2020 Your Personal safety and Home Security for the New Year

At Alert 360, we don’t take a break for the holidays or new year. As we celebrate the new year, we offer these tips for staying safe when returning gifts or spending gift cards. With the holidays winding down, it’s a time to enjoy but also keep home security and personal safety top of mind. Following these easy security tips helps ensure you have a great start to the new year.

New Year Home Security and Secure Shopping Tips

Most security steps are common sense, but it’s easy to become relaxed in the excitement of the new year. Return gifts, run errands and spend gift cards or holiday cash worry-free with the below suggestions. When heading to your local stores or returning items online:

Review our home security tips on package delivery safety for items you are returning or receiving online. Find out how to combat porch package thieves here.

When returning items in person or shopping locally, park in well-lit areas close to your destination.

Avoid shopping alone, but if you do, watch for safe groups to walk out with or ask security for an escort to your car. Carry your keys in your hand to use as a weapon if necessary. Avoid being distracted by talking on your cell phone or digging for your keys while walking.

Always lock your vehicle.

Teenagers also out and about? Check that they locked your home’s doors or closed the garage, using your home security automation system.

Or, receive alerts when they arrive home safely so you can shop in peace, without worry.

Be aware of your surroundings and don’t carry so many packages or bags that you can’t see or react if needed.

Avoid leaving purchases in plain sight within your vehicle. If you must store them and go back into the store, move your vehicle to a new spot. Moving your car helps in case someone is watching for shoppers to leave items and return to the store.

Relax, but keep an eye on home while away so you don’t feel rushed to return. It’s easy with today’s wireless home security systems, doorbell cameras and a security mobile app. Learn more below.

When in doubt, leave valuables, debit cards, or credit cards you won’t be using safely at home. Your vehicle’s trunk is not the best place to leave a purse or these items. If someone can get into your vehicle, they can access the trunk.

Store electronic devices and valuables out of sight, including any power cables or mounts. This eliminates clues that a device is hidden in your car.

Remove valuable information from your glove compartment, such as insurance papers with your home address and a garage door opener. Most insurance information can be stored or access on your phone if needed.

Pick restrooms in well-lit and well-trafficked areas of the mall. Always accompany children and the elderly to the restroom.

Always know where the closest exit is located in case of fire or another emergency.

Attract attention by talking loudly or yelling if you are approached by a stranger. Then, return to the store and alert an employee.

Avoid leaving a purse in a shopping cart, which you might step or turn away from often. Keep your purse on you and closed so that others can’t have easy access if you are distracted.

Make home and personal security a priority in 2020 and beyond. Find out how in our previous blog Make Home Security a Top New Year’s Resolution!

Don’t Overlook Home Security when Shopping

Thieves are still watching for valuable holiday gifts, deliveries, and empty homes. If you have a monitored home security system, always arm it when you leave. Thieves are on high alert and you should be too.

Use your home security cameras and a doorbell camera to stay connected to home and aware. Keep an eye on teenagers, pets or elderly parents you leave at home while you’re out and about.

Remember, too, that arming your home security system protects against more than break-ins and can alert you and authorities to fire, smoke and carbon monoxide emergencies as well. Review our recent blog on holiday home security tips for more ideas.

Home Security for the New Year and Beyond

At Alert 360, we wish you peace of mind throughout the new year. If we can help increase your family’s and home’s security, we’re just a phone call away and have a local office nearby. Check for our current home security system specials, find us in the following cities, and contact us for a free home security evaluation.

Your Local Alert 360 Home Security Company Can Help!

If you would like a free security review or quote:

Branch offices:
Anaheim, CA
Austin, TX
Clinton, OK
Dallas, TX
Fort Worth, TX
Houston, TX north office
Houston, TX south office – Stafford, TX
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.

About Alert 360 Home Security Company:

Founded in 1973, Alert 360 is one of the nation’s oldest-licensed alarm monitoring providers. Today, the company is the fifth-largest provider of monitored home security and home automation solutions to homes in the United States. Alert 360 operates a monitoring and customer service center in Tulsa, Okla., and has offices coast to coast, serving customers in 26 states. The company has achieved Five Diamond alarm monitoring designation. It also has been named an Inc. 5000 “Fastest-Growing Privately Held Company in America” and a “Best Places to Work” for four consecutive years.

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Alert 360 Top Ten Home Security Blog in the Nation

Alert 360, a leading provider of home and business security systems, alarm monitoring, and home automation in the United States, is recognized by Feedspot.com as providing one of the Top 10 home security blogs in the country for the home security industry.

Alert 360 is the fifth largest home security systems provider in the nation. With headquarters in Tulsa, Okla., a second corporate office in Irving, Texas, 18 branch offices, and hundreds of Alert 360 Authorized Dealer partners, Alert 360 has nearly a quarter of a million customers coast to coast. As one of the oldest, licensed alarm monitoring providers, the company also offers Five Diamond designated alarm monitoring for home and business security systems.

The Alert 360 home security blog is recognized among thousands of home security blogs in the Google index, using search and social metrics. Feedspot is a top content reader for favorite websites, blogs, RSS feeds, YouTube channels and social media sites in one place.

According to its website, Feedspot has a team of over 25 experts whose goal is to discover and rank popular blogs, podcasts and YouTube channels in several niche categories. Its top blog rankings are based on:

relevancy

industry blogs (those not favoring a specific brand) are given higher rank than blogs by individual brands who often tend to promote their own products

blog post frequency

social media follower counts and engagements

domain authority

age of a blog

Alexa Web Traffic Rank and other parameters

“Increasing numbers of home and business owners are installing and using security systems and home automation to help manage and secure their homes and offices,” said Richard Ginsburg, Alert 360 president and CEO. “As a leader in designing, installing, servicing and monitoring security systems, we hope to provide useful information for families and business owners who are considering a security system or using home automation. We also understand the ability to save time and money using today’s security services and automation and are thrilled to share the many benefits of installing a security system. We’re excited that so many people are reading our security blog and consider it a valuable resource.”

Recent Alert 360 home security blogs include tips and resources for choosing the best home security cameras; DIY security versus professional home security; using your home security mobile app; features and benefits of popular doorbell cameras; preventing costly water damage with water sensors; how home automation devices help save time, money; choosing the home or business security system that’s best for you, and more.

Alert 360 also has been recognized as a Top 10 home security provider on the security industry’s annual SDM 100 Report; a 2019 “Best Home Security” Reader Rankings winner, an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private company; and a “Best Places to Work” for four years straight.

In November 2019, Alert 360 opened its fourth office in California in Orange County in the city of Anaheim. Other offices in California include Sacramento, Fresno, and San Diego Home Security. They have six offices in Texas: Austin Home Security, Dallas Home Security, Fort Worth, two in Houston and also San Antonio. They have two offices in Kansas: Wichita and Kansas City Home Security – three offices in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Miami, Oklahoma. Alert 360 also has offices in Phoenix, Arizona – Sarasota, Florida and Springfield, Missouri.

The company’s comprehensive line of home security, business security, energy management, and home automation services include wireless, interactive security, a free mobile app, wireless and wired home security cameras, video surveillance, remote access, smart thermostats, water detection devices, doorbell cameras, and monitored heat and carbon monoxide detectors. Alert 360 also provides professional installation or integration of smart home devices, such as sprinkler systems, sound systems, Amazon Echo, Google Home and more.

Your Local Alert 360 Home Security Company Can Help! Find a local Alert 360 home security office near me at Alert360.com. Visit our Alert 360 Home Security Support Center and FAQs for helpful online help anytime or contact us here.

If you would like a free security review or quote, click here!

Branch offices:
Anaheim, CA
Austin, TX
Clinton, OK
Dallas, TX
Fort Worth, TX
Houston, TX north office
Houston, TX south office – Stafford, TX
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

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ADT Pulse Sunrise Sunset Schedule Now Available

ADT has now added the ability to schedule lights and other automations by using the sunrise and sunset times instead of using a certain time in the day. This is incredibly helpful because before now you would have to change the time of day you wanted your porch lights to turn on or off.

How to set up your ADT Pulse Sunrise Sunset

In order to set it up your lighting to turn on when the sunrises you will need to log into your ADT Pulse Portal from a computer or a web browser. Once you are logged in click on Rules on the top. Then scroll down and you will see options like On at Sunset, Off at Sunrise. Click the button on the right to switch it ON and you are done. That was way too easy wasn’t it?

Devices that would work well with ADT Pulse Sunrise Sunset

If you have outdoor lighting that is controlled with a smart switch, you will want to use this new feature. Also, if you have a lamp or night light that you like to turn on at night and off again, it would also be for you. I have my kids lamps turn off in the morning so they are not left on all day.

Other new Rules that could make your life easier

There are also easy ways to set up notifications, record from cameras, and even disarm the system when the front door is unlocked. These are all new quick and easy rules that just require one click from off to on in order to enable.

For more information about ADT Pulse check out the ADT Pulse page.

If you are looking for the newer system called ADT Command and its app called ADT Control check them out on the included links.

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ADT Carbon Monoxide Detector Saves Family From The “Silent Killer”

ADT Carbon Monoxide Detector Saves Family From The “Silent Killer”

What happened?

ADT Carbon Monoxide Detector Saves Family From The “Silent Killer”. The Klassen family of Eagan, MN experienced high levels of carbon monoxide in their home but believe they were saved due to professional monitoring from ADT and the quick response of local police and fire.

“I was dead asleep, woke up, ran downstairs and it’s chaos, the alarm is going off…Right as I turned off the keypad I got a phone call from ADT.”

The family had just decided to keep Fire connected to their alarm system just in case something were to happen. Fortunately this decision ended up saving their lives in just 24 hours later, the detector went off. Since it was connected to ADT Monitoring, ADT was able to call the family, get them out and get the fire department there in time.

Just recently in another case in Wilkes Barre, PA, a single mom, Lori Masi was asleep one night with her young daughter when ADT called to alert her to carbon monoxide in the home. Lori quickly escaped with her child and two dogs. When firefighters got there, they found extremely high levels of the ‘silent killer’ coming from a malfunctioning stove which has since been replaced.

How Deadly is Carbon Monoxide?

The Chief of the Fire Department in MN said: “Carbon Monoxide, it can be so dangerous. It’s the silent killer that just shows how important it is to have carbon Monoxide detection in your home.” In this case “We were able to narrow down the source to the water heater. It’s the key for them first and foremost that they had carbon Monoxide detection, because otherwise they would have just slept through the night.”

Another fireman stated: “That’s why you need these alarms in your house, everybody needs to have it in your house. Because if this family didn’t have it, we wouldn’t be standing here today.”

It is imperative that you have a CO Detector in your house. Without it, you cannot be aware of the unknown danger that can strike at any moment. It is also important that you have it connected to your security system to notify you regardless of where you are and if you have low batteries. Furthermore if you have monitoring, you can have police or fire sent to you house in case of emergency.

 

ADT Carbon Monoxide Detector

Not all CO detectors are the same, so it’s important to get one that fits your needs. And ADT has quite a few options for CO detectors. Contact us to get more information on how ADT handles fire safety.

If you do not have an ADT system, we reccommend ADT’s newest system the ADT Command system. This system is full of features and can come with an ADT Smoke-CO Detector.

The ADT Command Smoke-CO Detector Works as a detector for Smoke, Heat, as well as CO detection with your system. This detector features voice notification of event types such as English, Spanish, or French. Furthermore, it has a built in siren with an LED ring which shows the event type.

In addition, using four sensing elements, the Combination Detector provides true multi-threat detection and reacts fast to real danger—while helping to reduce false alarms. Also, a photo-electric chamber senses airborne smoke particulates while an electro-chemical sensor monitors the CO bi-product produced by slow smoldering fires.

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Holiday Home Security Tips

Holiday Home Security Tips to Protect Your Home, Family.

While the holidays can be an opportune time for break-ins, there are simple home security tips that will protect your home and prevent theft. From porch pirates that steal packages from your front porch to thieves that wait for empty homes, it’s easy to become a target for a home burglary. It doesn’t have to be hard to secure your valuables and property. Alert 360 suggests these top home security tips for preventing break-ins and securing home and family this holiday season.

Use Smart Lighting to Light up your Home

Illuminate your home with smart lighting, which you can control with a mobile security app. A well-lit property makes it easier to spot unwelcome visitors and makes your home less attractive to burglars. Alert 360’s top home security tips for the holidays also include using motion lights outside and smart home automation to turn indoor and outdoor lights on and off whether you are home or not.

Make your Home Appear Occupied to Deter Thieves

As with smart lighting, this is easy enough to do with a home automation system that you can remotely control. Use your home security system’s mobile app to turn lights and entertainment systems on or off. Depending on where you live, set your home automation system to run your connected sprinklers at various times of the day or week.

We also suggest placing a hold on your mail with the Post Office or have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up mail and deliveries. Using a video doorbell camera to know when a package arrives and alerting your friend to retrieve it is another option. Also, avoid parking your car in the driveway to sit for days and don’t store valuables or items, such as a garage door opener, in the vehicle.

Install the Best Front Door Security Devices and a Doorbell Camera

To start, install deadbolt locks on all exterior entrances, including those to the garage. Even better, consider installing smart locks that you can control via mobile app, along with a doorbell camera. A doorbell camera will alert you when someone visits your front door and allows you to speak to them or save and share video clips.

Don’t Overlook Simple Home Security Steps

The easiest home security steps go a long way in protecting your home from a break-in. Make sure all doors and windows are locked, including any upstairs. Don’t hide a spare key outside, which burglars know to look for. Instead, keep a spare key with a trusted neighbor or install keyless entry and smart locks. Don’t advertise that you are away from home on social media, and ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home.

You should also avoid displaying gifts where they can easily be seen through windows. In addition, be careful when disposing of product packaging at the curb, so that you aren’t “advertising” recent, big ticket purchases, such as TVs, etc.

A Security System is the Best Holiday Gift

A monitored home security system with home automation options provides true peace of mind when you’re away. The latest home security systems pull double-duty and lend a hand through easy, remote control from an app. Let house sitters in or out, turn lights on or off, confirm the garage door got closed, and check-in via security cameras. Professional alarm monitoring also ensures help is on the way or authorities are alerted if there’s a break-in or emergency such as high levels of carbon monoxide or smoke in your home.

Home Security Delivers True Holiday Peace of Mind

It’s true peace of mind for the holiday season: Today’s home security and home automation systems allow you to leave home without worry that you left a door open or unlocked. A home security system, with mobile app control and home security cameras, eliminates worry about an elderly pet or older teenager you left at home. Mobile app control provides assurance and convenience during the holidays and year-round. Your security system and these basic home security tips allow you to leave home worry-free, check in if needed, and return to a comfortable, secure home.

To make the most of your home security system, be sure to test your system monthly to ensure it is working properly before an emergency occurs. If you haven’t recently, ask your local home security company for a free consultation to ensure you have the latest features that offer the most convenience and security.

From all of us at Alert 360 home security, we wish you the happiest and safest of holiday seasons!

For additional home security tips during the holidays and year-round, to help protect both home and family, check out our previous blogs:

10 Home Security and Safety Tips for Older Children who Stay Home Alone

How to Use Home Security Systems, Mobile Apps to Keep Children, Elderly Safe

Make Home Security a Top New Year’s Resolution!

The Coolest Tech Devices this Christmas: Your Smart Home Security Checklist

Your Local Alert 360 Home Security Company Can Help! Find a local Alert 360 home security office near me at Alert360.com. Visit our Alert 360 Home Security Support Center and FAQs for helpful online help anytime or contact us here.

We have coast to coast office locations. If you would like a free security review or quote, click here!

Branch offices:
Anaheim, CA
Austin, TX
Clinton, OK
Dallas, TX
Fort Worth, TX
Houston, TX north office
Houston, TX south office – Stafford, TX
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!

The post Holiday Home Security Tips appeared first on Alert 360.

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Capture Santa on Your Alert 360 Home Security Camera

We all know that Santa visits every year, and on Christmas morning the empty plate of cookies and a note from the big guy himself makes it all the more special. Create true magic for your children this Christmas and capture an image of Santa in your home, using your Alert 360 home security camera and security mobile app. Starting mid-December through December 26th, your customers can easily:

It’s easy to catch Santa in the act! Here’s how to set up your Santa Security Camera:

1: Open your Alert 360 app. Select a live video feed from a compatible Alert 360 security camera in your home. Note: You’ll need the latest version of the Alert 360 app, and a compatible Alert 360 home security camera*.

2: Tap the Santa icon in the security camera video feed to get a still image from your home security camera.

3: Choose a Santa from the menu to add to your snapshot. You can choose from a full-color image of Santa for a daytime snapshot and black-and-white options for night. You also can resize and move Santa.

4: Give them the gift of Santa. When your children wake you up on Christmas morning, show them your home security camera image of Santa.

5: Share the magic! Share your Santa images with family and friends by email, text and social media (hashtag: #Alert360Santa).

To use Santa Security your customers must have the latest version of the mobile app and one of the following compatible cameras: ADC-V520, ADC-V520IR, ADC-V521IR, ADC-V522IR, ADC-V622, ADC-V722W, ADC-V523, ADC-V723, ADC-VC726, ADC-VC736, ADC-VC826 or ADC-VC836.

*To confirm your video security camera is compatible with Santa Security, open your Alert360.com app and look for the Santa icon in the top right corner of the camera’s live video feed. All compatible cameras will show this icon.

Capturing Santa on your home security camera is available until December 26th. For more information, contact Alert360.com or see full details on how to add Santa: https://www.alarm.com/blog/santa-alert?fbclid=IwAR14wIcG_PzTudUs65nKXd-lrUntxQjq7T7HP0l87i-8Fy-or084ED0jWHs

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Monitor Your Properties with ADT Multifamily

Monitor Your Properties with ADT Multifamily

Monitor Your Properties with ADT Multifamily. Multifamily security and smart living solutions are an attractive amenity. Security is a powerful leasing tool that helps increase occupancy, enhance property value and drive revenue. Renters are interested in a house with smart home features, and are willing to pay a premium. Check out ADT’s smart multifamily security solutions.

Managing dozens or even hundreds of units in multiple locations becomes easier when they’re all connected and accessible in one place – even if that one place is your phone.

Key Benefits:

Turn-key

ADT multi-family solutions provide a single source for security and smart home system design, installation, monitoring and maintenance. So you can focus on taking care of your properties and your residents.

Convenient

You get a system that works from a centralized hub, with the ability to do everything from control thermostats in empty units to changing lock codes when someone moves out – all done remotely.

Valuable

Lastly, security and smart home systems are in demand. While providing powerful leasing tools that help increase occupancy, potentially add revenue monthly and enhance your property values long-term.

Control for Renters

Most renters would own if they could. But when you add smart security and home automation, your residents can have a greater sense of ownership of their rentals, with the ability to make their space their own.

• Allow residents to remotely control smart lights and thermostats, adding security as well as comfort
• Smart systems also allow residents to create automations that fit within their lifestyles
• Smart platform integration provides residents voice control over their smart systems

 

What ADT Offers:

Complete smart security solutions. Why work with a startup that may not be around very long when you can work with the company that’s been the security leader for over 140 years. We can provide end-to-end smart community packages that include:

• Intuitive Dashboard: Master access to your custom property management dashboard to remotely manage all your units.
• 24/7 Monitoring: 24-hour central station monitoring, response and dispatch of emergency services.
• Transmission Hardware: All the necessary wiring, transformers and communication connections for signal transmission to our central station.
• Ongoing Support: ADT provides ongoing marketing support and training for your management team during the term of your agreement.
• Mobile App: Residents have access to the ADT mobile app to control their system functions remotely from their smart phones.

Builder Packages

For additional customizable packages, we also provide home builder packages. As experts in home technology, we can help the builder know the options available to best help their new homeowners by choosing a package from our Home Builder Smart Home Packages here.

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