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
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Who Needs Alarm Monitoring?
You might have seen the commercial, in which a man tries to break into a house, but an alarm goes off and the burglar runs away. While the alarm is blaring, an operator from the home's security system's Monitoring Company calls the house to make sure everything is alright. That commercial communicates a powerful message about home security: an alarm alone isn't always enough. You also need someone to monitor your Security System.
Who Needs Alarm Monitoring?
1) Seniors
2) Single parents
3) Kids home alone
4) Families
5) Small businesses
Benefits of Security System Monitoring:
1) Security Alarm Monitoring makes your home three to four times less likely to be burglarized. Why take the chance of not having your Security System monitored?
2) You can save money. Not only will you prevent the costs associated with break-ins, but you can also save up to 20 percent on your homeowners insurance by having your Security System monitored.
3) Security System Monitoring offers 24/7 peace of mind because it never takes a day off. Someone will always be watching over you and your family or business.
Make the most of your Security System Monitoring:
Once you have your Security System monitored, you will want to maximize its effectiveness. You might be surprised to find out how human error can flaw even the most reliable Security Systems.
Test them. Your Security System should be tested regularly. You will want to test your system at least once a month but once a week is recommended.
Turn them on. What good is having a Security System Monitored if you never turn it on? Make sure your Security System is on at night and when you leave your house.
Tell people about your Security System. Lots of burglaries happen because neighbors and acquaintances know your habits and when you will be out of the house. By telling as many people as you can about your new Security System, you reduce the chances of a break-in by someone you know.
Security System Monitoring will give you the chance to relax and enjoy your vacation because you will know someone is carefully guarding your house and your possessions. You can be certain that you and your loved ones are safe from break-ins, fires, and medical emergencies because Security System Monitoring means you are never alone and help is just a phone call away.
For this and more information please contact Kelly Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
Who Needs Alarm Monitoring?
1) Seniors
2) Single parents
3) Kids home alone
4) Families
5) Small businesses
Benefits of Security System Monitoring:
1) Security Alarm Monitoring makes your home three to four times less likely to be burglarized. Why take the chance of not having your Security System monitored?
2) You can save money. Not only will you prevent the costs associated with break-ins, but you can also save up to 20 percent on your homeowners insurance by having your Security System monitored.
3) Security System Monitoring offers 24/7 peace of mind because it never takes a day off. Someone will always be watching over you and your family or business.
Make the most of your Security System Monitoring:
Once you have your Security System monitored, you will want to maximize its effectiveness. You might be surprised to find out how human error can flaw even the most reliable Security Systems.
Test them. Your Security System should be tested regularly. You will want to test your system at least once a month but once a week is recommended.
Turn them on. What good is having a Security System Monitored if you never turn it on? Make sure your Security System is on at night and when you leave your house.
Tell people about your Security System. Lots of burglaries happen because neighbors and acquaintances know your habits and when you will be out of the house. By telling as many people as you can about your new Security System, you reduce the chances of a break-in by someone you know.
Security System Monitoring will give you the chance to relax and enjoy your vacation because you will know someone is carefully guarding your house and your possessions. You can be certain that you and your loved ones are safe from break-ins, fires, and medical emergencies because Security System Monitoring means you are never alone and help is just a phone call away.
For this and more information please contact Kelly Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
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
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
Monday, November 1, 2010
"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
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
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