Professional Alarm Monitoring: Is It Best?
There is an influx of DIY home security systems on the market. This has resulted in more people having systems installed in their homes. However, the question is whether self-monitoring is as effective as 24/7 professional alarm monitoring? To answer this question, we’re going to take a look at both. Self-Monitored Security Alarm Systems Monitoring your alarm system yourself is an option. You can check on system status from a smart phone app or a computer. You can also set the system to call you or another number on your contact list when the alarm is triggered. It’s even possible to monitor activities happening inside your home or business. The video feed is live. Seeing what is going on brings comfort and a secure feeling. It’s nice knowing when the alarm is triggered and what zone is affected. what’s nicer is knowing when there is no reason for the alarm system to sound. Many burglars turn around when they see a security system. However, there are downfalls to self-monitoring. With only you monitoring your system, you could be in a position where you are not capable of notifying the authorities. For instance, you could be staying in a cabin in the mountains where a cell signal isn’t available. If your alarm is triggered, you aren’t going to know about it. If your mobile device’s battery dies, you will be none the wiser and the authorities won’t be notified. This puts your home or business at serious risk. 24/7 Professional Alarm Monitoring Professional alarm monitoring gives you additional services that are nice to have. You can still monitor the system on your own but with some help. Professional monitoring is 24/7 no matter where you are or what you are doing. If you are unable to contact the authorities, the monitoring center will. Your home or business is being watched all of the time. Your home or business is still watched when you leave your phone in the hotel room at the beach. Additionally, good professional alarm monitoring companies have exceptionally fast response times. This is important to the security and safety of your home or business. Studies have proven that 83 percent of burglars first look for an alarm system before attempting entry. However, 40 percent of them stick around and challenge it. Sixty percent know that the presence of an alarm carries a high possibility of it being connected to a monitoring center. The police is the last thing a burglar wants to see. Approximately half of burglars target homes, while 31 percent target commercial locations. Your Extra Set of Eyes There is a small monthly fee for your system to be professionally monitored, but there are advantages to having an extra set of eyes watching your system. You can still access your surveillance system and remotely arm or disarm the system. With professional alarm monitoring, you don’t have to worry about a bad cell phone signal or a dead battery keeping you from noticing a break-in. A live person checks to see if the alarm is turned off within a specific amount of time. If the alarm continues to sound, that person contacts the police to check on your home or business. The police arrive promptly. A lot of times, the burglar has already left. Add security cameras to your system to catch the burglar after they leave. Another perk: Most insurance companies give a discount when you have an operational and fully monitored security system. This alone offsets the cost of the security system. Contact An Experienced Rochester Security Alarm Company At SPS Fire & Security, we install affordable state-of-the-art systems that include 24/7 monitoring and the self-monitoring features you need. To learn more about our systems, services, and how we will give you the peace of mind you deserve, call 585-770-0348. We serve Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, and the surrounding areas.
Secure Your World by Protecting Your Smartphone
Protecting Your Smartphone Protects Your Home, Business, and Identity If you’re like most people, your smartphone has become an extension of you. It’s used for everything from communicating with friends and family to online banking. It’s also the home of your business or home security app. Protecting your smartphone is important. It’s a wonderful thing to do such things as transfer money from savings to checking from the palm of your hand, arm your security system from hundreds of miles away, or chat with friends for hours on end. Most of all, it’s a lifeline. Debunking the Myths However, a misconception exists that smartphones can’t be hacked, especially iOS devices because people believe Apple products have a lower risk for viruses. But, did you know a skilled hacker can exploit Bluetooth, opening a door to your device anyway? The point is that nothing is foolproof, so it’s time to throw the false sense of security out the window and do everything possible to secure your device so that you protect personal data and home and business security apps. Protecting Your Smartphone: How to Do It The following are steps on how to protect your smartphone from hackers: 1. Keep your operating system up-to-date You will sometimes notice that your phone’s operating system offers updates. Don’t ignore these updates because they contain patches that solve security vulnerabilities. Updating is an annoyance, but it’s the difference between a hacker obtaining your bank account information, hacking your social media accounts, or taking control of your home security app. 2. Don’t jailbreak your phone Many of the more technologically savvy people will “jailbreak” an operating system, but this reduces how well the phone is protected. Jailbreaking allows a person, and hackers, to perform actions that a non-jailbroken phone prohibits. 3. Be careful when installing apps You may notice that when you install an app, you must give it permission to do certain things. Perhaps it needs to read files, use your microphone, access photos, or access your camera. Legitimate apps request these permissions so they can perform their designed functions. However, hackers can use these functions to gain access to parts of your phone that reveal things about you. Always be aware of what you’re downloading. If you have an Android device, Google doesn’t employ a strict vetting process like Apple, and that can be somewhat risky. Android also gives you the ability to download apps from third parties, which requires you to go to your security settings and mark “unknown sources” for the apps to operate successfully on the device. While you can download legitimate apps this way, a risk exists. 4. Locking your phone is Protecting Your Smartphone If you leave or lose your phone, utilizing the Lock Screen protects it. Your email likely contains a lot of personal information. You might even have a banking app on your phone. Everything on your phone is there to make your life easier, which is wonderful. It’s amazing what our phones allow us to do, such as activate our security system from hundreds of miles away or see what the security cameras show. Find Out How You Can Monitor Your Home While Away. If you utilize your lock screen, a thief will find it much harder to get into your phone. All smartphones offer the lock feature in some form. For instance, iOS and Android use passcodes, facial recognition, and/or fingerprint recognition. 5. Set up Find My Device Both Apple and Android use the “Find My Device” service that shows you where your phone is on a map. If it is lost or stolen, you can tack the phone, wipe its memory, or remotely lock it. Make sure you put this feature in place if you haven’t already. 6. Don’t save passwords on your device As tempting as it can be to save passwords on your device to avoid the taxing task of typing passwords with the very small smartphone keyboard, don’t’ do it. Auto-login is convenient, but it is a huge risk. If your phone is hacked or you lose it, it will be even easier for a thief to access your online accounts. 7. Be careful with open Wi-Fi Recent years have highlighted the risk of public Wi-Fi. Anyone nearby can view your online activity. While special skills and software are necessary for this, making it less likely at your local Starbucks, it’s still a risk you can’t ignore. Sticking with your phone’s mobile data connection is safer. Alternatively, you can use a VPN like TunnelBear or CyberGhost on your mobile phone to encrypt your connection. From Home Security Apps to Protecting Your Smartphone All in all, your mobile device is a wonderful thing. It allows you to do things on the go that you couldn’t do before it existed. However, the device you love so much needs to be secured just like any device that accesses the internet. By implementing the above measures, you greatly reduce the chances that you will become a victim. To learn more about how to better secure your home or business and the business and home security apps that are used to control them no matter where you are, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348. We serve Rochester, NY; Buffalo, NY; Syracuse, NY and the surrounding areas.
Exclusive Information About Terror Mass Shooting Situations
Personal Tips to Help You Protect Yourself in a Mass Shooting Since the Columbine High School shooting in 1999 that killed 13 people and wounded 20 more, we have heard the term “mass shooting” much more than we should ever have to. Sadly, it has become a part of our reality. The Las Vegas Shooting in 2017 is now classified as the deadliest shooting in U.S. history with 59 killed and 851 people injured. These were innocent people having a great time, listening to some music at an outdoor concert. The most recent shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School, as of the time of this writing, is the ninth most deadly shooting with 17 killed and 17 injured. Learn about access control systems and more. And then on April 5, 2018, it was reported that a mass shooting at Syracuse University was averted when the Nelson gun store owner called police after refusing to sell the former student an AR-15 rifle. It was found by law enforcement that the former student had stockpiled gun accessories and ammunition in his apartment after making threats of committing a mass shooting at the University. This brings about a VERY good question and that’s what you should or shouldn’t do if you happen to find yourself in a mass shooting situation? What You Shouldn’t Do The first thing you shouldn’t do is attempt to overtake the shooter. There may be a good chance that you are unarmed, so trying to take down the shooter could get you killed and/or make them angrier. You also don’t want to start throwing objects at the shooter. While this can distract them from spraying bullets randomly around the area, it makes you and anyone around you a target. It has been suggested by non-experts in the media that throwing objects at the shooter can distract them. While this can be true to an extent, it doesn’t come without its risks. If you are in a room and hear gunshots nearby, don’t attempt to run out of the room because that could be what the gunman wants. Instead, lock the door and barricade it. If there is an escape route, take it. Don’t go straight to the desks or tables and hide under them because those are where mass shooters look first. What You Should Do As for what you should do, there are many things that can be done. For schools, it’s time to create an emergency action plan if there isn’t already one in place. Many schools are starting to install access control systems or “ACS Security” that require students to scan ID cards before entering. Security guard presence is up, classrooms are being outfitted with door barricade devices, and evacuation plans are being fine-tuned. It’s good for everyone in every situation to have a plan. Recently, a shooting occurred at YouTube Headquarters, proving, once again, that no workplace is immune. No school is immune, no shopping mall is immune, and even public transportation hubs aren’t immune. That’s why you need to do the following if you find yourself in a mass shooting situation: Hiding under desks and tables doesn’t work. In school shootings, those that have hidden under desks and tables have been the first to die as shooters walk down rows of desks and fire. Even if jumping out of a second story window is the only option, it increases the chance of survival. Barricade doors. At Virginia Tech, the students that barricaded a door with everything they had all survived. Always note entrances and exits when entering a public place. Ask yourself what you will do if there is an attack and create a plan of action. If someone in your vicinity seems suspicious (such as wearing a winter coat in the middle of summer), vacate the area immediately. Always be aware of your surroundings. Always face entrances if you can rather than having your back to them. Move out of the kill zone as soon as you can. It is harder to hit a moving target, but try and exit the area in the most strategic way you can. If a gunman is shooting from your level, it is beneficial to get down. If the gunman is shooting from an elevated area, don’t get down because it makes you a stationary target. Instead, run toward the nearest exit point. You’re harder to hit if you’re moving. If you can’t flee the area, hide behind a structure that can most likely stop bullets. Move as soon as you can. Even if the situation is like the Vegas situation where there was no cover and the location of the shooter was unknown, fleeing increases the chances of survival. Follow these tips and you can increase your chances of survival in a mass shooting situation. The ultimate strategy, however, is always being aware of your surroundings and vacating as soon as something looks or feels strange. Access Control, Business Protection, and More If you wish to make your school, business, warehouse, factory, or another commercial establishment safer against mass shooters and other threats, SPS Fire & Security can help. We specialize in commercial security, such as access control systems, and much more so you can protect your facility and everyone in it. Call today at 585-770-0348 for a free estimate.
Hidden Security But Obvious: Access Control Systems
How Can an Access Control System Benefit You? Businesses face rising security concerns. Whether managing small mom-and-pop shops or large facilities, owners and managers must ensure safety. Consequently, protecting information, people, and equipment is critical. Therefore, access control systems, once exclusive to large corporations or government facilities, now benefit anyone seeking added security and protection. Businesses of all sizes require robust protection. Below is a list of various facility types in Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, and nationwide. Each actively leverages the security offered by high-quality, scalable access control systems. Health Facilities Hospitals and clinics are implementing access control in a world where terrorism seems to be on the rise. This is especially true as we see more domestic terrorism surrounding healthcare. Access control helps with HIPAA compliance, infection control by reducing touch points, and protects sensitive areas from unauthorized individuals. Schools and Colleges Many schools and colleges actively implement access control, primarily for staff, but this trend is shifting as students increasingly receive ID cards. These cards function as keys, granting access to school doors. Consequently, this security level enables monitoring of an entire building or campus from a single location. With a button click, administrators can lock down a school, and reports track who enters the building. Additionally, integrating cameras provides even greater detail. Hotels or years, hotels have actively used access control for room entry. Guests insert a key card into a slot, quickly remove it, and the door unlocks. Increasingly, hotels now require key cards to enter the building after evening hours, enhancing safety for guests and staff. Similarly, downtown hotels often mandate key card use for elevator access. Although this complicates hotel food delivery, it remains a vital security measure. Additionally, access control extends to hotel swimming pools, ensuring restricted entry. Fitness Centers Fitness centers and gyms have long embraced access control. Members receive an ID card, which acts as their key to enter the building. When a member is in good standing, the system grants access. However, if a member violates rules or fails to pay their bill, the system may deny entry. For instance, the YMCA effectively demonstrates this access control process. Call Centers Call centers prioritize security due to sensitive proprietary information and large employee numbers. With numerous people in the facility and shift changes involving dozens moving through doors, security guards efficiently monitor entries using access control systems. These systems log all activity, instantly alerting security if someone attempts entry without an ID card or uses an expired one. Have more control over your security. Office Buildings Office buildings resemble call centers but demand tighter security. For example, only upper management accesses certain areas, and IT departments restrict entry to specialists. Likewise, banks closely guard specific zones. Therefore, access control systems efficiently enforce these restrictions, enhancing safety and compliance. Warehouses Warehouses contain merchandise that must be protected at all times. Just like with call centers and office buildings, access control can be used to keep intruders out. Only authorized personnel enters the building and only those with a certain level of clearance can access certain areas. Storage Facilities Storage facilities, especially climate-controlled indoor ones, are growing in number. Access control systems allow only renters with active accounts to enter. If someone misses a payment, their card access is blocked, denying entry. Authorized users can use their card to open main doors and their specific storage unit. Thanks to access control, many facilities offer 24/7 access. Supermarkets and Big Box Stores Retail giants increasingly adopt access control to secure employee-only areas. For example, offices, storage rooms, and break rooms require restricted access. Consequently, access control boosts employee safety and prevents customers from entering these zones. Mom-and-Pop Shops Mom-and-pop shops actively install access control panels in back rooms and offices to safeguard sensitive information and cash. Additionally, the demand for enhanced employee safety grows. Consequently, these systems provide a secure space for employees during robberies or other safety threats. A Trusted Rochester Access Control Company A good access control system puts you in control of your security. You can choose who enters, keep track of activity, control clearance levels, and make your business safer. To learn more, contact SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 for a free consult.
How to Choose a Reliable Video Surveillance Camera System
A Quick Guide for Choosing the Right Surveillance Camera for Your Home or Business So why should you be concerned about security cameras and lenses not being created equally? How does this impact your specific situation when choosing a video surveillance camera system for your home and business? Looking at only the cost of a camera can seem like an easy way to decide, but the decision involves much more. When choosing a Video Surveillance Camera for your business or home, you need to make important decisions. The first decision is the type of camera you need. Of course, the application and your budget will determine this decision. The lens types each camera uses can also significantly influence your choice. Perhaps the area you need to monitor doesn’t change much. In that case, you won’t need the same type of lens that cameras in a bank or department store require. If the scene is active, you might need something more advanced. While this might sound a little overwhelming, don’t get too anxious. The decision is much easier than it seems. Below is a breakdown of cameras and why those differences should matter to you. The Video Surveillance Camera Rundown Box Security Camera The box camera is the standard camera type, and its shape gives it its name. Aesthetically, it doesn’t have anything extravagant, but what’s inside counts. For instance, you can customize the lens based on what the indoor or outdoor application needs. Despite this camera’s seemingly primitive design, it can use fixed lenses and the more advanced varifocal lenses. While people often think of these cameras as primarily analog, you can find them as IP cameras as well. Why you should care: Plenty of reasons! This is a common type of video surveillance camera used in residential and commercial indoor and outdoor applications. This also makes it more affordable compared to some camera types. In addition, having a camera that allows lens customization is good because you can choose the right lens based on the environment and lighting conditions. Mini Dome Security Camera ou’ve most likely seen mini dome cameras installed in department store ceilings. Their overall function is just like any camera; the housing is what differs. The dome housing is ideal for warehouses, department stores, kitchens, and any indoor or outdoor application that could make the camera excessively dirty and dusty. Why you should care:Commercial applications frequently use the mini dome surveillance camera. If you own or manage any type of facility, this camera is a great way to keep tabs on what happens at all times. You can find them in both analog and IP models; the IP models offer better system management and resolutions. However, your needs and budget will determine your options. Bullet Security Camera The bullet camera is a type that looks like it came straight out of a science fiction film because of its modern aesthetics. People also call these surveillance cameras “IR illuminators.” The housing’s design reduces the need for servicing. Plus, these cameras tend to take up less space than others. The IR illuminator is the type of camera you want in a low-light situation. You can also find this camera in analog and IP versions. Why you should care: The bullet surveillance camera is tough and doesn’t require separate housing to protect it from the environment. When looking for the right camera, you may need an IP or analog model that takes up very little space, needs servicing less often, and operates well when lighting may not be optimal. PTZ Security Camera If you think the bullet camera has a bit of a sci-fi feel, the PTZ surveillance camera offers a higher level of functionality. This type of camera lets you remotely pan, tilt, and zoom using software or a joystick. You can also preset surveillance patterns so the system records areas of interest automatically instead of requiring manual manipulation. This type of security camera helps you survey a wider area with a single camera instead of fixing a camera on one location. You can even zoom in on specific details in real-time. You can find this camera type in analog and IP versions. Why you should care: The PTZ camera gives you more control so you can see what you need to see with a single unit. If you prefer to not be at the mercy of a camera that is fixed on one area of interest, then this may be precisely what you need for your home or business. Quality cameras that keep an eye on your home or business Choosing the Right Video Surveillance Camera Lens There are two types of lenses used in video surveillance cameras. They are the fixed security camera lens and the varifocal lens. You may remember seeing these mentioned earlier since the box camera is one type that can use both. But what’s the difference? The fixed lens is a monofocal lens, which means the lens’s focal length is permanently set and you can’t change it, so it tends to have a fixed focal point. 1 This leads to your next very important decision: do you choose a narrow-angle camera lens or a wide-angle lens? Of course, what you need the camera to look at determines the decision. The varifocal lens allows you to adjust the focal length based on what you need. The PTZ security camera, for instance, uses a varifocal lens because its motorized controls allow it to. You can zoom in and out on an object or area as needed. If you need to get a clearer and more focused image, a PTZ camera with a varifocal lens will make that possible. Fixed lens applications: A fixed lens is ideal for interior spaces because the lens can’t be adjusted, so it has a fixed focal point. Some applications include a baby’s room or the family room. Varifocal lens applications: Cameras with varifocal lenses are ideal for commercial and residential spaces where the scenery will change a lot.
Video Surveillance Ethics & Legalities in New York
Can I Record My Nanny? Are Audio Recordings Legal Commercially? What’s the Deal When It Comes to Video Surveillance Ethics? People often question video surveillance ethics. Home video surveillance is gaining popularity. Property crimes have risen. Also, parents want to check on kids, elderly relatives, and pets when away. Seeing kids home from school or checking on an elderly relative with health issues brings peace of mind. People just pick up their smartphones. Parents also install video surveillance. They check on kids and nannies during the day. Employers use it to protect their business and workers. The many uses of video surveillance raise questions. What ethical and legal rules should people follow? This applies to home and business video surveillance. They monitor family, pets, employees, and businesses. The good news is we have answers for you. Protect Your Home or Business When You’re Away What to Know about Residential Video Surveillance If you choose home video surveillance, you can put cameras inside and outside. If you want indoor cameras to watch kids, nannies, pets, or elderly relatives when you’re away, don’t legally or ethically put cameras in bathrooms or a live-in nanny’s bedroom. Also, don’t install cameras in guest rooms. That would violate overnight guests’ privacy. It’s okay to put a camera in your own bedroom or young children’s bedrooms. If you hire a nanny, it is best to do the following to ensure video surveillance ethics are followed: Advise the nanny that cameras are used inside the home. Show the nanny where the cameras are located. Have the nanny sign an agreement in which he/she acknowledges the presence of video surveillance in the home. Hiding cameras and using them secretly breaks trust. It goes against video surveillance ethics. Parents want to protect kids. Homeowners want to protect property. But it unnerves people to find out they are being videoed without their okay. Proper notice can stop many problems. It’s best to have anyone working on the property sign an agreement. This paper shows they know about the cameras. It’s also ethical and polite to tell non-employees entering the property. Use a sign or tell them they are under surveillance. What to Know about Commercial Video Surveillance Ethics Just like you’d have a nanny sign an agreement, business owners should have employees sign one too. This paper should say they know they are on video at work. The law doesn’t require this. But it’s a good way to protect everyone. Business owner’s right to install cameras. It’s important to cover all of the bases. Usually, people install cameras to watch over everyone’s safety there. Also, business owners can make sure their business is okay when they aren’t present. Furthermore, many home rules apply here too. For example, don’t put cameras in restrooms, locker rooms, or changing rooms. This breaks privacy rules. It could even be seen as spying. Moreover, it’s bad when someone accuses an employer of recording in private areas. Consequently, the issue of “audio surveillance” arises. State-of-The-Art Systems That Meet Your Needs The Scoop on Video with Audio and the Video Surveillance Ethics There are some states that protect against audio recordings without the consent of the nanny or other party entering the premises. New York isn’t one of those, but, again, it is common courtesy to notify the nanny, handyman, dog walker, or another individual that the video cameras can also record audio. When the person is an employee, written consent will be needed. The following video addresses video surveillance rules that must be followed by Realtors, but has valuable information that can apply to any property owner wishing to have home surveillance cameras installed: Commercial Audio Surveillance – Employees Regarding commercial video that includes audio, an employer can only use video-only surveillance when they operate cameras without employees’ knowledge. However, section 250.05 of the New York Penal Law states that an employer can’t eavesdrop on conversations by mechanical means anyway. Since video cameras with audio recording ability fall within this category, violating this law constitutes a felony. On the other hand, New York allows recording a person’s voice with their consent. Therefore, if you have employees sign an agreement in which they acknowledge their voice will be recorded in certain areas of the business when they are present in the building, then you protect yourself against eavesdropping laws. Commercial Audio Surveillance – Customers As far as recording the voices of customers, there are some establishments that may need audio recording for security reasons. These establishments include: Check cashing establishments Banks Educational testing centers Convenience store/gas station counters Nightclub entrances and exits If it is a must for audio surveillance to be present, posting a sign doesn’t excuse unlawful audio reception. It is imperative that all audio recordings are carried out lawfully. Posting a sign that says, “Entering this facility implies that you consent to audio surveillance” works well. However, don’t immediately choose audio if you’re unsure how your business can stay within the law. Furthermore, if you ever doubt it, seek legal advice from an experienced attorney. Since every business and situation differs, it’s important that you define your intent so you know whether or not it violates the law. Ultimately, the decision depends on how important audio surveillance is to you. Contact Your Western New York Security Company SPS Fire & Security specializes in residential and business video surveillance. We use state-of-the-art equipment, commitment to the customers, and personalized service to give you the best experience possible. We also give you better protection for your home or business and we’re local! Call us today at 585-770-0348 or complete our contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Unlock the Convenience: Turn Your Home into a Smart Home
Get the Facts on Home Automation First, let’s debunk the misconception that you can’t turn your home into a smart home. Even if your home is 100 years old, you can automate certain functions to make your life a little easier. Home automation that was once the way of the future is now the way of the present. Nothing is more concerning than being ten miles from your home and wondering if you turned off the range, left the lights on, left the iron plugged in, or forgot to adjust the thermostat. Such concerns can nag at you all day, ruining your focus and even causing you to derail the flow of your day. No one wants to turn around and go back only to find they turned those items off to begin with. Fortunately, home automation can give you the functionality you want. You can turn off lights, shut off the iron, adjust the thermostat, turn off the range, and perform a host of other functions from wherever you are. What’s even better is that this capability to turn your home into a smart home is becoming more affordable. The affordability makes it possible for more people to utilize automation in their homes and their businesses. It’s All About the Internet of Things (IoT) Although newer homes can be built with certain technological functions integrated into them, not everyone takes this route. Adding smart home elements can be too costly during the construction process. To compensate for this, people are creating smart home ecosystems as they go, basing them on the latest technological developments. Scalable systems and installers who know the technology and equipment make this possible. We also have to thank the Internet of Things (IoT). Now, this isn’t a new type of internet. Instead, it is what the internet has become as time progressed. Decades ago, only computers connected to the internet. Later, cell phones became Wi-Fi enabled so people could access the internet instead of data. Inventors also created tablets that primarily use Wi-Fi rather than data to connect to the World Wide Web. Now, thermostats, sensors, security systems, surveillance cameras, and other devices can connect to the internet through the router in a home. This allows a person to download the applicable application on their phone, tablet, or computer and control temperature, turn lights on and off while on vacation or at work, shut off the outlet the iron is plugged into, and even lock the doors if someone forgot to lock them. If the world seems like it’s turning into something out of a Sci-fi movie, that’s because the sci-fi genre has always accurately predicted technological advances designed to save time, money, and increase comfort. Contact Your Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse Home Automation Experts to Turn Your Home into a Smart Home Get your free, no-obligation consultation to see what you can do to make your home a smarter home. At SPS Fire & Security, we use state-of-the-art equipment and we are well-versed in the technology and installation techniques that make life more comfortable and convenient for our clients. Call today at 585-770-0348.
DIY Security Systems and The Unfortunate Truth
Professional Security Alarm installation vs. DIY Security Systems Discovering the truth about DIY security systems is a very important topic to keep in mind these days. Keeping your home or business safe is important because of the time and money you have put into your space. Putting a security alarm system in place is one of the protective methods to implement. However, the question is what is the best route for doing so: Install a security system yourself Invest in a door alarm system Professional security system installation We are going to look at all three of these. DIY Security Systems Alarm Installation First, wiring might be needed. If you aren’t an electrician or security expert, you could make a dangerous mistake. Also, a big error is installing the system wrong, so it doesn’t work. Next, upkeep is needed. Security systems have many parts like cameras and sensors. Therefore, the DIY person must ensure every part works. Otherwise, the system is useless. Furthermore, DIY systems lack certain extras. For example, monitoring companies won’t watch a self-installed system. Also, features like smoke or carbon monoxide detection might be missing. Generally, the equipment is less advanced. Finally, people are learning the truth about DIY security. Installation can be hard, and keeping up with maintenance is tough. But the worst way to learn is during a break-in when no monitoring means police aren’t called. Door Alarm Systems DIY security systems sometimes include simple door alarms. A sensor goes on doors and windows. If someone breaks in, an alarm goes off. These systems are often wireless. Sensors talk to an alarm box without wires. The box might plug into the wall. However, these systems have a limited range. So, the box might need to be near the sensors. A smart intruder can see the difference. This type of alarm is not like a system that calls the police. Maintenance: These systems are inexpensive, but the individual sensors may require batteries that must be replaced more often than you can keep up with. ou might add more sensors. But if they get too far from the alarm box, you might need to buy more systems. Hopefully, this scares intruders. However, there’s no monitoring service. Also, people have learned these systems don’t really protect you. Burglars know about these easy-to-beat systems. Professional Security System Installation vs. DIY Security Systems Yes, a professional system costs money each month. But think about these things. First, experts do all wiring. They use the safest methods. Everything follows local and state rules. Next, if your system breaks, you call your security installer. They fix it fast. You also get guarantees. These protect your system and what it protects: your home or business. Also, you get many extras. This includes 24/7 security monitoring. You get sensors where you need them. Plus, you can get fire and carbon monoxide protection. If you want, add video surveillance. You can even automate things in your home. And you can watch your home or business on your phone when you’re gone. Finally, homeowners and business owners feel safe with these systems. Experts install them right, and someone watches them all the time. Plus, you don’t have to worry about fixing the system yourself. Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse Professional Security Alarm Installation Don’t miss out on what professional security system installation can provide you. Through professional installation, you can effectively protect what you care about. Plus, you can get some great extras that truly make your system work for you. To learn more or to take the first step toward protecting your home or business, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348.
The Future is Now: Top Home Automation Trends for 2025
Technology That is Getting Smarter Want a smarter home? Home automation trends are changing fast. Let’s look at what’s new for 2025. First, expect more AI. Artificial intelligence will run more of your home. For example, your lights will learn when you like them on. Your thermostat will adjust before you even feel too hot or cold. Furthermore, smart speakers will do even more than play music. They will control all your devices with simple voice commands. Also, security will get smarter. Home automation trends show security systems will use AI to know who belongs and who doesn’t. For instance, cameras will spot strange activity. Smart locks will open for you but stay shut for others. As has been the case for years, you’ll get alerts on your phone if anything seems wrong. Home Automation Trends: Energy Savings Next, energy saving will be key. People want to save money and help the planet. Home automation trends will focus on this. For example, smart thermostats will learn your habits and cut energy use. Smart plugs will turn off devices that waste power. Solar panels will work with smart systems to use energy better. Furthermore, health and wellness are becoming part of smart homes. Home automation trends include devices that track your sleep. Smart scales will monitor your weight and other health data. Air purifiers will adjust based on air quality. Your home will help you stay healthy. Moreover, everything will connect better. Different smart devices will work together more easily. You won’t need many different apps. One system will control your lights, security, and entertainment. This makes your smart home simpler to use. What Happens to DIY? Finally, DIY will still be popular, but professional installation is better. Home automation trends include easy-to-install devices and apps that guide you through the process. In conclusion, 2025 will bring exciting changes to smart homes. Expect smarter AI, better security, more energy saving, a focus on health, easier connections, and more DIY options. These home automation trends will make our homes more convenient, safe, and efficient. Contact Your Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse Home Automation Installer Who Is Up On the Latest Home Automation Trends At SPS Fire & Security, you determine the level of security and convenience that you need. From regular security systems to automating different areas of your home, we have the tools and experience. To find the best solution for you. Most of all, we have the skill. Call us at 585-770-0348.
Get Started on Your Home Security New Year’s Resolution Now
Have Your Best and Safest Year Yet! The New Year is fast approaching, which means it’s time to make your New Year’s resolutions. One of those resolutions should involve enhancing home security. Fortunately, making this resolution a success is easier than you may think. Tips for a Successful New Year’s “Security” Resolution Making a “home security” resolution isn’t as difficult as sticking to a diet or a financial plan. Here are some tips that will keep you and your family safe in 2018: Home Security New Year’s resolution Tip 1 If there is a flyer on your front door, remove it as soon as possible. Sometimes, burglars will put flyers on doors to see if a person is home. If a flyer isn’t removed after a day or so, the burglar sees that as a sign that the occupants are long gone. Arrange for family or friends to pick up your mail and remove any flyers or other items that make it obvious you’re not home. Tip 2 Install timers on indoor and outdoor lights so they come on at night. However, you can change things up with a home automation system that enables you to control your lights from wherever you are. For instance, turn on and off different lights at different times to make it look like someone is home. Tip 3 Take those leftover boxes from Christmas to a recycling center or make sure they are cut up into small pieces so they can fit inside a garbage bag. When a burglar sees that plasma TV box sitting out with the trash, they know there’s a plasma TV in the house. Tip 4 Even if you trust your social media connections, don’t post when you aren’t home or when you’ll be away for long periods of time. It’s tempting to post those vacation photos, but you need to wait and post them after you return home. Tip 5 Fix those loose door jams. Did you know that 70% of break-ins are successful because the burglars are able to kick in the doors? It’s inexpensive to reinforce the door jam. Tip 6 Come up with creative hiding places for your valuables. Never leave valuable items in places that can be seen through windows. If you can do it, a safe in the floor or hiding behind a picture on the wall may not be a bad idea. Get 24/7 Professional Security Monitoring Get a home security system with 24/7 monitoring so that your home is always protected. Today’s security alarm systems also alert of fire and carbon monoxide. There are also smartphone apps that let you monitor your system yourself so you know what’s going on at any given time. If you’re REALLY feeling the need for even more added security, video surveillance is an affordable option. Make sure the bad guys know that you have a home security system in place that will catch them if they even attempt to break into your abode. Your Rochester, Syracuse & Buffalo Home Security Experts At SPS Fire & Security, we want you to have an amazing holiday season and the best 2018 possible. By protecting your home, business, or anything else important to you, you are creating more security in your life. To learn more, call us at 585-770-0348, MAY YOU HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY 2018!