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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aug, 2020
1. Boost Your Monitoring Experience
Set-up your password hint today
In today’s world, we have passwords and IDs for almost every aspect of our lives. Experts say they should all be different. So it’s not unusual to forget a password or two from time to time – including your security alarm password.
This is why EMC Security has adopted a PASSWORD HINT option for any customers concerned that they may not remember their password in the event of a false alarm.
When asked for your password by the EMC Security operator, simply request the hint you’ve provided rather than guessing at the password.
Give us a call at 770-963-0305 to speak with a Customer Care representative for more information.
2. Review New Dispatch Procedures
Take a few minutes to review our standard dispatch procedures, particularly the procedure if you cancel an alarm at the keypad.
EMC Security does not make phone calls to the emergency contact list on Burglar Alarms that are followed by a cancellation from the keypad. For example, you forgot the system was armed, opened a door triggering an alarm signal, then entered your disarm code correctly on the keypad to cancel the alarm.
As an extra layer of protection, a text message will be sent (to the first 2 phone numbers on the account) notifying you of the signal having been received and confirming no further action will be taken due to cancellation with the proper disarm code.
This message will read as follows: “EMC has received the disarm from your keypad indicating the proper disarm code was entered. If this is an emergency, reply “911” for immediate dispatch.”
This procedure can be customized for your needs. If you’d like your dispatch procedures handled differently, please call 770-963-0305.
3. Get Our 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.
If no one from the group responds to the text, the EMC Security monitoring center will follow normal phone call procedures.
Watch the video below and click here to learn more.
EMC Text-Alert is completely FREE!
4. Test Your System
EMC Security encourages all customers to test their systems monthly to ensure it’s ready in the event of an emergency.
- Call the 24-hour EMC Security central monitoring center at 1- 888-745-4733 and let them know you will be testing your system. Be prepared to provide them with your name, service address and password.
- Close all doors and protected windows, arm your system and allow the delay time to expire.
- Activate your alarm like an actual emergency by opening a protected door.
- Allow the siren to sound for approximately 15 seconds to one minute and then turn off your system.
- Call the monitoring center and announce that you are calling to check test results. The central station operator will describe the signals received.
If for any reason, the system did not communicate to our central monitoring center, please call our service department at 770-963- 0305, Monday through Friday between 8am and 6pm for a technician to check your system.
5. Update Your Emergency Contact List
EMC Security is your safety partner. If you change any phone numbers or email addresses, notify us at 770-963-0305 to ensure we have the most current information in the event of an emergency (you will need your password to make changes).
June, 2020
The warm weather brings plenty of sunshine and outdoor fun. Unfortunately, the season is ripe for scammers who use deceptive pitches or questionable tactics.
Some alarm companies hire traveling sales agents to go door-to-door, making unsolicited “cold calls” on homeowners. In some cases, these agents may get consumers to let their guard down by implying they are with the homeowner’s current alarm company. Once inside, though, the sales agent may use high-pressure or deceptive sales tactics to lock citizens into costly, long-term alarm monitoring agreements.
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.
Read more for tips on safe guarding your home and family from door-to-door scams.
Even though things are still so uncertain, realtors are reporting that many homeowners are planning to sell this summer. If you’re thinking about selling, be sure to use your security system to help protect your home during the process .
Many modern systems allow you to program dedicated alarm codes for a real estate agent or guests. This way, you can limit access to your home and keep a log of everyone that enters.
Interested? Contact us for compatibility and assistance.
Once your home sells, refer EMC Security to the buyer!
If they become a customer, we’ll send you a $100 e-gift card!
Call 770-963-0305 for details or sign up now.
Take EMC Security with you!
EMC Security can monitor your system anywhere inthe United States.
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.
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.
