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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.
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6 Things to Add to Your Moving Checklist
Summer is quickly approaching and some of you will be moving into your new home in a matter of weeks.
We know moving can be stressful, especially if you’re buying or selling your home. So every effort you can make to prepare for moving day will be worth it.
Here are 6 things to check off your list before you pull up to your new place
1. Change Your Address
The United States Postal Service offers a simple online process for changing your mailing address. There’s no need to wait in long lines or fill out pages of forms. You simply register on their website and they handle the rest. While you’re updating your address, remember to reach out to your insurance company, banks, credit card company and doctor’s office to let them know of your new mailing address.
2. Records Transfer
If your move isn’t local, you may need to transfer your family’s records. Your children’s school records should be transferred, as well as any doctor’s records reflecting their vaccination history. If you’re changing veterinarians, you should also request to transfer your pet’s records to the new clinic. Asking for copies of records or an automatic transfer before you move will make it easier to adjust when you arrive in your new neighborhood.
3. Moving Appliances
No matter how far you’re going, moving appliances requires a great deal of planning. In the weeks leading up to your move, try to use up all of the frozen food and perishable items from your freezer and refrigerator. And defrost your freezer at least 24 hours before your move. Remember, most moving companies do not disconnect or connect your appliances, so have them serviced within a few days of your move so they’ll be ready to go. Check back later this week for 3 more tips on making your move a smooth transition.
4. Car Registration
In Georgia, you have a 30-day grace period in which to register your vehicle but you must have a Georgia state license & acceptable insurance to do so.
5. Transfer Your Utilities
Make sure to transfer all of your utilities such as your gas, electricity, water, garbage, sewer, telephone, internet, cable, and your home security alarm services. To set up or transfer home security services, simply call us at 770.963.0305.
6. Pack Essentials
Nothing kills the buzz of your new home than not having toilet paper. Pack essentials like paper products, snacks, your toothbrush and phone chargers in a clearly labeled box. Keeping these close will make the transition to your new place much smoother.
A safe home is a happy home. Set up your home security system and/or a few security cameras today!
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Safety Tips When Selling Your Home
Placing your home on the market shouldn’t result in increased risks to home security.
In fact, it’s in situations like this when you should amp up your protection even more. Why? Because when a real estate agent invites potential buyers into your home, their primary concern is selling your home, not with your valuables.
There have been many reports of homeowners being burglarized shortly after allowing prospective buyers inside. In these burglaries, small but expensive items such as jewelry and watches have been stolen.
If you are placing a house on the market now or in the future, EMC Security can help you protect your home in more ways than one. For instance, did you know that you can set your alarm keypad to grant access to certain people during specific times of the day? Want to monitor the activity inside your home from across town or while you’re at work? We’ve got you covered! Here are a few security tips to help you have a safer home selling experience:
1. Give Guest Code Authorization to Realtors
If you have an alarm system, avoid giving out your main security code (and if you don’t have a burglar alarm, get one!). Many modern systems allow you to program guest codes, some of which even make those codes usable only during certain times and on certain days. Requiring guests to use codes allow you to limit access to your home and can keep a log of when specific codes were used to enter your home. Assigning unique passwords to realtors also helps create an added sense of responsibility on the part of the realtor. Need help with this feature? Contact EMC Security at 770.963.0305 to check compatibility from one of our security experts.
2. Obligate Realtors to Re-arm Your System Before Leaving
In addition to ensuring certain that all doors are properly secured and locked, make it a requirement that realtors reactivate your system prior to leaving your home. It’s also a good idea to document your request with the broker by giving them written instructions pertaining to your request. Taking such strong precautions could mean the difference between your home being protected as opposed to being burglarized.
3. Use Indoor Home Surveillance Cameras
Whether hidden or placed in plain sight, surveillance cameras are a deterrent to theft and can be invaluable to protecting your property. In the worst-case scenario, they can provide evidence to police in the event of a crime. Some security cameras will even allow you to remotely monitor your home while away.
4. Check Your Windows
Even if you’ve instructed your realtor to check/lock your windows after each visit, it’s still recommended that you double check to ensure that all entry points to your home have been secured upon your return. Crafty burglars will sometimes unlock windows or doors with plans of returning later to execute their plan for theft. Also, a realtor may simply forget to secure one of these, so it is always a good idea to manually check yourself as soon as possible.
5. Remove or Secure Valuables
Don’t neglect to secure your valuables, such as money or jewelry when listing your home for sale. It’s not enough to simply place jewelry in a designated box or video games in a cabinet, as strangers will be allowed to roam throughout your home and may stumble upon these areas. If you don’t already own one, consider a wall safe or even removing them during open house visits.
Need a security system? Give EMC Security a call at 770.963.0305 or check out our website on how to customize the best home security system for your needs today.
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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.
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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.
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Are Your Cameras Secure?
Contrary to what some may think, EMC Security cameras are not a part of your monitored security system. The video is not accessible by EMC Security employees or anyone other than you and those you assign access with a password. Please keep your password in a safe location and change it frequently.
Below are ways to ensure your cameras are safe from hackers:
1. Purchase cameras from a company you trust. EMC Security offers camera technology that employs multiple security techniques at different layers of our network(s) and ecosystem to maintain the integrity of services, such as:
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- The devices do not have an external addressable/reachable interface from the Internet and are accessible only via a private network that is extended into and through a cellular carrier.
- All information between the communicators to and through the service platform is encrypted using either 128 or 256-bit encryption keys.
- Data traversing the cellular network is segregated (private) within the carrier traffic group and is routed via VPN connection to the network and service platform.
- The devices attach to a mesh network where traffic is decrypted, analyzed, and routed accordingly.
- We employ both industry standard and proprietary mechanisms (firewalls, proxies, port redirects, secure ports and sockets, etc.) to isolate traffic and/or data from public networks at the physical and logical network boundaries and demarcations.
- Additionally, EMC Security offers personalized service with professionally trained security consultants and technicians that coach and counsel customers through the sales and installation process. This will help them prevent hacking.
2. Change your password. In many cases, hacks are indeed a result of poor management on the part of the user. One of the biggest things you can do to prevent home security camera hacks is to educate yourself about malware, password security, and Wi-Fi network security. And change your password. Frequently.
3. Instead of giving your Wi-Fi password to friends and guests in your home, create a “guest” network. This way, no one but you will have access to your computers or personal data. Many Wi-Fi routers allow you to configure a guest access for this purpose.
4. Never use the same password across different accounts. Many of us are guilty of this because of the convenience. If your security camera password the same as your email, Facebook, or online banking password, you’re greatly increasing your risk of a security breach. For your security camera (and all of your accounts), use a password that’s different from the one you use for any other account. View more tips.
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- Use 12 characters minimum.
- Avoid any personal info in your password, like birthdays, kids’ names, anniversaries, etc.
- Your password should be completely random.
- Include upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
5. If available, always use two-factor or a biometric authentication to secure your account. When two of these factors are required for authentication, the security becomes much more entrenched, making it more difficult to hack. EMC Security’s cameras use biometric authentication for viewing video on the mobile app.
6. Consider using a secure password manager such as LastPass (offers free credit monitoring, two-factor authentication, a password generator, and a secure master password). These programs use a digital vault that lock up your passwords and other login credentials. The information is also stored on remote servers and encrypted on a local machine so there’s no way for a middle-man to compromise your credentials.
7. Double-check who has access to your cameras. Your video app has a location where you can check all users on your account. If you have questions, give us a call.
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Protecting Your Home During Summer Vacation
Summer-time is fast-approaching which usually means that millions of families are gearing up for their traditional summer vacation.
If you are among those who are planning to travel away from home for a summer vacation, here are a few tips to help guarantee that your home security remains in tip-top shape during your time away from home.
Ask A Friend or Neighbor to Perform Daily Checks of Your Home
One thing that you could do is to ask close friends and family to either house sit while you are away, routinely check for mail, water the plants and to make the house appear as active as possible during your time away.
Stage Your Home to Look Occupied
If you leave blinds open at the front of the house when you are living there, stick to that routine when you are away. It is a good trick to alternate between rooms in the front and the back in case any potential burglars are looking to see if anyone is home. Use fake TV switches to activate your television as night arrives to give the perfect appearance of a working television set behind the blinds and curtains.
Upgrade Your Alarm System
Lastly, just before departing for a summer holiday where you’ll be away from home for a week or two, take time to conduct a thorough review of your home security system, including the strength of all doors and windows, locks and your current alarm system.
The last thing you want when going away on holiday is to worry about your home. Put in place a strict check of your home before setting off for vacation, and upgrade alarm systems and other home security processes if necessary.
EMC Security has a range of products and advice that can help you. To learn more about our smart tech security and other solutions, contact us today. We will be glad to answer your questions!
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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.
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Thieves Never Check These Hiding Places
No one ever expects to get robbed, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Your home is actually full of secret hiding spots thieves will never consider looking.
Let’s just admit that we all have the habit of stashing our most valued possessions in common places that are easy to spot. In fact, burglars are experts who have years of experience and know exactly where to find these items. Avoid keeping your items in the prime spots like your master bedroom, bedroom closet, desk drawer in your study room, your jewelry box, or the cabinet in the hallway. These are the most common places where burglars search for these items. However, there are plenty of creative ways to hide your valuables and trick burglars — after all, they are humans too!
Here are 6 clever places to hide your valuables in your home:
1) Library or a Study Room
Home library or office room with bookshelves. This is an excellent spot to stash your valuables, especially if you have lots of books. It becomes a tedious task for thieves to search between the books, especially when they only have a short amount of time to pull off the theft.
2) Garage
Most homeowners have a garage or a storage room as a part of their houses. And while most homeowners tend to dump old stuff in these areas, such as spare boxes and paint cans. However, you can empty and clean some of the discarded boxes and hide your valuable items inside them. Research shows that this is one of the least expected places to find valuables, so burglars won’t suspect it.
3) Safe or a Locker
Keeping a personal safe or a lock box in your home is a fantastic idea. You can store your important documents, your expensive jewelry or any other valuable item inside it. Make sure that it meets insurance standards. If possible, keep it in a less obvious place, other than your bedroom.
4) Kitchen cabinets and appliances
Have you ever thought of choosing kitchen cabinets or appliances as a hiding place? It’s a clever idea to use food boxes as a secret cash stack. Considering the fact that your kitchen is full of food boxes and other containers, you can randomly pick and select somewhere to stash your cash to keep it safe from thieves. Burglars won’t even think of checking these boxes.
5) Kid’s room
There are other unsuspecting rooms that you can use to keep your valuable possessions. Although the bedroom is the most expected room burglars go for, a kid’s room is usually not considered, and therefore, never searched. Try to find clever spots within your kid’s room and hide your valuables creatively.
Conclusion
Unless you invest in a home security system (and sometimes even if you do), it’s not possible to protect every item in your home. In short, do what you can to make your home a difficult, inconvenient, and time-consuming target that will deter a would-be burglar.
EMC Security is a home security installer based in Georgia that specializes in home automation security solutions. If you are looking for a complete smart security solution for your home, you can schedule a consultation call with one of our experts. We are happy to discuss your needs and provide you with the best solutions.
Get Started Today!
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Monitored Smoke Detector vs. Other Smoke Detectors
When considering your smoke detector, sometimes it’s challenging identifying the difference between smoke alarms.
It’s our goal to clear any questions you may have when it comes to which way you should go when it comes to smoke alarms within your home.
A fire can happen in an instant.
A spark ignites into a flame; a flame erupts into a blaze; a lifetime of memories and hard work goes up in smoke; literally.
Unfortunately, EMC Security knows all too well that fire happens – even to those who think it won’t happen to them. Countless fires around Georgia start in ways home and business owners weren’t prepared for or didn’t guard against. And the result of an unchecked blaze raging through a structure is most often devastating, even with insurance.
Ask anyone who has dealt with the aftermath of a fire and they will tell you of hardship, heartache and, many times, regret. One of the biggest regrets for most is not having proper fire detection methods installed or having no one to monitor those methods.
Fire Detection Systems
Fire protection through EMC Security is a simple addition to your comprehensive alarm monitoring service.
Adding smoke or heat detectors to your home security system may very well be the best decision you make when it comes to the safety and security of your loved ones. If your monitored smoke alarm detects smoke or fire, it will send a signal to your security panel, which will then send an alert to our 24/7 monitoring center. Our team is technically trained to handle the detection of a fire in a way that minimizes its effect. Faster detection results in faster emergency response times.
A monitored smoke detector gives you the security in knowing that the central station knows instantly that an alarm has been triggered and that it came from your master bedroom, for instance. Now as the monitoring company, we can provide proper and accurate information to the fire department when dispatching them to your home. This in turn helps them to save your home and belongings.
On the contrary, if the smoke detector is local only (not monitored), it will sound the alarm, alerting the occupants of the presence of smoke. It is up to the occupants to contact authorities, which could take up valuable time.
The best part about our fire alert service is that your monthly monitoring cost doesn’t change when you add it to your security system with EMC Security.
Contact EMC Security to protect your home and everything you love inside, from the threat of fire today.
