Category Archive: Tips

  1. Why Tucson Businesses Should Choose Central Alarm

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    In today’s fast-paced world, businesses face increasing security threats ranging from burglary and vandalism to even employee theft. While national security providers may seem like the go-to solution, local professional alarm companies offer distinct advantages that make them the superior choice for businesses looking to protect their assets and employees. Here’s why choosing a local security provider can be the best decision for your business.

    Personalized Service and Quick Response Times

    One of the most significant advantages of working with a local professional alarm company is the personalized service you receive. Unlike large national corporations that handle thousands of clients, local providers offer a more tailored approach to security solutions. They take the time to assess the unique of your business to design a security plan that best fits your operations.

    Additionally, local alarm companies have faster response times. Since they operate within the same community as your business, their response teams can be on-site much quicker in the event of an emergency. This level of efficiency can mean the difference between preventing a security breach and dealing with the costly aftermath.

    Expert Knowledge of Local Security Needs

    Local security companies have a deep understanding of the specific risks businesses face in their area. They are well-versed in crime trends, weather conditions, and other localized factors that can impact security. This knowledge allows them to provide better recommendations and implement solutions that are most effective in protecting businesses from threats unique to their region.

    Entry Solutions

    In addition to simply installing a new alarm or camera system, we’re offer a wide range of entry system options. Keyless entry can be a critical part of your security profile that provides a record of entry activity from employees and vendors. Additionally, granting or removing access is much easier and you no longer need to worry about whether or not physical keys are accounted for.

    Stronger Customer Support and Reliability

    Customer service is often a top concern when selecting an alarm company. Local security providers prioritize customer satisfaction because their reputation depends on it. Unlike larger national providers, where customers may experience long wait times and impersonal service, local alarm companies offer direct access to knowledgeable professionals who can address concerns quickly and efficiently.

    Moreover, if your system ever experiences technical issues, a local company can dispatch a technician promptly to resolve the problem. With national providers, getting a technician on-site can take days, leaving your business vulnerable during that time.

    Community Commitment and Local Economic Support

    Choosing a local alarm company means supporting businesses within your own community. These companies often employ local technicians, customer service representatives, and security experts, contributing to the local economy. A local provider is also more likely to be involved in community initiatives and law enforcement partnerships, further enhancing their ability to protect local businesses effectively.

    Competitive Pricing and Customizable Solutions

    Many business owners assume that national security companies offer better pricing due to their size. However, local alarm companies frequently provide more competitive rates and flexible packages tailored to individual business needs. With customizable solutions, business owners can avoid paying for unnecessary services and instead invest in the security measures that best fit their operations and budget.

    Central Alarm has been successfully protecting businesses right here in Tucson for over 80 years. Our local experts can help you develop the right plan to fit your needs and budget, and you always have someone local you can call to ask questions. Partnering with us will be one of the best decisions you may ever make to sleep soundly knowing that your business is in good hands!

  2. Keep Your Home Safe from Burglary

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    As Tucson’s Alarm Professionals, Central Alarm has been helping keep you and your neighbors safe for over 75 years. And while we have seen technology advance, criminals are using that same advancing technology to become more savvy about who to target and what to take as well. A big part of our job is to help our customers with preventative measures to make sure that you never have to deal with a break-in to begin with. But in the event of a burglarly, we’ve got your back and work tirelessly to keep, your family, and your property safe.

    While installing a security system is one of the best ways to protect your property, it’s only part of the equation. Preventing a burglary requires a multi-layered approach. Here’s a breakdown of strategies, both technological and practical, to keep your home safe and secure from burglars:

    1. Invest in a High-Quality Alarm System

    The foundation of home security is an effective alarm system. Modern systems offer much more than just a loud siren. They are integrated with smart home technologies, allowing you to monitor your home in real-time from your smartphone. Most alarm systems today come with a variety of sensors, such as door and window contacts, motion detectors, glass break sensors, and even surveillance cameras. This layered protection can detect a break-in attempt before the burglar can even enter the home.

    When selecting a system, consider a monitored alarm service. Monitoring ensures that, even when you’re not home or unable to respond, authorities will be notified if an alarm is triggered. Many systems also offer cellular backup, which ensures your system remains active even if the burglar cuts the power or phone lines.

    2. Lighting and Visibility

    One of the most overlooked aspects of home security is the use of proper lighting. Criminals prefer to operate under the cover of darkness, so ensuring that your home is well-lit can be a strong deterrent. Motion-activated lights are particularly effective because they startle would-be intruders and make it harder for them to approach unnoticed.

    Make sure to also keep the exterior of your home free from overgrown shrubs or trees that could provide hiding spots. A clear view of entry points from the street or your neighbors’ houses reduces the chances of a burglar attempting a break-in.

    3. Surveillance Cameras

    Cameras are one of the most effective visual deterrents. When burglars see a camera, they are more likely to move on to an easier target. If they do proceed, you’ll have footage that can help identify them and provide crucial evidence for law enforcement.

    Place cameras at key points, such as entrances, the garage, and any side or back doors. Modern systems allow for remote viewing, so you can check your property from your smartphone, tablet, or computer at any time. Many camera systems now feature night vision, motion detection, and cloud storage, ensuring that your footage is accessible even if the physical camera is damaged.

    4. Reinforce Entry Points

    The majority of burglaries occur through front or back doors, so reinforcing these entry points is essential. Install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors, and consider using smart locks, which can be locked or unlocked remotely. For additional security, reinforce door frames with strike plates and use heavy-duty hardware.

    Windows are another common entry point for burglars. Consider installing window locks or reinforcing glass with security film, which makes it harder to break through. Glass break sensors can also be installed to alert you if a window is shattered.

    5. Don’t Overlook the Garage

    Your garage is one of the easiest points of entry for a burglar. Even if your main house is secure, an unsecured garage can give them access to tools, valuables, or even a way into your home. Always lock the door between the garage and your house, and consider adding a garage door sensor to your alarm system to notify you if it’s opened unexpectedly.

    If you have an automatic garage door, disable the emergency release when you’re away for extended periods. This prevents burglars from using simple tools to open the door from the outside.

    6. Use Smart Home Technology

    Today’s smart home technologies allow you to control and monitor your home from virtually anywhere. You can automate your lights to turn on and off, giving the illusion that someone is home even when you’re not. Smart doorbells with cameras allow you to see and speak to visitors, even if you’re on the other side of the world.

    Another key feature of smart homes is the integration with alarm systems. You can receive notifications when your alarm is triggered, remotely arm or disarm your system, and view live footage from your cameras, all from a mobile app.

    7. Be Mindful of Social Media

    In today’s digital age, burglars often monitor social media to find out when homeowners are away. Avoid posting about vacations or extended absences until you’ve returned. If you do want to share your experiences online, consider tightening your privacy settings so that only trusted friends and family can see your posts.

    8. Get to Know Your Neighbors

    One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your home is by fostering a good relationship with your neighbors. Neighbors who know each other look out for one another. They can pick up on suspicious behavior, collect your mail while you’re away, or simply act as an extra set of eyes on your property.

    Consider joining or starting a neighborhood watch program. These programs are proven to reduce crime and can be a great way to strengthen community ties while increasing vigilance.

    9. Don’t Advertise Valuables

    Keep expensive items like electronics, jewelry, and artwork out of plain sight. Use blinds or curtains to prevent passersby from seeing inside your home. If a burglar can easily see valuable items from the street, they may be more tempted to break in.

    Additionally, avoid leaving boxes for high-value purchases, like TVs or gaming consoles, out by the curb. This advertises to criminals that you have new, expensive items inside.

    We’re Here for You

    If you don’t currently have an alarm professional in your corner, we’d love to hear from you today. One of our technicians can get in touch with you and walk you through your options and secure your home today.

  3. 3 Home Owner Security Tips

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    At Central Alarm, we’re here to help our Tucson neighbors stay safe and secure!  We don’t only offer the very best affordable Home Security, but we’re invested in keeping your neighbors and local businesses from every dealing with a burglary or home invasion.  Here are just 3 tips for home owners to better protect themselves right now!

    Tip #1. Check Entry Points

    Ensure that entry points around the home are secure.  This includes doors, windows, sliding glass doors, security screens, and ensure that your garage door is also secure.  Oddly enough, front doors are the most common access point.  Ensure locking mechanisms are working as intended, and that there is no damage to the deadbolt and door jam.

    Review with those living in the home that doors are to remain locked as a common practice.  In many studies, burglars simply walked right through an unlocked front door.

    In the case of sliding glass doors, these can be incredibly easy to access with very easily accessible tools. If your door does not have a locking mechanism that literally stops the door from moving, such as a bar, consider going to your local hardware store and purchase one. They are easy to install and successfully deny access to the entry unless the entire pane of glass is broken.

    Tip #2. Lights!

    As simple as it sounds, lighting is a huge deterrent for criminals.  Burglars are typically looking for ways to enter a home in a place that is not visible.  If your home does not have sufficient exterior lighting, the risk of a break-in begins to climb.  We recommend adding motion lights to any entry to the home – including sidewalks that lead to your back door, and patios.  Sudden illumination alone could make a criminal think twice about breaking in.

    Tip #3. Test Your Security System

    Make sure you regularly test your home security system to ensure it works as intended.  Make sure the sensors on windows are functional as well and that they are properly seeing that windows are being opened and closed.  If you have a dated alarm system that you think may not be working properly, or you do not have features such as window or breaking glass sensors, it may be time to upgrade your security system to something more modern and reliable.

    Central Alarm also offers monitoring with our service because this is simply the most effective way to keep you safe.  Studies show that most burglaries occur within just 8 to 15 minutes!  Reaction time is crucial.  This becomes even more important when dealing with house fires.

    If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to call us at 520-600-6548, or send us an email, and one of our helpful professionals will be with you shortly to answer any of your questions or set up a completely free home assessment.

  4. Going on Vacation? Stay Safe this Summer!

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    Summer is in full swing in Tucson and a lot of us are looking to get out of town to beat the heat. Here are some tips to keep your home safe this traveling season!

    Don’t Announce Your Departure

    Don’t obviously announce you are going out of town – you can obviously tell friends and family you’ll be traveling, but making public posts on forums or social media accounts such as Facebook that you’ll be leaving for a week or two could give others the perfect time to break into your home because they know for a fact no one will be there.

    Coordinate with Your Neighbors

    Communicate with your neighbors on when you’ll be out of town, and work out a way to have them pick up your mail or any packages that show up at your door. Nothing alerts a possible burglar like built up mail that has not been picked up for days at a time at your home.

    Don’t Post Picture Online

    The temptation to spread the good times and let everyone know how great your vacation is, it’s a terrible idea because you never know whose watching. Your social media feeds are not only visible to your friends, but sometimes to their extended friends and family. Social media has been an incredibly useful tool for burglars to note whose not home based on their posting vacation photos online freely. Save the photos for your friends when you get home!

    Get a Security System

    It’s pretty obvious that a security provider is going to recommend a security system, but we’re shamelessly proud of our record of keeping the homes of Tucson residents safe for the last century. Like insurance, you are glad you have it when a catastrophic event occurs. In the case of security alarm systems, the benefits are preventing disaster entirely. In addition to obvious deterrents that burglars see and want to avoid, we continually monitor your home so that we can alert you in the event of a break in, or even prevent disasters such as a fire in the home while you are away, alerting first responders before a total home loss.

    Contact 520-600-6548 or send us an email today for a FREE home evaluation. Our technicians can schedule a convenient time to assess your home and recommend security options that make sense for your home, budget, and lifestyle.

  5. 4 Ways to Improve Your Local Tucson Business Security

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    We want to help keep our local Tucson companies safe and protected.  Here are just a few important ways to provide better security right now.

    1. Perform a Security Audit

    When was the last time you walked your storefront or warehouse specifically from a security perspective?  Did you test the alarm systems, check door and window locks, audit who has keys, and ensure entrances were sufficiently lit?  These are just some of the major areas you may want to inspect around the property to ensure you are conducting a safe and secure business.

    Our security professionals will do a complete assessment of your property to list potential security risks and/or threats and recommend a series of additions to property secure your business today.  We work with you to determine every possibility in order to employ common sense tools to install and maintain a high level of security for your business.

    2. Add Surveillance/CCTV

    Video surveillance technology has been improving steadily over the years.  Cameras have become smaller and integrate directly with more systems than ever before.  And a wide range of CCTV options gives you a solution for every budget.  Central Alarm has been helping Tucson businesses take advantage of utilizing video to improve security for decades, and we can help you minimize loss and vastly improve your overall security profile.  Our team of professionals can provide you with a total assessment of your business and determine the most effective way to protect your retail or warehouse space.

    3. Install Monitored Alarms

    Central Alarm Inc. will always recommend monitored solutions over DIY solutions because of reliability and peace of mind.  Our alarm systems are as technologically advanced as any other national security provider, integrating with your smartphone with a variety of monitoring options, and we’re continually looking for solutions that work best for our customers.  Additionally, you will probably be surprised by how affordable monitored solutions can be.

    There is simply too much at stake and a burglary can derail your entire business footprint which creates a huge loss of productivity and revenue.  Don’t leave the safety of your livelihood and those that work for you up to chance.  Utilizing a professional system from Central Alarm is going to give you everything you need to properly secure your Tucson business today.

    Also, don’t forget about environmental emergencies such as fire.  Having a monitored alarm system can help stop catastrophic damage before a fire in your business completely consumes everything.

    4. Visible Security Signs

    Criminals will statistically choose stores to rob based primarily off of ease of access and opportunity.  If there are clearly marked areas that are well-lit, being video recorded, and clearly show that the property is being protected, it will go along way to deter criminals from targeting your business.

    Whether you have an existing company that needs to revitalize it’s security, or you are starting a brand new business and want state-of-the-art security solutions in place from day one, we invite you to call us today at 520-600-6548 to get started and talk to one of our security professionals.

     

  6. Techniques and Strategies for Stopping Burglars In Their Tracks

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    More homes are burglarized on a daily basis around the country than most people might imagine. And the holidays are no exception! In fact, the frequency and severity of break-ins is only increasing around the country each and every year. As more and more homeowners become aware of these simple facts they are taking more aggressive actions to greatly reduce the likelihood of an unexpected break in. As such, here a few simple strategies and techniques that can help.
     

    Clear Invitation

     
    For example, the old idea of leaving a spare key outside is simply not a good strategy in today’s uncertain world. Burglars, thieves and vandals know all too well that homeowners use this technique as a way to make it easy to enter their home if they forget their keys. However, with that said, this is a clear invitation to thieves to simply walk into your home and take anything that they desire. Homeowners can opt for simply leaving a spare key with a neighbor or friend instead.
     

    Access A Private Residence

     
    In other instances, homeowners have even been known to use a combination type lockbox or some other type of locking device to store a key outdoors. Most importantly, homeowners should never add identifying information to the keys of their home. This is another way to make it even easier for burglars to access a private residence. In addition, cutting back shrubs, bushes and trees can greatly reduce the chances that burglars will have a hiding spot around your home. Thieves and crooks frequently take advantage of hiding places around a residential home to plan their strategy when preparing to break into a home.
     

    Helping Homeowners To Make The Right Choices

     
    Best of all, when these simple strategies and techniques are combined with an effective home alarm system and video surveillance, the chances of a break-in are substantially reduced. Working with an experienced and knowledgeable alarm company is one of the first steps that a homeowner should take to enjoy the best that modern security systems make available. It is easier than most homeowners might imagine avoiding becoming a statistic with regard to a home break-in. More times than not common sense prevails, helping homeowners to make the right choices to prevent unauthorized entry. Contact Central Alarm today for Tucson residential alarms as well as Tucson business alarms that exceed expectations.

  7. Useful Strategies For Supplementing Your Alarm System

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    A growing number of people are discovering that there are additional ways to enhance the security in and around their home or business. While many homes and businesses already have alarm systems, there are a number of ways to supplement an existing alarm system to make your home even safer and more secure. Keeping vandals, thieves and criminals away from your property and out of your home is more achievable when you consider these few simple strategies.
     

    A Great Way To Deter Crime And Theft

     
    For example, adding additional locks to your windows and doors is always a good way to increase general levels of safety and security throughout your home or business. This will prevent would-be thieves from entering through a window or other type of entryway. Whatever the case may be, one thing is certain and that is that additional locks are always a great way to deter crime and theft. In addition, when leaving your home or business it is a good idea to close curtains, blinds and other similar window treatments as a way to deter theft.
     

    Effective Alarm System

     
    Another key strategy they can help improve levels of security around your home or business is to ensure that a window air conditioner or heater is securely attached so that it cannot be removed from the outside. Also try to conceal expensive items such as electronic equipment as well as artwork and other valuables as a way to further deter unwelcome crime. These simple strategies combined with an effective alarm system and video surveillance as well as other security measures can greatly enhance the levels of safety that you and your family can experience on a daily basis.
     

    Peace Of Mind And Greater Satisfaction

     
    Many useful strategies along with a safety inspection by a professional alarm company are great ways to have increased peace of mind and greater satisfaction that your home or business is safe and secure at all times. Preventing outside invasion and unwarranted vandalism is easier today than it has ever been in the past thanks to modern technology and great advances in video surveillance as well as Internet connectivity. Explore all your options in order to maintain the highest levels of safety and security possible. Contact Central Alarm today to learn more about a wide variety of residential and business alarm systems Tucson residents can trust to protect your home beyond compare.

  8. 3 Simple Tips for Making Your Residential Doors More Safe and Secure

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    Doors are one of the key entryways into a home that can be greatly fortified in order to make a home more safe and secure. For example, by simply mounting common deadbolts more securely to the doorframe, homeowners can enjoy far better security. Other typical ways to improve security around entryways and doors is to opt for solid metal doors or solid wood doors as opposed to hollow and less structurally sound doors.

    Safe And Secure Location

    In addition, using stronger and longer screws when securing hardware related to door installation can go a long way in making a door harder to defeat. These simple strategies along with keeping a key with a dependable neighbor or hiding a key in a very safe and secure location on your property can allow emergency entry into your home without the need to destroy a door or window. Other options for homeowners include doorknob alarms that can easily be installed to supplement existing alarm systems. These little and inexpensive alarms work as a great supplement to larger more comprehensive alarm systems and can deliver a loud audible sound.

    Wide-Angle Type Peepholes And Traditional Chain Locks

    Doors incorporating glass into their design can be greatly enhanced by using metal grilling or other decorative metal art that also serves as a security feature. Another option with regard to glass doors is to replace existing glass with safety glass that is stronger and more resistant to tampering and breakage. Wide-angle type peepholes and traditional chain locks can also improve security around your home. And of course, it is always a good idea to refrain from pasting notes on your door that let others know you are out of town or way for the day.

    Windows Can Also Be Reinforced

    Finally, those with pets should avoid installing a pet friendly door. These types of doors can offer an entry option to criminals, thieves and would-be vandals. Play it safe and find other options for your pets when it comes to entering and exiting your home. As an added note, windows can also be reinforced around your home by installing shatterproof glass that is resistant to tampering and breakage. Windows can also be reinforced with metal grating or decorative metal art. Contact Central Alarm today to learn more about Tucson alarm systems that are designed to protect homes and businesses.

  9. Why Alarm and Fire is Such a Crucial Investment for Your Business

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    If you own a business, you are busy running the day to day operations that includes servicing customers, managing employees, running payroll, paying the bills – the list goes on. The last thing you want to do is worry about the safety of your business assets. And like most things that are there for protection, you don’t realize it’s there until you absolutely need it. A criminal looking to target your business that successfully breaks in and steals valuable information, technology, and equipment can absolutely ruin your day and disrupt employee focus. Don’t let this happen – be prepared before anything happens.

    You may also be operating with very outdated systems. It may be time to take a critical look at your security profile in your Tucson small business.

    Here are some reasons why looking at upgrading your security platform is the right choice.

    Access Monitoring

    Part of many alarm systems that Central Alarm installs for commercial use has a myriad of options that can be added for entry access. These state of the art solutions helps manage your employee access in far more accurate ways than trying to keep track of keys. Instead, employees are signed entry access that can be tracked and limited based on their roles. Further, access can be denied if an employee is terminated. Temporary access is also a useful tool for deliveries or contractors. All without the need to worry about if there any spare keys you forgot to collect or someone made a copy of.

    Insurance Premiums

    Burglar alarms, security alarm systems, monitoring systems, and fire prevention solutions have been proven to reduce the risk of damage or loss to your business. Your business insurance policy premiums may also be affected by the type of system you have installed.

    Peace of Mind

    The biggest reason you might look to upgrade your business security system is the peace of mind knowing that you are in good hands with active 24/7 monitoring right here locally in Tucson. If there is a problem, we’re here to keep you informed and ensure that emergency services are on the way. There’s a reason that we’ve been in business for nearly a century! Find out how this can help your business becoming even more successful with the right kind of security to protect your assets!

    Contact Us Today to find out more!

  10. 6 Security Tips to Keep Criminals at Bay

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    Tip 1: Make it look like someone is home

    Studies are pretty clear that criminals burglarize homes based solely on their opportunity to do so. If a home is more trouble than it’s worth, they will move on. Solutions like motion lights, exterior flood lights, automatic interior lights and utilizing features such as smarthome lighting are all excellent ways to make your home an uneasy target for would-be thieves.

    Tip 2: Put valuables in a safe

    Sometimes even with the best laid plans, you may be a victim of burglary. It’s a pretty good idea to protect your most vital possessions and identity information, such as passports and birth certificates, in a safe. This can also help protect them against fire if the safe is correctly fire-rated. We always recommend adding the extra layer of security of a home safe just in case.

    Tip 3: Invest in Cameras

    Today it is easier than ever to add security cameras to your home. This might simply be adding a doorbell camera to your front door. Exterior cameras can also now be wireless depending on the type of camera and features you are after. Cameras can both deter burglars and help you identify burglars if you do experience a home burglary. Doorbell cameras have also become very effective to deter porch thieves that are after delivery boxes.

    These devices also give you the added benefit of mobile app functionality. This allows you to view your home and interact with people that are dropping off packages when your at work or even on vacation.

    Tip 4: Don’t Overshare on Social Media

    The temptation to always talk about when we’re leaving town or new large purchases can make you more vulnerable than you might think. You can also accidentally post sensitive information like your address if your not careful. Be mindful while online because you never know who will see your posts – it may simply be a friend of a friend that now has access to information such as where you live and how long you will be out of town. Nearly every burglar that will break into a home is utilizing Facebook and Twitter on a regular basis.

    Tip 5: Keep Spare Keys Secure

    One of the startling statistics most homeowners don’t know is that over 60% of burglaries occur by someone walking right into the front door, either by using a key or it was unlocked. Many people try and hide keys around their property. We can absolutely guarantee this does not work. If you think of a clever place to put a key, so can a criminal. In fact, most people seem to come up with the same ideas on where best to hide keys, making it rather easy for most experienced criminals to find them.

    Tip 6: Secure Sheds & Garages

    Don’t let sheds and garages be an afterthought. Just because we don’t live in them, they usually end up being out of sight and out of mind. But most people keep valuable possessions in their garages and sheds including cars, atv’s, lawnmowers, expensive tools and other valuables. Don’t assume your house is the only part of your property at risk of being burglarized. Protect your possessions by keeping your garage and shed doors closed and securing them with extra locks when needed.

    As always, we want to make sure you know that we’re here to help you make informed decisions about your security. We even offer free Home or Business security assessments just so that we can showcase why we’ve been successful in Tucson for nearly a century! Call or Email us today to learn more.