Top 10 List to Choose a Home Alarm Company

Many consumers find choosing an alarm company is a very challenging task. There are many companies around, so I can you be sure which company to choose from? What services to choose? Why some companies have much higher monthly rates than other companies? From my experience in the security industry for about 10 years, I recommend using this list to choose your alarm company. This list is not in any order of importance, each item is equally important. 

1. Liability Insurance: Make sure the alarm company has at least 1 million dollar liability insurance. This will cover any damage that might result from damages during installation or malfunction of the alarm system. 2 million dollars liability insurance is very common in the security industry.


2. ULC Monitoring: Make sure the monitoring station is ULC approved. ULC means Underwriters Laboratories of Canada. These are standards for security equipments and workplace. Security companies who has certified listed monitoring station means that the monitoring facility complies with the ULC standards. ULC certified companies should make the consumers feel comfortable and safe with their equipments and service provided.


3. Referrals: Check residential and commercial referrals that are using the company services. This is very important to ensure that the monitoring station response is fast and friendly. Also, make sure the service respond for the alarm company is fast when your system has any trouble and require service. Don't just ask for the referral list, rather call them and ask about the company, if they are happy, if they have any incident or problems.


4. How old is the company: how many years in business? How experienced are the technicians? There are many companies that are new to this business and they will disappear very fast. So, make sure the company is at least 3 to 5 years old.


5. Location of Monitoring Station: make sure your monitoring company is local. It is very important to have a real person on the other line when you are in need and distress. Local monitoring companies are faster to dispatch and deal with any dispatch. Also, it is important to have backup monitoring station in case the main station is down.


6. Subcontractors-Dealers: Make sure the alarm company will perform all installation and services and they are not reseller or subcontract to another bigger company.


7. Contract: make sure the there are no hidden obligations in the contract. Make sure no long term contracts. 3 years are very typical and standard. Make sure you own the system after the contract term is over.


8. Local Company: always work with a local company with a local office. This will ensure better and faster service. Companies with remote offices will have to subcontract someone else to do the work.


9. Insurance Certificate: Most insurance companies will provide you with a discount on your home insurance when you have an alarm system. Make sure the security company will provide you with an insurance certificate.


10. Physical office: Make sure your company has a local office.

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Smart Phones and Home Security Systems

The ever-changing world of technology has developed a growing number of apps for the SmartPhone to help keep our homes safe and secure from crime. These various apps allow individuals to monitor and protect their homes while at work or on vacation. Many of these apps are available as free downloads from various companies, however some require payment and a contract for the services provided.

A Secure Look:

People who utilize these apps have their home's security in the palm of their hand. Homeowners can monitor their home from their SmartPhone, and activate their wireless office or home security systems with the simple touch of a button, from any location worldwide.

Before these apps were introduced, homeowners used security system consoles, handsets, and the usual keychain remote to control their system. Some systems could be monitored and controlled via the internet. However, with these advanced security apps, an individual can now be on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean and arm and disarm their wireless home security alarm with a touch to their SmartPhone screen.

Individuals can also use these new apps to take photos through their installed home video surveillance cameras. From thousands of miles away, a person can literally see who or what may be on their property at any given time of day.

Additional Features:

Every day, technology gives birth to new advancements in the world of home security. With some comparison shopping, an individual can acquire top of the line home security that will bring peace of mind so they can leave their home without giving security a second thought.

Some of these system apps allow a homeowner to change the lighting in their home, including opening and closing window shades. This gives the house the appearance of someone being home and therefore may keep the home from being targeted by burglars. Other apps enable the owner to turn the television or other audio systems on and off with the touch of a button.

Outdoor lighting and surveillance cameras wireless can be controlled in much the same way. Some more advanced apps can be programmed to adjust the thermostat as well. For example, if a person has been away for several days and the weather has changed, they simply use this app to adjust the thermostat of their home so it will be warmer or cooler, and all by simply touching a button on their SmartPhone.

Some basic apps that help in securing the home do not require internet service. However, the more advanced apps do need internet access to work. There are many different companies to choose from, and most offer many similar services. By comparison shopping an individual can find out all the details about the differing monthly costs between companies.

Give us call for your free quote 707-452-8334, or look us up at www.alphaaa.com 

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10 Reasons You Need a Home Security System

Too many people don't consider home security until after they've been victimized by a burglary or other calamity in their home. However, a great deal of these incidents may have been prevented by having a home security system.

According to recent FBI statistics, more than two million home burglaries occurred in 2010. This amounts to a home in the U.S. being broken into about every 15 seconds! As the economy and unemployment continue to place more people into a financially desperate situation, and a variety of other reasons for burglaries persist, this number isn't likely to decrease anytime soon.

Fortunately, there are many ways to minimize the likelihood of being a victim - and owning a security system tops the list. There are many other benefits associated with having a security system as the following list points out.

1. Create a deterrent.

A crook would likely find a different target if you have a home security system. Burglars typically target their victims based on ease of entry, among other things, but the likelihood of getting caught certainly plays a role. When a security system exists, they are more likely to move on and find a less risky target.

2. Keep your family safe.

The peace of mind that comes from knowing your family is safe is priceless. Whether it's the middle of the day when the kids come home from school, or the middle of the night when you're all asleep, knowing that you have the protection of a security system will mean a lot.

3. Save on insurance.

Every major insurance company will give a discount on the premium for a homeowner's policy when there is a security system installed. The typical savings are in the 10 to 20% range and will help to offset the cost of buying a system and/or monthly service fees.

4. Take better vacations.

Have you ever been away on vacation and worried about your home? I can tell you firsthand that there's great peace of mind in knowing your home is protected while you relax in the sun. In addition to possibly preventing a break-in or notifying police should there be one, many security systems will also monitor your home for water, fire, smoke and carbon monoxide which gives extra assurance that all is well at home.

5. Quickly respond to an emergency.

With a security system monitoring your home, a break-in or other event can minimize loss and damage as appropriate assistance (police, fire department, plumber, etc.) can be notified immediately. Many security systems provide the means through the system itself or a monitoring service, that will bring help sooner rather than later.

6. Increase you resale value.

That's right - having a home security system will add value to your home. When selling a home, a security system would be included in the listing which can give you an edge compared to similar properties. If the system is easily removable as some are, it can also be used as a bargaining chip to close the deal or maintain a price point. In addition, would-be buyers place value on the security that their family would enjoy immediately after they buy their new home.

7. Protect yourself from more than just a thief.

Most security systems on the market today either include or give the options of integrating fire, water, smoke and carbon monoxide detection as part of the system. If a fire should start or a washing machine hose should break, you and/or authorities would be notified immediately and damage would be minimized.

8. Watch your home from anywhere.

Technology today has come a long way, including what the internet can be used for. Many home security systems offer video surveillance of wherever you have a camera installed in your home. This certainly has many uses including baby or nanny monitoring in addition to just seeing who's lurking around or inside your home. There are basic video monitoring systems available for as little as $100.

9. Cut back on energy costs.

Like sensors for water and smoke detection, many home security systems available today allow the control of thermostats, lighting and other electrical devices. This can lead to savings in heating and electrical expenses.

10. Be in complete control.

It's possible with the technology available today to control and monitor your front door from your smart phone or any internet connected device. Imagine knowing every time your front door was opened and who opened it. Whether it's a cleaning service, a repairman or just the kids coming home from school, there are lock-sets that will notify you with every opening of the door. You can even let people in remotely or lock the door behind the kids once they're safely inside. There are a variety of home automation technologies that are available as part of a home security system.


Give us call for your free quote 707-452-8334, or look us up at www.alphaaa.com 

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Video Surveillance Systems Provide Peace of Mind and Security

Need to monitor the cash register? Want to supervise the children when they're in the other room? For security, safety, and serenity, families and businesses are turning to video surveillance systems to watch over baby-sitters, inventory, play areas, employees, and much more.

Commercial Security Surveillance

Commercial security systems aren't anything new. But with new technological developments, there are more and more options for video surveillance systems at affordable prices. From encoded webcam systems to other Internet Protocol (IP) recording systems, there are a number of great surveillance options available for small businesses. Consider the benefits of video security for: 

* Monitoring inventory

* Supervising staff to ensure appropriate employee behavior

* Providing security for parking lots

* Watching over the cash register

* Providing additional protection for staff

Unlike traditional analog security systems, the new IP surveillance systems are cost-effective for even the smallest business. Cameras can be installed discreetly for optimum effect, and surveillance feeds can even be made available online for your convenience (through secure, encrypted channels). Surveillance system professionals can create a custom IP video security system for your business, focusing specifically on your security and monitoring needs to create a personalized configuration.

Home Surveillance

Home video security systems are also becoming increasingly popular. Many parents and home owners are using these systems to provide additional eyes and ears as well as peace of mind. While analog surveillance systems are simply too expensive to be practical for home usage, the development of IP surveillance systems has created a boom in home video security. Residential surveillance can be used to:

* Observe childcare staff

* Supervise child play from another room

* Monitor sleeping children

* Watch the house when you're away

These systems can wirelessly observe happenings in your house from teenagers home alone after school to kids playing in the living room to attempted robberies when you're not there. IP video security can include both audio and video and can be encrypted for the safety of your children. If you're ready to get the peace of mind and affordable convenience of a home video security system, contact your local surveillance installer to learn more.  


Give us call for your free quote 707-452-8334, or look us up at www.alphaaa.com 

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How Did They Gain Entrance to My Home?

We want to think burglars are stupid, so stupid they can't get a real job. We want to believe they are lazy. Not true, burglars are just misdirected in the use of their talents and believe me some of them are very talented. I will act as the burglar and tell you how I got into your house and why I choose you.

• You know me I delivered your refrigerator, cleaned your carpets and painted the trim on your house.


• I saw your alarm control panel at the front door through the decorative glass.


• I watched your house for newspapers piling up.


• I was the first to notice your lawn was not trimmed for over a week.


• When you didn't remove the flyers I taped to your front door, I knew you were not home.


• I hate alarms over the sink and motion detectors, and even worse I hate window alarms on the second floor, thanks for not installing them.


• Without an alarm system you actually gave me a few more minutes to select the items I wanted to steal, and those alarms wake the neighbors and get the police involved.


• I'm glad you had no security cameras, I hate that the police use video surveillance system recordings as evidence.


• Thanks for hiding your valuables in the sock drawer and medicine cabinet. Did you really think I wouldn't lift the mattress? You should have gotten a diversion safe.


• Thanks for turning off all radios and televisions. I like working when it's quiet.


• Didn't you tell your neighbors to watch over the house and didn't get one of those dog alarms. I hate nosey neighbors and dogs.


• When I saw that 60" flat screen TV carton by your trash can, I selected your house to rob.


• Thanks for the extension-ladder in the backyard; I had no trouble getting into the second story window.


• You forgot to set that alarm system because you were only going to be gone for a few hours. Thank you!


• I'll tell if your home by knocking ad pretending to offer handy man services. You don't need to check me out or notify the police, as I would never rob you.


• Nasty day, rain, cold weather and you are in a hurry to get going. Forgot to lock the door? I work in good or bad weather, I really don't care.


• If you hadn't let me use your bathroom last week when I was working in your yard, I couldn't have unlocked the bathroom window.


• You live in a safe neighborhood, so don't worry about remembering to lock the door. I knocked and you didn't answer, I tried the knob and got lucky.


• Thanks for leaving all window blinds and shades open for me so I could select the items I wanted to steal.


• Remember you announced your vacation on Facebook; it was very easy for me to look up your address.


• You had a safe! I'm glad you didn't bolt it down, so it was easy for me to pick up and carry it out.


• When you saw me in your backyard, it was all right, because I had a clipboard.


• When you bought that diversion safe, I'm glad you didn't put it into the kid's room as I hardly ever take time to go there. It was so handy on the counter looking out-of-place.


• Before you left, you cracked a couple windows open for fresh air. I would have closed them if I suspected rain.

Now let's look at what we can do to deter a burglar from entering your house and stealing your possessions. First make sure all windows are locked and use a door brace on sliding glass doors. Install dead-bolt locks on the doors and use the locks that require a key from both sides. Get a couple timers for lights to make it look like someone is occupying the house at night. Trim your hedges around windows and mow your lawn just prior to leaving. Get a security camera or camera system. The security camera's presence will deter a burglar, but if they ignore the camera, you have a video record to take to the police. Fake dummy cameras can make your video system seem bigger than it really is and a barking dog alarm will deter a burglar. Enhance your video security with "Beware of Dog" signs and security system stickers. Obtain diversion safes for money, valuables and jewelry.

Upgrade your outdoor lighting with motion sensing lights. Keep your garage door closed and if you purchase high dollar items, keep the boxes in the garage until you can cut them up or drop them off at a commercial disposal site. Lock ladders to the wall with a chain and lock up any pry bars, crowbars and other "tools of entry" in your toolbox. Don't make it easy for them to rob you.

If you have purchase and existing home or rent your home or apartment, a wireless alarm system is easy to install and very inexpensive. The wireless alarm system can dial the police and others to alert them of an intrusion. Glass breakage or window alarms and motion detectors are a necessity to make the alarm fully effective. If you have a friend or relative you can trust, have them stop by the house to collect mail, put out the trash and check the premises at least twice a week while you are gone.

If you have a rather large home or detached buildings with tools and equipment you can purchase a Voice alert system to tell you someone has entered a part of the house that is vacant or one of your out buildings. This alarm can be set to give you different messages such as "car entering driveway", "person entering the pool" or "someone entered the garage". You can put the receiver in your bedroom, home office or kitchen to give you a feeling of security while you focus on other things.

If you have been robbed, you are very likely to be robbed again, unless you change things. Whatever it was that attracted them in the first place makes you a target to be robbed again. A typical home can be equipped with a video camera security system, a wireless alarm system, door braces and a voice alert system for under $1,000.00. This is very inexpensive insurance for your valuables, and should bring the cost of home insurance down to help you pay for all this equipment.


Give us call for your free quote 707-452-8334, or look us up at www.alphaaa.com 

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