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Category: General
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Is DIY Security Right For You?
With the introduction of advanced technology, there are many home security options available.
Most of them fall into two categories: professionally installed, and
self installed /DIY systems.Below we will provide the benefits of each to ensure you get the system right for you.
Professionally Installed Systems
When you purchase a professionally installed security system, like one from Atlanta’s own EMC Security, a security expert assesses your home and lifestyle to determine the security solution that is right for your needs. Once the system is customized for your home, a professional security technician will install and test the system. This includes installing the panel, keypad, sensors, and integrating remotes services on your mobile devices. A wireless system takes 2-4 hours to install and test every sensor to ensure it’s working properly.
Some homeowners decide to install a pre-wired system. Pre-wired security systems have wires connecting each device to the control panel (or hub of the system) and operate on electricity in the home. Installation could take a full day, depending on the size of the home and type of system.
There are some companies that make outrageous offers for free security systems with professional monitoring. If you choose to evaluate these companies for your home security, pay attention to the fine print and contract terms. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A reputable security company will charge a fair price for equipment, offer payment terms, and keep monthly monitoring costs affordable.
Is a Professionally Installed Security System right for you? Find out here.
Self-Install/DIY Systems
A home security system you install yourself, like EMC Security’s Self-Install System, can be a more affordable, convenient option for many people looking to secure their homes. With this type of system, you can install it when it’s most convenient for you – without taking off work or scheduling appointments. It’s also typically more cost effective since you are not paying for installation.
It’s important to note that not all DIY security systems are the same. EMC Security cautions against systems from the “big box” stores. We believe no one should trust their home and family’s safety to anyone other than a professional security company.
Here’s why:
1. You are on your own when purchasing a system at a retail store. If you don’t know what you need for complete protection, how are you going to “build” your DIY system? EMC Security’s consultants work with you to determine exactly what you need according to your home specifications and safety concerns.
2. Some are Poor “cheap” equipment. One of the number one consumer complaints about DIY security systems on the market is
the cheap , unreliable equipment.3. Lack of technological support. If you have an issue with the installation, who can you call? What if something goes wrong with one of the sensors or the keypad? Does the company have service reps that can swing by your house to assist you? Even though our DIY system is fast and easy to install, EMC Security has local,
award winning service representatives available with just a simple phone call.5. Who is testing the system? EMC Security runs alarm signal tests on every customer every month. If we don’t get a signal, the customer is notified and a service technician is sent out if necessary. A DIY system purchased from a retail store will most likely not provide any customer support after the purchase.
Customize Your System and Get a Quote Now >
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Beware of Proprietary Security Systems
Would you be happy purchasing security equipment from a company and being stuck using their service exclusively, even if the service is poor or the price keeps increasing?
It could happen, especially if you purchase ADT, Xfinity (Comcast), or Simplisafe security equipment. Simplisafe and Xfinity even claim a benefit of not requiring a monthly contract. But the fact is, if you aren’t happy with their service, you’ll need to throw the equipment in the trash – because no other company can take it over and monitor it. Their technology is proprietary.
These companies make their proprietary equipment quite attractive with huge sales or “free” equipment.
But that comes at a cost:
- A lengthy contract that rolls the equipment cost into the monthly payment
- No way out because no other company can take it over
Let me ask the obvious question:
If the company locks you into a monthly contract or locks other companies out of monitoring the equipment, what incentive do they have to offer you good service once the sale is complete?
The answer is simple – They have no incentive.
For these reasons, EMC Security gives proprietary equipment a thumbs down. We want our customers to CHOOSE to do business with us. That’s why we give them the freedom to cancel at anytime for any reason – with no penalty. The equipment is non-proprietary so many companies can monitor it.
Click here to schedule a quick, easy takeover today.
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I’ve Been Robbed. What Do 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 a monitored security system and/or 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.
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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
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Does Your Contract Auto-Renew?
Have you ever sign up for a subscription or on-going service 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Upgrading to 5G Technology
What’s this 5G all about? And what does it mean for me?
The 5G upgrade is applicable for customers that utilize a cellular connection from their security system to EMC Security. Other systems (land phone line and wifi/internet) are not affected.
What is 5G? The G in 5G stands for “Generation.” 5G is the fifth generation of wireless network cellular technology, replacing the current 3G networks. It is reputed to be ultra-fast (for example, you will be able to you download a full-length movie to your mobile device in seconds) and more reliable.
What is LTE? Short for “Long Term Evolution”, LTE is a standard of wireless data transmission that includes 4G and 5G technology.
What’s happening? The cellular companies are sunsetting the older 2G and 3G networks, and moving to a faster, more reliable 5G network. Plans are to have this accomplished by the end of 2022.
How does this affect my alarm system? If your system communicates with EMC Security through cellular connection, in order to be compatible with the new 5G network, the cellular radio device in your security system will need to be replaced with the latest technology.
As an EMC Security residential customer, this required upgrade is completely FREE. Your security protection will continue with the latest technology with no cost and no hassle.
How will I receive the upgrade from EMC Security? Over the next several months, you will receive a phone call from an EMC Security representative explaining the process and setting up an in-home appointment with a technician. We’ve been installing 5G LTE radios for over a year so not all customers are affected.
At this time, if you are not using the EMC Security mobile app, it’s a great time to discover the benefits of staying connected to your home remotely.
It might also be a good time to upgrade some older equipment, such as your keypads. You can swap your keypad for a new color touchscreen that integrates all your smart-devices and cameras, as low as $99 each.
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6 DIY Projects To Do During COVID
With many states, counties, and cities still in semi-lock down, people are spending much more time at home. Rather than binge-watching your favorite TV series, again and again, we’ve come up with some amazing DIY projects to keep you occupied during COVID.
- Add a Splash of Color to Your Walls
This can be as simple as retouching an existing paint job or as complex as painting every wall. Consider how each room makes you feel and what colors evoke positive and happy emotions when you see them.
- Rearrange Your Home
Whether you are into altering the vibes or just want to refresh your bookshelves rearranging your things can be a great project. It allows you to re-evaluate what you have and reconsider how you’d like to have them displayed.
- Eliminate the Dust
This may be a daunting task but the time has come to clean the random things we forget about. This would include, blinds, vents, fans, the oven! Deep cleaning can be done in segments so don’t feel overwhelmed thinking about the last time you got to it.
- Organizing
Now that you know where things are, it’s time to organize inside your cabinets and closets. Take time to purge your home of some of the things you’ve been collecting subconsciously.
- Go Through Your Storage
Practically every household has a junk draw or in some cases, a junk room full of random things. Now is the perfect time to go through what you have been storing and decide if those things still need to be in your life.
- Wash Everything
Wash all your linens, curtains, towels, cars, dishes. Take time to just make sure everything in your home is freshly laundered or clean. It can be a project you take on day by day. Now you won’t have to question when the last time something was washed.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, we hope you continue to stay safe during these uncertain times. We hope that you enjoyed our list of DIY projects to do during COVID.
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Professional vs Self Alarm Monitoring
One of the most important decisions when buying a home security system is whether to pay a monthly fee for professional monitoring or save money and self-monitor your system.
Although self-monitoring is a cheaper option, there are reasons to consider a professionally monitored system from EMC Security:
1. The EMC Security central monitoring service is watching around the clock, every hour, every minute, every second your alarm is armed, to ensure authorities are notified as quickly as possible. Average response is 14 seconds!
2. Two words – Fire Protection. Did you know that EMC Security monitors customers homes for smoke and heat at no additional monthly cost? Simply add an EMC Security smoke detector and integrate with your security system and if there’s a fire, you’ll be notified whether at home or away.
At home or away, awake or asleep, EMC Security’s got your back. Call today to set up professional monitoring at your home today.
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Stop Thief! Stop Burglary at Your Home #2
A break-in can be extremely scary and intrusive.
If you’ve ever talked to someone that’s experienced a break-in they will tell you they almost feel….violated. And afraid. I talk from first-hand experience.
My goal is to help you to prevent this from happening at your house. So we’ve compiled a list of lesser-known tips to prevent break-ins before they happen.
list #2:
1. If at all possible, keep your car in the garage.
Don’t leave your car in the driveway with the garage door opener inside. Cars are easy to break into. You put your home security at risk by leaving a key to your home in the vehicle.
2. Keep blinds shut
Lights on, dark outside? Keep your blinds shut. You’d be surprised by how many burglars (and, let’s face it, creeps) take advantage of that time of night when they can see straight into your home.
3. Trick intruders with noise
Trick intruders with noise. Burglars generally look for empty houses. If a burglar hears a sound in your home, there’s a good chance they’ll hightail it. There are inexpensive products on Amazon that mimic the lights of a television. You could even play clips of people talking with a smart speaker like Echo or Sonos.
4. Install a safety door
Install a safety door. Screen doors, like glass doors, are what they sound like. They can be cut or punctured for easy entry. Every screen door needs a safety door to go with it. That puts an extra layer between an intruder and the screen.
5. Avoid leaving ladders outside
A ladder in a yard is a thief’s best opportunity to climb up and reach your windows. You should always be careful about not forgetting any ladder outside!
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Is It Time to Upgrade Your Security System?
Most homeowners experience excitement when installing their first home security system but as time goes on, they tend to overlook the evolution of truth – in order for home security to be and remain efficient, they need to be upgraded every so often.Nevertheless, some 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 unity 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.