1st Alarm Amarillo Home Security Systems Archives - Page 2 of 20

Wireless Home Security Systems Are Simple And Affordable In Amarillo Texas

Recent advances in digital technology have made wireless home security systems possible throughout the Amarillo TX area. Once upon a time, home security systems were reserved for large corporations. Now wireless home security systems are a simple, affordable way to protect virtually any home or apartment.

Simple installation, upgrading, and maintenance

Wired security systems are expensive and invasive and are time consuming to install. With a wireless system, there is very little risk of having to drill holes in the walls or ceiling. The average homeowner can get the entire wireless home security system up and running in a single afternoon. You’ll have complete control over the placement of the door and window sensors, motion detectors, video cameras, and other security features, ensuring you receive full security for your property.

Better protection

Standard wired home security system leave a homeowner susceptible to theft and vandalism when the phone line, power grid, or internet connection is severed. Criminals are aware of these risks and may cut a line or other connection before attempting to break into a home. Wireless home security systems boast battery powered backup that keeps running even when the power goes out. Some wireless systems also offer protection against “crash and smash attacks,” alerting authorities of issues even when the security panel is damaged or destroyed. Over time, your security needs may change or you may decide to upgrade your equipment. A wireless home security system makes it easy to remove and add components as needed without switching out the entire system. Most major home security system providers have dedicated maintenance staff on call to address any issues that arise so you receive professional service in a timely fashion.

Remote monitoring capability

No one wants to stress about the state of their home when they’re in meetings all day for work or out of town for a vacation. You can pair your wireless security system with virtually any smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access to monitor the property remotely. Check out what’s going on inside or outside the home via the live feed or pull up archived footage. In addition to making sure that no one is breaking into the home or vandalizing the property, you’ll know exactly what’s going on with your kids, pets, and elderly family members.

Smart home capability

Wireless home security systems are able to sync with modern smart home features so you can control varying home systems from your smartphone or tablet. You’ll be able to arm and disarm the security system, turn on and off lights, adjust the temperature and humidity, lock and unlock the doors, and more. You can also equip your system to send text or email alerts in the event of unusual activity. While your son may have simply left the door ajar while he took the dog for a walk, an open door may also indicate a burglar in the home.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best security alarm team and is the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region

If you are looking to install a new security system or security cameras in your business or business, make sure to do your research on the best security companies in the Amarillo, Texas area. Look for a professional that can get the job done right the first time, and ensure that your investment is protected all hours of the day.

At 1st Alarm Amarillo, security is our #1 priority and we’re sure that after you speak with us that 1st Alarm will be your 1st choice to protect your business, business, family, and the people and property that matter most to you.

The 1st Alarm Amarillo professionals have the expertise and resources to help you secure your property quickly and affordably. To learn more about our residential services, request a quote online or visit us at our conveniently located office. If you are considering adding a security system or a security camera to your business or business, contact the security experts at 1st Alarm Amarillo. We have the expertise and technology to help you secure your premises at an affordable price. 1st Alarm Amarillo can help you with all of your security needs. Call 800-276-5559 today. Request a Quote online or come by the office located at 800 SW 7th Avenue in Amarillo, Texas.

The Best Option To Protect Your Employees, Customers And Property Is A Commercial Video Surveillance System Installed In Your Amarillo Texas Business

For businesses in Amarillo TX, commercial video surveillance systems are the best option for providing excellent security to protect customers, employees and property. Video surveillance systems are visible throughout your business and great for deterring possible theft. If a break-in or vandalism occurs, video surveillance allows you to deliver high quality evidence to the police so they can catch the perpetrator. In the case of employee theft or misconduct, reviewing video feeds from your surveillance system may confirm or revoke your suspicions. Video surveillance is also helpful for monitoring many areas in large spaces, giving your security team the visuals they need to notice unusual activity or potential threats.

Deter Theft with Video Surveillance Systems

With visible cameras throughout your Amarillo business, potential burglars may be deterred from even stepping foot on your property. In retail spaces, security cameras are great for preventing shoplifters. If you have a large number of employees, cameras can also be a great tool for preventing employee misconduct, tardy employees or employee theft.

Record 24/7 With Video Surveillance

If a break-in happens at your business, whether during or after business hours, your video surveillance system will record every minute of the event. Turn over your video recordings to assist the police in catching the perpetrator. If theft is suspected of an employee or customer, video recordings can help you confirm your suspicions. Using cameras throughout your business is also useful for other situations – such as an employee or customer accidents.

Video Surveillance Gives You More Eyes

Monitoring every room, hallway and entryway of a large office building, retail space or warehouse is a hard task for any security team. Give your security crew more “eyes” in and around the building with a video surveillance system. Camera monitoring allows break-ins to be responded to immediately, vandalism to be reported and dangerous situations to be avoided. Cameras are even useful for preventing disasters like fires and floods. With video surveillance, your Amarillo security team will be able to pinpoint where a fire has broken out or if a break room sink is overflowing.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best security alarm team and is the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region

Don’t Put Off Installing A Commercial Security System In Your Amarillo Texas Business Instead Take Advantage Of Continuous Security Monitoring Today

Many Amarillo TX business owners have been putting off getting a commercial security system because they are concerned about the effectiveness of remote monitoring stations or their own ability to monitor their businesses’ security. You may have heard about smart commercial security systems but don’t really know what they are – or how they can help keep you, your employees and property safe. Not only do these commercial security systems increase the safety of your business, but they are convenient and super easy to use.Well now is the time to think about a modern monitored commercial security system from 1st Alarm.

Modern smart commercial security systems

It wasn’t that long ago that a commercial security system needed to be hardwired into Amarillo TX business. It was quite a process. In fact, as recently as ten years ago business owners didn’t have the ability to manage their own commercial security system – at all. Today, modern smart commercial security systems employ technology that allows Amarillo TX business owners to have a security system that can be monitored and controlled by using virtually any smart device such as a mobile phone, tablet or computer.

Remote monitoring

Your business and property are usually the biggest investments you will ever make, so it’s important to do everything you can to keep it and the people inside safe. With the advances made in smart business technology, you are able to keep an eye on what is going on at your Amarillo TX business from anywhere. Smart commercial security systems don’t stop with security. Special sensors can notify you if there is a fire, water leaking or flooding occurring in your business. They are also able to detect carbon monoxide leaks in your business. These sensors can even be programmed to give you an automatic alert if they detect a drop-in water temperature – no more frozen pipes.

Don’t be another statistic on a crime report

According to 2016 property crime rate statistics reported by the FBI, an estimated 2,450 offenses were documented per 100,000 residential or commercial properties. Property crime includes theft, motor vehicle theft, burglary and arson. Nothing can guarantee that your Amarillo TX business won’t be the target of crime but there are steps you can take to make your business and property safer. When you have a smart commercial security system, you are able to see for yourself what is taking place – and gain peace of mind whenever your or your employees are present as well as after hours when no one is – or should be – around.

Professional installation

Wireless commercial security systems are easier to install than the traditional hard-wire systems – but they still need to be installed by a professional. Installation of any type of commercial security system is best left to the experts. They will show you how your system is programmed and how to access it remotely with your mobile device or computer. The professionals at 1st Alarm Amarillo will help you set up passwords and understand how the system processes information for you to access. Many Amarillo business owners who have a smart commercial security system installed have found that they are pleased with being able to retain control of monitoring their commercial security. Talk to the pros at 1st Alarm Amarillo and let them show you how a smart commercial security system will keep your business from becoming a crime statistic.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best security alarm team and is the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region

Commercial Security System Signs Put Would-Be-Intruders On Notice That Your Amarillo Texas Business Is Protected

Commercial security signs put potential threats on notice that your Amarillo TX business is protected and that every move of any would-be intruder is being monitored. It is an additional deterrent to thefts and break ins that no business should be without, but it only works if the sign is visible and easy to spot. Toward that goal, the following are the best places to place your commercial security sign for maximum effect.

Commercial security signs In 1st floor level windows

1st floor level windows are a common point of entry for burglars. This makes them the ideal place to position commercial security signs alerting them of the presence of a commercial security system. Stickers or decals should be placed on every window so that they are easily visible to anyone within 5 to 10 feet of the window.

Commercial security signs on front, side and rear facing doors

The front door is an important place to position a commercial security sign because it is where the vast majority of normal traffic enters your business. It’s useful to have one here to prevent “casing” that can occur when thieves drop by to test the security.

Where commercial security signs really matter is on side doors and rear doors. These areas are not commonly cased before a burglary and because of their relative protection from passerby and street traffic, they are an easier target than front doors. The best place to position the sign is right above the door handle where it will have maximum visibility even in the dark.

Doors to the business located to the side or rear of your Amarillo TX business are a popular point of entry because there is less chance of detection from the street or neighbors. Window stickers should not be placed at the bottom or top of these doors, but rather right above the handle because this is one place they won’t go unnoticed.

Commercial security signs along sidewalks and parking lots

Staking commercial security signs at the entry sidewalk or at the end of the entrance drive into a parking lot immediately notifies anyone entering your Amarillo TX property that the business is protected. These commercial security signs provide a first line of defense that few thieves will want to challenge.

The Importance of Illuminating your Commercial security signs

Most Amarillo TX burglaries and business break ins occur after the sun has gone down. For this reason, the importance of lighting cannot be overstated. The exterior of your business should be fitted with motion activated exterior lighting. This provides a “surprise” when they are triggered and when the lighting illuminates your commercial security signs indicating the presence of a commercial security system, it provides an added deterrent because would-be thieves know that the business has multiple security features that must be overcome to gain entry. In most cases, burglars will simply move along rather than go through the hassle and face the risk of detection.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best security alarm team and is the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region

Digital Technology Has Made Installing Commercial Access Control In Your Amarillo Texas Business Simple And Affordable

Digital technology has made commercial access control a simple, affordable feature to add on to any modern wireless business security system. When Amarillo TX business owners are in the market for security systems, typically, commercial access control isn’t their first priority. However, once you’ve learned about the benefits of these smart business features, you won’t be able to imagine a business security system without commercial access control. As you weigh varying business security systems, consider the following advantages commercial access control has to offer.

Don’t worry about tracking who has keys to the business

Tracking keys can be time consuming, expensive and doesn’t always work. With commercial access control you can determine who should have access and when they should have access and the system controls everything else. Doors are automatically unlocked and locked with a record of everyone that comes in and leaves.

Arm and disarm your business security system from any location

Generally, when you’re away from your Amarillo TX business, you’ll want to keep the security system enabled at all times. However, there may be instances where it would be helpful to disarm the system temporarily, such as to let a worker gain access outside of normal working hours. It couldn’t be more convenient to switch the system on and off from your mobile device.

Commercial access control saves energy while making your business more secure

Not only can you protect your business with a commercial access control system but you also provide protection for your employees since no unauthorized personnel can gain entry. Your Amarillo TX business will have a safety barrier around at all times.

Monitor traffic into and out of your business

No matter where you are in the world you can track who is coming and going at your business. If workers are scheduled to do repair work, you can grant temporary access and even know if and when they showed up. In the event of a problem that requires personnel in your business to be evacuated you can use your commercial access control system to verify everyone has in fact left the building.

Commercial access control combined with commercial security provides you with peace of mind

A modern wireless commercial security system with commercial access control in Amarillo TX allows you to sleep better at night. You can’t put a price tag on your peace of mind. Whether you’re at work or on vacation, you’ll feel good, knowing that both your property and your employees are safe.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best security alarm team and is the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region

Investing In A Commercial Security System Is The Best Plan For Securing Your Amarillo Texas Business And Property

A commercial security system is an investment for any business, regardless of the size and scope of the company. When you haven’t had any incidents of theft or vandalism, it can be easy to keep putting off installing a system. However, you never know when an issue will arise. The sooner you install a commercial security system, the sooner you gain peace of mind about the wellbeing of your Amarillo Tx company. While you will face upfront costs and continuing monthly fees, the benefits far outweigh these expenses.

Commercial security systems deter potential thieves

The mere presence of a commercial security system is enough to send most burglars running in the other direction. Nine times out of ten, when a criminal is looking for a Amarillo TX business to rob or vandalize, he’ll choose the one without a security system. Display your commercial security system provider sign prominently on the premises, and situate a couple of video surveillance cameras in highly visible locations so there is no question your company is operating a security system.

Commercial security systems with video surveillance keep employees accountable

Each year employers lose thousands of dollars due to theft within their companies. While a commercial security system isn’t foolproof against all crime, it greatly reduces the incidence of theft in the workplace. When employees know there are security cameras running around the clock, they’re less likely to steal supplies from the breakroom or engage in extended personal phone calls during office hours. If you do suspect theft or vandalism, you’ll have the video footage to investigate the matter right away, potentially preventing a minor incident from turning into repeat offenses or spiraling into major criminal activity.

Commercial security systems with video surveillance protect against liability claims

When you’re faced with a liability claim, it’s your word against the customer’s or employee’s word, which makes for a sticky situation. Surveillance footage takes the guesswork out of the claim. If an employee is filing a harassment suit against another employee or a customer believes it’s the company’s fault that he fell in the parking lot, you’ll be able to review the appropriate footage and approve or deny the claim.

Commercial security systems protect against fire and carbon monoxide poisoning

Modern wireless commercial security systems have the capacity to include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as part of the system. In the event an issue arises, a detector installed in the system contacts the Amarillo TX authorities immediately and notifies the business, ensuring a rapid response time. You’ll receive the help you need as soon as you need it, even after business hours, when it might otherwise take hours for someone to notice a problem and then alert the authorities.

Offers insurance discounts

Most major insurance providers offer discounts to Amarillo businesses with commercial security systems. Depending on the type of system you install, you may be eligible for a discount up to ten percent. Video surveillance cameras and other types of upgrades may yield even deeper discounts. After you’ve installed your new commercial security system, talk to your insurance provider about your eligibility.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best security alarm team and is the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region

Critical Home Security Steps You Must Follow If You Want To Keep Your Amarillo Texas Family Safe

It is never too early to teach your children about the importance of home security. Because there will be times when they may be home alone, the following are some home security tips that you can teach your children to use to protect themselves and your Amarillo TX home while you are away at work or out running errands.

How the Alarm System Operates

Children should have a basic understanding of what the home security alarm does and how they can activate it. Teaching them how to activate the system and trigger alarms gives them the ability to protect themselves while you are away.

Stranger danger

Children should know from an early age that strangers should always be viewed with a skeptical eye. Most importantly, they should be taught never to open the door or allow access to the home for someone they don’t know.

Loose Lips and Sinking Ships

Home security systems can be defeated by criminals who know the pass codes and details of your Amarillo TX home security system. For this reason, children should be coached on the importance of keeping this information private and secure. Most importantly, they should be taught not write the passcodes down or share them with friends.

Fire Safety

Home fires are among the greatest threats to children’s safety. Children should be taught not to use potential fire starters including irons, fireplaces, stoves, etc. while mom and dad are away from the home. It is also crucial that parents teach their children how to utilize fire extinguishers, how 911 operates, etc. Most importantly, it is important to teach children how to safely evacuate the home and seek help from trusted neighbors.

Cameras and Recording Devices

Children should be taught how the security cameras operate and it should be impressed upon them that these devices are not toys that should be touched or otherwise adjusted for playtime purposes.

Remembering the Details

Teaching children to take note of strange events can help keep them safe. They should be taught how to remember details about the clothing and appearance of strangers who come to the home. They should also be taught how to record the license plates and other identifying information of automobiles that suspicious individual’s may park in your driveway or on your street.

See Something, Say Something

Children should be made to feel safe by informing you of things they notice around the home and in your Amarillo TX neighborhood. While most security leads they provide will be rather mundane coffee talk, things like seeing strange cars driving slowly through the neighborhood, strangers peeking over fences, etc. can alert you to the presence of ne’er do wells in the area.

How and When to Dial 911

Whether they are home alone or whether because you are incapacitated, knowing how and when to dial 911 can save lives. Children should be taught how to use your cell phone and how to share the necessary information with a 911 operator. Similarly, children should be taught to memorize your address and phone numbers

Social Media Security

What children post and who they share it with is something that should be closely monitored. Bragging, boasting, and lazy security online can expose your home, and your children, to harm.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best security alarm team and is the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region

Amarillo Texas Homeowners Should Not Wonder If A Home Security System System Will Keep Them Safe They Should Know By Calling 1st Alarm

Many Amarillo TX homeowners wonder whether a home security system really will keep them safe and prevent their possessions from taking an unauthorized trip down the road. The fact is that there are an estimated 2 million home burglaries in the United States each year. That is a rate of approximately one unauthorized entry every 13 seconds. Of thieves who are arrested and convicted, the vast majority state that they sought to enter homes that did not have home security systems. While police work hard to apprehend thieves, only about 13% are ever arrested, tried, and convicted. That is not surprising given the fact that only about 17% of American homes are equipped with a home security system.

No Home Security Systems Equals Easy Entry

FBI statistics show that Amarillo TX homes without home security systems are 300% more likely to experience a break-in. That is because a home without monitored security cameras, motion activated lights, panic buttons, etc. are “soft targets” that allow thieves to enter the home, move freely, and escape before their presence is detected. The harder it is to gain entry and spend time scouring cabinets, drawers, etc., the less appealing the home is to thieves who want to get in and get out quickly.

Habits Make a Difference

However, home security systems alone are not enough to protect you or your Amarillo TX property. Approximately 30% of burglaries occur when thieves gain entry via unlocked doors and windows. Thus, it is crucial to get into the habit of locking down the home and not relying solely on motion activated lights and security alarms. Indeed, each component is part of the barrier that keeps thieves out of your home.

Property isn’t the Only Valuable Variable

It is not just your possessions that thieves can gain access to. Indeed, identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the country. Thieves gaining access to mail, credit cards, social security cards, and other sensitive materials can use that information to create a nearly flawless copy of your identity. If caught quickly, this information can be locked down and secured, but the hassle and headaches can continue for years after the initial break-in and theft.

Daytime is the Most Dangerous Time

Most break ins don’t occur at night. They occur during the day when children are at school and parents are at work. This leaves your Amarillo TX home unprotected and provides plenty of time for thieves to move around the home without being detected. The risk goes up if there’s clear evidence the family is on vacation such as newspapers piling up, landscaping not being maintained, or social media posts boasting of vacation activities.

Appearances Matter

While you may be tempted to keep up with the Jones’, it’s not advisable to flaunt wealth or possessions. Keeping valuables out of sight, not leaving expensive packaging beside the trash can, and displaying home security stickers on the windows and doors can diminish the appeal of your home and deter thieves from attempting entry.

Home security systems are strong deterrents to burglars. However, it is not enough to prevent a burglary on its own. Preventing a break in requires installation of quality locks, usage of those locks, installation of a monitored home security system, and developing habits that reduce the curb appeal of your home to thieves.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best security alarm team and is the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region

The Security Needs Of Your Amarillo Texas Are Unique Making Choosing The Best Commercial Security System Company Very Important

There are plenty of choices to choose from when it comes to commercial security systems for small businesses in Amarillo, Texas. However, that doesn’t mean that every choice is right for your business. Indeed, the needs of each business can vary significantly and it’s important to select a commercial security system company in Amarillo TX that offers the features and options that are most appropriate for your industry and the threats you face.

One of the first questions businesses should ask is whether the commercial security system company is licensed by the State of Texas. This is crucial as it not only ensures the company complies with local regulations, it protects the business from potential legal pitfalls should a break-in occur.

Next, businesses should consider the assets that they want to protect and whether the security company in Amarillo TX offers industry specific security solutions such as alarmed cases, low-light security cameras, motion activated security cameras for warehouses, etc. Because the needs of each business vary, it’s crucial to sit down prior to making a selection and identify the specific threats to your business and determine what features you need that will protect the structure, inventory, and personnel from everything from fire to armed intruders.

It is also important to consider the capabilities of the commercial security system. Can they transmit information to your smartphone? What types of customer support do they offer? How secure are their systems and are they vulnerable to hacking and other threats that can knock the security offline? Does the company make it easy to enter and remove passcodes as employees come and go from the company? Answering these questions can help narrow your search down to a handful of highly qualified commercial security system providers in your area.

If you are leasing your retail, warehouse, or office location, you will also need to clear your choice of commercial security system company in Amarillo TX with building management. You will want to determine what features you can install, whether or not you are obligated by the terms of your lease to utilize their security provider, and what costs you will incur for installation and removal of the system should you leave the location. In cases where you can install your own system, it’s recommended to choose a wireless system as this can make installation and removal easier which can reduce the overall cost of security to your business. For these and many other reasons, the majority of commercial security system companies these days offer various forms of wireless security so this should be relatively easy to accomplish.

It is also advisable to contact your insurance provider. They may have a list of requirements your commercial security system company must meet in order for you to qualify for discounts to your premiums and deductibles. In some cases, they may also have a list of recommended providers in your area that you will want to contact early on in your research.

Finally, consider the commercial security system company’s reputation. It is always advisable to speak with other business owners in the area that depend on the security provider’s services. These conversations can help you determine whether the company stands by the pledges and promises they make to clients.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best security alarm team and is the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region

A Home Security System May Save Your Life Or The Life Of A Loved One In Amarillo Texas

Most people invest in home security systems in Amarillo TX to prevent burglary and vandalism. When a thief goes onto your property, there’s always a chance that he might try to harm a member of your family. While there is no denying the importance of a home security system, it is far from the only safety feature modern alarm systems provide.

Don’t become the victim

Most burglars want to get in and out of an Amarillo TX home as quickly as possible. The sooner they can grab a valuable item and get out again, the less likely it is that they’ll run into a family member or pet. It’s rare that a thief will seek out a homeowner for confrontation or attempt to assault a human or animal. As such, the mere presence of a home security system is enough to send most criminals running in the other direction. When the presence of the home security system isn’t sufficient to scare the burglar, a monitored system will detect the burglar is on the premises and send help as quickly as possible.

Smoke and fire alerts

The saying “where there is smoke, there is fire” applies to heat, which means heat detection is crucial to fire prevention. Modern home security systems are also equipped with heat detectors, which allow the system to contact the authorities immediately. It takes just 30 seconds for a small flame to explode into a full-blown fire. Within minutes, the entire house has filled with thick, black smoke, leaving the residents unable to breathe. A home security system will alert the local authorities faster than a homeowner would have time to make the call. You can use this extra time to ensure you and your family exit your home safely.

Harmful gas detection

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas found in combustion fumes. There are a number of common household items that can release carbon monoxide, including but not limited to, furnace heating systems, gas stove ranges, and wood and charcoal burning stoves. Installing a carbon monoxide detector as part of your Amarillo TX home security system enables you and an emergency team to receive an alert as soon as a gas leak is detected.