Tag Archive for: Life Safety

Surprising Burglary Tactics You Need to Know

For the criminal, crime is a job—and they are masters of the profession. Those who commit crime are exceptionally creative and use a multitude of subtle tricks and tactics to achieve their goals. Most people are unfamiliar with all but the most common and commonly talked about tricks, and that is why they continue to be successful to the burglar.

Being aware of the tricks and tactics burglars use can help prevent you from becoming a victim, and make your community safer. Here is a rundown of some of the most surprising methods and tricks criminals use.

  • Google maps. With street view, a burglar can gain knowledge of your property, such as the location of doors and windows, as well as whether or not there is sufficient cover to break in.
    They can also use it to gauge neighbor perspective and proximity as well as plan their escape.
  • Calling police. A criminal might also call police from the neighborhood to test response time.
  • They leave flyers on your door. A criminal may leave a flyer on your door to get an idea of the hours the home is occupied based on when it is removed. They may do this several times, on different days, or the same day over several weeks to determine the regularity of your schedule.
  • They check your trash. There is a wealth of information to be found in the garbage, whether it is personal information from bills or clues to recent purchases.
  • They look for signs of pets. Having a pet means you probably make accommodations for them, such as leaving a window open so the cat can enjoy fresh air, or having a dog door. These accommodations usually mean making your home vulnerable.
  • They leave markings. Criminals may also leave markings when casing several homes. The markings may be chalk symbols or litter positioned a certain way to indicate information about the home and its occupants. For example, one symbol may mean the home does not have security, another means it is vacant during the day, or contains target items.
  • They may research you. If they have your name, they may search it to see your estimated earnings and gauge the valuables you own.
  • Once they find your information, they use it to probe. They may call to see if you are home or email to see if they get an automated response when they expect you to be away on vacation.
  • They may use a planned power outage as cover of darkness.

Smart Home Security is Your Best Defense

As a resident, your job is securing the home and having the right home security features shows you are a master of your profession. Smart security features such as motion sensors and alerts, video surveillance, video doorbells, smart locks, motion activated lighting, and video verified alarms, provide the best tools to spot and defend against the criminal’s best tactic. All make the criminal take notice and think twice.

About All Action Alarm

All Action Alarm is a family owned business that has been dedicated to protecting Long Island homes and businesses since 1980. Our 5 diamond central monitoring station keeps watch over your alarm system 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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

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5 Tips For Kitchen Fire Safety

Every year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) devotes the third week in October to National Fire Prevention Week. The theme for this year is “Prevent Kitchen Fires,” with fire departments throughout the country holding local community events designed to educate the public on preventing fires in that busy area of the house. Here are some valuable tips they will be sharing:

  • Stay in the kitchen when you’re cooking on the stovetop. If you are frying, grilling, broiling or boiling food, you must be in the room to make sure your food doesn’t burn. The safety concern is not only for burned food, but for smoke in the air and the pan catching fire.
  • Stay in the home when you’re cooking in the oven. If you are baking, roasting or braising food in the oven, you don’t necessarily need to be in the kitchen, but you do need to be in the home – and you definitely need to use a timer to prevent any fire risks.
  • Keep your smoke alarm on while cooking. Some people are tempted to remove their smoke alarm batteries when cooking certain dishes. But whether you are baking cookies or frying up bacon, your smoke alarm should stay on. Disabling it could put your family at risk of harmful smoke inhalation.
  • Keep your kids and pets safe while cooking. Young children have been known to burn themselves on front burner pots and pans. Teaching them not to touch is good, but putting things on the back burner to remove the risk is better. Pets should also be kept at least three feet from the stove.
  • Keep flammable items away from the stove. Avoid cooking with loose-fitting sleeves. Hanging sleeves can easily catch fire. As for necessary items like potholders and kitchen towels, they should be safely to the side on the counter – not the stove.

These are just some of the tips that fire departments want citizens to know when it comes to preventing kitchen fires. If there is a National Fire Prevention Week event going on in your community, we encourage you to attend. Search #NationalFirePreventionWeek on Twitter to find an event near you!

ABOUT ALL ACTION ALARM

To learn more about a remote access solution that leverages your lights to the fullest for the sake of security, contact All Action Alarm today. We will be glad to answer your questions about your lighting control and smart home security options.

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Privacy vs. Safety: Teens and Home Security

If you’re raising teenagers, you most likely have your hands full. As a provider of home security in Long Island, All Action Alarm wants to make your job easier by giving you some tips about talking to teens about home security. Even if they purport to “already know” about home security (after all, don’t teens know everything?), many of them aren’t sure how they would handle a dangerous home security threat – whether they admit it to you or not. That’s why it’s important to educate teens on using your home security system.

Learn The Duress Code

Of course, your alarm is designed to activate when somebody breaks down the door. Regardless, there may be times when that feature is irrelevant. For example, what if your teen lets someone in the house willingly, and that person turns out not to be trustworthy? If that happens, here’s what they need to do: Enter the duress code on the alarm panel. Your duress code is a four-digit code that you set when you first obtain your system. By entering that code, your teen can alert the monitoring center without ever having to pick up the phone, and without the perpetrator hearing any kind of audible alarm.

Home Video Surveillance

Then, there’s the question of your home security cameras, particularly if you have a system by Alarm.com (a system designed to help parents keep tabs on the home while they’re away). What if your teen complains that he or she feels like they’re “being watched” by you? Your answer is this: “You know where the cameras are. The only time I can see you is when you are in those parts of the house.”

Most parents opt to place a camera above the interior side of the front door, and may place others in areas of the home where the kids aren’t allowed (a gun cabinet, a liquor cabinet, etc.). Assure your teen that as long as he doesn’t go near those areas, he isn’t being watched. Then, remind him that the main purpose of the cameras is to have video of anyone who may try to break into the house, and the fact that you can see when he gets home is just an added bonus (wink).

Education Is An On-Going Process

Educating teens on home security is just part of raising them; because you are a devoted customer of All Action Alarm, you’ve already done most of the work by investing in a security system. Use this information to talk to teens about home security, and pat yourself on the back for doing a great job.

About All Action Alarm

All Action Alarm has been a family-owned business since 1980. We are experienced and maintain a high standard of continual knowledge and education in all areas of residential and commercial electronic systems.

Check out Video Monitoring and After School Care and Get Started with All Action Alarm Today! Check out also this articles:

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8 Practical Steps To Boost Your Home Security

Crime doesn’t just happen. Criminals look for their best opportunity to do or get what they want without getting caught, and surprisingly little things can cause them to rule out a potential target. Studies show that in many cases, the crimes could have been prevented had the resident taken measures to make their home less inviting to thieves by improving simple security features.

Make the Home Look Constantly Occupied

Make it difficult to know when the home is empty. Set televisions, radios, and lights on timers to rotate around the home so it looks occupied even while you are away at work.

Keep Curtains Closed

If a thief cannot see into a home, entering it becomes riskier because they cannot evaluate what there is to take or what problems they may encounter, such as dogs or people.

Keep Landscaping Trimmed

Yard work is not fun, but keeping the trees and shrubs trimmed removes the cover criminals love and is a cost effective crime deterrent.

Keep Doors and Windows Locked

This may seem simple, but many people do not lock their doors, especially if they are home. Always lock your doors and windows.

Create a Physical Perimeter of Defense

Create layers of difficulty for intruders. Fence your property and secure it with a locking gate. Use creative landscaping to create obstacles, such as placing thorny bushes under windows and surrounding the home with landscaping rock that is noisy to walk across.

Use Strategic Lighting

Light can be a criminal’s worst enemy. Consider using motion sensor lighting to cover every part of the property, not just the front of the home.

Install a Security System

Home security systems are always your best defense against crime. Home security systems are proven effective and come in a wide range of features to address any home security need.

About All Action Alarm

Crime can be devastating, but preventing it can be as easy as implementing these simple steps. If you have any questions about how you can improve your home security, call All Action Alarm today.

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Serenity Now! 4 Reasons To Own A Home Alarm System

A perfect home is not only a place where one feels the warmest; it should also be essentially a place where one feels the safest. While most of us take the personal protective measures like, keeping the outside light on when not in the house for neighbors to notice intruders, locking all doors and other outlets, keeping a watch dog etc, but what we all must realize that being humans there are always chances of a slip, and that is why a home alarm system is so very important.

A home alarm system comes in various forms and in various combinations. While a home alarm system comes with the primary objective of a burglar alarm , there are added mechanisms for smoke alarm, flood alarm , freeze alarm , to name a few, as per the requirement of the resident. But, before we venture into the possible types of burglar alarm, let us first have a look into the advantages behind its installation.

1. A feeling of complete safety.

2. The possibility of an entirely stress free vacation, with the understanding that we will find our home safe on our return.

3. Getting a peaceful sleep.

4. Going to work without having to worry about the safety of our children.

ABOVE ALL, a feeling of peace and serentity  – 24×7!

There is definitely another monetary advantage of installing an alarm system at home! Many homeowners insurance companies provide a discount of as high as 20%, when the house is under an approved home alarm system! So , a home alarm system is not only about safety it is also about savings!

Burglar alarms are primarily electronic devices that are fitted to sensors. While the basic forms of home alarms stop at notifying the owner of an intrusion through a noise (as in a siren); the more sophisticated ones come with a lot of add-ons. First of all they are very condition specific that is there are different forms of alarm systems for different emergencies. A smoke and fire alert will differ from a burglar alert! More importantly, they have

More importantly, they have sensor to identify the zone, type and the time of an emergency. In certain sophisticated alarm systems, there is an automatic phone alert system, whereby the Local Police Department, or the Fire Department, as the need be, will be alerted. A phone call alert can also be set to notify the owner.
A burglar alarm comes with the following upgrades:

1. A fire and smoke sensor.
2. A carbon monoxide sensor.
3. A child safety device, informing the owner when there child returns home or when they leave by text message to their cell phone.
4. A freeze and water sensor.

It is always advisable while buying a new house to check on the Alarm system devices installed by the previous owner and whether it had been monitored.

As an owner of a home alarm system, one needs to have the following things in mind:

1. A regular check on the control panel: a service provided by the company itself.
2. A check on the back up battery system.
3. A regular siren check.
4. Most importantly there has to be a check on the effectiveness of the home alarm system.

A well monitored home alarm system thereby becomes the most desired device for a peaceful and happy life! Serenity Now – brought to you by your friends at All Action Alarm. Contact us today for a free home security quote.

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The 5 Benefits of a Home Fire Alarm system

If you are considering a home fire alarm system, there are several good reasons to own one. I will explain the benefits of a home fire alarm system, and how it can help you.

The earlier a fire is detected, the faster it will be that firefighters will respond. This can mean you may avoid major damage or even worse, the complete destruction of the home.

Avoid Smoke Inhalation

The most important reason is perhaps the only one you really need. This can save the life of anyone in the house at the time. This is particularly crucial at night time. Anyone who is sleeping may not be awakened in time if a fire starts. Many times people die of smoke inhalation while trying to escape. Having a system in place can give you peace of mind and security.

Early Detection

The earlier a fire is detected, the faster it will be that firefighters will respond. This can mean you may avoid major damage or even worse, the complete destruction of the home.

Insurance Discounts

This can save you money on your house insurance. Homeowner policies often give discounts to customers who have these systems. That is because it can be possible to save a home rather than lose it entirely. In addition, it demonstrates to the insurer that the homeowner is taking responsibility and is prepared in case an unfortunate incident should occur.

24/7 Monitoring

A home fire alarm system gives the homeowner protection 24 hours a day, every day of the week. You home will be monitored when you are away, and at night when you are sleeping. You and your family can feel secure knowing this monitoring never stops.

Easy & Affordable

Having a system is very reasonably priced. Even if you have insurance that can replace any lost items, many of them are irreplaceable. This would include photo albums, gifts from family members or items passed down from one generation to the next. You also would be severely inconvenienced by having to live elsewhere for at least some time. Finally, there is the emotional trauma of losing your home and possessions.

These are benefits of a home fire alarm system and fire sprinkler systems. Having the security if offers you can be one of the wisest decisions you can make. All Action Alarm has been serving the greater Long Island community with home fire protection since 1980. Contact us today with questions or to schedule a free home fire alarm system consultation.
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The Home Fire Safety Quiz That Everyone Needs to Take

Chances are good that you, like many people, have a smoke detector in the home. But there is a lot about fire protection that most consumers do not know, and that lack of knowledge can lead to not protecting our families and homes adequately.

Knowing your stuff can be the difference between life and death in a home fire, so we have developed a short quiz so you can test your knowledge, and then act on what you know.

How many smoke alarms does the average American home need if the home is 2 stories and 3 bedrooms?
A: 1 alarm
B: 2 alarms
C: 5 alarms
D: 14 alarms

According to the national Fire Protection Association, homes should have smoke alarms installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and one on every level of the home including the basement. So, a 2-story 3-bedroom home needs at least 5.

How often should you replace smoke alarms?
A: Every 2-4 years
B: Every 5-7 years
C: Every 8-10 years
D: Every 15-20 years
In practice, most American replace the smoke detectors every 15 years on average. The correct answer however, is C, as most detectors have a lifespan of under 10 years.

How many minutes do you have to escape a fire safely?

A: 3 minutes or less
B: 4 to 5 at most
C: Nearly 10 minutes before it becomes consumed
D. 12-20 minutes
30 years ago, you had 30 minutes to get out of a home alive. Today you have about 3 minutes. This is due to the tighter envelop of today’s energy efficient homes as well as the highly caustic and flammable materials used to make todays products and furnishings compared to the natural fibers of the past.

Do most homes in the US have an adequate fire protection including smoke detectors?
A: Yes
B: No

According to the NFPA, Americans need 100 million more smoke alarms to be fully protected. This is based on actual visits to US homes where it found smoke detectors either missing or not working.

Do smart smoke detectors impact response times?
A: Some
B: Not really
C: Significantly
In a study conducted by the USFA and CPSC, along with the Naval Research Laboratory the reduction in alarm times due to smart technologies greatly increases response times to fire emergencies.

The odds of dying in a house fire are reduced by how much with a working smoke detector and monitored system?
A: 15%
B: 25%
C. 45%
D: 50% or more
Research shows that the odds of dying in a fire are reduced by at least 50% in homes with working smoke detectors and reduced further when the system is monitored. The sooner the warning, the faster you and emergency personnel can act.

Home Security Installations In Long Island For Over 37 Years

All Action Alarm has been a family-owned business since 1980. We are experienced and maintain a high standard of continual knowledge and education in all areas of residential and commercial electronic systems. Contact us today for a custom quote for your home.

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10 Practical Home Security Tips That You Can Use Today

A burglar is out for one thing: to find a home that is easy to enter. If your home appears too difficult or the risk of being caught is too great, they will move on to the next house. It does not take a lot to make your home appear intimidating to burglars – in fact, it is very simple. Unfortunately, too many homeowners ignore these super simple security tips that could significantly reduce the likelihood their home is robbed in the future.

Everybody loves a top 10 list, so here’s our checklist for living safely!

10 Simple Home Security Tips That You Can Use Today

  1. Locking Doors and Windows 

    Before you leave your home or go to bed, lock the doors and windows of your home. If you have a home automation system, use your computer or smartphone to remotely lock your doors if you forget to do so before leaving.

  2. Use a Home Security System 

    A home security system is your best defense against burglaries. There are numerous systems available that can be customized to your home and budget. Your local home security company can help you choose one. Simply installing it is not enough – you must also activate it!

  3. Check the Locks 

    Locks need maintenance just like every other area of your home. Be sure to install deadbolt locks on outside doors, use the right locks on sliding doors and secure dog/cat entrances when you are away.

  4. Occupied, Even When Vacant 

    Regardless if you are home, your house should appear occupied. That means turning lights on at night and having them turn off with a timer (if you will not be home in time to turn them off).

  5. Reduce Shrubbery 

    One thing burglars look for is how easily they can hide around the perimeter of your property. Cut back shrubs and trees, especially those near upper levels and windows, so that burglars have nowhere to hide.

  6. Secure Your Garage 

    Your garage has an entrance into your home, and it’s a common target for burglars.  Secure your garage just like you do your home. Park your car in the garage too, if you can, as this will make it harder for burglars to tell when you are home and when you are out.

  7. Lights 

    Use exterior lights and schedule them to turn on when the sun sets. Use motion sensing lights for dark areas on the lawn too.

  8. Mail 

    If you go out of town, stop your mail delivery or have a neighbor pick it up for you. Mail that builds up in the box tells burglars right away that no one is home.

  9. Outdoor Wires 

    Make sure the telephone lines and electrical wires are not easily accessible by burglars. Burglars will usually attempt to disarm security systems by cutting these.

  10. Change the Locks 

    If you lose your house keys, move into a new home or have someone move out of your home, change the locks on the doors.

Protecting Long Island With Professional Home Security For Over 37 Years.

All Action Alarm has been a family-owned business since 1980. We are experienced and maintain a high standard of continual knowledge and education in all areas of residential and commercial electronic systems. Contact us today for a custom quote for your home or business.

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