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Category: General
Warning About Alarm Monitoring
Many alarm monitoring companies, including large national companies allow central alarm station operators to work from their homes, apartments or even college housing dorms to monitor customers for life safety events. Seems almost unbelievable, but it is a fact.
A recent article by security industry expert Jeff Zwirn, published in industry trade magazine Security Sales and Integration highlighted a change that was made to an important UL code made during the Covid 19 pandemic. The new UL-827 now allows operators to perform their life safety and property protection dispatch duties from anywhere they have an internet connection. This includes private homes, apartments, or other locations.
Any good central station operation will be backed up for power and will have redundant internet connectivity paths. Operators and their actions will be closely monitored for activity. Visitors, cell phones, TVs are generally not allowed in the facility, due to concerns about security, privacy, and distraction.
Zwirn warns, “Central Stations that have their operators working from their apartments, dormitories, or homes is a choice that is foreseeably dangerous and needlessly puts subscribers at an increased risk of the very things that the alarm system was intended to protect against as reliable and timely emergency dispatch.”
When this UL guideline change was made, EMC Security decided that remote alarm monitoring was not a practice that we would support. Distracted operators, lack of oversight and supervision, risk of a data breach and virtually no redundancies for the operators make the notion of remote monitoring very scary.
EMC Security’s central station operates 3 locations with in-facility alarm response, never compromised by security risks, distractions, or weather. All monitoring center locations are staffed with highly trained and certified response staff, in secured facilities, backed up by multiple generators and multiple communication paths. No alarm monitoring staff works from home. Ever. We do not put our customers at risk by allowing operators to monitor remotely.
We do not put our customers’ safety at risk for the comforts of working from home. We stand by our decision to utilize in-facility monitoring centers because we believe that upholds our dedication to providing the highest level of customer service in a distraction-free, secure environment.
In addition, EMC Security has a redundant monitoring location in a secured facility, on site at our office in Suwanee, backed up by multiple generators and multiple communication paths. Low priority signals (battery, power, etc) are handled from this location, but it is ready to handle all alarm conditions, if necessary. No operator handles any priority, high response life safety and property protection signal from anywhere outside of our facility.
Home Security Rates Increasing?
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.
- 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.
- Every employee passes background checks, drug screens, and driving records.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
EMC Security Can Activate Your Security System
More homes than ever before have pre-installed security systems, or the home is pre-wired and ready for security equipment to be installed.
This begs the question that is often confusing to consumers, “Do I have to use the company that installed the equipment to monitor it?”
No, you don’t.
With just a few exceptions, EMC Security can monitor most existing home security systems. This is good news if you’re happy with the existing security system in your home but dissatisfied with your current monitoring service, or especially if you’re moving into a home with a pre-installed system.
What is Monitoring?
When your alarm is activated (by a sensor striking on a door or window), an alarm is sent to the central monitoring station for immediate action. This includes contacting you at pre-determined phone numbers (EMC Security’s alarm response is less than 14 seconds on average) and relaying your address and the type of emergency to police, fire, or medical authorities.
Some systems are only supported by the company that installed them. These systems are called proprietary systems. Some well-known companies block other companies from monitoring their systems with proprietary systems. However, there are many other system types that are non-proprietary which makes choosing a monitoring provider much easier.
If you’re moving into a home with an existing security system, the control panel should give you a make and model number to assist with your research. This information is all EMC Security needs to determine if we can monitor your system.
How to Switch to EMC Security
As part of our process of activating an existing security system, our customers receive:
- A full system diagnostic
- Reprogramming to communicate to EMC Security monitoring centers
- Full system communications test
- Panel battery replacement if needed
- Homeowner training on full system operation
- Yard signs and window decals
Google and Alexa Security Controls
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.
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- 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”
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Should I Add Glass Breaks To My System?
Glass breaks can be an important addition to your home security system.
Glass breaks are sensors that detect the sound frequency and percussion of glass breaking and send the signal to your home security system to activate the alarm.
So why would you need glass break sensors installed as a part of your security system if you already have door and window sensors?
Door and window sensors are only effective if the door or window is opened. If an intruder instead decides to break the glass of the window to enter your home, the window sensor won’t trigger the alarm. A glass break sensor will trigger the alarm when it detects the sound and vibration of the glass breaking.
So the question remains:
Should I add glass breaks to my security system?
It’s important to remember that glass break sensors are used to enhance the security system you already have in place to make it even more effective.
We would suggest glass break sensors for any home that features:
- Large windows
- Sliding glass doors
- Rooms with many windows, such as sun rooms
- Exterior doors with windows or decorative window panes
- Homes with windows that are painted shut
While homes with large windows provide extra sunlight and views, they’re also a potential target for would-be criminals. Glass break sensors can help protect you in the event a criminal tries to enter your home.
Learn more about security system components here.
Kids Home Alone? Introduce Them to Home Security
The effectiveness of your home’s security system relies on those who use it – and that includes your children.
If your children are old enough to be left home alone, use these tips for introducing them to home security and personal safety.
1. Make Sure They Are Ready
It is one thing for your child to operate your home security system while you’re there, but it’s totally different from when you are away.
Making sure your child is mature enough to use the system on their own is an important question of consideration. Most kids are left at home alone starting around age 12 or 13, but that doesn’t mean your child ready to handle the responsibility.
Your children should be able to interact with the home security system (arming it and disarming it) and be able to take care of themselves while they are at home alone.
2. Have a Training Session
Schedule time to train your child on the home security system. Make it exciting and avoid drawing out the process for too long.
Let your child know the purpose of the home security system (protecting your home and family), but keep the conversation positive and do not frighten or intimidate them.
3. Test It Out
After you’ve covered the steps of arming/disarming your home system with your child, test it out. Over the course of a few days, have them take charge of arming and disarming the system while under your supervision to make sure they know how to operate it.
Children can remain at home safely with a home security system. However, not all security systems are created equal.
If you are thinking about leaving your kids at home alone, consider updating your current home alarm to one that is kid-friendly and simple to use. An EMC Security professional can help you pick out the right alarm system for the entire family.
Learn more about teaching your children to use your home security system by contacting EMC Security. Need to purchase a home security system? Call today at (770) 963-0305 or visit us online www.emcsecurity.com.
Is a DIY Security System Right For You?
We’ve all seen the commercial and heard the ads on the radio. DIY – Self Install – security systems are very popular and easier than ever to set up, in many cases without the need for a professional.
Are you up to the task? You might choose a DIY home security system installation over a professional if you:
- Want to save some money
- Are comfortable DIYing
- Want a system installed on your time frame
- Are aware of your home’s security vulnerabilities
- Want to move your system
- Plan to add to your system over time
Let’s dive deeper:
- You Want to Save Money
This is the number one reason why people opt for DIY. Advanced technology makes it easier than ever to set up a security system yourself – potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.
EMC Security goes a step further on our typical DIY systems. If you want one of our professional technicians to install it for you – we can do that for an extra fee. Being a local company gives us the flexibility to help you when you need us.
- You’re Comfortable DIY-ing
Handy with a screw driver? You’re already overqualified to install a basic home security system. EMC Security’s systems are pre-programmed for your home, pre-labeled for where the equipment is placed, and are set up without any tools needed. The peel-and-stick installation is quick and easy.
- You Want a System Installed on Your Time Frame
No appointments. No PTO needed. No waiting around. Once you receive your system, set it up whenever you want – in just minutes.
- You’re Aware of Your Home’s Security Vulnerabilities
If you are confident you can identify potential weaknesses and fortify them on your own, a DIY system makes sense for you. If not? Simply give us a call before making the purchase. An EMC Security representative will walk you through your home and customize the right system for you. Want to do everything online? Use our “Build Your System” tool to customize and purchase the perfect system for you home in seconds.
- You Want to Move Your System
Are you a renter? Do you move frequently? If you’re sure you want a security system but not sure you want to stay put, DIY home security systems are as easy to remove as they are to install. Since you put everything up with double-sided industrial tape, you can easily remove the equipment and take it with you. Another bonus – EMC Security can monitor you system anywhere in the US!
- You Plan to Add to Your System Over Time
With DIY installation, it’s easy to add equipment as you purchase it. Instead of having a pro come install every new sensor or camera you add to your home security system, you can take a few minutes to do it yourself. Consider adding security cameras and smart-home devices like lights and locks that work through the security app on your mobile device.
Can I Switch to EMC Security?
More homes than ever before have pre-installed security systems, or the home is pre-wired and ready for security equipment to be installed.
This begs the question that is often confusing to consumers, “Do I have to use the company that installed the equipment to monitor it?”
No, you don’t.
We’ve spoken with many customers that have switched to EMC Security from another provider. Some of them thought they were stuck with that company because they had their equipment in their home.
But EMC Security can monitor most existing home security systems. This is good news if you’re happy with the existing security system in your home but dissatisfied with your current monitoring service, or especially if you’re moving into a home with a pre-installed system.
What is Monitoring?
When your alarm is activated (by a sensor striking on a door or window), an alarm is sent to the central monitoring station for immediate action. This includes contacting you at pre-determined phone numbers (EMC Security’s alarm response is less than 14 seconds on average) and relaying your address and the type of emergency to police, fire, or medical authorities.
Some systems are only supported by the company that installed them. These systems are called proprietary systems. A well-known example of this type of system is Simplisafe. Their systems are affordable but if you aren’t happy with the service, you will need to throw it in the trash. No other company can monitor their equipment. EMC Security only offers non-proprietary systems. We don’t want our customers to feel stuck with us – that’s why we don’t require a contract either, by the way.
If you’re moving into a home with an existing security system, the control panel should give you a make and model number to assist with your research. This information is all EMC Security needs to determine if we can monitor your system.
Switching to EMC Security is simple and affordable.
Schedule your activation on our website now.
What if your security alarm goes off?
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
The Future is Here: Your Guide to the Smart Home Ecosystem
In the Beginning
Back in the 1980s the most advanced technology in smart home devices was a gadget called The Clapper, which allowed homeowners to turn their lights on and off by simply clapping their hands twice. Clap. Clap.
Fast-forward to more than thirty years later and the advancements in smart home technology are obvious and easy to see..
In many cases, these advancements have made simple tasks such as staying in touch with our friends and family much simpler but perhaps the best examples can be found among the many ways modern advances have helped us live safer, smarter, and more efficient lives at home. In fact, research shows that more than 9 out of every 10 homes in the United States own a smart home device. Smart home technology transforms your home into a comprehensive system that all works together to make your home a more secure, convenient place to live.
Benefits of a Smart Home Security
Convenience
It goes without saying that every home is different… Some homes are big with many rooms, windows, doors and large gardens. Some homes are small, some have many floors and some just have one. That’s what makes our homes great. With EMC Security, you can customize your smart home security system to focus on all the features you find important to meet your needs.
For example, let’s say you want to design a home security system that extends itself beyond intrusion detection. You can personalize your security system by adding features like a smart doorbell, outdoor security cameras, and smart thermostats.
Just because buying a home is a major investment, it doesn’t mean updating your home with smart devices has to be costly or unaffordable. EMC smart home technology delivers hundreds of features that help make our lives more convenient while transforming your home into everything you want it to be.
Always in the Know
Many people rarely ever think about the dangers associated with a normal doorbell until they find a viable alternative. Traditional doorbells come with some serious weaknesses. For instance, the home’s front door happens to be the most popular when entering or leaving the house.
As such, it is common for homeowners to forget to lock the door properly. Also, whenever someone rings your doorbell, you have to physically go to the door to see who is outside. This inherently increases your exposure to potential risks in the event that you open the door to an unfamiliar and dangerous person. Video doorbells help you eradicate these risks.
Today’s doorbell incorporates two-way audio, HD camera, and a Wi-Fi connection. These are features that can easily be accessed from your smartphone, thereby helping you to enhance convenience and safety.
Security
Smart devices can improve access and security around the home, such as through motion sensors, smart locks, doorbells and smart windows and doors. However, there have been issues of smart homes being compromised through security breaches so always be mindful of how your personal data is used.
LOCKS. Be confident your home is secure with smart lock control at your fingertips.
LIGHTS. Control lights remotely or program them to turn on and off on a schedule or when you arrive home.
THERMOSTATS. Home or away – monitor the temperature of your home with thermostat control.
VIDEO. Keep an eye on the most important people in your life. From kids to packages to four-legged family members—be in-the-know at all times.
Is a smart home worth it?
If you avoid gimmicks and choose smart devices that individually, practically make your life easier, with an eye on the bigger picture of how they all fit into a smart home ecosystem, we think a smart home can be well worth it.