How Selling Your Home Causes Costly Security System False Alarms

Here’s one thing that homeowners forget when they put their house up for sale – the SECURITY ALARM.

Many times, home security systems are accidentally triggered by real estate agents and perspective homebuyers.

If you want to avoid tons of false alarm fines, you need to read the tips in this post. You’ll discover how to protect against security system false alarms while selling your home.

• Show Real Estate Agent How to Use Alarm – Make sure your realtor knows how to use your home security system. This will cut down on the possibility of false alarms.

• Notify Alarm Company – Let your alarm company know that you’re selling your home and people will be coming and going.

• Stay Connected – Provide your alarm company with your cell phone number so they can contact you in case the alarm is triggered.

Once you’ve sold your home, be sure to notify the alarm company. If you forget, you could be held responsible for false alarms even if you don’t live in the house anymore. The alarm can also be triggered if the power is shut off at your home after the sale.

Following these tips will help prevent false alarms while selling your home. Be sure to also read “Ways To Prevent Home Security System False Alarms” on our blog.

Why Buy From A Local Alarm Company?

There are lots of important reasons to shop and buy from locally owned businesses.

When it comes to your home and business security needs, here are some important reasons that you should buy local. 

1. Better Service – With a local alarm company, you get better service.  It’s because a local alarm company is part of your community.  They aren’t worried about selling alarms in some state far across the country.  They’re more interested in providing the best service possible in their own backyard.

2. Local Job Growth – The people installing your alarm as well as the high-level managers and owners live in your community.  That means more jobs for the local economy.  Considering the high unemployment rate, the best way to grow jobs in your area is by buying local.

3. Keep Money In Community – When you buy from large, national alarm companies, that money leaves your community.  When you buy local, the money stays in your community.  This helps to create more jobs and improve your quality of life in your town.

4. Great Prices – Local businesses such as alarm companies help to stimulate competition.  More competition means better prices for you.  Without local businesses, you’ll have to pay more for security monitoring, home security alarms and other security services.  No national company should have a monopoly over any security services.

5. Investment In Community – When you buy from a local alarm company, the taxes the company pays stay in your community.  Additionally, any charitable contributions the company makes are going to be in your community.  According to Sustainable Connections, non-profit organizations receive an average 250 percent more support from local businesses when compared to large national companies.

6. Environment Sustainability – Whether you’re buying locally grown produce or working with a local alarm company, you’re improving the environment.  Buying local reduces automobile and use, which improves air quality in your community.

7. Enhances Character of Community – Local businesses are one of many things that make a community unique.  When you buy from national chains, your community starts to look like every other city in America.  The local businesses are what give a community its unique flavor.

What Makes A Business Local?

There are many of businesses that claim to be local.  However, many are not.  Here are three important factors that make a business local.

• First Factor: The business is headquartered in the region where you live.
• Second Factor: A majority of the employees live in or around your community.
• Third Factor: The business is privately held.

These factors will help you determine if the business is a true local business.

Finding Local Businesses

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we’re a family owned business that focuses on serving families and businesses in Northern California and Oregon.

To find listings of local businesses in your community, visit:

• Local San Francisco Shopping List

• Sacramento Local Business Directory

• Anderson, California Local Businesses

• Medford, Oregon Chamber of Commerce Businesses

All of these resources are great places to find other local businesses in the communities that we serve.

For questions on how we can help you with your security needs, give us a call today at 1-800-762-3196 or visit the Hue & Cry Security Systems Contact Page.

Things You Should Always Tell Your Alarm Monitoring Center

Life is all about change. In our homes and in our businesses, it seems like things are always changing.

At Hue & Cry Security, we see the impacts of change every day.

Unfortunately, some changes in your lives can impact your overall security. That’s why we offer you this list of common lifestyle changes of importance to your safety.

During any of these changes, it’s important that you notify your alarm company and/or alarm monitoring center. They’ll then be able to take the correct actions on our behalf to ensure your home or business safety.

We’ve made our list to include changes at home and changes at the office.

Changes at the office requiring notification to your alarm company include:

• Adding or deleting a system user – Any time a user is added to or deleted from your system, notify your Central Monitoring Station. That’s one of the best steps to provide protection against denied or unauthorized system access.

• Change in responding employee contact information – Change of email address and change in phone number require immediate notification to the monitoring center.

• Remodeling or structural changes – These may alter the protection patterns of your security systems…any changes in the physical layout of your business mean you should have your security company re-examine your protection so there are no gaps created by the changes of your facilities.

• Business hours – This is especially important in false-alarm reduction, hostage response situations and for late-to-open, late-to-close notifications.

• Trouble signals on your alarm control panel – Too many businesses simply bypass troubled zones, thinking they’ll “get to” the problem in the future. Then an employee or someone else with inside information breaks into the place in the areas bypassed from the system! Contact your alarm company immediately should any trouble condition indicators appear on your control panel and/or keypads.

• Failure to renew alarm permit applications – It’s important to keep your permit current within the jurisdiction having authority. Failure to do so can result in big fines and, in some cases, no authority response to your emergency situation!

Changes at home requiring alarm company notification include:

• Everything on our list above – That’s right, with today’s busy lifestyle many of the issues listed in our business category apply to your home as well. Make sure to read the list.

• Vacations – Vacation time is a time your home can be most vulnerable to thieves. Let your alarm company know when you are on vacation. They’ll make special notations about your trip that will assist in the event of emergency response while you are away.

• Pets – The addition of a pet can be a great addition to any family. A pet could also impact your protection and cause false alarms. When you add an animal friend of any type, have your alarm company come out to your home and re-examine your protection. With false alarm fines running in the hundreds of dollars in most communities, this is a safe step to avoid fines while staying protected.

• Home additions – Those home remodeling and expansion are always great. Make sure to include your alarm company in your planning. Once again, that’s the best way to stay protected and avoid false alarms, especially while remodeling.

Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to improve the level of your security company performance and your overall safety.

Home Security Options That Will Keep You Safe

Hue & Cry President Michael Culmer recently helped contribute home security information for an article that appeared in the Redding Record Searchlight, a local newspaper in Redding, California. Read the article to learn about security lighting, security systems and more.

Security Question: We need more security at home, but we don’t want more floodlights, which cost a lot to operate. We also want to avoid monitoring charges, if possible. What reasonably priced security options do we have? — Marcus W.

Answer: Most security experts will tell you a well lighted yard is one of the best security options. This is true. However, outdoor lights cost a lot to operate and the electricity usage contributes to air pollution and global warming. Also, bright light creates problems for many animals.

Just one or two low-wattage, shielded outdoor lights in key locations used with motion-sensing fixtures will be adequate deterrents at a reasonable operating cost. Other simple things, such as strong window locks, thorny bushes under windows and secure door deadbolts, help. Master Lock has a new Night Watch deadbolt with a switch that blocks the use of all keys.

A fully monitored security system is your best option if you can afford the monthly monitoring fees. With security alarm labels on all the windows and doors, a would-be thief will have second thoughts about breaking in. If he does get in, the loud siren alarm will scare him off and alert you.

Another advantage of a monitored system is it protects you against more than just break-ins. Smoke alarms are connected to the monitoring station. This is very helpful if a fire starts while you are away at work. If your home has flooding problems, water sensors can be installed.

Many of the major monitored security system control panels are designed to be compatible with X10 transmitters that can turn on lights or other signaling device when the alarm is triggered. This is one of the best deterrents.

As the prices of electronic devices drop, more people are installing outdoor and indoor wireless video camera systems. These small cameras transmit a signal to your television. The new Kwik Peek model (Wireless Imaging) operates for several months on two AA batteries and has an on/off switch. Other indoor models, to monitor children or rooms, can be focused remotely.

Individual battery-operated sensors with a loud built-in siren alarm do not require an expensive central control panel. Window/door and motion-sensing models are available. Using these, you can protect key windows, doors and rooms. They are inexpensive and easy to install. The only drawback is there is no central control to turn them on and off simultaneously.

Another unique device is a barking dog alarm. When it senses someone approaching a door or window, this device emits a loud realistic barking sound. Another device can be hung on a doorknob. If someone jiggles the knob from outside, the alarm sounds.

The following manufacturers offer a full line of security system products but you must still go thru local licensed alarm companies to have the systems installed: Digital Security Controls (www.dsc.com), Honeywell (www.security.honeywell.com), Intermatic (www.intermatic.com), and Wireless Imaging (www.wirelessimaging.com).

Can Building A Fence Add Home Security?

Having a fence, along with a home security system and alarm monitoring, is an excellent way to enhance your home security needs.

A fence is your home’s first line of security. It helps keep unwanted people out of your property and keeps the ones you love – such as children and pets – safe.

Building a fence is more complicated than you may think. It requires a lot of planning and preparation.

There are plenty of options to consider when building a fence. Here are some things to consider if you’re planning to build a fence in your yard:

• Budget: This is probably the most important step. Your budget will determine what materials you use as well as how much of your property you fence in.
• Property Lines: Be sure you know the location of your property boundaries, so you don’t build your fence in your neighbor’s yard.
• Neighbor’s Fence: If your neighbor has a fence. You may want to use materials that match or compliment their fence.
• HOA Building Codes: Depending on where you live, you may have certain city rules or home owner associtation guidelines to follow when building a fence. This may involve building materials, fence height and fence colors.

Following these steps will help you decide what type of fence is best for your home.

It is important to remember, that a fence is only the first step in a long process. Having a complete home security plan is important in preventing burglaries and home invasions.

Make Your New House Safe With These Home Security Tips

When you first move into a new house, it’s important that you take steps to make it secure as soon as possible. The longer you wait, there more chance there is of someone breaking in and stealing you belongings.

We’ve compiled this helpful list of things to do when moving into a new house:

• Change The Locks – It’s always a good idea to change the locks (and garage code if you have one) upon moving in to a new home. You never know who was given keys in the past and it’s better safe than sorry.

• Invest In Quality Locks – Since you’re buying new locks anyways, you might as well get good ones. Check with a qualified locksmith to determine the best locks for you.

• Get Extra Security For Your Doors - Use additional deadbolt locks, door strikes, secure door hinges, and sturdy doors to add extra protection to all entrances to your home.

• Install Impact Resistant Glass – A common way for burglars to enter your home is by breaking the glass near a door and reaching their hand in to unlock the door. By using impact resistant glass you can prevent this from happening.

• Reinforce Your Garage – Install locks on the garage door or use only automatic garage door openers so that thieves can’t simply pull the door open.

• Get Your Home Security System Running – A good home security system is a vital part of keeping you safe from burglars. If there is not already a system installed and operating, contact a home alarm system near you to set one up right away.

How To Protect Your Home While You’re Away

A burglar’s first priority when casing a new home to burglarize is finding a place where no one is around. They know that if they enter a house that is occupied, there’s a good chance that they will be discovered and reported to the police. Rather than risk it, most have simply learned to spot the signs that no one is home and only go after those houses.

That’s why home burglaries are most likely to occur while you’re on vacation and no one is looking after your house. It’s during these times that newspapers and fliers pile up, nobody checks the mail, and lights never seem to turn on. This serves as a beacon to burglars looking for an easy target.

If you are planning to go on vacation or be away for any other reason, here are some easy steps you can take to make your home more secure:

Tell a Trusted Neighbor – Even if you don’t need anything done, let a neighbor you can trust know you’ll be gone. That way, if they see anything odd around your house they will know to call the police.

Have Mail And Newspapers Picked Up – Pausing your mail or newspaper can be a sure sign to burglars that you’re gone. Instead, have a close friend or trusted neighbor pick them up each day and hold on to them for you until you get back. If you’ll be gone during garbage/recycle pick up, ask them to take your bin to and from the curb also.

Have Your Calls Forwarded – Some crafty burglars will call your home number to check if you’re home. If you can have calls forwarded to your cell, you will make them think you’re home just by picking up the phone.

Get Your Lawn Maintained – People who are gone for long periods of time often forget how quickly their lawn can grow. Have a friend or lawn maintenance company keep your lawn looking good while you’re away.

Keep Your Alarm System Running – Don’t forget that a good home alarm system is your best line of defense against burglars. Before you leave on your trip, make sure that your home security system is in good working order and that you arm it as you leave.

Do Security Alarm Systems Fail During Blackouts and Power Outages?

We get a lot of questions from people worried about the effects a blackout or power outage will have on their home security system. What we’ve learned is that many people are under the assumption that if their power goes out, so does their alarm system.

Fortunately for us, this isn’t the case. The engineers of alarm systems were quick to realize that a system that died when power was shut off didn’t really offer much security.

That’s why modern systems are all equipped with battery packs that come pre-installed. If the system is shut down for any reason, the battery immediately kicks in and allows uninterrupted protection and alarm monitoring.

Obviously batteries don’t last forever, but they will last until your power is back on. That way, you don’t have to worry about someone cutting your power, a storm destroying power lines, or any other problems that might occur.

If you’re still worried, ask your security company if your system has a battery installed. Chances are that it does but this may help you feel a little safer. Also make sure that you have regular maintenance on your system and that the battery is changed if it starts to run low.

During the next power outage in your area, don’t worry! You’re still protected.

How to Avoid False Alarms

Follow these simple steps to avoid triggering costly false alarms.

False alarms aren’t good for anyone.

They waste police resources, they’re inconvenient to everyone, and they could result in getting a fine from the police who must respond to the call.

Fortunately, preventing false alarms doesn’t have to be difficult. By following the advice in this post you can significantly cut down on false alarms and make the world a better place for everybody.

There are three general reasons that false alarms occur:

User Error – This can be forgetting to set the home alarm system, having a friend come over who doesn’t know what to do, or a careless child.

Alarm System Issues – These are generally from a poorly designed home security system or one that has not been properly maintained.

Natural Causes – Animals, earthquakes, rain, and other natural issues can cause alarms to go off at the wrong times.

While natural causes are difficult to predict or prevent, both user error and issues with the alarm system can be prevented.

User errors are generally caused by lack of experience or knowledge and are easily preventable. Make sure that everyone who regularly enters your house has memorized the code and knows exactly how to operate the system. Don’t ever give someone a key to your house without first teaching them how to work the system.

Issues with the alarm system can be easily dealt with by ensuring you are working with a reliable alarm company. Make sure that they are well regarded in the community and stand behind their work. If you already have a system installed, have it regularly maintained and inspected by a trained professional.

If you notice that your alarm system is acting abnormally or if it has triggered a false alarm, have your alarm company check the problem immediately to get your system in working order.

10 Qualities Your Security Company Should Have

No matter what your security needs, your security company should have certain qualities that make them experts in their field. The safety of your business could depend on it. Here is a list of 10 qualities that you should look for in your security company:

1. Desire for a long-term relationship – One strength of a security company can be measured by its commitment to your business or organization. The desire for a long-term relationship indicates stability and will let you know that your security company isn’t just a fly-by-night organization.
2. Segment-specific knowledge – A good security company will know your business needs and therefore know what type of protection your business should have.
3. Certification – You should be able to trust that your security company knows what it is doing. The best way to measure this is to check their certifications. Don’t be afraid to ask what professional certifications that your security company’s employees hold.
4. Product Knowledge – Your security company may offer a variety of solutions. However, they should have extensive knowledge of each product that they sell so that they can provide you with the best possible solution for your business’ security needs.
5. Exceptional Customer Service – Once your security system is installed, your relationship with your security company is just beginning. You should be able to count on them to provide you with excellent customer service. Check their website for testimonials from customers to see what kind of customer service they provide.
6. Strong Organizational Skills – Whether you have a large business security system or a small one, your security company should be able to keep on top of your security needs. They should always be abreast of your company’s security solution and should know the nuts and bolts of the security solution that they are providing you with.
7. Strong Portfolio – Your security company should have a healthy portfolio that contains a large variety of business solutions. A strong portfolio will indicate that your security company has the ability to design a security solution that is right for your business.
8. ESP – While no one can actually tell the future, your security company should always have an eye on your business so that they can help your security solution adapt to fit your business needs.
9. Stability – Your security solution will likely include alarm monitoring so it is important to choose a security company that’s been around for awhile. You don’t want to have to switch security companies because your current one disappears so make sure you choose someone with staying power.
10. Industry Knowledge – This one seems like a given. Any security company should know their industry but you would be surprised how many of them just don’t have the information to keep up with changes in the security industry. Make sure your security company employs knowledgeable people who can answer your questions and stay on top of your security needs.

No matter what security company your business chooses, you should be armed with the knowledge to make the right decision about which company to go with. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about any aspect of your security solution – a good company will always have a good answer for any problem that you may encounter.