Alert 360 Named Best Places to Work

Tulsa, OK Sept 21, 2020

Alert 360 Named Best Places to Work

Major Home Security and Alarm Monitoring Provider Recognized as a Best Workplace for Fifth Consecutive Year

For the fifth year in a row, one of the country’s largest providers of home security systems and home automation solutions, Alert 360, has been selected as one of the “Best Places to Work” by The Journal Record. The Journal Record teams with the Best Companies Group to create the annual “Best Places to Work” awards and recognize companies that excel in creating quality workplaces.

“Our entire team is inspired by the families, homes, and businesses we help protect. In order to provide the best customer experience and security services to those we serve, we ask ourselves every day how we can be better as a workplace,” said Kent Morris, vice president, customer experience at Alert 360. “With this goal in mind, we strive to promote teamwork, diversity, communication, career growth, and overall healthy culture.”

“Because of our dedication to a positive workplace and the highest quality of service, we are thrilled to receive the Best Places to Work award for another year. We are tremendously grateful for the trust our customers place in us and recognize the talent of the thousands of Alert 360 team members around the country. We also are proud to call Oklahoma home and to contribute to the economy of this great state,” said Kent Morris.

“Best Places to Work” award winners are selected based on employee interviews, an anonymous employee engagement and satisfaction survey, workplace policies, practices and demographics. The results are analyzed and categorized by core focus areas such as Leadership and Planning; Corporate Culture and Communications; Role Satisfaction; Work Environment; Relationship with Supervisor; Training; Development and Resources; Pay and Benefits; and Overall Engagement. The Journal Record will recognize the top companies on Nov. 5, 2020, with a “Best Places to Work in Oklahoma” virtual program.

Founded nearly 50 years ago, Alert 360 operates home security branches in Oklahoma City; Miami, Oklahoma, Tulsa, Oklahoma and 15 other branch locations across the US. From these branches and many other authorized dealer locations throughout the country, the company provides cutting edge smart home and business security systems, installation, service, alarm monitoring, and smart home automation systems, including mobile app access. The Alert 360 alarm monitoring and customer care center in Tulsa, monitors homes and businesses in 26 states and supports the company’s network of branches from coast to coast.

Alert 360 also has been recognized as the Top 4 largest home security provider on the security industry’s annual SDM 100 Report; an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private company, and a “Best Home Security Provider.” The award-winning company is currently hiring for positions around the country. Find current job openings.

From coast to coast, the company’s services include Alert 360 wireless security systems, home automation devices, mobile app access, professional-grade security cameras, doorbell cameras, energy management solutions, 24/7 alarm monitoring, monitored smoke, carbon monoxide, water leak detectors and other smart home devices. Alert 360 also provides professional integration of connected devices that include sprinkler systems, thermostats, sound systems, Amazon Echo, Google Home and more.

For home security or business security system consultations, reach local Alert 360 security professionals at 833-360-1595 or to click the following link to see our home security package specials.

About Alert 360

Founded in 1973, Alert 360 is one of the nation’s oldest-licensed alarm monitoring providers. Today, the company is the fourth largest provider of monitored home security and home automation solutions in the United States. The company has achieved Five Diamond alarm monitoring designation and has been named an Inc. 5000 “Fastest-Growing Privately Held Company in America,” a “Best Home Security Provider,” and a five-time winner of “Best Places to Work.”

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Avoid online pet scams during COVID 19

Include Pet Safety in Home Security Planning

At Alert 360, we are a big family of animal lovers. Many of our employees have beloved pets, and we encourage those pets at company events, such as our annual (pre-COVID-19) company picnic. Needless to say, pets have a special place in the heart of the Alert 360 home security team.

The security of our customers’ pets is just as important to us as the security of their families, homes and properties. In line with this, we strive to raise awareness about online scams that threaten your bank accounts, finances, or personal identity. Unfortunately, online scams involving pets have been on the rise during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beware and Avoid Online Pet Scams

As a leading home security company, we talk a lot at about the prolific problem of door-to-door security sales scams. (If you have been the victim of or approached by someone using fraudulent door-to-door home security sales tactics, find help here.) While home security sales scams are still an issue, lately another type of scam has popped up on our radar – online pet scams.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and related isolation, the demand for pet companionship has increased. Related to this, recent media reports have shared an increase in online pet scams. Because many pet stores and animal shelters are temporarily closed, consumers are turning to the internet and, sometimes, those results have been disappointing. The Wall Street Journal recently dubbed puppies “This Year’s Big Online Scam.”

Include Pet Safety in Home Security to Avoid Pet Scams

It is unfortunate to read about consumers looking to get a pet, who then fall for one of these scams. These scams include pictures of puppies, offered on websites, that are not truly for sale. Many of these websites are professionally designed and have what look like actual consumer references.

Pet scammers have had a few years to perfect their illegal activity. A 2017 Better Business Bureau (BBB) study estimated that at least 80 percent of sponsored search links for pet sales may be fraudulent, advertising animals the supposed sellers don’t own. According to the BBB, these scams often increase during the holidays and have spiked during the coronavirus outbreak.

So, how do you avoid falling for one of these online puppy scams? The Federal Trade Commission, AARP, the BBB, and many Attorney Generals have posted red flags to look out for when buying a pet. They also offer helpful guidance when shopping online for a furry or feathered friend. Check out the above-mentioned organizations for more information and keep these tips in mind:

• Try to work with a local animal shelter or rescue league, which makes it easier to confirm references and possibly visit in person. Plus, you’ll be rescuing a pet in need of a second chance and a loving home.

• If it is too good to be true, it probably is. Do some research on the price of a pet in advance. If the price seems unusually low, buyer beware. That could be the sign of a scam.

• Do a Google search of the animal’s image. Check if you notice the same image on multiple sites, unrelated to the seller or varying in information. The same image posted in various, unrelated sites is a huge red flag.

• Pay by credit card – always. If a seller insists on a wire transfer or even worse, a gift card, that is another red flag. Using your credit card will give you a fair amount of buyer protection from your credit card company.

• Beware if you ask to see the pet in person and the buyer gives reasons not to meet.

• Check references for the seller through your local Better Business Bureau.

Once you bring a new pet home, you’ll want to ensure you keep it safe and secure. The following are ways the Alert 360 home security team can help.

Use Security Cameras to Keep an Eye on Pets

Theft of pets and lost pets are two other issues that impact our furry friends. The same way you increase your home’s security by being aware and prepared, you can easily increase your pet’s security. Make sure your pets have tags that include your current contact information. Have your pet microchipped and registered. Keep a closer eye on your pet when it’s outside and ensure you have a secure, gated area for it. Many Alert 360 customers use outdoor security cameras to keep an eye on their yards. This makes it easier to see what’s happening, using our home security app, whether you are away or busy inside your home. Our security video cameras, with two-way communications, also allow you to speak to someone who approaches your yard or pets.

You also can set notifications to alert you if your pet accesses a sensitive or off-limits area while you’re away. This can help keep your pet and belongings safe.

Protect your Pets with Home Security Decals

Whether you have a new furry family member or a longtime family pet, remember, Alert 360 can help keep them safe at home. In addition to smoke detectors and security cameras, Alert 360 offers pet static clings to help save pets during an emergency. (Alert 360 customers can request decals here.) Simply place these “In Case of Fire” decals in your windows to alert emergency responders that you have pets in your home.

Free Home Security Evaluations Available

Alert 360 offers free home security evaluations to help identify ways to increase your home, family’s – and pet’s – security. A trained home security professional will perform a walk-thru inside and outside your home to check for vulnerable areas. From a basic home security system to a comprehensive system, including smart home automation, Alert 360 has the latest security devices. With offices coast-to-coast, chances are we’re in your neighborhood. Find a local Alert 360 home security team near you by visiting Alert360.com or our locations page.

We have coast to coast office locations and we also have hundred authorized dealers. Call today at 833-360-1595!

Branch offices:
Anaheim home security systems
Austin home security systems
Dallas home security systems
Clinton, OK
Fort Worth home security systems
Fresno home security systems
Houston home security systems(North Office)
Houston home security systems(South Office)
Kansas City home security systems
Miami OK home security systems
Oklahoma City home security systems
Phoenix home security systems
Sacramento home security systems
San Antonio home security systems
San Diego home security systems
Sarasota home security systems
Springfield MO home security systems
Tulsa home security systems
Wichita home security systems

The Alert 360 blog is recognized as a top 10 home security Blog post in the nation. #petsafety #securitycameras #home #alarmsystem #securitycamera #homesafety #securitysystems #homesecuritysystems #homesecuritydevice #homesecurityimprovements

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How to Replace your ADT Command Panel Battery

If your ADT Command System has a low battery then you might need a new ADT Command Panel Battery. It is important to have a good working backup panel battery so in the event of a power outage, your system will continue to protect your home or business. You can follow these easy steps to replace it.

First, you want to shut down the power to the panel so it does not beep tamper while you are trying to change the battery. You can do this by going to the tools section>then advanced>then click on system shut down. You can skip this step if you want, but you will want to have your system on test mode on myADT.com first.

Then unscrew the screw on the bottom of the panel and separate the front of the keypad from the wall plate. If you do not already have a replacement battery you can get one here. Be careful not to lose the small screw you remove in this step and in the next step.

Next, you will unscrew the battery cover screw and remove the backup battery and its connection to the panel. Then you just need to replace it with the new ADT Command Panel Battery and reattach the battery cover and screw. Lastly, reattach the keypad to the back wall plate and screw it back on. Note: if you do not attach it firmly to the wall plate the panel tamper will continue to sound. If it does not automatically power back up then remove the plug from the outlet and plug it back in again.

If you still see a low battery indication it might just need a few hours to charge. Any questions or comments please let us know. Please like our Facebook page and check out our youtube channel for more videos and consider subscribing.

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Prevent Porch Pirates with Home Security

Avert Package Theft with Alert 360 Home Security and a Top-Rated Video Doorbell Camera

Unfortunately, porch piracy remains big news and an even bigger problem for many homeowners. A recent study reports that nearly 40 percent of consumers have been victims of package theft. Of those, 44 percent have had a package stolen at least twice. Fortunately, there are easy home security steps to take that help prevent your packages from being stolen.

Tips to Protect Home Deliveries

At Alert 360, we know that the first step to protecting valuable deliveries from theft is to be aware that it can happen. Then, take action to increase front porch security and prevent it. Following are tips we suggest for preventing package theft from your porch and protecting valuable deliveries:

• Track the delivery closely so that you know when it’s on its way.
• If possible, have packages delivered to your office or another, safer location, such as a P.O. Box, a UPS or FedEx pick-up spot, or Amazon locker.
• Require a signature for all deliveries or high-dollar items.
• Use your video doorbell camera and home security system to receive notifications when a package is delivered or someone visits your porch. The doorbell camera allows you to keep an eye on the package. A two-way voice doorbell also allows you to speak to anyone who comes to your front door.
• Stay home for the delivery or have it sent to a friend or family member who is home.
• Consider installing a secure delivery box at your home. Or, have the delivery service safely place the package inside, with help from your home security system, smart locks and security cameras.
• Provide instructions, such as “hide behind the chair on the “porch” or “place inside the door.”

Most Popular Step to Prevent Package Theft

According to the study, of those who had packages stolen, the most popular measure taken to prevent it again and beef up home security is by installing a professional-grade doorbell camera.

At Alert 360, our top-rated video doorbell cameras allow homeowners to monitor their front entries 24/7 with up to 1080p and 5x zoom! Our superior professional-grade video doorbell camera will send immediate alerts when your front door is approached. It also allows you to speak to front porch visitors with two-way voice and record high-quality full color video footage to deter or catch thieves.

An Alert 360 video doorbell camera alerts you to a person or delivery even without them pressing the doorbell! Our smart home security system with a video doorbell camera and keyless locks, allows you to remotely unlock the door so that a delivery driver can place the item safely inside. A home security system that also includes our smart keyless lock(s) offers the ability to unlock and relock the door remotely once the delivery has been made.

Our doorbell camera increases overall security after dark as well with color night vision! When combined with home security and automation system, homeowners can also turn porch lights on and off when someone approaches.
Overall, a doorbell camera and integrated home security system from Alert 360 delivers increased security and valuable peace of mind by securing your home and family. For tips on installing the best home security system for you, check out our recent blog “Things to Consider When Buying a Home Security System.”

Protection from Package Thieves and More

With more and more deliveries being made to homes, thieves know the opportunity to steal items has increased. With the COVID-19 pandemic and back-to-school shopping driving more home deliveries, it’s more important than ever to have a plan to prevent stolen packages. Use these measures to protect deliveries and enjoy safe, online shopping all year round.

For additional home security and home automation tips that help save you money, make life easier, and secure your property, request a free security consultation from your local Alert 360 team.

Alert 360 offers nearly 50 years of experience providing professional installation of home and business security systems, along with award-winning, 24/7 alarm monitoring. We have home security packages specials and of course, we always build a security system to your specific needs. To learn more about your home security options, visit Alert360.com or find a local security branch near you.

We have coast to coast office locations. We have hundred authorized dealers. Call today at 833-360-1595!

Branch offices:
Anaheim, CA
Austin, TX
Dallas, TX
Clinton, OK
Fort Worth, TX
Fresno, CA
Houston, TX (North Office)
Houston, TX (South Office)
Kansas City, KS
Miami, OK
Oklahoma City, OK
Phoenix, AZ
Sacramento, CA
San Antonio, TX
San Diego, CA
Sarasota, FL
Springfield, MO
Tulsa, OK
Wichita, KS

The Alert 360 blog is recognized as a top 10 home security Blog post in the nation. #safety #securitycameras #home #alarmsystem #camera #homesafety #securitysystems #smarthomes #smarthometechnology #instasecurity #instahomesecurity #packagetheft

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How do I Connect my Liftmaster Garage Door Opener to ADT Control or Alarm.com?

If you have a Liftmaster garage door that says MyQ and WiFi on it already (like the opener below), then you are ready to connect your opener to your WiFi network and then add it to either ADT Control or Alarm.com (depending on which app you have).

If you changed your WiFi and now your Liftmaster Garage Door Opener is not connected to WiFi you will want to follow these steps to reconnect it.

If your Liftmaster Garage Door Opener only says MyQ on it (and not Wi-Fi), then you need to install a Liftmaster Gateway before you can add it to your app. And if your garage door opener does not have the MyQ or the WiFi logo then you will need to add the Button and the Gateway before adding them to your alarm app.

You will want to make sure the Wi-Fi Signal strength is sufficient by looking at your phones signal strength.

How to Connect the Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener to the Wi-Fi Network (only for openers that say Wi-Fi on them)

1. Put the opener into Wi-Fi Setup mode by pressing and releasing the yellow Learn button on the garage door opener two to three times. The garage door opener will beep once and a blue light will start flashing. You then have 20 minutes to complete the process.
2. On a mobile device or laptop connect to the Wi-Fi network called “MyQ…)
3. Go to the website setup.myqdevice.com. Follow the prompts to connect the garage door to the Wi-Fi network. You might need to select “Erase Wi-Fi” on the set up before being able to scan for a new network. Do not download the MyQ app when it mentions it. You will use your ADT Control or Alarm.com app to control it.
4. Make sure you have Garage Door Control and Liftmaster Integration enabled on your account.
5. Your alarm service provider will then need to enter the serial number from your garage door opener or gateway. You might be able to add it yourself if you can go to settings, devices, automation devices click Liftmaster installation.

Tips and troubleshooting:
1. If you have already registered with the MyQ app you will need to delete it first and then you add it to your ADT Control or Alarm.com app.
2, Try opening and closing the door if you are having and troubles. Sometimes the cycle helps it validate the process.
3. If there is no Wi-Fi in the garage or it is weak,
a. Go to setup.myqdevice.com and select Erase Wi-Fi. It can also be erased by pressing and holding the balck adjustment button until three beeps are heard. (around 6 seconds)
b. Move the wireless router closer to the garage or purchase a Wi-Fi Range Extender and then try to reconnect.

If you have a Liftmaster Security+2.0 gate operator you can add a MyQ gateway and control it as well. Press the learn button twice on the primary operator and it will pair with the gateway.

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3 Easy Ways to Control and Automate a Light Switch without a Neutral Wire

You may have already discovered that most Z-wave light switches (like this one) require a neutral wire for them to work. (This is usually the white wire that might be in the back with a connector on it) A standard light switch does not need power constantly because it does not communicate back to the main system. But Z-wave light switches typically require that you dig the bundle of white neutrals that is tucked in the back of your light switch box out and connect it to your new smart light switch. If you discover that you do not have one, then what do you do?

Here are 3 simple suggestions of what you can do to automate lighting without a neutral wire.

1. Get a smart light bulb. This is by far the easiest option. If you are looking to control a lamp, or a light fixture, or even several lights, just replace them with z-wave light bulbs and then you can control them anytime and put them on a schedule. (You will have to leave the switch on at all times though since they need permanent power so they can stay in communication with your smart security system. Just put your system in learn mode and then turn the power on and turn the bulb off and on and it will detect it and allow you to start using it with your system.

2. Get an easy install z-wave light switch. These mount directly on top of your existing light switch so anyone can install them and there is no wiring involved. Just take off your light switch cover plate and put this on top of your switch. It has a learn in button on the back you can push once your system is in learn mode.

3. Install a Lutron light switch and gateway. This is a little more complicated solution but it does not require a neutral and it integrates with Alarm.com and ADT Control. You just need to first add a gateway and then you can add light switches that communicate to the gateway. You can then add the gateway to one of the apps above.

I hope these three tips to help you automate your lighting are helpful. Please let us know if they have helped you if you have any tips to add, and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

For more information on security or some of our products you can visit our YouTube channel here

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What is the Best Security System to Integrate with Your Home Automation System?

If you plan on having a home automation system in which you control lighting, home theater, audio, shades, cameras, etc., you may have wondered what security system is the best choice for integration. This depends primarily on the home automation platform you have chosen.

If you are installing a Control4 system you have several options. You can use the all-in-one Qolsys Panel or  DSC Neo Panel if you want the latest technology that connects the security system via IP. The Qolsys system does not need any additional parts for this integration, but the DSC Neo system does need to have one of the IP Communicators. (Ip Communicator or Dual-Path Cell and IP Communicator).

You could also install legacy systems that speak to the control panel through an RS232 connection, such as Honeywell Vista, Napco, DMP, or the DSC PowerSeries.   These are tried and true systems but do not have the ability to add long-range, state-of-the-art PowerG wireless devices and may or may not offer the same level of security encryption and 2-way communication with your wireless security devices. If you go with a Honeywell Vista you will need the integration module that allows the RS232 or RS422 connection. If you install the DSC Powerseries Panel then you would need its integration module also. The Concord Panel is another legacy panel that can connect to all of these systems using its integration module, but it is out of circulation now so you would not want to install one new in a home.

Having your system fully integrated with Control4 means that your alarm panel controls will exist within the Control4 system.  Your Control4 interface can include either an iOs or Android devices such as a mobile phone or tablet, that is accessible when you are on the same WiFi as the Control4 system.  Additionally, for a fee of $100/year Control4 offers remote viewing and control from their 4Sight app.  This allows you to get notifications and control your system when you are away from the home but still on a cellular or external data network.

If you are planning on using Elan for your home automation system you can integrate it with legacy systems, such as Honeywell Vista or DSC PowerSeries, or install a 2GIG panel (GC2 or GC3) that features an IP connection and 2GIG’s latest technology.  Elan does not charge their customers for remote access and their app is free for users whether or not they are on the same WiFi network or outside of the home.

If you are going to be using Savant or Crestron as your home automation system, currently, these systems only integrate with legacy alarm panels through RS232, such as Honeywell Vista or DSC PowerSeries.  Like Elan, neither Savant nor Crestron charges an annual fee for remote access and this is also offered for free when you download their app.

If it’s important to you that your alarm panel is connected to the primary control system then you have to stay within the above parameters and choose the appropriate panel for whatever control system you have.  However, if it’s not important and you’re OK having a second app to control your alarm panel then you can utilize either alarm.com with DSC, 2GIG, and Qolsys, ADT Control with ADT, or TotalConnect with Honeywell.  Both of these interfaces offer straight home automation but do not offer the ability to integrate with audio-video.  Alarm.com is the clear industry leader in comparison with Honeywell TotalConnect, offering a superior user interface and many more industry partners that it integrates with.

One advantage of keeping the alarm system separate from the control system is that if there is a problem with the control system, then your alarm system remains independently active and apart from the primary control interface.  Another advantage of keeping the alarm system separate is that you will have greater control and ability to add/delete users and change codes remotely.  The control platforms mainly serve as means to notify the user of events or status and to integrate the alarm panel with the other home automation features in customized scenes that may involve the other components such as shades, temperature control, lighting, door stations and audio-visual components that are typically set up by the installer who programs the system.

Hopefully, this information can help you know which security system you should plan on installing with your control and automation system so that they can integrate together if you would like. If there are any questions we can help with please contact us.

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