list” up to date with current phone numbers for you and your contacts with the right contact information, monitoring stations can be proactive in determining if police should be dispatched to your residence.
3) Schedule annual inspections: Request annual maintenance inspections to ensure proper performance of your alarm system. Also, don’t forget to replace your back-up battery every three to five years.
4) Properly train caretakers: Ensure all key holders are trained in the proper use of your alarm system and know your pass code and monitoring station’s phone number in case the alarm is accidently set off. Never give a key to someone who isn’t familiar with the system.
5) Monitor your home’s environment: After any household changes, such as remodelling, contact your alarm company to ensure they won’t affect your system. Plants or curtains that are too close to drafty areas or a new pet that enters an armed room can trigger an alarm.
For more information on this and other security tips contact Kelly Lynn Wicks 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

Alarm Systems for Townhomes.

Most people don't even think to install an alarm system inside their town home because of the way they are set up so close to other houses, people figure no one would be brash enough to break in. This is absolutely not true, and having an alarm system in any type of home you live in is a good idea. What can make a town home prone to theft is the fact that there are so many houses in such a small area. Thieves can easily steak out a house and figure out what the schedule is of a tenant. Everyone should have his or her town house protected just as if it were a traditional home.

A good thing about having a town house is that you will have less entry points in your home. This means that when installing the system, it will be easier to make sure every window and door is hooked up to your alarm device. After the system is installed, a small sign will be placed in the front of your property, and small stickers will be placed on every window you have in your home as a warning to people that plan on breaking into your home.

Other benefits of alarm system for your town home is all the warning features you can have with your system. If there is a fire in your town home, this means other homes are at serious risk of catching fire too. By having your alarm system installed be able to notify authorities in case of a fire while you are not home, this will help protect not only your home, but also protect other families around you. There are also other buttons and special features that you can have installed that can contact specific medical entities, or of course you can have a panic button for when you believe someone is trying to break into your home.

As homeowner, when your house is armed with an alarm system, your homeowner insurance will go down every year because of the extra security provided. Your alarm system will also bring added value to your town home, so that the money you put into it will be seen when it is time to sell the house. Either way, the potential benefits for having a state of the art alarm system are endless, and because these systems are cost-friendly, it is senseless not to have one installed in your town home as soon as possible.

For this and more information please feel free to contact me, Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com

"Do I Really Need Security"?

Time after time I hear that people do not think that residential security is either affordable or really required. Some believe that because they live in an apartment or town house, the neighbours live close and they will respond if anything happens. Today’s society is programmed to “mind their own business” and unless you are one of the lucky ones, no one will even bat an eye. Did you know that intrusions occur mainly between the hours of 10am and 2pm? If your neighbours are at work or away, they’re not going to be any the wiser. Sad but true.
A residential security system can be the most basic of systems which covers a couple of entry points along with an interior motion detector to provide you with more security. This is a good starting point and most systems can be added to as finances allow. Keep in mind that the interior motion detector is only turned on (active) when you are not at home. More elaborate systems can, and should be designed to suit your needs and, of course your budget.
Whatever the reason is for the rise in crime in all areas of the country, we as citizens must take more necessary precautions to protect our families and our belongings. This is just another form of insurance. It is a proven fact that homes with visible security are less likely to be broken into than those without. Signage is your first line of defence; use it to your advantage. Decals should be placed in any areas that are visible for possible entry. Use common sense, think like a thief and scope out your own house. Ask yourself, how would you break in? Then fix it!!
For those that have a security system be sure to use it, the system is designed not only to be used when you leave your home but for when you are at home whether it be day or night. More often than not thieves enter through the front door. And thieves will enter even if you are home. If someone rings your doorbell and you are not expecting anyone, make noise, let the person at your door know someone is home. By ignoring your doorbell, you are telling an intruder the home is empty. Keep your doors locked and the security system armed on the “stay” mode. What this means is that if anyone enters the home through any secured opening the system will sound the siren immediately and simultaneously transmit the signal to your Alarm Monitoring Centre and if needed, the Police are on route.
For this and more information contact Kelly Lynn Wicks 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.

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