Tag Archive for: Home security

12 Home Security Strategies To Combat Burglary

We all want to believe that our neighborhood is safe and that we’d never be the victim of a break-in. The sad and frightening fact is that over two million home burglaries are reported every year in the United States. Of those, only about 13% are prosecuted due to lack of evidence and witnesses. That’s pretty startling. But it’s okay, there are many home security strategies you can use to combat burglary.

Burglars Take More Than Stuff

When a burglary happens, the perpetrator takes far more than your belongings. They violate your privacy, cross personal boundaries, and rob your sense of security and safety. All of these things take a huge emotional toll that can last a lifetime. And the effects of burglary do not stop with the immediate victims. When one home is burglarized, there is an increased chance of another home or homes in the neighborhood being burglarized. It also encourages a rise in other crimes in the neighborhood.

Home Security Matters

The good news about burglary is that there are things you can do to dramatically reduce your chances of being burglarized—and the benefits can extend into your neighborhood. Here are just a few of the many home security strategies you can use to improve your safety and security.

  • Make it obvious that you are serious about security. Nearly 60% of burglars say they will avoid a home that has security systems in place.
  • Use home automation to simulate presence in the home. Most burglars will avoid a home that is occupied.
  • Install home security cameras both inside and out. Use remote viewing to check on the property.
  • Use glass break and motion sensors on windows.
  • Use motion sensors throughout the home.
  • Install smart locks on your door instead of traditional lock and key.
  • Use codes to let in service providers instead of providing or hiding keys.
  • Get a smart garage door.
  • Install a video doorbell and use it to answer the door when you are not home so you do not disclose your absence.
  • Check video doorbell footage when activity trips the motion sensor. Take a snapshot or video clip of all suspicious activity.
  • Use motion sensor lighting around the perimeter of the property.
  • Use home automation to provide alerts if doors are left unlocked, and either lock them remotely or have them lock automatically if you leave the area.

Having a home security system and using home automation can greatly reduce your chances of being burglarized. It can also reduce the chances of y0ur neighbors being burglarized as well. When a neighborhood has a number of homes with home security systems, burglars tend to avoid those neighborhoods because of a greatly increased chance of being caught on tape.

About All Action Alarm

All Action Alarm is a family owned business that has been caring for Long Island families since 1980. Our 5 diamond central monitoring station keeps watch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Contact us todat at (631) 549-7225.

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Internet Safety Tips From A Security Company

For students, the internet is a great tool for connecting with friends, researching, and doing homework. It can also be a dangerous place, filled with serious risks such as online predators, cyber bullies, and internet scams. Thankfully, with a little knowledge and precautions, you and your children can stay safe on the internet. If you have children or teens in the home and using the internet, the safety guidelines you put in place will positively impact their safety as well as their online safety. Here are some important internet safety tips.

Parents Lead the Way in Internet Safety

To keep kids safe online, you must be involved and take an active role in how the computer and other internet devices are used in your home and family. Consider these tips just for parents.

  • Keep computer and internet device usage in the open and in communal areas such as the living room.
  • Install computer safety programs that restrict usage and filter websites.
  • Set up alerts if usage goes beyond certain set boundaries.
  • Take all incidents of bullying seriously and report it to the authorities.
  • Always report suspicious activity or threats of self-harm.
  • Have regular talks with your kids and ask the hard questions about what they are doing on the internet.
  • Set and enforce internet safety rules.

Important Internet Safety Tips for Children and Teens

When used safely the internet provides a lot of value. The problem is, many kids just do not realize that what they do could put them in serious danger. Consider implementing these rules.

  • Do not give out any personal information about your name, birthdate, current or past locations, or the school you attend.
  • Do not use personal information such as names or birth date as part of your screen name.
  • Use online screen names that do not identify you as male or female.
  • Choose complex passwords and never share them.
  • Do not send or share photos of yourself, your family or friends without checking with your parents first.
  • Before sharing pictures, make sure there is no identifying information in the background.
  • No matter how close you become online with someone, never agree to meet in person.
  • Talk to your parents if an online friend suggests meeting in person.
  • If something about the person or conversation does not feel right, tell your parents immediately. Trust your instincts.
  • Tell your parents about inappropriate or threatening messages.
  • Never download anything without permission.
  • Never shop online without permission.
  • Do not engage in online fights.
  • Never send messages that could be considered mean-spirited or threatening.
  • Never use the internet to make anyone feel sad or scared or to encourage others to engage in bullying.
  • Report bullying to your parents immediately.

About Our Long Island Alarm Company

All Action Alarm is a family owned business that has been protecting Long Island and New York City homes and businesses since 1980.

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Are Home Security Apps the Way to Manage Security?

Yes, home security apps certainly are. Let’s talk about the reasons why there’s no better way to manage your home security than with a mobile app connected to your system.

We live on our smart phones.

That’s just the reality, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Tech Crunch reports that smartphone owners use about nine apps per day, and up to 30 per month. You can bet they’re not just checking Facebook; they’re also paying bills, managing bank accounts and conducting other business. Why shouldn’t they also be looking at their home security cameras or making sure their doors are locked? It just makes sense.  

No more login headaches.

People have been using the web to manage their personal accounts for a long time. And yet, there’s been a dip in enthusiasm for visiting the website of your bank or credit card company. Why? People don’t enjoy logging in, especially remembering usernames and passwords. With a mobile app to manage your home security, there’s no need to enter your credentials; a simple tap is all you do to see what you want to see. You’ll be able to check on your cameras, alarm and even the locks on your doors. No login necessary.

Add and delete as necessary.

With a mobile app, you can add people to your account as needed in a totally hassle-free manner. Asking a friend to house sit while you’re out of town? Add him or her to the account temporarily, so they can use their own code to enter the house and arm/disarm the system as needed. When you return home, you simply remove them until the next time you ask them to stay over. Your mobile app makes it easy.

These are some pretty compelling reasons to use home security apps for the management of your home security. Long Island homeowners who have questions are welcome to call All Action Alarm for more information.

About All Action Alarm

We have experience in the electronic security industry and experts in home automation technologies. If you are looking for ways to simplify your life, give us a call at  (631) 549-7225.

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Traditional Medical Pendants vs. Wellness Systems

“I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up.” We all know the slogan, but those TV ads were a long time ago. Medical alert devices are still popular, but today’s systems are far more powerful. While the user still wears a pendant around the neck, they and their families can rest assured there are other ways to summon help when it’s needed in today’s smart home wellness systems. For example, they can send alerts when:

Important activity is missed.

What if the user doesn’t move for an extended period of time? What if he or she experiences a major change in patterns: for example, stops eating or taking medication? With a smart home wellness system, that will trigger an alert to the monitoring center. The operators will be able to check in with the user, and also alert the people on the user’s authorized list of contacts.

Unusual activity is detected.

What if the user is wandering away from the home, well past the peripheries of their normal routine? What if he or she is leaving the house at odd hours of the day or night? These are unusual activities that should trigger a signal to the monitoring center – and with a smart home wellness system, it will. What happens next can be determined in the user’s customized action plan.

The user is immobile in bed.

If a user is in bed with no activity for an extended period of time, a bed sensor connected to the system will trigger an alert. The sensor is designed to detect if there is no moving in bed: turning over, stretching and other normal nighttime activity. That way, help can be sent to the home to check things out and intervene if necessary.

These are some of the most important distinctions between traditional medical pendants and smart home wellness systems. To speak with a professional dealer that can explain additional benefits, contact All Action Alarm.

About All Action Alarm

We have experience in the electronic security industry and experts in home automation technologies. If you are looking for ways to simplify your life, give us a call.

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Smart Solutions for Dealing with Bad Weather

Hard rains, snow storms, wind gusts, power outages…the weather phenomenons of winter and their impact on our communities are more than an inconvenience. In many cases, these things can be very dangerous. And even in this season of transition from summer to fall, power outages can still occur during heat waves. All things considered, weather risks are present all year round. What if your household has members who are especially sensitive to weather changes, like infants or elderly loved ones? You need to know ahead of time in order to get everyone to a safer, more comfortable place. And since undergoing a temporary relocation is no small decision, you need to know as quickly as possible.

Here’s How We Can Help

Fortunately, we have something that can help: smart home alarm systems. Homeowners who choose to protect their homes with these advanced security systems have access to real-time weather alerts from the most reliable source possible, the National Weather Service. When the situation is a power outage, our customers have access to an interactive map that shows how widespread the outage is. It all starts with an alert to the customer’s smartphone, so it’s easy to check out quickly.

Immediate Action for Informed Decisions

As soon as we receive National Weather Service information regarding the inclement weather alert, we send a signal to the security systems of homes that are at risk. Our customers know about the weather as soon as we do, so families can make quick, informed decisions regarding how to proceed. If you happen to be away from home, you can ask someone to check on your pets, turn off your power, or secure your home in some other way. Whatever other fortification may be appropriate, you’ll be able to make a decision about it.

Other Ways of Protecting the Home

Smart home security systems are designed for more than safety. To help homeowners spare their property from the expensive results of flood damage due to burst pipes in the winter – or, when leaky roofs cause flooding on the floor – smart home security systems feature flood detection and low temperature threshold alerts. When you receive an alert for these conditions, you can do what you need to stop the situation before it gets out of control.

About All Action Alarm

We have experience in the electronic security industry and experts in home automation technologies. If you are looking for ways to simplify your life, give us a call.

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Do I Need Home Security in a Nice Neighborhood?

One of the reasons we all want to live in a nice neighborhood is because nicer neighborhoods are perceived as being safer. Sometimes they are. But no neighborhood is completely immune to crime. Break-ins and other devastating crimes can happen to anyone, in any neighborhood and there are some good reasons why home security is an asset in crime prevention.

Home Security and Automation Technologies Deters Crime

No criminal wants to get caught and having visible signs of security such as video surveillance cameras makes your home less attractive as a target for crime, whether it is burglary, vandalism, robbery, home invasion, or worse.

Home Automation and Security Helps Manage Busy Households

Whether you have a large family or are a busy student or entrepreneur, life can get so busy that security details can fall through the cracks. You might forget to close the garage door, lock the front door, close windows or turn off appliances. All of those things can lead to danger and tragedy, but all of them can be addressed using home security and automation.

Keep an Eye on the Kids

Security cameras are not just to protect your home and valuables while you are away, or keep out the bad guys. They are also helpful in helping keep an eye on the kids even if they are just in another room, or playing in the backyard. Motion sensors can also help keep the kids out of dangerous areas such as cleaning cabinets or outdoor storage sheds.

Home Security Protects from Other Threats, Too

Another reason it is important to have home security even if you live in a safe neighborhood is that every home is susceptible to other threats, like leaks, smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can poison and incapacitate individuals before they even know something is wrong. Home security systems can monitor for such dangers and if monitored, initiate emergency services even if the occupants are unable to call for help.

Allows You to Control and Monitor Your Home

Home security and automation have become so sophisticated that you can control and monitor your home from anywhere in the world using your smart phone or another smart device. Whether you want to let in an unexpected guest, check on the pets, or view a video of suspicious activity, you can do it all using home automation and your home security app.

Improved Efficiency

Home security and automation offer a ton of benefits in helping improve energy efficiency with tools such as smart thermostats and smart lighting. But these smart home tools can also help in personal productivity, taking chores off the table and aiding in keeping everything on track and on schedule.

There are many reasons to invest in home security and home automation even if you live in a safe neighborhood. All Action Alarm has been helping resident realize home protection and efficiency needs since 1980 with a dedication to outstanding service. Contact All Action Alarm today to learn more about your home security options on Long Island.

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Time To Cut The Cord: 5 Reasons To Go With Wireless Home Security

There is no such thing as being too cautious when it comes to protecting your home and your loved ones. As the winter season rolls on and spring is on the horizon, it may be time to consider a new security system (or an upgrade to your current one). More Long Island homeowners are opting for wireless burglar systems because they outsmart the average burglar and are just as efficient as wired systems.

Reasons to Choose a Wireless Burglar Alarm System

  • Outsmart Even the Most ‘Talented’ Burglar – While most burglaries are done by amateurs, there are some sophisticated home robberies occurring these days. A wired system can be easily disarmed by a trained burglar, but with a wireless system, a cut phone line will not deactivate your home security system.
  • Remote Access – Traditional, wired systems are not as easy to operate as wireless systems. With a wireless alarm, you can activate/deactivate from a smartphone app even if you are across town. Also, if you have video surveillance tied to your system, you can view video on a smartphone, computer or tablet regardless of where you are.
  • Cost Effective – More security companies are offering wireless systems and they are not more expensive to install. In fact, wireless systems are less expensive than wired, because they do not require electrical work.
  • Attaches to Home Automation – Wireless systems can also be attached to your home automation, which allows you to turn lights on and off, lock doors and even set the thermostat.

Wireless systems protect your home and offer a level of convenience you cannot get with traditional systems. Now is the best time to upgrade to a wireless system. Contact your Long Island home security company to learn more about how a wireless system makes your life more convenient and your home more secure. All Action Alarm offers free consultations and can assist you with your wireless installation.

About All Action Alarm

Have your Security System installed by All Action Alarm and receive our Superior 115% Guarantee. If you’re not completely satisfied with your security installation within the first 3 months, we’ll give you an unconditional refund of your installation and remove all of your equipment for free. We’ll also give you a $50 gift card for your troubles.

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How to Update an Older Home to Meet Modern Needs

It is hard to beat the charm of older homes, and in many cases, the use of quality materials and craftsmanship. The unfortunate part about older homes is that they are not always the best fit for modern living. The spaces are used differently and differently proportioned, they may not be as energy efficient, or have any of the high-tech features you’d like. The good news is that it is far easier to make an older home modernly perfect with very little effort.

Improving the Layout

If you are a fan of an open floor plan, chances are good you’ll be knocking out some walls in an older home. Most typically, new owners to older homes will take down the walls that block the view from the kitchen to the dining and living rooms to give the home a more open and spacious feel.

Add Rooms

In most old homes, bedrooms were fewer but larger and have fewer bathrooms than a modern home. In some cases, adding actual square footage to add bedrooms and bathrooms is a great option. Another may be to reconfigure the space to accommodate an additional room and bathroom.

Improve Energy Efficiency

Older homes typically lack in energy efficiency because they have older HVAC systems, lack today’s better insulation, have older windows and doors that are not sealed, and older energy draining appliances. These problems are easy to fix by adding spray foam insulation to the walls and replacing doors, windows, and appliances. Once the space is upgraded, you can save even more by using home automation tools like a smart thermostat, smart lighting, and smart appliances to keep energy use (and your bills) down to a minimum.

Add Modern Conveniences and Safety Features

Once your home is configured just how you’d like, it is time to finalize layers of safety and convenience with home security and automation. Home automation and security features can give a home with yesteryear’s charm some modern shine. Secure your home with a smart garage door and smart locks and secure windows with glass break and motion sensors. Consider using smart lighting and smart security cameras both indoors and out. Use geofencing to have your retro castle treat you like royalty and respond to your proximity, turning off or on lighting, electronics, and appliances or locking or unlocking doors. Now you can say you are truly, at home.

All Action Alarm has been making sure Long Island residents feel safe at home since 1980.

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Is It Time To Retire These Vintage Security Ideas?

Leaving your lights on to come home to a lit house is smart, but don’t expect it to drive off burglars. If you saw a home with a few lights on that never change for an extended period of time and no other signs of life, would you believe someone was likely home? Probably not, and neither would a burglar.

Criminals have gotten increasingly sophisticated and once tried-and-true security measures are now not just ineffective, they can be dangerous. The good news is, modern home security and automation offer a better alternative.

It’s time to retire these “old-school” security practices:

Keys Under the Doormat

Even today, it’s not uncommon for parents to leave keys under the doormat for their children to use when they get home from school. It may be handy, but it is also dangerous. Having a key hidden under the mat (or above the door, for that matter) is as good as an open door for any burglar or predator.
Instead, use home security smart locks and keyless entry. Your kids can come home and enter the home with a unique code. Not only do you keep the bad guys out, you know your kids made it home safe and sound when the system sends you an alert to your smartphone.

Keys in a Plastic Rock

Okay, maybe the fake rocks have become far more realistic in looks, today there is hardly a thief (or any other person) around who does not recognize them. If you need to give access to friends or family, or are someone that loses their keys frequently, opt out of the fake rock. A burglar would look at it, and think of his good fortune.
A far better option is to use home automation. With home security and home automation features like smart locks and remote mobile apps, you can let in your kids or visitors yourself from wherever you are, even if you are stuck in traffic, all from your smartphone.

Leaving the Lights On

Leaving your lights on to come home to a lit house is smart, but don’t expect it to drive off burglars. If you saw a home with a few lights on that never change for an extended period of time and no other signs of life, would you believe someone was likely home? Probably not, and neither would a burglar. Instead of providing security, this practice is more like a beacon for bad guys.

A better way of adding security is to use home automation to fake occupancy. With it, you can have smart lights going off and on at various intervals, as well as the television or other enable electronics go on and off. You can even have appliances turn on to add real life to the home, even if you aren’t.

About All Action Alarm

Take it from an experienced Long Island home security company: When it comes to security, “old school” isn’t necessarily best. To upgrade your security practices and integrate home automation into your life, call All Action Alarm. All Action Alarm is a family owned business that has been protecting Long Island since 1980.

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Wireless v. Wired Alarm Systems: Which is Better?

Your home security system should make you and your family feel safer and more comfortable, whether at home or on vacation. A wireless home security system can enhance your home’s security and provide convenient security features that other systems do not. Here are some of the reasons that a wireless home security system is the best system for your needs.

Remote Home Monitoring System

A wireless home security system typically consists of a wireless surveillance or security camera system, a wireless home alarm system, and a wireless smoke and fire alarm system. All of these elements of the wireless home security system can be controlled remotely via a computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet.

This means that you have access to the feed from your home video security system even if you aren’t at home. You can also monitor and control your home alarm system and smoke and fire alarm system with the push of a button.

Operates Even if the Power is Out

A wired home security system relies on your phone line, internet connection, and power grid in order to be operational. A wireless home security system can continue to function even if your phone lines are cut, your internet is down, or your power is out.

They operate on a battery backup system that ensures you and your family will still be safe and protected.

Remote Troubleshooting and Repairs

If your wireless home security system is malfunctioning, a technician can almost always identify and repair the problem remotely. This saves you time, money, and stress, and guarantees that your home security system will be back up and running as quickly as possible.

If you’re looking for the best security system in for your home, come see us today. Our experienced and knowledgeable alarm system technicians can tell you about all of the advantages of a wireless home security system.

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