Month: June 2021

  • How to Prevent Stolen Packages

    How to Prevent Stolen Packages

    We’ve had many reports of stolen packages from porches lately. This type of crime has been increasing by the day – even more since the pandemic has changed buying habits and more consumer goods are being shipped than ever before.

    So, how do you protect your packages so you’re not a victim?

    The #1 way to protect against this type of crime is to have an extra set of eyes to watch your back with a video doorbell. The image below is footage from a video doorbell. It’s crisp and clear, time stamped, and sent to your mobile phone instantly.

    A Video Doorbell allows you to see and hear exactly who comes to your door, no matter where you are. Even if they don’t ring the doorbell, the PIR (passive infrared) sensor will detect human activity and alert you on your mobile device. With 2-way audio, you can speak with whoever is at the door, watch live video, and store clips.

    Another great deterrent is an installed Outdoor Cameras. Studies have shown that burglars are much less likely to target homes with visible security cameras, and the outdoor camera looks the part. It features infrared night vision, so you can see what’s happening at your front door, back entrance, or garage, no matter what. If something is detected, you’ll get notified on your mobile device.

    View camera specs >>

    security cameras on the outside of a house

    What else can you do?

    • First, if possible, become friendly with the people that deliver to your house and let them know where you prefer to have your packages left – like, for instance, behind the potted plant, or by your back door.
    • Purchase a package locker or lockbox for your front porch, so your delivery person can lock your holiday gifts safely inside until you get home.
    • And don’t forget to post a sign mentioning that your home is under surveillance!

    Learn more about EMC Security’s camera options here, and don’t forget to check out the rest of our smart home innovations!

  • How to Stay Safe When Your Home is On the Market

    How to Stay Safe When Your Home is On the Market

    It’s in situations like selling your home when you should amp up your protection more than usual. Why? Because when a real estate agent invites potential buyers into your home, their primary concern is selling your home, not protecting your valuables.

    If you are placing a house on the market now or in the future, EMC Security can help you protect your home in more ways than one. For instance, did you know that you can set your alarm keypad to grant access to certain people during specific times of the day? We’ve got you covered! Here are a few security tips to help you have a safer home selling experience:

    1. Give a Guest Key Code to Realtors
    alarm keypad

    If you have an alarm system, avoid giving out your main security code (and if you don’t have a burglar alarm, get one!). Many modern systems allow you to program guest codes, some of which even make those codes usable only during certain times and on certain days. Requiring guests to use codes allow you to limit access to your home and can keep a log of when specific codes were used to enter your home. Need help with this feature? Contact EMC Security at 770.963.0305 to check compatibility from one of our security experts.

    2. Obligate Realtors to Re-arm Your System Before Leaving

    In addition to ensuring certain that all doors are properly secured and locked, make it a requirement that realtors reactivate your system prior to leaving your home. It’s also a good idea to document your request with the broker by giving them written instructions pertaining to your request. Taking such strong precautions could mean the difference between your home being protected as opposed to being burglarized.

    3. Use Indoor Home Security Cameras

    indoor security camera

    Whether hidden or placed in plain sight, security cameras are a terrific deterrent to theft and bad behavior and can be invaluable to protecting your property. An indoor camera from EMC Security is just $79 and is a worthwhile invesment. You can check in live, view clips of motion detected, and store video.

    4. Check Your Windows

    windows

    Even if you’ve instructed your realtor to check/lock your windows after each visit, it’s still recommended that you double check to ensure that all entry points to your home have been secured upon your return. Crafty burglars will sometimes unlock windows or doors with plans of returning later to execute their plan for theft. Also, a realtor may simply forget to secure one of these, so it is always a good idea to manually check yourself as soon as possible.

    5. Remove or Secure Valuables

    a safe

    Don’t neglect to secure your valuables, such as money or jewelry when listing your home for sale. It’s not enough to simply place jewelry in a designated box or video games in a cabinet, as strangers will be allowed to roam throughout your home and may stumble upon these areas. If you don’t already own one, consider a wall safe or even removing them during open house visits.

    Need a security system? Give EMC Security a call at 770.963.0305 or check out our website on how to customize the best home security system for your needs today.

  • Is DIY Security Right For You?

    Is DIY Security Right For You?

    With the introduction of advanced technology, there are many home security options available.

    Most of them fall into two categories: professionally installed, and self installed/DIY systems.

    Below we will provide the benefits of each to ensure you get the system right for you.

    Professionally Installed Systems

    When you purchase a professionally installed security system, like one from Atlanta’s own EMC Security, a security expert assesses your home and lifestyle to determine the security solution that is right for your needs. Once the system is customized for your home, a professional security technician will install and test the system. This includes installing the panel, keypad, sensors, and integrating remotes services on your mobile devices. A wireless system takes 2-4 hours to install and test every sensor to ensure it’s working properly.

    Some homeowners decide to install a pre-wired system. Pre-wired security systems have wires connecting each device to the control panel (or hub of the system) and operate on electricity in the home. Installation could take a full day, depending on the size of the home and type of system.

    There are some companies that make outrageous offers for free security systems with professional monitoring. If you choose to evaluate these companies for your home security, pay attention to the fine print and contract terms. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A reputable security company will charge a fair price for equipment, offer payment terms, and keep monthly monitoring costs affordable.

    Is a Professionally Installed Security System right for you? Find out here.

    Self-Install/DIY Systems

    A home security system you install yourself, like EMC Security’s Self-Install System, can be a more affordable, convenient option for many people looking to secure their homes. With this type of system, you can install it when it’s most convenient for you – without taking off work or scheduling appointments. It’s also typically more cost effective since you are not paying for installation.

    It’s important to note that not all DIY security systems are the same. EMC Security cautions against systems from the “big box” stores. We believe no one should trust their home and family’s safety to anyone other than a professional security company.

    Here’s why:

    1. You are on your own when purchasing a system at a retail store. If you don’t know what you need for complete protection, how are you going to “build” your DIY system? EMC Security’s consultants work with you to determine exactly what you need according to your home specifications and safety concerns.

    2. Some are Poor “cheap” equipment. One of the number one consumer complaints about DIY security systems on the market is the cheap, unreliable equipment.

    3. Lack of technological support. If you have an issue with the installation, who can you call? What if something goes wrong with one of the sensors or the keypad? Does the company have service reps that can swing by your house to assist you? Even though our DIY system is fast and easy to install, EMC Security has local, award winning service representatives available with just a simple phone call.

    5. Who is testing the system? EMC Security runs alarm signal tests on every customer every month. If we don’t get a signal, the customer is notified and a service technician is sent out if necessary. A DIY system purchased from a retail store will most likely not provide any customer support after the purchase.

    Customize Your System and Get a Quote Now >

  • Gwinnett County Alarm Ordinance

    Gwinnett County Alarm Ordinance

    Gwinnett County has partnered with CryWolf Technologies to administer a new false alarm reduction program.

    As a reminder, Gwinnett County requires home security system users to obtain an alarm registration/user permit. It is your responsibility to comply with these requirements.If you fail to do so, the municipality could delay or refuse to dispatch emergency personnel and/or assess you with fines.

    The Gwinnett County Code of Ordinances requires security alarm systems to be registered with the Gwinnett County Police Department, by obtaining an alarm permit for each alarm site (address).

    Additionally, the Gwinnett County Police Department must be notified of any change that alters any information listed on the previous alarm registration application, within thirty (30) business days of the change.EMC Security monitoring service will not be interrupted by this change.

    Register on CryWolf Services >>

    View Gwinnett County Ordinance >>

    Appeal Guidelines >>

    If you have any questions or need assistance, please call (833) 281-8743.

    Gwinnett County Alarm Ordinance

  • May, 2021

    May, 2021

    an EMC security sign in front of a housean EMC security sign in front of a house

    Upgrade to the latest technology with our touchscreen keypad. It’s smarter than the average keypad, integrating your security system with your smart-devices.

    Upgrade to the touchscreen keypad today for just $99

    EMC Security’s cameras are among the best in the industry, with the most advanced privacy protections in place. But as a consumer, it’s important to take precautions to secure your privacy from hackers.

    Learn how >

    If someone knocks on your door claiming to be from EMC Security, without an appointment, contact the police. Once you feel safe let us know by calling 770-963-0305.

    Read more for tips on safeguarding your home and family from door-to-door scams.

    Are you selling your house this summer?

    Once your home sells, refer EMC Security to the buyer.

    If they become a customer, we’ll send you a $100 Amazon gift card! Call 770-963-0305 for details.

    Time to celebrate!

    EMC Security now ranks in the TOP 10 residential security companies in the nation!

    Thank you for your business!