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Month: December 2019
5 Surprising Statistics About Home Break-Ins
Every year there are 2.2 million burglaries in the United States, which equals one burglary every 14 to 15 seconds.
This statistic is shocking, but an even more surprising statistic is that >87% of burglaries are considered preventable. Simple solutions such as locking the doors every time you leave the house, not broadcasting when you’ll be away from home on social media, and investing in a professionally monitored home security system will help protect you from becoming an unfortunate statistic.
We’ve outlined 5 surprising home break-in statistics that you should know. In addition, we’ve also included solutions for how EMC Security can protect you in each of these cases.
1. Most burglaries take place during daylight hours
Although many of us envision burglars lurking in the night, the majority of home break-ins actually take place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The reason for this is that most people are away from their homes during these hours, whether at work or school.
Solution: Video surveillance options allow you to keep an eye on your home while you’re at work using an app installed on your smartphone, tablet or computer, on which you can watch live video and receive alerts and clips of any motion detected.
2. 34% of burglars enter through the front door.
Surprisingly, most burglars enter your home through its main entry point. Whether they walk in through an unlocked door, kick it in, or pry it open, most break-ins occur through the front door.
Solution: In addition to keeping your front door (and all other doors) closed and locked at all times, EMC Security’s video doorbells are a great way to deter criminals from targeting your home. For added protection, consider installing home automation features such as a timed or motion-sensor light near the front door.
3. Home security systems really do thwart criminal activity.
According to a recent study by Fox 5 Atlanta, home security measures work. Some of the more interesting statistics from the study include: 60% of burglars reported they would leave immediately if a security alarm was triggered; 66% responded that a visible security camera would deter them from breaking in; and 60% responded that lights turned on inside the home would make them think twice about attempting to break in.
Solution: It’s never too late to invest in a home security system from EMC Security, which offers a number of options that will best fit your needs:
- DIY Self-Install Security System – our most advanced and our most affordable system starting at just $179.
- Professionally Installed Home Security System
- Home Automation
- Security Cameras
4. Burglars target the master bedroom first.
The master bedroom is an easy target for criminals, considering many families store jewelry, important documents, cash, weapons and other valuables in this location.
Solution: Consider investing in a safe that can be bolted to the ground, or hide valuables in unlikely places. EMC Security also offers motion detectors that can add an extra level of protection. These motion detectors use a passive, infrared motion sensor to detect motion inside your home.
5. Someone is home during 3 out of every 10 burglaries.
A household member is reportedly home during nearly 28% of burglaries. While coming home to find your house has been broken into is scary enough, being home when someone targets your household is even more traumatic.
Solution: Make sure your home security system is activated even when you are home, and keep doors and windows locked. Visible security cameras, motion detectors, and other home security safety measures can also help stop a break-in before it happens.
Give EMC Security a call today at 770-963-0305 to discuss your needs and how we can build a Home Security System that’s right for you.
Top 10 Holiday Safety Tips
Holiday Fire Safety Tips
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) together with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) put together some tips for staying safe during the holidays.
1. Inspect electrical decorations for damage before use. Cracked or damaged sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections may cause a serious shock or start a fire.
2. Do not overload electrical outlets. Overloaded electrical outlets and faulty wires are a common cause of holiday fires. Avoid overloading outlets and plug only one high-wattage into each outlet at a time.
3. Never connect more than three strings of incandescent lights. More than three strands may not only blow a fuse, but can also cause a fire.
4. Keep trees fresh by watering daily.Dry trees are a serious fire hazard.
5. Use battery-operated candles. Candles start almost half of home decoration fires.
6. Keep combustibles at least three feet from heat sources. A heat sources that was too close to the decoration was a factor in half of home fires that began with decorations (NFPA).
7. Protect cords from damage. To avoid shock or fire hazards, cords should never be pinched by furniture, forced into small spaces such as doors and windows, placed under rugs, located near heat sources, or attached by nails or staples.
8. Check decorations for certification label.Decorations not bearing a label from an independent testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or Intertek (ETL) have not been tested for safety and could be hazardous.
9. Stay in the kitchen when something is cooking. Unattended cooking equipment is the leading cause of home cooking fires.
10. Turn off, unplug, and extinguish all decorations when going to sleep or leaving the house. Unattended candles are the cause of one in five home candle fires. Half of home fire deaths occur between the hours of 11pm and 7am.
Stocking Stuffers That Put Safety First
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
This season, when shopping for your loved ones, consider gifts and stocking stuffers that put safety first.
The following list has 20 ideas to help you get started.
- Motion activated safety lights ($10-$20) – Battery-operated LED lights to illuminate your doorstep, driveway or backyard.
- Auto-light ($30-$50) – When you’re not home, use these lights to randomly turn on in order to simulate an occupied house.
- Two- or three-story fire escape ladder ($50-$150) – Usually holds up to 1,000 pounds in an emergency.
- Fire-safe security box ($50-$90) – Protects documents and other valuables from fire and water damage.
- Flameless candles ($10-$25) – Or sturdy candle holders to prevent accidents.
- Dryer safety alarm ($55-$70) – Provides audible and visual cues when lint builds up in the clothes dryer’s exhaust system and restricts airflow.
- Carbon monoxide detector (approx. $30) – Your pet or loved one’s safety could depend on this device that detects the silent killer.
- Wireless key finder ($15-$25) – Helps find keys up to 60 feet away.
- No-battery flashlight ($10-$25) – These small lights can be charged by plugging into your car outlet, shaking the device for 30 seconds or using a hand crank to illuminate your way.
- Bike lock ($20-$30) – Great for any age.
- Glowing pet leash ($20-$30) – You can also find LED dog collars and leashes that are visible up to 1,000 feet away and are weather-resistant.
- Reflective gloves ($15-$25) – To be safe, warm and visible at night.
- LED light-up shoelaces ($5-$10) – Available in fun colors, they can be used on running shoes, boots and skates and come with a replaceable battery that’s good for 70 hours.
- Cord and power strip covers ($10-$50) – Tie up loose blind cords and cover potentially dangerous electrical outlets.
- Emergency Alert Pendant ($99 – $149) – Call for help at the press of a button.
- Pepper Spray ($15 – $20) – Perfect for anyone mature enough to use it.
- Automated door lock ($199+) – No key needed to enter with a passcode or mobile app controls.
- Video Doorbell ($199) – See, hear, and talk to whomever is at your door from the kitchen or across town with a video doorbell. Motion activated with alert notifications and video streaming to a mobile device.
- Security Camera ($99+) – Never miss a moment! Stay in control with live streaming video and alert notifications right to your mobile device.
- Wireless Remote Control for Security System ($65+) – With panic button. Arm or disarm your system.
For the ultimate gift of peace of mind, give the gift of home security. View systems and shop online here.
Contact EMC Security today at 770-963-0305 for more information.
EMC Security’s Got Your Back
Real Incident Reports
EMC Security has always believed that alarm systems provide peace of mind and are an excellent way to deter burglars, detect fire, and help with medical emergencies. The actual response stories below show how the security systems of EMC Security customers work to protect the lives and property of our customers here in Georgia.
Always be sure to arm your system every day and test your system regularly.
Residential Burglary
Confirmed Break-In, Losses Avoided – Stone Mountain:
EMC Security central monitoring station received an alarm from the home of an EMC Security customer in Stone Mountain. The hall motion detector and kitchen door sensor had detected movement. EMC Security called the customer and dispatched Dekalb County Police. The customer called back and advised that someone did break into her home. A glass pane in the kitchen door was broken out, the beds in two bedrooms had the sheets stripped off of them and dresser drawers had been gone through. At this time she is not aware of anything missing. The customer had a new laptop on the dining room table with some cash that was untouched.
Burglary Attempt, Suspect Apprehended – Atlanta:
EMC Security received an alarm from the front door of an EMC Security customer in Atlanta. After attempts were made to contact the premises the monitoring representative attempted to dispatch the Police Dept. The operator at Fulton County Police Department stated that the officers are already on scene from an unknown caller who called in about someone attempting to steal the homeowner’s AC unit. The monitoring representative inquired about the alarm and if the burglar ever entered the premise, the operator stated that according to the notes from the officers on scene entrance was never made to the location. The operator stated that the suspect was apprehended by the Police Dept and is in custody.
Small Business Intrusion
Small Business Burglary Avoided, DNA Evidence Left at Crime Scene – Athens:
EMC Security Monitoring Center received an alarm from a business customer in Athens. When contacted, the business owners stated that perpetrators smashed the front window and smashed a glass showcase. When they smashed the glass showcase, it appeared that the perpetrators had badly cut themselves and there is blood going all the way to the parking lot. The owners determined that nothing was taken, possibly because the perpetrators injured themselves. The customer sounded very happy that nothing was taken and sounded content about his alarm system.
Small Business Break-in Thwarted – Gainesville:
EMC Security central monitoring station received an alarm from the business of a commercial customer. After calling and speaking with the customer, it was determined that nothing was stolen from business. The customer believes that security system scared the perpetrator away. Customer was very happy with response and performance of security system
Medical Alert
Medical Emergency Response Within Minutes – Duluth:
EMC Security central monitoring station received an alarm from the residence of an EMC Security customer in Duluth. EMC Security immediately called the home and a neighbor answered phone requesting paramedics to the location. The EMC Security customer had fallen and was unable to move the entire right side of her body. The paramedics were dispatched to residence and were able to get to the customer in time. The monitoring center representative remained on the phone with the customer until the paramedics arrived.
Fire
Smoke Detected, House Fire Prevented – Snellville:
EMC Security monitoring received a Smoke / Heat Detector Alarm. The monitoring station immediately contacted the homeowner and dispatched the fire department and they found that someone in the home had left a pot on the stove where all of the liquid had boiled out of it. If they had not gotten back to the home when they did, the home could have caught fire. The customer is very happy with the way the alarm was handled by EMC Security.
Why Home Security Is a Perfect Fit for the Millennial Lifestyle
The world is changing, and home security has no intention of being left behind.
As technology and lifestyles evolve, home security systems evolve with them – at least, ours do. In fact, this industry is, and has always been, one of the earliest to adopt new tech. So then why is there an impression that home security is only for the old and established – and not for younger millenials?
Below, we’ll list the top reasons why home security is a perfect fit for the modern millennial lifestyle.
1. It’s affordable.
Gone are the days when you had to be wealthy to afford peace of mind. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home, and that’s why EMC Security offers top-of-the-line security systems starting at just $179 and monitoring services from $16.95 a month.
2. It’s convenient; DIY-friendly.
When living a fast-paced life, sometimes you just don’t have time in your schedule to be home for an installation. With an online order AND self-setup system like EMC Security’s Connect+, you can have your security system ordered and on its way to your home within minutes. Then, once it arrives, you can have it up and running with 4 simple steps.
3. It’s your high-tech home-automation hub.
Like we mentioned before, home security is on the cutting edge. That means you have access to features like doorbell cameras. motion sensors, smart locks, smart lights, mobile updates and controls, and more. And, everything can be controlled through one app – no more cluttering your phone with a million different apps for each piece of technology.
4. It can be used in apartments and townhomes.
The fact is, buying a house is simply not affordable or reasonable for many millennials. And when you rent, your landlord might not be too happy about you drilling holes in the walls. Luckily, DIY systems like Connect+ can attach to your walls, doors, and windows with the ever-convenient command strips – and protect you just as well as a traditional, wired system.
5. It can travel with you.
Because Connect+ isn’t wired into your walls, when it’s time to move into that new apartment, town-home, or house, your security can come with you!
6. It fits your fast-paced lifestyle.
Modern security isn’t just a keypad and some cameras. With mobile app integration, you can arm your system without stopping as you rush out the door, and have it disarmed right when you’re ready to walk back in. Home security can be on-the-go, just like you.
7. It’s hacker-safe.
In a world where protecting your data is just as important as protecting your home, it’s important to know that you and your system can’t be hacked. EMC Security works with top experts to ensure no one has access to your home or information without your permission.
8. It protects your home while you travel.
Empty homes are one of the top targets for burglars, and if you’re off exploring another country, there’s no one keeping watch. With smart home security, you won’t be distracted by worries about what’s happening back home: EMC is watching, and so can you, right from your mobile app.
And, most importantly…
9. It keeps you safe.
5 Common Misconceptions About Home Security Debunked
A security system is one of the most important purchases you will make for your home.
And this purchase shouldn’t be taken lightly. Research your options and take your time to find the right system for your home. However, homeowners should beware falling into the trap of a number of misconceptions about home security systems, including that they’re too expensive or too complicated.
This simply isn’t true.
We’ve identified five of the most common myths about home security systems and then we debunked them! So you’ll have the most accurate information you’ll need when shopping for the best home security system for your home.
1. Home Security Systems are Too Expensive
Technological advancements over the last few years have made owning a home security system more affordable than ever before. EMC Security’s most advanced system is also our most affordable starting at just $179 – with monthly monitoring starting at just $16.95, a rate that hasn’t changed in over 20 years.
2. You’ll Get Locked into a Contract
Yes, most security companies lock you into a contract. They do this so they can offer you equipment at a significant savings, spreading the cost over the length of the contract – and beyond. EMC Security believes that the customer should be able to decide who they do business with – so we don’t require a contract. We work to earn your business every day. We feel that our level of service shouldn’t require a contract to maintain a rate, get quality service, or keep you as a customer. However, we know many prefer the option of contracted service, so we also now offer a 24-month contract that is designed for people who want to put $99 down and finance the rest interest-free.
3. Installing a Home Security System is Too Complicated
A DIY Home Security System is a popular choice partly because the installation is so quick and easy!
You’ll get step by step video and written instructions, each component is labeled for easy placement, and if you have questions, we’re just a phone call away.
4. I Need a Phone Line
Many homeowners are now opting for a security system that communicates with the control panel via Wi-Fi or cell towers. With all the advancements in technologies, wireless systems are becoming just as reliable as hard-wired systems; if not more. Due to the easier and quicker installation, a wireless system is commonly the more practical choice for most homeowners.
5. A Home Security System Won’t Stop Burglars From Breaking into Your Home
A home security system is the best first line of defense against break-ins. According to a recent local study, 60% of burglars reported they would leave immediately if a security alarm was triggered. Another report noted that nearly 83 percent of the burglars said they would try to find out if the home had a security alarm before attempting to break in. Burglars don’t want to get caught, and they will target homes with less safety measures in place.
Protection for your home isn’t something you should take lightly. It’s important to educate yourself about your security options so you’re better able to choose a system that will work best for your home and your family’s needs.