Have a Security System in Place for Online Safety Against Geotagging

Most consumers don't know what geotagging is, or how they are endangering themselves when they don't have the full story. Anyone with a smartphone, tablet or digital camera is at risk with geotagging in pictures that they post online. What is Geotagging?Every picture taken with a digital device has codes embedded in the meta data of the photograph. When it's uploaded to the Internet, emailed or texted to others, they can see that metadata with the right software programs or browser plugins. The metadata will include the GPS coordinates of the shot, the type of device used and the settings of the device. Why it Benefits CustomersCustomers can use geotagging in conjunction with some social media sites like Foursquare to take advantage of local deals and coupons while out shopping or dining out at restaurants. These sites encourage users to post their location and receive discounts. Why it Benefits BusinessesThe advantages for businesses is fairly obvious. If customers are advertising th

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Put This Security System in Place for Your Internet Holiday Shopping

The holidays are upon us and shoppers are in full swing once again this year. The stores and malls in New Jersey might not be as crowded as you would expect, however, even though people are spending, shopping and checking out sales as frantically as they do at any holiday season. There is more elbow room at the mall these days because many, many more people are going straight to their computers to shop the on-line sales and beat the crowds. Shopping online is generally a safe – and easy – way to get your gift-buying completed in time to put up your feet, sip some hot cocoa and relax before the holidays. It's a great way to comparison shop without having to use up gasoline driving all over town. But is shopping on-line safe? Cyber stealing is at an all-time high, but much more so at this time of year when the Internet becomes bogged down with shoppers keying in their credit and debit card numbers and other vital information. Experts in security monitoring recommend that you use a c

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Holiday Party Safety with a Home Alarm System

Each year families gather together for holiday celebrations and parties, but even the safest of homes may become vulnerable to crime or theft during parties and gatherings. The obvious solution to a potential break-in or theft during a party is a security monitoring system. However, even the best home alarm system might require some updates with new technology to offer the best protection possible. Additionally, a safe party may also depend upon smart decisions that go beyond the security system to keep the residence safe during the holidays.   Statistics that Cause ConcernMost homeowners are aware that a home alarm system will reduce the chances that a home is burglarized, but the FBI estimates that residents of New Jersey were victim to a whopping 181,025 property crimes during 2009, the latest year for which comprehensive statistics are available. Additionally, the FBI reported 37,248 burglaries in 2009.Interestingly, these numbers only represent the number of cases reported to la

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Home Security Providers Offer Safety Tips for Using Wood Burning Stoves

If you own a wood burning stove, you'll probably be cozy and warm this winter, even if the electricity goes out. While others are scrambling to keep warm and pay high oil or gas heating bills, those with wood burning stoves can keep those costs down considerably. But warmth and comfort can sometimes come at an even higher price than oil or gas.Here are a few key things to know about wood burning stoves:1) Homeowners should know the safe ways in which to operate their wood stoves and take precautions when dealing with fire safety issues. Home security providers want to make homeowners more aware of the effects their wood burning stoves and fireplaces are having on the environment and the very air they breathe.Yes, wood is found in nature and is a renewable commodity: more trees can be planted and grown. But when burned in the home, or even outside in the backyard, wood contributes to air pollution, its burning resulting in the production of fine ash and carbon dioxide.2) While no one i

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​Home Security Providers Offer Tips for Residents Preparing for a Blizzard

Winter storms can be extremely severe. There are usually days before a storm hits when the weather stations are talking about preparing for the storm. Experts in New Jersey home security recommend taking the opportunity to prepare for the storm before it hits.   Many areas are hit repeatedly with storms or have storm threats, and the residents stop being concerned and don't prepare like they should. This could be very dangerous. While most of the time snow itself isn't the cause of death, incidental deaths like those from hypothermia or car accidents are more likely. This is especially true when a blizzard hits for days with low temperatures and heavy snowfall. It can knock out electricity and heat to many homes. When a blizzard is going to hit, it's essential that residents take it seriously and prepare themselves for the snow and freezing temperatures as well as the chance that they could be cut off from the rest of the world.Preparing for a BlizzardThe first thing residents should

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​Safe Heating Habits and Security Monitoring in New Jersey

Volatile temperatures, snowstorms, and freezing weather often mark the winter season. Keeping warm for many people means firing up a portable space heater. By using a space heater instead of running the central heating system, a homeowner can save money on electricity costs by heating only a small portion of the home. However, this efficiency does come with a price since space heaters increase the risk of fire in the home. Risk of Fire and Portable HeatingThere are a few different types of space heaters used in homes today, and each requires awareness and common sense for safe use in the home. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that there were 53,600 fires in the United States in 2011 that occurred because of faulty heating equipment or careless use of items like space heaters. Additionally, the NFPA states that one third of all reported fires were caused by space heaters that were either stationary or portable.Incredibly, over 80 percent of all deaths from home

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Security Systems, Designated Drivers and New Year's Eve Celebrations

There's pressure each New Year's Eve to do something bigger and better than the year before. This usually involves parties and drinking with friends whether it's out in public or at a private party. It's important to stay safe this holiday season and that includes New Year's Eve. Firms concerned with security monitoring in New Jersey are worried about their clients around New Year's Eve and will give a few tips to those customers who will be partying that night. They are not only concerned about security system safety, but give solid advice to clients in every situation. Public GatheringsIf you're going out to a club or a bar for New Year's Eve, make sure you have appointed someone as the designated driver. Many people decide to alternate each year. In a group of friends, one person will be designated driver this year, and another will take their turn next year. Couples do this frequently so that one of them is able to drive the other home safely. Sometimes everyone wants to drink and

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Home Security Providers Recommend These Tips for Making Your Home Safer in the Coming Year

Home security providers are as concerned with the safety on the inside of the home as they are with the outside. This New Year's Eve when you're making your resolutions, it's important to think about the safety of your home both inside and out so your family can be secure. New Jersey home security consultants recommend these tips for a safe home.Carbon MonoxideMany homes have a smoke detector, but not as many have carbon monoxide detectors. There are an average of 2,600 deaths per year from carbon monoxide poisoning according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Carbon monoxide is undetectable and most deaths could have been avoided with the proper placement of carbon monoxide detectors.Secure the HomeAccidents are one of the leading causes of injuries in the home. Carefully walk through the home looking for loose tiles, loose rugs, exposed wires and clutter on the floor or stairs. It only takes a moment for someone to slip on a toy and plummet down a flight of stairs. Older adul

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Holiday Candles and New Jersey Home Security

Candles glowing softly in the windows are a wonderful addition to winter decorations. However, candles may be an unsafe way to celebrate the holidays if proper safety procedures aren't observed. The National Fire Protection Association reports that from 2006 to 2010, an astounding 11,640 home fires were caused by careless use of candles.Those fires also inflicted $438 million in property damage and caused 126 deaths, in addition to 953 injuries. Candles cause about 3 percent of home fires each year, but in December, candle fires rise to 11 percent. Holiday revelers should consider the following safety tips for using candles in their winter decorations. Never leave candles burning overnight or in bedrooms. Make sure candles burn in open areas away from flammable items. Consider using flame-free candles that mimic the real thing. Check the Home Security SystemWhen a New Jersey home security company installs a new system, make smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors a part of the i

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​Winter Weather Safety in the Home

Emergency preparedness is a year-round project. However, cold and icy weather presents some additional challenges to keeping the family safe.  To prepare for winter, homeowners should winterize their appliances and equipment, test security monitoring systems and plan for winter-based disasters.Create a Warm SanctuaryFreezing weather and snow may cause the temperature in a home to drop swiftly, which could make the heating system work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Additionally, cold weather may damage sections of the home that aren't properly winterized.Taking the following precautions will reduce the impact of winter on your home: Inspect vital heating machinery like the water heater Upgrade windows to storm windows to reduce cold air transfer Wrap or insulate pipes to prevent freezing and cracking Allow faucets to drip during extremely cold weather In addition, shut water valves off before a storm arrives to prevent flooding due to burst pipes. Shutting the water off

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