Summer vacation

The summer months are here and that means many families across America will be visiting vacation spots to get away from home. But unfortunately, while many are having fun at the beach, criminals try to take advantage by breaking into homes and if that’s not bad enough, those pesky environmental hazards will strike when you least expect.

According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the average loss per burglary in 2017 was nearly $2,500. Law enforcement officers say typically during the summer months, the number of home break-in cases rise. And the sad but true fact is just 7% of burglars face justice for breaking in. Often, property crimes are some of the most difficult for detectives to solve. People rarely witness their crimes, and burglars know how to spot an easy target.

But you can outwit burglars' break-in secrets:

Home security is absolutely essential and there are many options to choose from, so make sure you opt for one that fits your home. One Source Security will help assess your risks, needs and possible security weaknesses before we design your system. We are an advisor and will offer preventive advice, so you can avoid many potential problems altogether, including environmental hazards. We customize each system to suit the end-user’s specific needs.

Monitored alarm system: An alarm system is just one tool in the home security tool chest, but it's an important one. While it may seem that you can install just a basic alarm and it will scare off intruders, that's not necessarily the case.

Think of the last time you heard a car alarm. Did it even phase you? Did you call the police? Did you notice anyone else heading toward the sound to investigate? Likely, you and everyone around you has grown so accustomed to the sound of car alarms that you just ignore it. The same can be true in populated areas when a home alarm sounds. If your home location is more remote, there's the chance no one would even hear it. That's why alarm system monitoring can be critical in protecting your property and assets.

What is a Monitored Alarm System?

In a nutshell, it is exactly what it sounds like: an alarm system that is monitored, typically by a company that charges for the service. For the safety and security of your home, the basic coverage of a monitored alarm system commonly includes detection of intrusion and alerting authorities.

Once armed, these systems use sensors to detect if a door or window has been opened, if a window has been broken, or if there is motion within (and sometimes outside of) the home. These sensors trigger both the alarm and whatever alerts have been set up (to a monitoring company or to your cell phone). The system is either hardwired or wireless, and may include a cellular backup in case wires are cut or internet connection is lost.

Beyond this, systems can include many types of sensors, various levels of alerts, and integration with other security systems and smart technology.

Video Surveillance Systems: A video surveillance system can add next-level security to your home’s efforts to deter crime. Strategically placed cameras could mean would-be burglars bypass your home for an easier target. And if a crime does occur, the video footage can provide important evidence for both your insurance company and the police.

There are many options and features to consider across a broad spectrum of equipment.

What is a video surveillance system?

Video surveillance systems involve strategic placement of security cameras, monitoring motion and activity, generating alerts, transmitting footage, and storing that footage. Cameras can be both indoors and outside.

The camera system may also be referred to as closed-circuit television or CCTV. As part of your home security protocol, the purpose for a video surveillance system is to:

• Deter break-ins and theft
• Increase the security of your home and property
• Gather and store evidence if a crime does occur

Security cameras can be stand-alone devices or part of a system depending upon the complexity of your security needs. In order to meet your security objectives, cameras (or signs saying cameras are present) must be visible and the cameras must be able to record, store and transmit footage (or be connected to recorder or system that can do so). Not only can it be viewed from anywhere in the world, including your phone, due to network capability, it can also allow you to view live video remotely so you can see what’s happening in real time.

An added perk to installing a surveillance system may be a discount on your office insurance premiums.

Environmental Hazards: are something homeowners have to deal with constantly, but how do you save your home when you are away enjoying yourself on vacation?

As with the home alarm system monitoring, the environmental alarms are also monitored by a company. For the safety and security of your home, the basic coverage of a monitored alarm system commonly includes detection of environmental hazards, alerting you and alerting authorities.

Once armed, these systems use sensors to detect if there is the potential for water damage from flooding, broken or leaking pipes, improper changes in temperature possibly leading to frozen pipes, or the deadly carbon monoxide hazard, filling your home with the deadly, odorless, unnoticeable gas. These sensors trigger both the alarm and whatever alerts have been set up (to a monitoring company or to your cell phone). The system is either hardwired or wireless, and may include a cellular backup in case wires are cut or internet connection is lost.

PROTECTION FROM WATER DAMAGE

Whether you need to protect your home from water damage due to seasonal floods, in a basement for instance, or you’re concerned about important documents and equipment, water sensors such as “Water Bugs” can pick up the smallest amount of moisture.

DETECT TEMPERATURE CHANGES

It is important to maintain proper temperature in the home. It’s also important to know that pipes won’t freeze at home. A Hi / Low Temperature monitor helps to keep temperatures at the correct level and protect valuable equipment.

CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTION

Many consider Carbon Monoxide—the “Silent Killer”—the most important environmental hazard to guard against. Detection is a strong complement to any home security system to say the least; it can be a life saver.

Don't wait until it's too late! Home Security, Video Surveillance and our environmental monitoring can offer peace of mind.

As security experts, we can provide you with the knowledge needed to increase safety and security in and around your home, and keep you in the know whether you are near or far. Call One Source Security today for a free assessment of your home, 800-570-6478.