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6 Spring Cleaning Tips for Better Home Security, Part 2
In the last blog we shared 6 tips for spring-cleaning and safeguarding your yard and home exteriors.
This month, we’ve got 6 more tips just for the interiors of your home.
By taking the time to thoroughly clean and inspect your home – especially with these 6 pointers – you’ll have a shiny, fresh, and SAFE place to enjoy during Georgia’s beautiful spring and summer seasons.
1. Be aware of your security system when you’re redecorating.
Does your spring to-do list include a new big-screen TV or furniture purchase? Re-arranging or changing furniture and appliances may cause a change in the efficiency of your security system. Make sure that when you re-decorate, your security cameras are not blocked and your motion detector sensors are clear.
2. Check your window locks.
Spring is a good time to clean the interior and exterior glass—it’s safer when you can see more clearly! It’s also the perfect time to open and close every window and make sure the locks and seals are properly securing the window. If any of the locks seem loose, tighten or replace them. It’s also a good time to install inexpensive window pins. They’re available at any home improvement store, and are easy to operate—just pull the pin out to unlock and open the window.
3. Check batteries on smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
If you read this tip a lot when you’re scanning articles about home security and maintenance, it’s for a good reason. These detectors could mean the difference between life and death. According to the Consumer Products Safety Division, two-thirds of all home fires occurred in residences without working smoke detectors. It’s also a good time to test your smoke alarms.
4. Clean your light fixtures.
Not only will your home look brighter, but you’ll also see better—and that’s a big safety plus! Dust those hard-to-reach chandeliers and ceiling fans thoroughly. An accumulation of dust and dirt can cause operating issues, which could lead to big trouble if there’s a short-circuit in the wiring. One spark could start a fire!
5. Clean out your fireplace.
If you’ve got a wood-burning fireplace in your home, it’s time to call in a chimney expert to make sure the flue is clear and there’s no creosote buildup. Discard any ash, clean the grate and surrounding areas, and close the flue. A clean fireplace will freshen the air in your home.
6. Clean around your refrigerator and washer-dryer.
Spring is a great time to pull your fridge out from the wall and give the floor behind it and around it a good cleaning. Sweep, wipe and mop as much as you can. Take a brush/duster specifically designed to clean the coils in major appliances and give it a good deep-cleaning. The amount of dust that gets into the bottom of a refrigerator is astounding. And when you’re doing the same to your washer-dryer combo, use that brush to clean out the dryer vent. Make sure you’re in the habit of cleaning your lint screen after every time you run your dryer. Remember, anywhere you’ve got dust and major electrical equipment, you’ve got the potential for a fire!
Customer Removes Security System Installed by Cable Company, then calls EMC Security!
EMC Security recently learned about the terrible experience a new customer in Powder Springs, Georgia had with a cable company and internet service provider who advertises home security services in the Metro Atlanta area.
About a month ago, she contacted this cable company and set up the installation of a new security system for her home.
Her first red flag that this was not going to be a great experience was on the day that the cable company was there to install her security system. The two technicians from the cable company repeatedly called their office during the installation with questions on how to install the equipment.
Though she was impressed with the keypad that came with the system, she had to carry it in every room with her in order to hear the alarm when the doors were opened. On the first night of having her new system, she armed the system and went to bed. Not long after going to bed, the alarm had been activated causing the siren to sound and frightening the poor customer out of bed. She was so startled and did not know if someone was in her home or trying to break in. She happened to see the motion detector on the floor. She realized that it had been so poorly installed that it fell right off of the wall. She began to doubt every part of her security system installation.
The Switch to EMC
Fortunately, this customer had a 3-day writ of rescission and this happened on the first day. The next morning, she called the cable company and notified them of her decision to remove their equipment from her home and that she would not be using their services for home security monitoring. Right after that phone call she contacted EMC Security. She chose a customized security system designed by the EMC Security sales consultant.
She has been happy with her equipment and monitoring service ever since joining the EMC Security family. She tells EMC Security that in hindsight, she should have seen the red flags that appeared to tell her the two cable guys did not have the proper training to install a home security system, which is why they made call after call to the office for step by step instructions on the day of installation.
She realized that she could have been locked into a 3-year contract with this cable company and stuck with the poorly installed equipment and doubtful customer service. EMC Security encourages customers to do their due diligence when choosing a security company to help protect your home.
A Security Company You Can Trust
Please be sure to choose a security company that you can trust, has specially trained professional security system installers and industry certified monitoring center operators, never requires a contract, and earns your business every day.
Six Must-Do Spring Home Security and Care Tips for Weekend Warriors
Before summer vacation explodes upon us, it’s time for all you Georgia homeowners – weekend warriors – to do some home improvements that will help make your dwelling more secure.
Exterior maintenance goes hand-in-hand with home security. Here are six must-do tasks to tackle this Saturday!
Even if it’s not quite warm enough in Georgia to get the A/C cranked up, it’s a good idea to do a quick visual inspection of your units. Perform basic service and replace the filters. It’s not too early to call in an expert to check the performance and parts of your air conditioner, either. An A/C unit that’s on the fritz can mean comfort and safety issues for everyone in the home.
1. Do Basic Landscape Maintenance.
Winter takes a toll on Georgia yards. Remove dead shrubs and trees. Clear out fallen debris and branches. You don’t want to leave any overgrown areas near the home that could provide cover for prowlers.
2. Inspect Your Tools and Tool Storage.
Pull out your yard toys and make sure they are in good working order. Ensure that the gasoline that powers them is stored properly – you don’t want a yard fire ruining your summer! Make sure the doors and locks for exterior storage sheds, outbuildings basements, and garages are not rusted or broken. Make repairs as necessary. Broken locks and yard tools are an easy mark for burglars!
3. Check on Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures.
Turn on your outdoor faucets and pipes. Do any of them drip or leak? Tighten them up. Leaking water can weaken exterior walls, too. If you’ve got a leak anywhere in your home – especially in your roof or your interior ceilings& – you’ve got a potentially serious security issue
4. Take a Walk at Night to Check Your Lights.
Stroll around your home at nightfall. Look up at your security lights on your roofline, the corners, and especially the lights on your entrances, front door, and driveway. Make sure all of them are clean of debris and dirt and have working bulbs. Pay special attention to your exterior motion sensor lights – make sure they’re coming on and off like they’re supposed to do! Motion sensors are an important part of your home’s security
5. Examine Your Door and Window Frames.
Winter weather can take a toll on the detailing around doors and windows, making the frames vulnerable to burglars using tools to break into a home. Get them replaced if they’re rotted or damaged in any way.
6. Protect It.
Now that you’ve read about why home maintenance is essential to keeping your home secure, why not give it the ultimate level of safety?
An EMC Security monitoring system can help you keep track of your home’s interior and exterior spaces with a touch of your smart phone. One low price per month, with no contract, ensures that your home is protected with and our 24/7 professional monitoring.
Call us at 770-963-0305.
The Anatomy of a Burglar-Proof Front Door
The FBI reports that 34% of burglaries enter through the front door.
What can you do to give your home’s main point of entry a better line of defense? Do some springtime touch-ups on its hardware and security features, or replace it with a newer, more secure model.
Here are the basic features every front door needs:
- This should be obvious, but with so much going on in our busy lives, the simplest critical error many victims make is to leave their front door unlocked. Even the strongest deadbolt in the world won’t work if you don’t use it.
- Invest in a great deadbolt lock for your front door. It should be made of solid metal with exposed screws and a throw bolt (that comes out of the door) that’s at LEAST 1-inch or more. If you struggle with installation, don’t mess around; get an experienced person to help you.
- Cylinder guards (metal pieces that go around the area where you insert the key) prevent burglars from taking a hammer or crowbar to the lock.
- Round-head carriage bolts will keep locks from being unscrewed. Many locks come with these features, but if yours doesn’t, you can purchase them separately.
- Reinforce your doorframe with simple products to install from Lowes or Home Depot. Products like EZ Armor or StrikeMaster hinge reinforcements make it very difficult for a would-be intruder to kick in your door
- Strike plates take a lot of wear and tear, and should be replaced regularly. A strike plate is the metal plate that surrounds the lockset, or the hole in the doorframe where the lock bolt enters. All exterior doors should have strike plates with four 3-inch screws. Make sure the screws can go all the way through to the stud and do not just attach to the doorjamb.
- Install Peep Holes. You need to be able to see out without being seen or opening your front door. If your front door doesn’t have a peephole, install one now. Look for a wide-angle viewer, and one with a built-in cover to prevent people from looking back in with a peephole viewer device.
- A metal plate across the bottom of a front door isn’t there just for the aesthetic image of the front door; it provides another layer of protection
- If you have a hollow-core door, or one with lots of decorative glass, your front entry is extra-vulnerable. Replace it with a solid-core door made of fiberglass, solid wood, or a solid wood core (veneer over solid wood.) Metal doors are fine, but don’t make sure they are reinforced inside and have a lock block, or they can be bent out of the doorframe.
Of course, the best line of security is one that protects all of your home’s doors and windows. A security system monitored by EMC can keep watch over every entrance and exit, and with redundant cellular monitoring and video security, you can control the locks and who comes in or out.
Request Your Home Security Evaluation
Want to know more? Call us at 770-963-0305 to request an evaluation of your home’s security needs.
Sandy Springs False Alarm Ordinance Updates
The City of Sandy Springs passed an update to their false alarm ordinance.
As of June 19, 2019, in the event of an intrusion alarm signal, Sandy Springs Police will require video, audio, or in-person verification of an actual event before dispatching an authority to your home.
EMC Security is compliant with all Sandy Springs ordinance requirements. Is your provider? Click here to check the Sandy Springs fine report.
City officials are in the process of communicating the change to all homeowners and businesses in Sandy Springs. We encourage everyone to learn more at www.sandyspringsga.gov/alarm-ordinance. Please make note of the fines for false alarms, including those for calls into the 911 center without the appropriate verification. View the video below for more information.
In order for EMC Security or any provider to continue to provide emergency dispatch on behalf of a Sandy Springs resident or business, a true verification system must be used. Citizens and/or alarm companies have 24 hours to provide video or audio clips (to verify an actual intrusion event) to the 911 Center.
We are committed to providing more protection choices and flexibility so our Sandy Springs customers can protect their homes and families while meeting the requirements of the new ordinance.
EMC Security service options include:
OPTION 1: Customer Verification and Dispatch
Provides smart-phone notification of an alarm condition to our customers. Our customers can then take action, up to and including contacting authorities. This basic notification service will make no provision for EMC Security to dispatch for any alarm signal on behalf of the customer.
OPTION 2: Customer Verification with EMC Security Dispatch
Includes full-service monitoring of fire alarm, personal emergency panic and silent hold-up signals from the home. Notification of homeowner and contacts by our central station will be provided for other alarm conditions, including all intrusion signals, but will not include police dispatch.
OPTION 3: EMC Security Verification and Dispatch
Full service including monitoring and dispatch services on all fire alarm, personal emergency, and silent alarm duress signals, and will include police dispatch on true verified alarms.
How to Choose a Home Security System (Part 4)
It’s not uncommon for home buyers to move into a house with a pre-installed, wired security system, at which point they wonder, “How can I activate this system?”
Or perhaps a homeowner currently has a wired system and finds themselves not satisfied with the service provider that monitors the system. We get customers who fall into these two scenarios all of the time, which is why we’ve decided to share some information to help you determine whether it’s best for you to reactivate or replace your existing system.
What’s a Takeover?
Reprogramming an existing functional security system to allow for a change in monitoring companies.
Why Do a Takeover?
A takeover is the most affordable way to switch monitoring companies. If you are searching for a great value that you are not getting now, switching to EMC Security may be the answer.
What’s Included?
- A full system diagnostic
- Reprogramming and testing
- Battery replacement if needed
- Training on system operation
- EMC Security yards signs and stickers
What’s the Process?
Contact us at 770.963.0305 to schedule an in-home appointment to inspect your existing home security system and determine your needs. Monthly monitoring is $16.95 for Wi-Fi, $23.95 for
cellular option.EMC Security Difference
- Monthly monitoring is $16.95 for Wi-Fi, $23.95 for cellular option
- No-Contract option
- Response averaging 14 seconds
- New EMC Group Chat notifications
Still unsure on whether your existing system can be revamped? If so, contact EMC Security to receive additional information or receive a free quote.
How to Choose a Home Security System (Part 3)
There’s a wide range of home security systems from various brands, each of which comes in different shapes, sizes, and have various functions and capabilities.
As the list of alarm systems continues to grow, so does the way in which each system differs from the next.
As a good rule of measure, alarm systems that were manufactured after the millennium are usually prime candidates for reuse. This means that homeowners whose security systems were installed after the year 2000, can switch to a new security company without having to reinvest in a new security system.
In general, home security panels from the
90’s and beyond, are more difficult to program and their capabilities are limited.Additionally, older systems usually lack up-to-date features, such as smartphone control, cell communication, wi-fi connectivity
and home.Ultimately, it is best to consult an EMC Security professional about your system. We will let you know what your system is capable of doing. But in the meanwhile, here are a few things to help you determine whether a takeover of your existing security system is right for you:
What a Conversion?
Replacing or modifying the control panel and keypad(s) of an existing security system. Door/window sensor, motion detectors, wiring, and smoke detectors may or may not need to be replaced.
Why Do I Need This?
Some systems do not accept a simple reprogramming because of proprietary equipment specific to a certain alarm company. Therefore, it’s necessary to replace the control panel and keypad(s).
What About Updates?
Some systems may not necessarily require
a conversion , but the customer chooses a conversion to upgrade to newer technology (keypad) or communication method (replace phone connection with Wi-Fi or cellular).Examples and Ideas
- Upgrade to a touchscreen keypad
- Revise
communication method - Integrate security cameras
- Add home-automation and interactive services
What’s the Process?
Contact us at 770.963.0305 to schedule an in-home appointment to inspect your existing home security system and determine your needs. Monthly monitoring is $16.95 for Wi-Fi, $23.95 for
cellular option.In-Home Technician
At this appointment, the conversion will be completed and tested, interactive services will be applied, and the homeowner will be fully trained on system operation.
Finally, the last option to consider
on your search for home security is the Takeover option. Let’s take a look at what this means and which buyers are better suited for this option.
How to Choose a Home Security System (Part 2)
Consumers who are in the market for home security can choose between two options, DIY or professional installation.
Professional installation is required with all hardwired home alarm systems but not necessarily with wireless systems. Here are points to consider when choosing pro installation.
BENEFITS OF PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION
Pro installation is required with high-level, hardwired security systems but
are considered optional with wireless systems. One of the key benefits to having your home security systems installed by a trained technician is having an extra sense of security and peace of mind knowing that the work was done by a professional. Of course, DIY wireless security systems are easy to set up, but an experienced security professional can help guarantee the best possible use of the equipment by positioning it in ideal locations around your home. Another benefit is that you get to conserve your own time and energy as it relates to setting up the system! These benefits are extremely beneficial for people with larger properties and/or security systems with many components.Still not sure if the pro-install option is right for you? Here are a few additional items of consideration to help inform you:
What Do I Need?
The type of system and components will depend on the construction of your home, your particular needs (security, fire, cameras, automation, etc.) and lifestyle (children, pets, etc.)
Hard-Wired vs Wireless
A hard-wired system connects all devices to the control panel via wires. Wireless systems connect via radio frequency, using minimum wiring.
Communication Method
You can connect to our monitoring centers via phone line, internet, or cell towers. Cellular is the most reliable since it does not rely on a power source to communicate.
Cameras and Automation
Interactive controls, cameras
and home-automation can be added to most security systems for a complete smart-system, controlled from your mobile device.In-Home Technician
At this appointment, the system will be installed and tested, interactive services will be applied, and the homeowner will be fully trained on system operation.
What’s the Process?
Contact us at 770.963.0305 to schedule an in-home evaluation to determine what equipment is needed. Monthly monitoring is $16.95 for Wi-Fi, $23.95 for
cellular option.Next, we’ll take a look at replacing or modifying an existing system with EMC Security.
How to Choose a Home Security System (Series)
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re shopping for a home security system.
That’s because it’s a massive, growing category that covers everything from standalone DIY devices like cameras and video doorbells to smart locks and motion sensors.
Yes, the home security market is an absolute assortment of options. That’s great because there’s bound to be something that’s right for you, but it’s also a challenge to sort through the mess of stuff on shelves today to find that perfect device or comprehensive system. It can be difficult to sort through the information to get a clear idea of what you need to get up and running.
This blog series will help you get started.
We’ll outline the different ways in which you can purchase home security with EMC Security, depending on your home and what security equipment currently exists, including:
STARTING FROM SCRATCH
- Option 1: Self-Install Security System
- Option 2: Professional Installed Security System
FINE-TUNE WHAT YOU’VE GOT
- Conversion
POWER-UP YOUR PRE-EXISTING SYSTEM
- Takeover
Each of these options
have their benefits and can be more or less ideal depending on the individual needs of individual homeowners or renters. Let’s begin our assessment of each option by starting with those who do not currently own a home security system, and therefore need to start from scratch.Up first is the Self-Install option, better known as the DIY Home Security System.
Option 1: DIY Home Security
DIY smart-home security systems, do not requires professional installation, and allow homeowners and renters to bypass the need to hardwire their homes due to innovations in wireless connectivity.
Here are a few things to help you determine whether a Do-It-Yourself security system right for you:
Advanced Technology
Wireless DIY security is the hottest security product on the market. Everyone loves its ease of use, convenience, affordability, effortless home-automation, and interactive features.
Wi-Fi Communication
DIY Self-Install systems communicate to our monitoring centers via Wi-Fi technology with a cellular option.
Cameras and Automation
The DIY system is the hub for home-automation devices and cameras that integrate to your security and are controlled via one mobile app.
All the Heavy Lifting
We’ll program and label each device specifically for your home, so all you have to do is open the box, peel and stick the equipment in place, plug it in, connect to your Wi-Fi, and go.
Where to Buy
The DIY system can be purchased either by visiting emcsecurity.com or by contacting us at 770.963.0305. Monthly monitoring is $16.95 for Wi-Fi, $23.95 for
cellular option.Beware of Imitations
Don’t be led into a false sense of security. Never purchase a system from a company that does not require 24/7 professional monitoring, nor provide technical support.
Up next, we’ll take a look at the option for a Professional Installation.
5 Devices to Help You Feel Safe When You’re Alone
Living alone is becoming more and more popular among Americans.
In fact, there were almost thirty-six million Americans in 2018 living in single-person households, ascompared with the thirty million single-person residences in 2008 — so as you can see, this is a trend that is clearly on the rise.
The freedom that comes with living alone allows you to be the king or queen of your castle. However, the absence of a housemate means you have
lock up or call for help in the event that an intruder enters your home, which means it would be a good idea for you to have a reliable backup security plan.Minimize unfortunate surprises with these five innovative solutions to help make your single-person household as safe as possible.
1. SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM
Despite having double-checked all the doors and windows, sometimes, your mind plays tricks on you. Was that bump in the night your cat or something more concerning? A security alarm system can help put your mind at ease by activating in the “
arm stay” mode. Rest easy knowing that the perimeter of your home cannot be breached without setting off your alarm and alerting the police.2. INDOOR SECURITY CAMERA
Need an extra pair of eyes watching over your home? There’s no better way than to install a smart indoor security camera. As seen on local
new channels across the country, more and more criminals are caught thanks to indoor security cameras. Order here for just $79.3. VIDEO DOORBELL
Believe it or not, most burglaries happen during the day time. but a doorbell camera can give the impression you’re at home even when you’re not. These nifty home security additions are usually easy to install and highly affordable. Doorbell cameras come with live video streaming, remote viewing apps, and two-way communication that lets you see and talk to whoever is at your door. This provides extra security as a break-in deterrent, and it also helps you protect yourself from a home invasion or other violent attack when you are home. Forget having to get up and look through the peephole—these doorbells allow you to see who’s at the door from wherever you feel safest. Purchase here for just $149.
4. OUTDOOR MOTION LIGHTS
Another great way to spook a burglar is to put them under the spotlight. Motion sensor lights provide extra safety when you’re walking around your property, and they also illuminate potential bad deeds before they even get started. For best results, install motion sensor lights near every entry point and in any area outside your home where a burglar could hide or break in without the prying eyes of neighbors. Even dark, hard-to-see sections of your yard and home are impossible to miss when a floodlight is triggered by a motion sensor.
5. PERSONAL EMERGENCY ALERT
For home-bound folks, a medical alert device is essential, especially if living alone. EMC Security can help.
We understand the risks associated with living alone, and we want to help you enjoy every minute by remaining safe and keeping your home secure. Use the resources provided in this article to create the perfect personal security plan for your lifestyle, instead of leaving your well-being up to chance.
