Your Home Security System Could Save Your Life

Many people dismiss the idea of a home security system because of the cost. While it does take time and money to install and monitor a home security system, living without a home security system may cost you much more. Whenever people search for new homes for sale kansas city ks, security is always an important factor to consider. Most people are aware of the basic protection that a home security system offers. While this protection is key for safe, comfortable living at home, a modern home security system offers a number of additional benefits, some of which could save your life in the event of an emergency.

A home security system can prevent you from becoming the victim of a home invasion

Most burglars simply want a quick in and out opportunity where they can steal some valuables and easily converted them into cash. They are not looking for confrontation and will typically go out of their way to ensure they do not engage the homeowner or any occupants of the targeted property. When a burglar detects the presence of a home security system, they typically find another target. There are some instances where the burglar is armed and very dangerous to any person they might encounter while breaking into a home. While the percentage is not that high, you need to deter these very bad people from targeting your home and your family. Some people can and will choose to train themselves for this possibility or to create a strategy for these scenarios. Thanks to experts discussing these situations online (https://threatscenarios.com/ being but one of them) the average citizen can get a good insight into what could happen without having to live through it. There are other options, however, for if you’re not at home. A home security system can help accomplish this life saving measure. If a home security system is detected, even the most brazen burglar will avoid the risk of being caught or detected. There is now an ai security camera can help you to detect weapons on burglars so if you are unfortunate enough to encounter an armed burglar in the act, your panic code will bring help right away. This result could be the deciding factor in saving your life and that of your loved ones.

A home security system can provide early warning in the event of a fire

The average homeowner relies on a smoke alarm to warn of a fire outbreak. However, a home security system can offer an even earlier warning. A monitored home security system alerts home residents of heat sources and the presence of smoke before contacting the authorities. The saying “where there is smoke, there is fire,” also stands true for heat. As such, a heat detector is a critical aspect of fire prevention. While you can purchase a stand alone heat detector, installing a heat detector as part of a home security system allows the system to contact the authorities automatically.

It takes a mere 30 seconds for a small flame to expand into a full blown fire. Within minutes of the start of the fire, a whole home will fill with thick black smoke, making it impossible for home residents to breathe. When a home security systems alerts the authorities a few minutes, or even a few seconds, before a homeowner would alert the authorities, the time difference can save family members’ lives as well as a home and all of its contents. A monitored home security system not only contacts emergency responders, it gives you and your family an early warning that allows you to escape and possible save your lives

A home security system can alert you in the event of a buildup of harmful gases in your home

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas found in combustion fumes. Among other home items, gas ranges, heating systems, and wood and charcoal burning stoves can release carbon monoxide. As humans aren’t able to detect carbon monoxide, they may not know that they’re in danger until it’s too late. The red blood cells pick up carbon monoxide much more quickly than oxygen. As the blood cells send carbon monoxide into the blood, it takes the place of oxygen, keeping organs and tissues from receiving the oxygen that they need to function properly. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and general confusion. In severe cases, carbon monoxide poisoning results in death.

Carbon monoxide detectors are small devices similar to smoke detectors that can be installed as part of a home security system. Installing a carbon monoxide detector as part of a security system alerts an emergency team to treat carbon monoxide poisoning. The more quickly someone who has been poisoned receives treatment, the less severe the symptoms and the more likely their life will be saved.

To learn more about how a home security system could save your life, consult with a home security provider. Any provider will be able to share testimonials from their customers, detailing the ways that their home security systems were able to prevent serious incidents.

Don’t take chances with you and your family’s safety. Get a wireless home alarm system installed today. 1st Alarm can help you. 1st Alarm is one of the biggest and best security systems companies in the region that specializes in both residential and commercial security systems. Serving Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland / Odessa, El Paso, Abilene and San Angelo, we are committed to offering high quality, professional service with the utmost level of integrity. If you are considering adding a security system or a security camera to your home or business, contact 1st Alarm today. We have the expertise and technology to help you secure your premises at an affordable price. Let us help you with all of your security needs for your business and your home. Call 800-276-5559 today. Request a Quote online or come by our office nearest you.

Can Wireless Home Security Systems Stop Crime?

One of the first questions people ask before installing a wireless home security system is just how effective it will be at deterring crime. While security systems are definitely getting cheaper in price, they are still an investment and people want to know it is going to do what it needs to do. So the real question is “Can wireless home security systems really stop crime?”  Let’s be honest. A security system is not going to stop every criminal with the intent of doing something nefarious. However, a wireless home security system can deter many criminals from acting in the first place.  Research shows that wireless home security systems are in fact very good at reducing residential crime.  Here is the proof.

Need proof that wireless home security systems reduce crime?

A study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte surveyed 422 convicted burglars about how they picked their targets. The study found that 83 percent of these burglars attempted to find out if a target had an home security system in place, before committing a crime at the location. Sixty percent said, if they found evidence of a home security system, they would find a different target.

The same study found that if a burglar found a home security system while trying to break in, fifty percent would have discontinued the attempt and another 31 percent would sometimes discontinue.

Another study conducted by Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice found that the presence of home security systems actually did decrease crime. The study found that an obvious home security system made a house less attractive to potential burglars.

How can you protect your home?

Adding a wireless home security system is definitely the action to take if you want to keep yourself, your house, and your family safer. And the best news is that going wireless makes it easier than ever.

Wireless home security systems are less expensive to install and maintain than a hardwired system. The sensors can be set up anywhere in the home without worrying about fishing wire through the walls. This makes them easy to adjust and to relocate if needed.

Wireless home security systems also offer the option of adding security cameras. This adds additional security for your home. And burglars definitely do not like their images being captured while in the midst of committing a criminal act.

If you are interested in boosting the security of your home, adding a wireless home security system will do the trick. It is easy to install and much lower cost than a wired system. You also have the option of adding remote monitoring to make sure your home is secure whether you are home or not.

Don’t take chances with you and your family’s safety. Get a wireless home alarm system installed today. 1st Alarm can help you. 1st Alarm is one of the biggest and best security systems companies in the region that specializes in both residential and commercial security systems. Serving Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland / Odessa, El Paso, Abilene and San Angelo, we are committed to offering high quality, professional service with the utmost level of integrity. If you are considering adding a security system or a security camera to your home or business, contact 1st Alarm today. We have the expertise and technology to help you secure your premises at an affordable price.  Let us help you with all of your security needs for your business and your home.  Call 800-276-5559 today.  Request a Quote online or come by our office nearest you.

Why Home Security Systems Are So Important In Lubbock Texas

Each year there are more than two million home burglaries reported in the United States alone. This means that on average, there is a burglary taking place every 13 seconds. Lubbock TX is not immune to these statistics.  Installing a home security system is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your loved ones and your belongings. In fact, a wireless home security system may be the single most important thing you can do to keep your family and property safe and secure.  Thanks to wireless technology, Lubbock home security systems have become more affordable, easier to install and more reliable than ever. If you’re still on the fence about purchasing a home alarm system, consider the following benefits that it offers.

Home security systems deter burglars

Homes without security systems are 2.7 times more likely to be targeted by a burglar. In most instances, the presence of the alarm system itself will discourage a criminal from attempting a break in. If a burglar does attempt to break in either knowingly or unknowingly when family members are inside, the family will have ample warning to get out or retreat to a safe hiding place while the system alerts the authorities.

Home security systems protect your entire property

The average loss per burglary in the United States is around $1,700. From expensive diamond jewelry to priceless family photos, every household accumulates items that have a high value to them. When you have a modern home security system with security cameras, you’ll have a visual record of exactly what the burglar took. The footage will also increase the odds of the Lubbock authorities identifying the burglar. If you have a large property over multiple acres and/or with several detached buildings, consider configuring the system to ensure full coverage.

Home security systems alert you to fires and hazardous gas buildup

Household fires may come about as a result of cooking mishaps or sparks or electrical issues from various appliances and components such as cooktops, heating units and water heaters. It only takes thirty seconds for a small flame to explode into a large fire. Once a fire breaks out, the home fills with smoke quickly, making it impossible for family members to breathe. Carbon monoxide is another major risk for homeowners. As carbon monoxide is both odorless and colorless, it can seep from heating systems and stoves without people even realizing it. A home security system can detect these problems and notify Lubbock emergency response personnel in the event of such a condition.

Home security systems offer access to smart home features

Wireless home alarm systems allow you to install video monitoring and receive home activity notifications as well as control a wide range of home systems from any smartphone, tablet, or computer. Just some of the features available include arm and disarm the security system, lock and unlock the doors and turn lights on and off in addition to adjust temperature and humidity levels from any location. These features are especially useful when you’re on vacation or managing a second home in Lubbock TX.

Modern wireless home security systems make it simple to install the basic system and then add on other features (i.e. surveillance cameras, carbon monoxide detectors) later. Take advantage of the components that are most important to you, knowing that you can always purchase other features at a later time.

If you are considering adding a security system or a security camera to your home or business in Lubbock Texas, contact 1st Alarm of Lubbock Texas today. Having a wireless home security system that includes wireless home security cameras is one of the best ways you can protect what is important to you. 1st Alarm Lubbock has the best security alarm professionals in the region and has the expertise and technology to help you secure your premises at an affordable price.  We can help you with all of your security needs for your business and your home.  Call (806) 792-3510 today.  Request a Quote online or come by the office located at 7212 Joliet Ave. #3 in Lubbock Texas.

Using Video Surveillance To Protect Your Home And Business In Lubbock Texas

Video surveillance was once too expensive and labor intensive for most homeowners and small business owners, but today using video surveillance to protect your home and business is easy and affordable. For homeowners and business owners in Lubbock, Texas interested in purchasing security system cameras, it is important to understand how surveillance using security cameras protects your home and property. Video surveillance offers the best form of safety and protection.

How video surveillance protects your home and business

Today, wireless security system cameras have revolutionized the world of home and business security. These devices do not require hard wiring to work, instead relying on long lasting batteries for power and wireless signals to send recordings to a central recording device. The quality of these cameras is as good as or even better than the best hardwired cameras on the market.

Wireless security system cameras are also very versatile. These devices can be placed just about anywhere within range of the central recording device’s network. Security camera recording devices usually use a multi-channel DVR, which can be placed in the center of your Lubbock property. This central location maximizes the possibilities of where surveillance cameras can be placed.

Viewing video surveillance feeds

The ability to view security camera surveillance feeds from anywhere in the world is one benefit offered by wireless security systems. These systems offer homeowners and business owners the ability to see what is happening on their property at any time. Video surveillance is perfect for monitoring the activities of children that are alone, housekeepers, nannies, delivery personnel and employees as they work or play on your property.

The ability to view security camera surveillance feeds can give homeowners and business owners eyes on both the inside and outside of their property. This type of surveillance makes it possible to see if there are people on your Lubbock property who do not have permission to be there. Video surveillance can be customized to your specific needs and is extremely versatile, allowing you to have the best protection possible for your Lubbock home or business.

If you would like to learn more about video surveillance, home security systems or commercial business security systems; contact the experts at 1st Alarm Lubbock. Call (806) 792-3510 today.  Request a Quote online or come by the office located at 7212 Joliet Ave. #3 in Lubbock Texas.

Wireless Home Security System Cameras Protect Your Family And Property In Lubbock Texas

Installing wireless home security system in your Lubbock, Texas home protects your family and your property, and including wireless home security system cameras provides even more protection. Wireless home security system cameras continuously monitor for suspicious activity before a crime is committed and deter criminal activity. If a crime is committed, wireless home security system cameras will capture the crime in action and provide valuable video footage.

Wireless home security system cameras protect your family

Wireless home security systems help your family in many ways. When you are not able to be home with older children, you can monitor their activity using wireless security system cameras. These systems can also be helpful if there are elderly family members residing in your Lubbock home.

If you have younger children, you may have a nanny or babysitter who helps with their care. Wireless home security system cameras can help give you peace of mind knowing that your children’s caregiver is providing proper care. You can have the cameras in visible or hidden locations, providing an even greater level of protection.

Wireless home security system cameras monitor for suspicious activity

Do you suspect that someone is coming onto your property in Lubbock, Texas when you are not there? That person might be harassing your pets, vandalizing your property, or performing other criminal activities. Wireless home security system cameras provide protection by monitoring suspicious activity and recording it.

You can place wireless cameras anywhere within range of the wireless receiver. Because the devices do not need hard wired connections, they can be moved to different locations. Wireless home security system cameras provide protection and ease of use, as well as versatility.

Wireless home security system cameras deter criminal activity

Visible wireless home security cameras can have a deterrent effect, because criminals don’t want their activities captured on video for anyone to see. Criminals depend on the fact that no one is watching them. If criminals see cameras covering different angles around your Lubbock property, most will think twice before trying to commit a crime.

Wireless home security system cameras capture crime in action

Even with the deterrent effect of wireless home security cameras, there are some criminals who may take a chance by breaking into your house. These criminals may obscure their faces or try to disable the cameras, so hidden cameras should be placed in a home for optimum protection.

Wireless home security system cameras can be large or small and they can be mounted in a visible place or hidden in an item like a teddy bear. You can have a single recording device or multiple devices, making it difficult for a criminal to disable every part of your home security system. These devices can capture the activities of anyone, including criminals, inside or outside of your home.

The video captured by security cameras is recorded on a DVR or other recording device. You have the option of looking at a live video feed over the internet or looking at past recordings at a later date. Home security systems and their cameras provide you with versatile and unique protection. You can monitor what is happening inside of your Lubbock house in real time using hidden cameras and a live feed. If a crime has been committed on your property and you have recorded evidence of this, it can be used in court.

Having a wireless home security system that includes wireless home security cameras is one of the best ways you can protect what is important to you. If you would like to learn more about home security systems, contact the experts at 1st Alarm.  Call (806) 792-3510 today.  Request a Quote online or come by the office located at 7212 Joliet Ave. #3 in Lubbock Texas.

Why You Should Use Security Cameras to Help Protect Your Business in Amarillo Texas

If you are like most business owners, your livelihood, including of your family and your employees, is tied to the success of your company. Protecting your business by using security cameras is one way to ensure this valuable asset is not threatened.  Why monitor your business with cameras in addition to using a security system?  The answer is simple.  Security cameras can help prevent theft; they give you eyes on every part of your business when you are not there; security cameras provide a feeling of security for you, your employees; and your clients and they provide a way of documenting events and activities on your property.

Security cameras can help prevent theft

Using security cameras as a way to help prevent theft is often referred to as loss prevention. Almost every business is vulnerable to theft, whether it is from a shoplifter, a burglar or a dishonest employee. Cameras act as a deterrent to anyone thinking about taking something that doesn’t belong to him or her. Most criminals avoid places where their less-than-honest activities might be recorded.

Security cameras give you eyes on every part of your business

The owner of a business cannot be everywhere at once. Take a retail store as an example. The owner may be in the office doing payroll or at the front register cashing out customers. That means the owner does not have eyes on the stock room or in the areas of the business obscured by displays or signage. Security cameras give the owner eyes into all parts of the business. It makes it easier to see if a customer ducks into the stock room to pick up a “free” shirt or if an employee is slacking off.

Security cameras offer a feeling of security

The presence of security cameras makes it less likely someone is going to steal something, draw a weapon, or commit some other criminal act. This act of deterrence makes the premises more secure for you, your employees, and your customers. This feeling of security makes the workplace better for everyone.

Security cameras document everything

Security cameras are benign observers. They record everything. And you might be surprised when this silent documentation actually comes in handy. If you run a bar, for example, you know you have to be careful serving drunk customers. If one of them leaves your establishment and causes an accident, you can be held liable for pouring too much alcohol. If your cameras show you refused to serve an inebriated customer and offered to call a cab instead, your chances of being held liable are much less.  Another example is slip and fall accidents. You have likely heard horror stories about customers slipping and falling, then trying to sue a business for millions of dollars. Cameras will show what happened and if the person making the claim did it deliberately or had a part in the event.

Adding security cameras to your business brings definite advantages

As mentioned above, security cameras give you eyes into areas that you were once blind to. They can help you keep your customers and employees honest. They can also help protect you from liability claims.

If you are interested in installing security cameras in your business, contact the security experts at 1st Alarm. They can help you with all of your security needs for your business and your home.  Call (800) 276-5559 or (806) 352-5000 today.  Request a Quote online or come by the office located at 3501 S. Georgia Street in Amarillo, Texas.

How To Prevent Business Burglaries

Your business is your livelihood and when a criminal targets your business, you can lose some or all of your investment. There are so many things to worry about when you are a business owner. These worries include paying staff, although Intuit payroll service can make this much easier. Taking action to secure your business will make it safer and less of a target for burglars or other criminals. There are a number of security measures you can use to help prevent business burglaries including using light and securing windows and doors. You can also help prevent business burglaries by using a safe to store important items, using high quality locks, and installing a commercial security system.

Use light to prevent business burglaries

Lighting is the easiest security measure you can put in place to prevent burglaries. Burglars like to hide in the shadows to avoid detection. If you light the inside and outside of your business, it is easier for the police and security personnel to see if there is an intruder. All points of entry, alleyways, and parking lots should be lit with bright security lights. You can use lower wattage lights inside, but the interior should still allow security personnel to see without a lot of strain.

Prevent business burglaries by securing windows and doors

Securing windows and doors is a good way to prevent business burglaries. Make sure all your windows are in good condition and well sealed. If a window opens, it should have a secure lock in place. A window should allow someone on the outside to see inside your business clearly. Do not put displays or filing cabinets in front of the windows. If your business is in a high crime area, consider adding burglar resistant security glass or adding iron bars over the windows to help prevent burglaries. Doors should be solid with door frames that are not easily broken into. Inspect door frames for any sign of rot or weakness and if you find any, have the damage repaired as soon as possible. A weakness in the frame of a door is a possible entry point for a burglar. Your door lock should also be very secure, and you may need to get in contact with some House Locksmiths if you fear that your door is not secured enough by your lock.

Use high quality locks to secure your business

For basic security, the locks in your business should be of the highest quality. All entry points to your business should have a high quality lock in place that used at all times that the building is not occupied. Entry points include doors, windows, skylights, emergency exits, garage doors, and warehouse doors. A lock may not completely keep a determined burglar out, but it will slow criminals down and help to prevent burglaries. If you don’t have an electric garage, you may consider getting one installed as a method to deter thieves. Call a company such as http://balancedgaragedoors.com to come out and install one for you.

Use a storage safe to prevent burglaries

Use a safe to keep cash and valuables secure. The safe should be secured to the floor and in a protected area of your business that is not easily accessible. The security code for the safe should be changed on a regular basis, especially after an employee quits or is terminated.

Install a commercial security system to prevent business burglaries

Get a commercial security system installed for your business. A security system does not offer a physical barrier, but a way to detect intrusions early and get the police out quickly. A security system can also sound an alarm to prevent burglaries before they are committed. Adding signs that indicate you have a security system can even deter some criminals.

Use video surveillance as part of your commercial security system to help prevent burglaries. Visible cameras on the outside of the building can keep some criminals from even approaching the business. You should have cameras covering all sides of your business because a single camera out front is not going to secure the other three sides. Having video surveillance inside the business can catch criminals in the act and can provide evidence of a crime in a court of law.

If you want to secure your business from burglaries, call the experts at 1st Alarm today at 1 (800) 276-5559. You can also connect with us via email through our Contact Us page, or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.