National vs. Local Security Alarm Companies – Who’s Top Dog?
What’s the Difference Between National and Local Alarm Companies Choosing between a national and a local security alarm company can be tough. However, does it really need to be so difficult? Large national companies often offer catchy “free” systems that local companies don’t. On the other hand, local companies usually offer lower monthly rates. Consequently, this is where the decision becomes hard. Fortunately, you can figure it out. All You Have to Do Is a Little Math First, check the value of the national company’s “free” system against their monthly fee (usually under $300). For instance, they make you pay for that offer with higher monthly costs than local companies. Compare yearly costs, but also consider the 10-year average life of a system. You’ll see national companies cost more early on. That puts that catchy free system offer into perspective, doesn’t it? Here’s an example: A national company installs a $300 security system in the home. Initially, the installation fee is $99, and the monthly fee is $48 per month. Now, let’s say they waive the $300 equipment fee. Consequently, that leaves you with the $99 installation fee and the $48 per month. Therefore, the cost is $675 in the first year and $576 for every year after. The local alarm company charges $300 for the equipment, along with a $99 installation fee, and a monthly charge of $30 per month. Therefore, the first year costs $759, but the cost every year after is only $360. As a result, you begin to see the cost savings of a local security company over the national company in just the second year. As you can see, the chart below reflects the 10-year average of this scenario: National (year 1 cost plus $576 per year for total cost over 10 years) Local (year 1 cost plus $360 per year for total cost over 10 years) Year 1 (includes initial costs) $675 $759 Year 2 $1251 $1119 Year 3 $1827 $1479 Year 4 $2403 $1839 Year 5 $2979 $2199 Year 6 $3555 $2559 Year 7 $4131 $2919 Year 8 $4707 $3279 Year 9 $5283 $3639 Year 10 $5859 $3999 Total savings = $1860 The Service Level of Local Security Alarm Companies vs. National Furthermore, the differences between national companies and a good Rochester security alarm company keeps going. The home-town touch gives you the following: Faster response time –When you use a national company, the signal from a triggered alarm most likely goes to another part of the state or even somewhere else in the country. In contrast, a local company usually has a 24/7 monitoring center much closer and can therefore call the local police or fire department much faster. As a result, the typical response time when using a local alarm company is 20 minutes faster than when using a national company. Your neighborhood isn’t foreign – neighborhood can seem like a foreign land to a national company. However, using a company that specifically serves Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo means your neighborhood is familiar territory to them. Therefore, it’s good to have a local company that knows when a rash of break-ins is happening in the area. The dollars make more sense – Both national and local companies have their customers sign contracts, but the national company is more likely to have longer contracts with higher monthly charges. Moreover, those contracts usually say the rate can be increased at any time. Additionally, you often have to deal with automatic renewals. On the other hand, local alarm companies are easier to negotiate with, so you can get more out of every dollar. A Local Alarm Company Serving Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo When working with a local security alarm company, you get more personal customer service. Furthermore, you gain more control and benefit from better rates. Additionally, you experience faster response times and work with a company that knows your neighborhood and uses a knowledgeable monitoring center. To learn about SPS Fire & Security’s great prices and services, call 585-770-0348.
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.
Burglar Secrets: How Thieves Pick Their Targets
Why Do Burglars Choose Certain Homes? Did you know that 71.9 percent of burglars target homes? That’s a staggering number. This figure was released by an NBC affiliate that sent surveys to convicted burglars throughout New Jersey and Jew York. The idea was to uncover the strategies that they used to break into homes. Below is what they found out, which is important for you to know so you can boost your home security and keep you and your family safe. The Biggest Findings The biggest findings had to do with unlocked windows. Forty-two percent of the burglars that completed the survey said that they entered their target homes through unlocked windows. Thirty-eight percent of them entered through unlocked doors. That is a lot of people leaving their doors and windows unlocked. The most common place they found valuables was in the bedroom. This was the first place that 75 percent of burglars looked after they broke in. The most targeted items were cash and jewelry. 84 percent of them went for cash and 80 percent of them went for the jewelry. Home security alarms do scare off burglars. Forty-two percent of burglars said that they left immediately when they saw an alarm system. Give Your Home Security a Boost If you don’t have a home security alarm, it is time to invest because that is the biggest deterrent when it comes to burglars entering your home. Here are some tips to help you give your home security the bump that you need: Lock all doors and windows. Get strong deadbolts for your doors. Add an alarm system. Install motion-sensor lights outside. Trim bushes and trees near windows. Don’t leave spare keys outside. Use smart home devices. Get a video doorbell. Tell neighbors when you’re away. Make your home look lived in. Back to the monitored home security alarm, one burglar gave advice to his own mother and that was for her to invest in an alarm system for her home so she would be protected. That says a lot when a burglar is telling his mother to protect herself against people like him. Other Security Tasks In addition to the items listed above, there are other things that you can do aside from keeping windows and doors locked and installing a security system. Lock your valuables in a safe. Burglars often look in bedrooms first, so don’t hide your things under a mattress or in a drawer. If you bolt the safe to the floor or install it in a wall, you’ll protect your items. Also, never keep valuables sitting where a burglar can look through a window and see them. When they case the house, they are going to look through windows to see what they can steal. During the holiday season or even around birthdays, don’t leave empty boxes to electronics out with the trash. When a burglar sees that you have gotten a new television or computer, they are more likely to break into your home to steal those items. Always lock your windows and doors, even when you’re home. People often say to lock up when you leave, but burglaries can happen while occupants are inside. This experience can be very frightening. So, lock your doors, lock your windows, and arm your home security system. That way, if someone enters, your system will alert you and the monitoring center. Contact A Rochester Home Security Company One of the biggest things that you can do to ensure your home is safe from burglars is to contact SPS Fire & Security. Our experience, state-of-the-art equipment, and excellent service will help you protect everything that is important to you. To learn more, call us at 585-770-0348.
Don’t Get Tricked: Your Halloween Home Security Checklist!
Easily Protect Your Home on Halloween It’s almost that time of year when the ghouls and goblins come knocking at doors, asking for a trick or a treat. If you aren’t home because you are enjoying Halloween festivities or taking your own children to knock on doors, the last thing you want is for the trick to be on you. Having a good home alarm system on your home is one way to protect it from tricksters with far less than pure motives. However, there are other things that you can do to make sure you’re keeping your home safe inside and out among the Halloween mischief. 1. Inside and Outside – Candles You might want to light candles inside and outside your home for that spooky Halloween glow. However, trick-or-treaters can easily knock over lit candles outdoors. Similarly, indoor candles create a fire risk, especially if you don’t watch them. Instead, use LED tea lights or orange string lights. These safely light your home for Halloween. 2. Inside – Keep the Lights On When you trick-or-treat with the kids or attend that Halloween party, leave your lights on. This way, no one knows you’re not home. Even though many trick-or-treaters are around, thieves might try to enter through the back or a hidden area. 3. Outside – Surveillance If you don’t already have video surveillance outside, now is the time. This can be part of a good home alarm system. With outside surveillance, you can catch those that vandalize your property. Unfortunately, spray paint, toilet paper, and smashed pumpkin pranks are common on and around Halloween. 4. Outside – Jack-O-Lanterns There’s nothing like having a good old Jack-O-Lantern sitting on the front porch, but do you use real candles? You may want to replace those candles with LED lights so that you don’t have an unsupervised flame outside. Unfortunately, Jack-O-Lanterns can be kicked or tipped over and that means the flame within could escape. 5. Inside – Strange Visitors It is very important that you not let children and their parents inside your home during Trick-or-Treat. A thief may be counting on this because it helps them case homes. All it takes is one peek inside and your home becomes a target. Sitting outside at the bottom of your porch steps is best. It keeps children from having to walk up steps and keeps thieves’ noses out of your business. 6. Outside – Handing Out Candy You don’t necessarily have to stay home in order to hand out candy. If you are part of a church that does a “truck-or-treat” event or any other organization that sets up in a parking lot and hands out candy, that may be your best bet. It keeps thieves from seeing where you live. Just remember that you want to set your home alarm system before you leave so that your home is safe while you’re gone. 7. Outside – Outdoor Lights Make sure your outdoor lights are working. Having security lights and other exterior lights lit up means people with less than pure motives will most likely stay off of your property. If they aren’t working, replace bulbs accordingly. Better lighting also helps outdoor video surveillance pick up vandals and thieves that may come onto the property. 8. Inside and Out – Decorations Make sure that indoor and outdoor decorations are a reasonable distance away from lights. Even if a strand of lights seems safe, it’s just better to be safe than sorry when decorating. There is an unfortunate history of strand lights catching holiday decorations on fire. 9. Outside – Know Trick-or-Treating Hours Make sure you know Trick-or-Treat hours. No one should be trick-or-treating after a certain time. If they are and they are knocking on your door, don’t answer the door. 10. Inside – Lock it Up Even if you’re home, make sure you keep your doors and windows locked at all times. You could be handing out candy on your front porch and someone could be walking in your back door or climbing through a window knowing they have a few minutes without getting caught because you’re busy handing out candy. Let SPS Fire & Security Protect Your Home So here you have ten tips for keeping your home secure and safe during Halloween. It is a fun time of year and there is nothing like seeing happy children getting treated while wearing a wide array of costumes. What’s not so fun is realizing your home has been broken into and that you have become a victim. Remember some key points, which are to arm your home alarm system, keep it locked, never let strangers inside of your house, and keep everything safely lit up. To learn more about how to protect your home, call us today at 585-770-0348. We serve the Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo, NY areas.
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.