How to Determine Your Home Security System Needs

When it comes to selecting the right home security system, you really want to take your time. Hiring the wrong company can really lead to some expensive headaches.

To find the right company that meets your home security system needs, you’ll want to figure out these four things before talking with any companies.

• Access Protection – Figure out which doors and windows will need alarm protection. The size of your home will help you figure out how may switches you need. At a minimum, you’ll want switches on all doors and entry ways.

• Think about Your Lifestyle – Your family’s lifestyle will play a big part in your home security system. Do you need a system with home automation to control appliances and entertainment systems? Do you want to keep track of children and teens with home monitoring or security cameras? These are all things that you should consider. 

• Have an Idea about Controls – Where is the most convenient place for a security system control panel in your home? Most families want the control panel near the door that they regularly use. Some want multiple control panels. It all depends on your preferences and budget. 

• Look for Security Issues – Before a security system company even visits your home, you’ll want to look for areas that you’ll want to protect. For instance, is there a back window with plenty of shade where a burglar could hide and enter your home? These are the types of things that you’ll want to think about as you examine your home.

Following these tips will help you determine your home security needs. When you’re ready to talk, contact Hue & Cry, Inc. We offer the best home security system solutions for homeowners in Northern California and Oregon. Find out more by visiting www.HueAndCry.com.

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.

The Benefits of a Home Security System

We talk a lot on our blog about all types of tips and ways to keep your home safe. Whether it’s motion activated lighting or getting a small dog, we’ve talked about it on our blog.

While all of these things help to make your home secure, the number one thing you should consider is a home security system.

If you talk to any police officer, they will tell you that most burglars are looking for easy targets.

• They’re looking for homes where the owners are on vacation.
• They’re looking for homes with unlocked doors and windows.
• They’re looking for homes without security systems.

Having a home security system with home security monitoring is a great deterrent against burglaries. Why? Because burglars as mentioned before are looking for easy targets.

When considering a home security system, take some time to consider all of your options.

Security systems also make your daily lives easier. There are keyless entry options, similar to the ones you use with your car.

There are security camera surveillance options that can allow you to monitor the perimeter of your home. There are also automated systems that allow you control lighting, security, heating and cooling as well as entertainment from one central location.

There are plenty of statistics out there that confirm the importance of having a home security system. But what matters most is the feeling that your home will be protected when you’re at work or when you’re on vacation with the family.

How To Avoid Holiday Fires

The holiday season is upon us and with it comes Christmas trees, menorahs and presents. But before you get too wrapped up in the holiday season, take a minute to think about holiday fire safety.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, fires during the holidays claim the lives of more than 400 people and cause more than $900 million in damage. Common causes of holiday fires include:

• Christmas trees
• Holiday lights
• Candles
• Fireplaces

To help keep your family safe during the holiday season, we recommend the following fire safety tips.

Christmas Trees

• If you purchase an artificial Christmas tree, look for a fire resistant tree.
• If you purchase a real Christmas tree, be sure it is fresh and not dried out.
• Keep your Christmas tree away from fireplaces and radiators.
• Do not place lights with frayed wires on the Christmas tree.

Lights/Fireplace

• Never leave lights on when you leave your home or go to bed.
• Do not place electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become electrically charged and you can get shocked.
• Do not use nails or tacks to hang outdoor lighting. Use insulated staples.
• Use only three sets of lights for each extension chord.
• Avoid using candles. If you decide to use candles, do not leave them unattended.
• Never leave a fireplace unattended and do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace.

Most importantly, make sure your smoke detectors are properly working during the holiday season.

Also, always be sure your home security system is properly working to help alert authorities. If you’re a small business owner also be sure to make sure your fire alarm system is properly working. You can apply these tips to your business as well.

Following these tips will help keep your family and home safe during the holidays.

Fire Alarm Systems Provide Early Warning To Employees And Fire Departments

We have talked a lot about business security solutions and the benefits of a home security system. However, it is important not to forget about fire alarm systems for your business.

The threat of fire for any business is real. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, direct property loss because of fires was estimated at $12.5 billion in 2009. A fire can be devastating to any business.

In August, a fire ripped through a string of buildings in Fullerton, Calif. According to the Orange Country Register, six businesses were destroyed with at least $2.2 million in damages. A clothing store, a restaurant and a hair salon were among the businesses lost in the fire.

To help prevent the catastrophic loss of valuable assets, lost revenue and most importantly life, a professionally installed fire alarm system can help provide early warning.

Benefits of professionally installed fire alarms include:

• Sprinkler system supervision
• Periodic inspections, testing and maintenance
• 24-hour monitoring
• Support initiating devices

If fire fighters arrive early enough, priceless business assets can be saved. When considering a fire alarm system be sure to consult with a professional to see what is best for your business.

Another benefit of having a fire alarm system professionally installed is the professional relationship some alarm companies have with local fire authorities.

When looking for a fire alarm company, you want to work with one that has a good-standing relationship with local fire authorities. This can help to prevent any code issues that can arise.

The Best Halloween Home Safety Tips That Protect Your Property

Homeowners sometimes let their guard down during holidays, especially Halloween. During Halloween, homes are more likely to be targets of pranks that cause property damage.

While a great home security system can go a long way in protecting your home, you’ll need to take a few extra precautions during Halloween. For those participating and those not participating in the Halloween festivities, we recommend the following tips:

• Keep your house well lighted: A well-lit home will protect against vandalism and allow trick-or-treaters to safely walk to your doorstep.
• Avoid burning candles: Candles are great decorations. Unfortunately, candles are fire hazards. We recommend using decorative lighting instead. For jack-o-lanterns, place a flashlight inside the carved pumpkin.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets: Placing too many Halloween lighting plugs in an outlet is a fire hazard.
• Do not place decorations near the street: Halloween decorations near the street are easy targets of vandalism.
• Keep pets inside: On Halloween, keep all your pets inside and away from trouble. There is always the possibility your pet could bite a visitor. Your pets could also get excited because of visitors and run away.
• Stay in town: For those of you thinking of going on a trip. It’s better to stay home and watch your house. If you have to go somewhere, be sure your home alarm system is properly working and you have plenty of lighting around your home.
• Hand out the candy: Do not leave an unattended bowl of candy on your doorstep. This signals the home is vacant or the homeowner is not nearby. Vandalism could occur.
• Have an adult watching the home: It’s better to have an adult at your home handing out candy than a teenager. An adult can better handle various safety situations that may come up.
• Create a safe path to your home: Move anything such as flowerpots, decorations, cables, etc. that someone could potentially trip on while walking to your home in the dark.

Following these tips will go a long way in protecting your property this Halloween. Remember, Halloween is for the children, so don’t let your safety plan scare the kids away.

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.

How Motion Activated Lighting Can Help Keep Your Family Safe

Motion activated-lighting has become a popular tactic that homeowners use to enhance their home’s security. When coupled with a home alarm system, motion-activated lighting can be a useful security feature.

When using motion-activated lighting, you want to strategically place lights on different areas of your property. A common mistake homeowners typically make with motion-activated lighting is that they do not have enough lights for their property or they place sensors in the wrong places.

When installing motion-activated lighting, you want to take the following steps:

• Place motion lighting sensors near doorways
• Place motion lighting sensors near windows
• Place motion lighting sensors on all sides of your home
• Place motion lighting sensors near your driveway

By placing motion lighting in these areas, burglars will not be able to hind in the darkness, while breaking into your home. Motion lighting also helps you find your way around the property when it is dark.

There are plenty of lighting options to choose from. Based on your budget, you can find some very decorative lighting that will enhance your landscaping.

When you combine motion-sensor lighting with a home security system, your home is a lot safer. Motion-sensor lighting is a good first line of defense in protecting your home at night.

Some Inexpensive Home Security Tips

Last week, we looked at how security mirrors can be a cost-effective solution for small businesses looking to beef up their security. This week, we thought we would examine some cost-effective solutions that work well with a home security system.

In addition to security alarm systems, the list below can add to your home security plan.

• Dogs: Large and even small dogs are great at alerting you of strangers approaching your home. Be sure to do your research on what breeds are better guard dogs. If you don’t want a dog, but want the security, you should buy a “Beware of Dog” sign.
• Yard: Landscaping is a great way to protect your home against a burglary. Burglars are less likely to break into a home that looks like people are home. Most burglars are looking for easy opportunities.
• Mail and Newspapers: If you’re going on vacation, be sure to stop your mail and newspaper delivery.
• Lighting: A well-lit yard makes it difficult for burglars to hide. Security lighting is a must have in rural areas where there are not many streetlights.
• Locks: This may seem obvious, but many homes do not have properly functioning locks on all of their doors and windows. One unlocked door or window is all it takes for a burglar to enter you home.

These are just a few cost-effective options to keep your home secure and safe. What are some of the things you do to keep your home safe?

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.