Home Security Systems and the Elderly
Security Systems Protect the Elderly As we get older and our children grow up and move out, we may downsize our house or make other changes. While these changes occur, our home security systems must change as well. The alarm system that fits your family’s needs right now might not fit your needs as you get older. Whether it is the cold winter months when elderly people go to a place where it is warmer out of preference or medical reasons or any time of the year, alarm systems are always important to have. Elderly individuals and security alarms are like the four seasons (winter, spring, summer and fall) only they three seasons in life (medical, daily routines and second home). Three types of alarms that elderly people should have as time goes on are a medical alarm, home automation, and remote control access. Home Security Systems for Elderly Individuals’ Homes Medical Alarm Many elderly individuals as they get older will experience a great number of health issues. Some of the healthy issues will be either uncontrollable or cause individuals to fall. A medical alarm system won’t prevent bad health but will help an elderly individual in the case of an emergency. This type of alarm is easy for elderly people to access with just the push of a button. Because this alarm is available for elderly homeowners, it is great for them so that they are able to live on their own and live without fear longer. Home Automation Young people and elderly people are different when it comes to keeping a routine and, generally, it’s the elderly that do a better job. An elderly person who likes to stay in a daily routine will benefit greatly from having a home automation alarm. With this alarm, if they get up and go to bed at the same time, they can set the alarms for those times of the day. Home automation is also much more convenient for people of all ages because you can keep track of what is happening at all times. The technical things become a bit easier. Remote Control Access Elderly people remind us of birds. Once it starts getting colder out they both head south. While they are not home and if they don’t feel comfortable having someone come to their house, having an alarm system with remote control access can give them the ability to run their home without having to be there. Going south for warmer weather, visiting their children, grandchildren, friends or going on vacation any time of the year can give elderly homeowners the assurance they need to make sure their house is safe. Not only do elderly homeowners need certain alarms systems to ensure safety for health and their home but they need to make sure they get all the basics as well. Many elderly homeowners, when scheduling to get their security alarm installed, should make sure they get everything they need that will benefit them. Contact Your Rochester Home Security Company If you or any elderly homeowner you know may be looking for a security alarm system, contact SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348.
Home Security in the New Year
Make Home Security Resolution The new year is almost here and so is the long list of New Year’s resolutions that you want to commit to so you can improve your life. One of the ways you can improve your life is through your level of home security. These are resolutions that can be applied to business security as well, such as adding surveillance cameras where they need to be or upgrading existing cameras to ones that have better picture quality. Regardless of whether you need improved security for home or business reasons, here is a list of home security resolutions that you can use to make life a bit safer for you, your family, your belongings, your business, or all your interests: Improve Your Habits Make sure doors are locked, the security system is set, batteries are changed in smoke detectors, and that lights are on when they need to be. Install timers for lights, especially before going on vacation, and make sure you have good outdoor security. A home or business that is lit up is one a thief is more likely to stay away from. Consider Adding Extra Home Security It may not be enough to have an alarm because thieves can strike other parts of your property. Surveillance cameras can capture who is outside. If someone breaks into an outbuilding or tries to break into your house, you can acquire footage that will help authorities catch the culprits. Replace Outdated Home Security Systems Homeowners and business owners should replace outdated security systems. If you have an old system, you can do better. Today, systems include fire and carbon monoxide detection. You can also add motion detectors and more sensors. Many possibilities exist. Just talk to a security company specializing in advanced systems. You can even turn your home into a smart home. This makes your life more convenient. In fact, home automation is very popular now. You can remotely arm your security system, unlock doors, turn lights on and off, and even adjust your thermostat. You can do all of this from your smartphone. Change Your Passcode If you already have a security system, it is good to change your passcode. Having the same passcode all the time is a security risk. In fact, it is good to change it a couple times a year. Now is a good time to change it for the first time this year. Make sure you give the new code to everyone who needs to have it and remind them not to share it with anyone. Lock Outside Buildings Lock your outside buildings. Add outside video surveillance for better security. You also want motion lights that turn on when someone enters your property. Light always helps defend against burglars. Buy a Fireproof Safe If you haven’t already, you need a fireproof safe. While the security system, motion sensors, video cameras, and window and door sensors are all designed to keep thieves out, having valuables in a fireproof safe can give them even more protection in case someone does get in. One of the first places a thief visits when inside a home is the bedroom. When inside a business, they will go to the office in hopes they can find money, catch a cash register on the way, or break into the safe. Call Your Rochester Home Security Company To make yourself safer this year, consider investing in a modern home security or business security system. If your home or business is ever broken into or someone attempts to do so, you will be very glad that you protected everything you care about in this way. Call SPS Fire & Security today at 585-770-0348 to learn more.
Rochester NY Motion Detectors: Protect Now
Everything You Need to Know About Motion Detectors Discover home safety with motion detectors! First, add these devices to your home automation or security system for strong protection. Next, pair them with door and window sensors, video cameras, and an alarm system. Then, relax with confidence whether you’re at home or out and about. Choose motion detectors with infrared technology, a 90-degree lookdown, and a wireless signal range to spot intruders effectively. These ensure your home stays secure. Next, pick detectors with a 50-foot range and a 100-degree wide-angle spread for the best coverage. Then, select tamper-proof detectors that monitor activity constantly. Finally, trust these devices to catch suspicious activity right away. When Motion Detectors are Triggered When a motion detector is triggered, the central monitoring station is notified. Worried your pets will trigger the system? Don’t be. Pets under 55 pounds won’t set off the motion detector. This means you won’t worry about your pet prompting central monitoring to call. If a motion detector is triggered, central monitoring will send the proper authorities to your property. They’ll catch the intruder or investigate the intrusion. Blends into the Home Motion detectors discreetly blend into your home. They are compact and hard to notice. You only see them when you look directly. Use a mobile app to check them for peace of mind. Feel secure about your home’s safety while you’re out. Common Placement First, place motion detectors near the front, side, and back doors. Also cover first-floor off-street windows. Next, add detectors and cameras by the basement door, stairs, garage door, and backyard gates for extra safety. Then, hire a trusted Rochester home security company; they’ll inspect your property and spot weak entry points. Finally, install detectors inside your master bedroom, living room, and home office, as burglars often hunt for valuables there. Protect areas holding money, jewelry, or personal information to prevent theft or identity fraud. Contact A Rochester NY Motion Detectors Installer First, install motion detectors correctly to maximize their effectiveness. Next, position them at proper angles in areas where intruders might enter. Then, call SPS Fire and Security at 585-770-0348 to explore motion detectors for your home or business. They’ll explain how detectors suit your property’s unique layout and answer your questions. Finally, make an informed choice about adding motion detectors to protect your space.
Car and Home Security in Rochester
Keep Your Car and Home Safe No matter where you plan on parking your car, you should never leave valuable things inside. It doesn’t matter if you are holiday shopping, at a friends or relatives house, or at your own home, break-ins, whether it would be in a car or home, can lead to valuable items being taken and for identity theft. In the last few days, there have been many posts on social media about car break-ins in and around Rochester. One of the individuals that had their car broken into had their groceries (soda and Gatorade) stolen, and then another individual had their expensive hunting gear taken. All of this was done while the cars were parked in their driveways. Now let’s talk about security at your own home for your car. What is the best type of security to have if your neighborhood or any surrounding neighborhoods have a high number of car break-ins? If you must leave valuable items in your car overnight or for a long period of time, there are some security tips and equipment that you can buy to protect your car. 1. Car Alarm System The smartest first step when buying a car is to choose one with an alarm. If your preferred car lacks one, have a professional install it. A car alarm sounds when someone opens the driver’s side door without keys in the ignition. 2. Motion Sensors Motion sensors are an important aspect of home security because they can detect when there is movement in a certain area. These lights will turn on when someone or something is moving near the sensor. 3. Video Surveillance Your security company can install a video surveillance system. This system lets you use your phone or computer to see any activity at your home. For example, if many people visit and someone breaks into your car, you can check the footage. It will show you what happened. Using video surveillance is smart, but you can do more to protect your car in the driveway. Don’t leave things in plain sight that tempt people to break in. Make your car a harder target. Contact An Expert Security Alarm Installation Company Interested in a security system Want to upgrade yours? Call SPS Fire and Security at 585-770-0348. We’ll help you find the best alarm for your needs.
New Parents: Using Home Security Products for a Safer Home
Using Home Security Products to Keep Babies Safe It is exciting to be a new parent. You have expectations and plans for your child. You want them to grow up to be a good person and to make something of themselves. It’s important to keep them safe in every area of their life. Home security products iis where that safety starts. Keeping your child safe starts at home. There are several home security products that will help you make your home as safe as possible for your baby and you. This will give you what you need to be safe and feel safe. Peace of mind is a powerful thing when you are taking care of a new human being. The Usual Home Security Products Of course, there are the usual products that you can use to make your baby safer. It won’t be long before your baby is crawling, so you want to put locks on toilet seats and covers for electrical outlets. You will also need safety gates to keep your baby from wandering all over the house. Pressure mounted gates can fit any size doorway and keeps you from having to permanently install hinges and latches in the door facing. It is entirely up to you, as babies eventually figure out how to knock down pressure mounted gates. You also need to childproof cabinets. There are some great locks you can buy at your local department store that are easy for you to figure out, but they aren’t so easy for the baby. This can keep them out of cleaning supplies and other harmful items. Lastly, a baby monitor that you can carry around the house with you while your baby naps or sleeps at night can help you keep your ears peeled. You know what’s happening in the room. Motion Detectors are Golden Home Security Products Motion detectors are useful anywhere in your home. First, place them in your child’s room. This alerts you if anyone tries to break in through that room. In fact, motion detectors work well near any doors and windows. Finally, if you sleep soundly and might miss the baby monitor, motion detectors are a great help. Video Surveillance Video surveillance is another one of the best home security products you can opt for. This is because you can monitor your baby’s room while they sleep. As your baby gets older and begins sitting and playing on his or her own, you can monitor your little one in the room while you clean the house, do the dishes, or simply take a load off for a few minutes. Video surveillance is also useful for when you have a babysitter come to your home to watch your baby. You can keep an eye on things while you’re gone by accessing the system through your smartphone. If the babysitter doesn’t do their job or they are mean to your child, you can intervene or never hire them again. A video surveillance system can be just a camera or two or you can have many. Another area where video surveillance is useful is outside so that you can see who is at your door. This keeps your entire family safe. The Almighty Home Alarm System Motion detectors and video surveillance can be components of a full-scale home alarm system. If someone breaks into your home, you are going to know about it. The alarm will sound and it will most likely make the burglar leave very quickly, keeping your family safe. With video surveillance in place, you can get a glimpse of who the culprit is, increasing the chances they will get caught so they aren’t on the street to try and destroy another family’s sense of security. You can secure all doors and windows so that you have peace of mind, but also so you are much safer than you would be otherwise. Enjoy Your New Life With that said, enjoy this new life that you have with your bundle of joy. They grow up before your eyes and, of course, keeping them safe through every phase of their life is extremely important. With so many home security products that can secure the home and keep all of you safe, you take control away from anyone who would even think about interfering with your safety. SPS Fire & Security Can Help You with Your Security Needs To give your home the added security that it needs so you and your family can be safe, SPS Fire & Security offers state-of-the-art equipment and exceptional service so that you know you are much safer. To learn more about how we can help you, call us at 585-770-0348 for a free consultation.
Is Your Level of Home Security Enough?
Is Your Home Security Enough? Your home security matters most. After all, your home is where you and your family should feel safe. Without good security, you risk becoming a thief’s target. This can truly harm your sense of safety. Below, you’ll find a checklist that will help make sure your home is secure. The Home Security Checklist First, check your doors. Do you have strong deadbolts? Make sure they work. Next, look at your windows. Do they lock well? Add extra locks if you need them. Install a security system. This alerts you and the police if someone tries to get in. Use video cameras. Place them where they can see doors and windows. This helps catch intruders. Get a paper shredder. Shred all papers with your personal details. This stops identity theft. Buy a large, bolted-down safe. Keep important papers and valuable jewelry inside. Clean up your yard. Trim bushes and trees. This removes hiding spots for burglars. Use smart lights. Set them to turn on and off. This makes it look like someone is home. Ask a trusted person to check your mail when you are away. This avoids signaling an empty house. Finally, avoid posting vacation plans on social media. This keeps burglars from knowing you’re gone. Security Around the Exterior First, check all doors. Do they have strong deadbolts? Make sure they lock properly. Next, inspect your windows. Do all windows have good locks? Add extra locks or bars for ground-floor windows. Trim your shrubs and trees. Cut back tall bushes and low-hanging branches. This removes hiding spots for burglars near your home. Install motion-sensor lights. Place them near doors and dark areas. These lights surprise intruders and alert you. Get a security system. Choose one that covers your doors and windows. This warns you and the authorities if someone tries to enter. Add outdoor security cameras. Position cameras to watch entry points. They record any suspicious activity. Use smart lighting. Set outdoor lights on a timer or use smart bulbs. They can turn on and off automatically, making your home look occupied. Secure your garage door. Make sure it has a strong lock. Also, consider a garage door opener with rolling codes for extra security. Lock your sheds and gates. Don’t leave tools or equipment outside. Thieves can use them to break into your house. Finally, post security signs. Place signs from your alarm company in visible spots. This way, potential burglars know your home is protected. If you are lacking in any of these areas, rectifying them can be the difference between being a target and not being a target. Get a Professional Security Check You can choose a professional security check. A good security alarm company will visit your home. They will find weak spots for you. This way, you can install a security system that makes your home safer. You can add different things to your system. These include video cameras, motion sensors, and full home automation. You decide how much or how little you want. However, you can’t really put a price on keeping your family, yourself, and everything in your home safe. Stay Away from These Home Security Deterrents There are some burglar deterrents that don’t work so well. It is good that you know what these are so that you know not to use them. Those failed deterrents include: Hide your alarm clues. Don’t give burglars details about your alarm system. Instead, put up a general sign that says “Alarm” or “Monitored.” This tells them you have protection without giving away specifics. Don’t hide valuables in your bedroom. Professional thieves know people hide things there. Therefore, your bedroom is often their first stop. They look for jewelry boxes, money under the mattress, and other valuables. Use light timers. If your lights stay on all the time, burglars will notice you’re away. Instead, install timers. This makes it look like someone is home. Handle your mail. No mail at your house tells people you’re gone. So, ask a friend or family member to stop by daily. Give them a key to bring in your mail and your alarm code. This person can also come at different times, which stops burglars from seeing a pattern. Even better, a house sitter can stay there often. Consider a small dog. Big dogs are nice, but they don’t always bark as much as small dogs. Small dogs often make a big fuss when someone is at the door, which can scare off intruders. Increase Your Buffalo, Rochester, or Syracuse Home Security Today! So, now you have ways to keep your home as safe as possible. By using this checklist and avoiding mistakes, you can make your home feel truly secure. To learn about your security options, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 for a free consult.
Silence Your System: How to Prevent False Security Alarms
Stop False Alarms Before They Happen False alarms irritate you and inconvenience others. They startle household pets and annoy neighbors. False alarms also bother emergency services and the people they need to serve. Too many false alarms can even make a person not want to use their alarm system at all. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent your home security system or business security system from being triggered in a non-emergency. 1. Remember Your Codes Incorrect keypad codes cause many false alarms. To prevent this, always know your code. Make sure everyone in your home can remember it. For businesses, employees choose and use their own codes. If you change a code, ensure everyone who needs to know learns the new one. You can also keep a list of codes in a safe place in your house. 2. Secure All Doors and Windows Keeping doors and windows shut is a smart security process, but so is making sure they are closed before activating the security system. Before opening a window or door, make sure the alarm system is disarmed. You may also want to make sure that children aren’t throwing balls or hitting windows in rooms where the windows may have sensors. 3. Let Visitors Know the System is Armed If house guests visit, tell them if you arm the system. This stops them from opening doors or windows. If a guest stays with you, make sure they know how to arm and disarm the system. Also, remember to show your babysitter, dog walker, or anyone else who enters your home how to arm and disarm it, and what steps to take. 4. Remove Stray Objects from Around Motion Detectors Before you arm your system, check for objects near motion sensors. For example, a floor vent might sit below a curtain. If that curtain is in the sensor’s view, and your heat or AC turns on, it could move the curtain and trigger the alarm. Shorter curtains can fix this. Likewise, move any plants near sensors that are also close to floor vents. 5. Manage Pets You can choose pet-immune sensors or keep your pets in a certain area. If a pet walks in front of a sensor, they might trigger your alarm system. Pet-immune sensors ignore pets up to a certain weight. If you don’t have a good place to put your pet when the system is armed, pet-immune sensors might be exactly what you need. 6. Replace the System Batteries Regularly Your system will warn you when its batteries are weak. Checking these batteries prevents false alarms. The good news is, system batteries last a very long time before you need to replace them. 7. Watch the Weather Mother Nature can also set off your alarm. Electrical storms, strong winds, tornadoes, and hurricanes can create enough movement to trigger your system. If you see bad weather coming, you can disarm your system until the storm passes. Although this rarely causes a false alarm, it’s still good to remember. 8. Damaged Equipment While about 70 percent of false alarms come from user error, equipment can also get damaged. If that happens and your equipment isn’t working right, contact your security alarm company right away. They can check the status and replace the broken parts. 9. Use Your System Regularly The best way to prevent false alarms is to use your home security system every day. When everyone uses the system daily, they become comfortable with it, and this greatly reduces mistakes. As people get used to their system, they avoid problems. Furthermore, you can use the tips we discussed earlier to further reduce your chances of a false alarm. Contact Our Experienced New York Security Alarm Company At SPS Fire & Security, your safety is most important. We want you to feel safe in your home or business. To learn more about our affordable, modern security solutions, call us at 585-770-0348.
You’ve Had a Break In, Now What?
Protect Yourself from Future Break-Ins Now that you’ve had a break-in, what are your options? You could continue as you are and ignore extra safety steps. Alternatively, you can contact your local security company to get a security alarm and better protect your home. If you still believe your dog will protect your house after a break-in, you might be putting yourself at risk. After a break-in, many people ask themselves several questions: Where did the burglar get in? What did they steal? Why did they choose our house? What made them pick us? Then, they consider other options. A burglar might have broken in through easy-to-reach windows, like those in a downstairs bathroom or bedroom, or a sliding glass door. In that case, you could install security sensors or check your window and door locks for damage. Furthermore, hundreds of people live in communities with low burglary rates. Because of this, many residents don’t feel they need to lock their home or car doors. However, even one home burglary in your community should tell you to start protecting your home. How Are You Going To Protect Your Home Now That You Have Had A Break In? The main questions now that your property has been the victim, is what are you going to do to protect you and your family? Are you going to continue to live in the world where you think that you are ok to do exactly what you did before all this happened? Or are you going to step up your game for the next time that a burglar decides that your home is once again their target? Are you going to invest in a security system that has all the protection you need, such as sensors for your windows and doors, video surveillance, motion detectors, and better locks for your doors? Those are all of the things that you need to think about. Costs If you think security alarms are too costly, consider how much you spend on your dog’s vet visits. You could invest that same amount into your home’s safety. When you look for the right system for your home, the best approach is to have a technician visit your property. They can discuss your needs and costs. You can start small, and then add more protection for your family and home as you feel you need it. If you have kids, you should definitely protect your home when they are there. Your children are a blessing, and you never want anything bad to happen to them. So, when your children get off the bus and can stay home alone for a bit, as a parent, you want to protect them and, at the same time, know what they’re doing. You can get video surveillance or sensors that monitor when your kids get home and when they lock the front door. Having an alarm when your kids are home is always a good idea, especially if someone has ever broken into your home. Your kids might not feel safe alone anymore if that has happened, but knowing an alarm protects them will make it easier. And here is something else to think about: Was your home broken into because you were a good target through a friend or a kid’s friend? Many times a burglar is someone that is in contact with a person that knows you or your family. Perhaps you have expensive jewelry, such as a wedding ring or another piece of jewelry, that is of value to you. Perhaps you had to do the dishes and set your rings aside. If you forget to put them back on, they are now sitting in your home. How would you feel if your valuable wedding ring that your spouse gave you on your special wedding day was stolen? It would be devastating. Do you lock up jewelry you aren’t wearing? Even if you do, there is still the potential that your jewelry and any other valuables could be stolen. What Is Your Next Step to Protect Your Home? 1. Contact A Security Company Set up an appointment for a technician to come take a look at your home. The technician will talk about the different packages they offer. Explain to them what has happened to you and your home. They will talk with you about the equipment and what best suits you. 2. How Much Are You Willing to Invest in Your Home? What you invest in your home says a lot about how much you are willing to protect your home. The more you put in the more you will be protecting. When choosing a security package for you home, always think about the important things you are trying to protect. 3. Check Locks On Windows and Door Double check all locks on windows and doors. Replace any that are not working properly, especially when you are away from home for any amount of time, lock windows and doors. Never leave a key or code in any hidden place outside the house for someone to see. Don’t even do it if it is for your kids. If they cannot remember the code for the system or the home key, chances are they aren’t mature or responsible enough to stay home alone. 4. Once The Alarm Is in, Monitor Daily Activity Monitoring daily activity through your new alarm system will give you a good idea of whether or not you have purchased enough protection. You can monitor the activity through the alarm company website on the computer or through the alarm company app on your smart phone. Whatever you decide as far as protecting your home, be smart about it. Don’t think that doing nothing will keep you safe, especially since you have been burglarized. Make the investment that can and could change not only your life but your family’s life, too.
Avoid these 10 Common Home Security Mistakes
Could Your Security Be Compromised by Making Too Many Home Security Mistakes? You want to ensure your home is as safe as possible because any home can be burglarized at any time. Even if you’re not home when it happens, a burglary can shatter your sense of security. When your sense of security is compromised, it is nearly impossible to feel safe in your home. That’s why it’s good to have a security service outfit your home with a system that suits your needs, such as protection against intruders, fire, and carbon monoxide. In the meantime, there are some common home security mistakes to avoid. Be Vigilant and Avoid These Home Security Mistakes You must stay watchful always when it comes to your home security. You should feel safe at home, not like anyone can walk through your door at any time and threaten your family or belongings. Below are 10 common home security mistakes to avoid: 1. Don’t Hide Your House Key Under a Doormat Even amateur burglars check under doormats or rocks near your door. They may even look in potted plants. If you need someone to come into your home while you’re away, coordinate with them beforehand or leave a key with a trusted neighbor. 2. Put Away That Ladder If you leave a ladder outside, you almost invite someone to use it to break into a second-story window. Make sure the ladder is in your garage, and lock upstairs windows. 3, Use Strong Locks Don’t put cheap locks on your windows and doors. Choose heavy-duty ones. Many burglars know how to break standard locks, so you want to make breakage as difficult as possible. Even with a home security system, you don’t want to make breaking in too easy. 4. Always Lock Your Doors Forgetting to lock doors or set your alarm system can leave your home open. People most often forget to lock the garage door. It’s also one of the easiest spots for a burglar to break into. All it takes is a wire coat hanger and an emergency release lever within reach. You can lock your garage door with a key lock or install a Gaplock. 5. Don’t Just Rely on Your Dog A dog that barks when someone unfamiliar is around your home is great. If the dog sounds loud and vicious, it can scare off an intruder. Nonetheless, you should still have an alarm system and lock your doors. While your dog can sound very intimidating, they usually don’t attack people, so this means your dog most likely won’t stop the intruder. 6. Avoid Fake Surveillance Cameras Dummy cameras can look real, but they aren’t. Even battery-operated cameras with a light might not deter a burglar. Experienced burglars can usually tell the difference between fake and real video surveillance. Fortunately, you can buy real security cameras that you can access remotely from your smartphone. This lets you track what’s happening. Plus, burglars think twice. 7. Ensure Good Outdoor Lighting Dark areas create great hiding places. Not having enough lighting can make it easy for a burglar to watch your house or hide where no one can see them, just waiting for a chance to go inside. 8. Don’t Leave Empty Item Boxes Outside Christmas is a prime time when empty boxes of expensive items end up in outside trash. Burglars see this, and it tells them you have expensive items in your house worth stealing. They will take the items, then pawn or sell them. If possible, keep the boxes inside until you can break them downand put them in trash bags or take them to a closed dumpster. 9. Don’t Post on Social Media That You Will Be Gone It can be fun to share your beach pictures while you’re there, but it’s not a good idea. Even if you think your Facebook posts are secure and your friends list seems trustworthy, you never know who will decide to take the opportunity to break into your home and take your belongings. 10. Don’t Leave No or Only One Light On While Away Some people leave no lights on while they’re gone. Others leave only one on. A burglar who might be casing a home with one light will notice that same light stays on all the time. This is a clear sign no one is home. Put lights on a digital timer or operate them remotely. This allows you to make sure different lights are on every night. Keep Your Family Safe by Avoiding the Common Home Security Mistakes So here you have 10 common home security mistakes that you can avoid so that your home can be as safe as possible for you and your family.
A Security Alarm vs. Man’s Best Friend
Monitored Alarms vs. Dogs Take a look at the picture above. How well do you think the dog in lying in the garden is going to save that house? Chances are that that homeowner’s best friend isn’t going to hurt a fly. The chances of a dog protecting your house are slim. Many burglars that know there is going to be a dog on the property they are invading will do their research beforehand. The top three things a burglar will do before making your home the target are: drive by a number of times in a week or month to figure out what times you will be gone and for how long; figure out if there is a security alarm and, if so, where the electrical box is; and to see if your family has a dog. If there is a dog on the property, chances are the intruder is going to bring a bone or piece of meat to distract your furry friend. Top Five Reason Your Dog Is Not The Best Security System Here are the top five reasons why your dog doesn’t make the best security alarm: 1. Family Dog To Watch Dog If you are teaching your dog to protect your house, that’s great. At the same time, you could be gearing yourself up for a lawsuit. Your dog might scare off a child, but do you think it is going to scare off a burglar? Maybe not. Is it going to scare off someone who is welcome on the property, such as the mailman, UPS delivery guy or a police officer? Sure, it could at the worst time and harm a non-intruder. When that happens, you could face a major lawsuit against you. Is that something you are willing to risk? Choose wisely and make the decision to get a security alarm so the family pet can remain the family pet. 2. Dogs Need Outings Like People Your dog won’t work as an alarm if they aren’t present all the time. When your family goes on vacation and takes the family dog, that leaves your home unprotected. Your dog needs to be taken for walks and definitely likes to go for car rides. Once again, your home becomes unprotected in terms of your dog being used as a watchdog. When you have a security alarm, you are contacted by the security company if something happens while you’re away. If you feel the need, like most homeowners do, you can use your electronic devices, such as your Smartphone, to check on your home. 3. Your Dog Doesn’t Provide Camera Surveillance How does your dog tell you that one of your children’s friends stole an expensive piece of jewelry off of your night stand? The dog doesn’t. By having camera surveillance through your security alarm company, you are able to monitor your kids and your home from anywhere you are such as work, running errands, etc. If there is activity on your property and it sets the alarm off, your alarm company and the proper authorities will be contacted. If it happens at a specific time and you know that one of your kids or even a neighbor is in the home with your permission and they trigger the alarm, you can check the video and call the alarm company to let them know it was a false alarm. 4. Your Dog Gets Injured or Stolen by the Intruder When a burglar breaks into your home, they don’t want to be bothered by your dog. If your furry friend is going to be a problem for the intruder to get in and out fast, chances are they might injure your dog. If the person who is robbing your house has any knowledge of what full breed dogs are worth, they might steal the dog and try to sell it. The protection of your dog is another reason why having a security alarm is great, especially the video surveillance cameras to capture the face of the burglar if they aren’t wearing a mask. The triggering of the alarm also immediately gets the authorities involved and the video footage can be used to capture the thief. 5. Your Security Alarm Gives You a Break on Homeowner’s Insurance By having the alarm system you could be saving 5-10% on your homeowners insurance. Who doesn’t like to save money? Dog or Security Alarm? If all this talk about security alarms hasn’t convinced you, ask a professional. As pet owners, it’s important to treat our furry friends as a bigger part of the family. If anything were to happen to your dog that you could have prevented, you would feel regretful about not getting the security alarm. Security alarms not only protect your dogs and family, but also protect your home from fires, floods, carbon monoxide, and many other home-related incidents. Don’t put off calling your security company, make the decision today. Call SPS Fire & Security today at 585-770-0348 to learn about your home alarm options.