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Category: Smart-Home
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Control Your Security With Google Home and Alexa
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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What is “Smart Security”?
Modern, Wireless, Smart Security
When it comes to smart things and security, your experience should be the same. Reliable, flexible and intuitive. A security system app puts you at the center of an ecosystem of smart devices, sensors, video, and advanced automation. Providing you with an unparalleled experience of control, convenience and security.
Smart Integration with Hey Google and Alexa
Safe, simple, and hands-free arming and disarming your system in your house.
Complete Smart Access On the Go
YOU SET THE RULES. Set the rules for real-time notifications. Know instantly when doors and windows are opened or when motion is detected.
REMOTELY ARM/DISARM. Access and manage youralarm system from your mobile phone or tablet.
SIMPLE USER MANAGEMENT. Add new users and change permission levels within seconds. Create temporary accounts for anyone you choose.
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. Control your home, business or cabin from one, easy-to-use app.
Smart Control at Your Fingertips
SCENES AND AUTOMATION. Program your lights, locks and other devices to turn on or off based on triggers such as you arriving home or the sunrise and sunset.
Smart Home Support
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.
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How to Protect Your Privacy While Using a Home Security App
One of the most convenient features of modern security systems is the mobile app. Since the app has the ability to arm and disarm your system, view camera video, and control other home functions, it’s important to keep it secure with protection from hackers.
Below are ways to protect your privacy while using a home security app:
- Connect to a trusted Wi-Fi network to keep your home security system information and events private from the public. If you’re not connected to a secure network, there’s a high risk of a stranger using public Wi-Fi to get your private home security information.
- Most security apps allow you to share access with other family members. Consider limiting app access only to those who need it.
- Change your password frequently. If your app allows, use two-factor authentication to log-in two ways to access your account. The extra layer of security helps prevent hackers from accessing your account with only a password and email.
- Keep your mobile app up to date. Anytime your app has an update available make sure to download the latest as soon as possible. App updates often include bug fixes, security and privacy improvements.
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Why is a Home Security Mobile App So Convenient?
Studies show that CONVENIENCE is what people most desire when choosing consumer goods for the home.
Fortunately, EMC Security has got that covered. With the EMC Security mobile app, you’ll be able to control your home security system and equipment from anywhere you are – across town or across the country.
What even better is that if you have a system in your home, chances are, EMC Security can use the equipment already installed and integrate the mobile app.
So, you don’t have to spend extra for an entire new system to have the same conveniences offered.
With a home security app, you’ll have the ability to:
Check your security system status. Is it armed, disarmed, etc.
Arm/disarm your system. Have you ever forgotten if you remembered to set the alarm? No worries, we’ve got your covered.
Receive alerts if the status changes or if a sensor is triggered. You’ll know immediately when someone enters or leaves the house, lets out the dog, and more.
Add users. Set up profiles for other family members or guests with their dedicated passcode.
Integrate your compatible video doorbell. Receive a notification of motion or doorbell ring, click into the app, see and speak with the person, store video clips, and more.
Integrate compatible cameras. See live activity, get video clips, notifications, store video, and more
Connect and control compatible smart devices such as locks, lights and thermostats. This is particularly necessary if you have a pet sitter or someone entering your home while on vacation or out of town. Do you have a family member that keeps lower the air conditioner temperature? This convenient function lets you combat that from anywhere you are.
Automate your routines. For even greater convenience, you can create scenes that will control your security system and smart-home devices automatically. Set a schedule so that when you disable the home security system, your door automatically unlocks and lights come on. Or when the system is enabled, the smart thermostat will lower the home’s temperature and turn off lights in case you forget.
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3 Ways to Use smart Home Technology for Pets
For many Americans, pets are not simply viewed as animals but rather family members instead. Our cuddly friends deserve all a world of love, and technology makes caring for them easier and better than ever. In the same ways that smart home technology improves our lives, it can also improve the day-to-day life of our four-legged friends. Although smart home technology was invented to make life more convenient for humans — there are some practical benefits for your precious little wonders that can help you keep an eye on your pet when you’re away, and provide them a safe, fun, and clean environment.
Here are the 3 best ways to use EMC Security’s smart home technology to make life sweeter for pets:
1) Use the EMC Security smart camera to keep an eye on them while you’re away from home. Make use of the camera’s two-way voice communication to make them feel like you’re there with them.
2) Monitor, automate or adjust the room temperature to keep them comfortable year-round.
3) Sure — cats and dogs can see well in darkness but that doesn’t necessarily mean they like it. Use motion sensors to trigger lights in their eating areas at night, and schedule lights to come on after dark on nights when you’ll be home late.
Our pets would do anything for us, so it’s our job to care for them the best we can. EMC Security’s high-tech, pet-friendly home devices can help keep your best buddy happy, relieve boredom, and make your life just a little bit easier.
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Security System Upgrade – When and Why is it Important?
Most homeowners experience excitement when installing their first home security system but as time goes on, they tend to overlook the evolution of truth – a security system is not a once-in-a-lifetime investment. 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.
Older security systems are tethered to cameras that rely on outdated technology. For example, the quality and resolution of footage captured by these devices may appear grainy and lack details, especially after zooming in, thereby making it impossible to identify thieves.
Over time, other faults such as malfunctioning motion detectors that trigger false alarms due to errors, become apparent too.
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.
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.
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How to Prevent Being Locked Out
Have you ever been locked out of the house?
It’s not easy to do anymore since we have so many electronics to help, but sometimes it can’t be helped and it’s more than frustrating.
Below are some tips that might help prevent a lock out down the road:
Go Keyless. Install smart-locks so you don’t need a key to get in. These handy devices are controlled with a smartphone. You can easily provide guests with their own custom code and/or unlock the door from anywhere at any time. Better still, integrate a smart-lock with your security system and control everything with one app.
Give a Spare Away. Prevent the problem by giving a spare key to a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor. Someone with flexible availability is ideal for quickly fixing the problem in the future.
Hide a key outside. Hide-a-Keys and outdoor key holders come in many shapes and forms. They’re often disguised as rocks or yard decorations. These products are great for hiding a spare key to a house, safe, or drawers.
So what if you get locked out? Below are a few things to do:
Look for unlocked windows or doors. Check all the entrances to your home including windows. While it’s not a good idea to leave anything unlocked, you might get lucky (just this once).
Call for help. Call you spouse, roommate, anyone that might be able to get you in. If you live in an apartment complex, stop by the manager’s office to ask for access. It’ll probably cost you a fee but you might get inside quickly.
Call a locksmith. This will cost about $100 or so, but they are often available 24/7 to help.
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Living With Roommates – Safely
Today, more people are living in shared housing arrangements than ever before.
Nearly 79 million adults live in a shared household—that’s almost 32% of all adults in America.
Whether you’re living with roommates for fun or necessity, you have specific security needs when you share your home with others. You may want to protect your room, limit access to certain cupboards or drawers, or add the extra protection of a home security system.
Below are tips to navigate the roommate situation safely:
Before You Move In – Before You Sign the Lease.
1. Conduct a Background Check
If you’re taking applications for a new roommate, make background checks part of the process. And you don’t have to sweat the cost if you include it as part of an application fee.
On the flip side, if you’re looking at moving into someone’s home, you should know that you’re not moving in with a closeted serial killer. Ask the person advertising for a roommate if they’ll let you run a background check on them.
2. Get Some References
In addition to or if you can’t get a background check, checking references are a good idea. references help you know that you can trust the people you’re going to share a home with.
If you’re the one renting out a room, ask for references from previous landlords, roommates, or even their employer. You want to know that this person is reliable, respectful, and is going to make rent payments on time.
If you’re looking to move into a roommate situation, ask for references from the people already living in the home.
Living With Roommates
1. Set boundaries. Meet with your roommates and agree on ground rules for respecting personal property and space. Agree on communal areas and how to treat private spaces.
2. Put a lock on your door. Because you’re renting, you want a lock that you can install easily, without causing damage.
3. Use a personal safe. If you’re worried about adding a lock to your door, a safe is a good alternative to protect jewelry, electronics, and other valuables.
4. Get renters insurance. This may already be a requirement of your lease, but if it’s not, you should get it anyway. Renters insurance can help cover the cost of replacing lost valuables, whether it’s a roommate or a stranger that swipes something.
Tips for Securing Your Home When You Live with Roommates
1. Upgrade your door locks. Smart locks are perfect for renters because it fits over your existing deadbolt. It’s easy to install, and it has an app that every roommate can access.
2. When roommates move out, retrieve all keys, security codes, and other access information before they move out. If you use electronic locks or shared security apps, go in and change all the codes, usernames, and passwords.
3. Set-up a home security system. EMC Security offers a simple, unobtrusive home security that you can install on your own to make your house or apartment more secure.
4. For maximum protection, add security cameras both inside and out. You’ll be notified on your mobile phone if something is detected. EMC Security has options that are affordable and easy to install.
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Protecting Your Family with Safety Locks
As a parent, one of your biggest worries is how to keep your children safe at home. Making sure that windows and doors are fully secure so that children can’t just walk straight out of the house when unattended is an important aspect of childproofing any home. As such, purchasing and installing safety locks is a great way to increase the level of protection offered within the home. Here are a few benefits of child proofing your home.
Benefits of Safety Restrictors
Fall Prevention – The main benefit of a safety restrictor is that it prevents a child from opening a window wide enough to be able to fall out of it.
Provides Air to a House – Much like a chain, a safety restrictor allows you to leave a door or window ajar. It allows you to create a draft of fresh air without opening all the windows and the access that provides to intruders.
Easy to Use – For security purposes the easy to use cable lock comes with cut key locking. All you have to do is insert the key and twist to lock or press the button after key insertion to unlock.
Help protect your family by installing in safety and prevention locks around your home or contact an EMC Security expert for additional advice.
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Security Benefits of Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lights make for an easy crime deterrent throughout the night.
While motion-sensing lights are by far the best option, simply leaving a porch light on along with the back door or side door lights work very well.
Automatic lights can detect any certain movement in its range, which is a cost-effective way to add security and convenience to your home. Here are a few ways motion-sensor lights can benefit your home:
Light outdoor walkways
Something as simple as taking out the trash can turn into a dangerous expedition without enough light at night. It’s easy to get your foot tangled in a garden hose or to miss a step from your porch. However, these problems are eliminated when you have extra light to help you see where you’re going.
Motion-sensor lights will come on and give you a clear path around your home to take the dog out, run to the garage or to get something from your car in the driveway. There’s no need to shuffle around your porch and outdoor walkway at night when motion-light sensors will simply turn on the second they know you’re outside.
Brighten dark driveways
Another benefit of having motion detected outdoor lighting is always come home to a well-lit house. Arriving home in darkness makes it hard to find your way without fumbling your way inside. Motion-sensor lights can turn on the second your car gets in the driveway, so you have a safe and hassle-free walk from your vehicle to your front door.
Additionally, having exterior lighting can also help you see packages left on your doorstep or mail inside of your mailbox.
Save money and energy
With motion-sensor LED security lights, you immediately save money with LED light bulbs, which last much longer than standard bulbs. LED lights are also extremely efficient, which means you will use less energy by keeping lights on only for a short period of time, instead of leaving them on all night. Using motion sensor lighting can save you up to 60 percent on your energy costs.
Keep home intruders at bay
Excess lighting surrounding your home could help you keep burglars away from your home at night. With motion-tracking LED security spotlights, light sensors work with a 240-degree field of view, which will track anything moving in a much larger area.
Lights have always been one of the best ways to prevent burglaries. According to historical stats, most burglaries occur when thieves believe homeowners not at home. Motion-sensor lights help give the illusion that someone is home and might have spotted criminals in the act. This could keep would-be burglars from perusing around your home at night as well.
Deter unwanted & potentially dangerous animals
A lot of residents in rural areas see their fair share of nighttime critters plunging around their property at night. Raccoons, deer, opossum, foxes and even bears can all get into your property if you don’t take right precautionary measures. As such, using motion-sensor lights will trigger when the animal gets close to your home in search of food or shelter, which could keep animals away from your home at night.
