Tag: new emc

  • Three Reasons You Need a Pet Camera

    Three Reasons You Need a Pet Camera

    Security Cameras and Pets

    Not only do indoor security cameras help protect our homes, but they can also help us keep an eye on your pet at all hours of the day, even when you’re not home. This is especially beneficial for people who work long hours at a time. Whether you just got a new puppy or have lived with a furry friend for many years, having a camera to monitor your pet will ease your worries of leaving them home alone and you’ll always know exactly what they are doing. Here are some other reasons you may want to get yourself and your four-legged friend a dedicated cam.

    Reason #1

    So, you don’t need to worry and know your pet is safe. Ask any devoted pet owner and they’ll tell you that a good pet is more than a temporary companion; they are practically another member of the family. As such, it is important to make sure they are always safe. A dedicated indoor pet cam will allow you to see what they are doing at all hours of the day, letting you know they are safe, while also notifying you when they may be getting into mischief.

    Reason #2

    Stay in touch with your pet. Setting up a dedicated pet cam will allow you to spend as much virtual time as you want with your pet. EMC Security’s indoor camera comes with a microphone and speaker installed which allows you to talk to your pet, and for them to hear you when you talk. Keep them happy with constant interaction throughout the day or verbally discipline them if you must. We all get lonely without our furry friends, but a dedicated pet cam puts an end to leaving your pets home alone!

    Reason #3

    Deter unwanted behavior. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?! Cameras are extremely helpful when it comes to housebreaking—especially if you have a new puppy at home. You’ll know if they are getting into your belongings or ripping into your couch. Cameras even let you interact with your pet through the camera so you can stop their unwanted behavior and keep your home in good condition.

    EMC Security wireless security cameras can be used as perfect dedicated pet cams. Affordably priced at just $79, EMC Security will give you peace of mind when away from your pet. Order yours at today emcsecurity.com.

  • The Gone in 60 Seconds EMC Security Checklist

    The Gone in 60 Seconds EMC Security Checklist

    Let the Countdown Begin

    With all the hustle and bustle of getting up and out on a weekday morning, it can be difficult to remember the kids’ lunches, let alone securing your home against unwanted visitors in your absence. With the clock ticking, it can be easy to make a dash for the car without so much as securing the front door in the midst of your haste! Needless to say, it only takes a moment of forgetfulness on your part for thieves to leverage this opportunity to their advantage.

    Fortunately, EMC Security realizes that for many of us, time is as precious as home security and has thus devised this clever sixty-second checklist, meaning we don’t have to sacrifice security at the risk of running late!

    T-Minus 60 seconds…

    A window of opportunity – You would never leave your front door wide open so why the double standards for windows? An open window is an open invitation for would-be-burglars to access your home. Even windows located on upper levels of your home offer an opportunity for determined intruders to break in.

    Take a moment to go around the house and shut tight any windows that might have escaped your attention, including conservatories and bathrooms.

    T-Minus 40 seconds…

    Ring the alarm – Did you know that only half of the homeowners with a burglar alarm actually activate it when they leave the house? If you’re a guilty party to this statistic, now is the time to recognize it and change! It only takes a moment to arm your home security system, which could potentially save weeks of stress and anxiety following a break-in.

    T-Minus 30 seconds…

    Secure the doors – Locking the front door is the most obvious form of protection against home invasions, yet 42% of people admit to routinely leaving their door unlocked, even when no one is home! It’s important to invest in high-quality locks or smart locks for true peace of mind.

    T-Minus 20 seconds…

    Spotlight on security – Ensuring proper function of your external security lights is paramount, as they play a major role in helping keep your home secure. Take a moment to test yours out as you leave the house; if the batteries need changing, add a note to your shopping list for that day.

    T-Minus 10 seconds…

    The last walkthrough – Before you jump in the car, make a habit of glancing up at your house as a whole. Lend a keen eye to any elements that might signal potential weakness to burglars and jot them down.

    By keeping a physical list of items that require attention, it’s much more likely that you’ll get to them when you have a bit more time!

  • Wired vs Wireless Home Security Systems

    Wired vs Wireless Home Security Systems

    Which System Is Right For You?

    If you are looking to install a home alarm system, you’ve probably wondered whether it’s best to go with a wired or wireless alarm solution. Each option offers unique advantages, so let’s take a look at what you can anticipate with each.

    Installation

    Installation of a wireless alarm system is the easiest of the two options. There are many good wireless security systems on the market – both professionally installed and with self-install options. Check out EMC Security’s options that start at just $179 here.

    Operational Costs

    Wireless home systems require batteries, which over time, need replacing; whereas, a wired home alarm system will run off your home power source. It’s recommended that the batteries on a wireless alarm system be changed every two to three years, but the replacement cost is very low.

    Consistency

    Modern wireless alarm systems, are continually evolving and are now, equally as reliable as traditional wired systems, so there is little to choose between the two for reliability.

    Aesthetics

    For many homeowners, a wired alarm system appears messy. By contrast, wireless home alarms do not require drilling for installation and have no clunky wires or cables to hide.

    Overall, wireless alarm systems are much simpler to install and can be expanded with additional accessories, sensors, and third-party devices as required. They are also more cost-effective, appealing to the eye, and with our range of smart home alarm enhancements, you can rest assured knowing that your security is taken care of for a number of years. Take a look at our product range.

  • What to Do After a Burglary

    What to Do After a Burglary

    My House Was Broken Into? What Should I Do?

    If you’ve just suffered a home burglary you may simply be asking what do I do now? Whether you’re in panic mode or you’re just not sure where to turn, learn what to do immediately after a home burglary, these tips will help you get through the process as quickly and painlessly as possible.

    Step 1. Call the Police

    The first thing you should always do after a home burglary is to call the police. If your security system was armed – triggering an alarm, we will contact the authorities for you.

    • If you’ve left the house and/or you think the intruder may still be there: This is an emergency. From your locked car or a neighbor’s house, dial 911.
    • Any delay to call the police could the lower their chances of catching the perpetrator and recovering your stolen items.

    Step 2. Survey your property and possessions

    Once the authorities arrive at your home, make a detailed and complete list of everything that has either been damaged or stolen. Include as many details as you can about each item and their value. Give this list to the police and save additional copies for your own records, as well as your insurance company.

    It’s also a good idea to take photographs or provide video footage of your damaged property. It’s likely that you will need to provide proof to your insurance company of items that were taken or damaged in the process.

    Step 3. Call your insurance company

    Assuming you have insurance, you will need to file a claim within 24 hours of filing a report with the police, so it’s important to notify them as soon as you can. In most cases, a claim adjuster will come and inspect your home and any associated damage that may have been caused, so it’s essential that at this stage not to move or touch anything unless you’ve been instructed to do so by the police.

    Step 4. Call your bank

    After you’ve called the police and spoken to your insurance company, you’ll need to call your bank if any of your credit/debit cards or checks were stolen. Likewise, if a computer, tablet, or phone with banking information and financial data was taken, you’ll need to share this information with your bank as well. It’s important that you call your bank and financial institutions as soon as possible to avoid fraud or any additional theft.

    Step 5. Notify others

    Consider everything that was taken and who else you may need to notify:

    • If your driver’s license was taken you should apply for a replacement immediately.
    • If your passport was taken notify the office that issued your passport to cancel it, then apply for a new one.
    • If your mobile phone was stolen, notify your network provider right away, so that they can block the phone from being used.
    • Notify your neighbors of the burglary to see if that may have witnessed anything.

    Step 6. Take care of yourself

    Besides simply losing valuables and causing damage to your home, burglaries can leave you and your loved ones feeling vulnerable, unsafe and emotionally shaken. Once you’ve taken all of the immediate actions, you need to channel your attention to taking care of yourself and your family.

    Step 7. Apply preventative measures

    Installing security cameras can help make you feel safer and secure in your own home and reduce the risk of a second home burglary.

    Contact EMC Security to take preventative measures and make your home safer in the future. Check out our blog for other helpful security tips to prevent your home from being burgled again.

  • The New Georgia School Bus Law

    The New Georgia School Bus Law

    Maintaining Safety around Georgia School Buses

    With many kids heading back to school, it’s a good time for a reminder of an important new law in Georgia outlining when drivers are required to stop for a school bus. According to lawmakers and school officials, this law – that went into effect in February – helps protect students by fixing an error in the previous law that allowed drivers on some highways to continue driving even when a school bus was stopped.

    It’s important for people to realize how dangerous it can be at bus stops, which is why drivers have a responsibility to make sure students can leave those bus stops safely.

    According to the new law, vehicles traveling in both directions must stop when a school bus is stopped on a road with its lights on and sign out. This applies to two-lane roads, four-lane roads, and roads with a turning lane. The only time you do not have to stop is if there is a median in the road, separating you and the bus. These sections of roadway are usually divided by a grassy area, a paved area, or a concrete wall.

    Penalties for Breaking the Law

    If you are caught passing a school bus that is stopped, you could be fined up to $1,000 and risk getting six points on your driver’s license. As such, remember, if you see a school bus stopping and the red lights are on, you need to stop unless it’s a road with a median.

    According to a school official, bus drivers try to avoid bus stops where students have to cross the street, but it does still happen and sometimes students cross when they aren’t supposed to.

    Sometimes, it’s possible that a child might get confused, and not having traffic stopped in all directions could be catastrophic, which is why it’s important that drivers educate themselves on the new law and the cautions that come with driving on the roadways during the school season.

    Did you know that EMC Security protects more kids and staff at school in Georgia than any other company? That’s over 358,000 students and staff! Learn how we can keep you and your family safe at home too.

  • Top 5 Reasons to Upgrade Your Home Alarm System

    Home security technology is forever changing and improving.

    And while it’s true that you can upgrade it on a regular basis, it is important to stay informed on industry-changing innovations and designs. Here are a few reasons why you should stay ahead of the criminals and stay as upgraded as possible:

    Older Technology is Easier to Hack

    Older technology excites would-be burglars because it’s much simpler for them to circumvent these systems and breach your home defense. In all likelihood, they’ve encountered similar security systems in the past and are familiar with how to get around them.

    Stay Up-to-date with Phone Technology

    Many older home security systems rely on landline telephone numbers. However, thieves can cut traditional phone lines, thereby preventing security systems from alerting authorities that a breach in your home security has occurred. As such, it is effective to upgrade to a system that uses a wireless phone communication system.

    Get Connected

    The best modern technology is smart and connected. Look at how you manage your home in its entirety, rather than as individual segments and you’ll soon be able to control the temperature in your home, your security and even your lighting with one press of a smartphone button.

    Safety from Any Location

    The interconnectivity of smart networks these days mean that you can keep a check on your home from wherever you are. Smartphone connectivity means you can use an app on your phone to keep track of system activity. Some examples of this are using EMC Security home products, EMC Security Video Doorbell, and the Connect Plus security system.

    Minimize Potential Black Spots

    The newer the home security system, the lower the risk of potential problems with that system. Automation has improved as well as analysis and data collection from home systems, which helps to ensure that you have the best chance of limiting the threat of burglars.

    For more information about upgrading your home security system contact EMC Security today at 770.963.0305.

  • What Burglars Are Looking For In Your Home

    What Burglars Are Looking For In Your Home

    Most burglars tend to avoid the challenge of intruding a home that is protected while opting for homes with weaker security.

    Nevertheless, once a burglar has gained access to your home, there are a few specific things that they are looking to steal. Here we take a look at what you need to consider as a homeowner or tenant, and how to counteract becoming a victim.

    Unlocked Entry Points

    When sizing up a property, most burglars are looking for the easiest way to get inside without being detected. Unsecured windows and doors act as open invitations for thieves to enter your home and increase the likelihood of a successful burglary.

    Valuables in the Bedroom

    Seasoned burglars are well are of the fact that most valuables are stored (or hidden) in the bedroom, and it is the first place that a thief will look for things like jewelry, small electronics, or potentially, sentimental items. And while a burglar won’t waste time trying to figure out the combination to your safe, they will take it with them if it’s small and not secured to the floor or wall, so don’t assume that your valuables are secure just because you’ve locked them away.

    Cash Lying Around

    Home intruders are looking for easy items to steal items with the highest cash value, allowing them to get in and out quickly. Cash and jewelry are the two things that are most likely to be taken first.

    The main thing that will scare away a burglar is a solid home security system. If they gain entry and an alarm sounds it is more likely than not that they will leave immediately. For others, a home that has visible alarm systems, and intercom capabilities at the front door, is less likely to be targeted as the owners have taken their home security seriously.

    If you would like to bolster your home security give EMC Security a call today and we can help put together a plan for your home.

  • Security Benefits of Outdoor Lighting

    Security Benefits of Outdoor Lighting

    Outdoor lights make for an easy crime deterrent throughout the night.

    While motion-sensing lights are by far the best option, simply leaving a porch light on along with the back door or side door lights work very well.

    Automatic lights can detect any certain movement in its range, which is a cost-effective way to add security and convenience to your home. Here are a few ways motion-sensor lights can benefit your home:

    Light outdoor walkways

    Something as simple as taking out the trash can turn into a dangerous expedition without enough light at night. It’s easy to get your foot tangled in a garden hose or to miss a step from your porch. However, these problems are eliminated when you have extra light to help you see where you’re going.

    Motion-sensor lights will come on and give you a clear path around your home to take the dog out, run to the garage or to get something from your car in the driveway. There’s no need to shuffle around your porch and outdoor walkway at night when motion-light sensors will simply turn on the second they know you’re outside.

    Brighten dark driveways

    Another benefit of having motion detected outdoor lighting is always come home to a well-lit house. Arriving home in darkness makes it hard to find your way without fumbling your way inside. Motion-sensor lights can turn on the second your car gets in the driveway, so you have a safe and hassle-free walk from your vehicle to your front door.

    Additionally, having exterior lighting can also help you see packages left on your doorstep or mail inside of your mailbox.

    Save money and energy

    With motion-sensor LED security lights, you immediately save money with LED light bulbs, which last much longer than standard bulbs. LED lights are also extremely efficient, which means you will use less energy by keeping lights on only for a short period of time, instead of leaving them on all night. Using motion sensor lighting can save you up to 60 percent on your energy costs.

    Keep home intruders at bay

    Excess lighting surrounding your home could help you keep burglars away from your home at night. With motion-tracking LED security spotlights, light sensors work with a 240-degree field of view, which will track anything moving in a much larger area.

    Lights have always been one of the best ways to prevent burglaries. According to historical stats, most burglaries occur when thieves believe homeowners not at home. Motion-sensor lights help give the illusion that someone is home and might have spotted criminals in the act. This could keep would-be burglars from perusing around your home at night as well.

    Deter unwanted & potentially dangerous animals

    A lot of residents in rural areas see their fair share of nighttime critters plunging around their property at night. Raccoons, deer, opossum, foxes and even bears can all get into your property if you don’t take right precautionary measures. As such, using motion-sensor lights will trigger when the animal gets close to your home in search of food or shelter, which could keep animals away from your home at night.

  • City of Decatur False Alarm Ordinance

    City of Decatur False Alarm Ordinance

    Sec. 38-34. False Alarm Fines

    For a response to any false alarm, the Decatur municipal court shall fine and collect such fines as follows from the person or business having and/or maintaining a security alarm system on the premises owned or occupied by such person:

    First False Alarm

    For the first response to premises at which no other false alarm has occurred within a: calendar year, there shall be no penalty;

    Second False Alarm

    For a second response to premises after the first response within a calendar year period, a written warning and a copy of this article shall be given, but the person having or maintaining such security alarm shall, within three working days after notice to do so, make a written report to the police chief, and if applicable, on prescribed forms setting forth the cause of such false alarm, the corrective action taken, whether such alarm has been inspected, by an authorized service person, and such other information as may be required to determine the cause. of such false alarm and necessary corrective action. Provision of this information is the sole responsibility of the offender.

    Third False Alarm

    For the third response to premises after a second response within a calendar year period, a fine as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges shall be charged, but a written report may be required as for a second response and the police chief shall be authorized to inspect or cause to be inspected the security alarm system at the owner’s expense by a certified service person and to prescribe necessary corrective action.

    Fourth and Fifth False Alarms

    For a fourth and a fifth response to premises within a calendar year, a fine as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges shall be charged, but a written report may be required, and the police chief shall be authorized to inspect or cause to be inspected the security alarm system at such premises, prescribe necessary corrective action, and shall give notice to the person or business having or maintaining such security alarm system of the conditions and requirements of this article, including the fee requirements for six or more false alarm responses by the police division within each calendar year.

    Six or More False Alarms

    After a sixth response to premises within a calendar year for all succeeding responses within that calendar year, a fine as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges shall be charged, and if such false alarms are as a result of failure to take necessary corrective action prescribed by the police chief, disconnection of such security alarm system may be ordered. It shall be unlawful to reconnect such security alarm system until such corrective action is taken. No disconnection shall be ordered to any premises required by law to have a security alarm system in operation.

    False Alarm Fees

    1st or 2nd citation $50.00
    3rd or 4th citation $80.00
    5th & up must appear in court

    Decatur Police Department 420 West Trinity Place

    Decatur, Georgia 30030-3048

    404-373-6551

    Fax 404-370-4117

    http://www.decaturga.com

  • EMC Security – Office Services

    EMC Security – Office Services

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    Commercial & Industrial Security Solutions for Offices

    Worker safety, fire protection, remaining code compliant, and securing important documents are key issues in office environments.

    Below are the services provided by EMC Security for offices:

    1. Intrusion Detection

    A security system is a cost effective way to protect facilities without the need of manned on-site security. The latest in technology also allows managers to receive notifications when the system is armed or disarmed.

    2. Fire Protection

    EMC Security ensures businesses remain code compliant with NFPA standards with full-service design, installation, monitoring, and fire system inspections.

    3. Access Control

    Managing control allows managers to track and limit employee and visitor movement throughout the complex. Reports from the access control system can be used for determining who has accessed certain areas and at what time.

    4. Video Surveillance

    Well placed video surveillance systems allow owners to maintain a record of activities for later review as well as provide owners with real-time and recorded video on demand and notifications while off-site.

    Learn more about protecting your office by contacting EMC Security or completing our Commercial Instant Quote below.