Your cart is currently empty!
Month: February 2022
Three Gadgets to Assist Aging Seniors
According to research, 90 percent of adults over the age of 65 report that they would prefer to stay in their current residence as they age — a practice commonly referred to as “aging in place.” In fact, one-third of American households are occupied by one or more residents 60 years of age or older.The Center for Disease Control defines aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level”. With so many seniors remaining in their homes rather than opting to live in a nursing home. We thought it would be a good idea to compile a list of gadgets that can help aging Americans remain in their homes while continuing to enjoy the advances in technology.The Best Technology Products for Seniors
Here are our three favorite gadgets that can contribute to a safer home environment for your friends or family members:
1. House Cleaning Robots
The iRobot Roomba is a very cool and helpful device, and we like them a lot. But let’s face it, vacuum cleaners aren’t all that complex, or difficult to operate. The key to keeping a clean home, free of dust and/or dander is regular cleaning. So, having an easy-to-use vacuum, capable of maintaining the floors is useful. It should be light and located in an accessible location. 2. Automatic Pill Reminders
Automatic medication management systems are a great idea. As people age, they typically end up on a variety of medications like cholesterol-lowering agents, high blood pressure meds, and more! The fact that these medications must be managed for many aging adults accounts for a huge percent of nursing home admissions. Medication management systems range from simple plastic pillboxes all the way up to smart (electronic) medication management systems that remind users when to take their meds. 3. Medical Alert Systems
Medical Alert Systems are devices we know a huge deal about. These useful devices come in all shapes and sizes, but perhaps the most common is a pendant-style alert system. These have a single push button that allows its users to alert a call center if they have a medical emergency (or any emergency for that matter).Many of these devices come equipped with automatic fall detection which senses when a person has fallen down. If they’re unresponsive the medical alert system will notify the call center automatically. If you need help picking out the right medical alert system, contact EMC Security for help deciding which device might be right for you.
Why Fire Monitoring Can Be More Important than Intrusion Protection
A fire can happen in an instant.
A spark ignites into a flame; a flame erupts into a blaze; a lifetime of memories and hard work goes up in smoke; literally.
Unfortunately, EMC Security knows all too well that fire happens – even to those who think it won’t happen to them. Countless fires around Georgia start in ways home and business owners weren’t prepared for or didn’t guard against. And the result of an unchecked blaze raging through a structure is most often devastating, even with insurance.
Ask anyone who has dealt with the aftermath of a fire and they will tell you of hardship, heartache and, many times, regret. One of the biggest regrets for most is not having proper fire detection methods installed or having no one to monitor those methods.
Fire Detection Systems
Fire protection through EMC Security is a simple addition to your comprehensive alarm monitoring service. And we monitor for fire at no additional monthly cost.
Making the small investment to add professionally monitored smoke or heat detectors (from just $79) to your home security system may very well be the best decision you make when it comes to the safety and security of your loved ones.
Our 24/7 monitoring center team is technically trained to handle the detection of a fire in a way that minimizes its effect. Faster detection results in faster emergency response times.
Protect Your Business
Fires don’t just happen at home, which is why our business services are equally comprehensive. In compliance with the increasingly complex local, state and national fire codes for businesses, we protect your assets so you can feel a little more secure. Our team of security experts will ensure that your facilities are safe and in compliance with rapidly changing and increasingly complex local, state, and national requirements. As part of our inspection process, we will thoroughly test and inspect all components in accordance with NFPA standards.
The best part about our fire alert service is that your monthly monitoring cost doesn’t change when you add it to your security system with EMC Security. Our home alarm monitoring rates start as low as $16.95 a month.
Contact EMC Security to protect your home and everything you love inside, from the threat of fire today.
Arm Your System with Google or Alexa
EMC Security’s newest wireless systems, Connect+, give customers the convenience to arm and disarm the system using Alexa or Google Home.
How to use Amazon Alexa with Connect+
The Alula Alexa Security Skill allows users to operate theConnect+ securitysystem with voice commands through their Alexa-enabled devices.
To get started first add Alula to your Alexa by installing the Alula Skill.
1. Download and Open the Alexa application on your smartphone.
2. Select “Skills & Games” from the slide out menu on the left of the screen (tap the 3 parallel lines on the top left corner to expose menu)
3. Search for “alula” without quotes. Tap the Alula app from the list that appear then tap “Enable” to add the Alula Skill to your Alexa.
4. Sign in with your Username and Password that you use with the Alula app.
Once Skill is added Alexa will now be able to react to the “My Security System” command. The basic pattern is to say “Alexa, ask/tell My Security System to…” Some specific example as are as follows.
-
- Alexa, ask My Security System to arm to stay.
- Alexa, tell My Security System to arm to away.
- Alexa, tell My Security System to arm to night.
- Alexa, ask My Security System for status.
- Alexa, ask My Security System to disarm using 1,2,3,4 (you may use any valid code for your panel).
How to use Google Home with Connect+
Install the Google Home app for iPhone or Android
Press the “+” symbol in the upper left
Click “Set up a device”
Choose “Set up new device”
Choose “Have something already set up?”
Scroll down to “Alula Security” and click it
Sign into your Alula account with your Username and Password
You’ll see a list of all your Smart Home devices.
Click on all of the Smart Home devices you want to add.
Navigate back to the home screen and find the microphone button in the bottom middle of the screen.
Press the microphone button and speak to enter Google Home commands for your Smart Home devices.
You can say phrases such as:
- “Set my Connect Plus to stay”
- “Set my security system to stay”
- “Set my security system to away”
- “Set my security system to night”
- “Disarm my security system” (Google will ask you for the pin)
- “Disarm my Connect Plus” (Google will ask you for the pin)
- “Is my system armed?”
- “Is my Connect Plus armed?”
- “Is my front door open?”
- “Are my doors open?”
You can give other household members access to the connect plus in two steps
- Make sure connect plus and sensors are added to a “home” in the Google Home App
- Use the Google Home App toinvite home member to the “home”
-
Why You Should Update Your Security System
Your home should feel safe and secure with your security system installed.
New security systems give you even more power over the cameras and sensors in your home than before. Recent advances have been made that will improve your security experience dramatically.
Here are some of the reasons it is vital to update your security system and get the latest surveillance technology.
Implement New Technology in Your Home
The current wave of technology means that cameras and security systems are quickly being replaced by newer, more advanced versions. If it has been many years since you’ve upgraded your security system, it’s time to consider an upgrade that could benefit you and your family.
When you upgrade an existing system, you have a lot of control over what changes in your system and what stays the same.
Wireless Monitoring
If you have a very old home surveillance system, it might still operate via a landline. This means that someone could cut or rearrange the wires controlling your security system to disable it. That is a vulnerability that is very easy to avoid when you use wireless monitoring.
Monitors can be set up to alert you to less urgent circumstances than a break-in. For example, if you, like 40% of Americans, have concerns about leaving your garage door open, wireless monitoring can let you make sure it is shut.
Replace Outdated Components
If your security system is getting older but already runs on a cellular transmitter like modern systems, you can improve functioning by replacing the control panel.
Older systems run on slow transmitters that operate at 2G or 3G, which means that data is transmitted more slowly. Updating components such as the control panel can provide an instant improvement in your security.
Monitor Remotely
One of the biggest advantages of modern systems is their compatibility with smartphones. All you need to do to get constant insight into what is going on in your home is an application on your phone. Put your mind at ease whenever you feel the need, from fear of burglars to worries about household appliances leaking.
Better Cameras
One key feature of modern security systems is the improvement in camera strength. Cameras have come a long way in a short period of time, and even the smallest cameras can now take much clearer pictures.
This feature is important for keeping your home safe and identifying suspicious individuals. In the worst-case scenario, if a break-in does occur, your surveillance system may be able to capture the faces or distinguishing details of suspects.
Conclusion
EMC Security has modern, affordable home surveillance systems available for you to choose from. Whether you upgrade your old system or start from scratch with a brand new one, you can expect excellent service from our staff and improved performance from your security. Contact us today to get more information on the options available to you.
Common Home Security Camera Questions
Statistics show that 83% of burglars determine if a home has a security camera before attempting to break-in.
In addition to deterring would-be criminals, security cameras also provide homeowners the convenience of being able to
monitored your home at any time, from anywhere. Want to make sure the kids made it home from school? Check your app to see your kids arriving home safely. Want to keep an eye on your home when you’re away on vacation? Peek at your security footage whenever you feel the need.When deciding on whether or not to opt for security cameras, most customers have questions related to how they actually work and which one will fit their specific needs.
We’ve compiled a few of the most common questions to help you understand all of your home security options.
What types of security cameras are there?
EMC offers three types of security cameras: indoor and outdoor WiFi cameras, doorbell video cameras, and
Flir DVR/NVR camera solutions.Indoor and Outdoor WiFi Security Cameras:
Indoor and outdoor cameras seamlessly integrate with your security system and the latest in smart-home technology through the Alarm.com mobile app.
Video doorbells allow you to see, hear, and speak to anyone at your door whether you’re in your kitchen or across town. Connect your doorbell camera to your security app and control your camera, security, and other automated features such as locks, lights, and thermostat.
If your needs require a more vigorous home surveillance camera system, DVR cameras are among the most dependable cameras on the market, designed for those who want to keep an eye on things with exceptional, high-definition live streaming video and on-site storage.
Are security companies monitoring my security camera footage?
Cameras are self-monitored. EMC Securitydoes nothave access to your cameras or video accounts, so we do not monitor your video camera footage. Video cameras record the footage and send you, the user, a notification and video clip. You can then go to the camera app to view live footage.
Where are the best places to put security cameras?
When deciding the best locations to place your security cameras, it’s important to take a walk around your home with your security goals in mind. Consider the places a potential intruder could enter your home: windows, doors, garage door, or even through the basement.
Also consider placing them out of reach. Some recommended places include:Front Door: An estimated34% of all burglars enter your home through the front door.
Back Door:22% of burglars enter through the back door.
Basement Stairs: Most basements are accessible through small windows that are large enough for a person to enter through.
Off-street Windows:23% of burglars enter through a
first floor window.How is my security footage stored?
Video clips are stored on the Cloud and are accessed via your mobile app. Subscribe to EMC Security’s Video Service for $5 for the first camera and just $1 per additional camera.
Can I monitor my security cameras from my phone?
Yes! Receive alerts and clips of motion detected, and control your alarm system, lights, locks, and thermostats.
Will I be contacted if the security cameras detect anything?
Yes, you can program your system to send instant video clips from home of what matters most to you, from alarm activity to your children coming home from school or a package being delivered.
To learn more about EMC’s security camera options, give us a call today at 770.963.0305.
