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

Moving - Home Security Tips

Spring is approaching, which means that a lot of you will be relocating soon. I want to help make your move flow as easily as possible, which is why I have taken the time to compose a checklist of sorts that you can use to help guide you through the process.
Change All Of the Door Locks in Your New Home
Real estate and leasing agents, workmen, former residents…and anyone associated with a former residence is likely to have a key to your new abode. Don’t assume that any of these individuals are above breaking into your home. From the day that you take possession, you and the people that you authorize should be the only ones with keys to your door locks.  Remember to also place pin locks on all sliding doors (and windows).
Install an Alarm System
Before you spend a single night in your new home install an alarm system.  Contact Atlas Alarms for your no-charge home security evaulation.  (NOTE: If you haven’t already done so, contact your insurance agent to inquire about any discounts that you may be eligible for by securing your home with an alarm system.)
Alert Your Monitoring Company
Contact yourMonitoring Company to update them on your move. More often than not you will have to provide 30 Days written notice.
Place Security Warnings Around Your Home
Deterrents are your first line of defense against burglary. Let the bad guys know that you’re prepared and they’ll likely move onto an unsuspecting residence, instead. One of the most effective ways to go about this is to place security warnings on your windows, your front lawn and anywhere else visible to the casual observer.
Secure Your Fencing
Walk around your front, side and back yard and check for holes or weak areas in your fencing and, if found, repair these issues right away. I also recommend a lock on your gate.  Not only will this help keep burglars away, but doing so will also help keep pets and young children inside.
Introduce Yourself to Your New neighbors
A face-to-face introduction helps neighbors establish a rapport with one another. Such an introduction may also heighten vigilance amongst homeowners. Without appearing paranoid, let your new neighbors know that they can contact you anytime they see or hear anything unusual around your property and that you will kindly do the same for them.
Inquire About a Neighborhood Watch Program
Call or visit your local police department to find out who is in charge of your local neighborhood watch meetings and when they are held. If you discover that no such program exists, speak to your police department about starting one. This is a great way to get to know your neighbors while fighting crime at the same time.
Start Fresh
Start fresh and change the batteries in all of the smoke detectors in your new home.

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

Investing in a Security System

This articles offers insightful information on the benefits of investing in a quality home security alarm, the various components of security systems in the market today as well as tips or guidelines on what to look for when shopping for a security solution or system for your home.

Benefits:
The biggest and most important benefit of home security alarms is that they help keep you and your dear ones safe. In addition to that such security systems help users stop possible intrusions and catch burglars. As is the case with most products on the market home security systems come with their own set of pros and cons. It is for this reason that security system or alarm shoppers have to do their homework before setting out and making an actual purchase. Going through various home safety system websites and reading reviews from individuals who are using such products goes a long way in helping you identify whether or not the security alarm or system you wish to purchase is effective, reliable and meets your needs.

Components of Home Security Systems:
The large number of emerging security solution firms in the market today make it harder and sometimes even annoying for home owners or security system shoppers to identify or select the best security alarm options for their needs. Though there are quite a number of home safety system features offered by various companies in the market the following is a check list of basic features an effective security system should have:

• Siren
•  Door and or window contacts (sensors)
• Motion Detectors
• Control panel
• Keypad
• Battery back up
• Local Alarm Monitoring

Selecting the best security system for you home security needs:
The most important thing to do before purchasing a home safety system is identifying your home alarm needs. Doing so allows you to have a better understanding of what products and product features would best suit your needs.  For more information on Residential or Business Security 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.

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

Home Security Tips for Women

Criminals and burglars are more likely to strike out against women than men, and the best way to avoid unsafe situations is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Follow these home security tips for women to enhance your security and to give yourself peace of mind regarding the safety of your home.
• Always lock up! Whether you are heading out for a long vacation or just making a quick trip to the store, it is crucial that you make sure that all doors and windows are locked. In fact, it is a good idea to maintain locked windows and doors even when you are at home.
• Install a home security system and make sure you turn it on every time you leave the house. If possible, also activate your home security system before going to bed.
• Eliminate any potential hiding places: keep the exterior of your home well lit, and make sure that there are no shrubs or fences obscuring the view to your house.
• Only open your door for people you know or are expecting. If you are unsure of who is on the other side of the door, you should not open it.
• If someone drops you off at home, ask them to stay and watch until you are safely indoors.
• Have your key ready before you get to your door.
• Don’t list your full name on your mailbox. This only gives burglars more information about who is living in your home.
• If you come home to an open door and know that nobody else is home, do not go inside. Instead, call the police from a nearby home and ask them to escort you into your home.
• If you live alone, do not advertise this fact. Lone women are an easy target for criminals.
• Trust your judgment. If you feel that a certain situation or person may be a threat to your security or that of your home, avoid it. It is always better to be safe than to be sorry.

For this and more information please contact Kelly Lynn 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

Commercial Security

A commercial Security System is a must for any Business with a physical store. If you want to trust that your business is safe at all times, you need to protect it well. Installing a system to protect against crimes like vandalism, burglary, and other common crimes is going to give you more peace of mind than you might expect. When it comes to finding the right alarm system, you have to think about what you need and which features are most important. Here are some great features to look for when evaluating commercial Security Systems:

- Motion Sensors. Even if you have an alarm, criminals can find a way to bypass it. If you put in motion sensors with your system, it will be more difficult for them to get through your business and cause any harm without setting off the alarm.

- Surveillance Cameras. You need to be able to monitor your business so that you can catch anyone who breaks in or tries to commit crimes against your business. With cameras poised at all the entry points and throughout the business, it will be easier to see who is coming and going, including those who are trying to harm your company.

- 24 Hour Monitoring. Any Commercial Security System needs a 24 Hour Monitoring Centre. Knowing your business is in the hands of a Company who will monitor your business at all times, will make you feel much safer and be reassured that your business is protected and will be attended should the alarm be triggered.

- Customer service and support isn't usually a feature that you would look for in your commercial system, but you really need to make sure that you get these two things. You cannot trust your business to just anyone, and ensuring that you are buying your alarm from a reputable company that you are able to keep in touch with and trust is very important.

These are all great features to consider when you are investing in a Commercial Security System. Do your research before you make a decision to figure out which systems are best for your business and how you can make the most of your purchase. Look for professional, reputable services that will give you everything that you want and need in your Commercial Security System, no matter what you might be looking for. If you've invested yourself and your money into a business, you need to make sure that you invest in protecting it, as well.

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