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From business trips to vacations and trips to the in-laws, there are many occasions where we must leave our home unattended. Criminals often target homes that appear uninhabited, meaning that your house could be at risk for a break-in while you’re away. Knowing how to leave your home when going away will help prevent criminals from taking advantage of your absence.

Here are a few tips to keep your home safe while you’re out of town.

 

Have someone watch your home

The best option is not to leave your house uninhabited at all by having house-sit. Whether you ask a neighbor, friend, or family member, it is often a good idea for someone to keep any eye on your home while you’re away.

A neighbor or friend can pick up your paper from your driveway, take your garbage can to the curb, or watch for any signs of suspicious activity around your home. If a friend or neighbor isn’t available, you can hire someone from a professional agency to stay in or check up on your home.

 

Stop incoming mail

If you plan to be gone for longer than a weekend, ask your local USPS to stop delivering mail to your house for the duration of your trip. An overflowing mailbox or packages stacked against your door may tip off a potential burglar that no one is home. Once you return home, you can drop by the post office to pick up your mail and resume deliveries.

 

Turn on automatic timers

When thieves look for homes to break into, they often notice houses that have stayed dark for several days. If the porch light never turns on or a window never lights up, it is a sure sign that the residents are away.

If you don’t mind the electric bill, you can leave the porch light and a few other visible lights on while you’re away. However, a better solution might be to install automatic timers that will turn certain lights on at night and off during the day.

 

Install a security system

If you don’t have anyone to watch your home while you’re away, a security system will act as an extra pair of eyes and protect your home. Choose a security system equipped with cameras that allow you to monitor your home 24 hours a day. By alerting police as soon as the alarm is triggered, your home will be protected even when you’re out of town.

Already have a system? Call your security company to inform them of your upcoming travel plans. That way, your company will take a triggered alarm especially seriously.

Enjoy your vacation and install a comprehensive home security system. With 24 hour access to security cameras, an easy to use alarm system, and wireless connectivity, Sonitrol South Carolina provides high-quality protection. Questions? Reach out to us at online or by phone.

Professional monitoring is considered one of the top services in home security. One of the biggest benefits that it brings is peace of mind to homeowners and business owners. Life can become a little less stressful knowing that your home or business is always being monitored by a professional security team. Here are some of the reasons why many people are sleeping easier with professional monitoring.
 

Immediate Response

When a professionally monitored security system is triggered, a member of that security team will contact the homeowner immediately. The security team will then contact the proper authorities if the threat is legitimate. That means police or firefighter units could be at your house in a matter of minutes. A system that is not monitored may simply sound an alarm, which is not connected to any security team or local authorities.
 

No Maintenance

All the maintenance with a professionally monitored system is left up to the security company. That includes professional installation and routine maintenance. If something breaks, you do not have to retrieve your toolbox and get to work. A security company will send out a technician to do that work for you. There is virtually no work involved when you select a professionally monitored system.
 

Additional Alert

As if a professionally monitored system is not enough, it also comes with an extra panic button. When this panic button is activated, it sends a signal directly to the authorities. The system doesn’t even have to be activated for it to work. Simply push the button and help will be on the way. This is an extra bonus in case there is ever an emergency inside your home.
 

Around the Clock Watch

A system with professional monitoring does not take a day off. That means your home will be looked after 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A system that is not professionally monitored may only send a notification when something is amiss. There’s no guarantee that you will get that notification because not everyone always has their smart device by their side. Homes are always being watched with professional monitoring.
 

Criminal Deterrent

If a burglar decides to scope out your home and notices that it is equipped with a professional monitoring security system, he is most likely to move on. Keep a sign on your porch, lawn or in your window and advertise that your home is professionally monitored. This is basically a way of shooing burglars away.

If you’ve just moved into a new home with existing security systems, or you’re fed up with the poor service at your previous company, we can help! We’re often able to monitor the existing equipment in your home on our own servers. This can be extremely cost effective to you as the home owner as you won’t have to purchase the new home security equipment. Read on to learn more about transferring your home security service to Sonitrol.

 

We take pride in our customer service, and we emphasized personalized service to fit each of our customer’s needs. This is one of the reasons we have so many loyal customers, and we’d love to help you become one as well.

 

Transferring Your Service

If you’re interested in transferring your existing equipment over to Sonitrol Security Systems, give us a call or fill out our free consultation form. We’ll send out one of our security specialists to your home to inspect the equipment that is currently installed.

 

Although not every type of security equipment can be used, the majority of the ones we’ve inspected can. So it’s worth it to give us a call so we can check it out!

 

Our security specialist will then discuss your home security needs with you so you get the best possible service.

 

What If My Equipment Won’t Work?

In the rare case that your equipment won’t work with Sonitrol’s systems, we can offer you a number of alternatives that will. We partner with Honeywell Security so we have some of the latest and greatest advancements in home security.

 

Interested in video surveillance? Want to be able to arm or disarm your alarm remotely? We’ve got a number of different systems that can get you exactly what you’re looking for to feel safe and secure inside of your home.

 

Moving Forward With Sonitrol

If your equipment is compatible with Sonitrol’s systems, we’d be more than happy to send a security specialist out to your home to connect your system to our service. We’re flexible to your schedule and can send someone out at your preferred day and time of the week.

 

Like we’ve said before, our excellent customer service is what helps us to keep so many wonderful customers in the lowcountry and midlands of South Carolina.

 

If you’re interested in switching your service over to Sonitrol, call us at (843) 747-0904 or fill out our online free consultation form to get started today.

While a professionally installed and monitored alarm system is a proven way to deter crime, as more and more families and businesses choose to protect their lives and property with alarm systems, the numbers of false alarms increase.

 

A false alarm is simply the activation of an alarm system caused by human error or mechanical failure. False alarms are more than just irritating. They take police and other emergency workers away from real emergencies, risk lives, cost money, and make each alarm system less credible.

 

What Causes False Alarms?

• The vast majority of all false alarms are caused by human error. Ensuring that all users are properly trained on the use of an alarm system is the single most important thing anyone can do to prevent false alarms.
• Failure to make sure doors and windows are completely shut and locked before leaving.
• Faulty or improperly maintained equipment. If you suspect that your system has a problem, call your security company immediately to schedule a service call.
• Balloons, ceiling fans, hanging and swaying banners or anything else that causes motion.

 

Why Are False Alarms an Issue?

• False alarms reduce the effectiveness of security systems. If alarms are seen as unreliable indicators of threats, they may potentially be ignored.
• False alarms exhaust the resources of police, fire and emergency personnel and keep them from responding to actual emergencies.
• False alarms increase costs for taxpayers, security service providers and users, requiring additional personnel to respond to alarms.
• False alarms can carry fines. In many cities and towns, the owners of systems that trigger false alarms can be fined for each occurrence.
• False alarms can lead to denial of service. In some cities and towns, police, fire and emergency personnel are instructed to ignore the alarms of users whose systems have set off false alarms in the past.

 

How can you help decrease the false alarm rate?

• Test your system weekly for proper operation.
• Train the necessary people in the use of your home’s alarm system and schedule annual review sessions.
• Replace all batteries regularly.
• Review your alarm system operating manual. Take time to educate everyone with access to your home on proper system operation.
• Make sure every system operator knows the cancellation password in case of a false alarm.
• Regularly check alarm contact switches/magnets on doors and windows for damage.
• Check that all doors and windows are locked and cannot be inadvertently opened by a strong breeze. Improperly adjust doors and windows that can freely move more than 1/8″ while closed should be adjusted.
• Clean all motion detectors and ensure that they are free from bugs and spider webs.
• Regularly check local alarm ordinances, if any, that govern the operation of the system and ensure that all permits, fees and other required components are in compliance to prevent any pitfalls with local authorities.

Before leaving the house, most homeowners will double check that their front door is locked. However, that is not the only deterrent that should be used to keep burglars away from your home. There are other things homeowners can do and here’s a look at some of the top ways you can scare burglars away.

Let there be light
Many burglars prey on homes at night. Installing a motion detector that illuminates is a way of putting a spotlight on any would-be intruder. The more light, the better as no burglar wants to expose his/her identity. Motion sensors and bright flood lights are a good idea all around the outside of a home.

Smart Devices
Homes that are equipped with all kinds of smart devices connected to a security system need to be advertised. Security lights, cameras, sensors and even warning signs and stickers spread out around the home serve as a deterrent to burglars. That could be combined with any type of alarm that sounds with motion. It is important to advertise home security defenses.

Guard dog
The sound of a dog barking is very off-putting to burglars. But don’t just invest in a device that plays a barking sound. The site of a dog combined with a deep bark is enough to make a burglar step away and find another house. However, it’s not a good idea to leave the dog outside. This will give a burglar the opportunity to distract the dog with food or something far worse that could incapacitate the dog.

Trimmed shrubbery
Overgrown bushes can provide cover for burglars. It will also make the inside of your home much less visible from the street. Burglars are always going to try to avoid being out in the open and any unnecessary foliage could work to their advantage.

Close the blinds
If you are home watching television with the blinds open, chances are that a burglar is not going to attempt a robbery at that moment in time. However, the open blinds will give them a chance to scope out the inside of your home. This could essentially provide a blueprint for a robbery sometime in the future when you are not at home. When the sun goes down, it’s a good idea to close your front blinds.

If you are looking for a way to protect your home or business, contact Sonitrol for the best security system Columbia, SC has to offer.

When operating any kind of business, cost is always a concern. Business owners and managers are continually looking for ways to cut costs. An investment in a smart commercial device for your security system can cut costs in less conventional ways.

When most people think of security systems, they consider it as a way of preventing break-ins. But within a business, there is always the concern that employees could be problematic. Those problems could include theft, lagging in work responsibilities or leaving early. Installing a smart security system will enable business owners to keep track of what’s going on at all times. Here is a closer look at how that is accomplished.

Accessing Rooms
The installation of contact sensors in various parts of a business is a way of keeping track of who goes where. Business operators can receive notifications when someone enters a room and this could be very important when that room is filled with valuable inventory. It will also deter theft and mischief during work hours.

Controlling Temperatures
Equipping your security system with a smart thermostat is a way to maintain control of the temperature. Monthly energy bills can be quite expensive for many businesses. A smart thermostat keeps the climate appropriate for each part of the day and night. Having a thermostat turned down just a few degrees at certain times could lead to dramatic savings on a monthly basis.

Disarming the System
Even managers in businesses need to be monitored. When a security system is disarmed, a smart device keeps a log of those times. This could serve as a form of record keeping as managers will be responsible for explaining their reasons to disarm the system at certain times. And if there is ever a power outage that disarms the system, a notification will let an owner or manager that he/she needs to go to the business right away.

Easy Interface
With smart commercial devices, there are a number of features that commercial operators can use to keep track of what’s going on in their business. The advantage is heightened because of the easy interface. A smart system will provide regular reports that can be printed out on a daily or weekly basis. This will provide consistent logs of all activity that takes place inside a commercial business.

If you are looking to improve the security of your business, contact the professionals at Sonitrol for the best commercial security systems Columbia, SC has to offer.

Even in the world of home security, there are urban legends that lead people to believe some false truths. Don’t get taken in by any of those these urban legends, some of which are as follows.

Burglaries Happen At Night
Contrary to what some may believe, not all burglaries occur at night. Most people are home at night, which provides a major obstacle for burglars. The prime time for thieves is when no one is home. That is usually in the daytime when people are at work and kids are in school.

Decoy Cameras Deter Burglars
Chances are that your home is not going to be targeted by a first-time burglar. That means most burglars have some kind of knowledge about security cameras. Chances are, they can spot a fake. A decoy camera does not record, does not trigger an alarm and does not inform anyone there is a potential intruder. Decoy cameras also tend to look old and outdated.

Security Stems Are Simple To Bypass
In years’ past, cutting a simple wire may have been enough to shut down a security system. The reality is that today’s systems are far more sophisticated. Smart home security systems are not fully reliant on a home’s power as its only source. Most house burglars are not technological whiz kids, which means most will run into difficulty when trying to bypass a new security system. It takes some detailed knowledge to get around today’s home security systems.

Burglaries are Random
While a burglary may seem like a random act, most are not conducted by chance. Most burglars scope out a home before attempting to gain entrance. That may come with preliminary surveillance, phone calls or even stopping by and pretending to be someone else. It makes sense for a burglar to do some homework, which means residents should always be aware. You never know the motive of a random person who speaks to you on the street or a random caller.

There is Nothing Worth Stealing
You may believe there is nothing worth stealing in your home, but that is not the mindset of a burglar. There is always the hope that a burglar will find cash, jewelry, or even prescription drugs. Many times, the goal is to find anything that can be sold quickly. Most burglars are not going to go for large items that are difficult to transport, but are looking to get their hands on something they can sell.

Older homes have a certain charm that attracts many homeowners. From historic elements to sweet details, older homes offer certain advantages over newer builds. However, keep in mind that as a home ages, so do its safety features. If you’re moving into a home that’s been around for awhile, it’s important to understand how you can secure an older home.

Stay protected by following these tips to secure an older home:

Update Locks
As locks get older, rust can form and weaken them, making it easier for burglars break window and door locks. Putting up to date locks on all windows and doors lessens the chance of someone breaking in. Many updated locks are rust and corrosion-proof, and will last and keep you safe for many years to come.

Protect the Windows
Burglars often look to windows as an entry point. Like locks, windows weaken over time, and will give way to an intruder’s force more easily. Installing burglar-resistant glass for all of your windows will help ensure your safety.

Change the Smoke Detectors
When moving into an old house, you may not know the last time the smoke detectors were changed. Today’s smoke detectors are much more advanced than those placed in homes twenty years ago. Newer models detect fires more quickly, alerting you sooner and giving you more time to take action.

Upgrade the Garage Door
In addition to locks, windows, and smoke detectors, make sure that your garage doors are up to date. Even if a home has advanced locks everywhere else, a neglected garage door will provide an easy entry point for intruders. Replacing the remote controls and changing the codes is also important, as you never know who lived in the house before you.

Add a Security System
Alarm systems are one of the best forms of home protection. The presence of a home security system actually deters intruders. But if a break-in does occur, an alarm system will alert authorities immediately. From alarm systems to security cameras and intruder detection, you can rest assured you and your family are protected with a home security system.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the charms of an older home while enjoying the safety a newer build brings. Interested in a comprehensive home security system to secure an older home? Sonitrol can help. From consultation to installation, we make it easy to secure your home. Contact us today to learn how we can secure your home.

In today’s day and age, there’s a plethora of security options. From monitors to motion sensors, you can have your pick of how you want to protect your home. When considering the best security options for your home, keep the benefits of security cameras in mind.

There’s a certain advantage to the security camera. The ability to see what’s going on in your home can provide a peace of mind that other options just don’t have. Here are just a few of the benefits of security cameras, besides simply keeping an eye on burglars.

Decrease Insurance Costs
Some insurance companies will actually decrease the amount you have to pay because of your security cameras. By increasing the security on your home, you’re reducing the risk of damage to it, which is good for both you and your insurance company.

Keep an Eye on Kids
One of the biggest benefits of security cameras is that they can live-stream what’s going in your home. You can know what’s going on in your home at any given minute, of any hour, of any day. That means keeping an eye out on everything from burglars to your afterschool babysitter to your pets. If your kids are home alone, you can check in on them. Another set of eyes can’t hurt!

Deter Burglars
The presence of security cameras doesn’t just record burglars, they can actually deter them. If burglars see a camera or two on a house, it’s an automatic red flag and they’ll move on. An added bonus is the sign that your security company provides; it’s just another sign for burglars that your home is safe, secure, and impenetrable.

Look Out for Dark Hallways
The bigger the house, the more opportunities there are for a burglar to enter. So, it makes sense to have more than one set of eyes watching the premises. Security cameras can watch all parts of your house, even those areas that you don’t frequent. Long, dark hallways are a burglar’s dream, but with a camera or two, that hall goes from a prime target to a red flag.

No Phone? No Problem
If you do end up in a sticky situation and you don’t have a phone nearby, your security system can come in handy. The team at Sonitrol will contact the authorities for you, so you don’t have to try to reach your phone while an intruder is inside.

These are just a few of the benefits of security cameras in and around your home. Sonitrol offers a number or security and intrusion detection systems to keep your home safe. Have more questions about home security and our security camera options? Contact Sonitrol today!

Smart home devices are not just the way of the future. They are becoming more and more prominent in the present day. This extends to home security as smart home devices provide an excellent way to protect you and your family. Here is a look at some of the smart home devices that are becoming essential to the security of every home.

Smart Home Surveillance
The days of adding security cameras with monitors that require elaborate hookups all over your home is a long-gone thing of the past. Security systems can now incorporate security cameras that no longer function as a standalone device. There are a number of these smart devices available and they include the following benefits:

• Motion tracking
• Sound detection
• Recording (event – triggered)
• Mechanical pan and tilt
• Night vision

Many units come equipped with SD cards that help with storage and are also available on cloud storage. The ways these systems are set up also eliminate the possibility of having to watch hours and hours of video in the event that something has occurred. Instead, homeowners can rely on motion detection to identify at what point there was any activity.

They are even video surveillance components that are integrated with the doorbell. This can also include the emission of bright lights when motion is detected.

Smoke Detector and Fire Alarm
Now that we are in the age of technology, it seems very archaic to have relied on small smoke alarms that run on Double A batteries. There are now smoke detectors and fire alarms that are compatible with all types of smart devices. Homeowners can silence those alarms with a quick press of the button.

• Weather alerts
• Different grades of earnings
• Night light
• Push notifications
• Monthly self-tests

Some of the smart home devices also come with carbon monoxide detectors, which are extremely important for the safety of everyone in a home. Many of these smart devices are also compatible with Amazon Alexa as well as Siri. No matter what kind of smart device you use, there is a solution to staying ahead of fire prevention and smoke detection.

The Way of the Future
These smart home devices are only going to continue to get more sophisticated. By integrating them now with your home security system, not only will your family be protected, but you will also stay ahead of the curve. When even newer technologies become available, upgrades will be simple and much more affordable.

The fact that smart devices are now compatible with home security systems gives homeowners an added advantage they did not have two decades ago. Here’s a closer look at some of the smart ways you can protect your home through the use of modern technology integrated with a security system.

Make Your Home Look Alive

Your smart system can incorporate timers that activate the lights when you are not home. In the event that you go away on a vacation, a darkened home will make for an easy target. But with a smart system, you can activate your lights so that they stay on during certain times of the night. This will give the impression that somebody is inside and serve as a deterrent to burglars.

Answer Your Door From Afar

Home security systems now have the capability of incorporating a smart doorbell. When someone rings your doorbell, a notification is sent to your smartphone. You can actually answer the door if and speak directly to the person through your device. There is no way to open the door, but you will be able to talk to the person and see their identity.

Smart Locks

Gone are the days when a key was all you need to enter a home. Smart locks permit the use of a passcode to open doors. This passcode can be changed at any given moment. And in case you left the home and forgot to lock the door, it can be done quite simply from your handheld device.

Notifications for Leaks

Defending a home does not always mean finding a way to deter burglars. It can also apply to protecting your home from damage. Installing emergency sensors will let you know what’s going on in your home and all times. If there is a water leak or busted pipe, an emergency sensor will be activated and send you a notification. In instances where leaking water is a problem, getting back and resolving the issue as soon as possible could be key to mitigating the damage.

Professional Monitoring

A professionally monitored home security system will bring you less stress because someone is always monitoring your home. It will also help when it’s time to pay the bills. Many homeowner insurance policies offer discounts when one of these systems is installed. This could equate to a significant amount of savings and defend you from monthly bill collectors.

The decision to install a business security system is a wise one. What better way to secure your business premises? However, not all systems are created equal. It’s imperative that you consider the finer points about choosing a business security system.

Once you get the details right, you’ll be able to sleep well knowing your premises are safe. The process is not complicated. All you need to do is answer a few questions and plot your plan of defense.

What’s Going On in the Area?

You need to know what types of crimes happen in the vicinity. If your business has been dealing with similar incidents, you’ll want to address them with your choice of a security system directly. If you have problems with people entering the business, you’ll want to choose surveillance equipment. It’s up to you to handle the primary concerns. Even if you’re going through a sales professional, collect as much information as possible. That way, you’ll be able to purchase a system that’s designed to handle all of your needs.

Pay Careful Attention to All Entrances

Securing the various entrances to your facility should be a high priority. Each one of your doors and windows is vulnerable to intrusion. It’s possible that power lines and air vents may also compromise your security. Mapping these potential threat vectors helps you implement a robust security system that prevents crime.

The planning stage is a way to make sure you don’t miss any obvious things during implementation. You won’t need to seal the openings off completely. Instead, a security system that surveils the areas will reduce problems almost instantly.

What Kind of Lighting Is Available?

Take a few moments to properly evaluate your property’s lighting. Vandals and criminals hate well-lit areas. The lights make it easy to identify the culprits. If you have particularly dark areas, consider the benefits you’d receive from installing floodlights and motion-sensing lights.

Experts recommend that you take day and night pictures to get a feel for the dramatic differences. If you don’t plan on paying for new lighting, consider the advantages of infrared security cameras. These devices work very well where light is not abundant.

Internal Security Deserves Your Attention, Too

You’ll need to consider your internal security policies as well. If you feel that it’s lacking, fingerprint door locks or combination door locks provide a welcome addition.

You’ll also want to put security cameras in any area where your business maintains valuable merchandise or equipment. Always restrict access to those areas and make sure you have detailed records of who comes and goes. These straightforward tactics reduce the impact of crimes significantly. With a thorough enough system in place, you can expect to mitigate the damage from everyday incidents.

You’ll want to run through and handle a whole range of other issues before installing your security system. Get rid of plants that have grown too large, and add lights to areas that are too dark. Put security cameras in all sensitive areas of your property. Use digital video recording to keep records of your surveillance. Alarms, locks, and cameras tend to drive down people’s desires to steal or cause mayhem. They represent a small investment in comparison to the huge cost of criminal acts.

Make It Clear That You Are Actively Securing Your Property
Let the world know that your take security seriously! Criminals are always looking for the easiest mark. If they sense that your business is a fortress, they won’t hang around for long. There’s no reason to ignore the psychological elements of security.

Bright lights, camera, and signs that all signal the reality of your commitment to safety are enough to make many criminals keep looking. They won’t stay and try to bypass a bunch of measures when they can find an unprotected target easier. Put in the effort necessary to clearly tell the world that attempting crime at your business is not a good idea!

You have a unique opportunity to get all the details right. Choose the business security system that handles all of your individual requirements. Safety is always a unique situation; your business is not a clone of others. Don’t be afraid to contact a security system professional to discuss the intricacies of your case. Your desire to safeguard your employees and valuables is rational. There are many threats around that should be dealt with as fast as possible. Choosing the ideal business security system is the first step toward liberating yourself from worry.

In the Charleston area and throughout South Carolina, flooding is a common occurrence. And while many of us have grown accustomed to dealing with floods, do we really know how to stay safe during a flood?

Here are some tips on how to keep you, your family, and your belongings safe when a flood strikes.

Park Your Car
If you know that there is potential for flooding, go park your car on high ground or in a storied garage. The last thing you want is for your car to get flooded, or worse, float away.

You also want to avoid driving in the even of a flood. Even if the water is just halfway above your tires, it’s best not to drive. Your car could hydroplane,which could lead to a serious accident. The water can also damage your engine and other equipment beneath the hood of your car.

If you have to drive, drive slowly and be careful. Don’t take roads that are prone to flooding, and watch the height of the water.

Protect Your Home
If you are in a two-story home, move any valuables, moveable furniture, and other items that might be damaged to the second floor. If you live on single story floor, place your items you don’t want damaged on high shelves and counters. Have a friend or neighbor with a two-story house? Ask them to keep a few things for you.

Place sandbags at the entrances on the first floor of your home to try to prevent water from getting indoors.

Walk Cautiously
Avoid walking in a flooded area in the first place. If you must walk, do not walk in water 6 inches or higher, and don’t walk in water that appears to be moving. Moving water is often more powerful, and therefore dangerous, than it appears.

Even still water has its risks. If you have to walk, wear waterproof boots to protect yourself from potential contamination in the water.

Beware of Electrical Equipment
Do not touch any wires or electrical equipment, especially if you are wet or if they are in water. You’re likely to electrocute yourself. If you are dry and have access to your home’s power source, turn off your utilities from the main switches and valves.

We may be used to floods in the Lowcountry, but that doesn’t mean they are any less dangerous. If the state or county calls for evacuation, leave the area. Don’t try to wait out a serious flood- your safety is more valuable than your property.

No matter what kind of car you drive, an emergency situation can occur at any minute. Emergencies can be scary, stressful, and potentially life-threatening if you aren’t prepared. That’s why it’s important to know what to keep in your car in the event of an emergency.

Here are the essential tools and supplies that you should keep in your car at all times.

License and Registration
Keep your license and registration in your car at all times. If you’re pulled over for any reason, the process will run much more smoothly if you can easily access your license and registration papers.

You should also keep insurance papers and AAA card in your glovebox. If you’re stranded on the side of the road or involved in an accident, you’ll need them.

Jumper Cables
It’s always a good idea to have jumper cables with you. Just make sure you know how to use them first; incorrectly connecting the cables can seriously damage your car. Fortunately, it’s easy to learn how to safely jump start a car battery.

Your Car Manual
If you do have car issues, you will need your car’s manual to have any hope of fixing the problem. If you purchased a used car that is missing its manual, buy one for your car’s model and year online. Without the manual, you may not understand your car’s warning lights or how to check the fluid levels in the engine.

First Aid Kit
In addition to a traditional first aid kit that has bandages and antiseptic wipes, you should also pack a flashlight, umbrella, blankets, and an ice scraper. If you are stranded on the side of the road at night or if you need to look under your car, a flashlight will come in handy. Blankets can shield you from cold weather or from hot concrete depending on the season and should always be stored in your car.

Speaking of the chillier months, keep an ice scraper in your glovebox. Although you can use a credit card to clear the ice in an emergency, a scraper is much more efficient and costs next to nothing.

Tire Repair Kit
At some point in your life, you will inevitably experience a flat tire, even if you are diligent about regularly replacing them. That’s why it’s important to keep a tire repair kit in your car at all times. In general, a tire repair kit should include a spare tire, tire jack, tire iron, an inflator, sealer, lug wrench, and a can of WD-40 lubricating spray.

A flat tire can be disastrous if you don’t have the proper equipment to fix it. If you don’t know how to change a tire, ask a friend to help teach you or watch tutorials on Youtube.

Important Medications
In case of emergency, carry any important medications with you in your car. This can include regular aspirin or medicine you take daily. Since certain medications need to be stored at room temperature, you may want to pack them in your purse before you leave and take them with you instead of leaving a bottle of sensitive medicine in the trunk of your car.

If you think you may need an epipen or an inhaler, always keep it within reach in the glovebox.

Water Bottles
If you are preparing for a long road trip, consider packing extra water bottles. Fatigue can quickly set in if you are stranded without access to water, especially in the summer. Since plastic water bottles can be unsafe to drink out of after sitting in a hot car for longer than a day, don’t keep these in your car for extended periods of time.

And speaking of running on empty, pack a gas can with you to more easily fill up in case you run out of fuel.

Other Useful Items
When there is no service or your phone has died, a good old-fashioned paper map can be extremely useful until you can navigate with your GPS. For an emergency where you have to turn your car off, store a portable USB charger in your glovebox. In addition, keep a few rolls of toilet paper and paper towels in your car. If you have to use the bathroom outdoors, you’ll be grateful for one of those little white rolls.

Finally, keep some duct tape in your emergency bin. Famous for its versatility, a durable roll of duct tape is always good to have on hand. Check out these ten heroic duct tape car repairs if you aren’t convinced.

Although this is an extensive list, these items can help you through almost any roadside emergency. Alleviate the stress caused by an unexpected emergency by knowing what to keep in your car.

While you’re driving safely on the highway, is the home you left behind protected? At Sonitrol, we offer quality security systems for your home or business. Chat with an expert member of our team at (843) 747-0904 to learn more about our superior systems.

The benefits of a security system are well-documented and include police protection, video surveillance, and peace of mind. However, while an alarm can be lifesaving in the event of a break-in, a false alarm is a disaster. It’s important to understand how to properly use your security system and prevent a false alarm from occurring. Otherwise, you could incur hundreds of dollars of fees and waste the valuable time of law enforcement officers.

Here are five simple strategies for preventing a false alarm:

Know the code
Although this may seem obvious, a surprising number of false alarms are due to the homeowner forgetting the code or failing to inform someone of a code change. When you first install your security system, make a list of everyone who knows the code and update it as needed. This could include family members, babysitters, or a friend who is watching your home for the weekend. Choose a code that is easy to remember, but not easy to guess. Avoid choosing something like the house number.

Keep an eye on pets
Motion-detecting systems in your home or yard are great for security, but pets and animals can set off false alarms. If you use a motion-detection alarm system, you’ll need to keep pets in a secured area where they won’t trigger the alarm. Talk to your security provider for information about pet-friendly product options.

Replace the batteries
Although many home security systems are outfitted with batteries that can last for five years, any system will need a battery replaced eventually. Most alarm systems will let you know when the batteries are weak. Keep a record of when you have last changed the batteries to prevent any unexpected malfunctions.

Report faulty equipment
Although an estimated 70% of false alarms are caused by human error, a system malfunction can occur. If you suspect that the security system may be at fault for a false alarm, contact your provider. A representative will be sent to your home to examine the system for any defects.

A few general rules
Although you may think that running back into your house to grab a forgotten item won’t trigger an armed alarm system, even a short duration will cause the alarm to go off. If you need to go back into your home or office after setting the alarm, take a few moments to disable it as soon as you walk through the door.

Inclement weather, such as electrical storms, hurricanes, strong winds, and tornadoes can also cause a false alarm, although this is rare. As a precaution, take the weather into consideration when using your security system.

The key to successfully using your alarm system is to set and disable it as often as possible. When this becomes routine, you reduce your risk of triggering a false alarm. Always ensure that your security equipment is working properly. For information about the benefits of a security system in your home or office, give our expert team at Sonitrol a call at (843) 747-0904.