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
Monday, November 1, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Thieves Dont Want You To Know This!
You are a conscientious homeowner and do everything you can to protect your home. Why, you've even installed a home security system to make sure your family and belongings are protected. But did you know that burglars case homes everyday and take note of certain things in order to choose which house they're going to hit?
One of the top home security tips that will prevent burglars from even thinking of breaking into your home is to recycle your garbage properly. How else do people find out what you have in your home except through the waste cartons and packaging that you throw out on the curb? If handymen are setting up your new home theater system, have them bring all the packages with them. Or, tear and shred any packaging that you have in your home and use them for plant mulch. Don't advertise your vacations! Posting your vacation plans on Facebook is a great way to invite someone into your home. But you don't have to be so technical about it. Does your plumber, your hairdresser or your manicurist really need to know you'll be out for the next two weeks? Unless they're your family, you don't need to tell them anything.
It's a good idea to set up a monitored alarm system in your home, so you should look for a reliable company like to help you set it up properly. Don't hide the fact that you have a home security system set up, advertise it! But, have a few alarm switches and motion detectors and lights set up where burglars won't expect them. Believe it or not, your second story needs alarms, especially in the master bedroom's window. It's more urgent when you have a glass door that leads to your room over the porch. Burglars don't like the dark but you don't need to have football flood lights on the perimeter of your back yard install lights triggered by motion detectors for large mass objects.
For more information on hone and business security contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at 604-791-0089 or kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
One of the top home security tips that will prevent burglars from even thinking of breaking into your home is to recycle your garbage properly. How else do people find out what you have in your home except through the waste cartons and packaging that you throw out on the curb? If handymen are setting up your new home theater system, have them bring all the packages with them. Or, tear and shred any packaging that you have in your home and use them for plant mulch. Don't advertise your vacations! Posting your vacation plans on Facebook is a great way to invite someone into your home. But you don't have to be so technical about it. Does your plumber, your hairdresser or your manicurist really need to know you'll be out for the next two weeks? Unless they're your family, you don't need to tell them anything.
It's a good idea to set up a monitored alarm system in your home, so you should look for a reliable company like to help you set it up properly. Don't hide the fact that you have a home security system set up, advertise it! But, have a few alarm switches and motion detectors and lights set up where burglars won't expect them. Believe it or not, your second story needs alarms, especially in the master bedroom's window. It's more urgent when you have a glass door that leads to your room over the porch. Burglars don't like the dark but you don't need to have football flood lights on the perimeter of your back yard install lights triggered by motion detectors for large mass objects.
For more information on hone and business security contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at 604-791-0089 or kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Oops - I just forgot!
Sometimes, people get a bit lazy when it comes to taking care of their homes and apartments. It's not a matter of leaving things be, it's a matter of not taking the right steps to ensure that everything stays the way that it is. While most people can admit to forgetting to shut a window before heading to work or perpetually leaving deadbolts unlocked, sometimes these small mistakes are not rewarded with the benefit of no one around to take advantage of them. And without seeing consequences, sometimes homeowners continue to do things the lazy way, rather than taking a couple of minutes to make sure that everything is as it should be.
When it comes to home security, making mistakes on a regular basis isn't just something to forget about: it's something that can lead to being more vulnerable for break-ins. The trouble is that people often forget burglars who are good at their jobs aren't going to be appear as threats or suspicious people while casing a home. And if they are able to notice that your front door is perpetually left unlocked or keys left sitting in the ignition to a car, they'll be sure to take advantage of it when the time is right.
Not all mistakes are that obvious, though. Here are five of the biggest home security mistakes, and simple ways to prevent them from leaving your house at a disadvantage.
#5 - Leaving valuables in a car. Sure, it makes sense if you're running late on the way home that you don't feel like lugging in the GPS and laptop from the car, but sometimes this can lead to robberies that don't even involve the house. Talented burglars know to hit cars when homes are occupied, so remember to go ahead and bring pricey electronics inside, no matter what.
#4 - Not securing a window air-conditioning unit. If you have a window unit, then you know that there is space around where it fits into the window that can be used to pry that window open. Be sure that you have the window unit secured, either with a cage or something else that acts as a deterrent. Otherwise, consider your home security the same as if you left a window open every single time you left the house or went to bed.
#3 - Forgetting to lock deadbolts. It takes mere seconds, yet is a major way to keep robbers from being able to break in. There's simply no excuse not to.
#2 - Not setting the home alarm system. If you've spent the money on it, why not take the couple of seconds that it takes to remember to punch in the code before leaving. Make sure everyone else in the house knows how to, too.
#1 - Putting a spare key somewhere "hidden." Under the mat? Behind a potted plant? Burglars are likely to look all of these places. Try to keep spare keys in the hands of trusted friends and relatives instead. This way, there's far less chance of the worst kind of break-in: one where someone simply uses your spare key and takes all the time he wants.
For more information or a quotation on a Security System be it residential or commercial please contact me at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
When it comes to home security, making mistakes on a regular basis isn't just something to forget about: it's something that can lead to being more vulnerable for break-ins. The trouble is that people often forget burglars who are good at their jobs aren't going to be appear as threats or suspicious people while casing a home. And if they are able to notice that your front door is perpetually left unlocked or keys left sitting in the ignition to a car, they'll be sure to take advantage of it when the time is right.
Not all mistakes are that obvious, though. Here are five of the biggest home security mistakes, and simple ways to prevent them from leaving your house at a disadvantage.
#5 - Leaving valuables in a car. Sure, it makes sense if you're running late on the way home that you don't feel like lugging in the GPS and laptop from the car, but sometimes this can lead to robberies that don't even involve the house. Talented burglars know to hit cars when homes are occupied, so remember to go ahead and bring pricey electronics inside, no matter what.
#4 - Not securing a window air-conditioning unit. If you have a window unit, then you know that there is space around where it fits into the window that can be used to pry that window open. Be sure that you have the window unit secured, either with a cage or something else that acts as a deterrent. Otherwise, consider your home security the same as if you left a window open every single time you left the house or went to bed.
#3 - Forgetting to lock deadbolts. It takes mere seconds, yet is a major way to keep robbers from being able to break in. There's simply no excuse not to.
#2 - Not setting the home alarm system. If you've spent the money on it, why not take the couple of seconds that it takes to remember to punch in the code before leaving. Make sure everyone else in the house knows how to, too.
#1 - Putting a spare key somewhere "hidden." Under the mat? Behind a potted plant? Burglars are likely to look all of these places. Try to keep spare keys in the hands of trusted friends and relatives instead. This way, there's far less chance of the worst kind of break-in: one where someone simply uses your spare key and takes all the time he wants.
For more information or a quotation on a Security System be it residential or commercial please contact me at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
Monday, June 28, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Commercial Security
Installing a home or commercial security system is undoubtedly a wise decision but it can be a slightly daunting experience due to the sheer amount of choice. The Security Industry is huge with a wide range of security systems to choose from. So which one is right for you?
Many Security Specialists offer a property assessment service to calculate your personal security needs. Discuss with a professional to ensure you pick the perfect system. A Security Expert can let you know which areas of your premises that are vulnerable and ensure you find the most appropriate security solution to suit your needs.
CCTV - Security Cameras are a great way to ensure that your business is safe. Consult with a specialist to assess your needs and to best address the areas of concern.
Intruder Alarms secure your company when you are away and are essential for peace of mind. There are a number of options when it comes to intruder alarms. There are alarms that sound when a window or door is disturbed or panic buttons to help protect your employees all of which should be monitored by a Professional Alarm Company to ensure the correct dispatch of authorities on the appropriate signal.
For more information or for a property assessment of your premises contact; Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com or visit http://www.atlasalarms.com/
Many Security Specialists offer a property assessment service to calculate your personal security needs. Discuss with a professional to ensure you pick the perfect system. A Security Expert can let you know which areas of your premises that are vulnerable and ensure you find the most appropriate security solution to suit your needs.
CCTV - Security Cameras are a great way to ensure that your business is safe. Consult with a specialist to assess your needs and to best address the areas of concern.
Intruder Alarms secure your company when you are away and are essential for peace of mind. There are a number of options when it comes to intruder alarms. There are alarms that sound when a window or door is disturbed or panic buttons to help protect your employees all of which should be monitored by a Professional Alarm Company to ensure the correct dispatch of authorities on the appropriate signal.
For more information or for a property assessment of your premises contact; Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com or visit http://www.atlasalarms.com/
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Planning Your Vacation? Plan Your Security NOW!!
As spring and summer approach, many families will be leaving their homes empty for a few weeks to enjoy a little R&R. Don't let your opportunity to enjoy some quality time away with the family become an opportunity for burglars to invade your home.
A well-planned vacation includes a plan for minding the fort while you're away. Some common strategies include: getting a house sitter, having a neighbor bring in mail and newspapers, leaving on some lights or putting some on timers, and possibly getting a security system.
The old standby in this situation seems to be: lights-timers-neighbors. Any plan is better than no plan at all, and ensuring that your papers and mail don't pile up is a good place to start. Having a trusted neighbor take care of these items and possibly even park a car in your driveway can be a great help. Shedding a little light on the subject property can't hurt either. Be careful with the lights though, when overdone it could actually send the message that the lights are on, but no body's home. If your home has a sprinkler system that is on a timer, you may want to set it up to operate intermittently while you're away too. Just be sure to abide by any watering restrictions that might be in place.
While leaving some lights on or utilizing items on timers might give the impression that someone is home. Someone actually being in the home is a much better idea. Try to get a trusted friend or family member to temporarily take up residence in your home while you are away. Your home will truly be more secure and you will be able to enjoy your time away that much more knowing that it is.
If you already have a security system, use it. If you haven't used it in quite some time and cannot remember exactly how, consult your instruction manual or your security company well in advance of your departure date. This will help you to avoid a great deal of last minute frustration. If you plan to have a house or pet sitter, ensure that they know how to operate the security system too. You should also communicate your vacation plans with your monitoring company. Let them know things like: the dates you will be away, your return date, if the house will be vacant or the numbers for your house or pet sitter, if there is to be one. Some companies may also let you request immediate dispatch if the home is to be completely vacant. This may temporarily bypass the need for a verification call to the home, which is required by most police departments and could speed up the dispatch process. You may also want to give them the numbers where you will be staying for ease of contacting you should they need to.
If you don't have a security system and are thinking about getting one, plan ahead. Security companies get a rush of business around vacation time too. The best companies will book up just like the best hotels at the beach. You should do your research and shopping well in advance to ensure that you can get your security system installed in time and that you get to use your alarm company of choice.
With a little planning you can enjoy your dream vacation without the worry of a burglary nightmare.
Contact me at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com for more information.
A well-planned vacation includes a plan for minding the fort while you're away. Some common strategies include: getting a house sitter, having a neighbor bring in mail and newspapers, leaving on some lights or putting some on timers, and possibly getting a security system.
The old standby in this situation seems to be: lights-timers-neighbors. Any plan is better than no plan at all, and ensuring that your papers and mail don't pile up is a good place to start. Having a trusted neighbor take care of these items and possibly even park a car in your driveway can be a great help. Shedding a little light on the subject property can't hurt either. Be careful with the lights though, when overdone it could actually send the message that the lights are on, but no body's home. If your home has a sprinkler system that is on a timer, you may want to set it up to operate intermittently while you're away too. Just be sure to abide by any watering restrictions that might be in place.
While leaving some lights on or utilizing items on timers might give the impression that someone is home. Someone actually being in the home is a much better idea. Try to get a trusted friend or family member to temporarily take up residence in your home while you are away. Your home will truly be more secure and you will be able to enjoy your time away that much more knowing that it is.
If you already have a security system, use it. If you haven't used it in quite some time and cannot remember exactly how, consult your instruction manual or your security company well in advance of your departure date. This will help you to avoid a great deal of last minute frustration. If you plan to have a house or pet sitter, ensure that they know how to operate the security system too. You should also communicate your vacation plans with your monitoring company. Let them know things like: the dates you will be away, your return date, if the house will be vacant or the numbers for your house or pet sitter, if there is to be one. Some companies may also let you request immediate dispatch if the home is to be completely vacant. This may temporarily bypass the need for a verification call to the home, which is required by most police departments and could speed up the dispatch process. You may also want to give them the numbers where you will be staying for ease of contacting you should they need to.
If you don't have a security system and are thinking about getting one, plan ahead. Security companies get a rush of business around vacation time too. The best companies will book up just like the best hotels at the beach. You should do your research and shopping well in advance to ensure that you can get your security system installed in time and that you get to use your alarm company of choice.
With a little planning you can enjoy your dream vacation without the worry of a burglary nightmare.
Contact me at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com for more information.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Home Security Monitoring
If you do not already have a monitored home security system, you might be completely unaware of the options that are available to you. Even if you already have security monitoring, you still might not be fully aware of the options available beyond your current monitored home security system. In its most basic sense home security monitoring protects your family and possessions from burglary but it can do so much more than that.
Protection from fire is just one of the other capabilities of a monitored home security system. While a monitored security system will not prevent fires, it can sound an alarm that could summon the fire department quickly enough to prevent catastrophic damage to your property. Many home security systems have a smoke detection system that enables the security system to detect the presence of smoke which could indicate a fire in the house. When this (fire) alarm is triggered, a message is sent to the Alarm Control Centre which alerts the operators that smoke has been detected in the home. The operators will then contact the property owner to determine whether it is a false alarm or a true emergency. If it is an emergency the Alarm Control Centre Operator will contact the local fire department to alert them to the fire on the property.
For this and more monitoring information please feel free to contact me at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com or visit Atlas Alarms Ltd. at http://www.atlasalarms.com/
I look forward to hearing from you!
Protection from fire is just one of the other capabilities of a monitored home security system. While a monitored security system will not prevent fires, it can sound an alarm that could summon the fire department quickly enough to prevent catastrophic damage to your property. Many home security systems have a smoke detection system that enables the security system to detect the presence of smoke which could indicate a fire in the house. When this (fire) alarm is triggered, a message is sent to the Alarm Control Centre which alerts the operators that smoke has been detected in the home. The operators will then contact the property owner to determine whether it is a false alarm or a true emergency. If it is an emergency the Alarm Control Centre Operator will contact the local fire department to alert them to the fire on the property.
For this and more monitoring information please feel free to contact me at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com or visit Atlas Alarms Ltd. at http://www.atlasalarms.com/
I look forward to hearing from you!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Home Security 101
Congratulations, you have now decided to go ahead with a residential security system. Where to start?
This can be a very daunting decision, so many companies to choose from and so many views on the subject. Word of mouth is the best place to start when researching security alarm companies. Friends, neighbours or family members all are great resource tool. Yellow pages or the Internet are also good resource tools to implement. This can still be over whelming to say the least! Choose a couple of different companies to contact, each will have their own view on the subject and will advertise different packages to choose from. Remember your home is not a cookie cutter home therefore the cookie cutter package may not fit your security requirements. It is best to have a professional security representative visit your home and provide you with a professional quotation. Keep in mind when comparing the security company quotations that your should compare apples to apples; same number of door/window contacts, motion detectors, keypads, term of agreement and location of the alarm monitoring centre.
Facts to know about home security systems; what are the devices to be used?
Door/window devices or known as magnetic contacts are placed in the door/window frame and are triggered when the door/window are opened.
Motion sensors or motion detectors are placed through out your home to detect movement of an intruder once inside the home. Pet Immune Motion detectors are also available.
Keypads are the device that you use to operate (arm or disarm) the security system, normally placed at the main entry to your home. Additional keypads can be placed in locations such as master bedrooms or secondary entry points to your home.
Control panel this is the "brain" of the security system and is placed in a secure location within your home. A home owner rarely if ever has to access the control panel.
Smoke sensors or detectors are just that, smoke detectors, however the alarm company smoke detectors are connected to the security system and will send a "fire" signal to the monitoring centre.
There are two basic installation methods of security systems; hardwired and wireless or in some circumstances hybrid which is a combination of both hardwired and wireless devices. Hardwired means that each device has a wire connecting it to the main control panel, normally the wire is hidden in your crawl space, attic or unfinished basement. Wireless devices are just that - they are wireless, they are connected to the main control panel via RF signals.
Overwhelmed yet? Yes it is a bit confusing and that is why you should have a professional security representative visit your home. The professional is best to determine the number of points (entry areas) that are at risk and whether or not your home should be hard wired or wireless.
A monitored security system vs a non-monitored (local) security system.
When a monitored security system is activated, it connects to a monitoring centre via the phone line. If a detector goes off while the system is activated, the phone line automatically sends a signal to our monitoring centre. When a non-monitored security system is activated you are on your own, you can hope that the neighbours may hear the alarm siren and call the authorities but in today's society we are all trained to avoid others problems. Therefore for the few dollars a month it costs for security alarm monitoring is well worth the investment, besides most insurance companies will provide you with a discount upon proof of a monitored security system.
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