​Fire Safety This Holiday Season

The winter holiday season is the time when families often gather around the fireplace to open presents and reconnect with each other. Unfortunately, the season is also one of the peak times for home fires to occur. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, one-third of Americans use fireplaces and other fuel-sourced appliances to heat their homes or cook foods. With more people staying indoors and entertaining during this time, it is necessary to be aware of fire hazards and utilize home security providers. Here are ways to keep your family safe this holiday season.Check Fire Alarms and Smoke DetectorsEvery room and hallway of your home should have a working smoke detector. One of the most common mistakes households make is failing to check the batteries on smoke and fire detectors. Batteries should be tested monthly and changed at least once a year. If you have trouble remembering to do this, consider installing long life smoke alarms.The batteries in these alarms can last up to ten

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Internet Protection During the Holidays

The holidays are a very important time of year when it comes to both residential and commercial security because ‘tis the season for crime rates to skyrocket. It’s important for all of us to recognize that this additional crime isn’t limited to the homes or stores in our local area. In fact, as New Jersey shoppers take to the Internet more and more each year, it’s become increasingly important that we turn our attention to the online risks in order to provide full protection for our families.1. Buy SmartPerhaps the biggest risk to your protection online is identity theft, and what you may not realize is that the vast majority of known identity thefts are passive. In other words, most victims simply hand over their sensitive information to the criminals, and this usually happens because a consumer makes a purchase at a fraudulent site or follows an opportunity through a deceptive email. This time of year, be particularly wary of offers and always ensure that you’re shopping w

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Using a Home Alarm System to Thwart Sneaky Teens

Encouraged by their friends, teenagers sometimes sneak out of their homes and create mischief and mayhem. They are a force of nature that may difficult for parents to control. Balancing the teen's need for freedom and autonomy with a parent's need to keep the child safe requires a careful approach to the home alarm system and the rules put in place to guide the teen's behavior.Talk Frankly with the TeenWhen a parent discovers that his or her child has been sneaking out, it's essential to respond appropriately without overreacting. Make it clear that the rules of the house are there for the teen's safety and aren't there to make his life difficult. The home's system of security monitoring can't protect the teen if he sneaks out of the house.Ensure that the teen understands that visiting with friends and staying out after dark aren't prohibited but that it is the teen's responsibility to let his parents know about plans, as well as where the teen might be for the evening. Explain that k

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Discover the Benefits of Monitored Security Alarm Systems for Homes

Some homeowners feel like they do not need to go to the trouble of installing monitored security alarm systems in their homes. This is a mistake that can lead to unfortunate consequences. Home security systems installed by reliable New Jersey security companies offer many benefits and added protection. If you're considering a monitored system, the following benefits may help you with your decision.   Rapid Response from Law Enforcement One of the greatest benefits homeowners receive from a monitored system is the rapid response time it ensures – no matter the emergency. A monitored system is watched 24 hours a day by the home security company, which will contact the authorities as soon as an alarm is triggered—whether it's a burglar alarm, a fire alarm, or a CO2 alarm. This rapid response time keeps homeowners and their families safer. It also increases the chances that thieves will be caught when they break into a home.Fire Protection Even When the System is OffOne of the most i

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Five Indications of a New Jersey Home Security Scam and What to Do About Them

Unfortunately, homeowners should be aware of the very real threat of home security scams. Whether you’re considering home security alarm installation or you already have an existing provider, beware. Scammers will seem like legitimate representatives, but don’t let them play to your fears. The first step to protecting yourself from these ploys is to be able to identify them. Following are some of the methods scammers use to exploit homeowners.Red Flag #1: Company ChangesOne of the most common scams that companies employ is to pretend that they have bought out your current New Jersey home security company. In this case, a representative from the “buyer company” will show up on your doorstep to discuss the company changes and have you sign a new contract. These representatives are from real companies and will lie to lock you into two contracts from two separate companies at the same time.If you are approached by a door-to-door salesman who claims to be a representative of a comp

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