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

Stop - Think and Be Secure!

So many times in life we just go along doing the same old same old, well take a minute to rethink your security.

1.        Where are your spare keys hung? Is this where the burglar can find them easily?

2.       When you have cash, where do you keep it? On your dresser in your bedroom?

3.       Where are your spare credit cards kept? Or even your credit card information?

4.       Do you keep your lights on a timer when you are gone?

5.       Is there is radio or TV left on when you are away?

6.       Who picks up your mail/newspaper in your absence?

7.       When you are home are your doors locked? Is your security system armed?

8.       Do you sleep with your car keys next to your bed so that you can hit the alarm button on the fob just in case?

9.       Is your GPS programmed for HOME? Do you really want to direct burglars to your home if your car is stolen? (black out your address on your insurance papers)

10.   Is your vehicle is parked outside are all valuables hidden from plain sight? Is the vehicle locked?

11.   Where is your jewelry kept? In your jewelry box on your dresser?

12.   Do you have an itemized list of all household items?  With digital cameras it is easier than ever to have all items logged.

13.   Is the side gate to your back yard pad locked?

14.   On garbage day do you put out boxes of new items as advertisement?

15.   Is your Security System monitored?

For more information on your security 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

GARAGE REMOTES and B&E's

Just on the Noon News today: Elderly Lady from Abbotsford, BC had been at Church, when she came out to her car she found it had been broken into, to add further pain when she arrived home it had also been broken into. PLEASE people remove your garage remotes from your vehicles and blacken out your address on your insurance papers, and finally do not have your exact home address on your GPS.  For this and more helpful information please contact Kelly 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

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

A Good Nights Sleep!

The best way for you to get a good night's sleep is to have your home equipped with a Residential Security Alarm System. There are several systems on today's market and they will let you sleep peaceably, without a care in the world. Your alarm system will keep your most valuable possessions - your belongings and your family - safe and free from harm. Once your alarm system is installed, your chances of being robbed or invaded are much, much less than if your home is without adequate security. All it takes is one look at your posted "Burglar Alarm" signs, and would-be intruders choose to take their presence elsewhere!

The cost of an Alarm System varies, depending on the model and the number of features it has. But, no matter what the cost, it will be well worth the money you spend because of the peace of mind you'll have. The bottom line is: While it will take some cash to invest in a Security System, you'll likely save money on replacement costs for valuables and even on your home insurance bill. It will be one of the smartest things you have ever invested in for your family and for yourself.

You probably have lots of questions about a Residential Security System. First of all, you most likely don't have a clue as to what type of equipment you'll need. You might also be at a loss as to how a security system works. And, you've probably heard about the monitoring stations attached to alarm systems and are wondering just what and where they are. Everyone in the process of purchasing an alarm system has questions, so you certainly are not alone in your quest to find just the right system for your home.

The basic purpose of an alarm system is to keep unwanted intruders from entering your home. Alarm Systems do this by alerting local police authorities and also your neighbors when something is definitely wrong at your house. In addition to burglaries, the alarms work to alert authorities about fires and medical emergencies.

Your home will be monitored by a Security Monitoring Company any time you set the alarm. This can be while you're away on vacation, at work for the day or jut sleeping soundly at night. The choice is yours. All it takes is for the alarm to be activated in an emergency or during break in and within minutes help will be on its way to your home. There is simply no better way to protect your loved ones at all times - whether you're at home or away.

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