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.

/by

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.

/by
,

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.

Check out Smart Home Security Systems and Get Started with All Action Alarm Today! Check out also this articles:

/by

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.

Check out Home Security During Renovation and Get Started with All Action Alarm Today!

/by

Tips for Protecting Your Home While it is Under Renovation

A home under renovation can be a gold mine to potential burglars! It is not just your personal property that burglars are interested in. Renovation sites have construction materials and tools that are very attractive too.

While your home is being renovated, you have contractors and suppliers coming and going, which means your home is frequently unsecured. Is it being exposed to potential theft and vandalism? Even a minor renovation project such as, replacing a roof or adding a backyard patio, can increase your risk of exposure.

There are things you can do to protect your home, the job site, and any materials or tools so that your project does not end up costing you more than the labor itself.

How to Protect Your Home During a Renovation

By taking the proper steps, you can protect your home while it is being renovated – whether you are occupying the home or not. This includes:

  • Securing the Site and Valuable Materials – Lock your home before leaving it or instruct the foreman to lock up the site at the end of the day. Lock up building materials in a shed or use security sensors that will trigger if the materials are moved.
  • Use Video Monitoring – Because construction sites have dozens of people coming and going, a traditional security system may not be enough. Instead, consider a video surveillance system. This will help you keep an eye on your property even if you are living off-site. If a theft does occur, you will have video evidence of the event and hopefully, you can help authorities catch the burglar.
  • Let Neighbors Know – Discuss with your neighbors letting them know who is authorized to be on your property. Make them aware of the construction company’s name, their uniform, and what days they will be there working. That way, if your neighbor sees someone on a different day or notices unauthorized trespassers, they can notify you or the authorities immediately.

About All Action Alarm

Contact your local Long Island alarm company and security experts for more tips on how you can protect a home renovation site. All Action Alarm offers no obligation consultations. We can come out to your home and recommend the right security products, along with valuable internet safety tips to keep your connected devices and smart security systems safe from online threats.

/by

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 monitoring 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.

About All Action Alarm: Your Trusted Partner in Home Security Solutions

When it comes to protecting your home and loved ones, there’s no room for compromise. At All Action Alarm, we take home security to the next level by offering top-tier protection with cutting-edge technology and expert monitoring services that you can rely on. As a leader in the security industry, we’re committed to keeping homes and businesses safe, providing peace of mind 24/7.

Check out Home Security and Get Started with All Action Alarm Today!

Don’t wait for an emergency to take action. Protect your home and family with the best in the business. Call (631) 549-7225 to schedule your consultation, or visit allactionalarm.com to learn more about our services.Your safety is our top priority.

/by

How Smart HD Cameras Are Changing The Game In Home Security

While even basic digital cameras provide higher resolution than the images from the standard CCTV systems that are used to identify criminals and terrorists, high definition cameras take it one long stride forward. While old-fashioned surveillance camera systems were based on the transmission and recording of images from 30-50 years ago, it’s technically impossible for the video cable to process high-resolution images. The typical homeowner, however, is no longer stuck with those limitations today.

Where the Technology is Now

Modern digital technologies present new opportunities. There has been a huge emphasis on developing megapixel technology and transmitting video streams via modern computer networks in the past few years. Sending high-resolution images over the Internet is now easily possible. The process of recording, compressing, and storing the image sequences has been integrated into the cameras themselves. This gives high definition cameras a huge advantage over any other home security configuration.

Remote Access is a Big Advantage

One of the best advantages of the modern networked camera technology is the ability to access live and stored images while the camera is recording. With the right home security system, this can be done remotely over the network, from anywhere in the world. So any incident or suspicious behavior even neighborly hijinks – can be investigated without the need for someone on site or having to stop the recording to view the stored sequences.

Facial Recognition Now Possible

In the past, video technology was limited by a low refresh rate that resulted in cloudy images during playback. As a result, criminals were not always prosecuted to the full extent of the law because facial recognition was not a positive match. These days, the low playback rate has been fully overcome with high definition cameras. Facial recognition with plenty of detail is possible – a fact that is great news for homeowners. Not only can they be certain who is entering their home and when, but they can review it from multiple cameras.

About All Action Alarm

To learn more about high definition security cameras with 24/7 monitoring, call All Action Alarm today. 

/by

Give The Gift of Professional Home Security This Christmas

As you head out to the big box retailers this holiday season, you’ll no doubt see many “off the shelf” DIY home security systems that promise a “plug and play” out of the box experience.

In many cases, DIY is a great, affordable option. It is easy to see why it is an attractive consideration even in home security. But do DIY home security systems measure up to consumer expectations? In most cases, the answer is a resounding, no. In home security, the stakes are high and the system’s capability and functionality matter. While many tout the ease of installation in DYI systems, most consumers do not realize these systems lack the very features that make home security alarm systems desirable.

Here are some important ways DIY products do not measure up:

1. Installation is not as Easy as You Think

The installation of DIY systems may seem simple, and that fact alone may be a red flag. High-quality home security systems have many components that need expert placement. A system that is too simple may not provide the type of security coverage necessary to protect your family. A complex system requires expert installation of the components is crucial so that you do not leave gaps in your security. Improper installation can lead to a system failure which can place your family or property at risk.

2. Proper Placement

Setting up a DIY security system might seem like a slam dunk, but underestimating the importance of expert placement is a disservice to your security. Home security systems are highly technical systems that require professional knowledge to gain the most advantage from them. Not only can improper placement make components less effective, it can make the system nearly useless!

3. DIY Systems Cost More Than You Expect

Contrary to popular belief, DIY home systems are not the most economical choice in home security. Most DIY home security systems come with a few components, such as window sensors, with the expectation you WILL need more. Those expensive components add up quickly.

4. Incompatibility Issues

The technologies used to support home security systems are constantly changing and needing product support. With professional systems, these updates are never a problem to the end user, the consumer. With DIY systems, a simple computer system upgrade can make the entire system incompatible. Further, should technology advances make the system outmoded, the manufacturer of the DIY system may no longer provide any updates or support if they ever provided these at all.

5. No Connection to Police

Your home alarm system is your lifeline. At least that is what most people intend and expect. One of the most important components of any home security system is the connection to emergency services such as fire or police, something DIY systems do not offer.

6. A DIY System is not the Same as Professional Systems

While a DIY security system can provide some of the same features of a professional system, it is important to realize that it is not a comparable substitute. DIY systems meet a few needs specific to the widest number of people possible. A professional system is designed to meet the very specific needs of your family and the home structure. The technologies used are often different and the capabilities of the systems vary dramatically.

Contact us today. The experts at All Action Alarm design professional home security systems that will keep your family safe and be supported by local staff right here on Long Island for years to come.

Check out Privacy vs. Safety and Get Started with All Action Alarm Today! Check out also this articles:

/by

Travel Safety For the Holidays

If your holiday plans include travel, a hotel stay is likely in your future. The hotel room becomes your “home away from home” and crime is the last thing you want to worry about when vacationing. The following are some tips to keep in mind so that hotel crime will not ruin your vacation:

Hotel Arrival and Check-in

  • If you arrive in a bus or cab, stay with your luggage until it is brought into the hotel lobby.
  • If you are a woman traveling alone or with small children, take advantage of car valet service in order to avoid the parking lot.
  • Keep a close eye on your luggage, purse, etc when checking in. If the lobby is busy, thieves will often take advantage of the distractions to steal your things.
  • Ask the front desk personnel not to announce your room number. Rather, tell them to write it down or point to it. You never know who is listening.
  • Don’t leave your credit card lying on the check-in counter while you complete your registration.
  • Immediately upon check-in, make sure to grab a business card or other item with the hotel name and address on it. Make sure to take it with you when you leave so you know where to come back to. If you get lost, you have the address and phone number handy. There is nothing more frustrating than telling a cab driver to take you to the “Marriott” and they ask which one?? Or if you are in a country where you don’t speak the language, you can simply show a taxi driver the business card, and you’re on your way back to the hotel.

Room Selection

  • Maximize safety and security. Select a room located between the 4th and 6th floors. Avoid rooms above the sixth floor as that is the maximum height fire-department ladders can reach.
  • Whenever possible, do not accept a hotel room on the ground floor especially if it has doors and windows that open to the outside. Hotels with interior hallways tend to be generally safer. For security in motels, avoid ground floor rooms off the parking lot. If you can’t get a room on a higher level, take one facing the interior courtyard.

Have a Wonderful Safe Vacation!

About All Action Alarm

It’s been many Christmas holidays since we started in 1980 but one thing has not changed – and that is our commitment to the safety of our Long Island community. Contact us today to learn more about life safety solutions from All Action Alarm.

/by

How To Use Candles Safely This Holiday Season

Decorative and fragranced candles may be an attractive addition to your home décor, but if used improperly, they can be a serious fire hazard.  Residential fires caused by candles have more than doubled over the past decade.  According to a pilot study of candle fires by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), most candle fires were caused by combustibles being too close to the candle. The next most common cause of candle fires was due to the candle falling over or being knocked over by wind, doors, children or pets.

It is extremely important to use caution while burning a candle in your home.  The following are tips to help you avoid a potential candle disaster:

  • Candles are dangerous nightlights. Try to avoid using candles in bedrooms and other areas where people may fall asleep.
  • Supervise children. Store candles, matches and lighters up high and out of children’s sight and reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.
  • Always stay in the room where candles are being burned. It only takes seconds for a fire to start and minutes for your home to be fully engulfed in flames and dangerous gases.
  • Keep candles a minimum of 1 foot, in all directions, from flammable and combustible items such as curtains or bedding. Make sure curtains cannot be blown into the candle by wind.
  • Avoid burning candles for more than four hours at a time.
  • Do not move a glass container when the wax is liquid.
  • Use sturdy candle holders that won’t tip or burn.
  • Burn candles on sturdy uncluttered surfaces.
  • Trim candle wicks to one-quarter inch before lighting.
  • When lighting candles, keep your hair and clothing away from the flame.
  • Extinguish candles when they burn to within two inches of their holder.
  • Be careful not to splatter hot wax when extinguishing a candle.
  • Keep candles away from children or within reach of children.
  • Remember, when you go out, extinguish candles…even if you will only be gone for a short while.
  • Avoid using candles during power outages.  Have flashlights, batteries, and battery-powered lights on hand for emergency lighting.
  • Place candles away from windows, doorways or any place where drafts could affect the flame.

Remember, smoke detectors are life savers. The primary fire safety strategy for any home is to warn the occupants early. The best way to get the earliest warning of danger is by installing sufficient smoke detectors. Monitored smoke detectors are the best choice as they allow you and your family to escape while the Central Monitoring Station calls the fire department.

About All Action Alarm

For more information regarding monitored fire protection for your home, please contact us today. Please remember, if you have battery powered smoke detectors make sure to change the batteries every six months.

Have a wonderful SAFE day!

/by