Smart Security in the Palm of Your Hand

May 25, 2018 5:22 pm Leave a Comment

Welcome back again to the Central Alarm blog! Last time, we took a bit of a detour to go over a topic we spent some time on over a year ago, apartment security. Now it seems time to piggyback that with a subject of interest to those looking for home security for apartments, the new, ever-evolving capabilities of smart phones and devices! They have home security camera apps, remote locks and more, all available to help you manage your home!

While posting armed guards outside your estate may sound like something out of a cheesy fantasy movie, the truth is there was a point in time where that was just the best option. Now a days, while guards are still a possibility, you don’t need all that hired muscle to protect your home and belongings. Technologies are getting more and more advanced, sensitive, and smaller.
The means of making your home a smarthome when it comes to security can be as simple as turning an old phone into a basic security camera or as intricate as buying the numerous components to totally control all the functions of your home with a tap of your finger. Here are just a couple systems and apps and the ways they can upgrade your life.
Samsung SmartThings Smart Home
This product is a brain for your apartment or home. You can use it to control lights, thermostats, speakers, locks, and more, all from your phone! It also has Amazon Alexa functionality that allows you to talk to it! Obviously it will take a bit of tinkering to get the pieces working just the way you like but if you’re a bit of a techie you’ll no doubt enjoy it. While the sensors and locks controls might not be the absolute best on the market, it does give you some security controls.
ADT Pulse App
ADT is a well-known name in home security. They recently put together a proprietary app for iOS and Android devices! It has a clean display, voice recognition, can connect with a Nest thermostat or Ring doorbell cameras as well as other cameras and automation. It can also activate or deactivate simple security systems! You do, however, need to be an ADT customer so if you don’t already use them for security this app won’t be much use.
There are also apps like the Protect America app. Z-Wave compatible, it can manage cameras, GPS tracking, automation and more. This app is simple! But, like the ADT app you need to be a customer using their plans.
If you don’t already have a home security solution, then going with a company that offers those features you are looking for is a no brainer! If you prefer to have a simple alarm and sensor set up in the home then go that way, but if you want the ability to monitor and manage your home security from your pocket device, there are so many new options available!

Home Security for Apartments

May 10, 2018 5:12 pm Leave a Comment

Here at Central Alarm we care about one thing: your security. That means we want to help you in any way within our power to create a safe, secure environment at home or work, through whatever means available. If that means cameras, guard service, and card access controls, great! We have the tech and techniques to get that done. But unfortunately not everyone owns their living space and that can cause a headache when it comes time to secure it. We’re here to help renters and those living in apartments practice home security for apartments or rentals, whatever it takes to help you feel more secure!
Why Apartment Security
Whether in a house or apartment, home security applies because burglaries are the same. Burglars look for apartments with easy access, they work during the day, and look for ones with easy cover and escape routes.
We have talked about home security for renters and apartments before but it’s time to dive deeper into the subject. Look to those previous entries where we discuss things like rental insurance, knowing your neighborhood, and more. Here are some more helpful, actionable tips to make your apartment secure!
First check with your apartment complex, it is possible they offer a security solution through the leasing office. They may also have someone they recommend. This can be the difference between a hefty fee or negligible cost.
Untangle
Wireless systems are not only the norm these days but they are also totally ideal for those renting or living in apartments. The wireless nature means they can easily been installed, activated, and maintained wherever you need it. Also, when changing places they become much easier to take with you!
Eye on the Prize
Many of the best home security systems for apartments and renters will involve a camera. That’s because as technologies become faster, better, and cheaper companies are able to pack so much more into the gadgets. A camera can be the hub of an entire apartment security system. These are also, like the wireless systems unobtrusive. They can be set up simply on bookshelves or cabinets or what have you.
Sensor-ship
Many security systems, truly secure ones, will include sensors that are installed on doors and windows. When it comes to apartment living, this can be a big no-no for your apartment manager. But there are wireless sensors that are coming on the market that can give you the peace of mind you need and leave your windows and walls unmarred. Just like the cameras, pack it all up when the lease is done and set it up at your next place.

The final thing to mention, of course, is renter’s insurance! This covers so much more than just theft! While security systems can alert you to unauthorized access, only some of them can take measures to counteract them, and none of them can stop acts of god like flooding or fires. Homeowner’s and renter’s alike need to have insurance incase of the worst occurring. Security means more than just anti-burglar, it’s anti-catastrophe of all sorts.

If you are looking to get your home secured and you have the go ahead from your apartment managers, give us a call at Central Alarm and we can find the best security solution for your home.

Small Business Security Systems

April 25, 2018 11:02 pm Leave a Comment

When it comes to running a small business, owners look for the most cost-effective ways to make everything run smoothly. They are not Amazon, they do not have trillions to throw around to solve every possible problem that comes their way. Not that any of them would, cut corners or skimp on any important features but keeping the business in the black is priority numero uno. To that end, this time on the Central Alarm blog, we wanted to talk about the importance of small business security systems and how the small expense now can keep your business profitable in the long run.

Deterrent
Security systems, alarms, cameras and the other equipment that come standard in a comprehensive security system are crime deterrents. We have talked about how useful they are in deterring home burglaries and the same is true for businesses. 40% of those convicted burglars (from that study linked) said that the presence of security systems would cause them to stop or choose another target and if an alarm sounded? Most would high tail out of there. Having a security system in place in your business is step one to preventing theft or worse.
Control/Access
Similar to acting as a deterrent, the system allows for control of who has access to the building or premises. Being able to monitor any movements into and out of the business. This helps manage employees allowing only authorized access to specific places or areas of the business and helps keep a record of all accesses. This is a benefit not just for the owner but also as a protection for the employees as well to prevent them from being falsely accused of anything.
Minimize Damage
Specifically fire damage! We talked about it last time on the blog, but fire alarms are a critical piece of any security system – business or otherwise. The earlier a fire is detected, employees and emergency services can fight back, get to safety, or otherwise limit the damages. A simple fire could absolutely devastate a small business without any sort of security in place.
SAVE Money
We know, we know, how can spending money save money. Businesses investing in a security system are making an investment to protect and save their business a lot of heartache in the long run. A fire alarm costs money now, but saves countless amount as employees are alerted and can safely evacuate. By deterring burglars they prevent any sort of inventory or capital loss.
Our point? Security systems are not an excessive expense. They provide just a huge benefit to businesses of all size. Whether they employee just a fire alarm or opt for video surveillance, card access controls or more. Some protection is better than none.
If you are a small business owner and looking to know whether or not a security system is right for you, the simple answer is: yes! Give us at Central Alarm a call and we can talk about which systems will best be served to keep your business protected, whether it’s a home side hustle or a multi-office enterprise, there is a security answer for those needs. Together we can make your business secure, safe, and you can worry about keeping your business profitable!

Fire Alarms for Home

April 10, 2018 10:59 pm Leave a Comment

Break-ins and burglars, these are our most common topics, but they are far from the only danger to home security. Welcome back to the Central Alarm blog, this time we wanted to set out and cover one of those other dangers and our service for that: fire. We don’t talk about them often on the blog but fire alarms are absolutely critical to a comprehensive home security system.
Fire alarms cover a variety of different devices all calibrated to detect and alert the different components of a fire. There are many parts that will work in tandem to notify anyone in the building and emergency personnel that a disaster is occurring. Here is a basic rundown of the components in a fire alarm system.

Standard Fire Alarm System Components
Fire alarm control panel
This is the hub for the entire system. It monitors inputs, outputs, the system’s integrity, ensuring everything is working as it should.
Power Supply (Primary)
The primary power supply is typically supplied right from the power company, at 124V or 240V.
Primary Supply (Backup)
Backup power supplies are traditionally standalone batteries that take over should the primary source fail (say in a power outage or something)
Initiate Devices
Any device that initiates the systems. Manual pull stations or automatic devices like smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. These are the parts of the system that will trigger the alarm system.
Notification Devices
Anything that is made to alert people to the danger. There are many kinds of these including strobes, lights, horns, speakers.
Building Safety
When in an emergency situation, the systems will provide safety precautions as well. Things like exit lighting, ventilation systems, whatever will make it easier and safer for people to get out of the building in times of high stress, you know, like in a fire!

These are the building blocks of a comprehensive, total fire alarm security system. You will want to make sure any such system you have in your home or business has each piece, they all serve towards th goal, alerting any people of danger and guiding them safely out of harms way.
How to Take Battery Out of Fire Alarm
This is something that sees a lot of searches, or questions. The truth is, you really shouldn’t. We get it, you are in the kitchen whipping up dinner and the smoke detector keeps losing its mind!
Well, take the alarm off the wall, and look for the reset (after you’ve done some work clearing the smoke) and that will stop the sound. Taking out the battery is just asking for disaster as we are prone to go right back to cooking and forget to put it back in.
Where to Place Smoke Detectors
Here’s a question many people are asking about, where to place smoke detectors in the home?
Smoke alarms should be in:
Each bedroom
Each hallway
Near stairs
Near the kitchen
On every floor of the home
Fire Alarms can go in
Fire safety is, as we said, a very critical piece of home and business security. After all you can create all sorts of deterrents to burglars but fire can strike seemingly out of nowhere, to anyone. Here at Central Alarm, we install and service monitors of almost every sort of fire alarm system. We want to make sure you and yours are secure as can be. If you’d like to work with us to get your fire alarm system up to snuff, give us a call and we can get to work.

Using Business Security Systems to Their Fullest

March 15, 2018 6:07 pm Leave a Comment

Welcome back to another entry here on the Central Alarm blog! We hope you took advantage of some of those great events Tucson has to offer we discussed last time. This time we wanted to take our time together to talk about a half of our business that doesn’t see much discussion: business security systems.

It makes sense right? Think about it. In our daily lives, what do we do? We wake up at home, go to work for 8 to 10 hours (if we are lucky) and then back home.
Protecting your home is, of course, a critical step in protecting your families and your belongings. But if you think a bit further upstream, protecting your business is protecting your financial security, which in turn is what is able to provide for your family as well.
Listen, maybe this is just a bit clumsy way to get at it, but our point is that securing and protecting your business should be considered just as important as your home security. Here are some of the ways in which Central Alarm can secure your business and keep your work life safe.
Burglar/Security
Burglar and security systems are pretty clear cut. These simple to use systems will alert us of any unauthorized entrances and quickly send a response to the police but also to you letting you know of any occurrence on the premises.
Open and Close Reporting
By having tighter security in check we can also implement Open/Close reporting for you. You will know who opened the business and when. This creates an even more rigorous knowledge of the day-to-day goings on, even if there is no burglar or security incident.
Fire Alarm and Monitoring Service
Depending on the business you are running, a fire burning unchecked can range from a disaster to actual cataclysmic catastrophe. The different between losing an office space and losing office space, product, assets, and more. From losing today’s money to losing tomorrow’s too. That is why, no matter the field, a fire alarm and monitoring service is an absolute must.
Card Entry
Locks are the bread and butter of any business security system. The frontline of defense when it comes to intruders and protecting what is inside. Old school, analog lock and keys have a number of vulnerabilities that cards eliminate. Switching from keyrings to key fobs brings your business to a new level of security.
Camera Systems
Camera systems are everywhere. Imagine every store you go into, every business you see the ubiquitous dark spheres in the corners of rooms. We are not able to be everywhere at once, that’s just the fact of the matter. But by constructing a system of cameras to create lines of sight on your entire office or facility you can be certain that should anything go wrong and you have to go back to the tapes, you’ll be able to find what you are looking for.
Security systems for business are about much more than simple theft and fire. The unfortunate truth is that while we like to believe our coworkers, employees, and managers are our work family, they can also be the cause of frustration and headache. By having these measures in place you are creating an environment that is not only safe, but also of accountability.
If someone slips at work and incur and injury, you will have the footage to be sure that they not only get their coverage but also, should there have been something less than above board happening you can protect yourself and other employees from having to handle the burden.
Long story made short, putting in security systems in your business go a long way to protecting everyone involved. From acts of god to unfortunate faults of man, you can be sure that you have a handle on the situation and the tools necessary to properly address them.
If you need to upgrade your businesses current security, give us a call and together we can create a safe environment, a protected place of business, and a watching eye to give you peace of mind.

Things to Do in Tucson: March 2018 Edition

February 26, 2018 6:24 pm Leave a Comment

Welcome back to the Central Alarm security blog! We spend a lot of time on here talking about how to keep your home, valuables, and family safe. After all, it’s what we are in the business for! But if we all just stayed safely locked behind our alarm systems, we wouldn’t be living much of a life would we? For this entry on the blog, we decided it was high time to discuss all the hustlin’ and bustlin’ activities we have in Tucson and what you should head and check out! Don’t worry, we’ll keep your home safe while you’re away!

Things to Do in Tucson in March

David Fischer: Model Builder Extraordinaire
The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is hosting this exhibit of scale models built from scratch. Fischer’s focus was on eliminating and sort of commercial kits and using his own abilities, research, and materials to craft them. The exhibit is open until April 29^th, Tuesday through Saturday 9am to 4pm. Sundays: 12pm to 4pm.
Origami in the Garden
The Tucson Botanical Gardens are playing home to the Origami in the Garden. From 8:30 to 4:30 daily, the display of large sculptures inspired by folded paper and made of metals to echo the story of something made from the simplest papers. The collection of statues feature the artwork of Kevin Box, Jennifer Box, and the works of origami originals Robert J. Lang, Michael G. LaFosse, Richard L. Alexander, and Te Jui Fu. Hurry in during March, this exhibit ends on April 1.
Tucson Rodeo Parade
The Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum is the home to over 150 buggies & wagons, artifacts of the Old West, and of course a typical Old West street. The museums are open Monday through Saturday, 9:30am to 3:30pm, a perfect little detour for the cowboy, gunslinger, or saloon lover in your life. Runs until April 7^th!
Butterfly Magic
Ah the majestic butterfly, emerging from its cocoon to take flight in its new life. Seven days a week, the Tucson Botanical Gardens present anther wonderful exhibit of live tropical butterflies. If you are more interested in that transformative metamorphic process, look to the Chrysalis Exhibit also on display. The event runs through May 31^st!
Cowboy Cookout
Cowboy in your life not get enough fun at the Rodeo Parade Museum? Then head out to Cottonwood Grove where for a great meal. The folks provide a ranch BBQ dinner where you can fill up on ribs, steaks, cornbread, and more all while you enjoy live music or sit fireside and mingle with other guests The dinner is hosted weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, dinner served at 7pm so don’t be late! If you enjoy the meal, well you are in luck! The cookout runs until July 25^th, so you can enjoy half a year of delicious cowboy fare.
Mountain Adventure Ride
Looking to practice some horsemanship? The Tanque Verde Ranch offer half day rides on Monday and Wednesday. You will take off on your trusty steed into the Rincon Mountains. You’ll enjoy majestic landscapes and wildlife on this adventure ride. The trail features elevation changes, narrow trails, and more making for a breathtaking way to explore the deserts. Features a packed meal. Like the Cowboy Cookout, this too runs until July 25^th. Plan the two together for a true cowboy Wednesday!
Blacksmithing Demonstration
Not one for the Wild West and stables? Well, the Presidio Museum has you covered then! From 10:30am to 1:30pm on the 4^th Saturday of the month, you can visit and watch smiths word metal into various tools and shapes. Visitors can work the bellows to keep the fire burning as well as take custom tours of the museum grounds featuring soldier’s quarters, Native American pit house, and Sonoran row house. It is only on the 4^th Saturday but it runs til April 28^th so you will have a few chances to partake.
Spring in Arizona is home to some of the best weather across the country so go out there and take advantage! Enjoy your time and be rest assured your home is safely protected by us. If you need to have an alarm system installed or guard services hired, contact us and we can get your home secured today.

The Burglar Security System of Ancient Rome: Puzzle Rings

February 13, 2018 6:18 pm Leave a Comment

Welcome back to another entry here on the Central Alarm blog! We started off 2018 by getting back to basics and addressing how to get your home security set up. This time, we wanted to go even further back – to ancient Rome! That’s right, even those most ancient of civilizations from thousands of years back had their own versions of a burglar security system! Secure and fashionable, these are Roman puzzle rings!

Ancient Burglar Security System
Ever since mankind has had valuables, they have sought to protect those valuables from would-be thieves! Whether it started as a sack, a hole dug in the earth, or a simple wooden box, people have hidden their valuables. Ever heard of hoards? These massive buried piles of treasure are just brimming with ancient age wealth, and when you think of securing wealth in the olden days you think of chests buried by pirates.
When it came to the time of antiquity, the Romans had a creative solution for just that situation.
Possibly adapted from previous Celtic designs, historians have gone about studying their design, origins, and -of most interest to us- their security. In their book, Romano-Celtic Mask Puzzle Padlocks: A Study in their Design, Technology and Security, authors Jerry Slocum and Dic Sonneveld investigate and discuss these unique antiquities
These ancient padlocks were designed as a burglar deterrent. They ensured that whatever they secured could only be opened by a person with the correct key. The puzzle padlocks were made by bronze, thicker rings and usually was shaped into the face of a god. The lock would have a hinge at the top that would allow the faceplate to flip up and a keyhole be revealed. The faceplate would be opened and the key inserted – but wait! There’s more! This alone would not allow the ring to be removed, oh no, it also would have other hidden plates that needed to be manipulated in order for the shackle to be opened and taken off.
These puzzle locks would be used to secure coin purses to prevent them from being opened by anyone but the recipient, an ancient money-gram if you will. Of course, these padlocks won’t stop a bandit from slicing the coin pouch wide open but then, not much will stop them from smashing open or hacking open wooden containers. That’s why modern containers are made of much more durable materials.
Looking to get an ancient Roman padlock to product your home may be fun, but it certainly won’t be the best deterrent to modern thieves. For that, you will want modern systems and securities. Contact us and together we can secure you in the here and present.

Start Your Year Safe – Garage Door Security Solutions

January 25, 2018 4:59 pm Leave a Comment

As we start this year off on the right foot, we are sticking to the old classics and standard topics of home alarm and security. Over the last few months, we have run the gamut, talking about the newest apps, wireless devices, and such. Great topics all of them and full of interesting, relevant information to our services. But we are starting 2018 fresh and that means going back to basics a little bit.
To that end, we are going to be talking about the biggest entrance to your home and valuables. The garage door. Here are some things to consider when putting your garage door in your security system plans.

Garage Door Security
If your garage door is electric, remember you need to have the means to open the door manually. Seems a silly oversight, but you don’t want to be one of those unlucky people who find themselves locked outside of their home because of a power outage.
Garage doors with outdoor keypads may seem like a solid option, after all they are so incredibly convenient. But remember that convenience for you can be a convenience for would-be thieves as well. Some thieves may be able to manipulate the keypad/device and get access to your home – even without the combination!
Don’t neglect garage door maintenance either! These big doors rely on electrical and mechanical parts to keep them operating optimally. Wear and tear over the years can cause the functional security of your door to dwindle down. If your door is older than 10-12 years, a yearly routine maintenance can see your door functioning and keeping you secure for a lot longer yet.
As always, keep your own personal safety in mind with the garage as well. Have sensors that keep the door open if they detect something – that means a person, a box, or pet as well! If you are ever working on the garage door system itself, the pulley and chain that manipulates the door up and down, make sure you have a partner or friend nearby to help you.
Garage doors are often literally the biggest opening into your home. It would only stand to reason that it is a sensitive target for thieves and a point of protection for you. If you need a security or alarm system to further secure your home or any other security systems, contact us at Central Alarm and together we can provide you the peace of mind you seek.

Back to Basics: Buying a New Home Alarm

January 15, 2018 4:55 pm Leave a Comment

Happy New Year! Thanks for joining us here at the Central Alarm blog as we begin 2018! We hope your holidays have been great and any vacations were well restful. For our first entry this year we wanted to revisit an older topic of ours, buying a new home and what kind of home security options that provides prospective buyers.
Whether purchasing your very first home or settling on your retirement property, buying a new home is incredibly exciting. But before you rush off to sign on that dotted line, now is a perfect time to put the finishing touches on the deal and your new home to make it great.

Some people, in fact, take that final bit to compromise with the seller to provide the necessary, essential components and electronics for the new house to be quickly and efficiently secured with an alarm system. Having that comprehensive security alarm system in your new home can give you the utmost peace of mind. A new home, still under construction, offers the homebuyer the perfect time to have that home wired for a custom alarm installation.
Having your new home prewired for a custom security system, homeowners are able to plan more accurately for the home alarm or even fire alarm system they want. Working with your security company (such as us here at Central Alarm) and your contractors doing the building can create the best alarm system for your particular needs.
So, while having your home preinstalled with security systems and alarms, it is always a smart idea to have the company responsible for them close at hand. They will assist in repair, upkeep, and other maintenance to the systems as needed. For instance, as systems get more and more advanced the company may be upgrading all the systems on their network. Wireless systems are becoming the standard in the industry for a number of reasons (convenience, ease of use, reliability) and are generally less expensive and less intrusive to install. Having a standard security company you rely on can see you getting those upgrades as they are rolling out, offering you and your home the cutting edge technology to protect your home.
The long and short of it is this, security and alarm systems are a smart addition to any household. New homeowners are in the best position to get a system of the newest tech installed and maintained by working together with a security company early on, even as early as the construction phase of your home.
If you are in the market for a home security and alarm company, Contact Us at Central Alarm and together we can make sure your home is as secure as can be.

How Effective Are Home Alarm Systems?

December 18, 2017 1:12 pm Leave a Comment

Welcome back to the Central Alarm blog, where we are closing out 2017! Wow. This year has gone by in a blaze! Lightning fast. Seems like just yesterday we were talking with you about how to protect your information when shopping online! Well, here we are on the cusp of a new year and it’s time to take it all back to the central question. The foundation of our entire business. What everyone wants to know when they begin considering making a security decision. “How effective are home alarm systems?”
How Effective Are Home Alarm Systems?
To give the fastest answer, according to FBI homes that have an efficient (working, well placed etc) home alarm security system are three times less likely to be victims of burglary than their unsecured counterparts.
Rutgers did their own study. In 2009 the five year study concluded and the results were in keeping with FBI’s assessment. It found that over the period of the study, burglaries in Newark, NJ decreased at a steady rate at the same time an increase of registered (just registered! Remember some systems are DIY) home security systems.
So that’s the answer short and sweet. Home alarm systems are effective in preventing and halting burglaries. BUT! There’s more! The study also found some more interesting results, for instance:
Neighborhood Watch
The study concluded that home alarm systems were not just effective for the house in which they were installed. In fact, the protection generated by their efficient use extended to neighboring homes as well. Neighbors of those with security systems found their homes burglarized less often.
This also means that as a community or neighborhood has more security systems throughout the neighborhood as a whole became safer.
Convicted burglars themselves have admitted that security systems were effective deterrents to their schemes, which we have discussed earlier as well. In another study they reported a number of facts. Briefly:

50% of respondents said they engaged in residential burglarly, while ~30% preferred businesses.
60% said they would consider the presence of security systems in selecting targets.
- Of those, 40% said that the presence of security or alarm systems would prompt them to choose another target.
A majority of respondents reported that if during the burglary an alarm sounded they would flee.

OK, They’re Effective. What Else?
Burglaries are most like to occur during the hours of 10am to 3pm, when most Americans are at work and there is an assumption amongst criminals that the home is unoccupied. To combat this further, in addition to your clearly effective alarm system, you can take a few simple measure.

Keep valuables safe, locked away, or at least not on display
If you have an extra vehicle, keep it parked in the drive way when away.
Know your neighbors!
- Requesting neighbor help when you are away can double the amount of eyes looking out for your home.
Keep a TV or Radio on to indicate someone may be home.
If you have gardeners or window cleaners, schedule them to come around when you are at work.

All of these measures, taken together with an efficient, effective home alarm or security system should be enough of a deterrent that you will not need to worry about theft again. To get a security system, cameras installed, or even guard services scheduled contact us here and we can get your home, family, and belongings protected. We will even complete a free home security review to let you know any possible weaknesses in your current set up. Start 2018 off with a secure home!
From all of us here at Central Alarm, we wish you happy holidays, and a very happy New Year! We will see you all again in 2018!

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Things to Do in Tucson in March