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The Importances of Updating Your Home Security System
Your home should feel safe and secure with your security system installed. If you don’t keep your security system updated, however, you may not have that peace of mind. Residential security systems are crucial to keeping your home protected and staying prepared for the worst.
New security systems give you even more power over the cameras and sensors in your home than before. Home security can become outdated in less than a decade, and recent advances have been made that will improve your security experience dramatically. Here are some of the reasons it is vital to update your security system and get the latest surveillance technology.
Implement New Technology in Your Home
The current wave of technology means that cameras and security systems are quickly being replaced by newer, more advanced versions. If it has been many years since you’ve upgraded your security system, it’s time to consider an upgrade that could benefit you and your family.
When you upgrade an existing system, you have a lot of control over what changes in your system and what stays the same.
Wireless Monitoring
If you have a very old home surveillance system, it might still operate via a landline. This means that someone could cut or rearrange the wires controlling your security system to disable it. That is a vulnerability that is very easy to avoid when you use wireless monitoring.
Monitors can be set up to alert you to less urgent circumstances than a break-in. For example, if you, like 40% of Americans, have concerns about leaving your garage door open, wireless monitoring can let you make sure it is shut.
Replace Outdated Components
If your security system is getting older but already runs on a cellular transmitter like modern systems, you can improve functioning by replacing the control panel.
Older systems run on slow transmitters that operate at 2G or 3G, which means that data is transmitted more slowly. Updating components such as the control panel can provide an instant improvement in your security.
Monitor Remotely
One of the biggest advantages of modern systems is their compatibility with smartphones. All you need to do to get constant insight into what is going on in your home is an application on your phone. Put your mind at ease whenever you feel the need, from fear of burglars to worries about household appliances leaking.
Better Cameras
One key feature of modern security systems is the improvement in camera strength. Cameras have come a long way in a short period of time, and even the smallest cameras can now take much clearer pictures.
This feature is important for keeping your home safe and identifying suspicious individuals. In the worst-case scenario, if a break-in does occur, your surveillance system may be able to capture the faces or distinguishing details of suspects.
EMC Security has modern, affordable home surveillance systems available for you to choose from. Whether you upgrade your old system or start from scratch with a brand new one, you can expect excellent service from our staff and improved performance from your security. Contact us today to get more information on the options available to you.
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Four Ways to Use a Smart Video Doorbell
The first electric doorbell was invented in 1831 by Joseph Henry, an American scientist who later went on to serve as first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Fast-forward 170 years later and it’s evolved to a video camera, and a two-way communications device all wrapped into one. In light of the modernization of this nifty invention, it’s hard to imagine being confined to the basic functions of the original device. Here are five really useful things you can do with today’s smart doorbell.Answer the door from virtually anywhere.
The video doorbell chimes like a traditional doorbell but you also receive a notification on your smartphone which allows you to see a live video of your visitor. You can even converse with your visitor through the doorbell’s two-way communication system.
Monitor for any suspicious activity.
The video doorbell is a great way to keep an eye on activity around your front door, porch, and driveway. If your camera catches something suspicious, you can download the clip as evidence to share with your local police department.
Keep an eye on the kids.
You can use your EMC Security video doorbell to alert you when your kids arrive home from school. As well as knowing they’re home safe, you can see exactly who they’re with when they arrive.
Protect your delivered packages.
Package delivery has become a way of life. The average person in the United States receives 21 packages each year. And for many people, that number is much higher. If a delivery driver is dropping off a package, you can ask them to leave the package inside, unlocking your front door with a smart lock. When they step outside again and close the door, you can lock up just as easily.
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5 Clever Places to Hide Home Valuables
Home theft is more often than not — a crime of opportunity and burglars don’t want to waste a lot of time rummaging through a home to find things to steal, which is why they tend to check obvious places first. Knowing this information makes it a bit easier to outsmart them by hiding your valuables in not-so-obvious places, and sometimes even in plain sight.
Depending on the type of item you’re trying to protect, the best places to hide valuables are in areas that burglars are not likely to search — places that are inconvenient, messy, or uninteresting.
Here Are the Top 5:
Inside a false wall outlet.
Make sure it’s not a live receptacle or in the way of any electrical wiring
Hollowed-out books.
Criminals tend to be uneducated, otherwise, they wouldn’t make a living by engaging in crime. This makes books a potentially great place to stash valuables. However, if you have only one or two books on a bookshelf, this may be a telltale sign that they’re actually concealing your valuables, so make sure your library is large enough to serve as a time-consuming place to search.
A false container in the kitchen cupboard,
under the sink, and in the bathroom, such as fake food cans and boxes, false cleaning product bottles, and personal hygiene items, and even in a heavy tub of “cat litter.” Some false containers available on the market today actually look like false containers, so you might want to save yourself the expense and create your own.
Wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil and stored in the back of the freezer.
This is also a good place to store documents and paper currency in case of a house fire.
Inside a house plant.
Using the same method as for trash containers, a plant’s soil can be contained in a waterproof liner that can be lifted up to hide items underneath. Just make sure the items you’re hiding are in a waterproof container, too.
For valuables that you can’t hide or lock up, such as TVs, laptops, and gaming consoles, make sure to insure them through your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. You can take precautions to password-protect and GPS-activate laptops and smartphones so that their recovery is more likely, should they be stolen.
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.
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January, 2021
What to Expect From EMC Security in 2021
Your Security System
You will receive an email in February with a guide for maintaining your security system and account. This will help keep your home security system in tip-top shape all year.
Certificate of Monitoring*
Later this month, you will receive via email, an annual Certificate of Monitoring for your homeowner’s insurance company to receive any insurance discounts available.
Upgrade to the Latest Technology For Less
Want a shiny new touchscreen security keypad to control your system, view your camera footage, and control your smart-devices? Is it time to add cameras, auto-locks and lights?
We can help! Call 770-963-0305 to integrate with your security system today.
Security System Guide
Coming Soon!
Check emcsecurity.com for a quick and easy reference if your system is experiencing a trouble signal (often expressed in a series of beeps and keypad alerts). Simply look up your system in the guide and follow the steps to troubleshoot. Call EMC Security if further assistance is needed.
Referral Programs
Moving this year? Refer the buyer of your home to EMC Security. Once they become a customer, we’ll send you a $100 e-gift card
Refer another customer and receive 2 months free service.
Update Your Contact Information
It’s important to keep your contact information up to date. Submit contact information changes and revisions to your emergency contact list quickly and easily. Available now on our website, emcsecurity.com.
Some alarm companies hire traveling agents to go door-to-door, making unsolicited “cold calls” on homeowners.
We have received reports over the last few weeks, that some of these agents have tried to get inside EMC Security customers’ homes, without an appointment, by implying they are a representative of EMC Security. We can assure you, they are not.
Once inside the home, the agents use high-pressure to deceive our customers into signing a contract with a company that is not, in reality EMC Security.
If one of these scammers knocks on your door pretending to be from EMC Security, contact the police and then once you feel safe, let us know by calling 770-963-0305.
EMC Security will never send a representative to your home without an appointment.
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5 New Years Resolutions For a Safer Home
Eating healthy or quitting smoking are typical New Year’s Resolutions, but what about installing a home security system to protect your family? Keeping you and your family safe is a worthy addition to the list, which is why we’ve put a few ideas together to help you compile the perfect “Security New Year’s Resolutions” list. Following these tips can make a big difference in making your home more secure:
Make Your Home Appear Occupied
Smart home devices allow you to schedule lights to turn on and off at different times or even activate a TV in the evening hours as though you were at home. Most home burglaries occur between 10 am to 3 pm, when most of us are at work, so seeing house activity during these times can deter unwanted trespassers.
Remember to Set Your Alarm
Many people purchase an alarm system but fail to set it and use it routinely. Forgetting to set your alarm prevents it from alerting you when something happens. With a system from EMC Security, you’ll get alerts through our home security app which lets you set and deactivate your alarm system from your phone.
Use a Professionally Monitor System
There are many benefits of a residential alarm monitoring system. The biggest of them is peace of mind. Having an alarm monitoring service ensures that someone is monitoring your home security system 24/7. It’s like having a watchdog who never sleeps or gets tired. A home alarm monitoring service can ensure that in case of emergency, police or other help is just moments away. You can have complete peace of mind when you are away from home. There is always someone monitoring your property and ready to help if need be.
Avoid Leaving Keys in Your Car
Leaving these in your vehicle makes it very easy for burglars to gain access to your house. Make sure to keep these in a secure location or entrust them to a close friend, neighbor, or family member.
Remember to Monitor Other Door
Burglars are extremely savvy, so don’t forget about your porch door, French doors, or even large windows. These can prove easier entryways for would-be criminals than the front door, so make sure they are properly secured. EMC Security systems can ensure all entry points are monitored and tracked, so you’ll know when anyone comes in at any point in your home.
If you have any questions on home security systems or want to get a head start on your security New Years Resolutions, don’t hesitate to reach out and have a security system installed.
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November, 2020
Up to one in three people in America will be victims of porch package theft, and those odds increase during the holidays.
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 sensor will detect motion and alert you through your mobile phone. You’ll then be able to speak directly to anyone at the door (via 2-way audio), and store the video with our optional video service app.
Get yours today at emcsecurity.com for just $149.
(optional app $5/mo.)
Had a Package Stolen?
Check again. Check every entrance of your home and spots the delivery driver could have left it, like the bushes around the front porch, the back porch, the garage, or between the screen door and front door. We’ve also seen packages sitting in the bushes adjacent to the mailbox.
Contact the retailer. Get in touch with customer service and have your order and tracking number ready. The customer service rep can tell you the store or company policy on stolen items.
Contact the delivery company. Have your tracking number and order details handy. If they can validate that the package was indeed delivered, ask if they can verify the location. UPS will often upload an image of the package (and location) as proof of delivery. Ask about the company policy on stolen packages. If the theft was due to their mistake, they might be able to help you.
File a report. Report your missing package to the police and the delivery carrier. The more agencies helping you track down your stolen package, the better.
UPS Claims
Are you going to don a mask and venture out for Black Friday shopping?
Stay safe with these quick reminders:
Park near a light. Thieves are less likely to target shoppers whose car lights are brightly lit – especially if they’re parked in an open space.
Stash your goodies in the trunk. As the old saying goes – “Out of sight, out of mind.” As a result, there won’t be anything to temp a would-be thief.
Keep Away from ATMs. If you can’t, at least choose one that is well lit. Additionally, shield your PIN as you key it in, and don’t leave behind receipts that may contain personal information.
Use the buddy system. As with anything, there’s safety in numbers. If you do plan on separating, make a plan to meet up and consider color coordinating. That way, it will be easier to spot your friends or family members.
Keep your purse on your body or your wallet in your front
pocket. These measures will make it more difficult for pick-pocketers to lift your wallet or wrangle your purse away from you.
Remain alert in parking lots. Before you get in your car, look in it and under it. Additionally, have your keys handy so you are not distracted trying to locate them.
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October, 2020
IS IT TIME TO REPLACE YOUR SMOKE DETECTORS?
The National Fire Protection Association recommends replacing your smoke detectors every 10 years. Are you over-due? EMC Security will make it a little easier to stay protected from life threatening fire and smoke with our customer special.
Get 20% off PLUS free labor on replacing your wireless or hardwired smoke detectors:
Hardwired: $105 NOW $84 Wireless: $130 NOW $104
Call to schedule installation at 770-963-0305
Have you heard about the site spotcrime.com?
This public facing crime map and crime alert service makes it easier than ever to check crime anywhere in the United States and many other countries worldwide.
FREE EMC TEXT-ALERT SERVICE
If your alarm goes off, you want to know as soon as possible. Right?
Opt-in to EMC Text-Alert and get an instant text notification on your mobile phone, that gives you the option to chat together with your emergency contacts, and dispatch or dismiss the alarm with just one click.
EMC Text-Alert is completely FREE!
Watch the video below to learn more.
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September, 2020
EMC Security has enhanced the online payment portal.
Features:
View Invoices Due View Paid Invoices View Receipts Add Users
Save Payment Methods Coming Soon
- Request technical service
- Update your contact list
If you have used the previous online payment portal, simply login to the new portal with your email address and password.
If you are a new user, click here for instructions to register. View new payment portal >
View the video above featuring EMC Security customers that are thankful they installed monitored smoke detectors in their home. A few months ago, their home was quickly overcome with smoke and fire while they were just a few yards away, in the backyard. If it wasn’t for EMC Security, the damage and loss would’ve been much greater.
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.
And, your monthly monitoring cost doesn’t change when you add fire monitoring to your security system.
Most Common Causes of Home Fires
In 2019, fire departments in the U.S. responded to an estimated 361,500 home fires. These fires caused roughly 2,870 deaths and 12,700 reported injuries. Property damage was estimated at $7.9 billion.
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4 Simple Security Mistakes That Put Your Home at Risk
No one is perfect but making mistakes when it comes to your home security system can be unforgiving.
Homeowners who don’t take the time to properly secure their homes could be increasing their chances of a break-in or burglary.
To help you avoid that, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common home security mistakes that homeowners make that put you, your loved ones, and your home at risk.
1. Exposing Valuables to Outsiders
Leaving expensive items in plain view attracts burglars. Items such as:
- Cars
- Computers and laptops
- Jewelry
- Keys
- TVs
- Other electronics
Be sure to keep these and similar items out of sight whenever they are not being used. Close your garage doors, and hide information on boxes from expensive purchases inside out before putting them out to the curb.
2. Forgetting Security System Password
Forgetting the login credentials to your security system is another typical mistake.
According to experts, forgotten system credentials are quite common. Forgetting your security logins could prevent you from using remote access and other important security features.
To avoid this problem, consider using a password manager—but only choose one from a well-vetted, secure provider.
3. Not Arming the Security System When Away from Home
It may seem obvious, but you may be surprised at how many homeowners forget to secure their homes when they leave or turn in for bed each night.
According to the crime statistic, nearly 40 percent of home thefts were the result of unlawful or unforced entries. Home-invasions like these can be prevented with a properly functioning home alarm system—but only if it’s armed.
Make it a habit to turn on your system as soon as you enter your home and right before exiting. If you find yourself forgetting, create reminders such as a note on the door or a special keychain to prompt you.
4. Not Investing in a Complete Home Security System
Although some security is better than no security, your system is more effective when it’s an end-to-end solution. This means implementing alarms, cameras, and other smart home features that work together in harmony for the most beneficial setup.
Partner With a Professional in Home Security
To avoid making these and other errors in your home security setup, partner with EMC Security. You can get a free quote personalized for your specific security needs.
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March, 2020
WHILE YOU HAVE SOME TIME ON YOUR HANDS…
While we’re all hunkered down at home, many of us are tackling projects we’ve put off, cooking and baking new recipes, reading a goodbook, and playing games with the kids.
This “down-time” might also give youan opportunity to go over your homesafety and security such as:
- Educate your family members on how to use the security system.
- Develop an emergency plan so if you experience a break-in or fire, and the alarm goes off, you’ll be prepared.
- Evaluate your notification preferences – sign up for EMC Text-Alert so you’ll get a text if your alarm is triggered.
- Develop good habits – do you arm your system on Stay Mode while you’re there during the day?
EMC Security is also adhering to the social distancing guidelines with many corporate employees working from home and those that are necessary in the office, practicing good sanitary habits.
Outside of the physical changes, our core activities haven’t changed much. We’re still monitoring alarm and fire systems 24/7, still providing emergency services for our medical alert customers, and still assisting customers on the phone with any technical issues they are experiencing.
Call us! If you need anything, reach out. We’re here to help.
HOME SAFETY: DON’T NEGLECT THE OUTSIDE
Those of us with homes know that a great way to social distance it to spend time in the yard – doing yard work or enjoying the spring flowers and warm breeze.
While you’re in your yard, take a look around. Does the outside of your home deter intruders?
Don’t know?
We can help. Read more to determine what you can do on the outside of your home now to prevent a possible break-in.
