Category: General

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.

Consumers who are in the market for home security can choose between two options, DIY or professional installation.

Professional installation is required with all hardwired home alarm systems but not necessarily with wireless systems. Here are points to consider when choosing pro installation.

BENEFITS OF PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

Pro installation is required with high-level, hardwired security systems but are considered optional with wireless systems. One of the key benefits to having your home security systems installed by a trained technician is having an extra sense of security and peace of mind knowing that the work was done by a professional. Of course, DIY wireless security systems are easy to set up, but an experienced security professional can help guarantee the best possible use of the equipment by positioning it in ideal locations around your home. Another benefit is that you get to conserve your own time and energy as it relates to setting up the system! These benefits are extremely beneficial for people with larger properties and/or security systems with many components.

Still not sure if the pro-install option is right for you? Here are a few additional items of consideration to help inform 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 and Automation

Interactive controls, cameras and home-automation can be added to most security systems for a complete smart-system, controlled from your mobile device.

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.

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 Wi-Fi, $23.95 for cellular option.

Next, we’ll take a look at replacing or modifying an existing system with EMC Security.

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.