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Month: November 2020
Security System Upgrade – When and Why is it Important?
Most homeowners experience excitement when installing their first home security system but as time goes on, they tend to overlook the evolution of truth – a security system is not a once-in-a-lifetime investment. In order for home security to be and remain efficient, they need to be upgraded every so often. Nevertheless, some homeowners keep their same security systems for decades and tend to think as long as it functions, there’s no need for a new one. In some ways, you could argue that they have a point, right? As the old adage goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But if there’s anything that life has taught us all it is that change is inevitable, which is why it’s important to consider essential options to raise the efficiency of your home security system by upgrading.
Older security systems are tethered to cameras that rely on outdated technology. For example, the quality and resolution of footage captured by these devices may appear grainy and lack details, especially after zooming in, thereby making it impossible to identify thieves.
Over time, other faults such as malfunctioning motion detectors that trigger false alarms due to errors, become apparent too.
One of the biggest threats for any homeowner with an older security system is that most of them still rely on a landline in order for them to work properly. Savvy burglars can easily disable the entire unity by severing the line, thereby leaving your entire house unprotected. Upgrading to a modern home security system would bring your home security up-to-date and make it independent from the landline by using wireless monitoring via cell towers instead.
In addition to making your home safer, newer security systems provide unparalleled convenience compared to their predecessors. For example, upgrading an older alarm panel board will allow you remote access to your home security system via smartphone. Even small things like keypads can be upgraded to a whole new level. Say goodbye to those plain rubbery buttons and exchange them with new features like fully colored touch screens, date, time, and even weather forecast.
Security System Upgrade with EMC Security
Ready to take the plunge into the latest advances in home security? Contact EMC Security to schedule a visit from one of our technicians or shop our line of smart home security devices by visiting us online.
Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Year after year, cooking remains the leading cause of home fires, accounting for almost half of all US home fires…
According to the latest U.S. Home Cooking Fires report, American households are three times more likely to experience cooking-related fires as compared to any other day of the year. The study, which was recently released by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), shows that there were more than 1,600 reported home cooking fires on Thanksgiving in 2019, reflecting a 238 percent increase over the daily average. Unattended cooking was the leading cause of these fires.
“With people preparing multiple dishes, often with lots of guests and other distractions in and around the kitchen, it’s easy to see why the number of home cooking fires increases so dramatically,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “Fortunately, the vast majority of cooking fires are highly preventable with a little added awareness, and by taking simple steps to minimize those risks.”
Year after year, cooking remains the leading cause of home fires, accounting for almost half of all US home fires (49 percent) and reported home fire injuries (45 percent). Cooking is the second-leading cause of home fire deaths, accounting for 22 percent of all fire deaths.
Follow these tips and recommendations for a safe Thanksgiving:
- Never leave your kitchen unattended while cooking on the stovetop, especially while frying or sautéing with oil.
- If you plan to cook a turkey, stay in your home and make routine checks.
- Use kitchen timers to keep track of cooking times, especially for foods that require longer cook times.
- Avoid keeping things that can catch fire like oven mitts,oven towels, and wooden utensils a minimum of three feet away from the cooking area.
- Refrain from wearing long sleeves and hanging fabrics that could inadvertently make contact with a heat source.
- Be sure to cook with a lid next to your pan. In the event of a fire, place the lid over the pan and turn off the stove. Removing the cover might allow the fire to start again, so let the pan cool for a long time before doing so. Additionally, never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on the fire.
- For oven fires, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Only open the door once you’re confident the fire is completely out. If you have any uncertainties or concerns, be sure to contact the fire department for assistance.
- Keep children a minimum of three feet away from the stove.
- Invest in a smoke detector and make sure your home security provider monitors your home for fire-related activity.
Following these steps will help minimize the risk of kitchen fires and keep you and your family safe.
Best Place to Put an Indoor Security Camera
Every home could use an indoor security camera as an extension of their home security system. They are great for peace of mind when you have a new baby, kids at home
alone, It’s important to remember that security cameras are not a replacement for monitored home security systems. They are to simply add an extra layer of security. If you want to feel safe and secure inside your home, you should purchase a security system with professional monitoring so if an intruder gets inside, you will have help – quickly.
Below are 5 places inside your home that you should consider for an indoor camera:
Front and Back Doors
- It makes sense to monitor the main entrances of your home. Most burglars will try the front doors first, and
then side and back doors next. - For indoor security, point the camera directly at the door. If possible, aim to keep the camera about 7 feet off the ground pointing down at a slight angle. This is ideal to capture a clear view of an intruder’s face.
First Floor Windows
- If an intruder cannot get in through a door, they might try the first-floor windows. Having a security camera sit on a table facing the window (diagonally to reduce glare) can work as a great deterrent. Because burglars know more about home security and security systems than most law-abiding citizens, they might deduct that they have been caught on video and make an escape.
- Cameras may deter would-be burglars, or record their crime, but they do not physically reinforce your first-floor windows. Installing a security system with sensors on both your doors and windows should always be a priority in making your home the most secure.
Master Bedroom
- The master bedroom is usually the first place a burglar heads to because many valuables are stored here.
The master is also a great place for a camera with two-way audio. Speaking to the intruder directly might cause them to flee the scene without taking anything.
Stairways
- Home burglaries happen very quickly, and as a result, the criminals are in and out of the home in minutes. The stairs are an area that forces a person to slow down, especially on the descent. Placing a camera here guarantees two looks at the perpetrators, as they will need to go up and down.
Garages & Sheds
- Approximately 9% of all break-ins occur through garage doors. But even if your home isn’t invaded, open garages can offer a wealth of opportunities to steal resalable items. Place the camera inside the garage at an angle, facing out to reduce glare.
Check out EMC Security’s selection of video cameras at emcsecurity.com.
- It makes sense to monitor the main entrances of your home. Most burglars will try the front doors first, and
Keeping Your Home Safe This Christmas
Christmas should be about enjoying time with your family, opening gifts, and watching holiday movies, not worrying about the safety and security of your home while you are away!
Here are 6 tips to make sure your home stays safe while you are traveling this Christmas.
1. Put your mail on hold.
The sight of stacks of mail sitting on your front porch and driveway is a major indicator to burglars that you are away from home. If you don’t want to put your mail on hold, see if a neighbor can collect it for you while you are out of town. Following these simple steps can keep your home safe by taking away this obvious signal that your home is vacant.
2. Install a home security system.
Knowing that your home is being monitored 24 hours a day by security can relieve a lot of your concerns. You can rest assured that your home and belongings are safe by using smart technology that offers mobile access for you to check your home while you are away. EMC Security offers security systems for every budget, whether you are protecting your first apartment or your luxury dream home.
3. Set your lights to turn on with timers.
A dark house can show others that your house is vacant. Setting some of your lights on timers to go on and off throughout the night is a great way to avoid the appearance that you are away from your home.
4. Be careful with social media.
As fun as it is to share your holiday celebration on Facebook and Instagram, don’t divulge too many details about your travel plans. Social media can be dangerous, even when your privacy settings are turned on. Once you post information, it’s out there and impossible to control or prevent others from sharing your post.
5. Turn the ringer down.
If you have a home phone, make sure that you turn the volume of the ringer down or off altogether. Then nobody outside will be able to hear the phone ringing repeatedly and going unanswered, tipping them off that you are not at home.
6. Lock up.
Making sure that your doors and windows are locked seems obvious but you’d be surprised at how many home invasions occur due to houses being left unsecured.
At EMC Security, we know how important it is to keep your family and the home you’ve worked so hard to build secure, so we are committed to serving homes in Georgia to keep you safe!
What is the Best County in Georgia to Live
According to Niche, Oconee County gets an A+.
Ranked as #1 for three of the top 4 categories:
- Best for Families
- Best Public Schools
- Best to Buy a House
Best for Families
According to Niche, “Many families live in Oconee County and residents tend to be conservative. ”
The county is safe with low violent and property crime rates. A review on the Niche writes,
“It’s a safe and clean place that is well suited to raise a family. The schools are great and the cost of living is very good also. It’s suburban to rural which makes for a pleasant and quite atmosphere. If you want a more bustling scene now and then a major city with a large international airport is just over one hour away.”
Best Public Schools
Ranked #2 (behind Buford City Schools), Oconee County schools receive a grade of A.
Located in Watkinsville, GA, there are 8,019 students in grades PK, K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. The average graduation rate is 94% with an average ACT of 1210.
According to state test scores, 70% of students are at least proficient in math and 67% in reading.
“I went to school in Oconee County k-12. It is a great place to get educated. It totally prepared me for my college experience. I loved all of my teachers. In high school, the accelerated, honors, AP and dual enrollment programs are great. I took honors, accelerated and AP courses during all four years and the teachers were all fantastic. I’ll forever be grateful for my academic experiences are OCHS.”
Best to Buy a House
With a population of 37,000, Oconee County is located approximately 70 miles from Atlanta, and is ranked #1 as the best place to buy a house. A whopping 83% of residents own their home, with median home values at $268,000.The unemployment rate in the county is historically lower than the U.S. average, but compared to the rest of the nation, the cost of living is 7% higher.
No matter where you live, even in one of the safest counties in Georgia, EMC Security can help simplify your life.
- Protect your home and family from unwanted intruders with a security system.
- Add fire protection and monitor for smoke and heat – for no extra monthly cost.
- Smarten up your home with auto-lights, locks, and thermostats. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to control your home functions through one app, possible saving on power bills as well.
- Add the convenience and peace of mind that security cameras provide. Keep an eye on what goes on around your house and yard, your pets, aging parents, kids home alone and packages being delivered.
Source: www.niche.com
