Author: GuardMe Security

“Smoke detectors save lives”. A clichéd statement to be sure, but an accurate one. The American Red Cross says that the lives of 890 people are saved annually by the presence of a monitored smoke alarm system in the home. Sadly, 3,000 more lives are lost annually by homes that either didn’t have smoke detectors, or had ones that weren’t installed and being used properly. And like other forms of technology, the smoke detector has evolved and improved over time.

Until fairly recently, one’s only smoke detector choice was a disk that issued a shrill audio alarm. These alarms could be triggered by any change in a room’s atmosphere. The result was false alarms caused not just by cooking, but by the steam of a bathroom shower as well. Why was this happening? These smoke detectors were equipped with ionization and photoelectric aerosol sensors, designed to detect aerosol particles (caused by most fires) in the air. Unfortunately not sophisticated enough to distinguish between differences in these particles, these older models reacted constantly and loudly to all of them. As a result, annoyed residents began shutting (and leaving) them off, losing their protection. This became enough of a serious and tragic problem that in 2012, the federal government’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory issued a white paper calling for the development of far more sophisticated smoke detectors for use in residential homes.

And four years later, those detectors are here. “Smart” smoke detectors now on the market don’t just respond to the presence of smoke in the air. They can analyze the composition of what they’re detecting, which means that they can distinguish between dangerous levels of smoke, and small, normal levels that result from frying eggs on a stove top, for example. They can also distinguish between steam and smoke. And these devices have increased their I.Q.s with the aid of WiFi and the Internet, which means that you’re connected to outside assistance through them like never before. These newer smoke detectors are also able to alert residents to the presence of deadly carbon monoxide in rooms. These are all compelling reasons as to why it’s time to replace the detector that you’ve had since 2003 with a “smarter” one. But below are a few more.

“Smart” Smoke Detectors Can Be Monitored By Home Security Systems

This means that those security companies that alert the police when a burglar alarm goes off can also call the fire department for you. Not only that, they can specifically tell authorities in which room or rooms fire is occurring. The result? Quicker emergency service response times, protection for an unoccupied home, and assistance for residents who may be unable to call for help, or unable to exit a home.

“Smart” Smoke Detectors Can Issue More Than One Kind Of Alert

These connected devices can receive warnings over the internet for severe weather conditions such as tornados, and issue them to residents.

“Smart” Smoke Detectors Are Powerful

Are you remembering to check those older model detector batteries annually? Smart detectors, in addition to running off of household electricity, have backup systems powered by lithium batteries. These batteries have a life of between 2-10 years, yet one more “powerful” reason to switch from that older smoke detector to the more sophisticated recent ones.

As a national security company, we start out two steps ahead of other life and property protection companies. We design, install and service virtually any type of system you might need from fire, security and alarm, to access control, video security and central station monitoring. Contact GuardMe today for a complimentary on site analysis of your home or business.

Moving into a new home is an exciting time. It is also a time when most people are understandably distracted with a million details, like turning on utilities, decorating the new home, and unpacking. Unfortunately, criminals know that you are distracted and likely not giving home security much thought. This is what makes new homeowners, and the homes, targets for crime.

Everyone has valuables that they would like to keep in the home and out of the hands of burglars. The more important or valuable the item, the more important it is to keep it secure and out of view. But just how stealthy is that hiding spot? Chances are good that it is more obvious that you’d think.

False alarms are problematic for everyone. They cause the homeowner unnecessary worry and can burden the emergency system, increasing their response times to real emergencies. The good news is that most incidents of false alarms can be avoided by following a few simple tips.

Talk to Your Home Security System Provider

There are many things that can affect your home security system such as whether or not you have pets, or if you have lots of people coming in and your of the home. Talk to your home security provider about how you will use the system. The more information the provider has, the better able they are to configure a system that will fit your needs and avoid the problem of false alarms.

Consider a System with Remote Arm/Disarm Feature

Having remote access to your security system can allow you to disarm it immediately should there be false alarm. You can also use the feature to disarm the system to allow people like babysitters or housekeepers in the home if you are away at work.

Use Home Automation with Security Cameras

Home automation systems can provide users with real time updates when sensors have been tripped and allow them to tap into live images to see if there is a real threat. Law enforcement agencies appreciate live video feed and video verification when a crime is in progress.

Read the User’s Manual

The user’s manual, of course, contains a wealth of information on best operating practices. While it might seem obvious, the manual contains a lot of helpful and sometimes surprising information that can help you avoid inadvertently setting off the alarm.

Train the Users

Make sure that everyone using the system has been properly and thoroughly trained on how to operate it properly.

Know the Codes

The single most common reason for a false alarm is human error. Be sure everyone knows all the relevant codes, including relevant people like the babysitter or other regular and trusted helpers.

Secure Zones Once the System is Turned On

Make sure that every zone is secure before you turn on the alarm. Make sure pets are placed in the appropriate places where they will not trip the alarm, and remember to not re-enter the home once the alarm is set.

Do Not Place Objects In Front of Motion Detectors

Remember not to place anything in front of sensors that might obstruct their effective operation.

Remember the Batteries

Weak batteries can cause false alarms, so be sure to replace them regularly.

If your system is accidentally set off, stay calm. Disarm the system as soon as possible and give us a call. As your security alarm provider, we are always happy to work with you to help prevent or reduce the incidence of false alarms. Call our support or sales department today with any questions or concerns.

To avoid becoming a victim of home burglary, it’s helpful to understand what happens during a robbery. When a burglar looks at your home, does he see himself sneaking away with mounds of easy loot? Inversely, does it look like too much work, too much time and possibly a quick ride in the back of a black and white car? Read on to consider what puts your home into one of these two categories.

Case the joint. A burglary usually begins with the bad guy evaluating the potential target. Are there plenty of bushes around to give cover for someone not wanting to be seen? Can the burglar determine if you are away from home judging by a lack of cars in the driveway and mail overflowing from the mail box? A gate that is left open says that you are careless and you may not have dogs.

Be frightening. This stage is the best time to frighten a crook away. If the prowler can clearly see that you have it together, he may think twice about whether or not your home is the easy payday he is looking for. Motion detecting lights are an unwanted discovery for any burglar. Internet enabled intercom and security cameras make a thief rethink his intentions. Be sure to consider putting a security camera around the back side of your home as well as the front. While you are at it, go down to the local dollar store and buy a big dog food bowl. Set this behemoth sized bowl out where it is visible. The message is clear.

Getting into your home. Most illegal entries will take place from the side of the house that affords bad guys enough privacy to work undetected. A bandit will be looking for an unlocked window or the ever delightful sliding glass door. To prevent your sliding glass door from presenting a security weak point, lock it and use a pole placed in the track to block it shut. You may also consider installing a locking pin in the sliding glass door frame. At this point, an audible security alarm with the control panel mounted out of view is a great deterrent. Arm your alarm every time you leave home and your chances of a burglar completing a robbery at your house go down by roughly 75%.

A burglars first stop is your bedroom. Most burglars assume that the highest value items are kept somewhere in the master bedroom. Items like guns and jewelry are low hanging fruit to an uninvited pilferer. Keep firearms and jewelry safely locked up and in a non-obvious place. If you do have a home safe, be sure to have it attached to the floor to ensure that it isn’t simply carried off.

Time is fleeting. When a burglar feels like he has plenty of time to spare, he will then move on to rummaging through the rest of your house. You can be a frustrating part of your intruders day if you remember to lock up prescription medications and important documents. Always use a password to protect your computer. Put small electronics such as cameras and music players away so that they require more time and motivation to find. Larger electronics such as televisions should be bolted to the wall. Most time-crunched larcenists will not take the time to locate the tools to remove your firmly mounted television.

Tell them to take a hike. The above tips will issue a clear message to a potential thief. That message is usually quite easy to read: “This home is not an easy target.”

For a free home security analysis, contact GuardMe Security today.

Even smaller companies are beginning to realize that upgraded security saves lives, money, and reputations. There are many benefits to implementing a security plan that combines modern technologies into one comprehensive, commercial security system. In an age where every computer can be almost instantly connected to another via the Internet, it makes sense to have various approaches networked into one protective blanket. Automated systems, cameras, and online communication means first responders can be sent video feed along with emergency alerts.

Access to surveillance systems allows police and fire fighting personnel to make an accurate assessment of the situation, and form a plan of action, before even arriving at the scene. Cameras can be triggered and alerts sent to an operations center when there is unauthorized access to a room, a building. and even a particular workstation. A secure area or entire floor can be locked down with a push of a button to isolate and contain the threat. A company’s security can be linked to human resources, cyber security software, and other applications to instantly revoke the credentials of a terminated employee or other interloper to prevent unauthorized computer use, or building access through a swiped key card. New employees can be activated and receive permissions just as easily. Information can be fed to a central processing station or even a single user interface that doesn’t necessarily have to be on site.

A commercial security system can save lives.

A single high-tech security firm could manage multiple client sites from one office, even globally, and simply relay alerts and information to appropriate first responders in the event of an emergency. Hospitals and other organizations are using these PSIM (physical security information management) systems to improve patient care as well as monitor security. Individually coded badges can be worn by staff and visitors to be read by sensors, and the results relayed to operators in order to monitor the person’s location at any time.

At one Veteran’s Administration facility, such a system was able to manage hundreds of cameras and access points. Such potential means a drastic savings in reduced security personnel and property loss. Many organizations tend to focus on only one secure area, such as a server room, to guard against data loss, or an entry point accessible to intruders. But an automated system could easily be expanded to cover an entire building complex. In today’s world of high-tech as well as physical dangers, companies need to get their IT staff together with security, HR, and management to implement a security plan that would benefit everyone across the board.

To schedule a free consultation, contact GuardMe Security today!

The time is almost here where dozens of kids in your own neighborhood will be pounding the pavement to collect their sugary dues. While children are excited for all of the treats, criminals are equally excited for the opportunities that arise during Halloween. From unlocked doors for parties to unmonitored homes and streets full of individuals lurking in costumes, it is the perfect time to burglarize. You can protect your home and your family by implementing a few essential safety measures.

Protecting Your Home and Loved Ones During Halloween

During Halloween time, it is easy to spot who is home and who is out enjoying the holiday. Thieves can blend in effortlessly, so take extra precautions to thwart their attempts.

• Park Your Car in the Garage – Do not leave your car outside to become a target. Instead, park it in the garage where thieves will not have access to it.
• Motion and Spot Lights – Install or activate your home’s motion sensor lights to discourage burglars and pranksters from entering your property. Lighting can also make your home safer for trick-or-treaters to approach.
• Keep an Eye on Time – Most trick-or-treaters are gone by 8:00 to 9:00pm. After that, anyone wandering the streets may be considered a “risk” and kept an eye on.
• Lock Up – Lock all windows and doors whether you are home or not.
• Make Your Home Look Occupied – If you are out trick-or-treating, at a party or away for the weekend, make your home look occupied by activating your home automation system. That includes turning on the lights at night, having your TV operate, etc.
• Arm Your Home Security System – Do not forget to activate your home security system, whether you are home or away.
• Inspect Your Child’s Treats – Your children will receive plenty of candy this Halloween. Before they consume any of it, inspect each individual package for signs of tampering.
• Create a Trick-or-Treating Route – Sit down with your children and map out a safe route so you know which way they are headed and where they will be. If your children are trick-or-treating with friends, make sure to get an itinerary from the supervising parents.

Protecting your home and loved ones during Halloween does not have to be spooky. By taking precautions now, you can have a safe, fun Halloween season.

You know your home should have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. However, if they are placed inadequately or non-functioning, they may not alert you of a fire, especially while you are asleep. Proper placement, maintenance and monitoring are important to protect you and your loved ones, no matter what hour of the day a fire breaks out.

Some Statistics to Consider

According to FEMA, three out of five home fire-related deaths occur in homes without working smoke detectors. More than one-third of home fire-related deaths are the result of fires where no smoke detectors were installed. Also, the risk of dying in a home fire can be dramatically reduced just by installing and maintaining your home’s smoke detectors.

How to Ensure Your Smoke Detectors Do Their Job

A home should never have just one smoke detector. Instead, multiple alarms should be installed. Because half of home fire-related deaths occur between the hours of 11:00pm and 7:00am, it is even more important that you have enough alarms to notify those that are asleep. Some things to consider include:

• Every Room – Install smoke detectors inside every room and outside every sleeping area. Every level of the home, including your basement and attic should have working smoke detectors.
• Interconnected Units – Consider installing interconnected smoke alarms. This means that if one alarm sounds in one corner of the house, the rest of the alarms will start to go off as well, ensuring you will hear that alarm regardless of where you are.
• Test – Alarms should be tested once a month and batteries replaced as needed or at a minimum of once a year.
• Replace – Your smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years to ensure they stay in working order.
• Children – Even if you hear the alarm, do not assume small children will. Instead, have a plan in place to wake and help those smaller children to safety when an alarm sounds at night.

Having a residential home fire alarm can help reduce the risks of a fire going unnoticed. GuardMe Security can install our all-points fire protection, which includes smoke detectors on every floor and within critical areas. Using the latest technology, these systems not only alert you at the first sign of fire, but will also alert emergency personnel. You will not have to worry about missing the beep while you sleep!