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Month: January 2022
Attic Storage Tips
According to the US Fire Administration, over 10,000 attic fires a year are reported to US Fire Departments.
The majority of these fires are caused by electrical malfunction (created by faulty wires and ignition sources) and natural causes (such as lightning, which we reported last summer.) How do you take steps to mitigate the possibility of a dangerous fire in your home’s attic? We’ve got some tips here:
Don’t Store Flammable Liquids in the Attic
Volatile solvents such as paint, turpentine, cleaning products, gasoline, propane, kerosene or other hazardous chemicals don’t belong in an attic. Due to variances in insulation, extreme temperature swings occur in attics, which causes expansion and contraction of objects and liquids. This can cause combustion. All hazardous chemical liquids should be properly discarded—see the bottle label for exact details—or stored somewhere away from an ignition source.
Don’t Trust Your Treasures to the Attic Space
Valuable or sentimental papers, clothes
and toys are hard to toss, but they’re highly combustible fuel for a fire–especially if it’s a lightning strike, which is common in Georgia during thunderstorm season. All too often these items are stored in cardboard boxes, which not only burnfaster, but also attract insects such as termites or silverfish. If you can’t reduce, reuse or recycle, take a picture of the items as a keepsake.Clothing Storage Is Fine, with a Few Precautions
Never store fur or leather in an attic; the heat will damage the leather, and the fur will attract other furry creatures. Store other clothing in vacuum-sealed storage bags, and then place the bags in a plastic trunk, tote or portable closet. Plastic will burn, but it has a higher flash point than cardboard and provides some protection against smoke and water damage.
What Else Is Ok for the Attic?
Your empty suitcases are safe to store in the attic; they’re lightweight and not likely to combust. Lightweight holiday decorations are fine if they’re stored in plastic tubs, with one caveat; don’t store candles in the attic, unless you want to become the “House of Wax.” Off-season athletic equipment, if it’s not heavy, is fine too. Remember to store items only on step-secure flooring, or you could end up in the living room.
Want to make sure your entire home is covered for fire and smoke monitoring? At EMC Security,fire monitoring is part of our basic services. With alarm monitoring rates beginning at $16.95, you can protect against intrusion and fire at one low price.
Where to Place Home Security Cameras
Security cameras are the most popular form of home security. There are many to choose from so it’s important to know where to place your cameras for optimal protection (and ease of use).
OUTSIDE CAMERAS:
By the Front Door
Whether you have a doorbell camera at eye-level, or an outdoor camera mounted above the door-frame, having a security camera near your front door allows you to:
- See when the kids get home from school
- Tell if that person at the door is a solicitor, a neighbor, a friend, or someone you just don’t want to talk to
- Keep an eye on your packages to make sure they arrive on time and safe
- And get a headstart on the dogs when you have visitors
By the Back or Side Door
Especially if your back entrance faces the woods, it’s important to keep an eye on what’s going on behind your house. After all, a woody backyard makes the perfect cover for someone trying to break into your home unseen. You can also watch what the kids or pets are up to from a much more comfortable location, like your couch.
On the Gate or Fence-Line
If your property is gated, and especially if your fence-line is out of sight of the house itself, posting a camera on or near the main and side entrances will ensure that you and EMC Security can see your whole yard, including where intruders are likely to enter. And in the case of an emergency like a fallen tree, wildfire, or other unexpected damage, you’ll be able to spot the danger before it causes serious harm.
In First Floor Windows
Windows on the ground floor are one of the most common entrances for burglars, so a visible security camera will go a long way in deterring criminals…and catching them if they do attempt to break in.
Up HighWherever you place your cameras outside your house, try to mount them at least 10 feet above ground level. That way, they will be much harder for burglars to tamper with, disable, or cover up.
INSIDE CAMERAS:
In the Foyer
Even if you have outdoor security cameras, having an extra set of eyes in the entrance to your home will let you see who comes in, when, and what they do when they get there.
In the Living RoomThe living room is the heart of the home, and that makes it the perfect place for you to place an indoor camera to watch the comings and goings of your house. Children, spouses, pets, and criminals will all pass through here at some point or another.
In the Garage
If you don’t have a door sensor on your garage entrance, it is especially crucial that you keep an eye on the area. Plus, your garage houses what is likely your most expensive possession: your car.
Facing Medicine and Liquor Cabinets
Prescription drug theft is extremely common in not just burglaries, but also
friend and family theft. In fact, medicine cabinets are overwhelmingly more likely to be raided by someone you know than a stranger. That’s why it’s important to have all drugs, whether over-the-counter or prescription, securely locked away and monitored. The same is true for alcohol.Facing Basement Stairs
Because basement entrances and windows are often not as well maintained or secured as the rest of the house, basements can be the perfect entry point for a would-be criminal.
To learn more about purchasing security cameras for your home, visit this page or talk to an EMC Security Customer Representative at 770-963-0305.
Should I DIY Security Installation?
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.
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 >
Why You Should Upgrade to Cellular Home Security
Your home security system has three options to communicate with your monitoring service provider, such as EMC Security.
Those options are
landline , Wi-Fi, and cellular. While each connection type will provide you with reliable home security monitoring, there are a few things to consider when deciding which is right for you.In this post we’ll examine the reasons we believe a cellular connection is a great choice for most homes today, especially considering most households don’t have an operational landline as more and more people opt for cell phones.
But first, let’s discuss the differences between each connection:
Landline
Connecting your home security system through your phone line was once the only option. Lately though, it is least popular of the three. The main reason is because many people are remove the traditional land line from their homes, saving money. Additionally, with a land line connection, there is no way to access the security system using a smartphone, which is a feature most customers are looking for.
Internet
This type of connection communicates with the monitoring service via an internet connection. The benefit of this type of connection is that there is no transmission cost — as long as you have an internet connection, the service provider will only need to put a module in to allow it to communicate over the internet. There is a cost for the module, but it will also give you the ability to control the security system through a smartphone. It’s important to note that this type of connection relies on your IP connection, so if your internet goes down, the system won’t be able to communicate.
Cellular
A cellular connection communicates with the monitoring service provider via cellular towers and is considered the most secure because there are no lines that can be cut to prevent the system from communicating with the provider. There are equipment costs, however, as you’ll need to purchase a cellular communicator, and the cell carriers will charge a small monthly transmission cost for the cellular communicator. Because the technology will advance over time, you will need to upgrade your cellular communicator from time to time. EMC Security has upgraded all cellular customers to the current 5G at no additional cost.
Now that you know the difference between each of the connections, let’s discuss three reasons a cellular connection is the best choice for most home:
The Most Secure: Both landline and internet communication are susceptible to disruption: landlines can be cut, and internet relies on an active internet connection. A cellular connection communicates through cellular towers and is less vulnerable.
Gives You More Control: A cellular connection offers more interactive services, such as
virtual keypad, live video, door lock, lighting and thermostat controls. You can also arm and disarm from your phone and have access tolive-streaming video.Convenient: A cellular connection can be controlled from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet or computer. Perks include real-time alerts and monitoring.
Speak with an EMC Security expert to learn more at 770-963-0305 or complete this brief form to receive a call back.
Monitoring Enhancements
EMC Security is upgrading our monitoring procedures to provide the best customer experience possible. Below are two important changes to note:
As of January 12, 2022:
1. Monitoring Center Caller ID Number Change:
Any calls or texts you receive from the monitoring center (in regards to an alarm signal) will be received from our new toll-free number.
833-700-0294
Save this number to your contact list as “EMC Security Monitoring”Due to the expansion of our customer service areas, establishing an 800 number allows our customers in all service areas to reach us toll free.The corporate office number 770-963-0305 has not changed (use this for anything non-alarm incident related).
2. No Cost Enhanced Text-Alert:
In addition to receiving a call from the monitoring center upon an alarm incident, you may opt-in to also receive an immediate text.This no-cost enhancement will provide even more information and flexibility when an alarm or system service notification is received, including– Canceling an alarm– Faster dispatch of authorities– Requesting a service call directly from the text– No App download is required, and it is free for EMC Security customers.
Learn More & Opt-In to EMC Text Alert >
View a demo from your phone >
Text Alert
EMC Security is dedicated to providing the most reliable security systems that not only protect Georgia families and businesses, but also simplify our customers’ lives through remote services, home automation, video cameras, and more.
We are also committed to providing choices and options that make it easier for our customers to utilize their security systems and for potential customers to feel safe at home.
In that spirit of convenience, we’re now offering EMC Text-Alert, an innovative chat notification option you won’t see anywhere else. With EMC Text-Alert, you and everyone on your emergency contact list will receive a group chat notification in the event that an alarm is triggered. If someone knows what’s going on, he or she can respond appropriately.
View a demo from your smart-phone: text “Demo” to 315-284-6062 (or click here if using your phone)
OPT-IN HERE >>
How It Works:
1. When an alarm is triggered at your home or business, everyone on your emergency contact list will receive a text with a link to enter the group chat.
2. Upon entering the group chat, participants can discuss the situation.
3. Users can dispatch or dismiss the alarm from the group chat using a verification code.
4. From the time the notification is sent, participants have 60 seconds to respond. After this time, normal call procedures will be followed.
Why It Works:
1. Convenience: Sometimes taking a call isn’t convenient. Think about it you’re at work, out to dinner, at a movie, on a business trip, or somewhere else where you may not be immediately available to take a call. A discreet text notification can be much more accessible.
2. Efficient Communication: Everyone in your emergency contact list is notified at once, and can use the chat function to determine what triggered the alarm. Based on what’s discussed in the chat, appropriate action can then be taken.
3. Reduced False Alarms: Many things can happen to accidentally trigger an alarm — save time and money by dismissing the alarm directly from the chat notification.
4. Reliable Security: EMC Text-Alert is the first line of notification. Participants have 60 seconds to respond to the initial notification before normal call procedures are followed. So even if you aren’t immediately available to answer the notification, you’ll still be protected.
In addition to the same level of protection from EMC Security you know and trust, the new EMC Text-Alert feature not only offers yet another level of security and convenience, but it’s also provided at no additional cost.
SIGN UP >>
To learn more about EMC Text-Alert, contact EMC at 770-963-0305.
