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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 Loved Ones
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.