Secure Your Home

Home security systems are a great way to provide peace of mind. A home security system will not only protect your family while at home, they can often provide a quick link to the authorities while you're away when your system is monitored. Home security systems are used to ensure the safety of your home and family. Home security systems are very effective and easy to use.

It's just important to know what your goal is for the system. Do you want to protect the people when they are in the home or your possessions when the people are away? Home security systems are a great investment and are a must have for every household to keep your family safe inside as well as your possessions. Most everyone has been broken into or knows someone on their street who has been the victim of a break-in, so it makes sense to consider some kind of home security system.

Some home security systems are commonly perceived as consisting of flashing lights and loud sirens. While some systems certainly do employ these methods, it is important to be aware that certain home security systems have become quite sophisticated.

A good home security system is not the only way to guarantee home security; some basic common sense steps need to be taken to safeguard your home to give you total protection. If a burglar is delayed just a few minutes, he is apt to give up and try another less problematic home.

Home security systems are now easy to operate and come with a variety of options and styles. But best of all, they provide you with better security and more peace of mind than you've ever had before. Home security systems are a vital part of keeping your family and your home safe. If you have never tried shopping for a home security system before, it can be a little overwhelming but well worth the effort.

Secure your home using some common sense home security ideas. For advice on home security systems contact Kelly Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com

Safety Tips 101:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 8)  Lower the volume of your telephone ringer.

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

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

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

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

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

 11) Invest in a home Security System.

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

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

 

We Never Used to Lock Our Doors!

At least once a day someone says to me, "It wasn't so long ago that nobody even locked their doors. Why is the home security alarm system so popular now?" The answer is that there are actually several reasons people want the protection these systems provide.

1. People don't feel as safe as they used to feel. Crime rates might be rising. But the real reason people don't feel as safe is that the media informs us every evening of all of the crimes occurring in homes in our area. Whether there is or isn't more crime, we are certainly more aware of neighborhood crime.

2. We, as a society, tend to believe that burglaries and other crimes increase during times of economic hardship. This is certainly true in some areas, and the media encourages us to believe it is true in all areas. Convinced of a rising crime rate, people invest in home security alarm systems.

3. When people buy a home or live in a neighborhood where a large number of people have a home security alarm system they tend to believe they also need a system. The assumption is that there is a good reason the neighbors have security systems.

4. Many home builders are including wiring for home security alarm systems as part of the basic construction package on new homes. It is hard to know whether builders are responding to a trend or there is a trend that follows what builders are installing in new homes.

5. Lifestyles encourage many people to want a home security alarm system to protect their families. For those who travel frequently for business, for parents who want to know their children are returning to a secure home, for parents who occasionally leave older children home alone, the security system offers confidence the children are safe.

6. People with disabilities who want to live independently can install home security alarm system equipment that offers monitoring safeguards to keep them safe. They might install a monitor that sends out an alert should they fall. If they could not reach an emergency button, the monitoring company would investigate and send help.

7. People who worry about elderly parents can install a complete home security alarm system that includes pendants or emergency buttons should they fall or require help, the monitoring company will call and then send the appropriate authorities.

If you have concerns about the safety of your family, contact Kelly Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com to help you assess your risk, analyze your needs, and create a home security alarm system that fits your needs and your budget. 

You Forgot WHAT!

Every year, there are millions of homes and commercial buildings that are being burglarized. Like it or not, intruders are now part of our society now that burglary has become an optional career for people who have criminal minds. Laptops, cellular phones, and jewelry are just a few of the items which interest burglars, since those can be easily converted to cash.

Many of the burglary victims have Alarm Systems installed. Many of the victims blame the alarm security system for the loss of their valuables, which, is basically not true. As a matter of fact, authorities have seen various reasons why break-ins occur even to locations that already have security alarm systems in place. This article will discuss the reasons why burglar alarm security systems fail.

FORGETTING TO ARM THE SYSTEM

The top reason why most Alarm Systems fail to do their job is because the owners forgot to arm them. SERIOUSLY. This really happens to most of them. And since burglars today are skilled and intelligent, they can easily determine if the alarm is disarmed or if it fake. This then makes it easy for them to break inside! Never install the keypad near a window with viewing access from outside as the burglar can plainly see if the system is armed or disarmed.

NOT PROPERLY INSTALLING A SYSTEM

The problem is not because of the ineffectiveness of the alarm systems for your premises but the lack of proper coverage for your premises. Even if you are using the best home alarm security system, if it only covers a minimum of areas and not full coverage it will provide access to burglars.  Many owners believe that having a couple of doors protected and one motion detector is adequate, but this is false, you must have coverage to all accessible areas in your premises for both when you are on site and away. 

These are a couple of reasons why criminals are still successful in breaking into locations even if the owners have installed the best alarm system. For those who have Alarm Systems but are not sure if they are functioning properly or if they are installed perfectly or not, you should seek help from a security company to check your system. These experts will then tell you what you should do. They could even inform you about the most suitable Alarm Systems that you can use in your premises. You would not buy a vehicle over the phone why would you buy a Security System over the phone!  For this and more information on Security contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com

Why You Should Have a Security System

There are a variety of things that can stop or deter a would be burglar from stealing your processions or harming your family. A home security system is by far the best deterrent that you can have. Unfortunately many people only feel the need to have a home security system installed after they have been violated. Obviously this is the wrong time to consider arming your home.

There are 4 main reasons why you should have a home security system and the areas of protection that they offer to you and your family:

1. Burglary Deterrent

2. Preventing a Confrontation(Home Invasion)

3. Loss Prevention

4. Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detection

Stopping a would be thief

Statistics show that you are less likely to be targeted by a thief if you have a security system sign in your front yard. Often times it is 3 to 4 times less likely. A burglar is looking for an easy target and if there is a potential of getting caught then they will, more often than not, move on to the next home that does not have an alarm system.

Reducing the threat of a home invasion

Home invasions are becoming more of an issue and you will want to make sure that your family is protected. If you are home at night you can arm your alarm system and still have freedom of movement in your home. So, if a home invasion is attempted the alarm system will sound and the home invader will most likely flee. If your home has alarm monitoring then the authorities will also be dispatched. If your alarm system has wireless capability then you can carry a key fob with you which have a panic button. This panic button can be used inside and outside your home in the event of an emergency. Make sure you test the range of your key fob so that you will be aware of the area that you can depend on activation.

 Preventing the loss of your possessions

When a burglary occurs in your home you can count on the loss of some of your possessions. The average loss is $1,700 per incident. An alarm system will not cost anywhere near that amount unless you have a very large home. If you have a very large home then the value of your processions is probably more than average so you can see that the loss will also be larger. An alarm system will discourage a burglar from entering your home at all or if they are bolder they will stay in your home for a shorter period of time because they know the authorities will be on there way.

Protection from Fire and Carbon Monoxide

A home burglary can obviously result in the feeling of being violated and lingering feelings of "what if they come back". A fire can cause much more damage to your home, processions and potentially the lives of your family. Even with many people being aware of this there are a large number of people that still do not have a smoke detector in the home. A burglar can steal some stuff but a fire can destroy everything. Most people think that a security system is meant to stop burglars but they are actually for the purpose of "home security" This means all things that can make your home more secure. A smoke detector should be installed on every alarm system. These are available in wired or wireless versions.

Where most fires start in family dwellings:

· Kitchen 23.5%

· Bedroom 12.7%

· Living Room 7.9%

· Chimney 7.1%

· Laundry Area 4.7%

Carbon Monoxide has become a problem in residential homes and the biggest issue is that Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death. This silent killer can attack you while you are sleeping and you may never wake up. A carbon monoxide detector can be installed and attached to your security system. These devices are also available in a wired or wireless version.

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

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