Winter is over, and in many parts of the country that means folks who spent the cold months hunkered down around the fireplace are starting to emerge from hibernation. Summer’s warm temperatures mean increased time outside of the house, and that’s a great thing, as long as you remember to take proper precautions to ensure the security of your home and family. From locking the doors to remembering to set your home alarm system, there are basic things to remember as you prepare to enjoy June, July, and August.

Getting Ready for Vacation: Many family’s head out of town during the summer to enjoy some time away from home. You don’t want to broadcast the fact that your house is open to potential intruders. Let the post office know that you’ll be out of town, and stop all newspaper deliveries. If you can have a neighbor come in a couple of times a day to change lights and take inventory to make sure everything is OK. And it goes without being said that switching on your home security system is a necessary action in protecting your possessions.

Use Caution When Working Outside: Summer is all about getting your lawn and property in order. Put extra emphasis on safety when operating dangerous machinery like chainsaws, woodchippers, and lawnmowers. Keep your kids away from these tools; the hospital is no place to spend summer vacation.

Test Your Smoke Alarms: Many families forget to test their smoke alarms once a month. In the event of a fire, this can be the difference between life and death. Home security products offered include fire, smoke, and medical emergencies as well as protection from intrusion. ADT can help you discover the different options to protect your home.

Be Extra Careful Around the Pool: Every year, tragic accidents occur when unsupervised children find their way into the family pool. This summer, consider putting up a fence around the water to keep unprepared swimmers out. At the very least, have a serious talk with younger kids about the dangers of swimming without an adult chaperone.

You’re sure to love the fun that comes along with being outside all summer long. As long as you spend the time safely, your family will enjoy the memories of these months for a long time to come. Just remember to take some simple precautions, and your home and family will remain secure.

Homeowners are always looking for ways to better protect their homes and families.  Home security systems have always been an effective means of protection, and among these systems, ADT has consistently provided state of the art monitoring as well as top quality service.  With the recent addition of SafePass, ADT continues their trend of staying at the top of the home protection service industry as this service adds new features to an already superior product.

SafePass is a home monitoring device that relies on a touchpad much like current systems.  Instead of a numerical code, however, the device relies on a set of programmed tags to arm and disarm the system.  The tags are tiny and fit easily in a pocket or on a keychain and work simply by waving them in front of the touchpad.

These small tags have one innovative benefit that greatly increases the security of any home.  They are easily programmed to only work during certain times.  This means that you can program a tag for a babysitter or housekeeper that allows them to enter your home only during specific hours.  Unlike a code, it cannot be dispensed to others and cannot be used at any time.

The programmable tags also benefit parents who desire a more effective way to monitor their children and teenagers, as it also prevents them from disarming the system during hours in which the tag is inactive.  The tags also eliminate the worry of children forgetting entry codes and accidentally triggering alarms.  These tags can be attached to a backpack or clothing, making them easier for children and teenagers to keep track of.

SafePass helps you to better protect your home while simultaneously reducing the amount of false alarms.  The systems are a low cost solution and extra tags are inexpensive, making it easy to get one for every member of the family.  Because they rely on infrared sensors, the systems also do not require a battery, which means that the tags will not die or lose power.  They are incredibly easy to use, making them convenient for virtually all homeowners.

SafePass is truly an innovation in home security.  They tiny tags are convenient and have shown already to be beneficial to a majority of users.  Elderly people or people with vision problems often have a hard time seeing and using the keypads on their home security systems, making the tags an ideal solution.  They are also effective for people carrying in groceries or children, as a simple wave of the tag can disarm the system and does not require setting everything down.  The possibilities are really endless as to who the new systems can benefit.

Ultimately, ADT’s new SafePass system is low cost, convenient, and effective.  The number of false alarms with the system is dramatically decreased, freeing law enforcement officials to respond only to emergency situations.  For more information on ADT SafePass or any ADT home security system, contact Best Home Security.  As an authorized ADT dealer, Best Home Security can provide you with security recommendations and answer any questions you may have about these systems.  With SafePass, convenience and safety are truly available in the same package.

Technological advances and inventive minds have catapulted our everyday processes to include completely new gadgets and tools. The home security market is now much the same, and some current trends in this business include increasing use of mobile devices to manage a security system, as well as private eye tools like safe rooms and fingerprint door locks.

ADT Home Security has jumped into the technology revolution with its keychain remote access device, infrared motion detectors and wireless systems. As security technology continues to evolve, ADT is sure to provide the latest system upgrades to match consumers’ need for high-tech protection.

Many households are using broadband connections today, and this fact has enabled many security companies to take advantage of a heightened sense of security concerns by combining information pathways.

According to a recent survey of consumers, receiving alerts about their home’s security via a mobile device is considered the most useful characteristic of two-way security systems. Next in line is managing systems via their mobile devices, followed by remote monitoring capacity. This tells us that an increasing number of Americans are gone more often, which is perhaps why security has become so important for them. Among other choices considered useful in security system features were visual baby cams, using a television as a front door monitor, PC-managed home security, and web cameras connected to home security. It all may sound like rocket science to you, but many major companies are offering more of these services to their customers with increasing frequency.

Those of us who saw Jodie Foster’s movie, “The Panic Room”, are very familiar with what a safe room is, and how it is meant to be used. A panic room provides a quick escape in the event of an intruder entering your house, and you are unable to exit without passing him or her on your way out the door. For those of us who live in a stormy climate, safe rooms also give resilient shelter from imminent natural disasters.

Safe rooms should always be constructed in an easily-accessible area that you can reach without alerting an intruder. A landline phone, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and charged cell phone should be stored in the room for alerting authorities and diverting any medical or fire emergencies. If a panic room is constructed correctly, an intruder won’t be able to enter it. Some owners also choose to disguise the entrance behind a piece of furniture or false wall.

Use of convenient fingerprint door locks is also on the rise. Without having to fish for keys, the lock deactivates with a simple press of your thumb. These fancy locks are battery powered, and begin to flash a warning when you need to change them. Some models carry as many as 50 fingerprint profiles at a time, and cost around $400. Gone are the days of calling a locksmith because you’ve locked yourself out, as is the fear of intruders entering your home when you lose your keys.

When used in addition to an installed home security alarm, many useful trends in the industry such as fingerprint door locks and safe rooms will keep your family safe from undue harm.

No name is quite as synonymous with security as ADT, with the possible exception of Brinks. However, ADT has been in the security business for 131 years, unlike their competitors. Their dedication is unmatched, their network of security centers is unequaled and their service is excellent. While those are definitely some great selling points, today’s consumer demands more than that. They demand information; they want to know what they get for their dollar. Here’s a rundown of what you get with ADT Home Security service, as well as optional equipment that can be easily added.

Service: ADT offers 24 hour, uninterrupted professional monitoring. They have five national monitoring centers that are networked together to provide the best home security monitoring in the industry. You will not find this offer with other companies. The importance of professional monitoring is paramount; without it, you simply have a loud alarm, with no way to contact the authorities in an emergency.

Digital Keypad: Why is a digital keypad important? It can cut down on false code inputs by providing larger number pads, a better viewing area and interactive informational menus. It also offers one touch emergency contacts for medical authorities and police, as well as paging options and the ability to communicate directly with the monitoring center through the built in speaker phone.

Remote Access Keychain: Remote access for your alarm system? Really? Yes, you can now arm and disarm your home alarm system from outside your home or in your car. Why is this important? It completely eliminates any false codes due to incorrect security codes. It is also very handy if you leave the house without arming your alarm system. The device, itself, is small, resembling the alarm fob for an automobile.

Professional Installation: Many homeowners are put off by the prospect of installing a security system. ADT provides experienced, professional installers so that it is done right, the first time. This is the best way to make sure that your system is installed right and that it operates properly.

Battery Backup: Many homeowners are concerned about the operation of their system when the power is out. With the battery backup offered by ADT, that concern is alleviated. The battery backup can be set to last from 8 to 24 hours, depending on the system purchased.

Infrared Motion Detector: This motion detector can be configured to recognize small children and pets so that you don’t have to worry about them setting off the alarm. However, it is still sensitive enough to detect any intruder over the size programmed and will set off the alarm immediately.

ADT also offers a number of quality options for these systems. For instance, a carbon monoxide detector can be installed to help ensure the safety of your family. You can also choose a freeze detector and a flood detector to increase your security. Panic buttons, cameras and alternative forms of signal transmission can also be incorporated in the system, quite easily for added protection.

Preventing a burglar from entering your home is the purpose of your security system. However, there are ways to deter a would be burglar from even attempting to burglarize your home. Prevention is the only means of attaining security and any items that offer a level of protection should be used. Yard sings and window decals offer exactly the means to accomplish this goal.

Most alarm companies provide yard signs and window decals to homeowners. Far from being a means of advertising their services, these are provided by the alarm company to help improve your security level. Simply by placing these in highly visible locations around your home, you can add an extra layer of protection for your loved ones and your possessions. There are few better ways to easily enhance your home security.

Why do yard signs and window decals make an effective defense against criminals? First, it is important to understand at least a few aspects of the criminal mindset. By nature, burglars desire to avoid notice. They seek out easy prey; homes that are obviously unoccupied and unprotected. By using yard signs and window decals you are advertising to the any potential criminal that you take your security seriously and that if they attempt to enter your home, they will be stymied.

In a sense, these items extend the sphere of protection offered by your alarm system. Most criminals will not attempt to enter a home that is protected by an alarm system; by using these signs and stickers, you can deter burglars and make them go in search of easier prey. When combined with other protection tips, you can gain a comprehensive security solution and peace of mind, as well.

Where should you place yard signs and window decals so that they offer the utmost protection? Simply place them in highly visible locations. The front yard, near the end of your driveway is a good location for a yard sign. In addition, you can place one on the backside of your home, as well. Window decals should be used in bottom floor windows, in areas that are likely to be seen by criminals scanning the ground. If your home has windows or glass beside the front door, this is a perfect place for these decals. In addition, do not neglect that back portion of your home. Placing a security system decal by the rear and side doors will increase your protection.

There are a few caveats to using security yard signs and window decals, though. The first, as mentioned previously, is to place them in highly visible areas. The second is that these need to be changed on a regular basis. As soon as they become noticeably faded or illegible, they should be replaced with new ones. Faded or illegible signs and stickers indicate to criminals that you do not hold your security in the highest of regards and can increase your chances of a break in.

Security lights are an important feature when considering home security solutions. It is important for us to provide all the possible solutions to ensure the safety of our family and protect our precious heirlooms and valuables.

Solutions for security lighting typically include motion sensors. These lights can be floodlights installed at the corner of your home or additional lighting installed on your property. Security lights often give the illusion that people are home even when they are away.

One of the biggest benefits to the installation of security lights is that they are an intrusion deterrent. Potential burglars will often avoid a home where they can be seen as security lights are turned on. These intruders will not know unless they penetrate the home whether there are people on the other side of the window or door. It is easier for an intruder to move on to another home than to take their chances by breaking in.

A variety of motion sensors can be used to trigger security lights. The most popular and most reliable sensors are PIR (passive infrared) sensors. These sensors detect various degrees of radiated heat that pass in front of the sensor. They can be set to detect objects up to 35 feet away which is an incredible range of motion detection.

When selecting security lighting consider looking for motion sensors that are solar powered. These lights can provide up to 8 hours of illumination and eliminate the need for an AC power source or battery. If your home is multiple levels solar powered lights are the best solution to prevent the need to climb a ladder each month to test the security lights.

Home security lights are great solutions for lighting driveways, garages, walkways and sheds. These lights can come equipped with LED or halogen lights. Consider LED lighting which uses lower power, produces a brighter light and lasts longer. LED lighting can cost a little bit more but the benefits outweigh the increased cost.

When selecting lighting for your home security, look for lights that have built-in surge protection. These lights are often lightning proof which is a great feature to protect your home from the elements. Another important security feature is the ability to change settings on your lights. These settings include the time the lights will display, motion sensitivity and daylight sensitivity (LUX) adjustments. An adjustable time duration will allow you to set customize your security solution to fit your needs.

Although security lights are a great visible deterrent there is no substitute for a full home security system. Security systems with monitoring capabilities can protect your home and family from a variety of intruders including invisible invaders such as carbon monoxide. Security lights should always be considered an added component to protect the ones you love and not the final security solution.

For many homeowners, the decision to buy (or not to buy) a home security system does not hinge on price or convenience; it hinges on their pets. More specifically, it hinges on their belief that their pet will have to be put outdoors for their alarm system to operate correctly. People’s pets are family, and no one wants to put them outside when the alarm is set. Thankfully, now you don’t have to.

Some alarm system companies are now taking into account people’s devotion to their pets. This is being incorporated into a form of motion detector that can tell the difference between an intruder and a pet. With a system of this sort, you can achieve the degree of security needed for your home, without worrying that Spot or Fluffy will set off the alarm inadvertently. ADT security systems include this type of motion detector in all of their installations; you never have to pay extra for this feature.

Pet sensitive motion detectors can determine the difference between a pet and an intruder. With their new technology, these devices can judge size and weight, which means that even if an intruder were to crouch low, the system would still detect their presence, while allowing your pet to roam free in the home. You can protect your home and your pet at the same time using this type of system.

There are two main benefits to this technology. The first is that homeowners no longer have to put their pet outdoors or in a closed room when the alarm system is armed. The second is that consumers no longer have to worry about false alarms due to pet activity. That means that you can secure your home the way it should be, without disrupting your family.

As convenient as they are, these motion sensors do have some limitations. Surprisingly, they are very few. For instance, most pet sensitive motion sensors will only recognize pets below 2 ½ feet tall and under 80 lbs. This is actually done to enhance your safety. If the specifications allowed for greater height and weight, it would be entirely possible for an intruder to bypass the alarm system. However, since most pet owners do not own pets this large, the alarm system can still function properly, protecting your family, your home and your possessions in full.

One other drawback is that of multiple pets. While the system can distinguish between a pet and an intruder, multiple pets may confuse the motion sensors. To determine if this will be the case, test the system when the installer is performing their job. This way, if the sensitivity, location or height of the sensor needs to be adjusted to accommodate your pets, it can be done during installation. Speaking with a dedicated security system installer will also allow you to choose the alarm system that will best suit your needs.

It has become an industry standard that home security systems make use of motion detectors throughout the home. These can even be purchased as standalone items by consumers and installed in floodlights outside of the home to increase security. Motion detectors provide an important aspect to home security solutions, but they are far from the only one that should be incorporated into a comprehensive security solution. What else is available, you ask?

While motion detectors provide coverage throughout the room, they often ignore the area in immediate threat of a home invasion. By allowing burglars to enter the home, motion detectors have an inherent flaw. Magnetic contacts, on the other hand, will alert you when a window or door is opened when your security system is armed. In many cases, the system will even emit a “beep” when a door or window is opened while the system is disarmed. Using magnetic sensors is a vital part of ensuring that your home is safe and secure.

How do magnetic contacts operate? They work on a very simple principle. These contacts come in two parts, a base and the contact point. Whether you have recessed contacts or larger, exterior mounted contacts, they still operate on the same basic principle. A magnetic field is generated when these contacts are closed (when they are in proximity together). If this field is broken, the alarm system triggers an alarm event. It’s very simple; additionally, these contacts operate digitally and without wires, running on battery power. That means that they can be hidden away out of view, giving your home a cleaner look.

Installing a security system without the benefit of magnetic contacts is a poor solution to your security needs. In fact, this is one of the largest drawbacks to a self installed system (other than the lack of monitoring). Usually, a self installed, wireless security system relies on motion sensors to protect your home. While these sensors are an integral part of a comprehensive security solution, they are by no means the only option that should be installed. Magnetic contacts offer homeowners increase security and peace of mind, whether they are at home or away.

Quite a few security companies offer magnetic contacts as part of their security solutions. ADT, however, includes them in their packages at no additional cost. Other companies may charge extra for these lifesaving devices, but ADT feels that they form a vital part of a good security plan for any home. Professional installation ensures that all aspects of the system are installed properly, including the magnetic sensors.

If you are concerned about your home security, make sure that you purchase a system that includes magnetic door and window sensors. These should be installed on all entry doors, as well as any windows on ground level. This is the only way that you can attain the security that you need for your home and your family.

How many homeowners have gotten into their car and pulled out of their driveway, only to pull back in again because they forgot to set their alarm? How many simply leave without setting their alarm because they are running late for work or a meeting when this happens? Have you ever wished that you could arm or disarm your home security system without having to open your home up and arm your security system through the keypad? There is just such a method on the market today.

Wireless digital technology has given birth to one of the best ways of ensuring that your home is secure, while simultaneously reducing your inconvenience and the number of false alarms. You can find an alarm system today that can be armed and disarmed without ever leaving your vehicle. This is accomplished through a keychain remote. Picture the typical car alarm remote; you can lock your car, unlock it and even open the trunk. Why should your home security be any less convenient? A keychain alarm lets you do just that.

A keychain remote control for your alarm system works just like the one for your vehicle. As long as you have locked your home’s doors, you can simply arm the system with the press of a button. That means no more getting out of the vehicle in the wind, rain or freezing cold, just to go back inside your home to arm your system. This also means that you can disarm your alarm directly from your vehicle when you return home. No more running from the door to the keypad to put in your security code before the alarm goes off. The convenience factor is enormous.

Convenience is not the only benefit offered by a keychain remote. While it is undeniably convenient, it actually lets homeowners take better advantage of their security system. Many homeowners will simply leave if they have forgotten to arm their system on leaving the house. Whether they are running late or just don’t feel like going back inside, this constitutes a serious security threat. Most break-ins occur when there is no one home. That makes it crucial that your alarm system is armed and operating when you are not around. Using an ingenious keychain remote will allow you to set your alarm without leaving your vehicle, thus ensuring that your home is protected while you are away.

Your home security is of paramount importance, whether you are home or away. Simply put, a keychain remote allows you to ensure that your security is active, even if you forget to arm your system on your way out. In addition, by disarming your home security system with this device on returning home, you do not have to worry about false alarms. This is better for you and the monitoring company. ADT is the only company to offer this benefit included in their package. With other companies, you will have to pay a considerable amount of money in addition to the full purchase price.

Your home security is vitally important to you and your family. Ensuring that you have the best home security system possible is the only way to get that security. However, not all security systems are the same. Knowing the differences in alarm systems can help you make the right choice for your needs. Choices in motion detectors and monitoring companies are important to consider, but one area is often overlooked by consumers, especially if this is their first alarm system.

Your alarm system is powered through your home’s electrical wiring. Even with wireless motion detectors, a monitored security system must have a powered control panel to operate correctly. What happens if the power is cut by an enterprising thief? What happens if there is a power outage? In most cases, it means that your home is no longer protected. That simple loss of electricity has defeated your formidable alarm system.

That does not have to be the case, though. A backup battery can be used to extend your protection, even when the power is out. How does this work, you ask?

Backup Battery Solutions:

A backup battery operates simply by supplying your control panel with the required amount of electricity. Your motion sensors and magnetic contacts operate are wireless and operate on battery power, so there is not fear about them not working when your power is out. A backup battery provides power to your control panel, thereby increasing your level of security at all times. Whether your power is cut by a burglar or is simply out due to a local power outage, this method will allow your home security system to continue protecting your home.

How Long Do They Last?

A backup battery for an alarm system can last anywhere from 12-20 hours. The actual length of time will be determined by the level of usage the unit sees as well as the backup battery selected by the consumer. The less expensive the battery, the shorter the battery’s lifespan will be. However, even 12 hours is a long time, as most power outages only last for around 3 hours.

A backup battery is an essential item for any home alarm system. Whether you live in an area where power outages are common, or you simply want to stymie potential burglars who attempt to cut the power, this is an important aspect to consider when choosing an alarm system. ADT offers the longest battery life currently on the market and offers several different options, as well.

This is vital for many aspects in the home, from maintaining your security level to even health care aspects. The panic button included with this type of alarm system offers vital help and protection for anyone in a medical emergency, as well as a home invasion. With a battery backup, you get the peace of mind that complete coverage offers. With a backup power source, your medical emergency can be reported even if the power is out when it occurs.