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Top 10 Holiday Safety Tips
Holiday Fire Safety Tips
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) together with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) put together some tips for staying safe during the holidays.
1. Inspect electrical decorations for damage before use. Cracked or damaged sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections may cause a serious shock or start a fire.
2. Do not overload electrical outlets. Overloaded electrical outlets and faulty wires are a common cause of holiday fires. Avoid overloading outlets and plug only one high-wattage into each outlet at a time.
3. Never connect more than three strings of incandescent lights. More than three strands may not only blow a fuse, but can also cause a fire.
4. Keep trees fresh by watering daily.Dry trees are a serious fire hazard.
5. Use battery-operated candles. Candles start almost half of home decoration fires.
6. Keep combustibles at least three feet from heat sources. A heat sources that was too close to the decoration was a factor in half of home fires that began with decorations (NFPA).
7. Protect cords from damage. To avoid shock or fire hazards, cords should never be pinched by furniture, forced into small spaces such as doors and windows, placed under rugs, located near heat sources, or attached by nails or staples.
8. Check decorations for certification label.Decorations not bearing a label from an independent testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or Intertek (ETL) have not been tested for safety and could be hazardous.
9. Stay in the kitchen when something is cooking. Unattended cooking equipment is the leading cause of home cooking fires.
10. Turn off, unplug, and extinguish all decorations when going to sleep or leaving the house. Unattended candles are the cause of one in five home candle fires. Half of home fire deaths occur between the hours of 11pm and 7am.
Stocking Stuffers That Put Safety First
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
This season, when shopping for your loved ones, consider gifts and stocking stuffers that put safety first.
The following list has 20 ideas to help you get started.
- Motion activated safety lights ($10-$20) – Battery-operated LED lights to illuminate your doorstep, driveway or backyard.
- Auto-light ($30-$50) – When you’re not home, use these lights to randomly turn on in order to simulate an occupied house.
- Two- or three-story fire escape ladder ($50-$150) – Usually holds up to 1,000 pounds in an emergency.
- Fire-safe security box ($50-$90) – Protects documents and other valuables from fire and water damage.
- Flameless candles ($10-$25) – Or sturdy candle holders to prevent accidents.
- Dryer safety alarm ($55-$70) – Provides audible and visual cues when lint builds up in the clothes dryer’s exhaust system and restricts airflow.
- Carbon monoxide detector (approx. $30) – Your pet or loved one’s safety could depend on this device that detects the silent killer.
- Wireless key finder ($15-$25) – Helps find keys up to 60 feet away.
- No-battery flashlight ($10-$25) – These small lights can be charged by plugging into your car outlet, shaking the device for 30 seconds or using a hand crank to illuminate your way.
- Bike lock ($20-$30) – Great for any age.
- Glowing pet leash ($20-$30) – You can also find LED dog collars and leashes that are visible up to 1,000 feet away and are weather-resistant.
- Reflective gloves ($15-$25) – To be safe, warm and visible at night.
- LED light-up shoelaces ($5-$10) – Available in fun colors, they can be used on running shoes, boots and skates and come with a replaceable battery that’s good for 70 hours.
- Cord and power strip covers ($10-$50) – Tie up loose blind cords and cover potentially dangerous electrical outlets.
- Emergency Alert Pendant ($99 – $149) – Call for help at the press of a button.
- Pepper Spray ($15 – $20) – Perfect for anyone mature enough to use it.
- Automated door lock ($199+) – No key needed to enter with a passcode or mobile app controls.
- Video Doorbell ($199) – See, hear, and talk to whomever is at your door from the kitchen or across town with a video doorbell. Motion activated with alert notifications and video streaming to a mobile device.
- Security Camera ($99+) – Never miss a moment! Stay in control with live streaming video and alert notifications right to your mobile device.
- Wireless Remote Control for Security System ($65+) – With panic button. Arm or disarm your system.
For the ultimate gift of peace of mind, give the gift of home security. View systems and shop online here.
Contact EMC Security today at 770-963-0305 for more information.
EMC Security’s Got Your Back
Real Incident Reports
EMC Security has always believed that alarm systems provide peace of mind and are an excellent way to deter burglars, detect fire, and help with medical emergencies. The actual response stories below show how the security systems of EMC Security customers work to protect the lives and property of our customers here in Georgia.
Always be sure to arm your system every day and test your system regularly.
Residential Burglary
Confirmed Break-In, Losses Avoided – Stone Mountain:
EMC Security central monitoring station received an alarm from the home of an EMC Security customer in Stone Mountain. The hall motion detector and kitchen door sensor had detected movement. EMC Security called the customer and dispatched Dekalb County Police. The customer called back and advised that someone did break into her home. A glass pane in the kitchen door was broken out, the beds in two bedrooms had the sheets stripped off of them and dresser drawers had been gone through. At this time she is not aware of anything missing. The customer had a new laptop on the dining room table with some cash that was untouched.
Burglary Attempt, Suspect Apprehended – Atlanta:
EMC Security received an alarm from the front door of an EMC Security customer in Atlanta. After attempts were made to contact the premises the monitoring representative attempted to dispatch the Police Dept. The operator at Fulton County Police Department stated that the officers are already on scene from an unknown caller who called in about someone attempting to steal the homeowner’s AC unit. The monitoring representative inquired about the alarm and if the burglar ever entered the premise, the operator stated that according to the notes from the officers on scene entrance was never made to the location. The operator stated that the suspect was apprehended by the Police Dept and is in custody.
Small Business Intrusion
Small Business Burglary Avoided, DNA Evidence Left at Crime Scene – Athens:
EMC Security Monitoring Center received an alarm from a business customer in Athens. When contacted, the business owners stated that perpetrators smashed the front window and smashed a glass showcase. When they smashed the glass showcase, it appeared that the perpetrators had badly cut themselves and there is blood going all the way to the parking lot. The owners determined that nothing was taken, possibly because the perpetrators injured themselves. The customer sounded very happy that nothing was taken and sounded content about his alarm system.
Small Business Break-in Thwarted – Gainesville:
EMC Security central monitoring station received an alarm from the business of a commercial customer. After calling and speaking with the customer, it was determined that nothing was stolen from business. The customer believes that security system scared the perpetrator away. Customer was very happy with response and performance of security system
Medical Alert
Medical Emergency Response Within Minutes – Duluth:
EMC Security central monitoring station received an alarm from the residence of an EMC Security customer in Duluth. EMC Security immediately called the home and a neighbor answered phone requesting paramedics to the location. The EMC Security customer had fallen and was unable to move the entire right side of her body. The paramedics were dispatched to residence and were able to get to the customer in time. The monitoring center representative remained on the phone with the customer until the paramedics arrived.
Fire
Smoke Detected, House Fire Prevented – Snellville:
EMC Security monitoring received a Smoke / Heat Detector Alarm. The monitoring station immediately contacted the homeowner and dispatched the fire department and they found that someone in the home had left a pot on the stove where all of the liquid had boiled out of it. If they had not gotten back to the home when they did, the home could have caught fire. The customer is very happy with the way the alarm was handled by EMC Security.
Why Home Security Is a Perfect Fit for the Millennial Lifestyle
The world is changing, and home security has no intention of being left behind.
As technology and lifestyles evolve, home security systems evolve with them – at least, ours do. In fact, this industry is, and has always been, one of the earliest to adopt new tech. So then why is there an impression that home security is only for the old and established – and not for younger millenials?
Below, we’ll list the top reasons why home security is a perfect fit for the modern millennial lifestyle.
1. It’s affordable.
Gone are the days when you had to be wealthy to afford peace of mind. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home, and that’s why EMC Security offers top-of-the-line security systems starting at just $179 and monitoring services from $16.95 a month.
2. It’s convenient; DIY-friendly.
When living a fast-paced life, sometimes you just don’t have time in your schedule to be home for an installation. With an online order AND self-setup system like EMC Security’s Connect+, you can have your security system ordered and on its way to your home within minutes. Then, once it arrives, you can have it up and running with 4 simple steps.
3. It’s your high-tech home-automation hub.
Like we mentioned before, home security is on the cutting edge. That means you have access to features like doorbell cameras. motion sensors, smart locks, smart lights, mobile updates and controls, and more. And, everything can be controlled through one app – no more cluttering your phone with a million different apps for each piece of technology.
4. It can be used in apartments and townhomes.
The fact is, buying a house is simply not affordable or reasonable for many millennials. And when you rent, your landlord might not be too happy about you drilling holes in the walls. Luckily, DIY systems like Connect+ can attach to your walls, doors, and windows with the ever-convenient command strips – and protect you just as well as a traditional, wired system.
5. It can travel with you.
Because Connect+ isn’t wired into your walls, when it’s time to move into that new apartment, town-home, or house, your security can come with you!
6. It fits your fast-paced lifestyle.
Modern security isn’t just a keypad and some cameras. With mobile app integration, you can arm your system without stopping as you rush out the door, and have it disarmed right when you’re ready to walk back in. Home security can be on-the-go, just like you.
7. It’s hacker-safe.
In a world where protecting your data is just as important as protecting your home, it’s important to know that you and your system can’t be hacked. EMC Security works with top experts to ensure no one has access to your home or information without your permission.
8. It protects your home while you travel.
Empty homes are one of the top targets for burglars, and if you’re off exploring another country, there’s no one keeping watch. With smart home security, you won’t be distracted by worries about what’s happening back home: EMC is watching, and so can you, right from your mobile app.
And, most importantly…
9. It keeps you safe.
5 Common Misconceptions About Home Security Debunked
A security system is one of the most important purchases you will make for your home.
And this purchase shouldn’t be taken lightly. Research your options and take your time to find the right system for your home. However, homeowners should beware falling into the trap of a number of misconceptions about home security systems, including that they’re too expensive or too complicated.
This simply isn’t true.
We’ve identified five of the most common myths about home security systems and then we debunked them! So you’ll have the most accurate information you’ll need when shopping for the best home security system for your home.
1. Home Security Systems are Too Expensive
Technological advancements over the last few years have made owning a home security system more affordable than ever before. EMC Security’s most advanced system is also our most affordable starting at just $179 – with monthly monitoring starting at just $16.95, a rate that hasn’t changed in over 20 years.
2. You’ll Get Locked into a Contract
Yes, most security companies lock you into a contract. They do this so they can offer you equipment at a significant savings, spreading the cost over the length of the contract – and beyond. EMC Security believes that the customer should be able to decide who they do business with – so we don’t require a contract. We work to earn your business every day. We feel that our level of service shouldn’t require a contract to maintain a rate, get quality service, or keep you as a customer. However, we know many prefer the option of contracted service, so we also now offer a 24-month contract that is designed for people who want to put $99 down and finance the rest interest-free.
3. Installing a Home Security System is Too Complicated
A DIY Home Security System is a popular choice partly because the installation is so quick and easy!
You’ll get step by step video and written instructions, each component is labeled for easy placement, and if you have questions, we’re just a phone call away.
4. I Need a Phone Line
Many homeowners are now opting for a security system that communicates with the control panel via Wi-Fi or cell towers. With all the advancements in technologies, wireless systems are becoming just as reliable as hard-wired systems; if not more. Due to the easier and quicker installation, a wireless system is commonly the more practical choice for most homeowners.
5. A Home Security System Won’t Stop Burglars From Breaking into Your Home
A home security system is the best first line of defense against break-ins. According to a recent local study, 60% of burglars reported they would leave immediately if a security alarm was triggered. Another report noted that nearly 83 percent of the burglars said they would try to find out if the home had a security alarm before attempting to break in. Burglars don’t want to get caught, and they will target homes with less safety measures in place.
Protection for your home isn’t something you should take lightly. It’s important to educate yourself about your security options so you’re better able to choose a system that will work best for your home and your family’s needs.
Safety Tips for Black Friday
There are two kinds of people in the world, those who are willing to brave the Black Friday crowds in search of a great deal and those who won’t.
If you’re among the former, some thoughtful planning and a few precautions can make your day more productive, safe, and most of all, fun.
Tips forin-storeBlack Friday shopping:
- 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.
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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.
Want to see safety tips just like this, all year long? Find us on Facebook and Twitter.
This Thanksgiving, We’re Thankful for Safety
For families throughout the US, Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday.
Loved ones gathered around the table, counting blessings, mouths watering in anticipation of roast turkey and all the trimmings, pumpkin pie, grandma’s special recipes and all of the traditions that warm the heart.
Whether you’re spending the day with relatives or enjoying time with friends, practicing safety in all regards will ensure that you enjoy the holiday to its fullest.
Here are three that you should consider setting up before Thanksgiving Day.
1. Open your door, save energy
From last-minute errands to welcoming visitors, you’ll be opening your front door a lot during the holiday. When your heating is running at the same time, you can end up spending big bucks on your energy bill.
If you have an EMC Security Smart Thermostat, now is the perfect time to put it to use because it can automatically adjust its settings to save energy and protect your heating bill.
2. Give guests anytime access
Are you hosting family members for several days? If so, give them a temporary user code to your security system.
Unique user codes will allow your guests to come and go as they please. User codes can also trigger a smartphone alert every time it’s used. This is great if you’re away from home and want to know who’s coming and going.
3. Get proactive protection from fire danger
With everything ranging from log fires and deep fryers, during the Thanksgiving holiday official typically see an increase in house fires across the country. As well as being extra-mindful on the day, make sure that your home is protected in advance by installing an EMC Security smart smoke detector.
These detectors don’t just warn you about a fire, they can proactively alert our monitoring station, who dispatches your local fire department. If you don’t have smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed yet, now is a good time to talk to an EMC Security representative about adding them.
We hope you have a happy, safe and smart Thanksgiving!
Medical Alert Devices: 4 Uncommon Ways They Can Help
A medical alert device is like a dependable friend or family member you can rely on for help when you’re in an emergency situation.
Below are a few atypical ways a medical alert device could help you or a loved one.
Living Alone
According to a report issued by the Wall Street Journal, 35.7 million Americans live alone. Living alone can be a wonderful experience, however, becoming injured or experiencing some sort of emergency is a risk.
Medical alert devices give you the peace of mind that you will get immediate help with just a press of a button.
Walking in the Evening
Ask any adult and they’ll probably admit to being afraid of the dark at some point during their childhood and that a nightlight makes the presence of darkness less scary.
Similarly, a mobile medical alert pendant can provide similar relief whenever they decide to take an evening stroll. You’ll have quick access to help, in the event that a threat arises, by wearing the pendant around your neck or clipping it to your belt or bag,
Visually Impaired
Living with a visual impairment presents moment-to-moment, daily challenges – moving around with others both in and outdoors makes it easy to experience an accident. A medical alert device will provide a constant level of protection if an emergency situation were to occur.
The medical alert device was designed to be worn close to the body, so it’s easy to locate and doesn’t require digging through a bag to find. This is a huge benefit for someone who is visually impaired.
Mother-to-Be
It’s very common for pregnant women to have their doctor’s phone number close-at-hand throughout their pregnancy. This is important for many reasons but especially if there’s a health problem or the mom suddenly goes into labor. This is when having a medical alert device within arm’s reach proves important. You will receive aid as soon as you signal for help with a medical alert.
Around the Clock Protection
Keep yourself or your loved ones connected to reliable protection wherever you may be. EMC Security’s medical alert devices are portable and non-obtrusive with a sizable button that’s easy to access.
Chat with one of our security experts today to discuss how you can stay fully protected with a medical alert device.
DON’T LET HALLOWEEN BECOME A BURGLAR’S TREAT
With so many people anticipating a fun night of Halloween festivities, there will be an expected abundance of opportunities for burglars to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners.
An Opportunity for Thieves
Halloween offers the perfect cover for a would-be-thief. A burglar can dress up in a costume to conceal his identity, giving him free rein to check to see if homeowners are at home. You can’t expect your neighbors to suspect unwanted activity around your home when that’s what’s expected on Halloween.
Protect Your Home
A home security system will protect your home from burglars, and ward off teenagers who might try to vandalize your home on Halloween.
Integrate security cameras around your home and deter burglars. Youngsters who are looking for a good time will avoid houses with security cameras as much as burglars looking for a quick payday. Advertising the fact that you have this technology on Halloween will keep disorderly teenagers and burglars at bay.
If you’re a household that doesn’t partake in Halloween, a burglar might think you’re not at home when you don’t answer the door. This could potentially lead to an attempt to enter your home, which could result in a dangerous situation for you and your family. A home security system would alert you and law enforcement that someone is attempting to break into your home.
Halloween is just around the corner, so if you’re leaving your family vulnerable, it’s time to consider investing in a home security system.
How to Have A Safe Halloween
Halloween is one of the nights of the year that children anticipate most — and with so much at stake, it’s easy to understand why. After all, when else do kids get to dress up as their favorite character, stockpile loads of candy, and venture past their bedtime?
Halloween Safety Checklist
As parents, you want your children to enjoy a ghoulie night of fun, but not at the expense of risking their safety. Fear not — we’ve put together the ultimate checklist for keeping tots, teens and everyone in between, safe on Halloween.
1. Remove tripping hazards
Halloween-goers are much too busy tallying up their candy to focus their attention on where they’re walking, so be sure to examine your lawn for potential hazards. Be sure your yard is free of tripping hazards like garden tools and sprinklers. If your home has a lawn watering system, be sure to turn it off a few days prior to the big night to prevent your lawn from being wet.
2. Avoid using candles
Festive lights make your home bright and friendly to treat-a-treaters but using candles to brighten a pumpkin can be unsafe. Costumes and paper can easily ignite if they come into close contact with an open flame. Instead of traditional candles, opt for artificial ones that are powered by batteries.
3. Consider candy choices
Buying candy is almost as fun as eating the leftovers, but keep in mind that not all candy is suitable for every child. Avoid sweets that pose a choking threat for toddlers and avoid treats that might trigger peanut allergies. Even if the candy doesn’t contain peanuts, it could be made in a facility that handles peanuts, so be sure to check product labels for any potential allergy warnings.
4. Turn on the lights
A vaguely lit entryway helps set the mysterious mood of Halloween, but it also raises the chance of an accident. Verify that theexterior lightsof your home are working and consider turning on floodlights to brighten the darkest areas of your yard.
Even if you’re not going to be home, leave on lights for safety reasons or make sure your motion sensor lights are active to deter unwanted visitors from vandalizing your home. And, if you won’t be there, make sure to arm yoursecurity system, just to be on the safe side.
5. Don’t put out candy
Perhaps you won’t be home on Halloween or maybe it’s challenging for you to answer the door, so you’ve put out a bowl of candy for treat-a-treaters to assist themselves. Understandably, this seems like a kind thing to do but someone could taint the candy. It’s probably unlikely, but it’s certainly not worth taking the gamble.
6. Make room in the garage
Statistics show that children are four times more likely to be struck by a car on Halloween than any other day of the year. As such, parking your car and trick or treating on foot is a good idea.
7. Use discretion when opening the door
Finally, while nearly all trick-or-treaters are innocent kids out to collect as much candy as they can possibly carry, you must still be cautious of opening your door during the night. If you have an uneasy feeling about the person on the other side of your door, listen to your instinct and don’t open it. And as the flow of trick-or-treaters dwindles to just a few here and there, it’s a good idea to stop opening the door for the night.
Halloween is celebrated as a frightening holiday, but that doesn’t mean it should be dangerous. Consider our tips and advice to keep trick-or-treaters and your family safe while enjoying a night of Halloween fun.