Set Up Service 770-963-0305

|

55 Satellite Blvd NW Suwanee, GA 30024-2166

GET A FREE QUOTE

Month: January 2020

  • Safety at Home – Your Kitchen

    Safety at Home – Your Kitchen

    The kitchen is the heart of the home, but when you break it down, it’s full of sharp knives, hot surfaces, heavy appliances, and breakables.

    Below is a list to consider to make your kitchens safer:

    Fire Extinguishers

    Home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in the home. Even the best cook can have flare-ups. Whether you leave something on the stove too long, a curtain comes too close to toaster, or a grease fire spirals out of control, it’s smart to have a fire extinguisher on-hand.

    Equipment and Utensil Safety

    Keeping pot handles turned in toward the stove, sharp knives stored properly, and flammable objects away from hot surfaces are all basic safety measure in the kitchen.

    Baby Proofing

    Kitchen cabinets are full of chemicals that can poison, and hinges that can pinch. To prevent kids from getting hurt in the kitchen, use a gate to keep them out, or install door and drawer locks, so kids can’t get into anything harmful.

    Video Cameras

    Indoor cameras have many uses. People love to use them as pet-cams to check on both pets and kids at home. Many cameras have a two-way voice function so you can speak real-time through the camera. Even better – when the camera detects motion, you’ll get a notification with a clip on your phone. EMC Security’s cameras are just $79. Take a look here.

  • Safety at Home – Your Bathroom

    Safety at Home – Your Bathroom

    The CDC reports that over 230,000 people (15 years and older) visit emergency rooms every year due to injuries that happen in bathrooms—and 14 percent are admitted for prolonged hospital stays. Injuries include burns, falls, and near drowning.

    In order to stay safe, here’s what to look out for in the bathroom:

    Tub Safety

    It should be common sense but bares repeating – child bath-time is for splashing, playing, and getting squeaky clean, but it should never be done without supervision. Children can drown in a matter of minutes in as little as two inches of standing water. So if you’re filling up the tub or letting it drain, stay in the bathroom until it’s empty.

    Many seniors also have accidents in the tub. Most falls occur while seniors are transferring in and out of the tub or shower. You can eliminate the risk with these safety features:

    • Install grab bars in the shower, beside the tub and at the toilet.
    • Place a non-slip mat or decals on the floor of the shower or bathtub and a non-slip rug on the floor outside the tub or shower. Non-slip mats – rather than fluffy rugs – are also the way to go in front of the toilet and the sink.
    • Use a shower chair so your senior can sit while showering and prevent slips and falls. Make sure the chair has a non-slip seat and rubber tips on the feet so it won’t slide in the shower or tub.
    • For seniors who need assistance stepping out of the tub, a bath or transfer bench can help. The bath bench extends over the side of the bathtub with two legs resting on the floor. Seniors can sit on the bench, swing their legs over the side of the tub, and more safely stand.
    • Use a nightlight or motion-sensor lighting to ensure seniors have adequate light for nighttime visits to the bathroom. Use a nightlight in any hallway along the path to the bathroom from the bedroom or living areas.

    Many seniors and elderly purchase a Medical Alert pendant – a water-proof button that will connect with emergency personnel, contact family members and off peace of mind. Learn more about this life-saving device here.

    Scald Guard

    Keep kids and yourself burn-free by installing scald guards on all of your home’s sinks and tubs. Scald guards are built into the plumbing to control water temperature, so your faucets don’t become boiling water dispensers.

    Hazardous Chemicals

    Use child-proof locks on all cabinets that contain cleaners or anything that can harm a child.

    Toilet Safety

    If you have little ones, always keep the toilet seat down and secured with a toilet seat lock. They can fall in and drown if they’re small enough. Plus, a toilet is full of icky germs you definitely don’t want them touching.

    For elderly, Install a raised toilet seat, which raises the seat height by 3 to 4 inches to reduce the amount of effort needed to sit and stand when using the toilet.

    Flood Sensors

    Bathrooms are the number one source of flooding because of toilets, sinks, and showers.

    Catching a leaky pipe or massive burst before it becomes catastrophic will save you time, money, and a major headache. That’s where flood sensors come into play. Most are equipped with smart technology, so you get an alert on your phone if it detects water.

  • Safety at Home – How Safe is Your Bedroom?

    Safety at Home – How Safe is Your Bedroom?

    The average American spends almost eight hours sleeping every day. Since most people slumber in their bedrooms, make sure it’s safe and sound.

    Below are ways to keep your bedrooms safe:

    Child-proof Window Locks

    According to SafeKids.org, approximately 14 kids in America are hospitalized every day for falls out of windows. Unintentional falls are the number one cause of non-fatal injuries for kids. Even if you have screens in your windows, they’re not meant to bear the weight of children—or even pets. To prevent your child from falling out of an open window, install child-proof window locks.

    Fire Escape Ladders

    We spend one-third of the day asleep in our bedrooms, so you have a 33 percent chance of being there when a fire breaks out. If you’re on the ground floor, you can escape through a window, but if you need to climb down from a second or third-story bedroom, a fire escape ladder can save the day. Follow our guide to make a fire escape plan and evacuation route to increase your preparedness for emergencies like these.

    Smoke Detectors

    A fire can be deadly at any time of day, but particularly at night. It’s recommended you place a smoke detector outside of every bedroom. Monitored smoke detectors offer even greater protection – and EMC Security monitors for fire at no additional monthly cost. EMC Security will take care of getting you the help you need, while you take care of getting your loved ones to safety.

    Security Cameras

    Jewelry, heirlooms, and other valuables are often kept in the bedroom. For this reason, the master bedroom is the first place a burglar goes when intruding in a home. Install a security camera just inside or outside the door to capture the scene on video. If you make it visible enough, the intruder may change his mind and vacate so they aren’t caught on video.

    Home Safe

    Lock up your valuables in a safe. Make sure it’s heavy and difficult for an intruder to carry.

  • 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Georgia – Updated for 2020

    10 Most Dangerous Cities in Georgia – Updated for 2020

    Based on the latest FBI crime stats for Georgia (2018 Crime in the United States Report), below is a list of the most dangerous cities in Georgia.

    The list ranks Georgia cities with over 5,000 people and is based on a ratio of both violent and property crimes per population.

    Be safe out there – no matter where you are!

    City Violent Crime (per 100k) Property Crime (per 100k) Notes
    1. East Point 1,242 12,004 You have a 1 in 7.5 chance of being a victim of crime in Eastpoint, with property crime being the highest in the state.
    2. College Park 1,037 6,884 The home to Hartsfield Jackson Airport. Unemployment is over 10% and poverty at 31%.
    3. Eastman 833 8,634 You have a 1 in 11.6 chance of being robbed in Eastman. Unemployment and poverty are both high.
    4. Americus 856 6,065 Home to Habitat for Humanity’s international headquarters, Rosalynn Carter Institute, and the famous Windsor Hotel.
    5. Hapeville 741 11,154 With a population of just under 7,000 this small city’s crime has held steady in recent years.
    6. Albany 1,114 5,102 Albany has a high violent crime rate – 3rd in the state.
    7. Brunswick 1,065 5,246 While violent crime in the coastal town of Brunswick is declining, it still ranks 5th in the state.
    8. Griffin 1,149 4,756 With a poverty rate of almost 31%, violent crime in Griffin is 2nd in the state.
    9. Dublin 806 4,912 Crime really spiked in Dublin in 2017 and has since become a real problem.
    10. Warner Robins 586 5,550 Residents in Warner Robins have a 1 in 18 chance of being the victim of a property crime. Job growth is negative with most of the crime contained to the southern end of the city.

    Rounding out the top 20:

    11. Vidalia

    12. Forest Park

    13. Riverdale

    14. Fort Oglethorpe

    15. Atlanta

    16. Swainsboro

    17. Monroe

    18. Fitzgerald

    19. Morrow

    20. Conyers

    Are you surprised about any on this list? Do you live in any of these cities? Stay safe…we can help.

    Need something positive to chew on? Check out the 10 Safest Cities in GA here.

    Data: https://www.roadsnacks.net/data/dangerous/ga.csv

    Protect Your Home and Family

    Alarm Monitoring from $16.95/Mo.

    Protect My Home

    Get Started Today!

    Complete and submit this form and an EMC Security specialist will follow up.

  • Safety at Home – The Halls of Your Home

    Safety at Home – The Halls of Your Home

    Are the hallways in your house considered to be necessary but wasted space? Hallways get us from Point A to Point B, but they can do much more for home security and household safety.

    Three safety measures to consider in your hallways:

    1. Smoke detectors

    The National Fire Protection Association reports that nearly 3,000 people died in structure fires per year, 60% of them didn’t have smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are essential for detecting life threatening fires, and could mean the difference between life and death. Even better, monitored smoke alarms – reduce the risk greatly. EMC Security monitors for fire at no additional monthly cost.

    It’s recommended you place a smoke detector outside of every bedroom and on every floor of your home, so hallways are an ideal place to install them.

    2. CO Detectors

    Cars, gas stoves, and other appliances emit poisonous, odorless carbon monoxide gas that can knock you unconscious and kill you. Carbon monoxide detectors can save your life. Install one on every floor in your home—including the basement and garage.

    3. Baby and Pet Gates

    Keep kids and pets out of harm’s way—and out of rooms that are off-limits—by installing gates. Depending on your needs, choose gates that span large spaces, protect kids and animals from falling down the stairs, or that are aesthetically pleasing.

  • Safety at Home – Your Basement

    Safety at Home – Your Basement

    I think we can all agree – no two basements are alike. Whether your basement is a livable space or rough around the edges, it’s important to keep in mind that basements require a little extra attention than the main living areas of your home.

    Below are some tips for basement safety.

    Flooding

    Basements are a magnet for moisture and flooding. Many homes store the water heater, which can leak after so many years of service. Protect against costly damage with a flood sensor or water bug. You’ll be alerted when any water is detected.

    Radon Detection Kits

    Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the soil. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, and since it’s odorless and invisible, it’s impossible to detect without equipment to test for radon in the house. If levels are higher than what’s deemed safe, you can hire a radon remediator.

    Carbon Monoxide

    Anything that burns emits carbon monoxide—that includes your furnace and hot water heater. It’s important to install carbon monoxide detectors in your basement, otherwise this odorless, invisible, and poisonous gas accumulates undetected. EMC Security monitors for carbon monoxide at no additional monthly cost.

    Storage Areas

    Basements are a stockpiling station for our excess belongings. If you have shelving for storage, double check weight limits, so your stuff doesn’t come crashing down onto your kids, pets, or yourself. Proper storage of hazard materials such as paint and aerosols is crucial to prevent fire and poisoning.

    Burglary Prevention and Detection

    Basements doors and windows are popular areas for intruders to enter a home. Ground floor doors and windows (including those in the basement) should be protected with entry sensors that communicate with the alarm system. If a door or window is opened, the alarm will alert you, and authorities can be dispatched. EMC Security offers alarm systems for as low as $199, with monthly monitoring from just $16.95 with no contract required.

    Contact us today to get started.

  • EMC Security Referral Program

    EMC Security Referral Program

    We understand the importance of having a company you can rely on and would like the opportunity to offer the same level of protection and professional service to your friends and family.

    And now, refer a friend between now and February 29 and get 2 months free if they become a customer. We’ll also give your friend 2 months free to get started.

    Complete the form below to refer your friend now:

  • 5 Garage Safety Tips

    5 Garage Safety Tips

    Garages are home to our cars, lawn mowers, and—usually—lots of chemicals. Depending on how you secure your garage, it can be easy prey for burglars and for fire.

    Below are some tips for garage safety:

    1. Garage Door Locks

    Garage doors are often overlooked when it comes to home security. Always remember to your garage door closed – even when you’re home. But sometimes, that’s not enough. Tech-savvy thieves can break into automatic garage doors in under six minutes if given the chance. Prevent intruders from getting into your garage by adding a smart plug that you control from your mobile phone.

    2. Hazardous and Flammable Materials

    If you do have to keep hazardous materials on-hand, store them high up on shelves away from children and direct heat sources. Read more about what constitutes a hazardous material to determine the best way to store and dispose of items.

    3. Carbon Monoxide

    Carbon monoxide is an odorless, poisonous gas that’s produced when you burn coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Carbon monoxide becomes deadly when confined, so you should never leave a car running inside of the garage. Without proper ventilation, toxic levels of carbon monoxide build up, seep into your home, and cause illness or worse.

    4. Car Security

    Protect your car while it’s parked in the garage or driveway with the help of steering wheel locks and car alarms.

    5. Door to the House

    Protect the garage door into the house with a security system that will sound the alarm and notify you when the door sensor is triggered. This is the best way to deter would be thieves from entering your home if they happen to breach your garage.

  • EMC Security’s Dispatch Procedures

    EMC Security’s Dispatch Procedures

    EMC Security monitors for the following Residential emergency conditions:

    • Burglary
    • Fire Alarm
    • Carbon Monoxide
    • Medical Emergencies
    • Panic/Duress/Hold-Up/Keyfob

    EMC Security’s response from the time we receive the alarm signal is received by the customer in an average of less than 14 seconds. It is important to note that if dispatch of authorities is required, EMC Security can’t control how timely the authorities will arrive at the property.

    Dispatch procedures are outlined below for each emergency signal.

    Burglar Alarm Signal

    Once EMC Security receives a Burglar Alarm Signal that has not been canceled in the home on the keypad, one of two things occur:

    1. Optional EMC Text-Alert

    • All emergency contacts enrolled in EMC Text-Alert will receive an automatic text notification of the alarm.
    • The contact can dismiss/cancel or dispatch authorities directly from the platform.
    • If no one responds within 90 seconds, or is unable to provide a correct password to dismiss the alarm, the phone call procedure below will begin.

    2. Phone Call Procedure – 2-call verification

    • The EMC Security monitoring center operator will attempt to reach the emergency contacts to notify of the alarm. If the emergency contact requests to dismiss the active alarm signal, the password will be required.
    • If two emergency contacts are unable to be reached and/or unable to provide the correct password, dispatch will be made to the Law Enforcement agency listed.
    • Remaining emergency contacts will then be attempted and their instructions will be followed including cancellation of dispatched agencies if they are able to provide a valid password.
    Burglar Alarm Signal with Abort/Cancellation from the Keypad

    If you are unsure if the alarm is a false alarm, do not silence the alarm at the keypad until you receive a call from EMC Security.If you opted into EMC Text-Alerts, a free text notification platform, and the alarm is cancelled at the keypad, indicating a false alarm, a text message will be sent to the first 2 phone numbers on the account with a notification that the alarm cancellation signal was received, and confirming no further action will be taken.

    Fire Alarms
    • The EMC Security monitoring center operator will attempt to reach the emergency contacts to notify of the fire alarm. If the emergency contact requests to dismiss the active alarm signal, the password will be required.
    • If the first two emergency contacts are unable to be reached and/or unable to provide the correct password, dispatch will be made to the Fire Department. Remaining emergency contacts will then be attempted and their instructions will be followed including cancellation of dispatched agencies if they are able to provide a valid password.
    • Voice mails are not left when calling on fire alarms due to keeping the time spent verifying to a minimum in the event of an actual emergency.
    • Remaining emergency contacts will then be attempted and their instructions will be followed including cancellation of dispatched agencies if they are able to provide a valid password.
    • EMC Text-Alert and the abort/cancel at the keypad procedure do not apply for fire alarms.
    Carbon Monoxide Alarms
    • The EMC Security monitoring center operator will attempt to reach the emergency contacts and advise that the premise should be vacated until the Fire Department arrives.
    • Dispatch will be made to the Fire Department regardless of any password verification and instructions received from any person(s) on site.
    • In the event of a request to cancel dispatch, the operator will update the responding agency with new information. Cancellation will be at the discretion of the responding agency and cannot be guaranteed.
    Medical Emergencies: The medical emergency button is pressed on the keypad
    • If applicable, the monitoring center operator will attempt to verify the situation via the two-way keypad device.
    • If a valid password cannot be obtained from person(s) on site, or the keypad is not a two-way device, the operator will attempt to reach emergency contacts and follow their instructions.
    • If the first two emergency contacts can’t be reached, dispatch will be made to the EMS agency listed then an attempt to notify additional emergency contacts will be made.
    Panic/Duress/Hold-Up/Keyfob
    • Dispatch to the Law Enforcement agency listed will be made immediately and will be the sole action taken.
    • No further calls will be made to premise, responsible parties or other contacts listed to avoid complicating a potentially dangerous situation.
    Text/Email Notifications: System signals such as Low Battery, Power Loss, Communication or Sensor Trouble

    If we receive a trouble signal from your system indicating possible battery or power loss, you will receive a text and phone call from 833-700-0294 with a link to request EMC Security technical support.

    SMS text alert poster

    Contact EMC Security at 770.963.0305 with any questions regarding the dispatch procedures.

  • How to Prevent Security Camera Hacking

    How to Prevent Security Camera Hacking

    Have you seen the latest news about the popular security cameras and doorbell cameras being hacked?

    Cameras are supposed to create peace of mind. Instead, these cameras enabled creeps to view the home (and occupants) and speak through the speakers. Young children have been traumatized. Their parents have lost faith in what should help them sleep better at night. “This is our first house,” the mother said. “It’s really sad to not feel safe.” Read full article here.

    Among others, on Dec 30, a class action lawsuit was filed in California targeting Amazon Ring’s alleged negligence with regard to security practices. The filing shows that hackers created a tool specifically for compromising Ring cameras.

    Amazon has responded to the various incidents blaming poor password practices and warning customers to change their passwords frequently. This might sound like a convenient excuse but it’s always a good idea to understand the technology in your home and how to protect yourself against hackers.

    How to protect yourself from security camera hackers

    1. Purchase cameras from a company you trust. EMC Security offers the latest in camera technology that employs multiple security techniques at different layers of our network(s) and ecosystem to maintain the integrity of services, such as:

      • The devices do not have an external addressable/reachable interface from the Internet and are accessible only via a private network that is extended into and through a cellular carrier.
      • All information between the communicators to and through the service platform is encrypted using either 128 or 256-bit encryption keys.
      • Data traversing the cellular network is segregated (private) within the carrier traffic group and is routed via VPN connection to the network and service platform.
      • The devices attach to a mesh network where traffic is decrypted, analyzed, and routed accordingly.
      • We employ both industry standard and proprietary mechanisms (firewalls, proxies, port redirects, secure ports and sockets, etc.) to isolate traffic and/or data from public networks at the physical and logical network boundaries and demarcations.
      • Additionally, EMC Security offers personalized service with professionally trained security consultants and technicians that coach and counsel customers through the sales and installation process. This will help them prevent hacking.

    2. Change your password. Amazon blamed poor password practices for the hacking. It sounds like a cop-out but in many cases, hacks are indeed a result of poor management on the part of the user. One of the biggest things you can do to prevent home security camera hacks is to educate yourself about malware, password security, and Wi-Fi network security. And change your password. Frequently.

    3. Instead of giving your Wi-Fi password to friends and guests in your home, create a “guest” network. This way, no one but you will have access to your computers or personal data. Many Wi-Fi routers allow you to configure a guest access for this purpose.

      • Change your Wi-Fi password every few months. Use random and unique passwords that would be difficult to breach.

    4. Never use the same password across different accounts. Many of us are guilty of this because of the convenience. But it is a big no-no. If your security camera password the same as your email, Facebook, or online banking password, you’re greatly increasing your risk of a security breach. For your security camera (and all of your accounts), use a password that’s different from the one you use for any other account. View more tips.

      • Use 12 characters minimum.
      • Avoid any personal info in your password, like birthdays, kids’ names, anniversaries, etc.
      • Your password should be completely random.
      • Include upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.

    5. If available, always use two-factor authentication to secure your account. Three methods of authentication are used: username and password, something physical like a mobile phone or card, and something unique like a fingerprint or other biometric trait. When two of these factors are required for authentication, the security becomes much more entrenched, making it more difficult to hack.

    6. Consider using a secure password manager such as LastPass (offers free credit monitoring, two-factor authentication, a password generator, and a secure master password). These programs use a digital vault that lock up your passwords and other login credentials. The information is also stored on remote servers and encrypted on a local machine so there’s no way for a middle-man to compromise your credentials.