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Important Questions to Ask a Home Security Provider
When you’re shopping for a home security system, there’s a lot to consider.
You want to make sure that the company you choose is reputable and has good customer service. You also want to make sure that your equipment will work well with your home, and that you won’t get locked into a contract.
In this article, we’ll go over some questions you should ask when shopping around for home security providers:
Do you offer the latest technology?
A good home security provider will offer the latest technology. The best way to ensure this is by asking your provider questions about their systems and how they keep up with changing technologies. You might ask:
- What are the most recent technologies your company offers?
- How do these new technologies benefit me as a consumer?
- Will my current devices be compatible with the latest products from your company?
Are you a local company?
You may think that this is a silly question, but it’s important for many reasons.
Local companies tend to be more responsive to customer service – if you have an issue with your system and need technical support, they can get to you faster.
A local company will know the local laws and regulations better than someone who has only been in business in their area for a few years. This might not seem important now, but when you are building or remodeling your home, there are some things that could affect the security of your property—such as zoning laws regarding fences or hedges—and if you want everything to be done legally and safely then it pays to hire someone who knows what they’re doing!
A local company will know the local ordinance requirements and changes. In Georgia, many counties and municipalities are hiring companies to administer the false alarm programs. This requires secondary registration – and fines if not in compliance.
What kind of monitoring services do you offer?
The best way to know whether your home security provider can provide the level of monitoring you need is to ask them. Here are some questions to help you get started:
What kind of monitoring services do you offer? In general, there are four different types of monitored services: 24/7 live monitoring (and dispatch) for burglary, 24/7 live monitoring (and dispatch) for fire and carbon monoxide detection, and self-monitoring (you are notified via technology and responsible for contacting emergency services, video monitoring and video self-monitoring (the majority of cameras are self monitored).
How much does it cost?
This varies widely depending on the technology in the home, and whether you are locked into a contract. EMC Security does not have long-term contracts so you are not required to pay off the contract term if you move or circumstances change. Learn more >>
Some provide equipment with no upfront cost, increasing the monthly service cost. These contracts tend to cost more because the cost typically never reduces once the free technology is paid for.
Typical questions that complicate things when you sign a contract are:
- Are my monitoring and equipment fees locked in, or can they increase during my contract term?
- What equipment fees are locked in, and what can increase?
- Will the monitoring fee change?
- What happens to my contract if I cancel it early? Are there early termination fees?
- How long is my contract? When does it end?
Can I control my security system through an online or mobile app?
A mobile app is the best way to control your security system from anywhere. With the mobile app, you can arm and disarm, check status of sensors, check history of alerts and monitor your home from anywhere.
What about customer service?
Can I talk to someone at your company if I have questions or issues with my system?
Will there be a local security technician that can come to my house in an emergency?
Purchasing the system is just the first step. The rest is up to you. Your system should be user-friendly – easy enough to use every day and incorporate into your life. If you have technical issues, EMC Security has a large group of technicians ready to service your system in your home. We also have phone technicians to trouble-shoot over the phone and remotely.
EMC Security recommends researching a company before committing to service. Check Google reviews – does the company have a history of poor customer service after the sale? Ask your neighbors for a recommendation and more.
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Practical Safety Tips In and Around the City
Metro Atlanta is a beautiful place to live. Living in the city Atlanta, you have access to everything you need, and it’s easy to get around. However, there are some dangers that come with living in such a busy place.
You need to know how to stay safe if you want to avoid getting hurt or robbed while walking through town or driving through your city neighborhood.
Look around as you are getting out of your vehicle.
As you are getting out of your vehicle, make sure to always look around. Look for anyone who may be lingering behind your car or in a nearby alleyway.
Also, if you notice any people staring at you and/or following you around while walking through the city, be careful! This could be a stalker or someone who wants to hurt both of us!
Look around when you get to the store door
Look around the entrance.
If you’re by yourself, pay close attention to who’s around you before entering the store. If it seems like anyone is hanging out near the entrance, call the police and stay put until they arrive. If it looks like someone might be following or watching you, go inside and ask for help from a staff member or other patron.
Look for anyone hanging out around the entrance
As you make your way to the mall, keep a lookout for people who might be loitering around the entrance. Are they waiting for someone? Or are they just hanging out there? If you think they look suspicious, it’s best not to engage them in conversation. Instead, find another entrance or walk around the building until you see something that looks more inviting.
Call the police if anything suspicious is happening
If you see something suspicious, call 911. Don’t try to be a hero and confront a criminal on your own. Chasing after criminals isn’t worth the risk of getting hurt or killed.
Always walk in a group
One of the best ways to be safe in and around the city is to try and walk in a group. Sure, safety in numbers isn’t just about the number of people you have with you—it’s also about how many exits are available if something goes wrong. But even if it’s just you out walking solo, there are lots of ways to make yourself feel safer.
For example, some people like wearing reflective vests when they walk at night so that cars can see them better. Others rely on whistles or loud talking as a way to alert bystanders if they get into trouble. You might also carry pepper spray or other deterrents that could give would-be attackers pause before trying anything too bold!
Don’t use your phone when walking alone
Most people are aware of the dangers of using your phone while driving, but what about when you’re walking alone in a dark street? Even though it seems like no big deal, walking and texting is just as dangerous.
In fact, since most people don’t realize how easily they can get distracted by their phones, they might even be more prone to accidents or attacks than drivers who have been engrossed with their devices.
Don’t do it! The best way to use your phone in public is to always keep it in your pocket (or purse). That way, if someone approaches you on foot or in their vehicle and tries asking for directions or for help with something else that seems suspicious—don’t answer them! Instead, keep walking toward an area where there are other people and call 911 immediately if necessary.
Be aware of what is happening around you at all times
It is important to be aware of what is happening around you at all times. This will help to keep you safe.
When getting out of your vehicle, make sure that you look around and check for any suspicious activity before unlocking your door.
Before entering a store, check for anyone that may be hanging around the entrance or lurking nearby.
If a stranger approaches while walking through an alleyway or parking lot, try to stay away from them and get back into public view as quickly as possible.
If you do find yourself in a dangerous situation, call 911 and get help.
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Dekalb County Convenience Store Video Surveillance Ordinance
The ongoing violence and crime DeKalb County is experiencing, particularly at gas and service stations, has prompted the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners to approve a Video Surveillance Ordinance which will require convenience stores and high-risk businesses to own and operate a video surveillance system.
DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson says, “The ordinance will be a valuable tool in deterring crime and serving justice to anyone who engages in criminal activity at a DeKalb gas or service station.”
The ordinance will officially go into effect June 30, 2023, at which time all existing convenience stores must be in compliance with all provisions of the ordinance.
A few key items in the legislation state that convenience stores and high-risk businesses must:
- Keep a video surveillance system in continuous operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including outside business hours.
- Meet the minimum standard of 4MP Wi-Fi network cameras that includes digital video recording with 24 frames per second and infrared night vision to ensure clarity.
- Mandatory placement of cameras at registers, points of entry and exit, gas pumps, loading docks, and parking areas.
- Mandatory inspection of new construction plans or a one-time initial inspection of video surveillance system to ensure compliance.
- After the initial inspection, the applicant must submit an annual affidavit with each application for the renewal of a business license that the video surveillance system is operational and in full compliance with the applicable requirements and standards within Ordinance.
- Place notice of presence of video surveillance system at the register and on premise to inform the public that the premises are actively monitored.
- A digital video recording must be made available to the Chief or any other peace officer for viewing no later than 72 hours after being requested.
- Mandatory storage of footage for 60 days.
- Footage must display proper date and time.
- VSS capture and lighting must extend no less than 75 feet of building periphery.
All convenience stores that have video surveillance systems installed prior to the effective date will be required to ensure their systems are in full compliance and must obtain an assessment approval from DeKalb County Code Enforcement. In addition, all convenience stores must be compliant with the provisions upon opening their doors or before the renewal of their business license.
Failure to adhere to the requirements of the ordinance, upon citation by a county employee and conviction of the violation in a court of competent jurisdiction, may result in a fine and/or imprisonment.
To implement the program throughout unincorporated DeKalb, six dedicated DeKalb County Code Enforcement personnel will be hired.
EMC Security is prepared to assist convenience stores with NVR systems that meet the requirements of the ordinance. Kits start as low as $1,395 with (4) four cameras.
EMC Security can make sure your store is in compliance. Call today for a cutomized affordable solution at 770-963-0305 or request a call today.
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What to do if crime rises in your neighborhood
If you’ve lived in your neighborhood for a while, it’s likely that crime rates have stayed consistent.
But if something has changed recently–perhaps there are more break-ins or robberies in your area–you should take steps to protect yourself and your property.
We’ve put together this list of tips from law enforcement agencies around the country to help make sure that happens:
Don’t leave valuables in your car.
- Make sure your car is locked and that you take all keys out of the ignition when it’s parked, even if you’re locking up for just a few minutes.
- If you have to leave something in the car, put it out of sight and lock your door immediately after getting back into the vehicle—or better yet, go inside with it!
- Never leave purses or wallets in the open or visible through windows or sunroofs; they’re an easy target for thieves.
- Keep anything valuable hidden away from view, such as GPS systems and phones that charge via USB cables–these can easily be taken by someone who knows how to use them (or simply steals them for parts).
Install a home security system
- One of the best things you can do is to install an EMC Security home security system that is monitored 24/7. If someone attempts to break into your home, EMC Security will notify the police for help. They will also inform them if any sensors were tripped so that officers know what they may be walking into when they arrive on scene.
- Security systems come with different types of sensors, but all of them have one thing in common: they detect motion and send alerts to the monitoring company if they sense something suspicious happening around your house or car. You should consider adding cameras so that video footage also gets recorded if an incident occurs while no one is present at home (or while someone is sleeping).
Eyes, ears, and lighting
- While you’re away, keep an eye on your home. A trusted neighbor or friend can check on it daily, or at least once a week. If you live in a gated community, ask your community association to play a role in keeping an eye on homes when the owners are not present.
- If you live in an ungated area, consider adding lighting around your property so that criminals know they’ll be seen if they come into your yard at night. You may want to install motion-activated lights and cameras outside your home so that anyone entering the property can be seen clearly by neighbors or passersby.
Lock the doors and windows to your house at all times.
- Never leave keys in the locks of your car, even if you’re just leaving it for a few minutes.
- If you have a garage, make sure it’s locked when not in use.
Use timers to make it look like someone’s always home
- You can use timers to make it look like someone is home when they’re not. Set lights to turn on and off at different times of the day, so it looks like there’s activity going on in your house. If you have a security camera, set it up to turn on and off every few minutes so neighbors think you’re always watching what’s happening outside.
- If you’ve got a TV or radio with a timer, use that too: set it to turn on at different times of the day so neighbors think someone is listening to music or watching TV while they’re at work during the day.
Install a security camera in your front yard or close to your doorbell
- You can easily install a security camera near your front door. Many of these cameras are small and inconspicuous. They connect to Wi-Fi and can be monitored from your phone or computer, so you’ll always know when someone is at your door.
Be vigilant.
- If you see something suspicious, it’s important to be aware of what’s happening around you and let neighbors know if they haven’t already called the police. While most neighborhood watch programs simply encourage members to call the police if they notice anything suspicious, some are more involved—they may even send emails about potential crime trends or tips on how to keep your home safe. If your program doesn’t have this level of involvement, consider starting one yourself!
You can take steps to help prevent crime from happening in your neighborhood.
- Get to know your neighbors. People who are well-known in their communities and have good relationships with their neighbors are often the first to hear about suspicious activity in their neighborhood.
- Report all suspicious activity immediately. If you see or hear something that makes you feel uncomfortable, report it to the authorities—and I promise, the police don’t bite!
- Keep valuables out of sight, secure them in a safe place (a strong box is ideal), and never leave them unattended outside even for a moment—if someone sees them lying around unsecured they’re more likely to try stealing them! And remember: if they can’t see it then they won’t bother trying anything with it either!
It’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your family. If you see something suspicious going on in your neighborhood, don’t be afraid to report it! You should also keep an eye out for things like burglaries or robberies happening around town.
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How to Determine if Your Neighborhood is Safe
When you’re moving to a new city, one of the first things you should do is get to know the area, specifically how safe certain areas are versus others.
Below are some ways to determine how safe your neighborhood is:
The FBI’s crime statistics are free, easy to access and reliable. The statistics are available for every neighborhood in the U.S., as well as for each state. To access the data, go to “Crime in the United States” on the FBI website and select your state from the drop-down menu. You can then click on “Part One: Violent Crime.” This will give you information about crimes committed within your state, including murder rates per 100,000 people (the higher this number is, the more dangerous your city or town is) and property crimes (such as burglary). Click here for home security system information).
Many websites provide crime statistics. Below is a chart of a few to try.
Real estate apps are a great way to get a feel for a neighborhood’s safety. They allow you to look at the crime rates, property taxes, and schools of neighborhoods in your area. This way, you can make an informed decision about where you want to live based on what is important to you. Want to learn about the safest cities in Georgia? Click here.
Property taxes are a reflection of the value of the property. If your neighborhood’s property values are low, it may be due to an overabundance of crime or lack of economic stimulation. Similarly, if there is a lot of crime in your area and no one wants to live there, then you should also consider whether or not it is safe for you as well. Property taxes are based on the value of the property so they can be used as an indicator as to whether or not a neighborhood is safe or not.
Evaluate your local police department or sheriff’s office. A great way to determine whether your neighborhood is safe is to take a good look at the police department or sheriff’s office. Is there a good response time? How often do they post information about crimes in your area on social media, and how quickly do they respond to public concerns via those platforms? Do they host community outreach programs, like “Coffee with a Cop” events where residents can meet members of law enforcement face-to-face and ask questions about how best to stay safe in their communities?
Consider whether or not there are any organizations in your community designed specifically around improving public safety or reducing crime rates—such as Neighborhood Watch groups—and join them if they seem like they might be right for your family.
Look around. Are their well-lit streets? How close are local parks, trails and schools? Chances are, if they are nearby, the area is on the safer-side. Check the “walk score”.
The best way to determine whether your neighborhood is safe is by talking to people who live and work in the area. Ask them about their experiences with crime and if they have seen any suspicious activity in the neighborhood. If you find out that crime is a problem, ask them what they think could be done to help make it safer.
For example: “Hey Tom! How’s everything going?”
“Oh not too bad,” he said. “I was just wondering if anyone else here has had any trouble lately.”
“No, I’m fine,” Tom said with a smile on his face but then he looked down at his feet and shook his head slightly before looking back up at me again and saying, “but I know some people who have had some problems.”
No matter where you end up, be diligent and research first so you don’t make a decision you’ll regret.
A great way to get peace of mind is with a monitored security system from EMC Security. Click here to get a quote today!
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What to know if you bought a home with a security system
If you bought a home with a security system, it may be possible to reprogramme it and save money by replacing outdated technology with modern equipment like motion sensors and add equipment that you can be monitored.
You might have already done this when moving into the property; however, if not then it’s worth doing so now. Reprogramming involves making sure that all of your sensors are working and linked up correctly on your network as well as making sure any new additions (such as additional motion detectors) are connected to the network too.
Update the system – modernize. A modern system is likely to have a variety of components that work together to protect your home. You’ll probably have motion sensors, which detect movement in specific areas; cameras, which can be used for surveillance or monitored by an operator; a smartphone app that allows you to arm and disarm the system remotely; and even video doorbells (sometimes called “door viewers”) that let you see who’s at the door from anywhere in the world on your phone or computer.
These components can be added to the existing equipment saving money from purchasing an entire new system.
In many cases, you will be able to use the entry and motion sensors from the original system. If they need replaced though, they are relatively inexpensive. You may also want to update your security system’s hardware to make it more efficient. For example, if the keypad is old and unable to handle newer features, consider replacing it with a new one that does have those capabilities.
Monitoring is the process of having a security company remotely monitor your alarm. If there is an intrusion, they will alert you and/or law enforcement. You can also control the system yourself from your phone, tablet or computer through the app that comes with the system. I highly recommend this option as it is convenient and inexpensive; however, if you do not have a cell phone or internet access but still want monitoring services they do offer landline options as well.
Contact EMC Security for information about affordably using the system components already installed in your home at 770-963-0305.
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How to reduce homeowners insurance premium
Homeowners insurance isn’t something you buy every day, and therefore it’s easy to forget about in the midst of other financial priorities.
But if you’re interested in reducing your homeowners insurance premium, here are some tips for getting started:
1. Improve your home security.
The best way to lower your homeowners insurance premium is to improve the security of your home, which can be done in several ways:
Install a security system. The most effective way to secure your home and reduce the risk of break-ins is by installing an alarm system that will notify you if someone enters or tries to enter your property without permission. A great deal of modern alarm systems are wireless, so they can be installed quickly and easily without needing an electrician or other professional help.
Fire alarms and smoke detectors. If you have a fire alarm and/or smoke detector in your home, make sure that it’s working properly and recharge the batteries every six months to two years. Also, be sure that everyone in the house knows how to use the system—and test it regularly!
Better still, install EMC Security monitored smoke detectors – montored 24/7. You might even see higher dicsounts on homeowneers insurance. To discuss your options, call 770-963-0305.
Fire extinguishers. You should also have a fire extinguisher—but don’t just pick one up at Home Depot (unless you want an industrial-sized tank). Instead, speak with an expert about what type of extinguisher is right for your needs: whether you want something easy to carry around or something more powerful; whether it’s necessary to buy two different types of extinguishers; how much maintenance they require on average (and know how often this will come up); etc.
2. Shop around.
The first thing you should do when shopping for homeowners insurance is to get quotes from multiple companies. Don’t assume that the first company you call will give you the best quote, and don’t assume that the insurer with the lowest quote is a good choice for your needs.
3. Bundle up your policies with the same insurer.
If you’re considering bundling your policies with the same insurer, you should know that insurance companies charge more for bundled policies than they do for single-policy coverage. However, this can still provide a great benefit to consumers who want to save money on their homeowners insurance premiums by bundling multiple insurance policies together.
Bundling can be an especially good option if you have other types of insurance (such as car or health) with the same company as well. By maintaining all your policies with one insurer, you may qualify for additional discounts and savings on other coverages.
Additionally, because both parties enjoy lower administrative costs when dealing with only one policyholder at a time, this could also help them offer lower rates overall – which will save you both money in the long run! If nothing else convinces you to bundle up your various types of coverage into one contract (or at least keep them all under one roof), then consider this last bit of advice: Often times it’s easier to bundle when there are multiple people listed on an application; therefore if everyone who lives within a household were listed under one account holder’s name instead of being spread out amongst different individuals’ names then chances are better that applicants’ credit scores would improve over time due to consistent usage history across different accounts.”
4. Increase your deductibles.
A deductible is the amount of money you’ll pay for an insurance claim before your insurance company pays anything. For example, if your car is damaged in a collision and needs $2,000 worth of repair work, with a $500 deductible then you would pay $500 before the insurance company covers any additional costs.
You can get discounts on premiums by increasing your deductibles to lower levels. If you decide to increase them beyond what’s normally recommended by insurers and state law, keep in mind that doing so will mean more out-of-pocket expenses should something happen to your home or car. But if this is something you’re willing to accept as part of lowering your homeowner’s insurance premium costs (and we wouldn’t blame you), then go right ahead!
If you’re looking for ways to save money on your homeowners insurance premium, there are a lot of options out there. We hope this article has helped you find some that are right for your situation and budget!
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How do most burglars break into a home?
Burglars are clever, opportunistic criminals who make a living off of breaking into homes and businesses.
They’re the reason you should lock your doors, turn off your lights when you leave your house and call the police if you see something suspicious happening. Burglars tend to target homes that have easy access points or no obvious signs of security.
Although there are many ways burglars can break into a home, here are some of the most common:
An open window or an unlocked door is enough for a burglar to break in.
The most common way to break into a home is through an open window or unlocked door. Burglars don’t want to work hard, so they’ll look for the easiest way in. Sliding glass doors are especially vulnerable to burglaries because they can be forced open from the outside by pushing on them with enough force. Alarm systems and cameras are effective deterrents, as is landscaping: hiding your house behind bushes and trees makes it difficult for burglars to access your property without being seen.
Burglars are lazy.
They want to get in and out of a home as quickly and easily as possible, without attracting attention or getting themselves into trouble. If they find a home that appears easy to break into and doesn’t look like it has anyone inside, they will usually take their chance on it.
If you make your house look occupied when you’re not there, the burglar might think he’s been spotted and move on to the next house where there’s no one around.
Most burglars break into your home through the front door.
This is because most people don’t lock their doors, and many homes have open windows. You can make it harder for burglars to get in by using security systems, having a dog that barks when someone is near the house, or leaving lights on at night.
Sliding glass doors can be easy to force open.
Sliding glass doors are a popular entry point for burglars because of the ease with which they can be forced open. Sliding glass doors are often secured with a simple latch, rather than a deadbolt or other lock that requires more effort to open. It is possible to secure your sliding glass door in such a way that it cannot be opened from the outside without some sort of key or code, but this option is not always available to homeowners.
Landscaping can make a home more vulnerable to burglary.
While you may love your landscaping, it can make your home more vulnerable to burglary. For example, a lush lawn makes it easy for a burglar to hide among the trees and shrubs. If your front door is visible from the street but there are no windows on that side of your house, burglars might choose to break into an entry point on another side where they won’t be seen while doing their dirty work (and they might not even have to break anything at all).
Also consider how easily a spatial layout allows burglars to escape if caught in the act: if there are large open areas between buildings or structures with several exits and entrances, it’s less likely someone will catch them when they’re trying to run away after breaking in or stealing something.
Dogs can be both an asset and a liability.
The primary benefit of dogs is that they have excellent senses of smell, hearing, and vision. The downside is that not all dogs are good guards. There are many breeds of dog that make great guard animals; German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls and Dobermans are just a few examples. If you have children or elderly people in your household who need protection from burglars or other threats outside your home (such as wild animals), then you will want to consider one of these breeds if possible.
Alarm systems and cameras are effective deterrents. They can be used to watch your home while you are away, while you are there, or to catch the burglar in the act.
Stats show homes without security systems are 3X as likely to be targeted for burglary. Exterior security cameras deter burglaries even more.
Don’t let criminals into your house! Keep all doors and windows locked, install an alarm system, set up cameras with sensors that detect motion, and get a dog if you can. The more precautions you take now, the less likely it will be for someone to break in later on down the line.
For more information about protecting your home with a security system, call 770-963-0305 or complete this form for a call back.
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Water damage is the most common insurance claim in the U.S.
Water damage is the most common insurance claim in the U.S. But it’s also one of the most expensive—and it’s getting worse every year.
Water damage claims are increasing because of two main reasons:
- The price of water damage repair has increased
- More people live in homes with more appliances that could cause a leak or flood
Water damage accounts for one out of every five claims to insurers, adding up to $13 billion per year.
If you’re like most people, at some point in your life you’ll experience a leaky pipe or a broken appliance that damages your home. It’s not just costly; it can mean months of inconvenience and stress while you wait for repairs. The good news is that with the right insurance coverage, you can make sure that any water damage claim is handled quickly and professionally.
Below are some facts about the cost of water-related claims:
- Water damage is the most common insurance claim (1/5). According to The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, more than half of homeowners who file claims with their insurer do so because they experienced mold-related issues after experiencing flooding or leaks due to burst pipes or other causes. This adds up to approximately $13 billion in losses annually for insurers!
- The most common insurance claim is water damage, and it affects 15% of homes. Water leaks go undetected for an average of 2,000 hours—that’s more than 75 days! Leaks can cause serious damage to your home and your belongings. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), a nonprofit organization that provides education about insurance topics to consumers, insurers paid out $19 billion in claims for water damage in 2017 alone.
- If a leak is small enough to be seen, it’s likely too small for you to fix. A quarter-inch pipe leak can waste 10,000 gallons of water a month. What is a quarter-inch pipe leak? It’s the size of one hair strand (about 1/64th inch in diameter). Why does this matter? If the pipe has been leaking for any time at all and not detected, it will have already done significant damage to your home’s foundation or structure. The cost of repairing this type of damage can be high because contractors are often required to excavate around the entire perimeter of your house in order to access pipes buried under concrete slabs and driveways.
- Water damage losses that are unrelated to floods cause over $2 billion in damage annually. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage is the most common insurance claim and accounts for one out of every five claims filed with insurers.
What causes water leaks?
There are a variety of causes for water leaks such as frozen pipes, high pressure, corrosion or broken seals. These can be very damaging to your home and could lead to costly repairs. As such it is important that you know the signs and symptoms of these leaks so that you can act fast when one appears in your home.
If you suspect that there may be a leak in your home then here are some things you should check first:
- Check for damp patches on floors or walls, particularly in basements and garages where pipes are often located close to the floor level
- Listen for sounds emanating from plumbing fixtures such as running taps or toilets flushing continuously
Average cost
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the cost for water damage repair is around $7,000 per claim. While an average cost of $7,000 may seem high, it will vary depending on the severity of your property’s damage and whether or not a fire was involved. For example, if your roof collapsed due to a heavy snowfall and caused water damage to all floors below it (including furniture), this would be categorized as “catastrophic” and could easily reach up to $100k+.
Insurance companies may offer coverage for some situations but not others. For example if your home has been flooded due to heavy rain then it may be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy depending upon how much you pay in annual premiums each year
What can I do?
When it comes to water leaks, prevention is always better than a cure. EMC Security offers a device called a Water Bug. This little guy is placed on the floor near an older toilet, water heater, and any where you want to make sure to detect a leak immediately. If the water bug detects moisture, it will notify your security panel and the keypad will send you a signal. You will also be notified on the mobile app if applicable.
You can also install a Smart Home Water Monitor. After installing the easy-to-use Water Monitor and the mobile app, you’ll be able to monitor your water consumption in real time. That means if the toilet is running, the faucet is dripping, or the water heater is leaking, you’ll know immediately, not when you get that hefty bill at the end of the month.
You will also be notified if there is any sudden increase in water flow, alerting you to any emergencies, and allows you to track your water use over the months and years.
- Get real-time consumption alerts
- No recurring fees or monitoring costs
- Easy installation – no tools or pipe cutting
- Single device monitors the entire home
- Track historical water usage
- Integrates with Amazon Alexa
Water leaks are a serious problem for homeowners, but this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take action if you suspect one in your home. If you have any questions about preventing water damage, please contact us today!
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Six Causes of Alarm System Trouble
If your home or business is protected by an alarm system, you want it to be working properly at all times.
Unfortunately, even the most well-designed systems can malfunction and cause issues. If this happens to you, don’t worry! There are steps you can take to identify what went wrong and fix any problems before they escalate into bigger issues.
In this post we’ll look at some of the most common reasons why an alarm system may fail to operate as intended and how to fix them so that you’re always safe from intruders!
Low Battery in Main Panel
You may see problems if the battery in your main panel are low. As with most electronics, if you leave the batteries in for too long without replacing them, they will stop working and cause issues when you try to use them.
You can check the condition of your system’s battery by checking the status light on your main panel. If this light is out or flashing red and blue, this indicates that there are problems with either power supply or communication between panels. Checking these things can help you determine whether they’re causing an issue with your security system. If so, it’s important to replace any old batteries quickly so that no more serious damage is done to either part of your security system!
EMC Security will receive a low battery signal from your system and will attempt to notify you through email, phone or text. Our service technicians will assist you over the phone or in person to replace the battery.
Power Loss
When you have a power loss, it can be caused by a number of different things. Your system might lose power because of:
- A power outage
- A dead battery in your main panel. If this happens, you’ll need to replace the battery and reset your alarm system.
Communication Trouble
If you have a telephone line connection to your alarm system, then trouble with that phone line can cause problems. There are a number of reasons why this might happen:
- A power surge or lightning strike on the telephone network could result in an alarm sounding when there is no actual break-in or intrusion.
- The phone company might be experiencing an outage, which could cause your alarm to sound even though there is nothing wrong with it.
- If someone cuts the line between your house and their house, or if they intentionally interrupt it by installing some kind of device, then they may be able to disable your alarms as well as any other devices connected via that line (such as phones).
Similar to telephone communication, a Wi-Fi signal can be interrupted during weather, lightning, and tampering.
The most reliable form of communication is via cellular connection. It is very rare for weather to affect cell towers and tampering is most impossible.
All EMC Security systems are tested for signals every 30 days. If your system fails to communicate with the EMC Security monitoring center, the system will most likely start beeping. When this happens, contact us immediately to trouble-shoot.
Low Batteries in Wireless Devices
If your wireless devices are experiencing a low battery, this could cause the alarm system to fail to communicate with the central station and/or fail to communicate with any of the other devices in your home. In addition, if you have wireless keypads installed on doors or windows and their batteries are low, then your system may not be able to detect whether or not those areas are secure.
Many systems send a signal to the keypad to alert customers of low batteries. EMC Security’s low priority monitoring center will also send an email, text and in some cases, call to notify the customer.
The most effective way to ensure your system is working effectively, is to perform regular maintenance checks and test all parts of your system. How to test your system >>