SPS Fire & Security Rochester LLC

Exclusive Springtime Safety Tips for you

crocus, flower, spring, flower background, spring flower, blossom, bloom, crocuses, purple, early bloomer, boo, close up, nature, beginning of spring, garden, spring crocus, purple flower, white, spring awakening, grass, green, bloom, meadow, mood, spring fever, spring meadow, flower meadow, signs of spring, beautiful flowers, flora, plant, blooming, splendid colors, coloured, violet, flower wallpaper, beautiful, inflorescence. Springtime safety tips.

๐ŸŒผ๐Ÿ”’ Spring is here. While we enjoy the blooming flowers and warmer weather, spring is also a time when burglaries increase. As more people spend time outdoors, homes are left unattended. Below are some springtime safety tips. Springtime is not just a season of renewal and growth, it’s also a time when burglars snap back into action. As the weather gets warmer, people leave their homes for longer periods. For instance, families travel. Families also spend a lot of time at the ballfields enjoying spring sports. Why Spring Sees a Rise in Burglaries: Additional Springtime Safety Tips: Community Vigilance: Encouraging community watch programs is also an effective way to enhance neighborhood security. Engage with your neighbors and share information. Looking out for one another can create a safer environment for everyone. Stay safe and enjoy the season! ๐ŸŒท๐Ÿ’ช #SpringSafety #HomeSecurity

Exclusive Fire Safety Tips This Thanksgiving Holiday

Thanksgiving fire safety

Fire Safety 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. Itโ€™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 fire safety tips 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, itโ€™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 buildingsย 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 doesnโ€™t minimize the extent of injury. Cooking is responsible for 76.5% of Thanksgiving fires. The Difference You can see that Thanksgiving fires follow a different pattern than fires that happen randomly during the rest of the year. Understanding what makes Thanksgiving fires unique can help you prevent them. However, donโ€™t let the fact that Thanksgiving fires cause fewer deaths or injuries per 1,000 fires lower your guard. After all, Thanksgiving is just one day a yearโ€”and nearly 3,000 fires on that single day is still a lot. Fire Safety Tips to Keep You Safe on Thanksgiving Letโ€™s review some quick fire safety tips. First, install and maintain working smoke alarms. These alarms detect smoke or fire anywhere in your home all year round, helping you contain fires and stay safe. Next, place a fire extinguisher near your stove and oven. Before cooking, check that the extinguisher works properly. Finally, avoid wearing long, loose sleeves while cooking because they can easily catch fire. Some other tips: Never leave cooking food unattended. While it might be tempting to make a quick trip to the grocery store, have another adult watch the kitchen or send them on the errand instead. Also, keep kids away from the kitchen when youโ€™re cooking a big meal. Sharp objects and hot surfaces arenโ€™t safe for little ones. Next, turn pot and pan handles toward the back of the stove so they donโ€™t sit over burners. Watch where you place towels, tooโ€”keep them away from burners to avoid fires. If a fire starts, your 24/7 monitored security system will alert the authorities. If you donโ€™t have a system yet, call 911 right away. For grease or oil fires, never throw the contents outside. Instead, put a lid over the flames to smother them and turn off the heat. Keep the lid on until the pan cools. For oven fires, keep the door closed and turn off the heat. This cuts off oxygen and helps smother the fire. Donโ€™t open the doorโ€”that lets the fire grow. Finally, keep baking soda nearby to put out food fires. Avoid using flour or water because they can make the fire spread or react violently. 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 donโ€™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! ย 

Interesting Carbon Monoxide Info That Could Save Your Life

carbon monoxide poisoning prevention

Knowledge Is the Key to Fighting this Silent Killer Carbon monoxide (CO) is called a โ€œsilent killerโ€ because itโ€™s colorless and odorless. Now that itโ€™s September, itโ€™s important to bring up this very important topic because winter is getting closer and thatโ€™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 doesnโ€™t cause health issues or death. Unfortunately, you can put many preventative measures in place, but that doesnโ€™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 donโ€™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 arenโ€™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 isnโ€™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. Thatโ€™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. Donโ€™t use flameless chemical heaters inside. If you smell gas and you donโ€™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 donโ€™t have the proper CO detection in place, itโ€™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

DIY video surveillance vs. professional

Which Video Surveillance Route Should You Take? DIY Video Surveillance or Pro? The home security industry is growing rapidly. As a result, homeowners now have more property protection options than ever, including DIY video surveillance. However, many people debate whether to choose professional security system installation or a DIY alarm system. Youโ€™ve probably encountered this question before. Therefore, letโ€™s take a closer look at video surveillance. It plays a crucial role in an alarm system because it lets you watch your property when youโ€™re away. Plus, it can help identify anyone who commits burglary or other crimes. But the key question remains: is DIY video surveillance the right choice for you? The video surveillance camerasย that you have installed can have a major impact on the likelihood a criminal will be caught. Hereโ€™s a good example: Because property crimes happen so often, more people are using social media to catch criminals. Every day, video surveillance images appear on Facebook. However, even when these videos are recorded in broad daylight, identifying criminals remains difficult. One major reason is picture quality. DIY systems bought at places like Samโ€™s Club, Walmart, or Amazon often produce lower-quality images. In contrast, professionally installed systems focus on delivering clear, high-quality footage. As a result, these systems increase the chances of catching a criminal. Unmonitored DIY Video Surveillance System vs. The Professionally 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 canโ€™t look at your phone or sit in front of a television or computer screen every single minute of every single day. When you include video surveillance in your security system package, the 24/7 monitoring service receives alerts and can take action on your behalf. Even if your phone sends push notifications, you might miss them. For example, you could be in an area without signal, your phone battery might die, or you might not hear the alert. Thatโ€™s why professional monitoring matters. It gives you another set of eyes watching everything important to you, so you stay protected at all times. The Lowdown on DIY Video Surveillance Installation Then, of course, thereโ€™s the installation. You can place a DIY camera exactly where you want, which makes buying one from the local hardware store very tempting. However, without a certified technician to evaluate your property and spot key areas, you might face a break-in that could have been prevented. Additionally, camera quality matters. A high-quality camera can help you identify a burglar, while a poor one might not. Right now, many criminals go unidentifiedโ€”even when they look directly at cameras. Moreover, burglars are becoming very camera savvy. They can easily tell the difference between locally bought or internet-purchased cameras and professionally installed systems. 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? If youโ€™ve reached this point, youโ€™re exploring your options. Therefore, itโ€™s time to ask important questions. If youโ€™re torn between a DIY system and a professionally installed one, compare the pros and cons of both carefully. To learn more, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 today.

Secure Your World by Protecting Your Smartphone

Home security apps

Protecting Your Smartphone Protects Your Home, Business, and Identity If youโ€™re like most people, your smartphone has become an extension of you. Itโ€™s used for everything from communicating with friends and family to online banking. It’s also the home of your business or home security app. Protecting your smartphone is important.ย  Itโ€™s a wonderful thing to do such things as transfer money from savings to checking from the palm of your hand, arm your security system from hundreds of miles away, or chat with friends for hours on end. Most of all, it’s a lifeline.ย  Debunking the Myths However, a misconception exists that smartphones canโ€™t be hacked, especially iOS devices because people believe Apple products have a lower risk for viruses. But, did you know a skilled hacker can exploit Bluetooth, opening a door to your device anyway? The point is that nothing is foolproof, so itโ€™s time to throw the false sense of security out the window and do everything possible to secure your device so that you protect personal data and home and business security apps. Protecting Your Smartphone: How to Do It The following are steps on how to protect your smartphone from hackers: 1. Keep your operating system up-to-date You will sometimes notice that your phoneโ€™s operating system offers updates. Donโ€™t ignore these updates because they contain patches that solve security vulnerabilities. Updating is an annoyance, but it’s the difference between a hacker obtaining your bank account information, hacking your social media accounts, or taking control of your home security app. 2. Donโ€™t jailbreak your phone Many of the more technologically savvy people will โ€œjailbreakโ€ an operating system, but this reduces how well the phone is protected. Jailbreaking allows a person, and hackers, to perform actions that a non-jailbroken phone prohibits. 3. Be careful when installing apps You may notice that when you install an app, you must give it permission to do certain things. Perhaps it needs to read files, use your microphone, access photos, or access your camera. Legitimate apps request these permissions so they can perform their designed functions. However, hackers can use these functions to gain access to parts of your phone that reveal things about you. Always be aware of what you’re downloading. If you have an Android device, Google doesnโ€™t employ a strict vetting process like Apple, and that can be somewhat risky. Android also gives you the ability to download apps from third parties, which requires you to go to your security settings and mark โ€œunknown sourcesโ€ for the apps to operate successfully on the device. While you can download legitimate apps this way, a risk exists. 4. Locking your phone is Protecting Your Smartphone If you leave or lose your phone, utilizing the Lock Screen protects it. Your email likely contains a lot of personal information. You might even have a banking app on your phone. Everything on your phone is there to make your life easier, which is wonderful. It’s amazing what our phones allow us to do, such as activate our security system from hundreds of miles away or see what the security cameras show. Find Out How You Can Monitor Your Home While Away. If you utilize your lock screen, a thief will find it much harder to get into your phone. All smartphones offer the lock feature in some form. For instance, iOS and Android use passcodes, facial recognition, and/or fingerprint recognition. 5. Set up Find My Device Both Apple and Android use the โ€œFind My Deviceโ€ 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 havenโ€™t already. 6. Donโ€™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, donโ€™tโ€™ do it. Auto-login is convenient, but it is a huge risk. If your phone is hacked or you lose it, it will be even easier for a thief to access your online accounts. 7. Be careful with open Wi-Fi Recent years have highlighted the risk of public Wi-Fi. Anyone nearby can view your online activity. While special skills and software are necessary for this, making it less likely at your local Starbucks, it’s still a risk you can’t ignore. Sticking with your phone’s mobile data connection is safer. Alternatively, you can use a VPN like TunnelBear or CyberGhost on your mobile phone to encrypt your connection. From Home Security Apps to Protecting Your Smartphone All in all, your mobile device is a wonderful thing. It allows you to do things on the go that you couldnโ€™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. ย 

Mass Shooting Situations: Exclusive Information You Need

Mass shooting comic access control and more

Personal Tips to Help You Protect Yourself in a Mass Shooting Since the Columbine High School shooting in 1999, which killed 13 people and wounded 20 more, we have heard the term โ€œmass shootingโ€ far too often. Unfortunately, mass shooting situations have become a tragic part of our reality. For example, the 2017 Las Vegas shooting remains the deadliest in U.S. history, with 59 people killed and 851 injured. These were innocent concertgoers enjoying music outdoors. More recently, the shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School ranks as the ninth deadliest, leaving 17 people dead 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 thatโ€™s what you should or shouldnโ€™t do if you happen to find yourself in a mass shooting situation? What You Shouldnโ€™t Do in mass shooting situations First, donโ€™t try to overpower the shooter. Youโ€™re likely unarmed, so trying to take them down could get you hurt or make the shooter more aggressive. Also, avoid throwing objects at the shooter. While throwing things might distract them, it also makes you and others easier targets. Although some media sources suggest this tactic, it carries significant risks. If you hear gunshots nearby while in a room, donโ€™t run outโ€”it might be exactly what the shooter wants. Instead, lock and barricade the door. If you find an escape route, use it. However, donโ€™t hide under desks or tables because shooters often target those spots first. What You Should Do in Mass Shooting Situations As for what you should do, there are many steps you can take. First, schools need to create an emergency action plan if they donโ€™t already have one. In addition, many schools now install access control systems, or “ACS Security,” which require students to scan ID cards before entering. Moreover, schools are increasing security guard presence. They are also adding door barricade devices to classrooms and improving evacuation plans. These steps work together to make schools safer and better prepared for emergencies. Having a plan helps in every situation. Recently, a shooting at YouTube Headquarters reminded us that no place is truly safeโ€”not schools, workplaces, malls, or transit hubs. First, hiding under desks often doesnโ€™t work. At Virginia Tech, students who barricaded doors survived. So, barricade doors if you can. Next, always note entrances and exits wherever you go. Think about your plan if an attack happens. If someone nearby acts suspiciouslyโ€”like wearing a winter coat in summerโ€”leave the area immediately. Stay aware of your surroundings and face entrances rather than turning your back to them. Move quickly out of the danger zone. If a shooter is on your level, get down. But if they are above you, run toward an exit while staying on the move. If you canโ€™t run, hide behind something that can block bullets. Move as soon as itโ€™s safe. Ultimately, staying alert and leaving when something feels wrong is your best defense. Access Control, Business Protection, and More – Safety in Mass Shooting Situations and More If you want to make your school, business, warehouse, factory, or other commercial building safer from mass shooters and other threats, SPS Fire & Security can help. We specialize in commercial security solutions, including access control systems and more. As a result, you can protect your facility and keep everyone inside safe. Call today at 585-770-0348 for a free estimate.

4 Ways to Protect Packages from Porch Pirates

video surveillance and protecting against porch pirates

Tips to Protect Your Holiday Packages from Porch Pirates The holiday shopping season is here, so we conveniently order gifts online and have them delivered. Many of us are at work when these packages arrive. Home video surveillance systems reveal that some delivery people don’t knock due to their heavy workload this time of year. Porch pirates take advantage of this. Sadly, about 23 million Americans have had packages stolen right off their porches after they were delivered. These thieves are called “porch pirates.” Also, their stealing is happening more because more people are buying things online. 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 friendโ€™s house, 1% to a neighborโ€™s house, and 1% to a parentโ€™s house 53% of people have changed plans to ensure theyโ€™re home to receive a package, although they arenโ€™t required to sign for it. Protecting Your Packages To truly protect your packages, install a home surveillance system. Specifically, a camera right outside your delivery door gives you all the details. For instance, you see exactly when the package arrives. Furthermore, this ability not only helps you catch a porch pirate in the act but also effectively resolves delivery disputes. Unfortunately, however, delivery companies sometimes deliver packages to incorrect addresses. Therefore, if they mark your package “delivered” but it never arrives, you can deduce someone else received it and readily start a claim. If porch pirates see a camera pointing right at them outside, that can make them turn around and leave. Also, you can protect your packages in other ways. For exampleย  You can have your packages delivered to your job if that works. Another way is to have them sent to a friend, neighbor, or family member who will be home. Finally, you can tell the delivery company to leave your package at a back door or somewhere hidden. 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.

Prep Your Home Now: Don’t Wait for Disaster

Tips to prep your house for fall

7 Tips to Help You Prep Your Home for Fall The weather feels warm for now, but can you sense it? Fall is definitely here! The leaves are changing colors, pumpkin spice fills the air, and fall events are happening everywhere in Ashland. However, this change of seasons can still affect your home. Therefore, it’s important to prep your home now, which will also start the process of getting it ready for winter. Tips to Prep Your Home in the Fall Luckily, here are some tips to help you prep your house: Prevent flooding by cleaning your gutters. Water that overflows the gutter can pool around your foundation and get into cracks. Over time, this pooling can create cracks that let moisture into your basement. A gutter leaf guard helps keep leaves and debris out, making gutter cleaning much easier. Clean your fireplace, chimney, or chimney pipe to prevent fires. You can hire a chimney cleaner who will make sure the damper closes correctly and that they remove all burnt wood and ash. Next, drain your outdoor faucets to avoid freezing. Water left inside an outdoor faucet can freeze and crack it, which will cause a leak. Also, remove hoses and turn off the shutoff valves to those faucets. Gaps around windows should be sealed up so you can keep home energy costs down. Plus, youโ€™ll be a lot more comfortable if you donโ€™t feel cold air from outside blowing in on you when youโ€™re trying to cozy up on the sofa. Now, Here’s a Little More:ย  Furthermore, schedule a roof inspection now. Specifically, this time of year is perfect to have a roof inspector come and check for small damage. Because this prevents the damage from getting worse over the winter. Additionally, roof inspectors can also tell you if you’re at risk for ice dams. Although less common in Rochester compared to some areas, prevention is still key. Therefore, you don’t want to call an ice dam removal service in the middle of winter to fix a problem. Next, ย 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. Lastly, update our security alarm system if you havenโ€™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 whatโ€™s yours safe. Call today at 585-770-0348 for a free estimate.

Home Security – Securing Your Home for Winter Vacation

Home Security during winter vacation

Home Prep Tips for Securing Your Home If youโ€™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 ย travel 50 or more miles between Thanksgiving and New Yearโ€™s Eve. That’s a lot of people! Unfortunately, while you’re securing your home for winter vacation, many of them won’t be. A lot of homes are 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 itโ€™s a week or a few months: 1. Prevent Water Issues Since you wonโ€™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 donโ€™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, follow one rule: unplug them if you arenโ€™t using them. Specifically, thereโ€™s no need for the computer, blender, microwave, or even the television to remain plugged in. Because these things have electricity moving through them, you also reduce your chance of an electrical fire. 3. Make the Empty House Less Obvious Next, make sure the house doesnโ€™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 doesnโ€™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 youโ€™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. In case 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 youโ€™re gone. An Experienced Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse Home Security Company Focused On Securing Your Home At SPS Fire & Security in Rochester, we help you protect everything you’ve worked hard for when you’re away. If you travel and don’t have a security system, talk to us now to see how you can better secure your home. Call us today at 585-770-0348 or complete the contact form below. ย 

Small Business Security: 3 Steps to Protect Your Business

Small business security

How to Protect Your Interests with Small Business Security 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 isnโ€™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 isnโ€™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. Fortunately, cameras help you see who enters your place. As a result, they catch shoplifters and burglars. Moreover, just having cameras can stop bad things from happening. Similarly, security systems also stop bad stuff. Furthermore, at night, they scare away burglars. However, if someone breaks in anyway, the alarm goes off and police come. Protecting Against Environmental Hazards Security systems also stop flood damage. Alarms have fire warnings too, so you don’t lose as much stuff. Want even more? Make your building smart! Lock doors, change heat, and check security from anywhere. Rochester, Syracuse & Buffalo Small Business Security You Can Count On For a safe New York small business, choose SPS Fire & Security. We set up security systems, control doors, add cameras, and make your building smart. Feel secure when you’re not there. Call 585-770-0348.

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