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Month: August 2019
Having That Medical Alert Conversation
When is the right time to get mom and dad started with an emergency alert system?
Sometimes it’s difficult to tell because there are no clearly defined rules for this sort of question. It depends on the circumstances and the people involved. Nevertheless, one thing that’s certain is it’s never too early to get started with this type of protection, and the best way is to have a heartfelt talk with mom and dad.
For some families, this can be a tough conversation or at the very least, one that you’d rather to put off until next time you see your parents. However, if you are expecting some resistance, it’s best to start talking about it sooner as opposed to later. This way gives them time to consider and adjust to the idea — or perhaps, even to make that decision for themselves. It may take a few months for it to sink in, but if you approach this conversation thoughtfully, they are likely to understand how an emergency system would be a positive addition to their lives.
For most seniors, it’s expected that a time will come, during which they will need extra help. That help could come in the form of a medical alert system. Using a medical alert system is all about keeping seniors healthy and independent. If an emergency strikes, they’ll be able to get help faster which should lead to a speedy recovery as well.As it turns out, your parent’s independence is interconnected with their health and happiness, so a little extra protection is a very good thing.
When approaching this conversation, express your concern about their situation in a loving way.The fact that you think about the safety of your parents is a clear sign that you care deeply for them and want them to live well into their age in the home that they love. A medical alert system is a wonderful way to help them continue to live a happy and healthy life.
Shop for a medical alert system on our website at emcmedicalalert.com.
Three Reasons You Need a Pet Camera
Security Cameras and Pets
Not only do indoor security cameras help protect our homes, but they can also help us keep an eye on your pet at all hours of the day, even when you’re not home. This is especially beneficial for people who work long hours at a time. Whether you just got a new puppy or have lived with a furry friend for many years, having a camera to monitor your pet will ease your worries of leaving them home alone and you’ll always know exactly what they are doing. Here are some other reasons you may want to get yourself and your four-legged friend a dedicated cam.
Reason #1
So, you don’t need to worry and know your pet is safe. Ask any devoted pet owner and they’ll tell you that a good pet is more than a temporary companion; they are practically another member of the family. As such, it is important to make sure they are always safe. A dedicated indoor pet cam will allow you to see what they are doing at all hours of the day, letting you know they are safe, while also notifying you when they may be getting into mischief.
Reason #2
Stay in touch with your pet. Setting up a dedicated pet cam will allow you to spend as much virtual time as you want with your pet. EMC Security’s indoor camera comes with a microphone and speaker installed which allows you to talk to your pet, and for them to hear you when you talk. Keep them happy with constant interaction throughout the day or verbally discipline them if you must. We all get lonely without our furry friends, but a dedicated pet cam puts an end to leaving your pets home alone!
Reason #3
Deter unwanted behavior. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?! Cameras are extremely helpful when it comes to housebreaking—especially if you have a new puppy at home. You’ll know if they are getting into your belongings or ripping into your couch. Cameras even let you interact with your pet through the camera so you can stop their unwanted behavior and keep your home in good condition.
EMC Security wireless security cameras can be used as perfect dedicated pet cams. Affordably priced at just $79, EMC Security will give you peace of mind when away from your pet. Order yours at today emcsecurity.com.
The Gone in 60 Seconds EMC Security Checklist
Let the Countdown Begin
With all the hustle and bustle of getting up and out on a weekday morning, it can be difficult to remember the kids’ lunches, let alone securing your home against unwanted visitors in your absence. With the clock ticking, it can be easy to make a dash for the car without so much as securing the front door in the midst of your haste! Needless to say, it only takes a moment of forgetfulness on your part for thieves to leverage this opportunity to their advantage.
Fortunately, EMC Security realizes that for many of us, time is as precious as home security and has thus devised this clever sixty-second checklist, meaning we don’t have to sacrifice security at the risk of running late!
T-Minus 60 seconds…
A window of opportunity – You would never leave your front door wide open so why the double standards for windows? An open window is an open invitation for would-be-burglars to access your home. Even windows located on upper levels of your home offer an opportunity for determined intruders to break in.
Take a moment to go around the house and shut tight any windows that might have escaped your attention, including conservatories and bathrooms.
T-Minus 40 seconds…
Ring the alarm – Did you know that only half of the homeowners with a burglar alarm actually activate it when they leave the house? If you’re a guilty party to this statistic, now is the time to recognize it and change! It only takes a moment to arm your home security system, which could potentially save weeks of stress and anxiety following a break-in.
T-Minus 30 seconds…
Secure the doors – Locking the front door is the most obvious form of protection against home invasions, yet 42% of people admit to routinely leaving their door unlocked, even when no one is home! It’s important to invest in high-quality locks or smart locks for true peace of mind.
T-Minus 20 seconds…
Spotlight on security – Ensuring proper function of your external security lights is paramount, as they play a major role in helping keep your home secure. Take a moment to test yours out as you leave the house; if the batteries need changing, add a note to your shopping list for that day.
T-Minus 10 seconds…
The last walkthrough – Before you jump in the car, make a habit of glancing up at your house as a whole. Lend a keen eye to any elements that might signal potential weakness to burglars and jot them down.
By keeping a physical list of items that require attention, it’s much more likely that you’ll get to them when you have a bit more time!
Wired vs Wireless Home Security Systems
Which System Is Right For You?
If you are looking to install a home alarm system, you’ve probably wondered whether it’s best to go with a wired or wireless alarm solution. Each option offers unique advantages, so let’s take a look at what you can anticipate with each.
Installation
Installation of a wireless alarm system is the easiest of the two options. There are many good wireless security systems on the market – both professionally installed and with self-install options. Check out EMC Security’s options that start at just $179 here.
Operational Costs
Wireless home systems require batteries, which over time, need replacing; whereas, a wired home alarm system will run off your home power source. It’s recommended that the batteries on a wireless alarm system be changed every two to three years, but the replacement cost is very low.
Consistency
Modern wireless alarm systems, are continually evolving and are now, equally as reliable as traditional wired systems, so there is little to choose between the two for reliability.
Aesthetics
For many homeowners, a wired alarm system appears messy. By contrast, wireless home alarms do not require drilling for installation and have no clunky wires or cables to hide.
Overall, wireless alarm systems are much simpler to install and can be expanded with additional accessories, sensors, and third-party devices as required. They are also more cost-effective, appealing to the eye, and with our range of smart home alarm enhancements, you can rest assured knowing that your security is taken care of for a number of years. Take a look at our product range.
What to Do After a Burglary
My House Was Broken Into? What Should I Do?
If you’ve just suffered a home burglary you may simply be asking what do I do now? Whether you’re in panic mode or you’re just not sure where to turn, learn what to do immediately after a home burglary, these tips will help you get through the process as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Step 1. Call the Police
The first thing you should always do after a home burglary is to call the police. If your security system was armed – triggering an alarm, we will contact the authorities for you.
- If you’ve left the house and/or you think the intruder may still be there: This is an emergency. From your locked car or a neighbor’s house, dial 911.
- Any delay to call the police could the lower their chances of catching the perpetrator and recovering your stolen items.
Step 2. Survey your property and possessions
Once the authorities arrive at your home, make a detailed and complete list of everything that has either been damaged or stolen. Include as many details as you can about each item and their value. Give this list to the police and save additional copies for your own records, as well as your insurance company.
It’s also a good idea to take photographs or provide video footage of your damaged property. It’s likely that you will need to provide proof to your insurance company of items that were taken or damaged in the process.
Step 3. Call your insurance company
Assuming you have insurance, you will need to file a claim within 24 hours of filing a report with the police, so it’s important to notify them as soon as you can. In most cases, a claim adjuster will come and inspect your home and any associated damage that may have been caused, so it’s essential that at this stage not to move or touch anything unless you’ve been instructed to do so by the police.
Step 4. Call your bank
After you’ve called the police and spoken to your insurance company, you’ll need to call your bank if any of your credit/debit cards or checks were stolen. Likewise, if a computer, tablet, or phone with banking information and financial data was taken, you’ll need to share this information with your bank as well. It’s important that you call your bank and financial institutions as soon as possible to avoid fraud or any additional theft.
Step 5. Notify others
Consider everything that was taken and who else you may need to notify:
- If your driver’s license was taken you should apply for a replacement immediately.
- If your passport was taken notify the office that issued your passport to cancel it, then apply for a new one.
- If your mobile phone was stolen, notify your network provider right away, so that they can block the phone from being used.
- Notify your neighbors of the burglary to see if that may have witnessed anything.
Step 6. Take care of yourself
Besides simply losing valuables and causing damage to your home, burglaries can leave you and your loved ones feeling vulnerable, unsafe and emotionally shaken. Once you’ve taken all of the immediate actions, you need to channel your attention to taking care of yourself and your family.
Step 7. Apply preventative measures
Installing security cameras can help make you feel safer and secure in your own home and reduce the risk of a second home burglary.
Contact EMC Security to take preventative measures and make your home safer in the future. Check out our blog for other helpful security tips to prevent your home from being burgled again.
The New Georgia School Bus Law
Maintaining Safety around Georgia School Buses
With many kids heading back to school, it’s a good time for a reminder of an important new law in Georgia outlining when drivers are required to stop for a school bus. According to lawmakers and school officials, this law – that went into effect in February – helps protect students by fixing an error in the previous law that allowed drivers on some highways to continue driving even when a school bus was stopped.
It’s important for people to realize how dangerous it can be at bus stops, which is why drivers have a responsibility to make sure students can leave those bus stops safely.
According to the new law, vehicles traveling in both directions must stop when a school bus is stopped on a road with its lights on and sign out. This applies to two-lane roads, four-lane roads, and roads with a turning lane. The only time you do not have to stop is if there is a median in the road, separating you and the bus. These sections of roadway are usually divided by a grassy area, a paved area, or a concrete wall.
Penalties for Breaking the Law
If you are caught passing a school bus that is stopped, you could be fined up to $1,000 and risk getting six points on your driver’s license. As such, remember, if you see a school bus stopping and the red lights are on, you need to stop unless it’s a road with a median.
According to a school official, bus drivers try to avoid bus stops where students have to cross the street, but it does still happen and sometimes students cross when they aren’t supposed to.
Sometimes, it’s possible that a child might get confused, and not having traffic stopped in all directions could be catastrophic, which is why it’s important that drivers educate themselves on the new law and the cautions that come with driving on the roadways during the school season.
Did you know that EMC Security protects more kids and staff at school in Georgia than any other company? That’s over 358,000 students and staff! Learn how we can keep you and your family safe at home too.