Beware of the Fire Hazards

The fire department is always on high alert during this time of year. Every year, there are thousands of holiday-related fires on the 4th of July. The biggest hazards are the same things that make the 4th of July so special — grilling and fireworks!

Outdoor grilling is a big summer tradition, but there are more grill fires in July than any other month in the year! So before hosting your party on the 4th, inspect your grill for potential leaks, and never leave it unattended even if the lid is closed!

Fireworks and sparklers are also a fun 4th of July festivity that can quickly turn into a potential hazard. Make sure to use any fireworks in a clear, outdoor area that is at least 10 feet from anything that could potentially catch fire. When you’re finished, soak them in water before throwing them away to prevent any fuses from catching fire.

Keep an Eye on the Pool Area

Will your summer 4th of July party involve any water activities? While tons of fun, pools can be a potential risk, especially to small children. So keeping an eye on the pool area is crucial for a safe and fun holiday.

If your pool area is surrounded by a gate, we recommend installing an outdoor sensor on the pool gate so that you can be notified if it’s opened during your party. You can even use open tones to set up announcements from your home security system when the gate is opened so that you can keep an ear on the area as well.

Stay Connected If You Go Out

If you’re headed away for the evening to go see the public showing of your town’s fireworks, you’re not alone. Many people go out to watch the fireworks. A street filled with empty homes could seem like an open invitation for property theft!

We recommend staying connected to home with a security system that has mobile notifications. If something happens when you’re away, you’ll see it right on your phone. If you have home cameras installed as well, you’ll be able to view a live feed from your phone too! So regardless of what’s happening when you’re away, you’ll know home is safe and within arms reach.

Have a Safe and Fun 4th of July!

Now that you have these safety tips in mind, it’s time to make this 4th of July one to remember. We hope that you have a safe and enjoyable holiday with your family with lots of fireworks and grilling!

The post 3 Home Tips to Have a Safe and Fun 4th of July appeared first on Safehome Security.

We owe this to our team members, affiliates, and partners — it’s them who work with integrity and care every day to ensure that we’re able to continue to impact the world the way that we have. Our team shares a passion for protecting homes and a genuine care to help our customers live with a feeling of safety, knowing that their homes are protected soundly.

A Home Security Company 30 Years in the Making

With all of the growth we’ve experienced in over 30 years in the industry, we’ve made it a constant effort to stay true to our customers. They are the ones who keep us in business. Our whole business model is based around them, which is why when a customer chooses us to protect their home, they stay with us for years into the future!

We make feeling safe easy. By ensuring our technologies integrate with all of the latest products and collaborating with trusted brands and affiliates, we make it safe and easy for people to protect their homes and stay connected to their families.

We Work with the Devices You Use Every Day

With the wave of connected home products flooding shelves and storefronts, it’s important to us that our customers have a system that is able to connect with the products and devices that they use every day. That includes Amazon Alexa, Google Nest Hub, and Apple HomeKit.

On top of that, we make it easy for our customers to control their home from the device that they use the most — their phone. With our connected home app, customers can access all the devices in their home from the same app for control on the go.

We Stay Compatible with the Brands You Know and Trust

When it comes to a home security system, the most important part is feeling safe. So at Safe Home Security, we think it’s important that our customers have a system that is compatible with the dependable brands that they recognize and trust.

Our system works directly with top brands like SecureNet, 2GIG, Honeywell, Yale, and many more. As we continue to innovate and improve the technologies that we provide our customers, compatibility and trust is always something that is a top priority.

We Collaborate with Affiliates Who Care as Much as We Do

Trust is everything when it comes to a security company. Our customers place their trust in us to keep them safe, and we honor that by ensuring that the companies and affiliates that we work with are bound by integrity and care.

A Dependable Monitoring Partner

Recognized by the Monitoring Association as the Central Station of the Year in 2016, our monitoring partner, Rapid Response, has made a commitment to having the most qualified people and the most advanced technologies available to keep our customers safe.

Reliable Equipment Vendors

Nortek has been a staple in the home security industry for good reason. The 2GIG Go!Control was the first ever fully self-contained security and home automation control panel that allowed people to connect their home with their security system.

Since then they’ve continued to innovate and stay at the top of the industry. That’s why we continue to provide our new customers with 2GIG equipment. It is among the most trusted and reliable home security technology brands available.

A Top Tier Affiliate Program

A company is only as good as its affiliates. Through our Authorized Dealer Program, Safe Home Security Dealers work together toward the common goal of protecting homes and families. It’s that combined purpose and a passion to create a safer, better world that makes it such a great team to be a part of. Our affiliates and dealers are as dedicated to protecting homes and as we are, which creates a great experience for our customers.

What’s Next for Safe Home Security?

We rely heavily on customer feedback and reviews to take a temperature reading of our customers’ experiences with our Customer Service Team, technicians, and affiliates. At the time of this article, we have received more than 2,000 customer reviews across Facebook and Google alone — two platforms that are used daily by many of our customers. This feedback helps to bridge the gap between our customers and our team members so that we can continue to improve in the areas where it’s needed most.

While we’re proud to be one of the largest residential home security companies in the industry, customer experience is still our number one. So we’ll always be looking to improve and innovate so that our customer service continues to rank highly. We know that if we continue to make this our focus, protecting more homes and rising the ranks of the SDM 100 Report will be a byproduct.

The post Now the 4th Largest Residential Home Security Company in the U.S. appeared first on Safehome Security.

When you’re trying to protect your Orlando, FL property, a home security monitoring service is your best friend. You can simplify security with another trusted pair of eyes. If something goes wrong, you can count on an experienced agent to alert you and notify the authorities if necessary.

But you can’t depend on them for everything — remote monitoring works best when you stay vigilant and ensure your system is running optimally. Don’t worry; it’s not hard! Here, we’ll show you some smart tips your monitoring service wants you to know.

See Also: The Questions You Should Ask Before Investing in Smart Home Automation

Keep Views Clear

A surveillance system is only as good as what it can see. Night vision, weatherproofing, and 4K resolution all mean your cameras are up to the task, day or night. And the right storage, whether an onsite DVR or cloud-based service, means you can keep hours of footage that makes it easy to catch bad guys and harmful events in the act.

But exterior cameras can’t survive without regular service. The machine will work, but things like overgrown trees and spider webs can interfere with visibility. To get the most out of your system, ensure you’re keeping your views clear.

Protecting Your Network

One of the essential functions of a monitoring service is preventing problems before they become too big to handle. That includes potential dangers to your network. With technology increasingly reliant on the internet and Wi-Fi, it’s essential to understand that hackers, malware, and viruses can invade your system without you noticing.

Setting up firewalls and password protection is a must. Possible invasions are much more likely if you haven’t installed the necessary software guards. Most cybercriminals — like any other criminal — will pounce on the easiest targets. So, if you take a few precautions, your system is much less likely to be attacked.

Additionally, smart home owners and automation enthusiasts should consider building their ecosystems on Z-wave or similar networking platforms. Z-wave connects each device to the others in a mesh network that won’t strangle your Wi-Fi. It’s known as the safest networking platform available.

Still, if malicious threats attack your home, your monitoring service will be there to help you out.

Compatibility is Key

When you build a system derived from different manufacturers, you need to ensure each device works with the others. Thankfully, your installer is an expert in knowing which systems work well together.

However, it’s possible for an automatic update to disrupt compatibility. One day you can wake up and your cameras don’t work with your alarm system if you’re not careful. It’s very frustrating for users.

Relying on your monitoring system to update your system is essential. So is trusting your integrator to guide you to the right options. When you work with the right monitoring service, you can count on your local technology experts to help you out with any questions.

Want to start working with Orlando’s premier home security and monitoring providers? Click here.

The post 3 Things Your Home Security Monitoring Service Wants You to Know appeared first on Safehome Security.

Smart home automation is a fun and efficient way to enjoy all the technology in your home. It simplifies your lifestyle, helps you save energy, and can even make your Orlando, FL spaces more secure. But a smart home isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a customized system designed to fit your needs. With that in mind, we’ve put together this guide to help you understand what you need to know before you invest in a smart home system. Keep reading for more.

See Also: 3 Simple Household Safety Tips For 2019

What Is Smart Home Automation?

First, it’s important to understand what smart automation is. An integrated technology system uses the internet to combine control of all your “smart” devices under a single, intuitive interface. You can connect the lights, shades, thermostat, and more under a single button. Add sensors and timers to your system for hands-free usage.

What Will I Use It For?

A smart home system is completely customizable. That means you can add all the things you want to use. Love movies? You can connect an epic AV system to your comfort controls. One touch turns on the projector and sound system, while also dimming the lights and lowering the shades. You don’t have to add technology that you don’t need, so consider how you’ll use it for the future.

Where Do I Start?

Sometimes you want to add an automation system to your space but can’t think of where to start. Thankfully, you can begin in just one room and expand later. Think about automating a security system. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to keep an eye on your property and make adjustments to your system from your smartphone.

What Will It Look Like?

The beauty of a smart home system is that it’s only as visible as you want it to be. Want to hide your light fixtures? Recessed options are available. You can also recess whole-home audio speakers so you can enjoy the sound without looking at them. TVs can be hidden behind art or within the walls via motorized lifts. And discreet security devices can help invisibly protect your property.

Who Do I Call?

If you’re looking to add the latest technology to your space, you’re not alone. You can consult your local custom electronics integrator and start the discovery process today. We’re certified experts in technology installation, and we can help you build the system of your dreams.

If you want to start defining a smart home system, click here now.

The post Questions You Should Ask Before Investing in Smart Home Automation appeared first on Safehome Security.

Did you know that a home without a burglar alarm system is three times more likely to be robbed? It’s a shocking statistic, made all the more frightening when you consider the number of false alarms police have to deal with. False alarms can be emotionally and financially devastating. But since smart security is essential to residential safety, major manufacturers like Alarm.com have worked tirelessly to minimize their potential.

At Safe Home Security, we take every aspect of your safety into account when designing a security system for your Orlando, FL property. In this blog, we’ll show you how Alarm.com continues to combat false alarms, and some simple steps you can take to avoid them.

See Also: 3 Simple Household Safety Tips For 2019

Smart Signal

In 2012, between 94 and 98 percent of alarm system calls to the police were false. Today, that number has been reduced by over 98 percent thanks to a single, simple concept: confirmation.

Modern smart alarm systems — in particular, the ones supported by remote monitoring services — will notify you directly before contacting the authorities. The user can then review surveillance footage and cancel the alarm if nothing is wrong.

But Alarm.com wanted to help reduce the risk of a false alarm even more. That’s why they released Smart Signal. The new feature, available as part of an Alarm.com system, allows you to receive alerts and cancel them directly through the app.

While it may seem like a small change, Smart Signal has shown significant results. At this year’s CES, the Consumer Technology Association named Smart Signal the 2019 Security Product of the Year. That means you can rest easy knowing your system won’t accidentally call the police.

See Also: Protect Your Property with These Location Security Cameras

How You Can Prevent False Alarms

The most effective deterrent to false alarms is you. Here are a few easy ways you can help reduce the risk.

Educate Your Family: Many false alarms are caused by simple, preventable issues, like leaving a door or window open, a pet exploring the home while you’re not around, and simple day-to-day activities that are otherwise harmless. Modern smart security systems have built-in protections so most of these issues won’t trigger an alarm, but there’s no replacement for a simple, straightforward conversation about it.

Everyone Knows Their Codes: Make sure your kids, spouse, and anyone else who lives in the house knows what their codes are. Individual codes to disarm the alarm system, via a keypad or smartphone, can let you know when specific people arrive and leave. But forgetting to punch one in can set off the alarm and cause a headache. 

Work with a professional: A professionally installed system will provide you with greater control, simpler interfaces, and the right technology to keep you safe. Today’s technology is easy to use and gives you a range of options to choose from, making your home safer than ever.

Want to learn more about home security? Click here.

The post How to Avoid False Alarms appeared first on Safehome Security.

Keeping your home safe is one of those things we all know is important but tends to slip into the background of our lives. But keeping your family secure isn’t something to ignore, as doing so can have drastic consequences. That’s why you need a home alarm system from Safe Home Security for your Orlando residence. Our security experts will install a top-of-the-line system in your home, and we’ve put together this list of other steps you can take to ensure nothing happens to your family.

SEE ALSO: How a Smart Security System Makes for Happier Holidays

DON’T HIDE YOUR SPARE KEY OUTSIDE

If you’re away from your home and you know you have someone stopping by, a spare key in an out-of-the-way place sounds like a practical solution. Don’t fall into this trap, however. If your spare key is in a place where your visitors can find it, chances are potential criminals can find it as well. You’re better off giving the key to your guests before you leave.

Better yet, let automation solve the issue; modern security systems can include things like smart locks that can either be unlocked remotely by you or with a code you can give out to trusted friends and family. This option is much preferable than giving potential thieves an easy way to break into your home.

SECURE YOUR GARAGE AND SECOND-FLOOR WINDOWS

Your doors and first-floor windows are the most obvious points of entry for potential criminals, but there are other ways for them to break in as well. Determined burglars will find any number of ways to enter your home, whether that means bringing a ladder to reach a window or forcing their way into your garage and then your home.

The solution here is to install a comprehensive alarm system that encompasses every potential access point. Our expert staff can create an easy-to-use system that envelops your whole home from basement to attic, giving you the peace of mind you deserve.

 MAKE SURE YOUR ALARM SYSTEM IS BEING MONITORED

If you’re on vacation and your home alarm goes off, it’s crucial to have someone respond as fast as possible. If you’re in an area with poor cellphone reception or are tied up with other obligations, it may be hours before you find out what happened, and by that point it’s too late to make any meaningful response.

The answer to this dilemma is 24-hour professional monitoring from a company like Safe Home Security. We’ll let you know the minute something has happened to your home and take appropriate action, ensuring a rapid response to any situation.

While we strongly recommend you have someone else monitoring your alarm system for you at all times, that may not be practical for everyone. If that’s the case, you should at least make sure your system sends alerts to your phone if an incident occurs and that you can check your system’s status whenever you want. These features are vital to ensuring the continued security of your home.

To learn more about Safe Home Security’s home alarm systems and other security services for Orlando residents, give us a call at 800-833-3211 or fill out this form.

The post Simple Tips to Keep Your Home and Family Secure appeared first on Safehome Security.

When it comes to major threats to your health, it’s always preferable to face something you can see or otherwise detect with your senses. Unfortunately, some health hazards are not easily detectable on our own, and carbon monoxide gas is one of these nearly invisible health hazards.

As a colorless, odorless gas, carbon monoxide is a nearly silent killer. Though deaths from carbon monoxide aren’t as common as they used to be, 2,244 people in the United States died from carbon monoxide poisoning between 2010 and 2015, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We take the dangers of carbon monoxide seriously at Safe Home Security, so we’ve put together this guide to help you determine if you have carbon monoxide gas in your home and what you can do to keep yourself safe.

SEE ALSO: More security and monitoring services from Safe Home Security

CARBON MONOXIDE BASICS

Carbon monoxide gas is the result of incomplete burning of organic materials. Common sources of the gas include furnaces, cars and trucks, heaters, gas stoves, and other similar devices.

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs due to the way the molecule affects the flow of oxygen around the human body. Carbon monoxide molecules bond with hemoglobin, the protein in blood that helps bring oxygen to the different parts of your body.

When the gas molecules bond to the hemoglobin, the hemoglobin can no longer bond with an oxygen molecule, cutting off the flow of oxygen through the body. If the flow of oxygen is disrupted for long enough, serious symptoms and even death can occur.

SIGNS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

Unfortunately, the best method of detecting carbon monoxide without external equipment is to be aware of the symptoms of poisoning so you can recognize them. People suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning describe symptoms similar to that of a case of the flu. These symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, weakness, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

In more severe cases, poisoning can result in loss of consciousness, heart arrhythmias, seizures, and even death. It’s also important to note that a patient’s skin turning bright red – traditionally considered a common sign of poisoning – may not occur in every case, so don’t count on that if you’re worried about gas in your home.

PREVENTION MEASURES

Because carbon monoxide gas is the resulting of incomplete burning, it’s important to make sure any appliances in your home that use gas are in good working order. Check your furnaces, stoves, generators, outdoor equipment, and other devices to make sure they’re working correctly.

It’s also a good idea to install at least one monitored carbon monoxide monitor somewhere in your home, preferably near anything that uses gas as a fuel source. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, “… carbon monoxide detectors are as important to home safety as smoke detectors are,” and they recommend having at least one detector in your home, ideally one on each level.

The best way to ensure you’re safe from carbon monoxide poisoning is to hire a professional monitoring service. They will monitor your home 24/7, meaning you can leave the worrying to them while being assured that you and your family are safe. To find out more about carbon monoxide monitoring services from Safe Home Security, call us at 800-833-3211 or visit us online.

The post How Professional Monitoring Keeps You Safe from Carbon Monoxide appeared first on Safehome Security.

The possibility of a break-in at your home is a nightmare scenario nobody wants to face, but a burglary over the holidays is even more painful to consider. Whether you’re planning to travel this winter or not, you want to know your home and your family are safe and secure. An easy way to give yourself greater peace of mind is to install a burglar alarm system from Safe Home Security. We’re the home security experts in the Hartford, CT area and throughout the country, and we’ve put together this blog to show you all the benefits a smart burglar alarm system has to offer.

SEE ALSO: More services from Safe Home Security Inc.

A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO SECURITY

Because they’re primarily designed to be triggered after someone has already broken into your house, burglar alarm systems have largely been a reactive tool in the past. With a smart burglar alarm system from Safe Home Security, though, you can be more active in managing the security of your home.

The main advantage a smart burglar alarm has over earlier systems is the ability to give you real-time updates. No matter where you are, smart alarm systems let you check the status of your space on your mobile device in seconds.

This means no more surprises when you return home after a long vacation, and if an incident does occur, you will be notified in moments along with the appropriate authorities. If you want additional layers of security, a network of cameras and sensors around your home can create a strong safety net, and all of them can be tied to your alarm system.

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK

A smart burglar alarm is a great tool to improve your home security, but there are times when you’ll want to know everything’s OK without obsessively checking your phone. Fortunately, Safe Home Security offers monitoring services in addition to installing smart alarm systems to give you even greater peace of mind.

With burglary, fire and smoke alarm services, you can rest easy knowing someone’s watching over your home when you are unable to do so. This also means a faster response time if something happens and helps ensure any system hiccups can be corrected promptly.

MORE CONTROL AND CONVENIENCE

Smart alarm systems are great tools for keeping people out of your home, but they can also be useful for letting people in if need be. If your alarm system includes a smart doorbell, you can get a live video feed to see who’s at the door, unlock the door to let them in, then lock it behind them when they’re gone. This is a great feature when it comes to package deliveries or other moments when someone needs to get inside your home when you aren’t there.

Similarly, a smart burglar alarm gives you much more information on how the system itself is running at any given moment. Instead of having to check each door or window individually before leaving your home, glance at a display to see where any doors or windows might be open. Once you’re satisfied, turn the system on or off in seconds from your phone or other device.

GET AHEAD OF YOUR SECURITY CONCERNS

We’d all like to think we’ll never be the victim of a burglary, but there’s no harm in preparing for the possibility all the same. If you want to know more about Safe Home Security’s alarm systems, call us at 800-833-3211 or visit us online.

The post How a Smart Security System Makes for Happier Holidays appeared first on Safehome Security.