Category: General

A security system is one of the most important purchases you will make for your home.

And this purchase shouldn’t be taken lightly. Research your options and take your time to find the right system for your home. However, homeowners should beware falling into the trap of a number of misconceptions about home security systems, including that they’re too expensive or too complicated.

This simply isn’t true.

We’ve identified five of the most common myths about home security systems and then we debunked them! So you’ll have the most accurate information you’ll need when shopping for the best home security system for your home.

1. Home Security Systems are Too Expensive

Technological advancements over the last few years have made owning a home security system more affordable than ever before. EMC Security’s most advanced system is also our most affordable starting at just $179 – with monthly monitoring starting at just $16.95, a rate that hasn’t changed in over 20 years.

2. You’ll Get Locked into a Contract

Yes, most security companies lock you into a contract. They do this so they can offer you equipment at a significant savings, spreading the cost over the length of the contract – and beyond. EMC Security believes that the customer should be able to decide who they do business with – so we don’t require a contract. We work to earn your business every day. We feel that our level of service shouldn’t require a contract to maintain a rate, get quality service, or keep you as a customer. However, we know many prefer the option of contracted service, so we also now offer a 24-month contract that is designed for people who want to put $99 down and finance the rest interest-free.

3. Installing a Home Security System is Too Complicated

A DIY Home Security System is a popular choice partly because the installation is so quick and easy!

You’ll get step by step video and written instructions, each component is labeled for easy placement, and if you have questions, we’re just a phone call away.

4. I Need a Phone Line

Many homeowners are now opting for a security system that communicates with the control panel via Wi-Fi or cell towers. With all the advancements in technologies, wireless systems are becoming just as reliable as hard-wired systems; if not more. Due to the easier and quicker installation, a wireless system is commonly the more practical choice for most homeowners.

5. A Home Security System Won’t Stop Burglars From Breaking into Your Home

A home security system is the best first line of defense against break-ins. According to a recent local study, 60% of burglars reported they would leave immediately if a security alarm was triggered. Another report noted that nearly 83 percent of the burglars said they would try to find out if the home had a security alarm before attempting to break in. Burglars don’t want to get caught, and they will target homes with less safety measures in place.

Protection for your home isn’t something you should take lightly. It’s important to educate yourself about your security options so you’re better able to choose a system that will work best for your home and your family’s needs.

View our systems here.

We’ve all been there before

Ever sign up for a magazine or subscription and then get surprised by a renewal charge that shows up on your credit card bill weeks later? Have you gotten discouraged when you can’t figure out how to cancel? Or it’s too late to prevent the charges?

It’s called automatic renewal, and the practice is showing up more frequently in consumer contracts for all sorts of services and products. It’s happening everywhere from entertainment subscriptions to gym memberships to home security.

Some people even refer to auto-renewals as “zombie contracts” because they seem to never die. Despite seeing the charges and trying to cancel, you’re always too late and the fees keep repeating themselves.

So, if you’re unwittingly auto-renewed into a new contract with a home security company and want to challenge the agreement — you’re not alone.

Most companies are following state regulations on notification of a contract term in the original agreement. However, fewer are properly following the requirement of notifying customers that their contract is automatically renewing for more than a one-month term. Georgia law requires every customer to be notified between 30 and 60 days of the original expiration date of the contract. The notification must clearly state that the contract is renewing. It must also provide clear instructions on how to cancel service if they do not want the contract to automatically renew for any term more than month to month.

If you find yourself in this situation, check to see if you’ve received this type of written notification within the required time period. If not, you can dispute the auto-renewal and get out of the renewal without penalty. Once you’re free from the binds of the agreement, you can resecure your home protection with EMC Security’s no-contract required policy.

Click here to download a full copy of the Georgia Auto-Renewal Law.

Which System Is Right For You?

If you are looking to install a home alarm system, you’ve probably wondered whether it’s best to go with a wired or wireless alarm solution. Each option offers unique advantages, so let’s take a look at what you can anticipate with each.

Installation

Installation of a wireless alarm system is the easiest of the two options. There are many good wireless security systems on the market – both professionally installed and with self-install options. Check out EMC Security’s options that start at just $179 here.

Operational Costs

Wireless home systems require batteries, which over time, need replacing; whereas, a wired home alarm system will run off your home power source. It’s recommended that the batteries on a wireless alarm system be changed every two to three years, but the replacement cost is very low.

Consistency

Modern wireless alarm systems, are continually evolving and are now, equally as reliable as traditional wired systems, so there is little to choose between the two for reliability.

Aesthetics

For many homeowners, a wired alarm system appears messy. By contrast, wireless home alarms do not require drilling for installation and have no clunky wires or cables to hide.

Overall, wireless alarm systems are much simpler to install and can be expanded with additional accessories, sensors, and third-party devices as required. They are also more cost-effective, appealing to the eye, and with our range of smart home alarm enhancements, you can rest assured knowing that your security is taken care of for a number of years. Take a look at our product range.

My House Was Broken Into? What Should I Do?

If you’ve just suffered a home burglary you may simply be asking what do I do now? Whether you’re in panic mode or you’re just not sure where to turn, learn what to do immediately after a home burglary, these tips will help you get through the process as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Step 1. Call the Police

The first thing you should always do after a home burglary is to call the police. If your security system was armed – triggering an alarm, we will contact the authorities for you.

• If you’ve left the house and/or you think the intruder may still be there: This is an emergency. From your locked car or a neighbor’s house, dial 911.
• Any delay to call the police could the lower their chances of catching the perpetrator and recovering your stolen items.

Step 2. Survey your property and possessions

Once the authorities arrive at your home, make a detailed and complete list of everything that has either been damaged or stolen. Include as many details as you can about each item and their value. Give this list to the police and save additional copies for your own records, as well as your insurance company.

It’s also a good idea to take photographs or provide video footage of your damaged property. It’s likely that you will need to provide proof to your insurance company of items that were taken or damaged in the process.

Step 3. Call your insurance company

Assuming you have insurance, you will need to file a claim within 24 hours of filing a report with the police, so it’s important to notify them as soon as you can. In most cases, a claim adjuster will come and inspect your home and any associated damage that may have been caused, so it’s essential that at this stage not to move or touch anything unless you’ve been instructed to do so by the police.

Step 4. Call your bank

After you’ve called the police and spoken to your insurance company, you’ll need to call your bank if any of your credit/debit cards or checks were stolen. Likewise, if a computer, tablet, or phone with banking information and financial data was taken, you’ll need to share this information with your bank as well. It’s important that you call your bank and financial institutions as soon as possible to avoid fraud or any additional theft.

Step 5. Notify others

Consider everything that was taken and who else you may need to notify:

• If your driver’s license was taken you should apply for a replacement immediately.
• If your passport was taken notify the office that issued your passport to cancel it, then apply for a new one.
• If your mobile phone was stolen, notify your network provider right away, so that they can block the phone from being used.
• Notify your neighbors of the burglary to see if that may have witnessed anything.

Step 6. Take care of yourself

Besides simply losing valuables and causing damage to your home, burglaries can leave you and your loved ones feeling vulnerable, unsafe and emotionally shaken. Once you’ve taken all of the immediate actions, you need to channel your attention to taking care of yourself and your family.

Step 7. Apply preventative measures

Installing security cameras can help make you feel safer and secure in your own home and reduce the risk of a second home burglary.

Contact EMC Security to take preventative measures and make your home safer in the future. Check out our blog for other helpful security tips to prevent your home from being burgled again.