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12 Days of Holiday Safety
The holidays are a time for family, fun, and celebrations. But if you’re not careful, they can also be a time for accidents and injuries. From fires to falls, there are many potential hazards in the home during the holiday season.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of 12 days of holiday safety tips to help you keep your home safe and accident-free this holiday season.
Day 1: Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure they are working properly and have fresh batteries. Test them by pushing the test button monthly. Many homes and lives are at risk because the smoke detectors were out of batteries.
Day 2: Keep candles away from flammable materials like curtains, furniture, or Christmas trees. Never leave burning candles unattended. Avoid using decorative candles altogether and opt for battery-operated LED candles instead.
Day 3: Inspect your Christmas tree for signs of drying out or needle drop before putting it up. Keep the tree watered and away from heat sources like fireplaces or vents to prevent it from drying out too quickly. When the tree starts to drop needles, it’s time to get rid of it.
Day 4: Don’t overload electrical outlets with multiple plugs and extension cords. This could cause a fire hazard. Use surge protectors instead of extension cords whenever possible. If you must use extension cords, make sure they are not damaged in any way and are rated for the amount of electricity they will be carrying.
Day 5: Prevent accidental fires by making sure all embers are extinguished before going to bed or leaving the house. Never leave fireplaces, wood stoves, or space heaters unattended when in use. Keep a fire extinguisher within reach in case of an emergency.
Day 6: If you’re using a real Christmas tree, make sure it is at least 3 feet away from any heat source like a fireplace, radiator, or space heater to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. If you have a fake tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” This does not mean the tree won’t catch on fire; it just means it is less likely to do so than other artificial trees without that label.
Day 7: Bring in fresh air by opening windows when cooking or using the fireplace to prevent carbon monoxide buildup in the home. Install carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home and check them regularly to make sure they are working properly.
Day 8: Keep wrapped gifts out of reach of small children who might be tempted to open them early! Store them in a closet or on high shelves until it’s time to put them under the tree.
Day 9: Choose electric lights instead of real candles when decorating your home for the holidays. If you must use real candles, make sure they are placed in sturdy holders and kept away from flammable materials like curtains or paper decorations. Never leave burning candles unattended!
Day 10: Be extra careful when cooking during the holidays as this is one of the leading causes of house fires. Never leave food unattended on the stovetop or in the oven—stay in the kitchen while cooking! Keep a close eye on deep fryers as well; if they start smoking, turn them off immediately and call 911 if necessary.
Day 11: Keep walkways and stairs clear of snow and ice to prevent slips and falls . . . two more leading causes of injuries during wintertime! Also make sure your sidewalks and driveway are well-lit to avoid trips and falls in the dark evening hours of the day.
Day 12: Use your security system! EMC Security will only receive an intrusion signal when it’s armed. Help prevent regrets this holiday season.
We hope these tips help you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season! From all of us here at EMC Security, Happy Holidays!
Boost Home Safety with Cameras
Cameras are a great way to make your home safer, but it can get overwhelming. To help you find the right cameras for your needs, here’s a rundown of the features you should look for:
There are so many security camera options, the features can fill a book. To narrow your search, start with the categories below.
Cameras are an important aspect of home safety. They can be used both as security devices and as surveillance tools, depending on your needs. If you’re looking for indoor cameras, there are many different options to choose from: wireless or wired, color or black-and-white. There are also outdoor camera options that will help keep your home safe from intruders—or at least give you some peace of mind about what’s happening outside when you’re not around.
Many people use cameras to monitor their homes while they’re away so they know who has been coming into their house during the day while they work or go out at night after everyone has gone to bed. Other people use them primarily as a way of making sure their loved ones are safe; if a camera detects something amiss (like smoke), emergency services can be notified so someone can check up on things immediately instead of waiting for someone else like a neighbor or family member who might not be available right away due to other commitments like work schedules.
How Many Cameras Do You Need?
How many cameras you need depends on the size of your home. If you live in a large house and want to cover all areas of the property, it’s possible that one camera might not be enough. You may need to install more than one per room.
If you have a small home or are looking for something less expensive, however, then one camera could easily suffice for most rooms.
What Kind of Cameras and Where?
There are a few different types of cameras you can use. Wireless cameras can be installed anywhere without running cables because they connect directly to your Wi-Fi network via an antenna that picks up RF signals from wireless routers and transmitters in homes around them. You’ll simply need one more component—a power supply—for each wireless camera since it doesn’t run on electricity like wired versions do.
A wired security camera is connected to a DVR or video recorder. It transmits video and audio over wires, which means you need to run cables from the camera to your security system’s receiver.
The best type of system depends on where you want your cameras placed and how many rooms will be monitored at once because two types offer different features:
Wireless systems provide remote access so users can view live footage from their smartphones, computers, tablets and other devices when they’re away from home; however these models usually cost more than wired ones since they come with built-in webcams (aka IP Cameras).
Wired systems don’t require extra equipment but are limited by distance limitations between the camera itself (where there isn’t anything blocking its signal) and its receiver(s). This means there may not be enough range between all locations being monitored if several rooms have multiple entrances/exits around them like kitchens do — unless additional receivers are added into play!
Security Camera Features to Consider
When choosing the right security camera for you, be sure to consider a few things:
Video resolution. The higher the video resolution, the better your footage will be when it comes time to review your cameras’ recordings. However, keep in mind that higher resolutions also mean larger file sizes—and that can result in more storage needed on your hard drive or cloud server if you opt for cloud storage.
Night vision. This feature allows a camera’s lens to have an increased sensitivity to light during nighttime hours, making it easier for them to detect motion even in low-light conditions (such as when someone passes by). If you’re worried about burglars or other intruders coming into your home at night and doing damage while no one’s around, this is definitely something worth taking advantage of!
Motion detection. Another great feature for security cameras is motion detection; these devices will automatically start recording whenever they sense movement nearby so that you’ll always have footage of what happened right before something bad occurred (and can use this information later if necessary). Motion detection is especially useful when used alongside other features like two-way audio capabilities because now any suspicious activity happening outside will also get recorded as well! This ensures protection wherever possible – even if someone tries something sneaky while pretending not notice them watching out their window.”
Things to Know Before You Buy
Before you buy a camera, keep these things in mind:
Make sure it’s compatible with your smartphone. This will allow you to see what the camera sees and monitor your home from anywhere.
Look for a camera with a battery backup. If power goes out during an emergency or break-in, the battery backup will keep them running long enough for authorities to arrive.
Check how many pixels per inch (PPI) the lens has when comparing cameras—the higher the resolution, the better quality images you’ll get from your device of choice! If you want to see in pitch blackness like no one else can, opt for infrared technology on our home monitoring systems—it’s basically night vision goggles but way less bulky and expensive. A wide field of view means more coverage area; plus it makes installation much easier since there aren’t any blind spots where criminals could hide out undetected until it’s too late!
The exact cameras you need depend on your situation, such as whether you live in a city apartment or rural farmhouse.
The exact cameras you need depend on your situation, such as whether you live in a city apartment or rural farmhouse. If you live in an apartment building, it might be smart to install a camera outside your door. While this doesn’t prevent burglaries, it helps police identify suspects who are caught on camera breaking into apartments with their faces clearly visible.
If you live on a farm with livestock and crops, perhaps installing a few security cameras around the perimeter of your property is best for monitoring any activity that may occur at night after everyone else has gone to bed.
Conclusion
With so many choices, it can be hard to decide which security cameras are right for your home. But now that you know the basics, you’re on your way to making an informed decision that will keep your family safe and secure. You should also keep in mind that there are many other factors that go into choosing the right system, such as how much money you want to spend or how much time it will take before everything is installed in place. Whatever type of camera system you decide upon, make sure it has all of the features listed above so that when emergencies arise we can all sleep better at night knowing our loved ones are protected!
Home Security Customer Service
If you’re like most shoppers, you tend to focus on product prices and features; customer service is only considered if problems arise. But when considering the protection of your home and family, customer service should be a top consideration.
Below are some things to consider (and what you deserve) from a security company’s customer care:
What is GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE?
When a home security company provides great customer service, it’s evident during the first phone call:
With a Sales Rep:
Sales representatives at the best companies avoid using high-pressure tactics. Instead of launching into sales pitches, they listen to callers’ concerns and attempt to provide helpful information. EMC Security’s sales team do not work on commission; therefore we do not do everything possible to get the sale.
The best full-service security companies provide in-home evaluations at no cost to the customer. This is the best way to customize a security system and extra (like camera and smart-devices) to the customer’s needs and wants. What works in one home, may not be the best device in another.
At the In-home Installation/Activation Appointment:
The technician should be clean and efficient while installing the system.
Many companies do not test pre-existing equipment. Best security companies, like EMC Security test all components even components that existed prior to installation and are part of the system.
The best security technicians do not leave the home without training the occupants to effectively use the system – AND help install and set-up the mobile app if applicable.
After Activation – Once You’re a Customer:
The best home security companies work to save customers money by offering technical support over the phone at no cost. EMC Security has 6-8 support technicians that provide technical service over the phone – saving customers money in service fees.
EMC Security continues to communicate with customers throughout their customer journey. Through monthly system communication testing (every system is tested every month – if we don’t receive a signal, the customer is notified), emails and texts when we received trouble signals such as low battery or power loss, and monthly customer newsletters to keep customers informed of new equipment and ways to enhance their protection.
Unlike many companies that lock customers into lengthy contracts, EMC Security understands that the customer is in charge. With this in mind, every interaction must exceed expectations.
What does POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE look like?
When a security company delivers low-quality customer service, that’s often evident during a potential customer’s first phone call. No one likes high pressure sales. If you get caught, beware that customer service will erode once you’re a customer.
A company with long term contracts by nature provides the worse customer service. Ask yourself, why should they provide good service? That customer can’t get out of the contract without paying it off. Either way, it’s a win FOR THE COMPANY.
Many alarm users in the area have been anxious because a major security company was acquired by a national brand, that does not install, and may not provide technical service for the type of system the original company sold. If the customer has a technical issue with the system, the new company may need to replace it with new equipment – which is quite costly for the customer. Additionally, the new company enrolls the customer into another lengthy contract upon activation. In case you had any questions, this is POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE.
EMC Security has been a no-contract service company since inception in 1998. In fact, our base monitoring rate of $16.95 has not changed in over 23 years.
Do You Need Glassbreak Sensors?
Glass breaks can be an important addition to your home security system.
Glass breaks are sensors that detect the sound frequency and percussion of glass breaking and send the signal to your home security system to activate the alarm.So why would you need glass break sensors installed as a part of your security system if you already have door and window sensors?Door and window sensors are only effective if the door or window is opened. If an intruder instead decides to break the glass of the window to enter your home, the window sensor won’t trigger the alarm. A glass break sensor will trigger the alarm when it detects the sound and vibration of the glass breaking.
Should you add glass breaks to my security system?
It’s important to remember that glass break sensors are used to enhance the security system you already have in place to make it even more effective.We would suggest glass break sensors for any home that features:
- Large windows
- Sliding glass doors
- Rooms with many windows, such as sun rooms
- Exterior doors with windows or decorative window panes
- Homes with windows that are painted shut
While homes with large windows provide extra sunlight and views, they’re also a potential target for would-be criminals. Glass break sensors can help protect you in the event a criminal tries to enter your home.
9 Halloween Home Security Tips
Halloween is a fun time for kids and adults, but it’s also a time when criminals take advantage of the fact that people are out of their homes and busy with Halloween activities. Here are 9 tips to help keep your home secure this Halloween season.
- Keep your outside lights on – This will deter would-be criminals from approaching your home as they will be more visible to neighbors and other passersby.
- Do not answer the door to strangers – If you don’t know the person, don’t open the door. This includes people dressed up in costumes. Ask them to leave a calling card so you can get back to them later.
- Keep valuables out of sight – Don’t give thieves the temptation of an easy score by leaving valuables like laptops, jewelry, or cash in plain sight. Put them away in a safe place before you go out for the evening.
- Lock all doors and windows – Even if you’re just going out for a short while, make sure all doors and windows are locked. An easy way for criminals to gain entry into your home is through an unlocked door or window.
- Set your home security system – If you have a home security system, make sure it is set before you leave for the evening. This will help deter criminals and provide peace of mind while you’re out enjoying Halloween festivities.
- Have someone watch your home – If you can, have a trusted friend or neighbor keep an eye on your home while you’re gone. This extra set of eyes can help identify any suspicious activity around your property.
- Stop mail and newspaper delivery – Nothing says ” Nobody’s home” like a pile of newspapers or uncollected mail at the front door. Be sure to stop delivery or ask a trusted friend or neighbor to collect these items for you while you’re away.
- Use motion sensor lights – These are great for deterring criminals as they will be illuminated if someone approaches your property. Motion sensor lights are also great for saving energy as they only come on when they sense movement.
9 . Bring in any outdoor furniture or decorations – Items like lawn chairs, garden gnomes, and Halloween decorations can be easy targets for thieves looking for something quick and easy to grab. Bring them inside or store them in a shed or garage until after Halloween is over .
By following these tips , you can help keep your family and possessions safe this Halloween season . Enjoy the holiday and happy haunting!
The Best Home Security with Pets in the House
Security technology has gotten so advanced that pet owners don’t need to be too concerned about false alarms much these days.
You can design a security system with everyone in your home in mind, including your pets:
Pet-Friendly Motion Sensors
Nothing is more frustrating than leaving your house and arming your security system, only for your pet to set off the motion sensors. That’s why, if you have pets, it’s crucial to get a home security system with pet-friendly motion sensors. This way, your pet can roam freely through the house without triggering your alarm.
Security Cameras
Any camera can help you to monitor your pets, but who has time to watch a live stream all day? Make sure that the security system you choose has cameras with the mobile app so you can receive customized alerts regarding your pet. Wi-Fi cameras are great for this because you can move them around your home as needed. One time we left to go on vacation and placed the indoor camera right by our cat’s bed. We got to see him and talk to him any time we wanted.
24/7 Monitoring with Pets
If you have an EMC Security monitored system, you can add the details of your pets to your account. By doing so, you’re allowing emergency responders to automatically receive information about your pets’ presence when they respond to an alert about your home. This information makes a pet rescue that much more possible.
This is particularly important for fire monitoring. You want the responders to know where the pets are so they can get them to safety immediately upon entering a burning building.
Smart Door Lock
A smart door lock is a fantastic product for those who have a dog walker come to their house while away. Giving your dog walker a key to your home or leaving a key under the doormat is risky. The EMC Security Smart Door Lock allows you to create a unique code for your dog walker to use when they need to enter. You’ll receive alerts whenever they come and go.
DIY Installation
Have a pet that is anxious around strangers? When a professional installer comes into your home, your pet may get upset, so a home security system with DIY installation may be your best bet. With DIY installation, the equipment is easy to set up and does not require drilling. In fact, no tools are needed at all. Plus, you save money with a self-install system from EMC Security.
Too Many False Alarms? We Can Help
There are many reasons why security system users have false alarms. For instance, a large proportion can be blamed on homeowners forgetting to disarm the system prior to letting the dog out or empty the trash. Another aspect could be entering the wrong passcode.
Some municipalities in Georgia have cracked down on false alarms, with fees. EMC Security has implemented EMC Text-Alert, a text notification service that gives you the opportunity to chat with your emergency contacts when your alarm is triggered and respond appropriately from your phone. We’ve seen a significant reduction in false alarms when customer use Text-Alert. IT’S FREE! Sign up here >>
More ways to reduce false alarms:
Before you activate your system:
- Lock all protected doors and windows.
- Educate family members on
alarm system and usage. - Contact EMC Security if you have any concerns about the proper
functionality your system. - Notify EMC Security if you plan any renovating or remodeling your home.
- Educate family members on what to do if your alarm is accidentally triggered.
- Use the EMC Text Alert app to chat with your emergency contacts when your alarm is triggered and respond appropriately from your phone.
- First, don’t panic, there is time. Enter your disarm code (carefully) to reset your system. Remember, if there were a burglar, he or she would not know your code. Do not write it on your keypad.
- Call EMC Security at 1-888-745-4733 or wait for us to call you. Give your password — this is different from your disarm code.
Commercial False Alarm Prevention Guide
- Be sure all employees are thoroughly trained before attempting to use the alarm system. Hold monthly training sessions.
- Look for items that can move within the “view” of your motion detectors, causing false alarms fans, heaters, hanging signs, seasonal decorations, balloons, curtains, plants, etc.).
- Confirm that special consideration has been given to the installation of motion detectors in high traffic areas with overhead doors, large exhaust fans or ceiling vents which allow the entry of birds.
- Ensure all doors and windows are secure and locked before arming your system.
- Don’t change pass-codes without advising EMC Security.
- Train new users thoroughly, notifying EMC Security of new users.
- Service and maintain your system (including batteries) regularly before false alarms occur.
- Upgrade old alarm systems to current equipment conforming to Security Industry Association (SIA) false alarm prevention standards, further reducing false alarms.
Every municipality in Georgia has alarm registration requirements. Some have false alarm ordinances as well. Make sure you understand your ordinance and fee guidelines before installing a security system in your home or business.
Customer Newsletter – October, 2022
October is National Fire Prevention Month
So it’s a great time for us all to take the precautionary steps to prevent dangerous and life-threatening fires.
Maintain your heating source. Whether it’s a fireplace, wood stove, a furnace or electric heat, check the equipment before using.
Don’t store items near your heating source. Keep boxes, clothes, draperies, furniture and other combustible items away from a heating source.
Don’t leave burners or grills unattended. Keep dish towels, clothing and other items away from heating elements and open flame.
Never leave a burning candle unattended. For ambiance, consider battery powered candles.
Get a fire extinguisher. Place one on each floor of the house and in the garage.
Have an escape plan. Practice fire drills with your family and make sure everyone knows where to go depending on where the fire is in the home.
Add monitored smoke detectors . We monitor for fire at no additional monthly cost. Smoke detectors start at just $125. Call for details at 770-963-0305.
View the video above featuring EMC Security customers that are thankful they installed monitored smoke detectors in their home. A few months ago, their home was quickly overcome with smoke and fire while they were just a few yards away, in the backyard. If it wasn’t for EMC Security, the damage and loss would’ve been much greater.
Adding smoke or heat detectors to your home security system may very well be the best decision you make when it comes to the safety and security of your loved ones.
And, your monthly monitoring cost doesn’t change when you add fire monitoring to your security system.
Most Common Causes of Home Fires
In 2019, fire departments in the U.S. responded to an estimated 361,500 home fires. These fires caused roughly 2,870 deaths and 12,700 reported injuries. Property damage was estimated at $7.9 billion.
Smoking – #1 cause of deaths
Most smoking-related fires start inside the home, often originating from upholstered furniture, bedding, or mattresses. Always smoke outside, thoroughly extinguishing cigarettes in an ashtray when finished.
Cooking equipment – #1 cause of fire injuries.
If you leave the kitchen—even for a brief period of time—turn off the stove. Wear short, close-fitting, or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Always keep children away from active cooking areas.
Fireplace
To prevent an accident, install a spark screen or glass door in front of the firebox to protect the surrounding area from stray sparks and rolled logs. Check chimneys annually to ensure that creosote hasn’t built up, and never leave a fire unattended.
Portable space heaters
Portable space heaters, which cause more fires annually than central heating. Use space heaters only in well-ventilated spaces, and keep them at least three feet away from furniture, fabrics, draperies, and other combustible objects.
Candles
Never position a lit candle near flammable items like bedsheets and books, which may become engulfed in flame if they come in contact with the tiny fire. As a safer alternative, homeowners can purchase flameless, battery-powered candles with LEDs.
Worn and damaged cords
Replace all worn or damaged cords right away, never overload extension cords or wall sockets, and don’t position cords under furniture or rugs.
Grill
Position your grill or fire pit several feet from your house, safely away from trees, deck railings, and other structures. Routinely clean the grill, investigate signs of rust and corrosion, and check the gas connections.
Propane and gasoline
Gasoline, kerosene, and propane should be stored outside in their original containers. Kerosene and propane heaters, which have a constant open flame, should be kept in an isolated, well-ventilated area and used only with the proper type of fuel.
Did you register your alarm with your municipality?
Certain municipalities in Georgia require home security system users to obtain an alarm registration or permit. Alarm companies are not able to register your system (with the exception of Brookhaven City and Dekalb County) so it is your responsibility to comply with these requirements. If you fail to do so, the municipality could delay or refuse to dispatch emergency personnel and/or assess you with fines.
Additionally, some areas of Georgia have partnered with CryWolfe Services to monitor their alarm registration and false alarm program, requiring additional registration.
We compiled the requirements for some areas that require an alarm registration or permit on our website. This list is not comprehensive so you should confirm registration requirements with your municipality.
Please contact your local municipality with any questions regarding alarm registration and user permits.
Alarm Registration Information >>
Customer Newsletter – August 2022
Are you taking our DIY System with you when you move? Be sure to call us first.
On the call we’ll:
- Suspend service at your existing home.
- Transfer service to your new home.
- Program your system components for your new home.
- Add any components needed (additional doors, etc).
- Upgrade to cellular or add cameras, etc.
EMC Security’s phones are ringing off the hook!
More people than ever before are looking to switch to EMC Security – a reliable local company – to provide home security service.
As you spend time with friends and family around Georgia this summer, remember our Referral Program. You’ll get two months free service for every new customer you refer.
EMC Security Protection For Your Office Building
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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.
Smoking – #1 cause of deaths
Fireplace
Portable space heaters
Candles
Worn and damaged cords
Grill
Propane and gasoline
