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08Jun

The Alarm Crew, Inc: Delivering Expertise and Reliability to a New Homeowner

Introduction: In today's fast-paced world, security is of utmost importance. Homeowners rely on alarm systems to safeguard their property and provide peace of mind. However, the installation and operation of these systems can be complex, requiring professional expertise. This is where the Alarm Crew, Inc steps in. Recently, a new customer sought the help of the Alarm Crew, Inc after experiencing difficulties with their previous alarm system provider. Let's explore how the Alarm Crew, Inc successfully addressed the situation and ensured the customer's new home was protected. A Frustrating Situation: The new homeowner, Mr. C. (to keep things anonymous), had recently moved into his dream home and was excited to have a reliable alarm system installed. However, he encountered significant challenges when the previous company he hired was unable to complete the job to his satisfaction. Mr. C was left with a half-installed system that offered no security benefits. Frustrated and concerned, he reached out to The Alarm Crew, Inc, a renowned company known for its expertise in alarm system installation and maintenance. The Alarm Crew, Inc to the Rescue: Understanding the urgency and importance of the situation, the Alarm Crew, Inc promptly responded to Mr. C's request. They scheduled a meeting to assess the current state of the alarm system and understand Mr. C's requirements. Our team of highly trained technicians and security experts were assigned to the project, ensuring that the necessary skills and knowledge were brought to bear on the situation. Thorough Assessment and Customized Solutions: The Alarm Crew, Inc began by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the existing system and its components. They meticulously reviewed the wiring, sensors, control panels, and any other devices to identify the root causes of the malfunction. This thorough assessment allowed them to develop a tailored plan to address the specific issues plaguing the system. Professional Installation and Integration: Equipped with their expertise and experience, the Alarm Crew, Inc began the re-installation process with precision and care. They ensured that every component of the alarm system was installed correctly, paying close attention to wiring, sensor placement, and connectivity. They seamlessly integrated the system with Mr. C's smart home features, allowing him to control and monitor the alarm system from his smartphone or other devices. Testing and Customer Satisfaction: Once the installation was complete, the Alarm Crew, Inc conducted rigorous testing to ensure the system was fully operational and met Mr. C's expectations. They left no stone unturned, meticulously verifying the functionality of each sensor, control panel, and monitoring station. This comprehensive approach was aimed at providing the highest level of security and reliability. Ongoing Support and Maintenance: To ensure long-term satisfaction, the Alarm Crew, Inc provided Mr. C with detailed instructions on operating the alarm system and offered round-the-clock customer support. They also discussed maintenance schedules, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups to keep the system in optimal condition. This ongoing support reassured Mr. C that he had a reliable partner to rely on should any issues arise in the future, plus a 1 year warranty on any parts and labor supplied and installed by the Alarm Crew, Inc. Conclusion: The Alarm Crew, Inc proved their commitment to customer satisfaction and expertise in the alarm system industry through their successful handling of Mr. C's case. By addressing the challenges left behind by the previous company, the Alarm Crew, Inc showcased their dedication to providing reliable, efficient, and customized security solutions. Through their thorough assessment, professional installation, and ongoing support, they ensured that Mr. C's new home was protected by a fully operational and top-of-the-line alarm system. The Alarm Crew, Inc continues to be a trusted name in the industry, delivering peace of mind to homeowners across the region. And we're happy to update that Mr. C has referred his mom to us, who recently moved to the area, and we're awaiting her approval now for a system update! AFTER                                             BEFORE
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06Jun

The Pros and Cons of Professional Security Monitoring vs. Neighbor Surveillance

Maintaining the security of our homes and businesses is paramount in today's world. To achieve this, many people opt for security systems to protect their properties. When it comes to monitoring these systems during an alarm event, two common options arise: professional security monitoring by a specialized company or relying on neighbors to keep an eye on things. In this post, we will explore the pros and cons of each approach, helping you make an informed decision about which one is best for you.
Professional Security Monitoring:
Professional security monitoring involves outsourcing the task of watching over your property to a dedicated company of professionals trained to respond in minutes to your alarm being triggered either by the panel, a leak sensor or a smoke detector. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of this option:
Pros:
1. Expertise and round-the-clock monitoring: Security monitoring companies employ trained professionals who specialize in monitoring alarm systems. They are well-equipped to handle emergencies, responding promptly to alerts, and contacting the appropriate authorities when necessary. This ensures a quick and efficient response in case of a security breach. Often it can prevent further damage or harm to the property, contents or occupants.
2. Multiple layers of protection: Monitoring companies offer comprehensive security solutions, including surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and access control systems. These layers of protection minimize the risk of unauthorized access, burglaries, and other security threats.
3. Remote monitoring and management: With professional monitoring, you can access your security system remotely through mobile apps or web portals. This allows you to keep an eye on your property and manage your security settings from anywhere, providing peace of mind and convenience.
Cons:
1. Cost: Professional security monitoring services typically involve monthly fees or contracts. While this expense ensures expert monitoring, it might not be feasible for everyone's budget.
2. False alarms: Occasionally, security systems can trigger false alarms due to various reasons such as technical glitches or user errors. While monitoring companies strive to filter out false alarms, they can still occur. This may result in potential fines or fees for repeated false alarms.
Neighbor Surveillance:
In contrast to professional monitoring, relying on neighbors to watch over your property when an alarm goes off is a more community-oriented approach. Here are some of its pros and cons:
Pros:
1. Cost-effective: Relying on neighbors can be an economical alternative to professional monitoring. Neighbors can support one another and collectively keep an eye on each other's properties, without the need for additional fees.
2. Immediate local response: Neighbors who live nearby can provide a faster response time compared to professional monitoring. They can quickly investigate an alarm activation and take appropriate action, such as calling the authorities or providing assistance.
Cons:
1. Limited expertise: While your neighbors may be well-intentioned, they might lack the professional training and expertise that a monitoring company can offer. This could potentially result in delayed or ineffective responses to security incidents.
2. Inconsistency and reliability: Depending on neighbors for surveillance can be unpredictable, as they may not always be available or willing to assist. Additionally, the level of vigilance and commitment may vary among neighbors, which could undermine the overall security of your property.
3. Privacy concerns: Relying on neighbors for security may require sharing sensitive information about your alarm system or entry codes, which raises privacy concerns. There is also the risk of false alarms causing unnecessary disturbances within the community.
Conclusion:
Choosing between professional security monitoring and relying on neighbors for surveillance depends on various factors, including your budget, location, and personal preferences. Professional monitoring provides expertise, reliability, and comprehensive security features but comes at a cost. On the other hand, neighbor surveillance can be cost-effective and foster a sense of community, but may lack consistency and professional expertise.
Ultimately, the decision should be based on your specific needs and circumstances. It may also be worthwhile to explore hybrid options, such as self-monitoring with the ability to alert neighbors in case of emergencies.
With 33 years experience in the industry in one of the most active cities in the US, we have learned you just can't beat the effectiveness of having your system monitored professionally.
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17Apr

Energy Savings From Your Security System

Did you know the latest innovations can help you save money on power bills by adjusting temps when you’re not open. Save energy and money with a smart security system from the Alarm Crew, Inc. We specialize in all types of wired and wireless systems here in the Phoenix Valley. Let us give you an update on your system so you can begin to save on your power bills and your insurance bills. That's right, insurance too! Insurance companies love when a property is secured and monitored so in exchange they give you a discount on your policy! Reach out to us today so we can start helping you save on both energy and insurance costs!
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17Apr

Why Children Respond Better To Voice Warnings vs Sirens Only in a Home Fire

Studies show that kids wake up and respond to voices faster than a beeping sound. In an emergency, make sure your kids get up and get moving with a security system from the Alarm Crew
with voice alerts.
Today kids are used to hearing all sorts of noises from their video games and from TV shows to different traffic noises and sounds at school.  Would you like the peace of mind knowing that the likelihood of your child(ren) waking up to a possible home fire was because it was a combination of voice and siren to ensure they make it out safely?
Let us answer your questions about how easy it is to add these monitored smoke and CO detectors into your home today.
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18Aug

Professionally Monitored Alarm Systems Make a Difference

Professionally monitored alarm systems offer more safety and convenience than Do-It-Yourself (DIY) systems. It’s a significant responsibility to self-monitor a smart security system. That is why Alarm Detection Systems provides professionally monitored systems in your area. Alarm Detection Systems is proud to protect thousands of residential customers. DIY home security systems include tools to check the system a good portion of the time. What happens during the times that you cannot? This article looks at three scenarios that demonstrate the importance of professional alarm monitoring from ADS.  

While You Are Asleep

Suppose you are woken up in the middle of the night by a security event. Your main priority will be getting your family and yourself to safety. With a professionally monitored system, we will contact emergency services on your behalf. According to the recent FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics, 1,324,090 burglaries are occurring during the night. The cover of night is attractive for intruders. People are more likely to be home at this time. Specific home security systems monitor for other nighttime hazards, such as fire. Consider The following:
  • Nearly 4,000 people die in home fires every year.
  • In just 3.5 minutes, heat from a home fire may reach over 1100 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Having a working smoke detector more than doubles one’s chances of surviving a fire.

When You Are Away

  • Break-ins are 6% more likely to occur between 6 am and 6 pm while people work or run errands.
  • The average timeframe within which a burglary is committed is between 90 seconds and 12 minutes.
  • 51% of home burglaries are repeated within six weeks.
  • Police solve only 13% of reported burglary cases due to lack of a witness or physical evidence.
 

While You Are Traveling

If you’re going somewhere with bad data service, self-monitored security devices won’t help. With a monitored home security system, ADS calls the authorities for you when there’s an issue. The burden of protecting your home no longer rests just on your shoulders.  

When You Own Another Property Like a Vacation Home

A professionally monitored security system often detects issues before becoming more significant problems. Security apps, doorbell cameras, and other home automation devices have made our lives safer and more efficient. But the one thing that will never change is that we can’t be in all places at all times. That is where the investment in professional monitoring pays off.  

More Benefits of 24/7 Professional Monitoring

Your alarm system is not reaching its full potential with monitoring. The following are just a few of the benefits of 24/7 professional alarm monitoring for your home or business.
  • Reliability — With our professional monitoring, you don’t have to rely on neighbors or others to notice that there’s a problem.
  • Faster response — The proper authorities receive a rapid notification. That means the response time to your emergency is much shorter than an alarm without monitoring.
  • Peace of mind — Having your alarm monitored 24 hours a day means you can enjoy peace of mind wherever you are. Monitoring can be beneficial for families with kids, seniors, or pets.
When you choose ADS for your alarm monitoring service, you know you’re receiving skilled operators who respond to emergencies.

 
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18Aug

Smart Home Security Network Tips

According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, around 43 million smart homes in the United States have over 45 million smart home security devices. Likewise, Wi-Fi networks have grown more robust and faster to support home automation. This post covers essential tips on protecting your smart home security system and surrounding Internet of Things (IoT) devices. A quick browser search will yield any number of worst-case hacking scenarios. From compromised voice command devices to garage door openers, the list goes on.  

Which IoT devices do hackers prefer?

All smart home products are appealing to hackers. Malicious actors hope to gain access to your home network by exploiting an IoT device’s vulnerability. We are living in an age where almost every appliance now has a sensor. Televisions, tablets, and even LED light bulbs have connected apps for download. Vulnerabilities exist in some networked products.  Here are some examples of devices that may be accessible to someone in proximity using a laptop or other Wi-Fi sniffer.
  1. Smart sprinkler systems
  2. Smart flood lights
  3. Remote control garage doors
  4. Certain automobile systems
The following list shows examples of inside-the-home devices controlled through an app from a smartphone or PC. Some of these devices may use subpar security tokens. Others have vulnerable entry points left open for maintenance.
  1. Voice Assistants
  2. Fitness Trackers
  3. Smart TVs
  4. Smartphones
  5. Smart Appliances
  6. Video Doorbells
  7. Smart Locks
 

How can you lock down the devices designed to give a sense of security and comfort?

The risk of smart home network hacking is always present. With so many devices using multiple internet protocols, you should use best practices. An excellent place to start is to follow the tips below.
  1. Change your router’s default password and name frequently.
  2. Keep all your devices’ software updated.
  3. Install new security standards as they are released.
  4. Invest in a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
  5. Use two-factor authentication whenever available.
  6. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks.
  7. Always change manufacturer default passcodes.
  8. Use hard-to-guess passwords on your device accounts.
  9. Don’t use the same passwords on multiple devices.
  10. Unplug devices that aren’t in use when traveling.
 

Our virtual consultations are always free.

If you want to learn more about your home security system or how it connects to your home network, please contact us at 630.844.6300.  

About Alarm Detection Systems, Inc.

The expert staff at Alarm Detection Systems can also help create a threat mitigation plan for your alarm system. They can explain the latest technology and which security devices are compatible with your system. ADS has been assisting homeowners for years. Having local insight is one of the key benefits of working with us. Alarm Detection Systems is one of the largest alarm firms in the country. Family-owned since 1968, we provide business alarms, fire alarms, card access, security cameras, and home security systems. Proudly servicing Chicagoland, Northern Illinois, Northwest Indiana, and Southern Wisconsin in the Midwest. Call us at 630.844.6300 for more information. In Colorado, we service all of Denver, Boulder County, Northern Colorado, the Eastern Plains, and Colorado Springs. Call us at 1.800.446.7519 for more information. 
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18Aug

The Importance Of Home Security System And Its Types

Today you can see that every homeowner seeks to keep their family and assets, and space as safe as possible through security systems. Similarly, the importance of security systems in offices has increased because you want to make sure that everything is safe from harm. Home security systems work on the basic idea of covering entryways into a home with sensors that correspond with a control panel set up in a proper place somewhere in the corner of the home. The primary goal of a home security system is to ensure safety. Regardless of the size of the home or the number of doors, entrances, windows, or interior rooms. A homeowner is responsible for safeguarding his or her home, family, and belongings from harm and theft. You can do serval things to improve your home’s security. On the other hand side, the security system adds more value to a property for sale. Potential buyers prefer a property with a proper security system.

Home Security Systems

Security systems in the home are not a novel concept. Home security systems have become a great way of keeping you and your family safe from all potential threats. Everyone who lives in your home must be secure, property-related crimes are common in towns and cities. Many families have both parents working full-time and children going to school, college and universities. They should use the home security system. Installing a monitored security system is one of the most effective ways for a homeowner to secure his home, office or any other property from harm. It is self-evident that security systems are designed to perform specific functions when a protected sector crosses. Security and protection level depends on the type of system used. A home security system often includes a control panel, door and window sensors, interior and exterior motion sensors, wired and wireless security cameras, a loud siren or alarm, and yard signs and window stickers. The importance of home security systems can be understood when someone breaks a window of your home. When somebody crosses the door points without your permission, anyone can come inside the house through the windows and rooftop.  Attempt to unlock a safe case in the house and the smoke detector sends signals of fire in the home.

TYPES OF SECURITY SYSTEMS:

Alarm Security
Smart Alarm System
A security alarm is a system designed to detect intrusion and prevent the entry of unknowns into your home. The alarm security system become a need of the modern era considering the rise in robbery. Although alarm systems can be a little expensive compared to other security measures. They can give house owners and their families peace of mind. A home security alarm can ensure that you will detect if someone attempts to enter your home without your permission. You can even thwart such an attempt by installing alarm security.
CCTV Security Systems
Home CCTV Security System
CCTV Security Systems are useful for home security. They are used to protect against robbery or property damage and personal security against intruders. Security Systems or cameras allow you to monitor what’s going on in your home even when you’re not there. Using cameras installed throughout your home, you can watch what happens in your home and identify if someone intrudes on theft. Besides this, if you decide to spare extra rooms in your home for the tenants as paying guests for your passive income, to handle the disturbing tenants you can easily keep an eye on their activities inside the home.
DIY Home Security Systems
                                                                           DIY Home Security Systems
Home security is a major concern for many people worldwide. Because it concerns your financial or economic security and your safety. Everyone in your home will have peace of mind with a DIY home security system. DIY home security systems offer everything from kits to cameras to all-in-one units, and it allows you to do it yourself. As a result, do-it-yourself home security systems make security smarter, simpler, and more affordable.
Wireless Home Security Systems
Wireless home security systems can help you protect your home. Nowadays, everyone wishes for the happiness and safety of their loved ones who live at home. We do not want to see our family members in danger or a difficult situation, and we do not want robbery in our homes. This is the primary reason why wireless home security systems are important, as they provide personal safety and property protection for you and your family. Most home insurance companies offer you significant discounts when you have a home security system in your house.
Door and Window Contacts Security Systems
Door & window contact security systems are a simple, dependable, and effective type of security that can be set up in your home. It will make a sound via an alarm when someone tries to open the windows & doors of your home. It enables you to safeguard your own safety and that of your family, as well as your possessions. Many people have already implemented Contacts Security Systems in their houses. As a result, you can consider it and properly care for your home.
Motion Sensors
Motion Sensors are yet another important security system that can be installed in your home to protect you and your belongings from intruders. It is used to detect intruders both inside and outside your home. Motion Sensors will alert you if someone attempts to enter the building. There are various types of motion detectors on the market, and you should purchase the most effective ones that also fit your budget.
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