Security System Monitoring For the Homeowner - Don't Pay Too Much!

2010-07-08T06:35:00.000-04:00

It is true that most any hyper dog can set off a motion detector, including the wireless, infrared types that are designed for certain sizes of animals. Thus, they can inhibit a security system from doing it's job. But, these 4 footed mobile burglar alarms are still a great type of protection. Since a criminal likes to be in a home in 15 seconds or less, any loud barking dog is a deterrent and can chase even the most surly criminal away. Of course larger dogs that look mean would most likely scare a criminal off better that a tiny yippy dog, but, the smaller furry fellow can sound the alarm and keep most any burglar at bay. Many times thieves go from home to home looking for open doors or windows and their presence can easily set off Fido and get him howling. The point is to keep the criminal from trying to go into your premises in the first place and an alert, barking, indoor dog will help keep them away.

2010-07-05T10:17:00.000-04:00

Since prices for home security products have come down through the years, the key fob is a device that is included with many of the security system packages that are offered today. Basically, it is a key chain remote with four buttons that can be programmed for different applications. They are great to use to arm and disarm a system upon entering and exiting a home. And the buttons can be programmed for different uses. Depending on the system, it can be used as a medical alert device, silent emergency alarm or to turn lights on and off. Most all IAM systems come with a key FOB. http://www.interstatealarmmonitoring.com/

Without Batteries - Not My Security System!

2010-07-02T12:54:00.000-04:00

Pay attention to the signals coming from your security system. One of the messages you may get is to notify you of a low battery. Both wired and wireless alarm systems have back-up batteries. They back-up and safe-guard against power outages and thieves who might cut the house power to try to disarm your system. But, if you have a wireless system, batteries are critical to the operation. With a wireless sytem, your control panel runs off of a battery, as well as the transmitters in motion detectors, key fobs, and other alarm accessories. It is important to keep up with the maintenance and testing of your batteries. Your local battery specialty store can test you battery and replace it as well. To change out your alarm batteries, remember to first turn the system off. You want to be sure to tell your monitoring company ahead of time of what you are doing. Remember, other batteries need checking too. Testing is important for your transmitters and motion detector and you should also test your smoke and heat detectors, plus carbon monoxide detector. Most home alarm system manufacturers sell their own replacement and back-up batteries. But, your local battery store will usually have better prices. http://www.interstatealarmmonitoring.com/

Home Security System Alarm - Who Ya Gonna Call?

2010-07-01T11:34:00.000-04:00

If your home security system is monitored, do you know the steps that the central staition takes if there is an alarm? Is your system able to transmit if it is a burglar, fire, smoke, home invasion, CO2, flood, medical or silent alarm? Did you know that most central stations handle the type of alarm differently? Is your file that is on record with the central station up to date with the proper contacts and phone numbers for you and your loved ones? Is the phone number to the central station close by if you need to report a false alarm and do you remember your code word? If you don't know the answers to the above questions, it is as easy as a phone call to your security companies central station to find out. Do you have that number on hand? You should. Find out today and keep it where you can find it in the event of and emergency or to call them and ask questions.

The Value of Local Police and Sheriff Reports and Online Access

2010-06-30T11:13:00.000-04:00

Depending on where you live, most all communities have a method of reporting neighborhood crimes to the public. Whether it is the police or sheriff, in a county, parish or city that is protecting your home, they report specific crimes and incidents that take place. Those reports are sometimes in the local paper or in a section of a larger paper that is printed for a large city. Usually, it is a brief report that is presented weekly. More recently, detailed reports can be found by accessing the information on-line with your computer. Sometimes, it takes a little work to find out who reports what and where it can be found. But, it is worth the effort to find out how you can find out what is happening in your neighborhood. Most of the burglaries, robberies, car thefts and other crimes to homes can be found in reports produced by your local authorities. For example, a local police department may divide their beats into different zones. The officer's reports are sorted by these geographical zones. Then, you can access the specific crimes by the street names on exact dates with the on-line information with your computer. If you have a tip or especially a link on how this information can be found in your neighborhood, please comment and leave the link so we can present this information to others who access this site.

Thanks. Here is an example: http://police.cobbcountyga.gov/precincts.htm

DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Cellular Home Security Systems

2010-06-29T14:50:00.000-04:00

It times past, it was an incredible feat to install your own alarm system. But, with the new wireless systems and pre-programmed panels like the GE Simon (cell or land line) available from companies like Interstate Alarm Monitoring www.interstatealarmmonitoring.com , the task is easy enough most anyone could put it in. Since all the devices can be wireless, no complex, tangled web of wires need to be run in and through the house. Motion detectors, glass break detectors, CO2 detectors, flood detectors as well as door and window contacts can all be purchased wireless. Of course, the control panel needs to have the ability to receive the signal from the devices. And many of today's systems have control panels with receiving modules. IAM sells a system with the keypad/control panel with a receiving module, 2 wireless door/window contacts, a wireless motion detector and keyfob for medical alert, panic and easy access control for $249.97! Monitoring is only $10.77 per month. This has to be the best deal ever offered in the home security industry. Go cellular for $449.97!

2010-06-28T07:48:00.001-04:00

When you get to know your neighbors well enough, you may find it a good idea to give one a key to your home for emergency purposes. When your alarm is triggered and you cannot make it home in time or if you are injured inside your home and cannot get to the door, the paramedics and police may have to break in unless there is someone there to open the door for them. A quick call to a trusting neighbor by you or from the central station that monitors your security system can save a lot of trouble (not to mention money!).

Home Security System Features for Parents of Teens and Latch Key Kids

2010-06-25T09:05:00.001-04:00

There are many features in today's common security system most people don't even know exist. For example, they can be programmed to notify you when you child gets home from school, to record someone getting into the gun or liquor cabinet, to enable you watch activity via cameras and to record activity on camera to off-site locations to safe guard the content of the video images. Whether a system is a land line connection or cellular connection, it is possible to remotely control your system with a Blackberry, IPhone or other PDA type of device. This technology can bring safety and parenting skills to a whole new level when used properly.

Home Security Systems Alarms

2010-06-24T07:53:00.000-04:00

When a security system is triggered in the home, a signal is sent to a central station (if the home is being monitored) and most all have an audible alarm or siren of some type. They are either an indoor or outdoor type. The outdoor type is mounted in an attic-eve or place where they can be heard outside. More recently, homes use the device packaged by the brand they are utilizing and they are mostly inside sounders. The intent is to alarm the intruder and either chase them away or make their stay of plundering short in duration. A home could have both types of alarms and they can be wired to suit the home owner's request. If it is an outside alarm, the homeowner may be conscious of bothering the neighbors if they keep setting it off somehow like letting the dog out at night. So, he might disable it and only have an indoor alarm. If it is an inside alarm, the criminal may think that no one outside can hear and they have a little more time to pilfer.

Cellular Security Systems - Got A Signal?

2010-06-23T08:43:00.002-04:00

The wave of the future in home security systems is the cellular model. Instead of using the land line or regluar phone line, the cellular does just what is says. In the event of an emergency it calls and sends a signal via a cellular device. New families and the younger generation moving into homes are not even getting phone systems. Since mostly everyone has a cell phone, there is no need for a land line. So, what better answer to putting a security system than one that has it's own cell type of interface. Join this with a wireless security system and you have "do-it-yourself" protection which can save you thousands of dollars. For example, the wireless Simon XT complete system with a cellular module costs only $425 at IAM and is so easy most anyone can install it.

Why Aren't More People Protected With Security Systems in Appartments?

2010-06-22T21:29:00.001-04:00

In a setting where security systems could provide help in the time of need, few appartment occupants have security systems. But, most large companies are reluctant to install systems. Because they need the owner or manager's approval to install hard wired systems, the large corporate comanies do not market or sell systems like they do with home owners. Also, those who live in apartments cannot easily take most systems with them if they move. But now with wireless home security systems, companies like Interstate Alarm Monitoring sell systems that can easily be installed by most anyone with a few simple tools. Since the system is wireless it requires minimal mounting of components. Another good factor is that prices for systems have come down through the years and they are more affordable than ever. For $200-$300, a good system with all the parts can be purchased. And with IAM, their monitoring fees are only $10.77 per month. Also, there are no monitoring contracts required and that makes it easy to utilize a system for a short period of time if needed. Since the crime rate in apartments is increasing like everywhere else, it is an important consideration to have a monitored security system to protect singles, couples, friends and families.

Home Security Protection Without Motion Detectors

2010-06-21T13:53:00.001-04:00

Even though they make several types of motion detectors, some animals will make any system go off. Especially large dogs, jumping animals or cats will trigger a motion detector. But, a type of security system device that is currently being used in homes is helping in many circumstances. It is the glass break detector. This type of device senses the high frequency sound of glass breaking and then sends a signal to the control panel and an alarm is triggered. People, animals and normal sounds will not make it go off. Also, it can be mounted in such a way to monitor more than just one window in a room. It does not have to touch a window, but, just has to be within sight and sound distance to pick up the breaking noise of the glass. It some cases it may not be necessary to have window contacts because the glass break detector can a room. Unlike a motion detector, it can be left on 24 hours day because nothing but the high frequency sound of breaking glass will cause it to go off. For details, go to: http://www.gesecurity.com/portal/site/GESecurity/menuitem.f76d98ccce4cabed5efa421766030730?selectedID=1336&seriesyn=true&seriesID=

What Is the Most Common Way Burglars Break In?

2010-06-19T22:42:00.000-04:00

According to police statistics, doors are the primary point of entry for criminals breaking into homes. Some daylight bandits discreetly go from house to house checking for unlocked doors. Some pose as sales people soliciting or appearing somehow to belong in the area. This is why it is important to always have all of your doors locked. And the cost to buy the best type of deadbolt is worth the expense. Even with the best locks, doors can be forced open. At times, the criminal will calmly force open the door with a small crow bar type of device. Or, they can quietly break down a door with not much more effort many times. This is why the primary place to have contacts for an alarm system is in all doors that access the outside of a home.

Alarm Systems Valuble in Fighting Crime

2010-06-18T09:35:00.000-04:00

Rutgers Study Finds Alarm Systems Are Valuable Crime Fighting Tool

Study Links Burglary Reduction to Increase in Alarms Systems

NEWARK, N.J., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- A comprehensive study of five years of statistics by researchers at the Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice (SCJ) in Newark found that residential burglar alarm systems decrease crime. While other studies have concluded that most burglars avoid alarm systems, this is the first study to focus on alarm systems while scientifically ruling out other factors that could have impacted the crime rate. Researchers concentrated on analyzing crime data provided by the Newark Police Department. "Data showed that a steady decrease in burglaries in Newark between 2001 and 2005 coincided with an increase in the number of registered home burglar alarms," said study author Dr. Seungmug (a.k.a. Zech) Lee, who received his doctoral degree from SCJ in 2008 and presently teaches at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. "The study credits the alarms with the decrease in burglaries and the city's overall crime rate."In short, the study found that an installed burglar alarm makes a dwelling less attractive to the would-be and active intruders and protects the home without displacing burglaries to nearby homes.The study also concluded that the deterrent effect of alarms is felt in the community at large. "Neighborhoods in which burglar alarms were densely installed have fewer incidents of residential burglaries than the neighborhoods with fewer burglar alarms," the study noted.

The study was conducted with the cooperation of the Newark Police Department and reviewed five years of police data. The more than 300-page study was conducted over a two-year period and funded by the non-profit Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation (AIREF). SCJ Professors George L. Kelling, Marcus Felson and Ronald V. Clarke and Professor Robert D. McCrie of John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York were members of the study's Faculty Advisory Committee. Dr. Clarke served as committee chair."This type of study assists police departments to effectively deploy their limited resources," said Newark Police Director Garry McCarthy. "The School of Criminal Justice provides valuable insight into the positive impact alarm systems can have in preventing residential burglaries.""This is the most comprehensive study of its kind that has ever been conducted," said Dr. Lee. "By using sophisticated in-depth research techniques, we were able to eliminate the variables that impact crime rates and focus directly on the impact alarm systems have on residential burglaries."

The study noted that "technology innovations" have increased the availability of home security systems to middle-class homeowners and that technology has made the systems more dependable. "Computers, printed circuits, digital communicators, and microprocessors have refined monitoring and signaling technology, and modern electronic sensors now include ultrasonic, infrared and microwave devices which were formerly available only in more sophisticated commercial and industrial applications," said Dr. Lee.Researchers also pointed to an earlier study based on interviews with burglars ("Burglars on the Job 1994," Northeastern University Press) to support their conclusions. That study concluded, "Most offenders, though, wanted to avoid alarms altogether and, upon encountering such devices, abandoned all thought of attacking the dwelling."

Your Home's Appearance - Burglars Look At Little Things

2010-06-16T07:15:00.001-04:00

•Keep property in good condition and free of trash, litter, weeds, leaves, graffiti, dismantled or inoperative vehicles, and other things that indicate neglect in caring for your property.

•Replace broken windows or screens.

•Repair broken fences and gate locks.

•Use screens, wired glass, or other protection for light fixtures and bulbs.

•Remove loose rocks and other objects that could be used to vandalize your property.

•Leave outside lights on after dark or have outside lights controlled by a motion detector. Make sure there are no dark areas around the house, garage, or yard in which a person could hide. Street lights are generally inadequate for illuminating your property.

•Check lights regularly and replace burnt out bulbs.

•Trim bushes to less than 3 feet to eliminate possible hiding places, especially near windows and sidewalks.

•Trim tree canopies to at least 8 feet to allow visibility into your property.

•Replace solid walls in front yards with open fencing to eliminate hiding places and make climbing more difficult.

•Install a wide-angle peephole in your front door so you can look out without being seen yourself.

Protecting Your Home While On Vacation

2010-06-15T10:09:00.001-04:00

•Use timers on lights, radios, TVs, etc. to make them go on and off during the day and night to make your home appear occupied.

•Stop mail and newspaper delivery, or have neighbor pick up anything left at the home.

•Keep grass watered and cut. Water and trim other landscaping.

•Ask the neighbors to watch your home and report any suspicious activities.

•Leave your itinerary with a neighbor so you can be contacted in an emergency.

•Disconnect your electric garage door opener and padlock the door, preferably on the inside.

•Visit your local Police Station to request vacation home checks when you’ll be out of town.

•Set your burglar alarm and notify your alarm company that you will be away. Then if an alarm occurs when you are away the company will not call your home first to verify the alarm; it will notify the police directly. Also provide the alarm company with an up-to-date list of persons to contact about the alarm and the need to secure your home after a burglary.

Security Systems and Central Station Monitoring for Appartment Renters

2010-06-14T10:24:00.002-04:00

Many people living in apartments seeking to protect their homes are finding that large companies like Brinks (now Broadview) and ADT are not a good fit for their home. But, there are other solutions currently available. For one, wireless contacts, motion detectors, fire and smoke detectors and all other devices and they do not need to be "hard" wired into a panel. Also, they make compact systems that have the control panel and keypad built together. There is a package made by DSC ( www.dsc.com ) that has 2 wireless contacts, 1 wireless motion detector, a key fob with a control panel and keypad with a wireless receiver and it cost around $200. It is EASY for the occupant to install and it is easy to take with them when they move. Of course it can be monitored by the large, licensed monitoring central stations provided by companies like Interstate Alarm Monitoring. And they can also have a cellular device attached so that a "land line" (POTS) from a phone company is not necessary. Go to: www.interstatealarmmonitoring.com

IAM Home Security Tip of the Day

2010-06-12T08:00:00.001-04:00

Making Sure the Police or Fire Department Can Find Your Home. First, call appropriate agency, police, sheriff, etc., and ask if they are sure how to get to your home in an emergency and:

•Make sure your street address number is clearly visible from the street and is well lighted at night so the police and other emergency personnel can locate your home easily. Numbers should be at least 4 inches high must be used on individual dwellings and duplexes, and 12 inches high on multiple-unit residential buildings.

•Make sure your unit number (in a multifamily housing development) is clearly visible from paths in the development. A directory or map that shows paths and unit locations should be placed at the main entrance of the development.

•Provide the police with an entry code if you live in a gated community.

How to Be A Legal Burglar - Test Your Home Security System Monitoring

2010-06-11T10:40:00.001-04:00

Here Are Some Common Sense Ideas to Keep Your Home Safe:

Plan to "burglarize" yourself. You'll discover any weaknesses in your security system that may have previously escaped your notice.

Lock up your home, even if you go out only for a short time. Many burglars just walk in through an unlocked door or window.

Change all the locks and tumblers when you move into a new house.

For the most effective alarm system, conceal all wiring. A professional burglar looks for places where he or she can disconnect the security system.

Your house should appear occupied at all times. Use timers to switch lights and radios on and off when you're not at home.

If you have a faulty alarm that frequently goes off, get it fixed immediately and tell your neighbors that it's been repaired. Many people ignore an alarm that goes off periodically.

A spring-latch lock is easy prey for burglars who are "loiding" experts. Loiding is the method of slipping a plastic credit card against the latch tongue to depress it and unlock the door. A deadbolt defies any such attack. It is only vulnerable when there is enough space between the door and its frame to allow an intruder to use power tools or a hacksaw.

If you lose your keys, change the locks immediately.

Before turning your house key over to a professional house cleaner for several hours, make sure the person is honest and reputable as well as hardworking. Check all references thoroughly. If the house cleaner is from a firm, call your local Better Business Bureau to check on the firm's reputation.

Instead of keeping a spare key in a mailbox, under the doormat, or on a nail behind the garage, wrap the key in foil -- or put it in a 35mm film can -- and bury it where you can easily find it if you need it.

Don't leave notes for service people or family members on the door. These act as a welcome mat for a burglar.

If the entrances to your home are dark, consider installing lighting with an infrared detector. Most thieves don't want to be observed trying to get in a door.

Talk to your neighbors about any suspicious people or strange cars you notice lurking about.

To keep your tools from being stolen, paint the handles. Thieves avoid items that are easy to identify.

Courtesy How Stuff Works

Free Remote Surveillance Camera Access?

2010-06-09T10:04:00.000-04:00

Your purchase a camera system. You set up your cameras, hook up the DVD recorder and plug it in. Now, how much will it cost each month to be able to access your cameras from your IPOD, PC, Laptop or other remote device. Surprisingly, if you have broadband access it will cost you nothing extra. Your DVD recorder has an IP address and you need to log it into your internet system. Then, you will have access to be able to view your camera system remotely.

Home Security Monitoring - Why Pay So Much?

2010-06-08T08:31:00.001-04:00

The common practice in the home security alarm monitoring business is for the company to charge a lower price (many times "free") for an alarm system. The monthly monitoring fees are then charged on a contractual basis for 2-3 years at $25-$35 per month. These high fees for monitoring is what is actually paying for the alarm system. Since you can get the same high quality monitoring service for below $12 per month, you would think these companies would lower their monitoring fees after your contract is up. But no, many of them even try to increase your monthly fees. Break free and save yourself from paying such high monthly fees. Some companies, such as Interstate Alarm Monitoring, can direct your alarm monitoring to IAM without even visiting your home. Your monthly fees will then be $10.77 without a contract!

http://www.interstatealarmmonitoring.com/

Call now: 1-877-717-74777

Home Security Systems - The Audible Alarm or Sounder - Inside or Outside the House?

2010-06-04T08:11:00.000-04:00

With your home security system, you have the choice of getting an internal alarm (sounder) that you only hear if you are inside the house or external alarm that rings outside. Obviously, the alarm that rings outside will let the intruder as well as the entire neighborhood that the system has been triggered. The problem with this is that many people accidently set off their systems on a regular basis. Thus, your neighbors are notified each time you make the mistake. Most systems come with the internal alarm only and you have to pay more for an external alarm. For those wanting to distract the potential burglar, you can have both an internal and external alarm configured into your system. But if you do choose this option, make sure if you let your dog out early in the morning to do his thing in the yard, that you disable your system unless you want to wake everyone on your block!

Why Choose A Wireless Home Security System?

2010-06-03T11:02:00.000-04:00

If your home is already built and there were no wires run for a security system, you are in for a huge project. Running wires in, around and through rooms and walls is an huge undertaking. Something that should be left for professionals. But, if you can devote an afternoon of time and follow simple instructions, the new low cost wireless home security system is for you. Through the years our advances in technology have brought prices down and increased the efficiency of many electronic devices. The wireless home security system is one area where it has made what used to be a luxury item for those who could afford it to a protective device that almost any home can afford. Go to: http://interstatealarmmonitoring.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18&Itemid=35

"Cheap" Home Security Systems for Every Home? Not Really!

2010-06-02T14:08:00.001-04:00

The breakthrough of technology has created a world where devices and services that were too expensive or even impossible for an individual to own are available for most everyone in the USA. For example the common laptop computer has more power than the entire computer system on the Apollo 11 space craft that landed on the moon and cost less than $500. And so it is with the power of the XBox, Ipod and plethora of devices now accessible for everyone. And the home security system with monitoring for the home owner or apartment dweller has come down in price and increased in the technology. Even though many of the large security companies want to continue to charge high prices for systems and monitoring, there is no need to pay these prices. With wireless systems easy enough for most anyone to install, there is no need for long wires and high paid installers. And. monthly monitoring can be as high as $40-$50 per month for the same service you can get for under $12. And the same goes for the high prices charged for the security system itself. Sure, they may claim you get a "$99" or even a "FREE" system if you sign a 3 year contract at $30-$40 per month. , But, do the math. You can get a good wireless system for under $200 and pay $10.77 per month. And it's not "cheap", it is inexpensive!

CO2 - Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - The Silent Killer

2010-05-30T07:41:00.000-04:00

People and pets around the country are subject to possible death from inhaling the tasteless and orderless gas, carbon monoxide. Around 1,500 people are killed each year – and another 10,000 a year seek medical attention for carbon monoxide poisoning. With seven out of eight homes containing some threat of carbon monoxide poisoning, integrating monitored carbon monoxide detectors into your home security system is a really smart move.

Carbon monoxide detectors work around the clock—even when your security system isn’t armed. This ensures total protection from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.

Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, this “silent intruder” causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue.

Don't take a change. Add a CO2 detector to your home today.