Exclusive Springtime Safety Tips for you
🌼🔒 Spring is here, and while we enjoy the blooming flowers and warmer weather. Spring is also a time when burglaries can increase. As more people spend time outdoors, homes may be left unattended, making them potential targets. Below, are some springtime safety tips. 👉 Here are a few tips to keep your home safe this spring: Stay safe and enjoy the season! 🌷💪 #SpringSafety #HomeSecurity Springtime is not just a season of renewal and growth; it’s also a time when many homeowners become more vulnerable to burglaries. As the weather gets warmer, people tend to spend more time outdoors, leaving their homes unoccupied for longer periods. Here are some additional insights and tips to help you stay safe during this season: Why Spring Sees a Rise in Burglaries: Additional Safety Tips: Community Vigilance: Encouraging community watch programs can also be an effective way to enhance neighborhood security. Engaging with your neighbors, sharing information about suspicious activity, and looking out for one another can create a safer environment for everyone.
Exclusive Fire Safety Tips This Thanksgiving Holiday
Tips that Go Beyond the Kitchen Thanksgiving is a delicious time of year in which we give special attention to the many things that we are thankful for. It’s also a time in which we must be extra vigilant about fire risks and safety so that those people and things that we love are protected. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to ensure that your home is safe during this chaotic and joyful time without adding too much to an already very long to-do list. These are also measures that can protect you, your family, and your home year round. Protect Yourself Against Fire, Flood & CO Every Day! But First, A Look at Some Numbers Before we get into the tips, it’s good to get a solid understanding of why you need to make extra sure that you prevent a Thanksgiving fire, which will help you prevent a fire at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration published a report on Thanksgiving fires in residential buildings from 2014 to 2016 and this is what they found: For every year (2014, 2015, and 2016), there were approximately 2,400 residential fires reported to U.S. fire departments on Thanksgiving day, which caused $19 million in property loss in addition to the 25 injuries and 5 deaths. There are 1.8 Thanksgiving Day fires per 1,000 fires compare to 5.8 non-Thanksgiving Day fires per 1,000 fires. There are 11 injuries per 1,000 Thanksgiving fires compared to 25.7 injuries per 1,000 non-Thanksgiving fires. $7,800 is the average loss per fire compared to $17,560 for non-Thanksgiving Day fires. Multifamily dwellings account for 32.1% of Thanksgiving Day fires. One- and two-family dwellings account for 62.6% of Thanksgiving Day fires, while the remaining 5.3% is reserved for other types of homes. Thanksgiving fire alarm numbers begin to increase at 7:00 a.m. and peak from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 77% of Thanksgiving fires are limited to the object of origin, which means it is contained where it begins. However, this doesn’t minimize the extent of injury. Cooking is responsible for 76.5% of Thanksgiving fires. You can see here that the pattern of Thanksgiving fires is different from a random fire that happens any other time of the year. Knowing the profile of what makes a Thanksgiving fire different can help you with prevention. Just don’t let the fact that there are fewer deaths or injuries per 1,000 fires get your guard down because Thanksgiving is one day a year and nearly 3,000 fires on one day is a lot. Fire Safety Tips to Keep You Safe on Thanksgiving Now it’s time for some quick tips. For instance, HAVE A WORKING SMOKE ALARM. This is key in fire containment and overall safety. Security alarms have built-in smoke detectors that can detect smoke or fire anywhere in the house all year round. Second, make sure you have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen close to the stove and oven. Before you start cooking, make sure your fire extinguisher is safe to use. Third, don’t cook with long, loose sleeves since loose clothing can catch fire. Some other tips: Don’t leave cooking food unattended. Yes, it is tempting to make that quick trip to the grocery store, but either have another adult watch the kitchen or send them on an errand. Kids and the cooking of a huge meal aren’t compatible. It’s best that the little ones stay away from all of the sharp objects and hot things. Face pot and pan handles toward the back of the stove so they aren’t over any burners. Be mindful of towel placement so they don’t touch a burner and catch fire. If a fire occurs, your 24/7 monitored security system can alert the authorities. Don’t yet have a system? Call 911 immediately. If the fire is a grease or oil fire, don’t throw the contents outside. Instead, place a lid over the flames to snuff them out and turn off the heat. The lid shouldn’t be removed until the pan cools. You can also put out an oven fire by keeping the door closed and turning off the heat so it smothers. Opening the door simply gives the fire oxygen to thrive. Baking soda is also another good thing to have to put out a food fire. You don’t want to use flour or water because the reaction could be a violent one that causes the fire to spread. Contact An Expert Rochester Fire Alarm Company By keeping the above fire safety tips in mind, you should have a much safer Thanksgiving. If you don’t have an alarm system that can detect smoke or fire anywhere in your home, SPS Fire & Security has some great options that will help you protect your family and your home. Call us for more information at 585-770-0348. Happy Thanksgiving!
Interesting Carbon Monoxide Info That Could Save Your Life
Knowledge Is the Key to Fighting this Silent Killer Carbon monoxide (CO) is called a “silent killer” because it’s colorless and odorless. Now that it’s September, it’s important to bring up this very important topic because winter is getting closer and that’s the time of year when CO-related deaths increase. But before we go more in-depth into the answers to the most frequently asked questions about carbon monoxide and the poisoning it can cause: Solid carbon monoxide detection is ALWAYS the most reliable way to ensure exposure doesn’t cause health issues or death. Unfortunately, you can put many preventative measures in place, but that doesn’t necessarily prevent something from going wrong that causes deadly exposure. Good detection will alert you of the presence of CO so you can immediately take action. Because the gas is odorless and colorless, there is really no other way to know it is in the air without getting very ill first. Still, many people don’t realize that their illness is related to carbon monoxide poisoning and will go take a nap (extremely dangerous) or eventually lose consciousness. Where Can You Find CO? CO is produced anywhere fuel is burned. In a homes and even businesses, stoves, lanterns, fireplaces, grills, gas ranges, and gas furnaces are sources of CO. When operating properly, these items emit levels so low they aren’t harmful. However, nothing operates well forever. Some businesses, such as industrial environments where there are fuel-burning machines used inside, CO can build up and make workers sick. Think of an auto mechanic and how they work on vehicles inside. According to the CDC, nearly 20% of CO-related incidents occur in different types of businesses, while 50% of incidents occur in homes. Who Is Most At Risk for CO Poisoning? Everyone! However, a person with breathing problems or a heart problem or a person of very young or advanced age is more likely to get sick or sicker. Every year 400 AMERICANS DIE FROM ACCIDENTAL CO POISONING. This poisoning isn’t fire-related. MORE THAN 20,000 PEOPLE end up in the emergency room and more than 4,000 of them must stay in the hospital. That’s A LOT of people! Check out this extremely informational video on how CO poisoning happens and how it starves the body of oxygen, leading to CO poisoning: How to Prevent CO Poisoning CO detector installation is the best place to start. Professional CO detector installation is even better because you end up with a system that works at all times with sensors in all the right places. When CO detection is a part of your security system, the 24/7 monitoring center can alert the authorities on your behalf in the event of an emergency. Other things to do include: Have your heating system, hot water tank, and anything else that operates on gas or burns coal serviced each year. While not 100% effective, inspection and service greatly increases safety. Don’t use flameless chemical heaters inside. If you smell gas and you don’t know the source, get out. If you know the source, turn it off if you can safely do so. Have that item professionally serviced. Only buy gas equipment that has a national testing agency seal. Gas appliances should be properly vented. Chimneys should be inspected and cleaned annually. Vent pipes should never be patched with unauthorized materials or CO could build up. Gas ranges or ovens should never be used for heating. Charcoal or portable camp stoves should never be burned indoors. Generators should never be used indoors (including the basement or less than 20 feet from a vent, door, or window) What Are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? The most common symptoms can mimic other conditions, which is why so many people miss that what they are experiencing is CO poisoning. This amplifies why having a detector in place can save your life. If you have a dull headache, feel week, feel dizzy, start vomiting, feel nauseous, are confused, or your vision is blurred, you could be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning. A detector will tell you for sure so you know to get out of the home or business as soon as possible. Depending on how long and how intense the exposure, CO poisoning can cause fetal death or miscarriage in a pregnant woman, heart damage, and even brain damage. The ultimate consequence is death, which is most common among people who are sleeping or intoxicated. Rochester, NY Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation If you live in Rochester, Buffalo, or Syracuse and you don’t have the proper CO detection in place, it’s imperative to take action as soon as possible. This is the best time of year to do it because the use of gas-burning appliances and other tools increase when the temperatures start dropping in the fall. To learn about the differences between a DIY CO detector and professional carbon monoxide detector installation or to begin protecting yourself and everyone you care about ASAP, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348.
DIY Video Surveillance vs. Professional CCTV Installation
Which Video Surveillance Route Should You Take? The home security industry is growing rapidly, which means there are more property protection options available to homeowners every day. The debate, however, is to whether go with professional security system installation or a DIY alarm system. Chances are, you’ve encountered this debate before, so we’re going to take a look at the surveillance system. Video surveillance has become such a significant part of the overall alarm system because it allows you to keep an eye on your property when away and potentially identify a person who commits a burglary or other property crime. But notice the word used there was “potentially” and here’s why: The video surveillance cameras that you have installed can have a major impact on the likelihood a criminal will be caught. Here’s a good example: Because of the high prevalence of property crimes, more people are turning to social media to catch criminals. Video surveillance images are posted on Facebook every single day, but the criminals are very difficult to identify even if the images are taken in broad daylight. Picture quality is one of the HUGE differences between DIY systems that are bought at Sam’s Club, Walmart, or Amazon versus a professionally installed system. Professional installation puts an emphasis on picture quality so the probability of a criminal being caught raises. The Unmonitored System vs. The Monitored System Another issue to look at is monitoring. Yes, there are many DIY CCTV systems that allow you to record and even monitor in real-time. There are also some that allow you to connect via your smart phone. The element missing is the 24/7 monitoring. You can’t look at your phone or sit in front of a television or computer screen every single minute of every single day. When video surveillance is part of your security system package, the 24/7 monitoring service is alerted so that action can be taken on your behalf. Even if you have push notifications sent to your phone, you run the risk of being in an area with no signal, your phone battery dying, or being in a situation where you might not hear the notification. When you have professional monitoring, you have another set of eyes on everything that matters to you. The Lowdown on Installation Then, of course, there’s the installation. You can put a DIY camera exactly where you want it. This makes buying that type of system at the local hardware store very tempting. However, the absence of the certified technician who can evaluate the property and identify key areas could be the difference between dealing with a break-in and not dealing with one. The quality of the camera can also be the difference between identifying the burglar or not identifying them. Right now, there are many criminals NOT being identified even when they look directly at the cameras. And you should know: Burglars are becoming very camera savvy, easily identifying those that have been purchased locally or on the internet versus a professionally installed system. Burglars almost ALWAYS do their research prior to breaking into a structure because they want to minimize their risk. According to Architectural Digest, burglars do their homework. Looking for Video Surveillance Options In Rochester, Syracuse, or Buffalo? Finding yourself at this point means you are exploring your options. This means it is time to ask questions. If you’re torn between a DIY system and professionally installed, compare the pros and cons of both. Call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 to learn more
Protecting Your Smartphone from Hackers
And How It 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 and using your business or home security app. It’s a wonderful thing to be able 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, chat with friends for hours on end, and have a lifeline in case of an emergency. However, there is a misconception that smartphones can’t be hacked, especially when it comes to iOS devices because Apple products are at a lower risk for viruses. But did you know that Bluetooth is hackable if a hacker really knows what they’re doing, 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 personal data and even home and business security apps are protected. How to Hacker-Proof Your Smartphone The following are steps on how to protect your smartphone from hackers: 1. Keep your operating system up-to-date You will notice that your phone’s operating system has updates available sometimes. Don’t ignore these updates because they can have patches in them that solve security vulnerabilities. Updating can be an annoyance, but it could be the difference between a hacker obtaining 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 can reduce how well the phone is protected. Jailbreaking allows a person, and even a hacker, to perform actions that a non-jailbroken phone prohibits. 3. Be careful when installing apps You may have noticed 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. These are legitimate requests by apps so they can do what they are designed to do. However, hackers can use these functions to gain access to parts of your phone that reveal things about you. Make sure you know what you are downloading. If you have an Android device, Google doesn’t have a strict vetting process like Apple and that can be somewhat risky. Android also gives you the ability to download apps from third parties where you are required to go to your security settings and mark “unknown sources” for the apps to successfully operate on the device. There are legitimate apps downloaded in this way, but there’s a risk. 4. Lock up your phone If you leave your phone somewhere or you lose it, make sure you are utilizing your lock screen. Chances are, your email has a lot of personal information. You may even have a banking app on your phone. Everything that’s 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 are seeing. Find Out How You Can Monitor Your Home While Away. If you utilize your lock screen, then it’s much harder for a thief to get into your phone. All smartphones have the lock feature in some form. For instance, iOS and Android use passcodes, facial recognition and/or fingerprint recognition. It’s actually best to use the passcode instead of fingerprint recognition or facial recognition. If a thief really wants to target you and get your information, as extreme as it may seem, he or she could lift a fingerprint from a drinking glass or use a photo of you to manipulate fingerprint or facial recognition software. A good passcode is much harder to infiltrate. 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 In recent years, it has become better known that public Wi-Fi is a risk. Anyone in the vicinity can take a look at your online activity. Special skills and software are needed to do this, so it may not happen at the local Starbucks, but it’s a risk that can’t be ignored. It’s safer to stick with your phone’s mobile data connection. You can also use a VPN like TunnelBear or CyberGhost on your mobile phone to encrypt your connection. From Home Security Apps to Protecting Personal Information 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.
Video Surveillance and Fighting Porch Pirates Before the Holidays
Tips to Protect Your Holiday Packages The holiday shopping season is here, which mean it’s that time of year when we begin conveniently ordering gifts online and having them delivered to our door. Many of us are at work when these packages arrive and, as home video surveillance systems have revealed, some delivery people don’t knock at all because they have so many packages they have to deliver this time of year. Unfortunately, approximately 23 million Americans have had packages stolen from their front porches after delivery. These thieves are called “porch pirates” and their antics are on the rise as e-commerce sales increase. According to the Porch Pirate Report by Shorr.com: 92% of consumers have their packages delivered to their homes 5% of consumers have their packages delivered to their businesses 1% have packages delivered to a friend’s house, 1% to a neighbor’s house, and 1% to a parent’s house 53% of people have changed plans to ensure they’re home to receive a package, although they aren’t required to sign for it. Protecting Your Packages One way you can truly protect your packages is through the installation of a home surveillance system. When there is a camera right outside the door where deliveries are left, you can get all the details. For instance, you can see when the package arrived. This ability doesn’t just help you see a porch pirate in the act, but can also help you solve delivery disputes. Unfortunately, packages can be delivered to incorrect addresses. If the package is marked “delivered” by the delivery company but never arrived, you can guess that someone else received it and initiate a claim with the delivery company. Simply having the outside camera can deter a porch pirate. If they see a camera pointing right at them, they are more likely to turn around and move on. Other ways to protect your packages include: Having the package delivered to your work if you are allowed Having the package delivered to a friend, neighbor, or family member who will be home Instructing the delivery company to leave the package at a back door or hidden area Your Rochester, Syracuse & Buffalo Video Surveillance Experts There are different ways for protecting your packages, but having a camera by the door is something that can serve you all year round. You will always know who has come to your porch, can be aware if anyone attempted or succeeded to get into your house, and can keep an eye on activities outside of your home. To learn more about you can protect your family and your home, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 for a FREE, no-obligation consultation.
It’s Fall Y’all! Time to Prep Your House Against the Elements
7 Tips to Help You Get Your Home Ready for Fall The weather has been unseasonably warm, but can you feel it? It’s still there – it’s Fall! The leaves are changing, pumpkin spice is everywhere, the Fall events are in full swing. However, the change of seasons can take its toll on your home. That’s why it’s important to get your home ready for fall, which will also put you on the road to getting your home ready for winter. Fall Home Preparation Tips Here are some tips to help you prep your house: Prevent flooding by cleaning your gutters. Water that flows over the gutter’s edge can pool around the foundation and enter cracks and crevices. Over time, the pooling can create those cracks that can allow moisture into your basement. A gutter leaf is a good way to keep debris out of your gutters to make cleaning much easier. Clean the fireplace, chimney, or chimney pipe of debris so that a fire doesn’t occur. You can hire a chimney cleaner who will ensure a properly closed damper and that all charred wood and ash is removed. Outdoor faucets need to be drained to avoid freezing. An outdoor faucet with water still in it could freeze up and crack, which can cause a leak. Hoses should also be removed and shutoff valves turned to those faucets. Gaps around windows should be sealed up so you can keep home energy costs down. Plus, you’ll be a lot more comfortable if you don’t feel cold air from outside blowing in on you when you’re trying to cozy up on the sofa. Have a roof inspection performed. This is the perfect time of year to have a roof inspector come and check for small bits of damage so that the damage doesn’t worsen over winter. Roof inspectors can also see if you are at risk for ice dams. Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse get cold and ice dams are common and damaging. Prevention is key so you’re not calling an ice dam removal service in the middle of winter to take care of a problem. Check vents to the furnace to make sure they are not clogged or covered up by furniture or rugs. Blocked vents are fire hazards and can affect airflow. Upgrade your security alarm system if you haven’t yet. Systems can now detect fire, flood, and carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a bigger danger in the fall. Carbon monoxide is a bigger danger in the fall – protect your family! Call Your Rochester Security Company Today! At SPS Fire & Security, we have helped people throughout Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo keep their homes safe and secure. These tips, along with our business security and home security services, will keep some money in your pocket and keep you and what’s yours safe. Call today at 585-770-0348 for a free estimate.
Home Security – Securing Your Home for Winter Vacation
Home Security and Home Prep Tips If you’re like many people in the Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo area, you go south for the winter or travel during the holidays. According to the AAA, more than 103 million Americans will travel 50 or more miles between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. That’s a lot of people! That also means there are a lot of homes left vulnerable to thieves looking to take advantage of the situation. The following points are tips for securing your home for your winter vacation, whether it’s a week or a few months: 1. Prevent Water Issues Since you won’t be home using hot water, you can turn down your hot water heater to reduce the amount of energy it consumes. This will save you money. You can also turn off your main water supply so you don’t have to worry about unexpected leaks. The last thing you need is to come home to a flood or receive a very high water bill. You can also keep your heat on to prevent the pipes from freezing, but keep it no higher or lower than 50 degrees. This is just warm enough to prevent the freezing of pipes and still save you money on energy costs. 2. Prevent Electrical Issues When it comes to appliances and other electrical devices, there is one rule to follow: unplug it if you aren’t using it. There’s no need for the computer, blender, microwave, or even the television to be plugged in. All of these things have electricity moving through them even when they aren’t being used. You also reduce your chance of having an electrical fire. 3. Make the Empty House Less Obvious Next, make sure the house doesn’t look empty. You can do the following to make the house look occupied: Keep a few key lights on in the home, preferably those that are on the most anyway. This is to ensure nothing looks out of place. Have a friend or neighbor pick up your mail and newspaper each day so the mail doesn’t accumulate in the mailbox. Have someone on standby to shovel your sidewalk, porch steps, and/or driveway if it snows. Keep on a radio so voices can be heard through windows or doors. 4. Properly Secure Your Home The last area to consider is the security of your home. With a properly installed home security system, there are many things you can achieve: View your home while you’re away via an app on your phone that can see what your home video surveillance cameras see. Control the lights in the home so you can turn lights on and off no matter where you are. You can also control your thermostat. What better way to make a burglar believe someone is home than to turn your home into a smart home? If a pipe bursts, the alarm system can detect it and notify you of a problem so you can send someone to your home to see what is happening. If there is a fire, the fire department will be notified. If someone breaks in, the alarm will sound and the 24/7 monitoring center will be notified so the authorities can be called. A home security system with all this functionality can help you manage parts of the other areas you need to do to make sure your home is secure while you’re gone. An Experienced Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse Home Security Company At SPS Fire & Security, we want to help you protect everything that you have worked so hard for while you’re gone. If you don’t have a security system and you travel, now is the time to talk to us to see how you can better secure your home. Call us today at 585-770-0348 or complete the contact form below.
3 Steps Toward Solid Small Business Security
How to Protect Your Small Business Running a small business comes at a cost, so every dollar you make counts. The cash flow problem tends to be the first reason why a business fails, so it is very important to be smart with limited resources. When cutting cost, however, one of the first things business owners cut is small business security. Of course, this isn’t recommended because securing your small business is an investment that pays off over time. It protects you from losses. In fact, your security should grow as your business grows to protect everything you have worked for. Securing Your Network One of the things that you must do is secure your network. Small businesses are sometimes the target of hackers. Something as simple as a virtual private network (VPN) can make a difference in how safe data is or isn’t in your business. With a VPN, a layer of privacy is added to the network so that your data is kept safer than it would be otherwise. Securing Your Facility This is where small business security systems, access control, and other types of security measures come in. You can monitor the access points of your building through an access control system. This is a system where employees or other authorized people can only enter if they have a card or a code. This protects the building from people not authorized to come inside without approval from a front desk clerk or security guard. Surveillance cameras are also important because they allow you to see the faces of people that come into the building. Many shoplifters, trespassers, and burglars are caught because of video surveillance. Many times, malicious acts are prevented because video cameras are present. Malicious acts are also prevented when security systems are present. At night, when the business is closed, the presence of a security system can deter someone from breaking in. If they break in anyway, the system will sound and law enforcement will arrive. Protecting Against Environmental Hazards A small business security system can also protect the business against environmental hazards like flooding. Alarm systems are also outfitted with fire alarms, which can prevent significant losses because of the prompt warning.. If you want to take it a step further, you can turn your building into a smart building so you can remotely access locks, thermostats, and the security system. You could have complete control of the building from anywhere in the world. Rochester, Syracuse & Buffalo Small Business Security You Can Count On At SPS Fire & Security, we can give you everything you need to keep your New York small business secure. We can install small business security systems, access control systems, video surveillance, and turn your building into a smart building so you can feel more secure when you aren’t there. To learn more, call us at 585-770-0348 or complete the contact form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.