Home Security Systems Blog

The summertime is one of the best seasons to enjoy your home. But as the temperature rises, so does the occurrence of home burglaries. By keeping a few basic summer safety tips in mind this season, you can reduce the chance of having a burglary or an accident get in the way of your summer plans.

Opening the windows in your home to enjoy the fresh, warm air is great as long as you are in the house. Before going anywhere, it is important that you close and lock all windows, doors, and patio entrances to reduce the chance of inviting a thief to walk right into your home.

If you are home and have the windows open, be sure that all the window screens are properly attached and still in good condition. Also, keep in mind that no screens are strong enough to prevent a child from falling from a window. If you have small children at home or tend to throw summer gatherings where guests might bring their children, remove any furniture away from the windows to prevent children from climbing too close. In addition, backyard parties can create a lot of traffic in and out of the house, so be sure to close doors completely to keep small children from wondering outside.

Weekend getaways during the summertime mean many homes are left empty. Creating the illusion that you are home, however, greatly reduces the chance that a thief will target your house. Before leaving for a trip, turn on an inside or outside light near your front and back door. To save on your energy bills, set the light to a timer so that it shuts of during the day and turns back on at dusk. Not only is this more economical, it also gives the appearance that someone is coming and going. Another simple and effective way to make it seem like the house is occupied is by playing a radio inside the house while you are away. This noise, especially recorded household sounds, like a dog barking or a person laughing, make it seem like your family is still home.

The task of hiring a new lawn care service or pool attendant in the summer can be daunting. While letting these people onto your property can feel risky, there are ways to ensure you find the best help available. First, ask your neighbors who they use. Getting recommendations from people you are already familiar with is the best way to assess new services. Plus, you can observe the quality of their work first-hand. Secondly, be sure to ask if the workers have insurance in case an injury occurs on your property. Also, have an agreement in writing as to what is going to be done at what cost to avoid any misunderstanding later on. Lastly, it is a good idea to be home the first few times new workers come to your home. This way, you can decide for yourself if you trust them at your home.

If you decide to do your home’s summer upkeep yourself there are several important things to remember about insect sprays, fertilizers, pool chemicals and the other harsh products that are used during summer months. Be certain to read the labels on products before using them around your home. Protective gear such as goggles and gloves should be worn when using these dangerous items. Also, after each use make sure that you store them in a clean and dry place out of reach from children and animals.
Remembering these simple precautions can protect your family and home, as well as, your fun summer plans!

Natural disasters—hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and snow storms, can wreck havoc on your home, property, and lifestyle. These storms can be devastatingly damaging—separating family members, ruining whole neighborhoods, and unleashing panic in those in its path. While these catastrophes are unpredictable, being well-prepared can ease the process of recovery and protect your family and home. Try to remember these things:

Always have these supplies on hand: extra batteries, flashlights, a portable radio or television, fire extinguisher, blankets, clothing for each family member, non-perishable food and water—enough for three days and a first aid kit. It is also a good idea to have a spare set of car keys and a credit card, hidden and secure within your emergency supplies.

All family members should be familiar with how to reactivate the home security system after a power outage.

Never use a generator indoors—it is very dangerous for your health, and puts your home at risk for further damage. To be careful, install carbon monoxide monitors to avoid potential poisoning.

After a disaster—enter the home with caution. At each door, open it slowly, and wait a minute before entering the room to avoid any falling debris or other hazard.

Fires commonly occur after disasters so properly installed smoke detectors can protect your home. Fire detection monitors that are linked to a home security system are additionally beneficial because the security system will automatically alert the fire department at the first signs of an emergency.

Have a month’s supply of any prescribed medication you or a family member may be on.

If you live in an area prone to flooding and hurricanes ensure that your home security system has flood monitoring devices so that you can be altered at any sign of rising water.

Finally, when your estate has experienced significant damage after a storm, and you may not remain on the property coordinate with police to have your home periodically patrolled while you are away. Also, schedule the lights to automatically turn on—you can do so using your home security system, and turn down the telephone ring volume so that burglars cannot detect that the home has been left alone. If possible, leaving a vehicle in the driveway that is secured with an anti-theft device can also trick thieves into believing the property is still occupied. Of course, remove any expensive valuables that may be tempting and bring them to your temporary location while your home is being restored.

Following this advice can remove some of the stress that surrounds recovering from a natural disaster—being prepared can’t prevent damage, but it can make a difference in how much damage you, your family, and home suffer. Keep safe, keep secure.

You see them everywhere – video surveillance cameras keeping watch over intersections, shopping malls, banks and parking garages. Sometimes they catch the bad guys in the act, from running a red light to stealing a car. More often, the mere presence of a CCTV – closed circuit television -prevents a criminal act from being committed. The fear of getting caught on camera is a powerful, proven deterrent.

As the economy suffers and burglaries and home invasions rise, many homeowners are installing CCTV surveillance systems.  It can provide you with the ultimate defense, whether you’re in your home or thousands of miles away.  If the cost of a sophisticated video system is prohibitive, however, there is an alternative. Fake it!

Dummy cameras are a smart security option and can go a long way towards protecting your home, possessions and family. Remember, most burglars aren’t rocket scientists but they’re smart enough to avoid the risk of getting caught on video. And sure, they know about fake cameras, but most won’t just hope that yours is one of them.  A good deterrent is one that keeps the burglar moving on past your home.

If you choose a dummy camera carefully and install it properly, it’s nearly impossible to tell whether it’s fake or is actually connected to a video recorder. In fact, a good dummy camera can be more effective, and certainly less costly, than a cheap CCTV package. When shopping for a system, look for a camera with these attributes:

• It should have a flashing red light to indicate a power source
• There should be a video cable that “connects” the camera to the house
• The lens and housing should look authentic and substantial
• There should be abundant decals claiming your property is protected by video surveillance

Once you’ve decided on the camera, take a walk around your property to determine optimum placement. Where are the vulnerable spots? Where could a burglar gain access or hide? Remember that the cameras must be in plain sight – you want the burglar to see them – and they must be mounted high enough that actual inspection is not possible. Cameras for entryways or other confined areas can just “sit there” while larger areas, such as a patio or pool area, might be best protected with a moving or motion-activated camera that moves from side to side, giving the impression of surveying a larger area. Choose your installation locations well, install the cameras properly, and remember to put the ladder away when you’re done!

If it fits your budget, you can take a lesson from smart business owners by installing a basic home video system to protect your most vulnerable locations, then enhance your protection by installing dummy cameras everywhere else. It’s maximum security for a minimum investment. And finally, don’t be a dummy and tell anyone, other than people who absolutely must know, that your surveillance cameras are fake.

Landscaping can have dual purposes in benefiting your home: aesthetically improving its appearance and an advantageous component to your security plan. Combined with your traditional home alarm security system, developing simple landscaping techniques that are sometimes overlooked by homeowners will effectively deter potential burglars and thieves from choosing your home as their next target.

• Mow the lawn regularly. An overgrown lawn suggests that the property is unoccupied or the owners are away on vacation-the ideal time for an easy burglary.

• Trees are beautiful but also need to be maintained. Any tree branches that are close to the home, porch, windows, or balcony should be trimmed so that intruders cannot climb or use the branches as aid to gain access to your secure home.

• Keep yard tools, such as ladders, locked securely in a backyard shed or garage. Do not leave them lying in the yard or under the deck-doing so is basically an invite for thieves!

• Opt for buried utilities, rather than exposed. Buried utilities are less-likely to be interrupted by storms and criminals alike. The last thing a home owner wants in the case of an emergency is for the phones to be disconnected due to the work of a crafty criminal. If your utilities are exposed, locate their generation point and verify that it is protected by a fenced-in area.

• Shrubs that offer privacy can also breed hiding spaces for thieves. Keep shrubs, especially those near the doors and windows, short so the views to these entrance ways are not obstructed. If neighbors can see the front and back doors, they can also see burglary attempts.

• Bushes, vines, and cacti with plenty of thorns are especially effective in deterring intruders. Ouch! Grow these near windows and along fences throughout the backyard.

• Video surveillance security systems can be added to monitor sheds, gates, and doors.

• Protect first floor windows from disturbance by choosing to landscape with gravel instead of mulch as it is noisier and will call attention to any uninvited guests.

• The yard should be well-lit and can be done so cost-effectively by installing lights with motion detecting sensors that will only turn on when activated by a movement in the yard.

• Place a security company sign at the end of your driveway and put the stickers in your windows so that your home security precautions are both visible from the street and up close.

Following through with these landscaping techniques decreases the likelihood that your home will be broken into-thieves and burglars are not looking to do more work than they need to gain access. Your home will be protected and your yard will look well kept, a win-win situation-a little neighbor jealousy isn’t a bad thing!

Economy Down, Crime Rates Up

Throughout history a pattern has developed in our country: when the economy is down, crime rates go up. Particularly, the crimes related to home security seem to increase the most. Theft, burglary and robbery become progressively more tempting as more people lose their jobs and need to make ends meet. Local governments need to cut back on costs eliminating police patrols and other security features, and business owners may be more lenient on security features to save a little money. This is the time to install a home security system if you haven’t already-why put your family’s well being at risk in this already tumultuous time?

A security system should include these features to decrease the chances of property crime:

• Digital Keypad: Contacts the Fire Department, Paramedics, and Police Department with one button.
• Loud Home Burglar Alarm Siren
• Backup Power Supply: Your home security system will continue to monitor your property even if the power goes out.
• Home Security Signs and Stickers

Consider these other home security system features that add to your protection, despite the state of the economy:

• Fire Monitoring: Smoke detectors and automatic Fire Department alerts.
• Wireless Door Sensors: Alerts to any entrance of the home.
• Flood Detection: Sensors can notify the security provider of rising water in the home whether it’s from a broken pipe, an overflowing washer or external source.
• Motion Detectors for Interior Protection of Your Home: Notifies you of any suspicious motion, yet is smart enough to ignore motion from pets or children under 50 pounds.
• Carbon Monoxide Monitoring: Protects against poisoning from the deadly gas.
• Video Surveillance
• Remote Key chain Control: Turn your home alarm system on or off easily from car, house, or yard.

While budgets may be tight, investing in a home security system is a sound way to spend your paycheck. Additional protection for your home and belongings may be the crucial factor in keeping your family afloat in the economical downturn.

Everyone worries about the safety and security of their family, home, belongings, and property. Yet, most people live day to day committing some very common home security mistakes that can put their most valued possessions at risk. With minor changes to your behavior and a few added precautions, the likelihood of a home security issue is lowered. Avoid these common home security mistakes to enjoy a more worry-free life!

• Hidden Keys-Do not leave a key hidden somewhere on the property. Burglars know all the common hiding places and will definitely look in these places for the easiest entry into their target home. If you frequently lose your keys consider carrying a copy of your house key in your wallet or give it to a trusted neighbor.

• Unprotected Valuables-Install a safe somewhere in the home. Place valuables in the safe while at work, on vacation, or when others like a cleaning service will be in the home while you are away.

• Neglected Locks- If a faulty lock is found on a door or window of your property, fix it that day! Putting it off until another time only allows more opportunity for burglars and thieves to break into your home.

• Allowing strangers into the home- Never answer the door without proof of the individual’s identity. Some burglars claim they are working for the local government surveying the land, are an electrician, or are some other occupation they believe will allow them entry into the home. Before opening the door to your home, ensure the individual is in uniform, is driving a company vehicle, and has valid identification. If you are still unsure of their authentication, do not be afraid to call the company and validate that individual is indeed an employee and scheduled to be at your home.

• Forgoing Landscaping- Do not allow your yard to become overgrown. An uncut lawn clues burglars into that your home may be left empty for periods of time, and thus an opportunity to break in. Large bushes and shrubbery also aid burglars with hiding places while lurking around the property, ensure the plants do not block windows and doors for added home security. Installing outdoor motion-detecting lights can further deter any attempts of property crime.

• Lack of Yard Security-Your backyard shed should be as protected as your home, with a modern lock and motion-detection lights. If the shed is left unlocked, not only can burglars steal expensive items like lawn mowers, but they also have access to tools and ladders that can help them break into your home. Of course for similar reasons, do not leave any of these items laying in the yard overnight.

• Forgetting to test the home security system- Test your alarm on a regular basis and maintain relationships with your home security provider for updates in technology and new advances that can improve your safety and security.

The Neighborhood Watch Program started in the 1970s and spread throughout the nation in hopes of reducing the crime rate—and did just that. Its continuing success is reason to start or become involved with your local Neighborhood Watch. Of course, the program does not require that citizens take any unnecessary risks that may endanger them. It is simply a neighborhood alliance between residents who learn to look out for each others safety, and the local law enforcement. By working together, relationships strengthen with neighbors and police officials, bettering the fight against crime.

Benefits to joining or establishing a Neighborhood Watch in your area:

Discourages Crime: Participants are taught precautionary measures, like keeping all doors locked and the lawn groomed, that help prevent the likelihood of exposure to crime.

Diminishes Fear: Participants are instructed on how to observe and report suspicious activities in the community, so that in times of need residents are well-prepared.

Builds Friendship Among Neighbors: The Neighborhood Watch Program encourages meetings both concerning safety and social matters. As neighbors develop stronger relationships, the importance of their well-being becomes of greater concern for the community.

Advances Resident-Police Relations: Community leaders of your program will have direct contact with a representing officer. Police are glad to help any neighborhood taking the initiative to prevent crime, its beneficial for both parties!

Allows for Addressing Other Neighborhood Concerns: Meetings are open forums, bring up any issues you are concerned about—child safety, getting the sidewalk fixed, planning a block party, or improving the community’s quality of life.

To get involved or start your own Neighborhood Watch Program, the first move would be to contact your local police department. If a program is already established, the officer will have the means to connect you with the neighborhood representative in charge of planning meetings and gathering new members. If not, that officer will have the needed information for getting the program started.

Remember, participating in a Neighborhood Watch is a piece to your total home security plan. Integrate the program with your home security alarm, fire prevention, carbon monoxide detectors, and flood monitors and you and your family should remain healthy, happy, and safe. Get the community involved and keep the community secure!

General Electric was the outgrowth of Thomas Edison and his work on the first incandescent light bulb. Edison opened his first electronics laboratory in Menlo Park Jersey in 1876; fourteen years later, he incorporated his various enterprises as the Edison General Electric Company. GE in its present form dates from 1892, when financier J.P. Morgan arranged a merger between Edison’s company and its primary rival, the Thomas-Houston Electric Company. Over the subsequent decades, GE acquired, merged with and/or formed several other companies, including RCA in 1919 – which was largely responsible for the growth of the radio industry. GE was also one of the early players in the computer industry, though this division was sold to Honeywell in 1970.

Today, among other operations, GE now controls a major media outlet (NBC Universal) an aerospace defense company and three financial services subsidiaries (which now actually account for over half GE’s revenues) and of course, a home and business security manufacturing and service division.

There have been nothing but accolades from satisfied consumers for its home security products, which most consumers agree are of superior quality. The company offers wireless systems that are easy for the customer to install, use and maintain while providing some of the most detailed intruder detection in the business.  Reports provide indications of whether or not there was a real break-in, and even if such a break-in was unsuccessfully attempted.

GE home security service providers offer several different contact numbers for consumers should an intrusion or other emergency occur. GE monitoring personnel assume responsibility for contacting local emergency services as required – which is no bad thing for consumers attempting to function under the stress of such a situation.

GE also provides better technical support than many other companies in the industry; again, most consumers have offered nothing but praise in this regard.

August is arguably the best month of the summer, full of sunshine and steamy weather. Maybe you prefer the less-scorching months of June and July, but regardless summer is definitely in full-swing! Your vacation home has undoubtedly been put to good use, the location for family cook-outs, swimming, or simply relaxing. Yet, the summer can’t last forever and while you’re squeezing in all the beach days you can before the summer slips away, you mustn’t forget to plan ahead for closing and protecting your vacation home until the warm weather returns again next year.
In preparation of closing your vacation home, remember to:

• Clean the home both inside and out, especially the gutters. Clean gutters will ensure that water will remain away from the home, protecting the foundation and eliminating the chance of flooding and mold damage. If your vacation home is located in an area particularly prone to flooding, installing a flood monitoring sensor system is a good precaution, and a simple investment that can save you money in the future.
• Empty the cabinets and fridge to protect against uninvited animal visitors attracted by the smell of food. So that food doesn’t go to waste, throw an end of the summer party with all the neighbors! Don’t forget to take out the trash, and it’s best to unplug the fridge before leaving.
• Keep up with landscaping—trim any tree branches that are near the home to protect from damage in case of a bad storm
• Close your pool properly; it’s plenty of fun while you are there to use it, but it’s a safety hazard when left unmonitored.
• Contact your utility provider to have your water and gas turned off from the main line. If you chose to have your utilities remain on while you are away, unplug everything to prevent a fire. Security systems with fire monitoring capabilities, where the local fire station is notified in the case of an emergency even when you are away, can give peace of mind.
• During cold months, your empty vacation home is susceptible to freezing pipes. To prevent this costly mishap, hire a professional to winterize your home. There are also low-temperature monitoring systems that can notify you of dangerously low temperatures in your home—before your pipes freeze.
• Arrange with the postal service to again have your mail delivered to your full-time residence.

The cleaning is done, utilities arranged to be shut off, and your bathing suits packed in the car—do these last minute precautions to ensure your vacation home remains secure while you’re away:

• Place all outdoor summer fun items, the grill, bikes, patio furniture, boogie boards, and whatever else you have, in a secure shed. Make sure the lock is working properly before heading ou
• Take with you any electronics, including stereos and televisions that you can, and hide what has to be left behind. The less tempting your vacation home looks for thieves, the better.
• Program your automatic flood light over the drive-way to turn on at any sign of motion. Burglars, unlike the rest of us, do not like being in the spot light. If you do not already have a flood light installed, consider one, it can easily protect the home while you are away.
• Lock all doors and windows as you are about to leave, checking twice to be sure.
• Finally, have a local friend stop by your property periodically to guarantee your vacation home remains safe and secure. Remember to exchange updated contact information each summer so you can be reached if there is a problem.

So while summer is still here—enjoy your fruity cocktails, the sand between your toes, and that tan you’ve been working on. But when it starts to get a little cooler, and the nights a little shorter, prepare your vacation home properly so that it remains a place of fun for many summers to come. Before you know it, it will be time to for ski lodges and hot chocolate, happy vacationing!

Monitronics is a relatively new player in the Home Security field, having been in business only since 1994. Based in Dallas, Texas, Monitronics now provides security alarm services to 700,000 customers nationwide.  According to the company’s website, Monitronics service and home security systems “…have consistently met or exceeded all UL, National Fire Protection Association, Central Station Alarm Association standards…[providing] reliable, uninterrupted security monitoring service.” Inc. 500 recognized Monitronics as one of “America’s Fastest Growing Companies” between 1997 and 2004, and the company’s home security monitoring stations are certified by the Central Station Alarm Association.

Monitronics’ most serious weakness is one that is shared by most large corporations today, which is a failure to take direct responsibility for delivery of services. Installation, maintenance and billing is outsourced to a network of “Authorized Dealers” - too many of whom have been the target of serious complaints. According to an Philadelphia investigator who identifies himself as “Lauver,” subcontractors in 22 states consistently failed to adhere to contracting laws, nor were the installations properly investigated. On the consumer website RipoffReport.com, there are currently no fewer than 74 reports, many of which complain about the company’s billing practices.  One Texas client filed a report on ComplaintsBoard.com stating that the company refused to honor his request that his service be discontinued and kept billing him for their service for several months.

Customers are not the only ones who report problems with Monitronics.  According to one of the company’s Authorized Dealers, the corporation failed to keep its promises, provided no technical support and uses an obsolete technology that is incompatible with current digital phones. In addition, if an Authorized Dealer is a day late with payment of a monitoring fee, Monitronics contacts the customer directly and attempts to undersell its own contractors.

Conclusion: if consumer reports are any indication, Monitronics should not be your first choice for asecurity company.