Safe at Home by ESA

The Electronic Security Association (ESA) issued a press release last week about kids staying safe at home during the holiday winter break, as well as how to help protect your home if you leave town. Visit the ESA site or click here to read more about ways to increase home safety over the holidays.

The Atronic Holiday Celebration

It was a grand site to see on December 12th as 31 Atronic employees, plus their guests, joined Perry and his wife, Kathy, for the staff Holiday party at Jack Gage Tavern on the Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri.

Photo #1 Perry Atha and Todd Harrison hand out gifts. #2 The Buffet. #3 Rob Kemp video chats with staff.

The fun started in the afternoon with a buffet and door prizes given away by Todd Harrison, operations manager. After surviving many lean years in the struggling economy, Atronic celebrated their employees by handing out many wonderful gift cards and gifts . . . one being a new iPad.

Gifts and drinks aside, it was the heartfelt speech that Perry gave, thanking his staff for the hard work each one puts into the company, and the video chat between cancer patient Rob Kemp and staff, which left a special place inside everyone's heart that day.

Barb Suggs, accounting manager, smiles with her daughter. For more photos, visit the Atronic Alarms' Facebook Page.

Stop Freezing Pipes and Other Winter Disasters

Protect your home, vacation home, pool house or guest house from freezing pipes with a hi/low temperature sensor that easily installs into most existing security systems.

The environmental device monitors temperatures from -30 to +130° F and has adjustable high and low alarm set points. When the temperature reaches above or below the point you specify, the central monitoring station is contacted and you are immediately notified.

Insurance carriers are starting to offer additional discounts off of homeowner's insurance if a home is equipped with a monitored environmental sensor, such as water detectors and temperature sensors.

Visit http://www.atronicalarms.com/environmental-sensors.html for more information

The "Thanks" in Thanksgiving

Todd Harrison, operations manager of Atronic Alarms, sent out an email the day before the Thanksgiving holiday asking people what they were thankful for. He then told them that he was thankful for "the opportunity to work with each and every one of you."

He asked that each one, if they would like to participate, "reply to all" and send his or her moment of thanks to everyone in the company.

Everyone responded, and aside from the expected practical jokes that were included (one sent a picture of beer) the theme throughout the employees was gratitude for family and their current work environment.

One employee responded, "I am ... thankful that over 22 years ago I came to work here for a person and company that I can respect and count on."

When Perry started the company in 1982, his philosophy of a strong, well-balanced workplace always included personal time and family. This foundation assists in drawing quality people to the Atronic team where many have decided that Atronic Alarms will be the company from which they will retire.

Like a family tied together by blood, by marriage, or by friendship, the professionals of Atronic Alarms, Inc. are tied together by loyalty . . . and it is moments like these that help reinforce the bond that all of them have for one another.

What Makes an Alarm Company Different?

Differences in alarm companies and the services they provide are easily noticeable in most areas: live person answering a phone versus a recording; month-to-month monitoring contracts versus two-three year contacts; locally owned and operated servicing your specific area versus nationwide firm servicing all areas; local monitoring station versus monitoring station in another state and etcetera.

There is one difference in security providers, however, that is not so outwardly noticeable. It is not spelled out in their marketing or sales material, not written flourishingly about on their web sites or branded on plaques and hung in the office.

That one difference is Sweating the Small Stuff.

The difference between hashing out and picking apart each new product that has come out on the market. The difference between discussing small parts of a system design, like what transformer works on which panel. The difference between spending an hour on the telephone talking to a client to update his call list because the family is heading out of town for two weeks. The difference between a service technician finding water in a client's basement, contacting the plumbers and waiting on the job to let them in the house.

If you spend one day in at the office at 8220 Melrose Drive in Lenexa you will understand why the company is so successful as you listen to Perry in his office asking Steve about a unique programming setup; see Todd, Alec and Jason discussing the final details on a client's paperwork; overhear Jay hashing out with Nell the next day's morning installation schedule; watch Chrissy at quitting time calling Central Station to provide up-to-date information on the end user; witness Rick, George, Shaunn and Curtis standing over over blue prints talking about integrating a new access control system into an existing building; see Wade check in with Nate about the arrival of a unique part for a client and watch Alysia listening intently to all incoming calls as she directs them to the proper people.

And that is just the internal office staff.

The service and installation professionals who make up the Atronic team and continually receive high remarks and a rating of excellence on client surveys are also out in the field, Sweating the Small Stuff.

It is the Small Stuff that matters, the time each person in the office takes to go over the details so the client will be satisfied. It is the hard work and elbow grease put into each project so at the end of the day, each employee feels pride and satisfaction knowing the job was done right.

It isn't easy, Sweating the Small Stuff, and it has been said that on a personal basis, you shouldn't sweat the small stuff. As a company, however, it is the path that leads to success.

Important Facts About Smoke Detectors

Did You Know?

• Smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a fire by 50 percent.
• You must replace your smoke detectors every 10 years.
• Hardwired smoke detectors are more likely to operate properly than detectors which run on batteries only.
• Interconnected smoke alarms on all floors increase safety.
• Heating is the second leading cause of home fires, fire deaths and fire injuries.

Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Parking Lot Safety-Protect Your Employees

Your employees are your greatest asset. Help them feel safe in their working environment by providing them with two-way communication that is quick and effective in an event of an emergency situation.

Emergency call boxes can be strategically installed in parking lots, parking garages, stairwells, and other areas of your campus or building. These interactive security system solutions offer people the ability to gain tangible, interactive feedback in a crisis situation.

For example, the brightly colored pole in the parking lot can be easily found when a car refuses to start or if someone is needing other assistance. When activated, the patron is connected to the guards on patrol or directly to a central station monitoring company, who then assesses the situation and will contact emergency personnel if needed.

When coupled with other reactive security measures, like cameras, emergency call boxes can not only help reduce the threat of a dangerous situation, but will make a statement to your employees about your commitment to their safety.

Furnaces, Fireplaces and Alarms, Oh My!

Cooler weather in the midwest usually arrives mid September and by the time Halloween rolls around, many of us have switched on the heat during the evening and perhaps even started a fire in the fireplace. A greater risk of carbon monoxide poisoning can occur during the colder months because of the high usage of heating equipment.

Called “The Silent Killer,” Carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with flu-like symptoms, food poisoning and other illnesses. Protect your loved ones with a carbon monoxide detector which can be connected into your security system and will alert the monitoring station when CO is detected.

Your monthly monitoring costs will not increase, and your insurance company may even take additional discounts off your homeowner’s insurance.

Contact Atronic Alarms at 913.362.0000 for more information on how carbon monoxide detectors and other environmental sensors work for you.

Back to School - Help Keep Your Kids Safe

There are so many safety concerns with kids and school these days it is difficult to know where to focus. Depending upon the age of your child, mapping out routes for walking, biking and preparing them for school bus etiquette will assist in preventing problem areas as they travel to and from school. If your child is older, discussions on proper use of cell phones during school (know who is calling, what NOT to send people) and Internet protocol is usually the way to go. If you work outside the home and want to be notified when your kids arrive home, there are certain security features that can be added to your home to provide you with email and/or Internet alerts. Want to make sure your gun safe or liquor cabinet stays closed? Want to watch your kids over a highly secured Internet connection? These are just a few ways a well designed security system can help you as you and your family begin the 2010-2011 school year.

What is Home Automation?

Home Automation is defined as a process, or system (using different methods or equipment) which provides the ability to enhance one's lifestyle and make a home more comfortable, safe and efficient.

An automated home adjusts the security, cooling, heating, and lighting automatically for comfort, energy savings, and convenience. An HAI home automation system can take the place of a standard security system or work with an existing system. For an affordable price, it greatly increases the value, safety, and efficiency of your home and can be controlled remotely through a telephone or a over the Internet.

Is the system easy to understand and operate? Very. Even young children can learn and understand how to use the basic features of the system. Day-to-day events are controlled with one button, such as "day," "night" or "away." More specific activities are menu driven to change temperature, lights, audio and more.

Home Automation can be expanded to also include touch screens, pool, spa, or irrigation controls, drapery controls, remotes,Whole Home Audio systems, and home theater control into one central system.

Firework Safety: What Your Family Needs to Know

July 4th is a time of celebrating the Nation's Independence with family, friends, food and fireworks. Some people spend the evening enjoying a community fireworks display, while others find the thrills of lighting fireworks on their own. Even though there are many restrictions in Kansas City and the surrounding areas, most of those restrictions don't include sparklers.

Thousands of sparklers will be placed into the hands of the smallest of children over the weekend. Most people don't realize that they are giving their kids a flame that is twice as hot as burning wood. Sparklers burn at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, while wood burns at 600 degrees Fahrenheit. You can melt glass at 900 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to a 2010 Fireworks report by the National Fire Protection Association, the highest risk of firework injury were children and teens between the ages of 5-9 and 15-19. Additionally, in 2008, the highest source of firework related injuries reported were from sparklers, tying with small firecracker injuries at 21 percent.

Be safe this weekend. Talk to your children about the dangers of fireworks. If you use sparklers, light them away from you body and hold them out, not up. Attend a fireworks display sponsored by your community or other local organizations. The safest way to avoid danger is to let the professionals handle the heat.

For more information on firework statistics, as well as a graph showing sparkler heat, visit the NFPA web site.

Monitored Fire Protection - Why it is So Important

According to a new study by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires account for 92 percent of fire deaths that occur in structures, causing an average of 2,840 civilian deaths each year.

Perhaps you are saying to yourself, "I already have a smoke alarm in my home and I test it regularly, so I'm okay."

It is true that all homes are required to come equipped with working smoke alarms. Many times electricians install these devices. So what is the difference between that and "monitored" fire protection?

Monitored fire protection means that the smoke alarms installed by an alarm company are connected to a security panel and contact the proper authorities when the device is tripped.

There are many benefits to having a monitored smoke alarm. One is that your home, valuable and pets are more protected while you are away. If a fire breaks out while you are at work, the fire department will be immediately notified. Another reason is that many insurance companies provide extra discounts of off your homeowners insurance if you have monitored security and fire in your home.

To read more on the benefits of monitored fire protection, visit the Atronic Alarms' web site.

Atronic Winner of Ingrams 2010 Best Companies to Work for in Kansas City

Atronic Alarms is proud to announce their most recent accomplishment as one of the businesses in Kansas City who won the 2010 Best Companies to Work For, sponsored by Ingram's Business Magazine.

Companies were chosen based on their management practices, training and development opportunities, pay and benefits, work environment, financial outlook and community service.

"Even though the economy has been tough, we have pulled together as a company to continue to provide excellence to our clients," said Todd Harrison, operation's manager. "Some days are tougher than others, but the staff we have, each one outstanding in his and her position, finds pride in this commitment."

Atronic was a winner in the Small Companies Category, and is featured in the June issue of Ingrams magazine.

"It was a great honor to be selected as one of the winners. There's no better way to say this to your team that "you're doing a great job," Harrison said.

Visit www.atronicalarms.com or www.ingramsonline.com for more information.

How to Choose an Alarm Company

You've made the decision to purchase an alarm system for your home. You've determined that your assets and loved ones could benefit from an extra layer of protection to keep them safe. You also might know that installing a monitored security and fire system in your home will provide additional discounts off of your homeowners insurance and increase your property value.

Whatever your reasons, they have sent you online to research the subject on how to find a reputable alarm company in your area. The following recommendations and questions to ask and consider when choosing an alarm company will help you make an educated decision:

1. Ask your friends. Are they satisfied with their security system provider? Are they satisfied with their monitoring company? You might also call your local police department and talk with the alarm coordinator.

2. Select companies who are members and in good standing of the following organizations:

Electronic Security Organization (formally known as NBFAA)

False Alarm Reduction Association

Better Business Bureau

Local Chamber of Commerce

3. Know your facts and what questions to ask. What is your warranty agreement and how much do you charge for service calls? Reputable firms provide a one-year parts and labor warranty on newly installed systems. Also, know upfront if you are signing a long-term monitoring contract. How long is the term? What if there are problems and you want to cancel monitoring? There are many companies that, once you get into this type of monitoring agreement it is very difficult to cancel.

4. Does the salesperson meet you at your home to determine the best system for you or does he or she quote you a system over the phone? The more customized the system is for your lifestyle, the less probability of system malfunctions and false alarms.

5. Does the company have a false alarm program that continually focuses on false alarm reduction for their clients?

6. Is the company licensed? Do they do background and criminal checks on all employees?

7. Is the company part of a dealer program with high quality, premium products?

8. How long has the company been in business?

9. Understand how the alarm is supposed to react if someone breaks into your house. What do you do? What will the monitoring company do?

10. Be a smart consumer and don't be afraid to ask questions. For more information about Atronic Alarms visit Advantages of Atronic Alarms, Inc.

Neighborhood Watch

This month, a group of people in a small town outside Kansas City began tallying up recent break-ins that seemed to be centrally located and targeting farm houses and out buildings. With more than eight burglaries in two months, the word spread and residents were on high alert. Suspicious looking vehicles were noted and discussed among the neighbors; emails sent. Two days ago, an email was sent out about an arrest that had been made as a result of one neighbor's phone call.

Whether or not this is the alleged robber who had been breaking into homes and barns at night or whether the arrest is something unrelated is yet to be known. What has come from this, however, is that it took a community of people to keep their eyes open and call in the suspicious car. This type of community watch adds an extra layer of security to the residents of the area.

The National Sheriffs' Association started the Neighborhood Watch program in 1972 to pull citizens and local crime officials together in an effort to keep neighborhood's safe. Presently, Neighborhood Watch signs are seen all over the Kansas City area.

If you and your neighbors are interested in setting up a "watch" program, there are many resources on the Internet now that can assist you through the steps. A few are noted below:

• You will need a map of the neighborhood with names, phone numbers and email addresses.
• Utilize your teens in the neighborhood. They can be a great source and it will give them a feeling of responsibility.
• Get a crime prevention officer to discuss crime issues in area.
• Create a list of what initially needs to be addressed in your neighborhood.
• Obtain facts about the crime in your neighborhood through police reports and newspapers.

Visit the Atronic Alarms' web site to learn more.

Building a Home: Prewiring for Security

The April 16-22 issue of the Kansas City Business Journal touted a front page article on builders who "Rise from Dread" focusing on the local home building market. After the slump in the economy, a story like this makes a positive impression.

If you are in the market this spring or summer to build a home, make sure you or your builder prewires the home for security, fire and home automation even if you are undecided on purchasing a system at the time. Wire is a very inexpensive way to "future proof" your home and it allows you to easily install security features after the walls are closed up. Even if you aren't interested in the technology today you may be in the future or if you sell your home.

Most security companies will perform the prewire for you or your builder at a very economical price. Reputable companies who run the wires keep locations of the runs on file and it can be referred to at any time.

Go to the Atronic Alarms' web site for more information on prewiring you home.

Dog Breeds Considered Good Watchdogs

According to the FARA Residential Security booklet, certain dog breeds have been documented by professional dog handlers as more of a deterrent to intruders than others. Apparently, the following breeds are considered good "guard dogs:"

1. Bull Mastiff

2. Rottweiler

3. Doberman Pinscher

4. Komondor

5. Puli

6. Giant Schnauzer

7. German Shepard

8. Rhodesian Ridgeback

9. Kuvasz

Good "watchdogs" include:

1. Rottweiler

2. German Shepard

3. West Highland White Terrier

4. Yorkshire Terrier

5. Calm Terrier

6. Airedale Terrier

7. Poodle

8. Miniature Schnauzer

Click on the link above to find out the "worst" watchdogs!

Happy 28th Year Anniversary, Atronic Alarms!

This morning the Atronic Alarms office staff gathered to surprise owner and developer, Perry Atha, with a cake, a couple of balloons, and some grins.

Perry started the company in April of 1982 after moving back to Kansas City and researching Alarm Systems for his home only to find that there was a need for a professional, reputable security provider in the area. With a degree in business, a strong interest in technology and a newly formed friendship with an alarm installer, Perry decided to develop a security company that promoted and provided strong relationships and involvement in the community based on trust.

28 years later, Atronic Alarms is currently one of the largest, locally owned and operated, custom designed security and home automation companies in the Kansas City area.

In first photo (left to right): Perry Atha, Todd Harrison, George Echohawk, Jay Dupuy, Steve Kort, Nell Mathews, Alec Saysoff, Justin Smith and Chrissy Wyble.

Second photo (left to right): Perry Atha and Todd Harrison.

Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

Identity theft can be prevented, or the damage can be lessened considerably, by taking a few steps in your everyday life to keep your private information secured.

1. Run a credit report on yourself to double check the facts

2. Shred all of your credit, debit, ATM card receipts, bank statements, and tax documents before you dispose of them

3. If you close a checking account, make sure all remaining checks are shredded

4. Family web site? Don't give too much personal info, like place of birth or mother's maiden name. These are often used as passwords

5. Keep a copy of all credit cards or other forms of ID that you carry with you and keep it in a fire-proof safe or safety deposit box outside the home

6. Balance your checkbook and savings with the bank often to assure there are no discrepancies

7. Shred all unused pre-approved credit card offers

Atronic Alarms is 2010 HAI 5-Star Dealer

Atronic Alarms, Inc received the news today that they are once again awarded the honor of being an HAI 5-Star Dealer.

Home Automation, Inc (HAI) presents this to HAI Dealers each year to selected companies who apply to be considered for the award. The award criteria is based on how many years the company has installed HAI systems and the number of installations performed the previous year.

Atronic Alarms has been an HAI Awarded Dealer since 2001, when the program began.

Out of the ten security companies in the Kansas City area who offer HAI's home automation security systems, Atronic is the only one who received this honor.

Landscaping Your Home for Security

Winter is officially over, the Robins are pulling worms, and there have been sightings of flying bugs. Your crocuses have bloomed, daffodils are opening and you can't wait to get out in the yard to begin this season's landscaping projects.

While you are laying out new plans and cultivating your brain for full-steam ahead this landscaping season, don't forget to think about security.

How can landscaping affect your security? Just remember the bottom line: if you have a lot of hiding places and secluded areas in your outdoor paradise then it is probably not deterring the criminal element.

Bad guys like areas that are overgrown and shadowed so they can watch, or "case," the residence. Some people even would argue that the more overgrown the area is, the more likely it will appeal to intruders. Perhaps they are thinking they'll find an open or "loose" window push open; perhaps they think that no one lives there. What ever their thoughts, they are able to linger in the bushes while deciding what to do.

If you are the type of person who likes a secluded area with a lot of shrubbery, you may want to consider utilizing lighting effects to enhance the area in the dark. Motion lights are excellent because they are not glowing constantly and only come on when tripped. Not only does this help lower electricity usage but it may startle someone enough to make them leave.

There is a fine line between privacy and seclusion. Keep your home well lit and maintained. Remember, the best security measure is prevention.

Insurance Discounts on Environmental Sensors

It has been brought to Atronic's attention by some clients that insurance carriers are beginning to offer an additional discount on homeowner's policies for installing environmental devices like CO detectors, water bugs and temperatures sensors. Contact your insurance dealer for specifics and let us know what you find out!

New Members of the Atronic Team

Alysia LaRock has joined Atronic Alarms, Inc. as the front desk receptionist and accounting assistant. She graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a BSBA emphasis in Marketing and was recently voted on by the Atronic Alarms' employees as the "Employee of the Quarter" for Spring 2010.

Bryan Beets has joined Atronic Alarms, Inc. as a commercial design consultant. Bryan brings over seven years of security industry background to the company. Specialized in a wide spectrum of loss prevention technology, Bryan’s expertise has helped companies generate returns on investment and win state-wide private security awards. A former business owner, Bryan maintains the absolute value of delivering service excellence to people in the Kansa City area.

Alec Saysoff has joined Atronic Alarms, Inc. as a design consultant after spending past summers working for the company as an intern in the installation department. Alec graduates with a BGS, double majoring in Communication Studies and History, from the University of Kansas this May. His past customer service experience provides a strong base for developing the personal, one-on-one client relationship that people have learned to expect from Atronic Alarms.

Operation Pawntrace

"Operation Pawntrace" is a program conducted by the Kansas City Missouri Police Department (as well as many others in the U.S.) as a way to track valuable that have been stolen and then pawned for money. Simply mark your property with your Missouri driver's license number and then follow it with "KCMO."

For example, 123456789KCMO.

Inventory all of your property (make, model number, serial number, etc.) and then place in a safe place. Pawn shop employees enter this information into a database which is checked daily by property crimes detectives.

When you file a police report with the information you have recorded, the pawned items can be located, along with suspect information.

Source: KCMO Police Department web site, Crime Prevention Handbook, pg 18.

Low False Alarm Rates

Atronic's Low False Alarm Rates. Last year, Atronic Alarms won the national Police Dispatch Quality award for excellence in false-alarm prevention strategies. There is a three-year waiting period to submit for the honor again. However, upon review by Atronic using false alarm statistics provided by local municipalities, Atronic is proud to announce that their false alarm ratios are well below national averages and among the lowest locally.

What does a "low false alarm rate" actually mean? If you take the number of a particular alarm company's active systems, divide it into the number of false alarms that were reported for these systems, you will get the false alarm rate. For example, if an alarm company has 100 systems in a city ordinance and only one reported false alarm, the false alarm rate for that company would be .01.

In 2006, the industry average was .5.

Atronic's false alarm rate in 2009 for the Kansas City, Missouri area was .056.

Atronic can brag about this all they want, but what does that mean to you, the client? With your Atronic Alarms system and regular tune-ups, false alarms may start becoming a thing of the past!

For more information on how to prevent false alarms, go to http://www.atronicalarms.com/reducefalsealarms.html.

What NOT to Do on Facebook

Facebook and Twitter are great social networking groups. They help keep you connected to friends, reconnect with people long-lost, and let "bad guys" know every move you make.

DON'T post on your social Internet pages when you will be leaving for a vacation, how long you will be gone, or who is, or who is not, house-sitting while you are away. DON'T post about your teenage daughter baby-sitting tonight while you and your spouse head off for the weekend. DON'T post about your kids coming home after school to an empty house before you get home from work.

Remember to use common sense in your social networking. Be Safe.

Atronic is SAMMY FInalist

For two years in a row, Atronic Alarms has been finalist in the Security, Sales and Integration SAMMY awards, a national honor given to security companies around the country for their outstanding marketing techniques.

Last week, Atronic Alarms found out that it is a finalist in two categories this year: Best Newsletter and Best Display Advertisement. The winners will be announced at the ISC West on March 23, 2010.

More People Getting Alarms Around Waldo

Read and watch video on NBC's Action news regarding home security due to crime scare in Waldo area of Kansas City. Other security methods include barking dogs, outdoor motion activated lights and securing all of your doors/windows.

What to Do if You are Attacked

According to Reader's Digest October 2009 issue relaying interviews with FBI agents and Security professionals, when attacked outside your home, yell "fire, fire" instead of "help." With most bystanders, yelling "fire" will trigger a response to come help or at least come take a look at the hoopla. If they hear a scream and a "help," then their self-preservation sense kicks in.

Craig Albright - 30 Years in Business

In 1999, Craig Albright's experience in the alarm industry since 1980 led him to Perry Atha and the locally owned and operated alarm company in the southern area of Kansas City. Perry knew immediately after meeting with Craig that his experience and work ethic would benefit Atronic Alarms, Inc., so Craig was brought on to run the service department. Now, 11 years later, Craig sums up his 30-year tenure in the security field with a question and answer format that can be found on the Atronic Alarm's web site.

Chimney on Fire

My neighbors nearly set their house on fire.

Apparently one morning a couple of weeks ago they stoked up the fire first thing to warm the house. The fire was nice and hot. Suddenly, they heard a roaring sound, and they ran outside to look at the chimney.

Flames were leaping out of the top.

The outside wall and the inside wall were hot, and they knew they only had a couple of minutes before the fire department would need to be called. So they doused the chimney and their fireplace with water and managed to put out the fire themselves.

What happened? There had been no chimney inspection or cleaning in quite some time, and apparently they had used one of those creosote burning logs and then stoked up a nice, hot fire. The creosote burning log burned up the creosote in the fireplace, but the remains were located in a "pocket" that hadn't been cleaned out and the nice, hot fire set it aflame.

Bottom line? Get your chimney inspected each fall. Keep your smoke detectors cleaned and working. It doesn't just happen to "other people." Stay safe.

Service Maintenance on Your Security System

A home's security system should be inspected annually to ensure that each device is working properly. Smoke detectors should be cleaned; panel batteries should be replaced every three to four years; sirens and motion detectors need to be professionally tested to ensure proper operation.

Checking these items reduces the possibilities of false alarms and will help to ensure that your security system functions properly when called upon. In these times, maintaining your investments are more important then ever.

Security Cameras and Video

One of the more exciting discoveries home owners are finding is the affordability and the ease of owning cameras. With technology prices going down, it is a cost effective security measure. Certain cameras allow a homeowner to view the images online over the Internet, or to receive alerts and images over their cell phone. Each system is custom designed for the particular application. All that is needed is access to the internet. Check out some ideas for these systems on the Atronic Alarms web site.

Benefit to Local Security Monitoring

When in comes to monitoring your home alarm or business system, there are many large national security companies who have their monitoring in a centralized location. This location may not be in your city, your area, or even your state. Using local monitoring stations assures that the company is familiar with the location of your home or business, understands municipalities and what their emergency protocol is, and that they are even aware of outside environmental factors. Did it recently flood? Did your area just get hit with an ice storm that knocked out power lines and telephones? Another benefit to monitoring your system through a local company is that it supports your city.

Reasons to Call Your Security Alarm Company

If you have an alarm system, there are many reasons to contact your security company. The first is to make sure your system receives a tune-up and is tested annually. A security system is much like a car; if you keep it tuned-up your investment will last you a long time. The service technicians will test all devices and clean out your smoke detectors. This helps in eliminating false alarms do to dust build-up or equipment malfunction that may have not been noticed without the inspection.

The second reason is to update your call list. If phone numbers change or people on your list change, it is vital that the central monitoring station have this information. If they receive a signal indicating there is trouble at the property they are monitoring, they need to be able to get a hold of you or with someone who can either get in the house or make some decisions. You also need to let the central monitoring station know when you are leaving on vacation. There was once a client who left for Europe and their basement flooded, setting off their water-bug device. Central station knew to contact the house keeper to let the needed people inside the home to clean it up. Very little was ruined because it was caught in time.

The third reason is to keep yourself updated on the new equipment and technological opportunities that the security industry has for you. If your system is over 10 years old, there may be a newer, more advanced system that will provide you with much more features such as internet monitoring, video monitoring, text messaging and lighting features. Atronic Alarms has always said that if it isn't broke, "don't fix it." However, you may want to look at what the newer models can do for you to see if investing in an upgrade would be beneficial.