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Category: EMC Security News
How to Prevent a False Alarm
Statistics show that home alarms have been proven to reduce the likelihood of home intrusions.
Savvy burglars know to choose homes with the course of least resistance, thereby avoiding homes with security measures such as outdoor cameras, motion activated security lights, and burglar alarms — all of which, work in unison to keep your property safe. Home security alarms alert you and your security monitoring company that your home has been breached, reducing the risk of further damage. Despite all of the good things alarms do for us as homeowners, it can be annoying when your security system is set off accidentally.
There are many reasons why 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.
So, how can we minimize these occurrences and prevent the frustration which usually accompanies falsely activated alarms?
Residential False Alarm Prevention Guide
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.
Make sure that anyone who has keys to your home KNOWS how to operate the alarm.
Commercial False Alarm Prevention Guide
Tips for Commercial Businesses
- 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.
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 >>
If you have any questions or need assistance, please call (833) 281-8743.
Gwinnett County Alarm Ordinance
What To Expect With Professional Installation
EMC Security’s professional installation, you get white-glove service from start to finish.
While in your home, the technician will:
- Install your customized security system and any optional equipment ordered
- Test all devices to ensure the system works properly and communicates with EMC Security’s monitoring centers.
- Assist you with app download and set-up if applicable
- Conduct training on the use of the system. Now is a great time to ask questions.
- Provide EMC Security yard signs and window stickers
- Obtain your signature on the EMC Security professional monitoring agreement
- Complete the Certificate of Professional Monitoring for burglary (and fire as needed) for insurance discounts
What to Expect from EMC Security This Year
As with most important electronic products, giving your alarm occasional “check-ups” goes a long way.
Based on the length of service, click below for a list to make sure things continue to work properly down the road.
Choose how long you’ve been a customer from the images below:
EMC Security Saved Our Home From Fire
Most Common Causes of Home Fires
In 2019, fire departments in the U.S. responded to an estimated 361,500 home fires. These fires caused roughly 2,870 deaths and 12,700 reported injuries. Property damage was estimated at $7.9 billion.
Smoking – #1 cause of deaths
Most smoking-related fires start inside the home, often originating from upholstered furniture, bedding, or mattresses. Always smoke outside, thoroughly extinguishing cigarettes in an ashtray when finished.
Cooking equipment – #1 cause of fire injuries.
If you leave the kitchen—even for a brief period of time—turn off the stove. Wear short, close-fitting, or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Always keep children away from active cooking areas.
Fireplace
To prevent an accident, install a spark screen or glass door in front of the firebox to protect the surrounding area from stray sparks and rolled logs. Check chimneys annually to ensure that creosote hasn’t built up, and never leave a fire unattended.
Portable space heaters
Portable space heaters, which cause more fires annually than central heating. Use space heaters only in well-ventilated spaces, and keep them at least three feet away from furniture, fabrics, draperies, and other combustible objects.
Candles
Never position a lit candle near flammable items like bedsheets and books, which may become engulfed in flame if they come in contact with the tiny fire. As a safer alternative, homeowners can purchase flameless, battery-powered candles with LEDs.
Worn and damaged cords
Replace all worn or damaged cords right away, never overload extension cords or wall sockets, and don’t position cords under furniture or rugs.
Grill
Position your grill or fire pit several feet from your house, safely away from trees, deck railings, and other structures. Routinely clean the grill, investigate signs of rust and corrosion, and check the gas connections.
Propane and gasoline
Gasoline, kerosene, and propane should be stored outside in their original containers. Kerosene and propane heaters, which have a constant open flame, should be kept in an isolated, well-ventilated area and used only with the proper type of fuel.
Source: 2020 National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)
View the video below featuring EMC Security customers that are thankful they installed monitored smoke detectors in their home. A few months ago, their home was quickly overcome with smoke and fire while they were just a few yards away, in the backyard. If it wasn’t for EMC Security, the damage and loss would’ve been much greater.
Adding smoke or heat detectors 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.
And, your monthly monitoring cost doesn’t change when you add fire monitoring to your security system.
Riverside Military School Case Study
Advanced, cost effective video surveillance solution.
Chosen for providing the most advanced, cost effective solution, EMC Security designed and installed a video surveillance solution for Riverside Military Academy with artificial intelligence video analytics search capabilities that can save valuable time and effort, ultimately making the campus a safer place for cadets and staff.
Riverside Military Academy (RMA), located in Gainesville, GA, is a leading private, military college preparatory and boarding school for boys in grades 7-12. Founded in 1907, the beautiful campus sprawls over 200 acres and is home to over 500 cadets from 30 nations and 30 states. Every aspect of life as a cadet at RMA is designed to encourage exceptional academic achievement and personal growth. With increased safety risks to the cadets that not only go to school but live on campus, quality video surveillance is a vital part of the overall security posture.
Awarded the project with the most advanced, cost effective solution, EMC Security provided a complete video surveillance solution with self-learning video analytics, network video recorders, and video management software with appearance search technology. Installed across 8 buildings including fields and dormitories, the school has future plans to integrate access control systems to secure physical access points, providing an integrated security solution campus-wide.
The Challenge:
RMA had a legacy analog surveillance system in place, but it had no intelligent or proactive capabilities. As such, trying to locate incident footage was a time-consuming process that involved scrutinizing hours of video footage.
The older system also had gaps in coverage and offered little reliability.
The Process:
EMC Security was one of six integrators considered during the open, Public RFP, selected as the providing the best equipment, best sound design, and best value. Once EMC Security introduced AI capabilities, RMA realized they’d save money and time with our solution.
- References and reputation. As a trusted security provider for many schools in Georgia, including Gwinnett, Forsyth and Hall County schools, EMC Security’s reputation was solid.
- More coverage with less cameras. EMC Security engineers designed an efficient and cost- effective solution that provided more field of vision and higher resolution with less cameras than other companies.
- Artificial Intelligence capabilities. Sorts through hours of video in minutes to identify specific people or vehicles.
- Non-proprietary equipment. No annual license fees.
- Future-proof. The solution allows for expansion of the AI capabilities and integration with access control.
The EMC Security Solution:
EMC Security was able to replace the system’s 62 analog cameras with 168 non-proprietary Avigilon AI cameras and integrate across one network with video management software. The Avigilon cameras offered much higher image quality, better coverage and video analytics than the legacy system.
With video from the large network of security cameras, the system leverages advanced artificial intelligence and video analytic capabilities to sort through hours of video with ease, to quickly locate a specific person or vehicle of interest across school grounds, in near real-time. The advanced video pattern detection technology can accurately recognize the movements of people and vehicles while ignoring motion not relevant to a scene. Embedded into cameras, the system’s ability to constantly learn what typical activity in a scene looks like, the camera can then detect and flag unusual motion, revealing events that may have otherwise been missed.
The installation also included a video wall where two 50-inch screens provided security personnel with an interactive visual matrix. Utilizing intuitive software, a School Security Officer can operate and manage the system, access the video real-time, and view the new campus wide analytic cameras locally or remotely. This native and browser-based software has evolving advanced upgrades without the on-going licensing fees. The software can be pushed to all servers in the site and upgraded automatically.
The Future:
By integrating an access control system, RMA will have a fully integrated security solution with real-time event management. When the access control system is activated, a camera will record video footage of the event. If someone is falsely entering, you can easily view who it is real-time. By quickly and easily identifying an incident, a campus-wide lock down can be accomplished as needed.
Conclusion:
- EMC Security proposed a solution for 20% less cost than the competition.
- The competition presented 30% more cameras for the similar coverage resulting in higher installation and equipment costs – without analytics or expansion for access control.
- EMC Security completed the project in two months, over a month ahead of schedule.
- RMA has experienced an enormous amount of time savings. In reviewing a recent incident, it took 1/8 of the time to find the video footage with the new system vs old system. As a result, RMA now employs a more effective incident prevention and risk mitigation strategy.
“I have been impressed with EMC Security’s quickness and professional assistance throughout the process.” Bill O’Brien; Safety and Security Director
Learn more about EMC Security’s enterprise security solutions here.
The EMC Security Difference
The number 1 question people ask is: What makes EMC Security different than other companies?
1. No Contracts!
It should be no surprise that the biggest difference is that we don’t require a monthly service contract. You can cancel anytime for any reason.
You can’t purchase another professionally installed security system without agreeing to at least a 36-month contract. This practice has been the standard for years so the providers can offer low up-front installation and equipment fees. The problem with this is once the equipment costs would be paid off, the high monthly fee (absorbing the equipment costs) does not reduce.
Since our inception in 1998, EMC Security has offered no-contract monitoring service. You pay for your equipment upfront with monitoring and communication charges paid on a month to month basis, with the option to cancel any time. If you need to finance the equipment, we have an interest-free option for that as well.
2. Security Technology
EMC Security sells a variety of security equipment . All the equipment is non-proprietary which means that other companies can reprogram it for their monitoring system. Some well-known, national companies do not sell this type of technology, preferring instead to use their own proprietary equipment, blocking other companies from monitoring the systems. This trend is unfortunately one that locks customers in as well, because the system is worthless if you are not happy with the monitoring service.
3. Takeovers
We can also takeover and monitor pre-existing systems. So, if you have a system in your home, we should be able to reprogramme it, provide any updates or upgrades needed, and start monitoring. This service can save a customer alot of money.
4. 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 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.
5. Customer Service
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.
Your Guide to Buying Home Security
Purchasing a security system to protect your home and family can be confusing. There are many options. Every home is different and individual needs vary. It’s not easy to sort through the information to get a clear idea of what you need to get up and running.
This guide can help.
We’ll outline the different ways in which you can purchase home security with EMC Security, depending on your home and what security equipment currently exists, including:
- Starting from scratch with a new security system
- Fine-tuning the current system in your home
- Powering up the current system in your home
STARTING FROM SCRATCH?
OPTION 1: PROFESSIONAL INSTALLED SYSTEM
No security equipment? Do you prefer a professional to install the equipment? Are you considering the addition of home-automation or security cameras?
KICK BACK AND LET EMC SECURITY INSTALL IT FOR YOU
What Do I Need? The type of system and components will depend on the construction of your home, your particular needs (security, fire, cameras, automation, etc.), and lifestyle (children, pets, etc.).
Hard-Wired vs Wireless. A hard-wired system connects all devices to the control panel via wires. Wireless systems connect via radio frequency, using minimum wiring.
Communication Method. You can connect to our monitoring centers via phone line, internet, or cell towers. Cellular is the most reliable since it does not rely on a power source to communicate.
Cameras & Automation. Interactive controls, cameras and home automation can be added to most security systems for a complete smart-security system, controlled from your mobile device.
What’s the Process? Contact us at 770.963.0305 to schedule an in-home evaluation to determine what equipment is needed. Monthly monitoring is $16.95 for phone and Wi-Fi connection, $23.95 for cellular.
In-Home Technician. At this appointment, the system will be installed and tested, interactive services will be applied and the homeowner will be fully trained on system operation.
OPTION 2: DIY SELF-INSTALLED SYSTEM
No security equipment? Do you want the latest, most advanced wireless/portable technology? Do you want to use interactive mobile controls and home-automation? IS THE DO-IT-YOURSELF SECURITY SYSTEM RIGHT FOR YOU?
Advanced Technology. Wireless DIY security is the hottest security product on the market. Everyone loves its ease of use, convenience, affordability, effortless home-automation, and interactive features.
Wi-Fi Communication. DIY Self-Install systems communicate to our monitoring centers via Wi-Fi technology with a cellular option.
Cameras & Automation. The DIY system is the hub for home automation devices and cameras that integrate to your security and are controlled via one mobile app.
All the Heavy Lifting. Is done. We’ll program and label each device specifically for your home, so all you have to do is open the box, peel and stick the equipment in place, plug it in, connect to your Wi-Fi, and go.
Where to Buy. The DIY system can be purchased either by visiting emcsecurity.com or by contacting us at 770.963.0305. Monthly monitoring is $16.95 for Wi-Fi, $23.95 for cellular option.
Beware of Imitations. Don’t be led into a false sense of security. Never purchase a system from a company that does not require 24/7 professional monitoring, nor provide technical support.
HAVE A SYSTEM? FINE TUNE AND UPGRADE
SECURITY SYSTEM CONVERSION
Is your security system looking a little worn-out? Does it need special treatment or updating?
REPLACE OR MODIFY YOUR EXISTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS
What’s a Conversion? Replacing or modifying the control panel and keypad(s) of an existing security system. Door/window sensors, motion detectors, wiring, and smoke detectors may or may not need to be replaced.
Why Do I Need This? Some systems do not accept a simple reprogramming because of proprietary equipment specific to a ertain alarm company. Therefore, it’s necessary to replace the control panel and keypad(s).
What About Updates? Some systems may not necessarily require a conversion but the customer chooses a conversion to upgrade to newer technology.
Examples and Ideas.
- Upgrade to a touchscreen keypad
- Revise communication method
- Integrate security cameras
- Add home-automation and interactive services
What’s the Process? Contact us at 770.963.0305 to schedule an in-home appointment to inspect the security system and determine your needs. Monthly monitoring is $16.95 for phone and Wi-Fi connection, $23.95 for cellular connection.
In-Home Technician. At this appointment, the conversion will be completed and tested, interactive services will be applied and the homeowner will be fully trained on system operation.
HAVE A SYSTEM? POWER-UP WHAT YOU’VE GOT
SECURITY SYSTEM TAKEOVER
Is your security system ready to go? Is it in crime-fighting shape and just needs to be activated?REPROGRAM YOUR SYSTEM SO EMC SECURITY CAN GET TO WORK
What’s a Takeover? Reprogramming an existing functional security system to allow for a change in monitoring companies.
Why Do a Takeover? A takeover is the most affordable way to switch monitoring companies. If you are searching for a great value you aren’t getting now, switching to EMC Security may be the answer.
What’s Included?
- A full system diagnostic
- Reprogamming & testing
- Battery replacement if needed
- Training on system operation
- EMC Security yard signs and stickers
What’s the Process? Just give us a call at 770.963.0305. We’ll determine if your system can be reprogrammed, go over the details, and schedule the takeover appointment.
EMC Security Difference.
- Monthly monitoring is $16.95 for phone and Wi-Fi , $23.95 for cellular connection.
- No-Contract option
- Response averaging 14 seconds
- New EMC Group Chat Notification
Contact EMC Security. 770.963.0305 | emcsecurity.com
EMC Security Referral Program
We understand the importance of having a company you can rely on and would like the opportunity to offer the same level of protection and professional service to your friends and family.
And now, refer a friend between now and February 29 and get 2 months free if they become a customer. We’ll also give your friend 2 months free to get started.
Complete the form below to refer your friend now:
Smoking – #1 cause of deaths
Fireplace
Portable space heaters
Candles
Worn and damaged cords
Grill
Propane and gasoline
Is your security system looking a little worn-out? Does it need special treatment or updating?