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No Contract Required
What’s the big deal about a security contract?
Think about this scenario:
You hired a company to provide you service on a monthly basis. You have technology in your home that needs to work, and you are placing your trust in fellow human beings to do what they are paid to do in an emergency situation.
What if you get bad service? What if your system fails and you weren’t notified? What if the company is unresponsive, or slow to help you when you need it?
Unlike other monthly home services like trash service, or pest control, home security service could be extremely costly if something goes wrong (and I’m not just talking about monetary costs). It is really important to understand WHO you hire to provide monitoring service – especially if they lock you into a contract.
The fact is, you can’t purchase most professionally installed security systems on the market without agreeing to at least a 36-month contract. This practice has been the standard for years so the providers can offer low up-front installation and equipment fees. The problem with this is once the equipment costs would be paid off, the high monthly fee (absorbing the equipment costs) does not reduce.
Since our inception in 1998, EMC Security has offered no-contract monitoring service. You pay for your equipment upfront with monitoring and communication charges paid on a month to month basis, with the option to cancel any time.
EMC Security puts customer satisfaction above everything else because we know that happy customers are key to maintaining a successful business. By endorsing highly ethical business practices, both within our organization and across our customer and potential customer base, we send our message as a standard, not as a fallback.
This is very important when the lives of our customers are at stake.
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Prices are Rising Everywhere so EMC Security is the Better Choice
The reality of the world-wide microchip shortage, global labor shortage and other supply chain disruptions has manufacturers – from consumer electronics and appliances to automobiles and industrial capabilities – in a bind trying to fulfill demand. Simple economics proves that when demand is high and supply is low, prices go up. It’s happening in every aspect of our lives.
Security technology manufacturers have announced at least one, but in some cases, two prices increases in 2021. Home security companies all over the U.S. are facing price increases and are passing the cost to consumers.
EMC Security has a plan to protect our low prices.
- Internally, our team is negotiating exemption and/or lower percentage increases with our manufacturing partners.
- Our famous “no contract” option provides more value to consumers than ever before. We give our customers control to decide if they want to do business with us. Because customers can cancel any time, we work hard to ensure our level of customer service is at its highest for each and every interaction.
- EMC Security protects our customers and gives back to the community we serve.
- As a local company, we hire local people to service local families and businesses – we are part of this community and we do all we can to buy local and support the community.
- Every employee passes background checks, drug screens, and driving records.
- We notify customers if we don’t receive a test signal in more than 30 days. Customer security systems are tested for signals to confirm the system is properly functioning. Other companies don’t provide regular testing like this.
- We employee a team of 7 in-house technical support representatives. Trained security technicians are available at no cost to our customers to provide telephone technical support. This could save our customers time and money associated with a site visit to trouble-shoot or repair their system.
- Free EMC Text-Alert is a service no other company offers at no cost. This service allows customers to make a decision quickly with those on their contact list whether to dispatch or cancel an alarm – speeding up the process.
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How to Prevent a False Alarm
Statistics show that home alarms have been proven to reduce the likelihood of home intrusions.
Savvy burglars know to choose homes with the course of least resistance, thereby avoiding homes with security measures such as outdoor cameras, motion activated security lights, and burglar alarms — all of which, work in unison to keep your property safe. Home security alarms alert you and your security monitoring company that your home has been breached, reducing the risk of further damage. Despite all of the good things alarms do for us as homeowners, it can be annoying when your security system is set off accidentally.
There are many reasons why false alarms. For instance, a large proportion can be blamed on homeowners forgetting to disarm the system prior to letting the dog out or empty the trash. Another aspect could be entering the wrong passcode.
So, how can we minimize these occurrences and prevent the frustration which usually accompanies falsely activated alarms?
Residential False Alarm Prevention Guide
Before you activate your system:
- Lock all protected doors and windows.
- Educate family members on
alarm system and usage. - Contact EMC Security if you have any concerns about the proper
functionality your system. - Notify EMC Security if you plan any renovating or remodeling your home.
- Educate family members on what to do if your alarm is accidentally triggered.
- Use the EMC Text Alert app to chat with your emergency contacts when your alarm is triggered and respond appropriately from your phone.
- First, don’t panic, there is time. Enter your disarm code (carefully) to reset your system. Remember, if there were a burglar, he or she would not know your code. Do not write it on your keypad.
- Call EMC Security at 1-888-745-4733 or wait for us to call you. Give your password — this is different from your disarm code.
Make sure that anyone who has keys to your home KNOWS how to operate the alarm.
Commercial False Alarm Prevention Guide
Tips for Commercial Businesses
- Be sure all employees are thoroughly trained before attempting to use the alarm system. Hold monthly training sessions.
- Look for items that can move within the “view” of your motion detectors, causing false alarms fans, heaters, hanging signs, seasonal decorations, balloons, curtains, plants, etc.).
- Confirm that special consideration has been given to the installation of motion detectors in high traffic areas with overhead doors, large exhaust fans or ceiling vents which allow the entry of birds.
- Ensure all doors and windows are secure and locked before arming your system.
- Don’t change pass-codes without advising EMC Security.
- Train new users thoroughly, notifying EMC Security of new users.
- Service and maintain your system (including batteries) regularly before false alarms occur.
- Upgrade old alarm systems to current equipment conforming to Security Industry Association (SIA) false alarm prevention standards, further reducing false alarms.
Every municipality in Georgia has alarm registration requirements. Some have false alarm ordinances as well. Make sure you understand your ordinance and fee guidelines before installing a security system in your home or business.
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September, 2021
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.
Learn ways to protect your privacy while using a home security app here >>
In 1980, the University of Georgia had 2 epic moments in one:
The Georgia Bulldogs won the College Football National Championship game – The Sugar Bowl, versus Notre Dame...and at that event – Hairy Dawg, the now beloved mascot, made his 1st appearance. Many think he brought the team good luck to bring home their victory.
40 years later, Hairy’s Dawg House was built, in appreciation of 40 years of loyalty and service alongside his brother, Uga – the English Bulldog fans also know and love.
The House is provided by the Official Home Service Team of the Georgia Bulldogs – 4 local home service companies. This year, EMC Security is updating Hairy Dawg’s home security system – with top of the line security including interactive cameras and our convenient mobile app – to keep Hairy, his furry friends, and his home safe, at all times.
Visit Hairy’s Dawg House just outside the stadium on the Dawg Walk on game day!
Safe away at school with EMC Security
College towns, apartments in particular, are ripe for burglary during holidays and weekends. That’s why we strongly urge students living in apartments to get security a system.
Learn More >>
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Protect Your Rural Property
A few years ago a friend told me, “I don’t need security, I don’t even have to lock my doors way out here.” Fast forward to 2021, their large barn with thousands of dollars of equipment and family valuables was broken into, and my friend is now installing a professional security system with cameras. Unfortunately, there are desperate people everywhere that will stop at nothing to claim what’s yours.
It’s time to be prepared. Below is a list of solutions to keep you and your valuables safe:
- Video surveillance—a must have!
Many rural properties are situated on acres of land with additional structures such as barns and sheds. A security system with video surveillance is the best defense against potential threats since you can keep an eye on your entire property, prepare yourself for whatever the cameras may see, and notify the proper authorities before things escalate.
If a thief is successful, the video could come in handy in identifying and catching the culprit.
Rural property owners use video cameras to view everything else that lives on the property. For example, you can quickly act on weather damage to property or unwelcome wild animals bothering your livestock or getting into the vegetation.
- Shine a light on intruders
Burglars can’t stand lights, so when it comes to keeping your rural property safe, auto-lighting came make a huge difference between keeping your house, equipment, or even livestock safe. When looking for a motion-sensor lighting system for your rural property, look for one that can be accessed remotely from anywhere.
- Lock it up
The more layers of security you add to your property, the safer you and your family will be. Smart door locks are smart decision because they go far beyond remotely locking and unlocking your doors. For example, you can create an emergency automation that immediately unlocks your doors in case of a fire.
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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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How to Prevent Stolen Packages
We’ve had many reports of stolen packages from porches lately. This type of crime has been increasing by the day – even more since the pandemic has changed buying habits and more consumer goods are being shipped than ever before.
So, how do you protect your packages so you’re not a victim?
The #1 way to protect against this type of crime is to have an extra set of eyes to watch your back with a video doorbell. The image below is footage from a video doorbell. It’s crisp and clear, time stamped, and sent to your mobile phone instantly.
A Video Doorbell allows you to see and hear exactly who comes to your door, no matter where you are. Even if they don’t ring the doorbell, the PIR (passive infrared) sensor will detect human activity and alert you on your mobile device. With 2-way audio, you can speak with whoever is at the door, watch live video, and store clips.
Another great deterrent is an installed Outdoor Cameras. Studies have shown that burglars are much less likely to target homes with visible security cameras, and the outdoor camera looks the part. It features infrared night vision, so you can see what’s happening at your front door, back entrance, or garage, no matter what. If something is detected, you’ll get notified on your mobile device.
What else can you do?
- First, if possible, become friendly with the people that deliver to your house and let them know where you prefer to have your packages left – like, for instance, behind the potted plant, or by your back door.
- Purchase a package locker or lockbox for your front porch, so your delivery person can lock your holiday gifts safely inside until you get home.
- And don’t forget to post a sign mentioning that your home is under surveillance!
Learn more about EMC Security’s camera options here, and don’t forget to check out the rest of our smart home innovations!
