Home Security: Keeping Your Garage Secure this Spring
Keep Burglars Out of Your Garage with Good Home Security Video surveillance protects your home. Moreover, it can protect others. Home security helps catch trespassers. Sometimes, they might turn into thieves. You can place video cameras around your property. This way, you keep track of things. Furthermore, you can watch from your phone. Check in while on vacation or at work. Ultimately, it offers peace of mind. It protects your hard work. A complete security system gives you these benefits and more. SPS Fire & Security has the expertise. We install these systems. Protect your home. Secure your garage, sheds, and all your property. Therefore, give us a call. We’ll connect you with a security expert. Then, they can check your property. They will suggest a protective solution. Keys to Keeping Your Garage Secure There are some keys to keeping your garage secure. They are: Never leave your garage door opener in your car. Otherwise, a burglar can break into your car if you park it outside. They can just reach in and open the garage if your car is unlocked. Instead, park your car in the garage. This prevents access to the remote. Alternatively, replace your large visor remote with a smaller keychain remote. This lets you take the remote inside your house. Lock your garage door from the inside if it’s not automatic. Also, secure any other entrances. If windows open easily, add locks. Remember, even small windows can be a risk. Burglars come in all shapes and sizes. From the Outside Cover your garage windows. This way, burglars can’t see inside. A burglar often cases a target first. They look in windows. If they can’t see anything, they’re less likely to break in. However, some curious thieves might take a chance. They’ll try to see what’s inside. Still, do everything you can. Reduce the odds of a break-in. This is a good thing. Bring on the exterior motion lights. Still, they detect all motion. If the neighborhood stray enters the sensor’s path, the lights will turn on. However, these lights can scare away a thief. Hopefully, they scare away the cat that won’t stay out of your flower bed, too. The Ultimate Garage Security Measure: A Security System The home security system is the ultimate method of making sure you keep burglars out of your home and any structures on your property. Whether the garage is attached or detached, you can extend the capabilities of your home security system to your garage so that you, the 24/7 monitoring center, and the authorities are alerted to the break-in. Add in video surveillance and you can get a peek at the face of the person who attempted to take what’s yours. A security system can make a burglar turn around. However, they often move to a new target. That could be someone without a system. With video surveillance, you can see their face. Hopefully, authorities catch them. This stops them from victimizing someone else. Video Surveillance Is an Incredible Tool Video surveillance protects your home. Moreover, it can protect others. Footage helps catch trespassers. Often, they might turn into thieves. You can place video cameras around your property. Thus, you keep track of things. Furthermore, you can even watch from your smartphone. Check in while on vacation or at work. Ultimately, it offers peace of mind. It protects everything you’ve worked for. A complete security system provides these benefits and much more. SPS Fire & Security has the expertise. We install these systems. Protect your home. Secure your garage, sheds, and all your property. Therefore, give us a call. We’ll connect you with a security expert. Then, they can evaluate your property. They will suggest a protective solution. Contact Your Rochester Home Security Company Video surveillance protects your home. Moreover, it can protect others. Footage helps catch trespassers. Often, they might turn into thieves. You can place video cameras around your property. Thus, you keep track of things. Furthermore, you can even watch from your smartphone. Check in while on vacation or at work. Ultimately, it offers peace of mind. It protects everything you’ve worked for. A complete security system provides these benefits and much more. SPS Fire & Security has the expertise. We install these systems. Protect your home. Secure your garage, sheds, and all your property. Therefore, give us a call. We’ll connect you with a security expert. Then, they can evaluate your property. They will suggest a protective solution. Call us today at 585-770-0348 to talk about your wants and needs for your home or business’s security.
Hardwired Security Systems: Reliable & Secure
Everything You Need to Know About Hardwired Security Systems Most homes and businesses use hardwired security systems. These systems have a control panel. Usually, it sits right next to the most used door. Some people or businesses hide their control panel. For instance, they put it in a closet or away from the door. This way, a burglar cannot see it. However, an alarm system’s presence can lower a burglar’s chance of entry. Thus, the alarm itself deters them. Everyone has their own reasons for placing their control panel. Different Components to a Hardwired Security System Hardwired security systems do not come in one package, as there are many different areas in homes and businesses that might need to be secured. A smoke alarm detects smoke. Specifically, two types exist: ionization and photoelectric. Heat detectors work with smoke detectors. Therefore, this detector spots heat. Indoor and outdoor motion sensors detect movement. They pick up people and animals. Indoor and outdoor sirens alert you. They warn neighbors, too. A panic button is usually hidden. However, you can push it if you feel threatened. This button connects to the security company. It also connects to the police. Going With A Hardwired Security System Hardwired security systems can be cost-effective. With this being said, it can be an intensive installation process. Homeowners and business owners can add and remove components. In the event of a power outage, the hardwired system has rechargeable batteries. Just for having the security system in your home, you can get a discount on your homeowner’s insurance. Contact An Experienced Rochester Security Alarm Company You should install a security system in your home or business. Also, have a security system installer visit your property. They ensure you get all the protection you need. Therefore, if you or anyone you know considers getting a security system, contact SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348.
Wireless Home Security Notifications Explained
What Do All of These Notifications Mean? The best wireless home security systems can now inform you of anything happening in the home. You can receive an alert if there is an unwanted intrusion. You can even be alerted when the kids get home from school or when the dog walker has come to take your dog for a walk and how long they were gone. If the dog walker isn’t walking the dog long enough, you will know it. Yes, there have probably been a few dog walkers fired for not exercising the dog for the agreed upon amount of time. How do these alerts happen? You can get them through text or email on your smartphone. The moment something happens, you are going to know about it. SPS Fire and Security can set you up with a wireless home security system that alerts you when there is activity. Call 585-770-0348 or complete the contact form. You can also have multiple recipients receive notifications. This means you and any other adults living in the home will know what is happening. You can even set it up for a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member. If you have a caretaker for the property or a handyman, they can receive notifications as well. By customizing the notifications, you can determine which sensors send notifications and who will receive those notifications. If you only want to receive alerts at a certain time, you can do that. You can also determine what type of signal will trigger a notification. It’s very easy to set up and also change your notifications when you need to. Examples of Security System Notifications Here is a list of the types of wireless security system notifications that you can receive: Know what door has been opened and when. Have a sensor placed on your gun safe so that you know if the gun safe has been opened. Have a sensor placed on a regular safe so that you know if anyone has tried to access the contents. Place a sensor on the medicine cabinet to ensure children or others stay out of it. If an elderly parent is living alone, keep track of doors opening and other doors throughout the home. If a garage door is left open too long, you will know it. Know every time the alarm is armed or disarmed. If you leave home and forget to arm the system, you can receive an alert before you get too far from home. You can arm the system remotely using the system’s app. When there is a power outage, the system will let you know. When the power comes back on, the system will alert you. Add thermostats to your smart home configuration so you can operate them remotely and keep track of them. If someone manually changes thermostat settings, you will know about it. As you can see, a wireless home security system is about more than knowing if someone has broken through a window or a door. Home security is about having complete control over your home, even if you aren’t there. You know what’s going on at all times so that you don’t have to worry. It’s amazing what can happen to your day when you don’t have to worry about your home. Imagine being on a vacation and not worrying about whether or not you turned off an iron or unplugged the things that needed unplugged. Imagine knowing everything that is happening so you can enjoy your vacation and not worry about what is happening at home. Call Your Rochester Wireless Security Company Today At SPS Fire & Security, we want to give you peace of mind. You deserve a safe home and one that you can have complete control over. With our home security solutions, you will have just that and more. To learn more, call us at 585-770-0348 and let us give you a free quote on the system you envision for your home.
Tips for Dealing with Bank Scams
Protect Your Money Not only has there been door-to-door scams (in which your home video surveillance system can identify the individual) and many different kinds of telephone scams, one of the most recent scams that have come about is the bank scam. These bank scams happen in many different ways such as telephone calls and emails or letters similar to the ones the bank may send you. One important source of information to remember is that banks will never ask you for confidential information over the phone, so they are most likely not the ones calling you. This newest bank scam has many individuals super careful about the way they gave out their personal information. The person that calls will inform you that there is a safety or security problem with your account or your bank account card. They will also tell you that you can fix the problem right over the phone. Normally, when there is a problem associated with your account, you, as the account holder, are the one that contacts the bank, not the other way around. While keeping your bank accounts secure, don’t forget your home by contacting SPS Fire & Security. Consequences of Bank Scam Calls If this ever happens to you, one fast rule of thumb is wait at least five minutes and then contact your bank at the number on the back of your bank card. The reason for waiting five minutes is for security proposes due to the fact that the person calling you is not your bank and therefore they have not terminated the call. They are waiting for you to start dialing right away. What will happen is your think that you have dialed your bank when really the fake bank caller is still on the phone? It could be very bad. There are many things that could happen if you do not be careful about protecting your bank account and your bank account cards. Your account will become empty. The bank account card that has certain limit on it will be used to the max. You will and could become a victim of identity theft. Chances of other accounts you are associated with being hacked increases. What Can You Do to Avoid Bank Fraud? Your bank will never call you when your bank account is having issues. Normally you are the one that is calling the bank. So keep that in mind. Your bank will never call to ask you to transfer any amounts of money from one account to another. Like stated above, you are the one that is calling the bank or going online to transfer your own money. If for any reason someone calls you and claims to be your bank, wait five minutes before calling your bank. Let your bank know what has happened and they can put a freeze (put a stop to having access to your account for a period of time) on your account. That way the scammer can have no access to your account and you don’t loss money or become a victim of identify theft Never provide ANYONE that calls and claims to be your bank with information such as: name, address, telephone number (they should already have that one since they are the ones that called you), security questions, account numbers, social security number and more. If you have younger children in the house that might know any information associated with your bank account and they are old enough to be answering the telephone, make them aware of this bank scam and any other scam that is going on. Some children don’t know any better and might slip, telling the scammer personal information. Contact Your Rochester Security Alarm Company It is important to keep all elements of your life secure. Not only do you need to protect your bank accounts, but you need to protect your home and everything that you have worked for. Home security systems are a way to do that. If someone knocks on your door, trying to sell you something that isn’t legit or they want information from you, you can capture their face on a home surveillance system. If someone tries to enter your home, whether you are there or not, you and the central monitoring center will know so that the matter can be addressed promptly. If you have become a victim in any bank scams contact your bank you are associated with for help. If you have any questions associated home and phone security contact SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348.
Safety During Power Outages: Prepare Now, Stay Calm & Secure
What to do When the Power Is Out Every year, Rochester, New York sees some of the craziest wind. In some places, it has been known to reach speeds over 80 MPH which is considered hurricane force wind. This makes safety during power outages a must. A 2017 storm hit hard. For instance, hurricane winds left many in the dark for over a day. Some had no power for more than a week. RG&E reported big numbers. On March 8, 2017, at 2:30 PM, they said 31,000 customers in Monroe County lost power. That number grew all day. Many businesses closed early. School events were canceled. Then, on Thursday, many schools closed. By Sunday, March 12, 2017, 9,314 customers still had no power. During weather-related power outages like Rochester, New York faced, there are many residential and commercial security factors that should be kept in mind. Power Outage Safety Tips Keep in mind that if you lose power that you should contact a neighbor to see if they have also lost power. Sometimes it might just be a blown transformer or fuse from the power lines. If your neighbor tells you that they don’t have power, then go head and contact your local electrical company to report an outage. They will be able to look into the outage and send an employee out to assess the situation. If possible, check the local weather on the internet or a battery powered radio. To prevent overloading outlets, unplug any unnecessary appliances such as microwaves, coffee makers, and refrigerators and electronic devices such as computers, TVs, etc. Once you have unplugged the refrigerator and freezer, keep the doors closed as much as possible. If it is cold outside, think about getting a cooler or two and filling them with ice for the items that you might have to take out of the fridge. Food will last no more than 24 hours if you minimize the door being opened. If the outage is due to windy weather, don’t use outside grills or go outside for any reason because it could become dangerous with falling trees, falling power lines, and airborne debris. In the event that you ever experience an outage contact your local electrical company (RG&E 1-800-743-1701 or NYSEG 1-800-572-1131). Contact Your Rochester Alarm Company Today! Alarm systems have backup battery power. However, it lasts for a specific time. Know your battery life. If so, contact SPS Fire & Security today. Learn how an alarm system can protect your home during an outage. Remember, most outages last less than half a day. But also, burglars become more active then. They target empty places. Call today at 585-770-0348.
Home Security and Home Automation for Seniors
Smart Homes Protect the Elderly Home security systems protect anyone of any age, but there are different features that, while they benefit all people, can especially benefit seniors. Most of all, a home security system, especially one with home automation, can put seniors more in charge of their own security. That also goes for those that may not be as tech savvy. A professional home security company installs the system and teaches the homeowner how to use the system using a smartphone. Yes, the elderly now carries smartphones, as they have become a way of life, and they use them well. Fortunately, security systems and automation apps are very easy to use. The learning curve is very small. Protecting the Elderly from Burglars The good news is that the violent crime rate is lower among seniors than younger people, but, unfortunately, burglars will target the elderly because they may be in search of pain medications or other medications they can use to satisfy a drug problem. They also believe that senior citizens have money stashed under their mattresses. This means that seniors tend to be the target of property crimes. One out of five burglary victims are over 65 years old, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. They are seen as easy targets, which is why it is important to lock down the home as much as possible. Dealing with Environmental Threats Burglary isn’t the only threat to the elderly. Floods, fires, leaks, carbon monoxide, and other events don’t care about how old someone is. Home security systems can have built-in fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors so the authorities can be notified as soon as possible. A panic button can also be used when there is an emergency and a phone can’t be accessed. There are different environmental protections put in place to make sure everyone inside the home is protected. Peace of Mind Through home automation, seniors can also have control of their home while on vacation. For those that travel a lot, they can have peace of mind that their home is safe through video surveillance that allows them to watch remotely. If there is ever fear that the doors haven’t been locked, they can be locked remotely. If certain lights need to be turned on each night, they can be. If pets are left at home alone, the thermostat can be controlled. The sky is the limit when it comes to giving the elderly more control over their homes and lives. Call A Qualified Rochester Home Security Company If you are ready to see how home automation and security can make life easier, call SPS Fire & Security today at 585-770-0348.
Staying Home Alone in New York: Your 5-Step Guide for Parent Peace of Mind
When Are Kids Old Enough to Stay Home Alone? Staying home alone has unclear rules for most people. Macaulay Culkin stayed home alone. He was eight in the 1990 movie “Home Alone.” But, that doesn’t make it right. Each state has its own laws. They cover proper ages for kids left alone. A child’s age and maturity matter too. These decide if they can stay home solo. So, it comes down to your choice and the law. Staying Home Alone with Home Security First, you want to have good home security in place to ensure your child has extra protection. If something goes wrong, the authorities can be alerted. This will give you added peace of mind. Fortunately, there are guidelines that you as a parent should follow if you are thinking about your kids staying home alone: Age of the child Maturity level of the child The length of time the child will be home unsupervised Are other children being left home with your child The safety of the neighborhood Are there neighbors that can check in on the child Does the child feel safe staying home by themselves? Guidelines considering the age range for leaving a child home alone: 7 & Under: Never leave children aged seven and under home alone. Also, do not leave them in a car, at a playground, or in the backyard without an adult. 8 to 10 years old: You can leave children aged 8 to 10 at home. However, do this only during daytime or early evening. They can stay alone for no more than 1.5 hours. 11 to 12 years old: You can leave children aged 11 to 12 at home. Still, do this for no more than 3 hours. They cannot stay overnight. 13 to 15 years old: You can leave children aged 13 to 15 unsupervised for long times. But, they cannot stay overnight. 16 to 17 years old: You can leave children aged 16 to 17 unsupervised. Moreover, they can stay home overnight for up to two nights alone. Keep Your Family Secure Through a Rochester Home Security Company If your children are old enough and ready to stay home alone, contact SPS Fire and Security. Call us at 585-770-0348. We can help you find the right security alarm for your home.
Fireplace Safety in the Winter
Tips for Safe Fireplace Use Many individuals buy a house with the added feature of a fireplace or buy a house with the intentions of putting a fireplace in. When getting a fireplace installed in your home, there are many things that you as a homeowner should think about, especially if you have small children in the house. There are many fireplace safety tips to consider: Your fireplace should be installed professionally. Every year before using your fireplace, you should hire a professional chimney sweep to inspect and clean your chimney. As a homeowner, you should make sure that your home has the right smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure that each detector works properly and has new batteries. When owning a fireplace, you should make sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby. Never place any kind of material close to the fireplace. Flammable materials should be three or more feet from the fire. If there are pets or small children in the house, you might want to consider getting a gate to put around the fire place. Never burn anything that could cause the fire to get out of hand. Don’t burn trash, Styrofoam or plastic. Burning these things could lead to your fire getting out of control and becoming dangerous. Never use flammable liquids to get your fire started. There are fire starting logs that can help with getting your fire started easier. Also make sure you have a fire alarm installed in case the fire does get out of control when you are not in the room. You and your family can be alerted immediately and the fire department called so the fire can be taken care of as quickly as possible. Contact Your Fire Safety and Home Security Company For more information or questions regarding your fireplace or need to have smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors installed in your house, you can contact SPS security and Fire at 585-770-0348.
Why Professional Monitoring Is Best in Wireless Home Security
Benefits of 24/7 Security Monitoring Wireless home security systems are in homes throughout Rochester and they are professionally monitored. This is all part of the evolution of the security system, although that evolution has taken a very long time. Here are some of the milestones that have happened in the world of home security: Wireless sensors have allowed for faster installation, more sensors, and many more benefits. Smartphone monitoring allows homeowners to monitor their security systems no matter where they are in the world as long as they have a wireless signal. The system can be armed and disarmed. Everything is included in an app. In-home video surveillance allows you to have cameras added inside and out so you can keep an eye on things while you are at home and even while you are away. Home automation takes things one step further, allowing you to operate things as simple as the thermostat or a light switch using a smartphone. But the big one here is the monitoring that you can do on your own. Some homeowners feel that they should invest in a system that allows them to monitor so they can forgo the professional monitoring. However, professional security monitoring matters A LOT. Professional Security Monitoring Services Monitoring matters because you need the authorities to be contacted immediately if someone breaks into your home. Imagine being at work where you can’t use your smartphone and someone breaks into your home. You won’t know that the alarm was triggered until it’s too late. With professional monitoring, you have fire monitoring, carbon monoxide monitoring, and burglar alarm monitoring. You have three different types of safety monitoring in one service. Problems with Monitoring-It-Yourself Aside from being in a position where you can’t monitor your smartphone at all times, here are some other issues: The internet is key. Without it, you have no way to monitor your security system. If you are on a plane, traveling in an area with no cellular signal, or you are working and can’t use your phone, your home is wide open to a burglar. You may not get the signal. If you do, it is up to you to contact the police or fire department. If you’re out of town, you can’t call 911 because you will dial into the 911 local to the area you are in and not your own 911. If you are close to a county that is served by another 911 office, you risk being relayed to that one rather than your own county 911 office. Overall, professional monitoring works, which is why you need a home security system that has it as an option. It’s the gold standard for home security because they are always keeping an eye on things so you don’t have to worry. You don’t have to panic if you lose your cellular signal or if you are in another situation where you can’t get notifications from your phone. The Glory of Wireless Security Systems And, of course, we can’t forget the fact that these security systems can be wireless. This means no wires being tucked away in strange places and the installation can be much faster. Between that and the professional monitoring service that gives you peace of mind and security, you have a winning combination when it comes to maintaining the safety of you, your home, and everything that you have worked for. Contact Your Rochester Wireless Home Security Installer If you are curious about wireless systems and professional monitoring services or you are ready to take the plunge toward better home security, call SPS Fire & Security today at 585-770-0348.
Access Control Systems for Gym Safety
Enhanced Gym Security Systems It is already February and so many individuals made a resolution at the beginning of the year to start going to the gym to get healthier and in better physical shape. If you are looking into getting a gym membership, you will see that there are many gyms that are starting to move their hours from set times to 24 hours. By going to 24 hours, gyms are able to use the 24/7 gym access control security system. This system allows individuals with a membership badge to easily swipe and gain access to the gym at any time of the day or night. Many individuals, if lucky, will be able to go to the gym after work if they work into the middle of the night or early in the morning before the sun comes up. With many gyms being able to buy and use this easy system, it gives members peace of mind that they are entering a secure place. Protecting Your Belongings Listed below are some safety tips for keeping your personal belongings safe while at the gym: You should never bring too many personal items that you don’t need to the gym. Never bring your wallet with all your personal cards into the gym. Only bring the membership card or drivers’ license, car keys, locker key and maybe a phone. If you choose to use a locker, make sure that you choose a locker that is in the middle of high tracked area or where there are security cameras. That way if anything does happen or things are missing, it will be easier to track or ask someone. If you choose to use a locker, then choose a lock that is strong and heavy so that it is hard to break. Don’t give your key out or make a copy of the key. Pick a time of the day or night that is comfortable for you but at the same time many gym members there. Know your gym’s surroundings so that you can be safe during your workout time. Contact Your Rochester Access Control Installer Knowing your gym lets you have a fun safe time working out. If you a are a member of a gym that could use a security system or could use an update on their system contact SPS Fire and Security at 585-770-0348.