Best Places to Raise A Family throughout Arizona

best-places-to-raise-a-family-in-arizona

So — you’ve decided that you want to live in the Phoenix, AZ area, but you’re not exactly enamored with the idea of residing within the city limits. Whether it’s due to concerns about crime, congestion, noise or pollution, the big city lifestyle might not be a good fit fo
r you.

But if you’re looking for the best place to raise a family around Phoenix, the good news is that there are plenty of viable opportunities in the surrounding suburbs. In this post, we’ll focus on some of the best places to raise a family in Maricopa County.

Gilbert, AZ

 Where is the safest place to raise a family in Maricopa County? The city of Gilbert is known for its low crime rate (0.96 violent crimes and 15.8 property crimes per 1,000 citizens), despite a relatively large population base of approximately 214,000 residents.

If you have or are planning to start a family, you’ll also be pleased to know that Gilbert places a strong emphasis on education, as evidenced by the school system’s impressive 92 percent graduation rate.

Paradise Valley, AZ

 The aptly named Paradise Valley is routinely listed as one of the best places to raise a family in Arizona. A small, affluent town of approximately 13,700 residents, Paradise Valley is known for its quiet, picturesque neighborhoods filled with beautiful Southwest-style single-family homes. The surrounding area includes features such as the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and Echo Canyon Park, which offer ample opportunities for recreation and family fun.

Carefree, AZ

 Another place that those who prefer small-town living are sure to find appealing is the community of Carefree. Located about 35 miles from Phoenix, Carefree was developed as a master-planned community in the 1950s and is currently home to approximately 3,500 residents. Key reasons that make Carefree one of the best places to raise a family are its low crime rate (7.39 crime per 1,000 residents), 97 percent high school graduation rate and abundance of family-oriented and cultural events.

Cave Creek, AZ

If you want more of a rural lifestyle for you and your family, the tiny town of Cave Creek (estimated population: 1,332) can meet your requirements. Despite its bucolic setting, Cave Creek has much to offer to people of all ages. The town offers easy access to a number of western-style amenities. You can also select from an assortment of attractive Southwest-style homes, many of which offer spectacular view of the surrounding mountains.

Queen Creek, AZ

 Queen Creek appeals to budget-conscious families by offering one of the lowest median home prices in Maricopa County and a relatively low cost of living. This town of approximately 32,000 also offers a number of family-friendly activities, including festivals at Schnepf Farms and sporting and athletic events at the Barney Family Sports Complex.

Let Titan Alarm, Inc. Manage Your Home Security Needs

While you’re deciding where to raise a family around Phoenix, you’ll also want to consider your home security needs. Titan Alarm, Inc. offers a vast array of technologically advanced, cost-effective residential security solutions to homeowners throughout Maricopa County. Before you move into your new home, be sure to contact us to schedule a no-obligation home security consultation.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Reasons to Consider a Surveillance System for Your New Home

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There’s no doubt installing a state-of-the-art home alarm system is one of the best ways to protect your family and your valuables against the wide range of security threats that exist in today’s world. In the event of a fire, an effective alarm system will also provide the timely alerts to you and first responders that can literally mean the difference between life and death.

However, with so many security systems on the market, homeowners face this most difficult dilemma: What home security system should I buy? If you are building or moving into a new home in the Phoenix area, a Titan home alarm system is likely to be your best option.

Why Should I Get a Titan Alarm System?

 There are a number of excellent reasons why choosing a Titan home alarm system can provide the best solution for your home security needs:

  • Wide range of cutting-edge security options: At Titan Alarm, we offer an extensive selection of the most innovative home security system products on the market, including burglar alarms, fire, CO2 and smoke detection devices, motion and intrusion sensors, video surveillance equipment, visual verification image sensors and more.
  • Get the convenience of home automation: Many of our home security solutions include home automation where you can control and monitor your various system features remotely with your mobile device — you’ll know exactly what is going on in and around your home even if you are many miles away.
  • Centralized monitoring on a 24/7 basis: Your security solutions provider should be able to offer centralized around-the-clock monitoring and alarm verification to ensure a rapid response in the event of an emergency, as well as to minimize the occurrence of false alarms. Titan Alarm home security systems feature advanced technology to make sure you always have the help you need, precisely when you need it.
  • Comprehensive system integration capabilities: The modern home security system is a series of separate features, and it requires seamless integration to ensure maximum performance. Titan Alarm has the expertise to design and install a fully integrated, easy-to-operate system that will fulfill your total home security requirements.
  • A reputable company you can trust: Not all home security solutions providers are the same. It’s critical to choose a company that understands the unique security needs of Phoenix-area homeowners — and that also has a solid reputation for quality and dependability. Titan Alarm is a locally owned and operated security company with a proven track record of providing the best security products at affordable prices, along with prompt, attentive customer support.

Contact Titan Alarm to Learn More About What Makes Us Your Best Home Security Option

The best way to learn more about the many benefits of installing a Titan home alarm system in your Phoenix-area home is to contact us to schedule a no-obligation security consultation today. We’ll provide the right answer to that vexing question: What home alarm system should I get?

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Ultimate Checklist for Moving Your Business’ Office

moving-checklist-for-business

Relocating your business can be an exciting time, but moving into a new facility can also pose quite a challenge. You need to be sure everything is in order so you can continue to provide excellent service to your customers both during and after the move. Use the following business moving checklist to help make the process a bit easier and less stressful for you, your staff and your customers.

What to Consider When Moving a Business

Keep in mind the following to help you determine what do do when moving a business:

  • Don’t wait until the last minute: A successful move requires careful long-term planning. Begin the planning phase approximately nine months out if possible.
  • Establish a preliminary relocation budget: Determine the amount of money you will need to fund your move and create a budget that meets your relocation requirements.
  • Conduct a comprehensive site survey and facility review: This should include a careful evaluation of key aspects such as your space, technology, communications, furniture and equipment requirements. Narrow your options to two or three suitable facilities at most.
  • Select your new facility: Finalize your site selection and begin the process of negotiating a lease with your landlord and planning any necessary site or facility improvements.
  • Plan your office layout: You should begin to evaluate this item on the checklist for moving an office premises about five months prior to your move. This includes areas such as designating office space and ordering new office furniture and equipment. This is also a good time to provide realtor information to your staff so they can begin their personal relocation preparations.
  • Implementing your move plan: When you get to the one-month mark, you should begin to put your moving plan into action. This includes taking steps such as installing your new phone system, tagging furniture and equipment and developing a new office extension directory and wall map (so your employees can find their way around when they move in). This is also a good time to do a final walk-through of your new facility to make sure everything is in order.
  • Days prior to the move: Within a few days before the move you should back up your office computers and begin to have your staff pack up their desks and workspaces. If you have a security system that requires keycard access, now is the time to pick them up and distribute new ones to your staff (assuming your new security system also features an electronic access control system).

At this point, all the hard work and preparation should be complete, helping to make moving day as stress free as possible.

Contact Titan Alarm for Your Business Security Needs

If you are relocating to the Phoenix area and you’re not sure what to do when moving a business in terms of security, be sure to contact the Phoenix commercial security experts at Titan Alarm. We can design and install the most appropriate security system for your needs and budget.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

East Coast to West Coast Moving Guide

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What You Should Know About Moving West

Have you dreamed of making the move from the cramped, congested East Coast to the wide-open spaces of the West? Westward expansion has been part of American heritage dating back to the 19th century, when people pulled up stakes and piled into covered wagons in search of a better life for themselves and their families.

While the invention of the automobile allows for a faster, more comfortable journey, making the transition from east to west may not be as easy as you might think. Many who relocate west experience a bit of culture shock that requires some adjustment. What follows are some tips for moving from East Coast to West Coast that will give you some insight regarding what you can expect.

Weather

If you live in the Northeast, a big attraction to moving west is that you can escape the harsh, cold winters, especially if you are thinking of settling in Arizona. However, you should be prepared to deal with the heat – the average temperature in the Phoenix area during the summer months is in excess of 100 F. The good news is that you won’t have to worry about shoveling snow or driving during treacherous icy road conditions.

Job Market

Unless you are considering East Coast to West Coast moving to find a more hospitable place to retire, you will likely need to seek gainful employment. There is something about the spirit of the West that fosters a climate for innovation. While most are familiar with the proliferation of forward-thinking technology companies located in California’s Silicon Valley region, the Phoenix area is also known for its wide variety of job opportunities in a number of industries. In fact, Forbes magazine has projected Arizona to lead the nation in job growth in the years to come.

Cost of Living

Landing a high-paying job doesn’t have quite the same impact in areas where the cost of living is high. Although it varies from city to city, the cost of living on the West Coast is generally lower than in the East. Depending on where you choose to live, you may discover you have a little extra buying power to acquire those luxury items you’ve always wanted.

Recreational Opportunities

The more moderate year-round climate on the West Coast will definitely appeal to those who enjoy spending time outdoors. You will have plenty of opportunities to engage in extreme sports such as paragliding, rock climbing and base jumping, and the abundance of national parks that litter the western landscape allow for hiking, biking, camping or simply exploring.

What About Moving Expenses?

Any long-distance move can be expensive. While doing it yourself may be the cheapest way to move East Coast to West Coast and can save you a ton of money as opposed to hiring a full-service moving company, you will have to deal with the hassle and stress of transporting everything you own across the country. A convenient, cost-effective alternative to consider is hiring a self-service moving company. With this option, the company delivers a trailer to your door, gives you several days to load, then drives the trailer to your new destination.

What about a Security System for Your New Home?

Installing a home security system is your best defense against the threat of burglary, theft, fire and vandalism. Titan Alarm Inc. is widely regarded as the best security system provider in Phoenix Arizona, and features revolutionary home automation systems with advanced smart technology for simplified remote monitoring, video surveillance, energy management, access control and more.

Contact Titan Alarm for more useful tips concerning moving to out west – including the selection of the right security system for your home.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

How to Prevent Business Break-Ins

prevent-business-break-ins

If you operate a retail store or any other type of business that sells goods, keeps cash on hand or stores sensitive information, you are at a high risk of a break-in or vandalism. Even if you are covered by insurance, it might not compensate you for the totality of your loss. If a thief gains access to confidential customer information, it could lead to a loss of trust in your business that you may never be able to earn back.

Consequently, preventing breaking and entering should be a top priority for virtually every business owner these days. What follows are a few helpful tips regarding how to prevent break-ins at your business and protect everything you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Provide Adequate Lighting for the Interior and Exterior

Burglars are attracted to dark areas where the risk of detection is minimal. One of the most vital security steps any business owner can take is to keep the interior and exterior of the property lit during nighttime hours. Thieves will think twice about entering a property where they are easily visible to passersby. A well-lit storefront or parking lot that is ablaze in floodlights will also serve as an effective deterrent to vandalism and other criminal activity.

Store Valuables in a Safe

A safe offers an extra layer of defense in the event a burglar is able to defeat your other security measures. Use it to store cash, important documents and smaller, more valuable items. Choose a safe that weighs at least a ton and be sure to bolt it to a solid building structure. Place your safe in a location that is not visible from the street and provide adequate lighting for it during nighttime hours.

Invest in an Electronic Access Control System

While there are a number of locks that are difficult to defeat, such as pin-tumbler cylinder and deadbolts, they may not prevent a skilled, enterprising burglar from breaking in. A more reliable alternative is an electronic access control system that requires the use of a code to gain entry. A keyless access control system also eliminates the need to provide keys to employees that could easily be duplicated or fall into the wrong hands.

Install a Security System

A professionally installed security system equipped with cameras and motion detectors can help you and law enforcement catch burglars in the act. Visible security cameras are also an effective deterrent for preventing break-ins. Be sure to include a high-quality video surveillance system that enables you to record what is going on in key areas in and around your facility at all times.

Titan Alarm Inc. Can Meet Your Security Requirements in the Phoenix Area

If your business is located in the Phoenix area, the experts at Titan Alarm can provide the best commercial security system for your needs and budget. Contact us to learn more about how to prevent a business burglary at your facility and to schedule a no-obligation on-site security consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Questions To Ask When You Buy A Home

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10 Safety Questions to Ask Buying a New Home

Most prospective home buyers spend a great deal of time making sure a property has the number of rooms and other amenities and features they need to live as comfortably as possible. However, many neglect to give serious consideration to one critical factor: safety. It is imperative that the home and surrounding area can offer the secure lifestyle you and your family deserve. What follows are a few important safety questions to ask before moving into a house:

  1. What is the crime rate in the neighborhood?

Just because a neighborhood appears to be quiet and peaceful, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is free of crime. Ask your realtor if they are able to supply recent crime statistics for the neighborhood. You can also gain information by visiting websites such as crimereports.com.

  1. How recently have the door locks been changed?

Keys can easily fall into the wrong hands, and you can never be certain that the previous owners still do not have duplicate keys in their possession. A key safety question to ask a realtor is how long it has been since the locks were changed. The most prudent course of action is to have new locks installed prior to moving in.

  1. What are the neighbors like?

There’s a good chance the realtor has had some contact with the neighbors, so be sure to ask questions regarding what they do for a living, whether they seem to be sociable, etc.

  1. Are the appliances in good working order?

Another of the vital safety questions to ask before buying a house concerns the condition of the household appliances. You can learn a lot on your own just by testing the burners on the stove, running the water taps and exploring the inside of the refrigerator.

  1. Are window coverings included?

Ask your realtor whether the curtains, blinds or drapes are staying with the home. If the previous owner plans to take them, you will need to replace them to prevent passersby from seeing inside.

  1. When was the last mold test?

Mold is a common problem in many homes these days. Another important question to ask before moving into a house is whether a mold test has been conducted within the past five to 10 years.

  1. How many fire extinguishers are on the premises?

Every home should have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen as well as other higher fire-risk areas such as basements and attics.

  1. Are the smoke detectors working properly?

Smoke detectors can be lifesavers in the event of a fire. It’s a good idea to test them yourself to ensure they’re working properly, as well as to change the batteries prior to moving in.

  1. Does the home have a video surveillance system?

Yet another important question to ask before moving into a new home is whether it has any type of video surveillance system already installed.

  1. What, if any, additional security devices are included?

Ask your realtor about the existence of additional security devices such as motion sensors and access control products.

Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. to learn more about the safety questions to ask a realtor, particularly those pertaining to home security systems.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Surveillance Necessities for Your Business

surveillance-for-your-business

Many business owners are forced to walk a fine line between maintaining a high level of security for their facility and respecting the privacy of their customers and employees. However, companies that do nothing to protect themselves against internal and external theft, vandalism and other very real security threats could place the financial health of their operation and the personal safety of staff members and visitors at risk. These days, effective business surveillance is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.

What Surveillance System Should I Buy?

The backbone of any reliable business surveillance system is a set of high-quality video cameras. Depending on the type and layout of the establishment, you will need both internal and external cameras placed at strategic locations around your facility. Early versions of camera-based video systems relied on closed circuit television (CCTV). What is a CCTV surveillance system? This type of surveillance system made use of video tapes to record what was happening in a given area. The problem with CCTV technology is that it did not transmit live video feeds — thus, the viewer could only determine if a theft or other event occurred after the fact.

Since the 1990s, surveillance camera technology has continued to evolve at a rapid pace. The latest innovation is the IP camera, which is a digital camera capable of providing clear HD-quality images in real time to a Web-enabled computer or even a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. An IP camera also records whatever comes into its viewing range. A wide range of software packages are available with these systems that make them easy to use and enable complete customization.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Business Surveillance System

When looking to buy video cameras for your business, an important question to ask is what are the surveillance systems’ strengths and weaknesses? For instance, if you need the camera to provide a clear view of a larger area like the sales floor of a grocery store, it should offer scanning capabilities. Image quality is also important. You’ll likely need a camera with a higher resolution if you are monitoring an area with harsh lighting conditions. And if you need to monitor an area where the lighting is poor, you should choose video cameras equipped with infrared LEDs.

What Are the Benefits of Business Surveillance?

While installing a surveillance system will require an additional expenditure as well as some careful planning, it can provide a number of critical long-term benefits including:

  • Increased employee productivity
  • Reduced occurrences of theft and shrink
  • Safer environment for workers and customers
  • Increased profitability

Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. to Learn More About Your Video Surveillance Options

If you operate a business in the Phoenix, AZ area, Titan Alarm can help you design and install a technologically advanced IP camera system that will provide reliable around-the-clock protection for your facility. We’re a full-service security company that can offer the best solution for companies in industries such as retail, healthcare, manufacturing, restaurants and many others. Contact us to explore your business surveillance options today!

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Your Master Checklist for What to Remember When You Move

moving-checklist

Congratulations! You’ve decided to make the move to Maricopa County, Arizona, one of the most beautiful and fastest-growing regions in the United States. Maricopa County cities such as Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and Surprise have so much to offer in terms of career, lifestyle, recreation and more.

However, moving to any brand-new city poses a number of challenges – there are so many details that are easy to overlook. In this post, we have provided a master checklist for what you need to do when you move to make the entire process go as smoothly and seamlessly as possible.

Six Weeks Prior to Moving Day

Advance planning is the key to a successful, stress-free move. You should begin process at a minimum of six weeks prior to moving day by taking the following steps:

  • Unless you are planning a do-it-yourself move, contact several moving companies for estimates
  • Starting packing items you want to take with you but aren’t planning to use over the next six weeks
  • Plan a garage sale for items you won’t be taking with you
  • Contact insurance agents about changing your home and auto coverage
  • Make a list of individuals/companies you need to notify regarding your change of address

Four Weeks Prior to Moving Day

  • Contact the mover you’ve selected to obtain an itemized list of moving expenses
  • Schedule a packing day with your mover
  • Contact your current and new utility companies to make arrangements for connecting/disconnecting service
  • Make arrangements to move your pets and plants if applicable
  • Contact a security alarm system provider in your new city to discuss your home security needs

Three Weeks Prior to Moving Day

  • Gather all essential financial documents, deeds, insurance policies, etc.
  • Make travel arrangements for you and your family
  • Close out your bank accounts and open new ones in Maricopa County

Two Weeks Prior to Moving Day

  • Have vehicles serviced in preparation for the trip to your new home
  • Contact all current home delivery companies about terminating delivery
  • Schedule the disconnection of any appliances

One Week Prior to Moving Day

  • Transfer/withdraw bank funds
  • Set aside any cartons containing clothing and other items you will need during the move
  • Make sure all medical prescriptions are refilled
  • Make arrangements for child/pet care during the move
  • Prepare a package of items you will need immediately upon arrival at your new home

Moving Day

  • Walk through your old home prior to leaving to make sure nothing has been missed
  • Record all utility meter readings
  • Make sure the moving van driver has directions to your new home, as well as your cellphone number
  • Review and sign the bill of lading
  • Lock all doors and windows and drop off the house keys at the prearranged location – real estate agent’s office, neighbor, etc.

Who Should I Contact if I Need a Security System Installed for My New Home?

Titan Alarm Inc. can help you with your home security needs in Maricopa County. Give us a call about four to six weeks prior to your move to discuss your home security system options!

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

20 Ways to Fireproof a New Home

fireproof-your-home

How to fireproof my house — that’s a common consideration for builders of new homes in the Phoenix area. The following tips can prove invaluable for learning how to fireproof your house and prevent a disaster from occurring:

  1. Instead of installing carpeting made of wool or synthetic materials, consider carpeting made from fire-resistant materials that can prevent a fire from spreading as quickly.
  1. When installing your appliances or other electronic devices, take care to avoid overloading the electrical wiring, as this can lead to short circuiting and subsequent fires.
  1. One of the best ways to fireproof a room used for storage such as a basement or attic is to avoid filling it with flammable “junk” such as newspapers, old clothes and boxes after you move in.
  1. Another question that homeowners sometime ask is “How do I fireproof my doors?” While many newer homes feature doors made from metal or other fire-resistant materials, you can also coat doors with fire-resistant paint.
  1. If you are buying brand-new furniture for your home, ask the store to coat it with fireproof chemicals. If you are bringing existing furniture, purchase and apply a fireproof spray.
  1. Don’t forget to fireproof your outdoor furniture as well, especially patio furniture in close proximity to barbecue grills or fire pits.
  1. Place fire extinguishers in as many rooms as possible, particularly “high-risk” rooms such as the kitchen, attic and basement.
  1. If you are installing a tile roof, choose interlocking materials free of cracks or openings that can allow burning embers to enter your home.
  1. Instead of building your home with wood, consider less combustible materials such as face brick, adobe, metal siding or concrete block.
  1. Avoid installing windows with single glazing. Double glazing with tempered glass offers a much more effective defense against fire.
  1. Ensure all bathroom, clothes dryer and kitchen vents include fire-rated assemblies and automatic backdraft dampers.
  1. Once you’ve moved into your new home, be sure to properly maintain your furnace. The simple act of replacing a clogged filter can significantly reduce your fire risk.
  1. A surprising number of fires are caused by accumulated lint in clothes dryers, so be sure to clean the lint trap after each load.
  1. Keep all indoor and outdoor candles within plain sight while burning. It is also a good idea to extinguish interior candles when leaving a room.
  1. Keep all recycling bins outside, especially during the hot summer months.
  1. Turn off any unused appliances prior to leaving your home, even for a short period of time.
  1. When setting up a barbecue grill, choose a flat spot located as far away as possible from trees and foliage.
  1. Never leave food cooking on the stove or in the oven unattended for any length of time.
  1. If you have children, be sure matches and cigarette lighters are kept out of reach.
  1. Last, but certainly not least, install an effective, reliable smoke detection and monitoring system.

If your home is located in the Phoenix, AZ area, contact the experts at Titan Alarm to learn more about your fire system options.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.