security system cost Archives

Are Video Surveillance Systems In Lubbock Texas Really Effective?

Video surveillance systems are an affordable, effective way to protect your Lubbock TX residential or commercial property. From a small home to a large corporation, modern digital security cameras provide high-definition, wide-angle footage. You get peace of mind knowing that all activities taking place on the premises are recorded in full clarity. If you’ve been on the fence about investing in a video surveillance system or upgrading an older analog alarm system, consider the following advantages of wireless security cameras.

Video surveillance systems reduce loss, theft, and vandalism

The mere presence of video surveillance cameras is enough to deter most potential criminals. When a thief sees the security cameras, he’s likely to move on to another home or business, not wanting to risk the possibility of getting caught on camera. Once upon a time, analog cameras captured a limited amount of grainy footage. Modern digital cameras and video surveillance systems capture and store large quantities of high-definition, wide-angle footage. In the event an incident does take place, turn over the footage to the local Lubbock TX police department. The footage greatly increases the odds they’ll catch the criminal.

Simple, affordable installation, repairs, and upgrades

Analog video surveillance cameras are expensive and require a complex installation process with a maze of wires running all over the place. The other alternative is to hire full-time security staff, which is also expensive. Digital video security cameras as part of a modern video surveillance system are affordable and can be installed in a matter of hours. When you decide to upgrade your cameras or change the location of a few cameras, you can make the changes with ease, eliminating the need to replace the entire system. Most Lubbock security providers offer remote troubleshooting services, allowing them to diagnose and even repair problems from their base location, saving you the time and money of an on-site visit.

Video surveillance systems are cost-effective

Digital video surveillance systems require less physical infrastructure and fewer cameras to cover the same amount of space, which saves you money. Digital video feed also has the capacity to be compressed and stored so you don’t need nearly as much space to save it. When you need to scale your video surveillance system up or down to accommodate the current needs of your Lubbock TX business, it’s easy to return, swap out, or add the components you need, ensuring seamless integration.

Distributed intelligence

Analog security systems leave gaps in security coverage, increasing the risk of missing suspicious activity. No one has time to sift through hours and hours of video footage. Modern video surveillance systems employ distributed intelligence technology that allows a software program to monitor the feed continuously, using movement pattern recognition to pick up specified behavior and events. In the event the program picks up suspicious activity, it generates an alert and sends it to the security team automatically.

Heightened productivity

Video surveillance systems are critical for preventing theft within a company. Each year companies lose thousands of dollars due to theft from employees or customers. While most employees won’t steal outright from a company, they will commit small acts of theft, such as taking extra breaks during the day or using company phones for long personal calls. When employees do commit crimes, they often start small before attempting a larger offense. With round the clock video surveillance, you’ll spot a minor infraction and can handle it in a timely fashion, preventing more serious criminal activity.

A professional Lubbock TX security provider will work with you to determine the best locations for video surveillance cameras on your premises, ensuring you have full coverage around the clock. Set up a free consultation today.

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.

Home Automation and Home Security Systems in Amarillo Texas

Modern home security systems offer a wide range of home automation features. Thanks to wireless technology, it’s possible to control virtually any home system via your home security system from a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access. From making sure that your kids have locked the door after themselves while you’re still at work to turning the lights off and on while you’re on vacation to deter potential burglars, you have the control you need to ensure your home stays safe at all times. Consider the following home automation features you’ll have with your new digital home alarm system from 1st Alarm in Amarillo TX.

Window and door sensors and controls

Window and door sensors let you know when a window or door is opened or left open via a text message or email alert. Whether your son took the dog for a walk and simply didn’t close the front door all the way behind him or a burglar has let himself in through the sliding glass kitchen door, you’ll know exactly what’s happening at all of the entrances to your home around the clock. You’ll also have the ability to lock and unlock your doors remotely, which may prove critical if one of your kids or a caretaker has misplaced their keys or locked themselves out of the house.

Alarm controls

When you’re dashing off for work in the morning or trying to get the whole family to the airport, it’s easy to forget about arming the home security system. With home automation, you can arm or disarm the system from any location whether you are in Amarillo, across the state or across the globe.

Climate controls

Adjusting the thermostat temperature remotely reduces your energy bills and keeps the home more comfortable. You may also equip your security system to alert you in the event of an unusual temperature change in the house. While the house may simply warm up more than usual on a hot summer day, a sudden temperature change may indicate a more serious issue, such as a fire. An alert can mean the difference between rapid emergency response and significant damage. Be sure to get the help you need from Amarillo’s first responders quickly and reliably.

Light controls

Turning the lights on and off periodically while you’re on vacation gives the appearance of activity, decreasing the risk of theft or vandalism. You can also make sure that your lights are turned off while everyone is at school or work to save money.

If you are considering adding a security system, a security camera or simply want to take advantage of the many home automation features for your home 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 and give you the automated control features you desire. 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 3501 S. Georgia Street in Amarillo, Texas.

Myths and Facts About Home Alarm Systems

Home alarm systems have sometimes been the subject of myths and have been seen as an unneeded luxury for many homes. However, it is important to know the myths and facts about home alarm systems so you can make an informed decision about your security. Myths about home security systems include that they are only for the rich and that homes are no more safe with them as without them. It has also been falsely thought that installation of the systems requires wiring the entire house and that they are not worth the cost. Another common myth is that home alarm systems do not work well with pets.

The myth that home alarm systems are only for the rich

A few decades ago, the myth that only the rich could afford home security systems was actually a fact. Systems were expensive and installation was highly complicated. The monitoring services were costly and required a dedicated phone line for connectivity. However, home security systems have now become affordable. The equipment is connected wirelessly and does not require complicated installation. Alarm system monitoring can be done for a low monthly fee and wireless systems are now available.

The myth that homes with alarm systems are no more secure than those without

The myth that homes with security systems are not secure has been proven wrong by convicted thieves. Many thieves confess that they target homes without security systems, because they can get in and out quickly, without alerting the homeowner or police. Even a basic home security system provides protection against burglary. Thieves often bypass homes that just have a alarm company sign outside.

The myth that installation of home alarm systems requires wiring the entire house

Wireless devices have revolutionized the home security market in the past few years. Just a decade or so ago, all sensors and cameras in the home had to be connected via wires, which required special tools and equipment. Now, it is possible to set sensors on windows and doors in just a few minutes. These sensors use batteries for power and wireless signals for connection. Security cameras are also just as easy to install and connect. Even the central monitoring device is wirelessly connected to the monitoring service.

The myth that having a home alarm system is not worth the cost

People often question whether adding an alarm system to their home is a good investment or not. Some even consider having a security system a waste of money. However, you should consider what you could be losing if your home is not equipped with a security system. Not only could you lose thousands of dollars worth of belongings, but you can also lose your peace of mind. With a home security system, you get 24/7 security to protect your home, family, and your peace of mind.

The myth that home alarm systems do not work well with pets

Older motion detectors were susceptible to going off if the family pet triggered the system. The detectors used technology that triggered with any kind of movement, so this myth was a fact at one point in time. The false alarms often led to people turning off motion detectors all together or confining the pets to a single, un-monitored area of the house. However, technology has has made it possible to avoid false alarms caused by the presence of pets. Advanced motion detectors can be calibrated to ignore certain kinds of motion or the movement of small bodies, allowing for more efficient security.

Understanding the myths and facts about alarm systems will help you determine if such a system is right for your home. If you are interested in learning more, contact the professionals at 1st Alarm. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. You can call us at (1800) 276-5559 for more information about our products and services or email us with your questions and concerns, or to get a price quote.

Alarm Systems Are Not Just For The Wealthy Anymore

Do you think that an alarm system is out of your price range? Twenty-five years ago, home security systems would have been too expensive for the average homeowner. Before the 1990’s, security companies mainly served the commercial market. The only residences that had alarm systems were the wealthy and upper middle class. The good news is that home alarm systems are no longer just for the wealthy. The price of home alarm systems changed during the 1990’s, so they are now affordable. Due to the affordability of alarm systems, you should consider whether you need one for your home.

The price of home alarm systems changed during the 1990’s

In the early 1990’s, security companies started to look for new customers, because they had covered most of the business and the wealthy residential market. The problem was that security products were too expensive for typical homeowners.

Residential property owners in middle and working class neighborhoods could not justify paying thousands of dollars for an alarm system, even to protect their property. Homeowners took their chances and hoped that criminals would bypass their properties, even when property crimes were on the increase. Many homeowners found their homes burglarized and vandalized.

Security companies started to realize that there was a vast market of residential properties that were being left vulnerable, because they had no affordable security options. This realization triggered one of the biggest changes in the security industry.

Affordable alarm systems

To tap into the middle-class residential market, security companies began innovating and making their products and services more affordable. Within a short time, homeowners found that the cost of alarm systems started to decrease. Lower costs made it possible for many homeowners to add security systems to their homes.

As technology has advanced, alarm systems have remained affordable, while offering more and more options. Today’s systems no longer depend on a hard-wired phone line, using wireless capabilities instead. Homeowners can start with a simple alarm system and expand it as needed. Video cameras, motion detectors, and window or door detectors are a part of many home alarm systems. Almost all systems come with 24/7 monitoring services.

Do you need an alarm system?

With affordable alarm systems available, you need to assess whether you require one for your home security.

Consider if anyone in your neighborhood has been burglarized recently or if you live in one of the safest areas of your city. Even if you do live in a safe area, property crimes can occur. Most police departments can help you find out if your neighborhood is vulnerable to crime.

Do you have valuables that you would like to keep safe, like electronics, antiques, or valuable collections? These items are all things you need to protect from burglars and other intruders. A small monthly monitoring fee is a low price to pay for protecting your high-value items. You should also consider that home alarm systems protect your family from intruders. An alarm system offers a protective barrier between your family and an criminal. If someone tries to break in, you can contact the monitoring service without alerting the intruder, which can help keep your family safe.

Investing in an alarm system is now an affordable option for many households and can help you protect your home, your possessions, and your family. At 1st Alarm, we offer a wide range of alarm systems and services to help protect what’s important to you. You can call us at 1 (800) 276-5559 or send us an email with your questions and concerns, or to get a price quote.

How To Choose The Right Kind Of Security System For Your Business

Having a security system for your business in Lubbock, Texas protects your investment. It is important for your safety that you know how to choose the right kind of security system for your needs. Factors to consider when you are buying a security system include the location of your business and your type of business. Also consider where your business needs protection and if you would like to control access to it.

Location of your business

Consider where your business is located in Lubbock, Texas. Are you in a questionable part of town where it gets a little dangerous after dark? Are you near a quiet residential area in a strip mall, where it is fairly safe all of the time? Consider the security you need based on your location and the clientele that work or shop near your business.

Your type of business

The type of business you own in Lubbock, Texas can help you choose the right security system. If you sell diamond jewelry, then you may need a more complex system. If you sell less expensive items, or do not carry much inventory on hand, then you may need less complex security. Consider the items you have that thieves may want to steal and this will help you choose the right security system for your establishment.

Where your business needs protection

Make a list of your concerns regarding your Lubbock business and where you think a security system may best be installed. Does the shipping door make you nervous? Do you suspect employees of stealing from the supply closet? Do you want to keep track of everyone who enters and exits the building? Create a list of your concerns and this will make it easier to pinpoint where you need protection the most. You can install a customized security system based upon your concerns.

Sadly, you may need a security system to keep an eye on your employees in order to reduce or eliminate employee theft, vandalism, and violence. Being able to monitor everything inside and outside of your business can help you safeguard yourself and your company’s assets. Using video security is a great way to monitor your organization from the inside, as well as outdoor areas where intruders could break in.

Controlling access to your business

Access control is a great way to secure your business in Lubbock, Texas. You can use keycards to restrict access to specific employees and to keep an eye on everyone going in and coming out of your company. This type of security system can help you catch any intruders.

For more information

Let the experts at 1st Alarm guide you to the right system for your needs. Call us today at 1 (800) 276-5559. You can also contact 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.

Choosing The Right Commercial Security System For Your Small Business

Commercial security systems come in many sizes and configurations. Selecting the right commercial security system for your small business in can be challenging. If you need to install or upgrade a commercial security system in your business, take the time to determine your needs. Also consider the monitoring options that are available and if the system has easy pass-code management. Finally, consider the cost of a commercial security system for your small business.

Determine what you need in a commercial security system

The nature of your business is going to determine what your protection requirements are. If you own a jewelry store, you are going to have specific needs that a lumber yard does not. If you work out of a closed office, you will have different security needs than a retail store. Assess your business and determine what you want to monitor. Do you need to watch both customers and employees? Do you need to monitor the outside of the building as well as the inside or are you having a problem with vandalism? Asking questions about what you need to monitor can help you determine what you need from your commercial security system.

Monitoring options for a commercial security system

The classic security system of decades past was a closed circuit television (CCTV) set-up that recorded video to tape. This option also lets people view the feeds live if needed. Although this system is still available, there are other options available today. You can choose a monitoring service that can respond 24/7 to any situation in which an alarm is triggered. This service can be connected through a hard phone line or a cellular connection. Another security option is to have the ability to see video feeds through your smart device. With this type of monitoring, you can quickly tell if you have a burglary in progress or an employee fumbling with the system keypad.

Easy pass-code management

When you have a commercial security system installed for your small business, you need to be able to issue unique passcodes for each employee. Pass-codes allow you to trace who is arming and disarming the alarm at any given time. You also need the ability to add, change, and remove pass-codes as employees are hired and let go.

The cost of a commercial security system for your small business

A good commercial security system should fit within your budget. Before you sign any contract, ask for a complete breakdown of what a your business’s protection is going to cost. This breakdown should include installation costs, ongoing maintenance fees, monthly monitoring fees, and any other service fees the security company may charge.

It is important not to base your choice of commercial security system on the cost alone. However, it is also critical that you know what you will be getting for what you are going to pay. You do not want to pay for a hidden charge or an unspoken upgrade.

Your small business in will be safer once you install a commercial security system. If you want to add a commercial security system to your business, let the experts at 1st Alarm guide you to the right system for your needs. Call us today at 1 (800) 276-5559. You can also contact 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.

Finding A Wireless Home Security System On A Budget

There is a common myth out there that getting a home security system is out of the price range for most homeowners. However, you can get a decent wireless home security system that still fits within your budget. You can even get a temporary security alarm if that’s what you desire and it may be the best option if you’re in the process of moving home, but these are mainly used for construction or building sites. Start with a basic home security system package, but don’t go with one that does not have a monitoring service attached. After you get a basic system, add budget-friendly options such as GSM cellular radio alarm monitoring, cameras, glass breaking sensors, and smoke and fire sensors. Finding a wireless home security system on a budget is all a matter of picking the options you need and getting a quality alarm company behind it all.

Start with a basic wireless home security system package

Most alarm companies offer a basic wireless home security system package that will fit into most budgets. If your budget is tight, this is the place to start.

A basic wireless home security system will come with a central control panel that hooks up with an alarm company’s monitoring service. This basic system will give you door sensors to keep entry points secure and may also come with a motion sensor. This motion sensor will help detect any unexpected movement within the house. An alarm company should install a basic wireless home security system package for a low price.

You do not want to go with a wireless home security system that does not have a monitoring service attached to it. Even the loudest alarms will not deter a determined thief if he knows that there is no one available to call the police.

Add budget-friendly wireless home security system options

If you want a wireless home security system that is a bit more sophisticated, you can add options that will not raise the price too much. These options include GSM cellular radio alarm monitoring, cameras, glass breaking sensors, and smoke and fire sensors.

GSM cellular radio removes dependency on a hardwired phone system. Getting this service added should only cost a bit more for installation and a few dollars more each month for monitoring service.

Cameras are another option to consider. This wireless home security system option lets you capture video of what is going on in, and around, your house. If you have a babysitter or a housekeeper you suspect of wrong behavior, a camera can capture the evidence. A camera on the outside allows you to see if someone is trespassing on your property, even if that person does not trip the alarm. Cameras do add a bit of cost, but not a large amount.

Glass breaking sensors react to the sound of glass breaking. This wireless home security system option is an added backup to the door sensors that protect your main entry points. If an intruder decides to bypass the door and go through a window, the glass break sensor will trigger an alarm. Adding additional sensors to your basic wireless home security system package does not cost much and shouldn’t go over your budget.

Smoke and fire protection is another low cost wireless home security system option. Sensors inside the house will trigger an alarm if smoke or fire is detected. This option is perfect for when you are not at home and something happens.

These are just a few of the options you can add to your basic wireless home security system without going over your budget. The best way to find the right combination of sensors and cameras for your house is to talk with an alarm professional. Contact us here at 1st Alarm. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. Give us a call at 1(800) 276-5559 or contact us via email. We look forward to providing you with the best wireless home security system available that is within your budget.

What Is The Average Cost Of A Wireless Home Security System?

One of the first thoughts that pop into a person’s head when thinking about wireless home security systems is, “How much is it going to cost?” There is a common misconception that a decent wireless home security system is going to cost a lot of money. The truth is that you can get a decent alarm system on just about any budget. According to an article published by U.S. News & World Report, Americans spent over $20 billion on wireless home security systems in 2011. That number is expected to top $34 billion by 2017. The reason for this growth is the increasing affordability of these systems as well as an increasing desire to have more protection. When considering the price of an alarm system, you need to look at two things: the cost of the installation and the monthly charges for monitoring. Both depend heavily on the kinds of features and upgrades you choose.

Installation costs for a wireless home security system

A basic wireless home security system installation charge can run as low as 70 – 100 dollars. More sophisticated wireless home security systems, with more features, can run as high as 1000 dollars for installation once everything is set-up and running.

For a basic installation package, you should get a central control panel and sensors for all entry doors in the home. The wireless home security system should offer panic buttons for emergencies, along with window decals and yard signs.

When you start adding additional features or equipment that is outside the package, you are going to get higher installation costs as well. Some features that will increase installation costs include motion detectors, window sensors, cameras, automation, emergency lighting, and alarms for smoke and fire detection.

Monthly charges for monitoring with a wireless home security system

To have your wireless home security system monitored, you need to pay an ongoing monthly service charge. This monthly monitoring fee can run anywhere from 20 to 100 dollars a month. A monthly charge of 30 to 50 dollars is average for a decent wireless home security system. These monthly monitoring charges can go up if you add additional features.

The monitoring service should be 24/7/365 and should alert the company immediately. The security company should have live personnel on-site to answer the calls and to dispatch emergency services as needed.

If you are in need of a reliable wireless home security system, contact 1st Alarm for more information. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. Give us a call today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also contact us via email. We look forward to providing you with the best wireless home security system available.