Alarm Companies and Home Security Systems

What are Key Fobs or Key Chain Remotes in Home Security Systems?

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 05:43:44 +0000

Many wireless home security systems include key fobs or key chain remotes as one of their features. If you choose a security system with a key chain remote it means that you can remotely activate or deactivate your alarm system. They function like the key chain remote for opening a car
In security systems without remote activation capability, you have to activate /deactivate your system on the control panel. So, when you enter the house you have to deactivate your alarm system within 30 seconds or it would give off an alarm. When you leave the house, you have to activate the system using the control panel and go out of the door within a few seconds.
With a key fob, you can activate the system remotely as soon as you have closed the door from outside. When you get home, you can already deactivate the system before you open the door and activate it again once you are inside. In both cases, you did not manually use the control panel. Key chain remotes also make it possible to install the control panel far from the door so that burglars could not easily deactivate it when they break in.
The main disadvantage of key fobs is that they can get lost without being immediately noticed. For added protection, the latest key fobs now include the use of secret codes or pass codes instead of just pressing the buttons. Key chain remotes offer conveniences but users should be fully aware of the risks in case they get lost. They should also be stored in such a way that the buttons could not pressed by mistake to avoid false alarms.

Burglar Reveals How They Choose Their Targets

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 21:01:00 +0000

In an article, the author asked a veteran burglar how he and other burglars choose the homes they break in. Burglary is very risky so burglars choose home where they believe they have a higher probability of success. Before deciding on any house to enter, he goes around the neighborhood pretending to be a repairman. If he wants to have a close look at the house to see if there’s a burglar alarm, he posts a flier on the door. He said he prefers houses with the following features:

1. High fences so that neighbors or passersby will not notice
2. High vegetation such as tall shrubs or trees for additional cover when he breaks windows.
3. Signs of toys because that means there’s an adult female which he equates with jewelry.

Before breaking in, he knocks on the door. If someone answers, he’ll make up some story and scrap his burglary plan. If there’s nobody home, he’ll check for unlocked doors or hidden keys. If there are no keys or unlocked doors, he’ll smash some windows using his crow bar. If it’s difficult to break in within one minute, he gives up.

If he successfully enters the house, he searches for items that are easily hand carried like cash, jewelry, prescription pills or drugs, credit cards and even personal information. Then he calls his backup driver to unload the goods he has gathered. It takes him about 8 to 12 minutes to complete the task. Then he’s off to the next target.

To summarize, he avoids houses with burglar alarms, with occupants or with a dog because its bark calls attention. He added that most burglars operate the same way.

Security Inspections to Evaluate Home Security Needs

admin — Sat, 12 May 2012 22:55:35 +0000

It’s important to have a home security system that fits your needs. But what system is truly right for your home and your life style? One way to evaluate a home’s real security needs is to conduct a house security inspection and combine the result with the household members’ lifestyles.
Home inspection should include the overall property and its surroundings, the doors, windows, garage, outdoor lighting and landscaping. You may discover hiding places in your garden, inadequate outdoor lights, doors that can be opened with a strong kick or glass panes near your door knob. Any of these security risks should be corrected as soon as possible.
Who will do the inspection? Sometimes you don’t need an expert. Just think or pretend you are a burglar and you will see many weaknesses in your security barriers. If you want expert opinion, you may ask pointers from the police station in your area. Usually, it’s better to ask somebody outside of your household because he or she may notice things you won’t due to familiarity.
Some home security companies also offer home inspections for free but you have to consider their results with an open mind. Employees of home security companies can’t avoid being biased because they would want you to be your customer. However, you will learn valuable information from these home security employees because of their experience and knowledge regarding home security. They also know the latest home security equipment that can really provide you with the best protection.
One easy and convenient way to assess your home security needs is to get the services of a one-stop shopping site because you will have access to information from the simplest to the most sophisticated security system offered by various companies. Visit Walker Home Security to get the best deals offered by the top home alarm companies.

Bigger Losses When Fire Hits Your Home

admin — Fri, 11 May 2012 23:07:08 +0000

While fires don’t happen as often as burglaries, the damage to lives and properties are so much more. You can lose some very valuable items to burglars but fires can turn everything to ashes. So, all efforts should be exerted to avoid fires.
Safety habits such as no smoking in bed, keeping matches, stoves and lighter out of the children’s reach as well as good housekeeping are preventive measures that should be consistently observed. Don’t forget fire extinguishers in accessible locations and make sure every adult household member can operate them correctly. Fire fighters are more than willing to share information on fire extinguishers and their proper use.
Take advantage of modern technology by having smoke and heat detectors with 24/7 fire alarm monitoring. The earlier fires are detected, the lesser are the damage they can cause. Fire spreads quickly. It’s a big advantage if a third party is there to help you contact the fire fighters as soon as possible. You can concentrate in getting everyone out of the house or building.
Homeowners will have to pay monthly for monitoring services but you can’t take chances that you might lose everything you have worked so hard for as well as irreplaceable items in just a few hours. It’s like insurance. And if you have house insurance, most insurance companies give premium discounts on home with fire alarm systems.
It’s important that your smoke or fire alarm sensors are correctly located in your home. Ask Walker Home Security for more information.

Protecting Yourself from Home Security Scams

admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 23:03:31 +0000

Home security may provide adequate protection against unwanted intruders but what if you yourself allowed the entry of a scammer or a theft into your home? The police and other responsible authorities have repeatedly warned homeowners to be careful in screening strangers that they allow into their homes.
A recent news report tells of scams or unethical selling of home security systems. They make false claims that they were sent by your security company to inform you that you have to switch to the latest program because the existing one will be terminated in the next few months. Then, they follow with threats if you don’t agree.
If you allowed these persons into your home, you would have a hard time to make them leave without signing any agreement to buy what they offer. The most important protection you have is to never allow them to be in a position where they could threaten or harm you. Then you can verify with your existing alarm company if they are real employees. If they are, they would be willing to wait outside your home while you verify.
In fact, any legitimate company would first inform you of any changes before sending their employees to you. For your safety, deal only with reputable home security companies.

The Best Home Alarm Monitoring Company

admin — Sat, 05 May 2012 22:11:32 +0000

After deciding on the security system for your home, another equally important decision to make is choosing the best alarm monitoring company. The alarm monitoring company will close the loop of the security system that will keep your home and family safe.
A home security system is not really complete if it’s not monitored 24 hours. Homeowners should accept it that household members can’t respond to all the alarm signals because they could be away from home, without access to any communication device because the intruder is already inside the house or they are asleep.
Central monitoring stations are supposed to have well trained staff to respond to signals of breaches in your security system. Even if your alarm does not sound off a siren or is not heard by your neighbors, it doesn’t matter because the central monitoring station knows and can ask for the appropriate responding authorities to go to your place. That’s why the choice of home alarm company is very important.
It is a must to check with your local police station, fire station and Better Business Bureau to see if a company is legitimate or has a good track record. Stay away from a company that has many customer complaints. Consider also the longevity and credentials of the company because there’s no substitute to experience and stability. U.L. listing is one credential that the company has the ability to provide you with the required service.
If you have questions about home security and alarm systems, call 1-866-639-6196 and the trained staff will help you find your answers.

Planning Your Home Alarm System

admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 10:11:35 +0000

Home alarm is becoming popular among homeowners as a way of providing protection to their properties and loved ones. However, the effectiveness of the alarm system largely depends on the design or plan of the system. If there are loopholes in the system, then you don’t get the needed protection.
The first consideration should be the purpose of the alarm system. What do you need the alarm for – burglars, fire or for your motion sensor? So, make a list first. Then, determine the coverage you want. For the burglar alarm, do you want it from the perimeter fence or just outside your house? How many entry points need protection? In the case of the fire or smoke alarm, the number you need depends on the number or rooms. If you want surveillance cameras, how many do you need?
Lastly, will you have alarm monitoring? Learn the advantages which will compensate for the monthly fee that you’ll pay.
The security experts can only explain what each piece of equipment can do and make suggestions but the final decision rests on the homeowners. Knowledge is necessary to make a good decision. For comprehensive information on home alarm systems, visit Walker Home Security.

Tips in Choosing Home Security Alarms

admin — Thu, 03 May 2012 12:42:09 +0000

Keeping the home safe from burglars and other hazards such as fire and carbon monoxide is very important for the peace of mind of the homeowners or heads of the family. Fortunately, technology has made available various security devices and services which help to safeguard your homes and loved ones.
Having monitored burglar alarms, smoke, carbon monoxide and motion detectors together with surveillance cameras help a lot to warn the family of any impending danger. Just make sure that your sensors are installed in the right places and you have a reliable alarm monitoring company. Here are some tips in choosing your sensors and your alarm monitoring service provider:
1. Buy an AC powered alarm with a battery back up for continued power supply. There has been a number of news reports where the smoke alarm was not activated because the battery has ran out of power. However, the equipment should also be designed to on batteries in case of electrical power failure.
2. Choose a surveillance camera that’s easily recognized as such before anyone gets near your house. It’s an effective burglar deterrent. If there’s a sign pointing out that there’s a camera it’s even better.
3. Choose wireless alarms or sensors so that they could not be cut and at the same time you avoid unsightly cables. o
4. Choose a reputable and reliable monitoring company.
5. Read and understand your monitoring contract. How long will it run? In some contracts, automatic renewal is specified if you don’t cancel before it ends. Read the terms carefully.
For more information about home alarm monitoring systems and which one is best for your needs, visit Walker Home Security’s website.

The Best Home Alarm Service for You

admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 23:31:45 +0000

Technology has made it possible for home security equipment manufacturers to introduce a wide range of home security systems. If you want the best protection for your home, which one will you choose? Will you throw your existing and get whatever is the latest and the most impressive model available?
When it comes to home security, the experts will tell you that the latest or most sophisticated system is not always the best because there is always a human component in any system. The other major factors are your lifestyle and the kind of home and surroundings you have.
So, how do you know which one best fits your needs and how do you find it? One way is to search and compare the major home security service providers. But this will take a long time and effort. Another way is to search for companies which can offer you a wide range of home security systems and services and which can clearly explain them.
Why don’t you try Walker Home Security? Visit its website and ask its friendly and knowledgeable staff for an objective guidance whether you should have wireless or hard wired equipment, landline or wireless alarm monitoring, traditional or high-tech home alarm systems, cameras or no cameras and other aspects of home security systems that you should have based on your home, lifestyle and budget.

How to Avoid False Alarms and Stop Wasting Taxpayer Money

admin — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 23:00:21 +0000

Government authorities specifically the police or fire fighters are reporting very high rate of false alarms they get. They explain that while they always respond to all alarms, the false ones are wasting taxpayers’ money. In some places, false alarms reaching a set level are already penalized.

Even if there’s no penalty for excessive false alarms in your area, it’s true that they are a waste of government resources. Actually there are ways to avoid excessive false alarms. One of the major causes of false alarms is the homeowners themselves – those who have not mastered the correct way of operating their home security systems.

So, the first solution is to know how to properly use all the equipment in the system. Then look for alarm systems with abort signals. If you accidentally set off the alarm be sure to turn it off within 30 seconds. This aborted alarm will be ignored by the central monitoring station. However, always inform your central monitoring station that you just had a false alarm because burglars may also abort your alarm system.
Another way to reduce false alarms is to choose a security system which includes a Two-way Voice Communication feature. Through this two-way voice communication, a central station operator will call you if they receive an alarm signal from you to verify if it’s valid or not. If it’s just a false alarm, they will not call the police. If it is a valid alarm, they will confirm to the proper authorities your need for assistance.

Call Walker Home Security to know more about two-way voice communication. Learn how it can reduce false alarms and provide effective assistance when you need one.