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Teach Your Kids About Your Security System
A home security system provides you and your family with additional protection in the event of an emergency.
Ideally, adults should be the only people operating a home security system; however, what better way is there for children to learn how to keep safe than by learning how to work the home security system by themselves?
How to Teach Your Kids about Your Security System
- Review your home’s access points, such as doors and windows, discussing how the alarm system is triggered and the process that follows.
- Provide instruction on how to turn the system on and off. Review the password with them and express the importance of keeping it secure by not telling others. This is particularly important if your child has friends over while you’re not at home. To be on the safe side, consider changing the password periodically.
- Practice! Set up times to perform practice drills and review security measures. This is a great time to teach children what to do in the event of a false alarm.
- Consider a mobile security app for additional peace of mind and convenience. With the mobile app, you’re able to view, arm, and disarm the security system from anywhere.
- Establish a family safety plan, such as a fire escape plan and what to do if your alarm goes off. Review the plans often to ensure your children know how to stay safe.
Contact EMC Security at 770.963.0305 to learn more about the mobile app and other smart-security services.
Is Your Home Being Targeted For Burglary?
Many burglars are smarter than you’d think. In fact, there are articles that feature career burglars giving homeowners advice to avoid being a target in the future.
While that information is in another article, below will feature ways you can spot when your home has become a target, and what you can do to prevent an intrusion.
1. Do you see a questionable car parked near your home that you know doesn’t belong to your neighbors or anyone visiting?
What to do:
- Use security cameras to keep an eye on traffic near your home to identify patterns and unusual behavior. Statistics show a criminal will most likely pass up your home if a camera is visible. They simply don’t want to get caught on video.
- Take notes: vehicle description, time of day, etc.
- Talk to your neighbors.
- Alert the police.
2. Do you notice strangers walking past your home more often? Do they appear to be lingering or scoping out the house and property? While not everyone that walk the neighborhood is a potential criminal, strange, unusual behavior could be suspect.
What to do:
- Use your security cameras to video foot traffic around your home. Again, place cameras where people can see them because they help deter criminals.
- Talk to your neighbors.
3. Do you see strangers going door to door from a “legitimate business or government agency”? Crafty burglars use this as a way to gain access to the home, discover your habits, ask questions about what systems you have in the house, see if there’s a dog, etc.
What to do:
- Never let anyone in your house that doesn’t have an appointment that you’ve confirmed previously. Not only is it a personal safety risk but it gives the stranger a chance to scope out your home for a future break-in.
- Ask for a business card and references. Call the business or references to ensure the person is legitimate.
- You aren’t obligated to open your door to a stranger. A better solution is to answer the door through your video doorbell. You can have a full conversation (and video it) from your kitchen or across town.
When it comes to protecting your home and family from danger, it’s always a good idea to be extra careful. While not every stranger you see is a threat, suspicious behavior can be a cause for concern. By being vigilant, and maybe a little paranoid, you can help deter potential break-ins.
For maximum protection, install a security system and integrate security cameras. Learn more here.
How to Reuse Your Current Security Equipment
Switching to a better home security monitoring service is called a system takeover.
The benefit is that—if it’s relatively modern and compatible—you can keep the equipment you already own rather than buy a completely new system.
How does a system takeover work?
In most cases, it’s fairly straightforward to use your existing security system and switch to a new alarm monitoring company.
It’s important to speak with your new alarm monitoring company to determine if your current system is compatible with their monitoring center.
- For example, when you call EMC Security, the main details we’ll review the type of equipment currently in place (and may ask you to text an image of your keypad) and discover if you want to add or upgrade any components. This might be a good time to upgrade to a touchscreen keypad or add security cameras.
- Once we get a good sense of your situation, we’ll send one of our trained technicians to your home to reprogram your system and make any changes requested or required.
If your system is not currently compatible with EMC Security, but is not locked out due to proprietary equipment, we’ll suggest a conversion to replace the “brains of the system” so it can communicate reliably with our central monitoring station.
- While this option is not as inexpensive as a takeover, it can be quite less expensive than replacing the entire system.
If you want the best security company in your area, we encourage you to shop around and ask your sales rep the right questions. Spending those few extra minutes to understand your security company will save you a lot of headache and disappointment down the line.
Want to learn more about security systems before you make a decision? Contact us at 770-963-0305 and we’ll answer any questions you have.
Why a proprietary alarm is a thumbs down
Would you be happy purchasing security equipment from a company and being stuck using their service exclusively, even if the service is poor or the price keeps increasing?
It could happen, especially if you purchase ADT, Xfinity (Comcast), or Simplisafe security equipment. Simplisafe and Xfinity even claim a benefit of not requiring a monthly contract. But the fact is, if you aren’t happy with their service, you’ll need to throw the equipment in the trash – because no other company can take it over and monitor it. Their technology is proprietary.
These companies make their proprietary equipment quite attractive with huge sales or “free” equipment.
But that comes at a cost:
- A lengthy contract that rolls the equipment cost into the monthly payment
- No way out because no other company can take it over
Let me ask the obvious question:
If the company locks you into a monthly contract or locks other companies out of monitoring the equipment, what incentive do they have to offer you good service once the sale is complete?
The answer is simple – They have no incentive.
For these reasons, EMC Security gives proprietary equipment a thumbs down. We want our customers to CHOOSE to do business with us. That’s why we give them the freedom to cancel at anytime for any reason – with no penalty. The equipment is non-proprietary so many companies can monitor it.
Click here to schedule a quick, easy takeover today.
Key features of a good home security camera
With a lot of choices available for you, it can often be tough to find the ideal home security system that can keep your home and family feeling safe from harm.
Security cameras come with a lot of features that make one different and often better for you than others.
We’ve put together our list of key features you should look for when choosing your home security cameras.
High Resolution Camera
This is the most important feature because the camera is useless if the image isn’t clear. The higher the resolution, the sharper the image. A full HD resolution of 1080p is best, but HD 720p is OK if you are on a tight budget.
Field of View
A higher viewing angle will give you the most recording coverage but depending on your needs, you may not need something so expansive. Field of view ranges widely by the camera so check this specification to make sure it’ll work properly in the chosen location.
Recording/Storage
There are a few types of recording that are common for home security cameras.
The most popular cameras use cloud storage. This option makes it easy to view video anytime. The length of time or amount of storage varies by camera so make sure you understand what you are getting so you aren’t surprised when you need to access video that might have been deleted. Some cameras include a memory card space for additional storage.
Alternately, DVR/NVR camera systems record on-site. The footage lives on the DVR/NVR in your home to be viewed at any time.
Infrared Night Vision
Make sure your camera has IR night vision. Even if your camera can capture footage hundreds of feet away during daylight, if it can’t capture video at night, it’s doing half its job. IR lights can capture crystal clear video, even in total darkness.
Two-way Audio
Camera with two-way audio allow you to speak through the camera and can capture background noise. This is a great feature because it allows you to be at two places at once. You can communicate with anyone around your home – pets, infants, aging parents – without the need for a phone.
Integration with Your Security System
Get the most out of your security cameras with integration to the security system. For example, if a camera detects motion in a specific area, your camera can activate the alarm or a light. Integration is the best way to stop crime as it’s happening.
Mobile App
The reason why security cameras have become so popular is because of the convenience of viewing video from anywhere through a mobile app. Many cameras provide real-time access so you can answer your front door from your kitchen or across town.
Keep in mind that not all security cameras are made equal, so it’s important to research to make sure you get the best for your needs.
Take a look at EMC Security’s line of wi-fi based IP cameras that are both advanced and affordable starting at $79.
Why Do Self-Install Security?
EMC Security launched a line of self-install security systems a few years ago.
Today, our DIY systems are the most popular, and most affordable systems we offer.
We acknowledge that consumers can be a little hesitant when it comes to installing their own system – because it’s something that hasn’t been offered until lately. But just like anything else, once they experience it, they realize there was nothing to fear.
Advanced technology has made DIY systems easier than ever to set-up. But even more importantly, once the system is set-up, DIY systems are easier than ever to use day in and day out.
Who is Self-Installing?
Over half of consumers that acquired a security system (51%) in the past 12 months self-installed their system, according to Parks Associates’ report, DIY Disruption: Smart Products and Home Security.
Why Self-Install?
1. Reduce Cost
Many of these consumers find the cost savings of DIY systems highly attractive — 48% of those who self-installed their system did so to save money,” says Dina Abdelrazik, senior analyst, Parks Associates. “Current self-install security solutions are designed from the ground up to be installed by the consumer.”
2. It’s Convenient
Additionally, just as many reported that they like the convenience that a self-install system provides: no installation appointment, no waiting for installers, and no privacy lost from installers coming into the home.
3. Set-up is as Easy as They Say
The research also confirms that DIY systems are in fact as easy to install as they claim. “DIY security systems are easy to install, can make the consumer feel safe, and provide peace-of-mind value while delivering cost savings.”
Parks and Associates is an internationally recognized market research and consulting company specializing in emerging consumer technology products and services.
How to Spend Your School Security Grant
In 2019, the Georgia Board of Education awarded all public and charter schools with a security grant of $30,000 for security upgrades. The June 30, 2020 deadline for utilizing the $30,000 Safety Grant is fast approaching.
EMC Security is helping many schools determine the best use of the funds, and implementing security plans customized for their needs.
As a premier school security provider, EMC Security currently protects over 350,000 students across 18 county school districts in North Georgia.
The most effective campus security solutions are video surveillance and access control.
These solutions are effective measures for deterring a crisis and responding to emergencies in an education environment.
Examples of school upgrades:
Conversions & Upgrades: Migrate a legacy analog system into a network IP system with an incident detection feature and exceptional image quality. – Hazel Grove Elementary
AI Powered Video Surveillance: Monitor for trespassing, vandalism, theft, and overall perimeter protection, even in complete darkness. Search through data to quickly locate a specific person or vehicle across school grounds in near real-time. – North Middle School
Access Control/Video Intercom: Browser based system that provides critical information on who has entered your school, before remotely granting access. Immediately respond to alerts, record attendance during field-trips, drills and emergency evacuations. – Stephens County High School
EMC Security is your single source for end-to-end solutions and service. Protecting over 350,000 students across 18 school districts in Georgia, EMC Security provides customized solutions for dozens of facilities within their $30,000 grant budget.
- Scalable solutions. Non-proprietary equipment designed for future expansion.
- On-time. Deadline for installation is June 30, 2020.
- Within budget. High quality service with competitive rates well within the grant’s parameters.
- 120-day payment terms. Zero down payment to assist with up-front costs.
School Administrator Testimonials
Josh Fincher; Director of Plant Operations; Washington Wilkes BOE
“I was very pleased with the quality of workmanship of EMC Security. The crew went above and beyond to make sure that our project was as minimally invasive and went as smoothly as possible. I can’t stress enough how grateful I am for EMC Security’s customer service and attention to detail throughout the project.”
Brad Richardson; Purchasing Coordinator; Forsyth County Schools
“After struggling through one defaulted contractor, we received prompt and professional service provided by EMC. Their service actually exceeded the expectations as we discovered that the process and methodologies that they employ were more advanced that we had anticipated the market offering.”
Daniel W. Jardine; Chief Operations Officer; Gwinnett County Schools
“The service and support delivered to Gwinnett County Public Schools by EMC Security has met and exceeded our expectations since 2009. We have made significant improvements in our facilities monitoring and response capabilities as a direct result of the technical expertise they provide.“
Call Daniel Homrich at 770-807-9661 to schedule a free 20-minute on-site school evaluation and consultation.
What to Put in an Emergency Kit
In addition to protecting your loved ones with a security system, it’s a good idea to consider how to protect them from other unexpected incidents such as natural disasters.
The best way to prepare for a massive power outage (most often caused by a natural disaster) is to build an emergency kit.
Here’s how:
Consider how many people (and animals) your survival kit will need to support and what their specific needs are. For example, what kind of emergency are you expecting? Does the emergency typically require you to stay in place (at home) or would you possibly need to evacuate? If you think there’s an evacuation possibility, you may want to consider creating a portable survival kit that you can easily throw in your car.
The Essentials for an Emergency Kit
Water: You don’t want to get caught without a clean water supply. Plan on having at least one gallon of water on hand per person per day, for drinking, bathing, and cleaning. You can purchase gallons of purified water at a grocery store or reuse empty juice bottles and fill them with tap water.
Food: When an emergency shuts down the power grid, it also shuts down most grocery stores and restaurants. Be prepared with energy bars, beef jerky, nuts, and dried fruit. You can also add a can opener and include canned foods like soup and vegetables. Don’t forget baby food and pet food if needed. For easy clean-up, include paper plates and plastic-ware.
Information and Light: During a disaster situation, you can’t rely on local news, internet, and mobile phones for updates and information. We suggest adding a weather radio to your kit to stay informed of changes in weather, evacuations, and other important information. Many weather radios also include lights and cellphone chargers, reducing the number of electronics you’ll have to keep in your kit.
It’s also important to also have batteries and flashlights handy.
First Aid: Your emergency kit should include a variety of first aid items such as bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, and pain medications. You can also include items like burn cream, elastic bandages, allergy medicine, tourniquets, and other first aid items. Experts suggest putting items in waterproof containers so they stay dry and ready to use.
Shelter and Clothing: Every emergency kit should include at least one extra set of clothes and a blanket for each person. It’s also a good idea to include a waterproof tarp if you need to camp out in the elements.
Comfort and Cleanliness: While it may be low priority, you can’t underestimate the reassuring effects of cleanliness and comfort when you’re under stress. Include personal hygiene items, baby wipes, and garbage bags on hand to keep everyone feeling their best and to avoid sickness that can come from unsanitary conditions.
Important Documents: While it’s not necessary to include these items before an emergency strikes, it’s a good idea to throw them in if and when you have to evacuate.
- Insurance
- Passports
- Birth certificates
- Cash
- Other documents necessary
Tips:
- Plan for a minimum of three days of survival.
- Store your kit in a large water-proof storage tub is a good option for most kits. It keeps everything in one place and it’s fairly easy to move if you have to evacuate. For mobile and smaller kits, use a in case you have to grab essentials from your kit and go.
- Store your kit in a climate-controlled environment (so food doesn’t spoil) where you can access it easily.
Learn more at ready.gov.
View Crime Incidents in Your Neighborhood with SpotCrime
Are you moving into a new neighborhood? Do you want to keep informed of crime in your city? Look no further than SpotCrime.com to help.What is SpotCrime?
SpotCrime is a public facing crime map and crime alert service. With SpotCrime, it’s easier than ever to check crime anywhere in the United States and many other countries worldwide.
You can easily look up city and county crime data and reports — all the way down to local neighborhood statistics. The daily crime maps shows crime in your city down to the neighborhood, zip code, or street level.
Is SpotCrime free?
SpotCrime is a free service. Their mission is to encourage public trust, increase police transparency, and promote public safety.
What types of crime do they report?
- Arrests
- Arson
- Assault
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Shooting
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Other
How does SpotCrime work?
Relevant crime data is collected from police agencies and validated sources, plotted on a Google map, and compiled into crime alerts.
How do I search a location?
Simply type in an address or location at the top of the homepage. You can also subscribe to alerts.
Another cool feature:
Click on “Submit a Crime Tip” to enter information you want to submit about a potential crime. It will be sent to appropriate authorities.
Don’t forget to check out the SpotCrime blog for tips and relevant information.
Protect yourself further with a security system for your home or business – from just $179. EMC Security’s alarm monitoring starts at just $16.95 with no contract.
