Lower your Home Owner’s Insurance with an Alarm System

Lower your Home Owner’s Insurance with an Alarm System

Theft and Vandalism have always been a concern to home owners. What many home owners do not realize is that in many cases you can install a security system and get the safety that you want while reducing your home owners insurance.

Imagine the best of both worlds. You can lower insurance premiums and add safety for your family and your property. Many insurance companies lower your insurance premiums by as much as 20% per year. By decreasing the chances of crime in your home you are providing better protection and safeguarding your assets. It is a known fact that criminals will avoid a home with an installed security system.

There are also other less obvious advantages that you will experience with a Home Security System:

• Home Security Systems help reduce liability
  • Many home security systems qualify as a capital investment improvement which means that you can add this expense to your home’s adjusted cost basis when you sell your home. You also have less taxable gain when you sell your home if you have installed a home security system. Check with your tax professional to get more details on how a home security system can help reduce your tax liability.
  • Home Security Systems can be a plus when selling your home
    • Want to give your home the edge when you are ready to sell? Then install a home security system. Many buyers are looking for homes with a professionally installed security system. In a competitive market your security system could push your home towards the “SOLD” sign.

When you consider the tax advantages along with the insurance advantages then the following statistics seem a lot less intimidating:

Home Burglary is responsible for an approximate $3.1 Billion in losses to over 2,300,000 households but homes without security systems are 3.6 times more likely to be the ones that are targeted. The average loss per event is $1,675. Burglars only take approximately 1 minute to break in your home and 60% of the time they enter during daylight hours.

When you take all of the factors into consideration it is an easy decision to have a professional install a home security system. The installation is far less than the average cost of a home break in.

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Home Security System Components

Home Security System Components

There are several key components that every alarm system must have. These are not optional and the manufacturer of the security system does not alter the fact that these are required.

Security System Alarm Control Panel (Required)

• Hard Wired
  • Each Burglar alarm system must have a hard wired control panel. Hard wired means that there is physically wire connected to the panel. In the case of the control panel the minimum that will be hard wired to it are the transformer and the keypad.
  • Wireless
    • Wireless alarm systems still require wire for some basic operation. There still must be a keypad and also a transformer and a siren.

Security System Keypad (Required)

• Wireless and Hardwired Alarm Systems
  • Both types of systems require a keypad to be hardwired to the control panel. There are keypads that are called wireless but this refers to the devices that are used in the security system. When a keypad is called wireless it means that the keypad itself is a wireless receiver and the wireless devices connected to the system “talk” to the keypad and that information is then relayed to the control panel.

At least some of the following devices will need to be added to the system. How many and which type depends on the area to be secured and the level of protection desired.

Audible Devices

• Sirens-Horns-Bells
  • Audible devices come in all shapes and sizes. They do very in the sound produced and the loudness or decibel ratings. Essentially they all are meant to do one thing. They produce a loud sound that is meant to alert the surrounding area that there is an intrusion. They also have a tendency to scare of the intruder before any items can be stolen or damaged.

Perimeter Protection

• Door Security-Window Security Contacts
  • Door and window contacts are connected to either a door or a window. The contact consists of a magnetic switch and a magnet. When the window is closed the magnet pulls in the switch and creates a closed or open connection to the control panel. When the door or window is opened the switch will change state and an alarm is initiated.
  • Glass Break Protection
    • Glass break detection consists of a device that that is placed near glass. The device is constructed to “listen” for the sound of breaking glass.
    • Vibration Sensors
      • Vibration sensors can detect a vibration on a wall, window or safe. When the vibration threshold is passed the the alarm is triggered.

Interior Protection

• Motion Sensors
  • Motion sensors are devices called PIR (Passive infrared) sensors that detect motion by sensing a rapid change in infrared energy. When the device sees this change the alarm is triggered.

Peripheral Protection

• Freeze Detection
  • Freeze alerts can provide protection against cold temperatures. If you live in a colder climate then you understand the damage that can be caused by freezing pipes. These devices are set to a temperature range and when that range is reached the contact will close and the alarm system will be triggered.
  • Flood Detection
    • Flood detection devices are installed and then connected to the security system. When water is detected the alarm system is triggered.

These are the basics of a home security system. There are countless ways that a security system can be enhanced. If you use the correct security system they can be easily upgraded as your needs grow without the need for replacing the entire system. Hue and Cry Security can help you to access your needs and make the correct choice for your home security needs.

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Freeze Alerts and your Security System

Winter weather brings freezing temperatures and the possibility of frozen water pipes. When frozen pipes burst the damage can be extensive. The damage goes far beyond the repair of the frozen pipes. If you did not keep your pipes from freezing and they burst the damage can be all of the following:

• Discoloration
• Warping
• Splitting
• Delaminating
• Musty Odors
• Mold Growth

This damage can happen to wood floors, drapes, carpets, furniture, antiques, walls and ceilings. There are a number of preventative measures that you can take to prevent freezing:

• Seal leaks that allow cold air inside. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in.
• Ensure that vulnerable pipes are insulated to prevent freezing. Pay close attention to pipes in outside walls or ceilings that may be exposed to low temperature. Leave cupboard or cabinet doors open to warm plumbing fixtures.
• When freezing (below 20ºF/-7ºC) is predicted, shut off water, disconnect hoses and drain outside faucets. If you don’t have an inside shut-off valve, wrap pipes or faucets in UL-approved insulation.
• Allow faucets to drip a little to keep water moving through them and to relieve pressure buildup.
• If you plan to be away from home, set the heating system no lower than 55ºF (13ºC). Have neighbors check your home periodically.

But what if you are not home? How do you protect your property?
How do you know that your preventative measures were enough?

A temperature alarm is the answer. A freeze alarm installed in your home can warn you when pipes are getting to an unsafe temperature. If you already have a Security System installed in your home or business then a freeze alarm can easily be added so that you gain peace of mind when the thermometer starts to dip. Hue and Cry Security Systems can easily upgrade your alarm system to include a freeze alert. When your system is setup to report to our U.L. Certified Central Station we will notify you before the temperatures are critical enough to cause damage.

If your current system is compatible we can even install a wireless system freeze alert. Wireless home security allows for the easy addition to your existing alarm system without the necessity of running new wire.

Your home security system can be much more than just the prevention of a burglary. Home security systems protect life and property and provide peace of mind at an affordable cost.

Contact us today for a free quote on the addition of a freeze alert for your home or business.

1-800-762-3196

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CALIFORNIA ADOPTS THE 2010 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLERS

On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, the State of California, Building Standards Commission (BSC), voted 10-0 to adopt the new 2010 California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5), which will include a historical chapter requiring the installation of fire sprinklers in all new residential construction including 1 and 2 family dwellings and townhouses.

Please let us know how you feel about this new requirement.

Michael Culmer

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Happy Holidays from the Hue & Cry family

Once again we find ourselves enmeshed in the Holiday Season, that very special time of year when we join with our loved ones in sharing centuries-old traditions such as trying to find a parking space at the mall.  We traditionally do this in my family by driving around the parking lot until we see a shopper emerge from the mall, then we follow her, in very much the same spirit as the Three Wise Men, who 2,000 years ago followed a star, week after week, until it led them to a parking space.

~Dave Barry                                                                                                           

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TORTIOUS INTERFERENCE WITH ALARM MONITORING CONTRACTS

Some of us believe the activity of “stealing accounts ” will substantially increase.   I have seen serious business plans that magnify this issue, and can share some of those strategic and tactical issues.
 
Bullet points:
~ 25 million systems are already sold and installed in the US and producing RMR.
~ It is easier and less costly to convert and upgrade an existing alarm system than to locate and sell a fresh non-user.
~ Massive competition exists for every fresh non-user, whereas little or no competition for “conversions”.
~ High percent of existing alarm users are unhappy with their system or supplier, thus little or no loyalty.
~ Police departments are lowering the priority for alarm response, even stopping emergency response.
~ Alarm users are generally unaware of the local legislation that is diluting the credibility of their alarm supplier.
~ Many existing long term alarm contracts can be reset to month-month due to pressure from consumer protection laws.
~ Pressure of “tortious interference” is a low priority in a high number of consumer protected States or communities.
~ Some of the national and regional alarm associations are diluting the credibility of their members.
~ The term “deceptive business practices” will be focused on the existing alarm suppliers, not the new guys.
 
Recent activity suggests that the real threat of conversion marketing is not from the “summer, collage kids”.  It could be from well funded, well organized, highly experienced, firms that will be setting a trend by gaining high market share at relatively low cost, without a legacy liability.
 
We hope managers of existing installed alarm systems will apply a defensive/offensive strategy, rather than just holler “foul”.
 
Lee Jones
Support Services Group
949-361-3300

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THE PITFALLS OF THE “CHEAP FIRE ALARM” ROUTE

In these difficult economic times, every business dollar spent must be justified and bring in some kind of return.  Many times the services and equipment that don’t show immediate revenue returns get pushed aside or the lowest cost option is chosen.  In regards to your fire alarm system, this action can be even more costly in the future.  

I can’t tell you how many times that property managers and building owners have made the decision to delay repairs to their fire alarm system, or opted to take a less expensive option, only to have the original issue reoccur with an even more expensive fix.  Fire alarm wiring repairs that are done by a non-C10 licensed contractor often times end up creating more issues with that renders the fire alarm system disabled.  Delaying or not replacing initiating devices (smoke & heat detectors) that are past their life expectancy can result in reduced detection capacity or numerous false alarms, which can incur costly fines from the responding fire department. Not replacing the backup batteries can cause a failure of the system to operate during a power outage, which is when many buildings are at their most vulnerable to fire. 

The best practice the building owner can take is to make the investment to have their fire alarm system tested and inspected on a regular basis, as per the national fire code.  This will insure that the system functions as designed, when needed.  It also keeps repair and maintenance costs to a minimum, and prolongs the life of the fire alarm system.  It is better to spend a few hundred dollars a year, protect your property and reduce your liability, than to have to spend thousands upgrading a system because of out-of-date devices, or in repairing a fire damaged building.

Lori Lumbattis

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Home Land Security “Tip of the week”

“You should keep enough supplies in your home to meet the needs of you and your family for at least three days. Build an emergency supply kit to take with you in an evacuation. The basics to stock in your portable kit include: water, food, battery-powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries, first aid supplies, change of clothing, blanket or sleeping bag, wrench or pliers, whistle, dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape, trash bags, map, a manual can opener for canned food and special items for infants, elderly, the sick or people with disabilities. Keep these items in an easy to carry container such as a covered trash container, a large backpack, or a duffle bag.”

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HEAT RELATED PROBLEMS

I am sure that every company is aware the “Heat Stress Index” for california says that there are a special set of rules that an employer must go by if there employees are working in conditions greater than 100 degrees.  

Take these four steps to prevent heat illness

1. Training

Train all employees and supervisors about heat illness prevention.

2. Water

Provide enough fresh water so that each employee can drink at least 1 quart per hour, and encourage them to do so.

3. Shade

Provide access to shade for at least 5 minutes of rest when an employee believes he or she needs a preventative recovery period. They should not wait until they feel sick to do so.

4. Planning

Develop and implement written procedures for complying with the heat illness prevention standard.

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SACRAMENTO 2009 FIRE FORUM

The Sacramento Area Alarm Association

Where: TMS Event Center  

Seating is limited, so please R.S.V.P. in advance to Dave Lomas at dlomas@adt.com OR Rich Whitlock at r.whitlock@hueandcry.com.   Thank you in advance!   We look forward to seeing you there.

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