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Dyezz

Jul 16
0

See Your Home Through the Eyes of a Thief to Keep Your Property Safe 

By | Alarm System, Helpful Tips, Uncategorized | No Comments

When you look at your house, you see the place you call home, the place where you raise your family and the place where you sleep soundly every night. But when a burglar looks at your home, he or she sees a house full of valuable items to appropriate and resell.

As a law-abiding citizen, it may be hard for you to think like a criminal. But if you want to protect your home and your family, it is important to see your home with the cold calculating eyes of a burglar. Seeing what the bad guys see when they look at your home is the best way to secure your property and keep criminals outside where they belong.

Light and Darkness

One of the first things a burglar looks for is a safe place to hide away from the prying eyes of neighbors and passersby. If they can find a secluded spot to hide out, they can case your house and look for a safe way in. If not, the would-be thief is likely to move on to a more tempting target.

Wait until dark, then go outside and look at your home with the steely gaze of a burglar. Are there dark shadows and places to hide, or does the exterior lighting make the property look too risky? If the lighting outside your home creates a tempting target, it may be time to go shopping.

Something as simple as a bright spotlight above your front door and pathway lights out front could be enough to convince a burglar to go elsewhere. You do not have to spend a fortune to brighten up your home, so there is no reason not to do it.

Watch the Windows

Even the most unsophisticated burglar knows that your doors will likely be locked after dark and when you go out for the evening. That means they will be looking at the windows for a way in.

Take a look at your windows and put yourself in the mind of that would-be thief. Have the shrubs been allowed to grow up alongside the windows? Does that overgrowth create a ready hiding place for burglars and other bad guys? If so it may be time to get out the hedge trimmers.

Putting yourself in the mind of a burglar is not an easy — or a comfortable — thing to do. Even so, thinking like a bad guy is the best way to protect yourself, and your family, from harm. Knowing what thieves are looking for is the best way to see the flaws in your security system and fix them before it is too late.

Dyezz Surveillance and Security has provided the highest quality of installations and service for video surveillance systems, burglar and fire alarms, access control systems, covert surveillance, bug detection, intercom systems, and home automation since 2001. You can view your home and loved ones easily from your own smartphone through the services we offer.  Lifetime warranties and month to month contracts are available. Contact us today to secure your property and ensure your peace of mind at 800-370-2762 .

Jun 21
0

Wired vs. Wireless: Home Security System Breakdown

By | Alarm System, Helpful Tips | No Comments

So you’re looking to improve the security of your home and deter break-ins. There are so many options for alarm systems; how can you choose the right one for your family? Wired and wireless systems both have their benefits, and depending on your personal preferences and the layout of your home, you can select the option that is right for you.

Wired

Hardwired alarm systems have been the go-to for most security companies for many years. They are connected to a control panel in the home through a series of wires. These systems are installed through drilling in the house and can last for many years. These systems need to be installed by a professional, so this is a good choice if your home is large or you are unsure about installing a system yourself. These systems are also more secure in protecting your home against interference. They require very little maintenance, so after the initial installation, you should be set. Wired systems are often ideal in protecting large areas.

However, they can be vulnerable to intruders if the phone lines are cut. They can also be more expensive to install since they require a professional to come out and drill into the house. But if you live in a large house that requires a lot of sensors and protection, the price for wireless might be better than buying additional sensors for a wireless system. It is worth speaking to several different companies to get estimates before making the plunge.

Wireless

Wireless systems are a newer type of home security system that is gaining popularity. These systems are connected over Wi-Fi so you can access the ins and outs of your home from wherever you are. These systems do not require hardwiring or any drilling into the house. They are easy to upgrade since the installation is so simple. If you move around a lot, these systems can easily be packed up and taken to your new house. Wireless security systems offer simple and easy self-installation. However, some companies do provide professional installation if you need it. This can be convenient in a larger home or if you are not confident in your DIY abilities.

Keep in mind that you will need a strong Wi-Fi signal to support a wireless system. They can also be susceptible to interference from other devices in the home, though this occurrence is uncommon. These systems are also battery operated since the sensors are not connected through the wiring in your home. A good system should not need frequent battery changes, but this is still something to keep in mind.

The Bottom Line

Wired systems are a good choice if you intend to stay in the home for a long time since they are permanent. If your home has already been prewired, it is very simple to get your home protected by a company that features hardwired security. Larger homes and areas that do not have Wi-Fi are also better protected with a wired system.

Wireless security systems are ideal for rental homes and apartments because they are nonpermanent, but they are also good choices for any home so long as it is covered by Wi-Fi. They can be easily modified and updated when the company releases new equipment and updated sensors. Wireless systems can also be accessed from a mobile device, so you can control the alarm from wherever you are and monitor movement in your house.

Keep these differences in mind when choosing between a wired and wireless company. Whichever system you decide to go with, wired or wireless, you will now be able to relax knowing your home is better protected.

May 21
0

5 Tips to Improve the Security of Your Small Business

By | Helpful Tips | No Comments

Business security has become a top priority for all business owners. Regardless of business size or industry, businesses must take extra precaution to make sure their business is protected. Cybercriminals, petty thieves, even corporate spying can be a serious issue in business today. The following are some steps that a business can take to help secure their business.

Premises Security

You need to make sure that your premises are secure and that your building and physical assets are safe. Additionally, you will need to make sure that your parking areas and trash areas are well lit and secure for clients and employees. It is also very important to have these security features in place to reduce liability. If someone is injured on your property by a criminal attack, you may be held responsible if you “created a haven” where this activity could take place.

Digital Security

Protecting your digital assets has become more important over the last few years. As more business is conducted digitally, the chances for cyber-attacks have increased. Your business needs to implement digital safety measures for interior and exterior data transfers.

Financial Security

Of course, it is common sense to have security measures in place to protect financial transactions, but has your business considered protection for financial transactions that may occur without knowledge? Securing credit and other financial products that may be stolen without knowledge is imperative.

Client Security

You need to take precautions to protect all information about your client base. Many cyber criminals attack for this data alone. Your clients may hold you financially liable for any damages they receive if their personal information is stolen and used because your company did not have the right types of protections in place to guard their information.

Security Audit

One of the best things that any business can do is have a security audit performed by an outside company. Security firms can come in and verify if you have all the necessary security measures in place to protect your business and your clients. They can show you what can be changed for higher security levels and what you have in place at this time that is putting your company at risk.

Conclusion

In the past, security was very basic. You had locked filing cabinets in the office and a building alarm because that was all you needed. It is no longer that simple. You must protect the physical location, protect employees and clients, go to great extents to protect digital assets and access to digital information, guard your finances and transactions, and protect everyone from identity theft.

It is a lot to accomplish, and in most cases requires professional assistance. For those who already have security measures in place, a security audit will help you determine if you have all avenues covered. If you do not have security in place, a security audit can help you determine everything that you need to protect your business.

Feb 22
0
Dyezz Fire

Understanding the Benefits of Monitored Fire Protection

By | Helpful Tips | No Comments

Understanding the Benefits of Monitored Fire Protection

Every home has smoke detectors.  Unfortunately, in most homes, those smoke detectors are worse than useless.  

Human error destroys the usefulness of some smoke detectors.  The first time the homeowner burns his steak and fills the house with smoke the standard smoke detector goes off – and nothing will convince it to quiet down until the frustrated homeowner rips it out of the wall.  This is also the most common fate of smoke detectors which begin giving the “low battery” alert.  Homeowners disengage the smoke detector, promising themselves they will “get the battery later.”  That “later” rarely comes as the homeowner gets swamped with a list of other concerns.

The second factor is homeowner absence.  Smoke detectors are only useful when they can alert someone who can take action on a fire.  Should a fire start when the occupants are out at work or school, the standard fire alarm will just continue to shriek until the resulting blaze melts it.  The smoke detector might have been useful for warning people to get out of the home, but it doesn’t do a thing to prevent the home from burning to the ground.

The solution to the first scenario is simple enough.  Replacing battery operated smoke detectors with wired-in smoke/heat detectors takes the homeowner out of the equation.  There’s no need to replace batteries when the smoke detectors run on the house’s electrical wiring.  Smoke/heat detectors also do not sound the alarm unless they detect the sorts of high temperatures associated with a fire.  That means it will not sound a false alarm and annoy the homeowner while he is struggling with a burning meal.

The second problem can be solved by having monitored fire protection on the home.  Monitored fire protection works much the same way that burglar alarms do.  When the smoke and heat detector discovers signs of a fire, it makes a noise in the house while sending a signal through the phone lines.  This signal then alerts a 24/7 call center who, in turn, calls the fire department.  If the homeowner is home he can concentrate on getting himself and his family safe.  If he’s not, the fire still gets put out.  Those vital seconds can mean the difference between a damaged home and a destroyed home.  It can also prove to be a literal lifesaver for beloved family pets.

Monitored fire protection is usually very affordable.  Most burglar alarm companies offer this service, either as a stand-alone subscription or as an add-on to monitored burglary protection.

Jan 17
0
Dyezz Surveillance

How to Safeguard a Property You Rent to Others

By | Helpful Tips | No Comments

How to Safeguard a Property You Rent to Others

Renting a property can be a smart financial move, but to ensure a good return on your investment, you have to be proactive about safeguarding the home. This includes taking many of the regular steps you’d take for your own house, but you also have to think about the potential behaviors of your tenants, taking their safety and comfort into consideration.

  • Consider a security alarm system. Having one might mean you charge your tenants extra in rent to cover the expense, but it provides another layer of protection, connecting the people in your property to emergency responders.
  • Perform scheduled maintenance checks on time–tenants don’t always report hazards or necessary repairs. Examples of items to put on your rental property maintenance checklist include:
  • Condition of ceilings (stains, sagging, or cracks can signal water damage)
  • Secure, clean electrical outlets and light switches that turn on/off easily
  • Doors and windows all open and close properly (prevents intrusions but also ensures tenants can exit in emergencies)
  • Plumbing functionality and water heater temperature (should be less than 120 degrees F)
  • Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors work
  • Roof and gutters clean and sound
  • Go the extra mile to secure all doors and windows. For instance, installing frame pins, dowels, deadbolts, antitheft devices, or keyed locks at the top or bottom of the entrance can make it harder for intruders to make their way into the property.
  • Invest in good lighting, ideally with motion-sensing capabilities, to ensure the yard, parking area, and entranceways provide ample visibility and awareness of those in the area.
  • Keep an eye on nature. Overgrown plants, including trees, can give criminals something to hide behind, and can send the message that you don’t care about or aren’t watching the property. Plants also can promote infestations of bugs, rodents, or other pests. The foliage shouldn’t block the view of windows or doors from the street.
  • Register the property with local authorities to qualify for services such as city-based inspections.
  • Establish good relationships with neighbors and community members so they can keep an extra set of eyes on the property for you and your tenants.
  • Perform background checks on everyone you rent to.
  • Be clear about the expectations and rules outlined in the lease and communicate openly. Don’t wait to clarify issues or alert tenants to violations.

Completing these steps greatly reduces the liabilities associated with your rental property. Rather than rushing through each point, take the time to explore all your resources and options for superior results.

 

Dec 29
0
Dyezz Fire Blog

5 Fire Safety Tips for Heating Your Home During the Winter

By | Helpful Tips | No Comments

As the temperatures begin to drop during the winter season, you’re going to depend more on more on various heating equipment to keep warm, whether it’s your home’s HVAC system, your fireplace or your space heater. While these are perfectly fine ways to keep warm, there are some safety issues inherent with the use of such heating methods. Heating equipment, after all, is the leading cause for home deaths – and almost 50 percent of all heating equipment fires occur during the winter months. The following are five fire safety tips that will help you heat your home safely during the winter:

  1. Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors 

First of all, you should have smoke alarm alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors on every floor of your home. They can save your life and the lives of your family if a fire does break out. Make sure that you replace old batteries and that you test each alarm and detector to make sure that they work properly towards the beginning of winter.

  1. Clear space around heating equipment 

Make sure you have nothing flammable stored beside your furnace, fireplace or space heaters. In fact, there should be at least three feet of clear space all around your heating equipment. For example, if your furnace is in your basement and you’re also using your basement as storage, make sure you don’t end up surrounding the furnace with cardboard boxes full of old clothes. 

  1. Have your fireplace inspected before use

There’s a good chance that you only use your fireplace during the winter seasons, which means it remains unused for most of the year. Before you begin depending on it to heat your home, have a professional come inspect the fireplace. You’ll want to make sure that there’s no damage to the chimney and that any soot or debris buildup is cleaned out to prevent a potential chimney fire from occurring.

  1. Use a fireplace screen

A screen that sits in front of your fireplace can help to prevent sparks from your fire from flying out into your room. A single spark can end up lighting a fire. Technically, you should never leave a fireplace fire unattended – but it does happen, which is why a screen will help provide your home with extra fire protection.

  1. Always turn your space heaters off when leaving a room

Space heaters are a great way to provide heat to just one room, thereby saving the cost of heating the entire home. However, you need to make sure you don’t forget to turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to bed.

There’s no way to avoid using your heating equipment during the winter – it can be dangerous to your health if it’s too cold, after all. But there are ways to prevent fires from breaking out due to the use of your heating equipment. These are five important fire safety tips that you should employ in order to heat your home safely during the winter months.

 

Dec 03
0
Dyezz Blog

The “Before I Leave On Vacation” To Do List

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The “Before I Leave On Vacation” To Do List

When you are going on a vacation, there are many tasks to do to before you can actually relax and start having fun. You will relax more if you know your house is secure and all of your belongings will still be there when you return. This To Do list will help you to prepare for your vacation, so that your homecoming makes you feel good too. 

Mail

You do not want to alert anyone who happens to be walking down your street that you are not home and have not been home for several days. Either request the post office to hold your mail until you return for a small fee, or ask a trusted neighbour or friend to empty your mailbox.  Do not forget to cancel the newspaper delivery too. 

You may also consider sending an automatic reply to your emails and turning off your answering machine on your phone. If you leave the answering machine on, people will know you are not at home if they keep ringing back because the beeps get shorter. Turn it off and the phone just rings out, which could mean you are actually home, but busy and unable to reach the phone. 

Pets

Make sure you have catered for any pets you have. There are several options to get your beloved pet looked after while you are relaxing on your holiday. A housesitter can come and stay in your house, you can ask a trusted friend or neighbour to come over daily to care for your pet (and to pick up the mail, water the plants and turn the lights on and off at the same time), or you can board your pet at a kennel or cattery. 

Plants

Coming home to a house full of dead plants is not the sort of homecoming you will be imagining. If you have plants that you love and that need some regular TLC, getting a housesitter is worth considering.  If your plants are hardier types, you may just like to give your plants have a good drink before you go, so the soil does not dry out while you are away.  

Take any cut flowers out of vases and throw them (and the water) away or you will come home to a stench you will never forget. 

Lights

A dark house with no lights on indicates that no-one is home. If this situation continues for several nights, you will increase the chance of burglars taking advantage of your absence.  If you have arranged for a friend or neighbour to collect the mail, and take care of any pets or plants, ask them to also turn some lights on and off at different times, so that the house looks lived in. 

Alternatively, you can invest in a timing switch that automatically turns the lights on and off at certain times of the day or night. If neither of these options is available, leave at least a lamp on. The soft glow of the lamp is not visible during the day, but will shine through the windows at night, leaving possible burglars thinking that someone could be home.  

Sound

Leaving a radio on will encourage people to think that someone could be home. It can also provide some company for your pet who is probably used to having people around more often. If you use a clock radio alarm, set the alarm for different times during the day, so that people may think someone is home if the radio suddenly starts up. 

Security 

Ensuring your home is protected by video and alarm surveillance could be the most important step to keeping your home secure while on vacation. A home security system makes your home less likely to be targeted by intruders and robbers. 

Fridge 

Make sure you clean out your fridge and give away any vegetables or food products you will not eat before you leave and that will go off before your return. There is nothing worse than coming home and opening the fridge to see (and smell) rotting food. The same goes for any fruits in a fruit bowl, or any other food products in your house anywhere. 

Electrical Appliances 

Turn off and unplug the electrical appliances in your home before a vacation. Firstly, this can save electricity because even on standby power appliances will use electricity. Why pay bills for appliances you have not even used?  Secondly, this can prevent the appliances blowing up or breaking if an electrical storm creates a discharge. Thirdly, a quick check in each room will make sure you do not leave anything on that could cause problems like the oven or an iron. 

Clean

Leave your house as clean as possible. You will not want to have a lot of housework when you return from a vacation.  Wash your clothes and leave fresh sheets on your bed, so that you can return to a house that is spick and span and feels nice. Remember you will most likely be bringing more washing home after the vacation too. 

Neighbor

You should always tell at least one neighbour, family member, or trusted friend where you are going and how to contact you in case of emergency.  If your house burnt down, you would want to know straight away. Your neighbour may also keep a watchful eye on your house, which increases your security. 

Now that you have taken care of everything, you can relax and thoroughly enjoy your vacation. You will return to a secure, clean house that will make you feel almost as good as your vacation did!

Oct 22
0
Dyezz- Protect Your Home

Simple and Effective Ways to Protect Your Home from the Bad Guys

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Simple and Effective Ways to Protect Your Home from the Bad Guys

Dyezz Surveillance and Alarm

Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, securing a single family home can present some unique challenges. If you live in a high-rise or apartment building, you may have a doorman to check visitors and keep your property safe. When you live in a single family home, you have to rely on yourself and your proactive approach to security to prevent burglaries and avoid theft.

The good news is that there are simple things you can do to secure your single family home and make yourself a less tempting target for the bad guys out there. You may not be able to stop the bad guys from being bad, but you can protect your own home and reduce your chances of a break-in or burglary. Here are some simple and inexpensive ways to secure your single family home and keep your family safer.

Invest in a Quality Security System

Simply having a security system is one of the most effective ways to protect your home and your family. If you own your own home, you can purchase a traditional wired security system, complete with alarms at the doors, windows and other entry points. You can also add hard-wired security cameras that are remotely monitored by the company doing the installation.

If your single family home is a rental, you can take advantage of the new style wireless security systems, which use a variety of techniques to keep your home safe and your family protected. From easy to install door and window alarms to wireless security cameras, these systems can be very effective at keeping the bad guys at bay. 

Burglars are savvy, and they have learned to look for the telltale signs of a security system when casing a neighborhood. Simply having a security sign in the yard can be a good deterrent, and placing visible security cameras at the doors and windows could help even more.

Keep Your Garage Door Secure

Your garage door is the largest door in your home, and for many single family homes it is also the least secure. Many homeowners painstakingly lock their front doors when they return home, but they leave their garage doors open to facilitate easy entrances and exits for family members.

That same ease of entry can be an open invitation to a burglar, giving them a chance to score some very valuable items without your even knowing it. Just think about the valuables you probably keep in your garage – from your toolbox and power tools to the lawn mower and leaf blower. Then look at the property with the eyes of a burglar and consider how easy it would be to make off with those valuables while you are at home going about your business.

 Keep Your Expensive Purchases to Yourself

If you have just purchased a big-screen TV, you are probably in a hurry to get it mounted and start watching it. Even so, you need to take care and protect that costly purchase from the bad guys.

Many homeowners make the mistake of placing their big-screen TV boxes and other evidence of a recent buying spree out at the curb. While you do need to dispose of those boxes, you should do so in a less obvious manner.

Take a few minutes to break the TV box down, cutting it up and placing it in the trash or recyclable container instead of simply putting it out by the curb. If you are using a wall mount for your new flat-screen TV, invest in a security cable to keep it in place and make it a less tempting target should a burglar manage to access your home.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

There is safety in numbers, and getting to know the neighbors is one of the best ways to keep your home and family secure. Take the time to introduce yourself to the neighbor across the street and the family who lives in the home next door. Once you get to know one another, you and your neighbors can keep tabs on one another’s homes and report signs of suspicious activity in the area.

Whether you organize a formal neighborhood watch or simply maintain a casual lookout for possible intruders, banding together can keep everyone who lives on your street safer and more secure. Neighbors should watch out for one another, and simply getting to know the people who live in the surrounding houses can keep you, and your single family home, a lot safer.

Sometimes it seems like there is little we can do to protect ourselves from crime, but much of your security is within your control. From assessing the security of your single family home and making yourself a less tempting target to getting together with the neighbors, there are proactive steps you can take to keep your home safer and protect the things you own.

Sep 25
0

4 Simple Guidelines for Ensuring Home Security

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4 Simple Guidelines for Ensuring Home Security

Everyone wants to live in a home where their loved ones and valuables are safe. Sadly, break-ins happen all too often. In many cases, homes are targeted by criminals due to the negligence of the owner. The silver lining of this trend is that by learning a few simple guidelines, you can improve your home security and help ensure the safety of your family and possessions.

1. Lock All Doors and Windows

Even though this guideline may seem obvious, unlocked entryways are a leading method used by criminals to break into homes. Fortunately, this is a simple issue to overcome. Get into the practice of double-checking that all doors and windows are locked at night and before you leave the house.

2. Be Mindful of Who You Invite In

Criminals like to target homes that will be easy targets. They often identify these by visiting or sending an associate to visit houses in advance of the burglary. Be careful of the contractors, cleaners, and other such workers you invite into your home. Never accept help from workers you aren’t expecting. When soliciting a contractor, check references from trusted sources first.

3. Be Thorough with Home Upkeep

Intruders are more likely to select homes with poor upkeep. Overgrown bushes and trees can provide convenient hiding places on your property. Additionally, poor upkeep can indicate that you are currently out of town. Taking good care of your property will not only make your home look great, it will also help you keep it safe.

4. Invest in the Right Home Security System

Adding an alarm system is a great way to get some extra peace of mind. Not only will having one alert you and help you respond quickly to a break-in, but the simple presence of one will make many would-be intruders think twice. Having a security system and at least one sign indicating that your home is protected will go a long way toward keeping your house safe.

These simple home security guidelines will make a huge difference in keeping your property and loves ones protected. Break-ins are typically crimes of convenience, so everything you do to make your home a more challenging target will help ward off would-be intruders.

 

Aug 31
0

Top 10 Reasons to Install a Home Security System

By | Video Surveillance/ Remote Viewing | No Comments

Your house is one of your largest assets but more importantly, it is your home. Inside its walls reside your family members, treasures, and a lifetime of memories. Securing your home from intruders is critical. Installing a home security system is one way to keep the bad guys out and the happiness in. While installing a home security system makes sense from a security standpoint, there are other compelling reasons to make this move. Below you’ll find the top ten reasons you should install a home security system.

  1. Peace of mind. Having an alarm system in place will help you to rest easy knowing that your home and loved ones are better protected

  2. Most alarm companies place a sign in front of your home or stickers on the doors and windows alerting potential thieves to the fact that the house is equipped with a home security system. This serves as a major deterrent. Thieves will move on simply by realizing that it’s not worth the risk. These warning labels also cut down on broken windows because the thieves find out the house is protected before they try to break in.

  3. Light up the night. Many security systems come with outdoor motion detectors and flood lights as well as sirens and alarms. These security features cut down on late-night vandalism, car theft, and other outside crimes.

  4. Most security systems offer monitoring services. If your alarm goes off, the monitoring service will alert the police or dial a list of numbers that you have supplied them to make sure everything is okay.

  5. Fire and panic button. If you have the monitoring service, the fire and panic buttons on your security system’s keypad will automatically call for help if you punch them in an emergency. For example, if you answer the door and someone is forcing his way in, you can push the panic button and the police will be summoned.

  6. Insurance discounts. Most insurance companies offer a discount on homeowners insurance for houses equipped with home security systems. This discount can range anywhere from 5% to 20% each year.

  7. If your home security system is equipped with cameras and a recording system, police will have valuable evidence should a crime occur.

  8. Remote surveillance. With certain types of security systems, you can remotely view areas of your home when you’re gone. With wireless cameras and an Internet connection, you can log on from any location and see exactly what’s going on in your home. You can use these systems as “nanny cams” or to check on your pets while you’re at work.

  9. Arm the system remotely. If you have a wireless security system that you can access remotely, not only can you use the system for remote surveillance, you can also arm it remotely if you forgot to arm it when you left the house. Imagine being on vacation and realizing in your haste to get to the airport you forgot to arm the system. With remote access, all you need to do is log onto your home security system console from your laptop and arm it.

  10. Get help if theft does occur. Many home security system companies offer an “anti-theft” guarantee. If your home is burglarized with the particular security system in place, the company will help you with your insurance deductible or pay you an outright fee. These offers vary by company and may not be available in all cases.

It makes sense to install a home security system both in terms of security as well as for financial reasons. Many alarm companies are now offering wireless systems that have more features (such as remote monitoring and access) for less money than their hard-wired counterparts.

If you are hesitant to commit to the monthly monitoring fees, you can now find computerized, wireless home security systems that allow you to preprogram in phone numbers for the system to dial under specific circumstances. For example, if a break in occurs while you are at work, the system might dial your work number and alert you so that you can take action and call the authorities yourself rather than paying each month to have the monitoring service make this call on your behalf.