Category: EMC Security News

There are many reasons why security system users have false alarms. For instance, a large proportion can be blamed on homeowners forgetting to disarm the system prior to letting the dog out or empty the trash. Another aspect could be entering the wrong passcode.

Some municipalities in Georgia have cracked down on false alarms, with fees. EMC Security has implemented EMC Text-Alert, a text notification service that gives you the opportunity to chat with your emergency contacts when your alarm is triggered and respond appropriately from your phone. We’ve seen a significant reduction in false alarms when customer use Text-Alert. IT’S FREE! Sign up here >>

More ways to reduce false alarms:

Before you activate your system:

• Lock all protected doors and windows.
• Educate family members on alarm system and usage.
• Contact EMC Security if you have any concerns about the proper functionality your system.
• Notify EMC Security if you plan any renovating or remodeling your home.
• Educate family members on what to do if your alarm is accidentally triggered.
• Use the EMC Text Alert app to chat with your emergency contacts when your alarm is triggered and respond appropriately from your phone.
• First, don’t panic, there is time. Enter your disarm code (carefully) to reset your system. Remember, if there were a burglar, he or she would not know your code. Do not write it on your keypad.
• Call EMC Security at 1-888-745-4733 or wait for us to call you. Give your password — this is different from your disarm code.

Commercial False Alarm Prevention Guide

• Be sure all employees are thoroughly trained before attempting to use the alarm system. Hold monthly training sessions.
• Look for items that can move within the “view” of your motion detectors, causing false alarms fans, heaters, hanging signs, seasonal decorations, balloons, curtains, plants, etc.).
• Confirm that special consideration has been given to the installation of motion detectors in high traffic areas with overhead doors, large exhaust fans or ceiling vents which allow the entry of birds.
• Ensure all doors and windows are secure and locked before arming your system.
• Don’t change pass-codes without advising EMC Security.
• Train new users thoroughly, notifying EMC Security of new users.
• Service and maintain your system (including batteries) regularly before false alarms occur.
• Upgrade old alarm systems to current equipment conforming to Security Industry Association (SIA) false alarm prevention standards, further reducing false alarms.

Every municipality in Georgia has alarm registration requirements. Some have false alarm ordinances as well. Make sure you understand your ordinance and fee guidelines before installing a security system in your home or business.

One of the most convenient features of modern security systems is the mobile app. Since the app has the ability to arm and disarm your system, view camera video, and control other home functions, it’s important to keep it secure with protection from hackers.

Below are ways to protect your privacy while using a home security app:

• Connect to a trusted Wi-Fi network to keep your home security system information and events private from the public. If you’re not connected to a secure network, there’s a high risk of a stranger using public Wi-Fi to get your private home security information.

• Most security apps allow you to share access with other family members. Consider limiting app access only to those who need it.

• Change your password frequently. If your app allows, use two-factor authentication to log-in two ways to access your account. The extra layer of security helps prevent hackers from accessing your account with only a password and email.

• Keep your mobile app up to date. Anytime your app has an update available make sure to download the latest as soon as possible. App updates often include bug fixes, security and privacy improvements.

The reality of the world-wide microchip shortage, global labor shortage and other supply chain disruptions has manufacturers – from consumer electronics and appliances to automobiles and industrial capabilities – in a bind trying to fulfill demand. Simple economics proves that when demand is high and supply is low, prices go up. It’s happening in every aspect of our lives.

Security technology manufacturers have announced hefty prices increases this year. Home security companies all over the U.S. are facing price increases and are passing the cost to consumers.

EMC Security has a plan to protect our low prices.

• Internally, our team is negotiating exemption and/or lower percentage increases with our manufacturing partners.

• Our famous “no contract” option provides more value to consumers than ever before. We give our customers control to decide if they want to do business with us. Because customers can cancel any time, we work hard to ensure our level of customer service is at its highest for each and every interaction.

• EMC Security protects our customers and gives back to the community we serve.

1. As a local company, we hire local people to service local families and businesses – we are part of this community and we do all we can to buy local and support the community.
2. Every employee passes background checks, drug screens, and driving records.
3. We notify customers if we don’t receive a test signal in more than 30 days. Customer security systems are tested for signals to confirm the system is properly functioning. Other companies don’t provide regular testing like this.
4. We employee a team of 7 in-house technical support representatives. Trained security technicians are available at no cost to our customers to provide telephone technical support. This could save our customers time and money associated with a site visit to trouble-shoot or repair their system.
5. Free EMC Text-Alert is a service no other company offers at no cost. This service allows customers to make a decision quickly with those on their contact list whether to dispatch or cancel an alarm – speeding up the process.

When your home alarm goes off, it can be a frightening and sometimes confusing experience.

Your first instinct might be to immediately disable the alarm siren. But, if you do this, how do you know you didn’t just disable an alarm for a burglar that might have just broken in? The fact is, most of us are not sure what we’d do in this case. The key is to be prepared.

Below are 5 things you should do if your home security alarm goes off:

1. Stay Calm

It is natural for us to panic in emergency situations. As a result, we tend to react rather than think. However, when your home alarm goes off, you should take a moment to calm your senses before doing something rash. It’s easier to think about your options when you’re calm.

A home security system is designed with an extremely loud alarm siren to scare off an intruder. And depending on your system and neighborhood, it could also alert a neighbor. Keeping this in mind could help your anxiety level.

2. Verify It’s Not a False Alarm

The next thing to do is to verify whether the alarm is false. Read any notifications or messages appearing on the keypad display (if it’s nearby) and then investigate, however don’t put yourself in danger to do so. If you suspect that there is an actual threat in the house, find a safe place to wait for the authorities.

3. Keep Your Phone Nearby

This is a must, for a couple of reasons. First, your home security company is instantly notified when the alarm is triggered and will immediately be contacting you to assess the situation. They will also notify the authorities.

Second, you can call someone outside of your home in order to get help. Contact a friend or relative as soon as you get the chance and let them know what’s going on.

4. Know Your Password

When your home security company calls your home, they will ask for your password. If you know it’s a false alarm and don’t want to notify the police, you must have your password.

If you don’t know your password, the authorities will be dispatched. This is because the security company has no way of knowing that you are who you say you are, or if you might be speaking under duress.

5. Have a Plan

An effective plan can help you remain calm and could potentially save lives. The best plan is to designate a safe area to wait for authorities to clear your home of danger. The safe area (or room) should ideally be as far away as possible from any potential break-in areas (such as windows and doors). It’s also a good idea to have a dead bolt installed on the door.

Although security systems can help make your home and family more secure and safe, you will still need to practice vigilance and awareness in case of an emergency. Never put yourself or your family members in danger. The best option is to let your security system do what it is designed to do – and that’s to help you.

Don’t have a home security system? Contact EMC Security to protect your home and family today.

Whether on the Phone or on Website Chat, You’ll Speak to a Live Person

Phone Technicians Available

Going Great Lengths

EMC Security has customer service that goes the extra mile. Our sales representatives and technicians pay attention to the details and listen to what the customer wants. Our technicians are subject to a background check and drug tests and are fully trained on our technology and elevating the customer experience.

While in your home, the technician will always be mindful of your home (wearing shoe pads) and will clean up after themselves. Before leaving your home, you will learn how to use your system and your mobile app if applicable. Read customer reviews on Google and Facebook to see what real customers have to say. If you are a current customer, we would greatly appreciate you leaving your honest feedback.

Alarm Monitoring

EMC Security’s monitoring cost of $16.95 per month and has not changed since 1999. We believe everyone should be able to afford to be safe at home, so we keep costs low. Most notably though is our Secure Path Technology. No matter what extra features a home security system offers, the bottom line is whether someone is monitoring your home 24/7 and can get help to you fast when you need it most.

EMC Security pioneered Secure Path™ , a monitoring architecture that sends a signal simultaneously to two, separately staffed, UL listed, CSAA Five-Diamond Certified command centers, which means a highly trained operator will always be available to answer the call. With an average response time of 14 seconds, homeowners have the added peace of mind that comes with rapid response.

Most security providers utilize a single command center that requires rerouting in the event the first center is busy or otherwise disabled, wasting time and creating unnecessary risk.

Additionally, security technology is built with an “alarm signal delay” of at least 45 seconds. EMC Security overrides this delay so the signal is transferred to our monitoring centers immediately. A lot can happen in 45 seconds and we don’t want to take that chance when lives are at stake.

Ownership

Finally, what separates EMC Security from the rest is our ownership and values. Because we are owned by three of the largest non-profit power companies in Georgia, we are able to keep costs down and focus on service.

Like our parent companies, we put customer satisfaction above everything else because we know that happy customers are key to maintaining a successful business. By endorsing highly ethical business practices, both within our organization and across our customer and potential customer base, we send our message as a standard, not as a fallback.

This is very important when the lives of our customers are at stake.

We employ 6-8 service technicians that work with customers on the phone each and every day. These technicians help the customer test their system and/or troubleshoot any minor issues over the phone. Many issues can be easily solved by remotely logging into the system from our end, lessening the need for an in-home service call.

Emergencies don’t always stay in the usual workday of 8AM-6PM. We have after-hours and on-call technicians ready to help at a moment’s notice.

At EMC Security, the only recording you will hear is the department call-tree. We have the phone system in place to make it easier to talk directly to who you need to.

We understand that phone calls are not always convenient, so our website, emcsecurity.com , has answers to common system issues, payment questions, and purchasing a security system.

When it comes to safety and security, we want the best. To get the best, you need to know what to look for when looking for a security system to protect what you value most.

What separates the best from the rest is customer service. Have you noticed that the customer service bar is pretty low lately? We’ve been trained as a society to expect bad service – so we are pleasantly surprised when we receive decent or good service. EMC Security gives the highest level of service as a norm. We work hard to EARN your business every day.

Many 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.

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 unit 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.

Cameras are also a popular addition to a security system. Add a video doorbell or few cameras around the house and never wonder what’s happening again.

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.