With summer just around the corner, you’re likely enjoying the warm weather in Hartford, CT. But with the pleasant atmosphere and beautiful foliage comes a risk of potential wildfires. Fires can strike at any time, so it’s important to invest in a fire alarm system that can keep you informed and alert the authorities when one happens. But the best way to fight a fire is before it starts. Here, we’ll show you how you can fire-proof your home this year so you can sit back and enjoy the season.

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

Start Outside

Fires can start anywhere, but the ones you can’t prevent are often the most dangerous. Wildfires are a serious threat, especially as the air begins to dry up and the temperature begins to swelter. Ensure that your yard and home exterior are fire-resistant to minimize potential damage.

While planning your landscape, be sure to set resistant plants and foliage along the perimeter. Plants like live oak, sycamore, and lavender don’t catch fire easily, so they can help prevent it from spreading into your yard.

Additionally, you can use flame-resistant materials for the exterior of your home. Brick and concrete for the walls; tile and metal for the roof. These materials will make it much less likely that your home will catch fire.

Consider Your Interior

Many fires in old-construction homes start due to faulty wiring. If you’re moving into an older home, ensure your technology installation partner takes a look at the wiring as they retrofit the space with smart technology solutions. If your installer isn’t a certified electrician, they can put you in touch with a trusted one.

Among the smart features you can enjoy, consider a fire alarm system that integrates with your lighting and entry system to make alerts and escape easy. A monitoring partner can notify the fire department if there’s an emergency or turn off the alarm if it’s falsely tripped.

Of course, you can also stay safe by keeping heat sources clear of flammable debris, ensuring fire extinguishers are within easy reach, and by cooking in well-ventilated areas.

Consult a Professional

At Safe Home Security, we’re dedicated to protecting your property. If you’re interested in learning more about smart fire safety tips, click the button at the bottom of your screen to start chatting with a live representative today.

Or just click here to schedule a free consultation and start your smart security upgrade as soon as possible.

The post Fire-Proofing Your Home: A Handy Guide appeared first on Safehome Security.

Building a smart business security system is essential to running a safe, productive workplace in Los Angeles. But how do you protect your security system? If you’re not careful, your network could be vulnerable to cyber-attacks. In this blog, we’ll explore some ways you can protect your business from potential threats by upgrading your network security. Find out more below.

See Also: Business Security Trends for 2019

Guard Your Network

The simplest way to protect your network is by setting up a virtual private network. A VPN allows you and your staff to access important documents, information, and even the internet without being visible or accessible to anyone outside of it.

That means you can share your most important information — even remotely — without worrying about outside threats.

Don’t Rely on Wi-Fi

Wireless internet access is a must-have for a modern business. Not just because your employees need it to stay productive, but because any smart devices you use rely on it to make strong connections.

However, most experts recommend hardwired connections because hackers have a much harder time invading them. The connections are also less susceptible to damage and require less maintenance over time.

Of course, it’s not always possible to install a hardwired network in your office. In those cases, a closed mesh network can support your devices without relying on your wi-fi. That leaves your wi-fi free for business operations and keeps your smart security technology more secure.

Invest in a Remote Monitor

A smart way to stay safe is with a remote monitoring service that keeps an eye on your system and network. It can help detect problems before they start with virtual maintenance and updates. If there is a problem, it can often be fixed without a service technician coming out.

Remote monitoring can cover your security and network systems, so you know you’re getting the most out of it. If there’s an emergency onsite, a remote monitoring service can help by sending the authorities if necessary. If they detect malware or a virus in your network, they can take action to prevent it from spreading.

Work with a Professional

A secure network starts with an efficient, professional installation. Work with an established technology leader in your area to ensure fast, personalized, and reliable service.

If you’re interested in working with a security company that has made a name for itself in the Los Angeles area, click here.

The post Smart Network Upgrades that Help Protect Your Business 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.

The New Year has arrived. And while that may mean an abundance of great opportunities for your Hartford, CT business, unexpected threats can also appear right around the corner.

In 2021, it’s best to stay ahead of the curve and make your company as safe as possible. So, if you need to upgrade your system or invest in new commercial security services, where do you start?

The modern security landscape is daunting. Get a head start on the security trends that will have a big impact on your workspace in the coming year by reading below.

See Also: The Best Cameras to Secure Your Business or Development

Stronger Cybersecurity Protection

It turns out 2018 was the year of cloud computing. According to CIO, last year saw cloud use for businesses increase to 96 percent. That means nearly every business is using it. And studies show that as businesses become more comfortable with cloud platforms, they move away from hybrid solutions (onsite and cloud storage) to multi-cloud solutions.

Combined with the increased adoption of smart automation and IoT systems, businesses are more at risk than ever of cyberattacks.

Bolstering security in high-risk areas is essential. Increased vigilance that goes beyond firewalls, anti-virus software, and password protection is a must.

• Key takeaway: As the business community increasingly adopts IoT and cloud storage, you need to update your cybersecurity in 2021.

Physical Security Remains Essential

As attention continues to turn to cybersecurity, you wouldn’t be crazy to think the industry is putting less emphasis on physical security solutions. Actually, the opposite is true. Physical is a key component of any security system.

Use of existing technology like biometric entryways will help increase personalized security that’s easy to monitor and adjust in real-time. Third party verification from remote monitoring services will also grow. And technology will continue to multiply your coverage while helping your security team stay alert.

• Key takeaway: In addition to stronger cybersecurity measures, physical security will help protect your staff and onsite information thanks to personalized service and greater coverage.

AI Continues to Grow

With so much attention being paid to both cyber and physical security, it’s no surprise that they’re beginning to merge via artificial intelligence.

Last year was a banner one for AI, and this year will only see the technology rise. Video analytics is one of the most sought-after AI developments. It allows your security team and monitoring service to maximize their scope.

Technology companies are using AI to analyze each frame of footage from your surveillance camera as an early warning system for both large crowd and small enterprise situations. Additionally, companies are developing software that uses predictive analytics to help queue management and workflow, as well as security.

• Key takeaway: Video analytics puts more eyes on your surveillance footage, and the applications impact service as well as security.

Want to learn more about how commercial security is changing in 2021? Contact us by clicking here.

The post Business Security Trends appeared first on Safehome Security.

The end of the year is a time for reflecting and setting goals, and one important goal you can accomplish in 2019 is taking a few simple steps to ensure your family’s safety. Home security is one of those things many of us don’t think about until after something bad has already happened, but a little forethought now could save you from major headaches down the line. From home surveillance to monitoring services and more, here’s how Orlando residents can better protect their homes next year.

SEE ALSO: See how automation can keep your home secure

INSTALL SMART LOCKS ON YOUR DOORS

It’s time for a digital upgrade for your home’s doors. Smart locks either require a code to be unlocked or can be unlocked through an app, making them a much stronger security measure than regular locks.

There are other security benefits from smart locks as well. If you’re out of town but you know someone is stopping by your home, you can give them the code instead of needing to stash a key somewhere where a potential intruder could find it.

You can also program your locks to automatically turn on or off at certain times of the day, making it less likely you’ll accidentally leave a door unlocked and invite potential trouble. Finally, you can link your locks to your home’s existing automation system and program them to unlock in the event of a fire, saving you much-needed time if an emergency occurs.

UPGRADE YOUR FIRE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS

A complete approach to home security means planning for more than potential intruders; fire and other hazards need to be accounted for as well. 2019 is the year to make sure your fire and carbon monoxide alarms can handle your security needs.

Newer fire alarms can be integrated with other automation systems in your home and trigger your doors to unlock if a fire is detected. Every second counts when it comes to getting your family out of the house, and those automated systems could save your life.

To be prepared for carbon monoxide, you’ll want a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your house. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 2,200 people in the United States died from carbon monoxide poisoning between 2010 and 2015, so proper preventative measures should be taken. Another step to consider is switching to an automated HVAC system that can shut itself off in the event of a fire, thereby minimizing the spread of smoke throughout your home.

GET A PROFESSIONAL MONITORING SERVICE

The best, easiest way to ensure your home’s safety is to have someone else watch your home when you can’t with a home surveillance system. Professional monitoring services from a company like Safe Home Security can be an invaluable security tool, especially for times when you or your family are away from home.

Traditional alarm companies may not respond in time for you to act if an emergency occurs, whereas our security professionals will alert you the moment we detect anything amiss. In addition to home surveillance solutions, Safe Home Security can help protect Orlando homeowners from fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and much more. To learn more about how we can give you greater peace of mind at home, call us at 800-833-3211 or visit our website.

The post 3 Simple Household Safety Tips appeared first on Safehome Security.

Keeping the people and buildings on your land safe is one of the most important jobs of any property or development manager. But you can’t monitor every inch of your property yourself at all times, especially if you own or manage multiple developments.

This is what makes surveillance cameras such a valuable security tool. Cameras protect businesses by functioning as both a deterrent (if a potential intruder sees a camera, they’ll hopefully leave the area) and as a way to identify perpetrators. Let’s take a look at the best location camera options to use in the CCTV system of your Los Angeles property.

SEE ALSO: 3 Ways Automated Security Systems Protect Your Business

NETGEAR ARLO Q

One of the most important functions of surveillance cameras is to record what they see for later use. Usually that means relying on cloud storage to handle the archived footage, and the Netgear Arlo Q has a cloud storage option that’s hard to beat.

The Arlo Q allows you to store seven full days’ worth of recordings using their cloud service for free. The indoor camera boasts 1080p resolution and true night vision. Finally, you can manage the camera through an app or with Amazon’s Alexa system, as well as view the feed remotely 24/7. As far as starter indoor cameras go, it’s hard to beat the Arlo Q.

ZMODO WIRELESS SECURITY SYSTEM

If you have a particularly large area to cover, or perhaps multiple buildings, you want a camera system that can handle multiple feeds at once and scale up quickly. One noteworthy option to consider for this situation is the Zmodo Wireless Security Camera System.

The Zmodo wireless cameras come in packs of up to four. They’re wireless and weatherproof, which makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The night vision mode lets you see up to 65 feet away from the camera, and you get 720p resolution at all times.

The cameras send you an alert any time motion is detected, you can monitor any feed from an app on your phone, and their optional cloud recording service features intelligent monitoring technology to compress the recorded data during times when no motion is detected. There are 7-day and 30-day cloud storage plans available.

NETATMO PRESENCE

For the absolute top of the line in outdoor business security cameras, it’s hard to beat the Netatmo Presence. It has a higher price point, but you get a lot for your money.

To start, the Presence installs in any existing outdoor light switch. This is because the Presence also doubles as a floodlight to give your security system an added boost. The light can be turned on manually from an app or be set to a predetermined schedule.

More importantly, however, the Presence has some impressive software built into its frame. The camera is smart enough to distinguish between the movement of people, animals and cars. You also get 24/7 access to its video feed and free video storage. The data is stored on a microSD card on the camera itself, in your personal Dropbox cloud or to your personal FTP server. Lastly, the Presence works with Apple’s HomeKit and the Google Assistant.

These are just a few of the options available to help keep your Los Angeles property secure. To learn more about Safe Home Security’s commercial automation solutions, call us at 800-833-3211 or visit us online.

The post Protect Your Property with These Location Security Cameras appeared first on Safehome Security.

If you have an interest in home automation, chances are you’re most concerned with all the ways smart homes can make your life more comfortable, relaxing and safe. However, you may not have realized all the ways automation can also save you money by lowering your energy usage.

Even better, many of the simplest ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency are things you would want to do anyway to get the most from your smart home setup. Let’s examine three smart home automation systems that are easy use and will cut the energy costs in your Hartford, CT home.

SEE ALSO: Smart security and more automation solutions from Safe Home Security

MOTORIZED SHADES

Keeping your home properly insulated is one of the best ways to keep your energy costs low, and motorized shades help you do that in multiple ways.

First, the shades themselves are made from energy reflecting materials to minimize how much heat is absorbed from sunlight. Less heat coming in means your house stays cooler and your air conditioning bills drop.

Second, motorized shades can be programmed to adjust themselves throughout the day to ensure the optimal temperature and light level in your home. The shades raise or lower at different times of the day, and the angle of the slats can be adjusted as well. Set the schedule once and watch your shades take care of themselves as your energy costs diminish.

LIGHTING CONTROL

Automated lighting controls systems are another excellent method to make your home more efficient.

Lighting control gives you a greater ability to monitor and manage the lights in your home. You can set up schedules for different lights to come on in different rooms at different times, and the ability to turn all your lights off with one button press makes it less likely that you’ll waste energy by leaving a stray light on somewhere.

The bigger benefit of lighting control, though, is how it helps you get the most from the light that’s already coming into your home. Lighting control systems replace your standard on/off switches with an array of dimmers, meaning you have a lot more flexibility with how you can use your lights.

According to industry research, every percentage point reduction in light level through use of a dimmer results in a corresponding decrease in energy usage. You can use automated schedules and presets to take advantage of sunlight during the day, which will also lead to increased energy savings.

SMART THERMOSTATS

Another major factor in your energy costs is your heating and air conditioning system. Smart thermostats offer a way to lower your costs in this area.

Like motorized shades and lighting control, smart thermostats allow you to take advantage of preset schedules to make sure you aren’t wasting energy heating your home when nobody is around. The ability to manage your smart thermostats remotely from an app lets you make adjustments for unexpected circumstances, and higher-end models can even learn from your patterns and adjust themselves due to factors like humidity.

These are just a few ways that smart home automation can make your Hartford, CT a home more efficient and a more pleasant place to be. To learn more about these home automation services, contact Safe Home Security at 800-833-3211 or visit us online, and read our blog to discover the benefits of other smart technologies.

The post 3 Ways to Improve Energy Efficiency with Smart Technology appeared first on Safehome Security.

If you own or manage a business or multi-unit development, you know that one of your most important jobs is keeping the people in your building safe. There are all sorts of ways to do this: Alarm systems, security guards, motions sensors, and so on.

One of the most effective tools you have in your security toolbox is surveillance systems; after all, what better way to keep an eye on your property than being able to literally look and see what’s happening anytime you want? But if you’re going to invest in surveillance cameras, you want to know that the equipment you’re buying can accommodate all your needs. To help you out, we’ve put together this guide to help you find the best home security cameras for your Los Angeles building.

SEE ALSO: Learn more about Safe Home Security’s services and solutions

For the Front Door: Ring Spotlight Cam

The obvious place to start with security is your front door, as it’s where you’ll get the most amount of foot traffic on any given day. If you’re looking for an all-encompassing security camera to watch your front door or other entrances, you can’t go wrong with the Ring Spotlight Cam.

The Ring Spotlight Cam comes in several different forms, depending on whether you want a model with a wired power source, one that uses batteries or one that runs off solar power. But all Ring Spotlight cameras have several key features in common.

All Spotlight cameras have 1080p resolution, giving you a crystal-clear image of what’s happening. All Spotlight models also feature two-way microphones to let you talk to whomever is outside your door. Combined with a 110-decibel siren, advanced motion detection, night vision technology and integration with the Alexa and Google virtual assistants, the Spotlight makes a worthy addition to any surveillance system.

For Indoors: Amazon Cloud Cam

While keeping an eye on your property’s exterior is important, you also want to know what’s happening inside. To do that, we recommend the Amazon Cloud Cam.

The Cloud Cam has several features that make it a fitting choice for indoor surveillance. Like the Spotlight, you get a video feed with 1080p resolution. The Cloud Cam also sends out rapid notifications to your phone or other device if it detects motion after hours.

Unlike with some other cameras, you also get free 24-hour clip storage with the Cloud Cam, which makes it easy to go back and review what happened if someone breaks into your building. The Cloud Cam has also been noted in several publications for how easy its app is to use, which makes it even more appealing.

For Outdoors: Next Cam Outdoor

The Nest Cam Outdoor integrates with most smart home systems, has a two-way microphone like the Ring Spotlight and has advanced motion detection capabilities. This makes it a no-brainer for your outdoor security needs.

There are other features that make the Nest Cam Outdoor an attractive option. It’s designed with a weatherproof plug for its power supply, which helps it better withstand the elements. And if you opt to subscribe to Nest’s Aware service, you get continuous 24/7 recording and the ability to create customizable security zones.

If you want to learn more about Safe Home Security’s services and how we can help you keep your property secure, gives us a call at 800-833-3211 or visit us online.

The post The Best Cameras to Secure Your Business or Development 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.

Today’s business owners face much more complicated security issues than in decades past, and that means your security system must adapt as well. You need to protect not only yourself and your employees, but your equipment and valuable data. That’s where Safe Home Security comes in. We specialize in security for both homes and businesses, and we have the expertise to build a custom system for you that’s both effective and easy to use. Here are three ways an automated business security system can keep your Hartford, CT business safe.

SEE ALSO: Check out our other stories

KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEMS

While digital entry systems aren’t exactly new, they have gotten more advanced in recent years, and they’re still more secure than a lock and key.

One option to consider is keycards. Keycards are personalized to individual employees, so you can keep track of who’s going in and out of your building or into different rooms within your office. This means that even if an employee’s card is stolen, you’ll either be able to block their card from being used or know whose card they used to try to enter your business.

Alternatively, you could use a biometric security system. Biometric security works by using a characteristic unique to an employee, such as their thumbprint or fingerprint, to allow them into your office. Fingerprints and thumbprints can’t be lost, which means someone can’t break in by stealing a key or keycard, and the uniqueness of each identifying characteristic gives you a much clearer picture of who’s going where in your business. 

SMART CAMERAS AND LOCK SYSTEMS

We’re firmly in the digital age, and that means business security has gone digital as well. Case in point, modern security cameras give you a 24/7 feed of what’s happening at your office from your phone or other smart device. Better still, these cameras can send you an alert if someone tries to break into your business, giving you the opportunity to take appropriate action.

Even if you’re still using traditional locks, you can incorporate automation to make them much more effective and easier to use. By overlaying them with smart locks, you can lock all your doors with one button press from a single device, which saves you time and makes it much less likely that you’ll forget to lock one of your entrances. Link your locks to your cameras to create a one-touch security blanket for your business.

VIDEO ANALYTICS AND GEO-FENCING

Modern business security systems can take the task of securing your office out of your and your employees’ hands entirely. How? Through video analytics and geo-fencing.

Let’s start with video analytics. Having a camera over your door is nice, and it’s even better if that camera can send you updates, but what if your camera was smart enough to notice threats before they happen? Video analytics makes this possibility a reality. By using advanced artificial intelligence technology, your cameras can give you even more insight into potential threats, like a stranger who seems to be hanging around your front door for hours on end, and allow you to respond before anything bad happens.

Geo-fencing is another automated way to help keep your physical and digital assets secure. Geo-fencing involves creating predetermined zones in and around your business that limit access to certain areas or systems.

For instance, you could set up your system to automatically turn on your cameras, lock your doors and shut down access to your business’ files once you’ve left the parking lot. Another possibility is limiting access to certain files or systems to those who are within a certain physical distance of your building.

These are just a handful of ways an automated business security system can help you. To learn more about Safe Home Security’s commercial security solutions, call us at 800-833-3211 or visit us online.

The post 3 Ways Automated Security Systems Protect Your Business appeared first on Safehome Security.