WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM

WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM

What can a home security system do for me?  I have a dog who barks loudly when someone comes to the door, or there is a loud noise outside.  I have motion lights that come on at night when someone comes near the garage or the front door.  I have a strong dead bolt lock on all of my outside doors, and I always keep my windows locked when they are not open.  I don't know what  else a home security system can do that I haven't already taken care of myself.

WELL, LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT TODAY'S HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS and all the advantages that they can offer you!

1.  First lets mention the obvious - today's home security systems will not only alert you when someone tries to force entry into your home, BUT almost always, that loud alarm will scare away any unwanted intruder before they can do any damage or harm.  ALSO, today's systems are monitored and will alert the proper authorities within seconds, getting the help you need to your home in record time.

2.  NOT JUST A BURGLAR ALARM - Today's modern systems can be set up to monitor for many additional hazards, including smoke/fire and carbon monoxide.  This is done through sensors placed in your home and will alert you even if you are sleeping or away, while also alerting emergency personnel for quick response.

lock/unlock doors with smart phone

3.  Today's home security systems can be fitted with sensors to detect such things as; flooding (in the case of a broken pipe or natural disaster), extreme low temperatures (keeping pipes from freezing), or medical alert (call paramedics with the touch of a button and not have to search for your phone or a number).

4.  Many other features may be available depending on the particular type and model you have installed, including communication modules that allow you to control certain features through your smart phone while you're away from home such as; lock/unlock doors, control your thermostat, and even view cameras that are included with your system so you can keep an eye on things.  Many systems will even notify your cell phone via text of certain alerts from your system so you know what's going on no matter where you are.

Honeywell Lynx Touch alarm system

5.  Last of all, having a security system installed in your home can save you up to 20% off your homeowner's insurance (varies widely by insurance companies - please check with your carrier), AND it will increase the value and marketability of your home making it easier to sell when the time comes.

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE!  When you can protect your family without spending a lot of cash up front, there is really no reason why your loved ones and home shouldn't be protected.

*Right now Security Solutions is offering  a 
FREE home alarm system with only a $69
 activation fee and 36 month monitoring contract! 
 Call us today - 816-632-SAFE!

QUICK AND AFFORDABLE CURB APPEAL - AND PROTECTION FOR YOUR HOME

Spring is a busy time of year as you dust off the cobwebs, set up the patio furniture, and start weeding the flower beds.  Then you look around at your home you may find that things need a little “brightening up” and perhaps even a little “fixing up” before you start inviting friends over for that get together!  In this economy you might think your budget would cramp your style but that doesn't have to be the case.  There are lots of ways to brighten your home’s curb appeal on a budget, and even add to the protection of your family and your guests!

shrubs no higher than window sill

First let’s start with the basic trim!  Yes, folks, simply trimming your bushes and trees can go a long way towards deterring thieves from coming onto your property - and at the same time, give your home a fresh, cleaned up look!  Those bushes in front of your windows need to be trimmed below the window sills and the under-growth trimmed away.  By doing this you are taking away a potential hiding place for would be intruders, and showing off the beauty of your home.  While you’re at it, illuminate those hiding places with a few well-placed landscaping spot lights.  Focus your spot lights up at windows and even trees to give your landscaping a modern, updated look.

pathway lights keep you from stumbling in the dark

And don’t worry about spending a lot of cash or hiring an electrician to do the wiring.  You can cut out those costs by using solar lights.  They are very affordable, efficient, and easy to install; and now come in a wide variety of styles and colors to fit any design.  You could light up a pathway for looks and for safety for under $20.  Spotlights can be staked in the yard or mounted to a flat surface, and can be purchased for around $10 up.  Even a powerful motion sensor light placed near a back entry or on the garage to light the driveway can be as affordable as $50.

motion sensor lights shine on those who don't want to be seen

Solar lighting has come a long way, and while it may not be quite as bright and reliable as traditional wired lighting, it certainly is a fast, affordable, and energy efficient way to give your home that fresh, bright curb appeal you are looking for, while adding to your home’s line of protection for your family and your property!

Stay Safe and Enjoy the Warmer Weather

Take these precautions before you leave the house:

Well, spring has finally sprung and everyone is anxious to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather.  But, before you run out the door, don’t forget to take a few simple precautions for your own personal safety and that of your family!

First and foremost –

SAFETY TIPS - WINTER FIRES

This blog entry is courtesy of Answers.USA.gov. You always hear of house fires with sometimes tragic endings, and the majority of the time they are caused by a space heater or fire place.  So, taking the time to follow some extra precautions may save the life of you, a family member, or even a friend!

More fires occur during the winter months than at any other time. Fortunately, taking simple precautions can prevent most fires. Follow the safety tips below to help ensure your safety:

HAPPY NEW YEAR IN 2013!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR IN 2013!!

The best way to a "Prosperous and Happy New Year" is to give our burdens to God and continue to pray each and every day for His guidance!  Only when we have complete faith in Him, will we see a happier and brighter future!  Our New Year's resolution is to always put God first and foremost no matter how busy and how hectic our lives become!  Happy New Year to all of you this 2013!!

TISSUES FOR YOUR TEARS – WITH LOVE

There really are no words to say to those who have been forever changed by the tragedy in Newtown, CT.  I know, because I’ve been through this before.  I’ve been standing at the kitchen sink cleaning up from lunch, when the local news flashes a bulletin across the screen saying a shooting has just been reported at your child’s school!  From that moment on, you hear almost nothing except for the ramblings of your own mind.  Fear takes over every shred of common sense that once controlled your thoughts.  Visions enter your head that you think are the most horrifying you will ever see...until you see the reality!

And the reality is that nothing will ever prepare you for what you are now experiencing.  No amount of planning or training, as a parent or as a professional, can truly ever prepare you for this.  The one most important thing to remember is that you are not alone!  There are others with the same helpless feelings – questioning why?  Wondering how such a loving God could let something so cold and heartless happen to such innocent children and the ones guarding over them.

I want to share with you a poem, written by Emily Dickenson called “I Shall Know Why”. Ironically, this very poem was being taught to a class of Westside Middle School students on the morning of March 24, 1998 – just hours before their tragic school shooting occurred.

                             "I Shall Know Why"

                              by Emily Dickenson

                I shall know why when time is over,

               And I have ceased to wonder why:

               Christ will explain each separate anguish

               In the fair schoolroom of the sky.

               He will tell me what Peter promised

               And I, for wonder at his woe,

               I shall forget the drop of anguish,

               That scalds me now, that scalds me now.

As parents and educators, you now have the daunting task of helping to heal the survivors – while yet; you are trying to heal yourself.  Although it may seem impossible, we all know that anything is possible with the help of God.  So don’t hesitate to pray – don’t hesitate to share your feelings with one another.  Let the children express how they are feeling, and write their feelings down in stories and poems, or even song.  Let them draw pictures and make cards to send to grieving parents, or to place on the empty desk of their fallen classmates.  There is strength in numbers, and this is certainly a time to utilize the strength of you family, your church, your friends and your community.

As the outpouring of love comes in from the world around you, take it all in.  Let yourselves be comforted by the loving thoughts from all of us, to all of you – and let our prayers be tissues for your tears!

DON'T LET THE GRINCH STEAL YOUR CHRISTMAS!!

CYBER SHOPPING - A THIEF’S CHRISTMAS WISH!

Cyber shopping for the holidays has become very popular.  The ease of shopping from your kitchen table, still in your pajamas with your coffee mug in hand seems to be the perfect answer to a busy parent’s nightmare.  With no leaving the house, no fighting with a crowd, no waiting in the check-out line, nearly $22 million dollars will be spent this holiday season for online shopping – and thieves love it!!

The Grinch that may be stealing your Christmas doesn't even wear a mask to cover his/her face.  In fact, more and more are pulling their cars right into your driveway and casually loading your parcel, just delivered by UPS, FedEx, or USPS into their vehicle in broad daylight.  As seen in the surveillance camera footage here, this Christmas crab looks right into the camera as he loads the box into his car.

Some are even more brazen, as they search through parking lots of busy shopping malls, looking for cars and SUV’s loaded down with gifts.  Just today, WENN.com reported that “Duran Duran star, Simon LeBon is fuming” after thieves bashed in the back window of his vehicle, stealing all of his gifts, while he was parked at Cadogan Place car park in London.

So here are just a few tips to help protect your shopping treasures, and keep your holiday spirits bright!!

• When shopping online, use a delivery service that offers tracking.  Make sure to keep up with your package, and know when it will be delivered.  Have a neighbor pick it the package as soon as it is delivered – or if that isn’t possible, have your delivery man leave your package in an area that is not easily visible from the street.
• When you’re out shopping for gifts, always put your packages in the trunk of your car, or under a locked bed cover of your pickup.  If you drive an SUV, try to place packages under the seats or place them in an under-floor storage compartment.  The idea is to keep them being visible as people walk by your vehicle.
• Another tip for the shopping mall is to keep your wallet close to your body.  Pick pockets call pull a wallet out of your back pocket without you even knowing it, and thieves love to see women carry those big open purses.  Crowded check-out lines make it very easy to reach in and grab your wallet that may carry all your cash and credit cards – even your check book and ID’s.
• Also, once you arrive home and wrap those presents to put under the tree, make sure they are not near a big window with the curtains open.  Thieves scoping your house will watch until that stash of gifts fills up, and then wait for you to go off to that office Christmas party, as they treat themselves to all your holiday treasures!

So keep the Grinch out of your holidays, and have yourself a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy Hanukah!