Tag: Security systems

Exciting Impacts of Winter Weather On Your Home Security

Protect Yourself Before the Next Storm Winter weather has already hit Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo this year—and it will hit again. The storms often bring high winds and heavy snow. These conditions can cause power outages and many other problems. The impacts of winter weather are harsh In fact, the impacts can be extreme. For example, storms may disrupt your home security system. They can affect power, communication, and even damage equipment. Therefore, it’s important to prepare your security system for winter’s challenges. Doing so helps keep your home safe no matter what the weather brings. Basically, winter weather can have an impact on your daily life. Snow, sleet, freezing rain, and subzero temperatures can affect heating bills, driving conditions, and the security of your home. To make sure winter weather doesn’t make your home vulnerable, there are some things that you need to know. 1. Power Outages – One of the “Not So Exciting” Impacts of Winter Weather Very cold temperatures and high wind can cause power outages. If you have a security system, it probably operates on electricity. Due to the number of power outages in the area, a back-up power source is necessary. A backup power source often comes in the form of a battery. Fortunately, many security systems include a battery backup. If the power goes out, the system immediately switches to battery mode. Then, when the electricity comes back on, the system returns to electric power. As a result, you get constant protection all year round. This is especially helpful during summer storms, which often cause power outages. 2. Communication Issues – Dangerous Impacts of Winter Weather Winter weather often impacts communications the most. This can create serious problems for 24/7 monitored security services. Therefore, it’s a good idea to add cellular monitoring to your home security system. If your Wi-Fi connection fails, the system can switch to your cellular network right away. As a result, you keep your security system working even during bad weather. This helps you prevent burglaries and theft, no matter how harsh the winter storms get. You must also consider the fact that emergency services receive a lot of calls during a weather event. use.com, power outages are increasing in Upstate New York Basically, there are many ways to keep your system up and running during a storm, which amplifies every reason why professional security system installation is necessary. 3. Outside Lights and Surveillance Certainly! Here’s a rewrite in active voice, with shorter sentences, clear paragraphs, and transition words for better flow and readability: Bad weather can seriously affect lights and outdoor video surveillance. Strong wind or ice can damage security lights. Fortunately, professional video installers place cameras where they get the most protection. This helps reduce or even prevent damage. However, the real issue often comes down to electricity. That’s why adding a battery backup can make a huge difference. You might also consider a backup generator to power other parts of your home when needed. Moreover, keeping your lights on acts as a strong burglar deterrent. Burglars are less likely to target a home or business that stays lit, even when the power is out in the neighborhood. 4. Protect Yourself More diligence is also needed when protecting yourself. For instance: Keep a battery-powered radio nearby to get storm updates and important news. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged. Prepare an emergency kit with food, water, hats, gloves, blankets, batteries, a flashlight, and matches. Pack enough to last a few days. Always lock all windows and doors, whether you are inside or outside your home. If you don’t have a security system yet, call a professional right away. These systems include video cameras, plus carbon monoxide and fire protection. Contact A Syracuse, Buffalo, and Rochester Security System Installer SPS Fire & Security wants you to be safe whether the electric is on or off. That is why affordable home security options are available that are customizable and scalable. To learn more, call us at 585-770-0348.

DIY Security Systems and The Unfortunate Truth

Professional Security Alarm installation vs. DIY Security Systems Discovering the truth about DIY security systems is a very important topic to keep in mind these days. Keeping your home or business safe is important because of the time and money you have put into your space. Putting a security alarm system in place is one of the protective methods to implement. However, the question is what is the best route for doing so: Install a security system yourself Invest in a door alarm system Professional security system installation We are going to look at all three of these. DIY Security Systems Alarm Installation First, wiring might be needed. If you aren’t an electrician or security expert, you could make a dangerous mistake. Also, a big error is installing the system wrong, so it doesn’t work. Next, upkeep is needed. Security systems have many parts like cameras and sensors. Therefore, the DIY person must ensure every part works. Otherwise, the system is useless. Furthermore, DIY systems lack certain extras. For example, monitoring companies won’t watch a self-installed system. Also, features like smoke or carbon monoxide detection might be missing. Generally, the equipment is less advanced. Finally, people are learning the truth about DIY security. Installation can be hard, and keeping up with maintenance is tough. But the worst way to learn is during a break-in when no monitoring means police aren’t called. Door Alarm Systems DIY security systems sometimes include simple door alarms. A sensor goes on doors and windows. If someone breaks in, an alarm goes off. These systems are often wireless. Sensors talk to an alarm box without wires. The box might plug into the wall. However, these systems have a limited range. So, the box might need to be near the sensors. A smart intruder can see the difference. This type of alarm is not like a system that calls the police. Maintenance: These systems are inexpensive, but the individual sensors may require batteries that must be replaced more often than you can keep up with. ou might add more sensors. But if they get too far from the alarm box, you might need to buy more systems. Hopefully, this scares intruders. However, there’s no monitoring service. Also, people have learned these systems don’t really protect you. Burglars know about these easy-to-beat systems. Professional Security System Installation vs. DIY Security Systems Yes, a professional system costs money each month. But think about these things. First, experts do all wiring. They use the safest methods. Everything follows local and state rules. Next, if your system breaks, you call your security installer. They fix it fast. You also get guarantees. These protect your system and what it protects: your home or business. Also, you get many extras. This includes 24/7 security monitoring. You get sensors where you need them. Plus, you can get fire and carbon monoxide protection. If you want, add video surveillance. You can even automate things in your home. And you can watch your home or business on your phone when you’re gone. Finally, homeowners and business owners feel safe with these systems. Experts install them right, and someone watches them all the time. Plus, you don’t have to worry about fixing the system yourself. Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse Professional Security Alarm Installation Don’t miss out on what professional security system installation can provide you. Through professional installation, you can effectively protect what you care about. Plus, you can get some great extras that truly make your system work for you. To learn more or to take the first step toward protecting your home or business, call SPS Fire & Security at 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.

Wireless Home Security Notifications: What Happens When There’s an Alert

What Do All of These Notifications Mean? Your wireless home security system now tells you everything happening at home. It can alert you if someone unwanted enters. You can even get alerts when your kids arrive home from school, or when the dog walker comes and goes. So, if the dog walker doesn’t walk your dog long enough, you’ll know it. In fact, some people have fired dog walkers for not giving their pets enough exercise! How Do These Wireless Home Security Alerts Happen? You can get them through text or email on your smartphone. The moment something happens, you are going to know about it. You can also have multiple recipients receive notifications. This means you and any other adults living in the home will know what is happening. You can even set it up for a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member. If you have a caretaker for the property or a handyman, they can receive notifications as well. By customizing the notifications, you can determine which sensors send notifications and who will receive those notifications. If you only want to receive alerts at a certain time, you can do that. You can also determine what type of signal will trigger a notification. It’s very easy to set up and also change your notifications when you need to. Examples of Wireless Home Security System Notifications Here is a list of the types of wireless security system notifications that you can receive: Know what door has been opened and when. Have a sensor placed on your gun safe so that you know if the gun safe has been opened. Have a sensor placed on a regular safe so that you know if anyone has tried to access the contents. Place a sensor on the medicine cabinet to ensure children or others stay out of it. If an elderly parent is living alone, keep track of doors opening and other doors throughout the home. If a garage door is left open too long, you will know it. Know every time the alarm is armed or disarmed. If you leave home and forget to arm the system, you can receive an alert before you get too far from home. You can arm the system remotely using the system’s app. When there is a power outage, the system will let you know. When the power comes back on, the system will alert you. Add thermostats to your smart home configuration so you can operate them remotely and keep track of them. If someone manually changes thermostat settings, you will know about it. Have Complete Control As you can see, a wireless home security system is about more than knowing if someone has broken through a window or a door. Home security is about having complete control over your home, even if you aren’t there. You know what’s going on at all times so that you don’t have to worry. It’s amazing what can happen to your day when you don’t have to worry about your home. Imagine being on a vacation and not worrying about whether or not you turned off an iron or unplugged the things that needed unplugged. Imagine knowing everything that is happening so you can enjoy your vacation and not worry about what is happening at home. Call Your Rochester Wireless Security Company Today At SPS Fire & Security, we want to give you peace of mind. You deserve a safe home and one that you can have complete control over. With our home security solutions, you will have just that and more. To learn more, call us at 585-770-0348 and let us give you a free quote on the system you envision for your home.