Call Us Now Pay My Bill

Call Us Now

Titan Alarm Logo

    Month: July 2017

    Drones: The Future of Alarm Systems?

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    Drone technology is rapidly becoming a part of various aspects of our daily lives – including the way in which we secure our homes. Manufacturers such as Alarm.com and Sunflower Labs have unveiled state-of-the-art drone alarm systems that could revolutionize the home security industry and dramatically change the way we protect our properties from intruders and other safety threats.

    How Do Home Security Drones Work?

    A drone alarm system consists of a battery-powered drone, a small device weighing less than two pounds, and a series of sensors placed in strategic locations around your property. When someone approaches your home, the sensors use artificial intelligence to detect vibration, motion and sound. The sensors are so intuitive that they can distinguish between people and animals, as well as the patterns of regular visitors such as your mail carrier or UPS delivery person.

    If the sensors detect unusual activity or someone lingering around your home for too long, they will send a notification to your smartphone. You can then dispatch the drone, which rests in a weatherproof “hive” on a deck, rooftop or other area of your property, to investigate. (Drone alarm systems equipped with sensors that automatically dispatch the drones without human intervention are also available.) The camera-equipped drone will then hover over the visitor at a height of approximately 30 feet and transmit video images to your phone so you can monitor the situation. If you don’t like what you’re seeing, you can immediately notify the local police department.

    Other Valuable Drone Alarm System Features and Benefits

    The drone alarm system’s ability to allow you to investigate the situation before deciding whether to call the police can significantly reduce the number of false alarms. Drones can also protect the entire exterior of the property, as opposed to many traditional alarm system options that are only designed to prevent unauthorized entry to the home. Because drones only fly when an incident occurs, there are few concerns about wearing out the batteries. Depending on the model, you can deploy a drone for up to 15-20 minutes, which is ample time to evaluate the situation and help you determine if you need to take further action.

    Are Indoor Home Security Drones Available?

    While the first incarnations of drone alarm systems can protect the exterior and perimeter of a property, they do not allow homeowners to see what’s happening on the inside. However, Alarm.com is addressing this issue by developing a home security system with drones that can fly indoors as well as outdoors. Before long, you’ll be able to use drones to monitor every inch of your property on a 24/7 basis.

    Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. to Learn More About Drone Alarm System Technology

    At Titan Alarm, we keep abreast of the future of alarm systems to deliver the most advanced home security technologies to homeowners in the Phoenix, AZ area. Contact us to determine whether a drone alarm system will provide the best security solution for your property, or to schedule a free in-home consultation today.

    Learn More About Protecting Your Home from Burglars

    Updated by Titan Alarm on October 31, 2018.

    Features to Look for in a Home Security System

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    Are you in the process of choosing a security system to protect you and your family against, fire, burglary and home invasions? Are you having trouble deciding which features to include with your new system? With so many options on the market these days, selecting the right system can be a daunting challenge. However, every system should include a few basic features to meet the security needs of the 21st-century homeowner.

    What Are the Best Features for a Home Security System?

    The best security system features include:

    • Reliable alarms – High-quality burglar, fire, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are essential for providing the early detection and warning that can mean the difference between life and death. They can also deliver timely alerts to first responders.
    • Video surveillance – Strategically placed security cameras enable you to monitor what’s happening inside and outside your home on a 24/7 basis. Cameras with recording capabilities allow you to explore footage, so you can review property activity at any time. Cameras placed in visible locations can also deter burglars, vandals and home intruders.
    • Motion sensors – Motions sensors can detect movement in vulnerable areas on your property. They can trigger your alarms and cameras to deliver a more robust security solution. Sensors can also activate security lighting, which usually causes intruders to flee.
    • Home automation/smart technology – The availability of today’s “smart” technology can give you greater control over your home security system’s features. You’ll be able to use your smartphone, tablet or laptop to perform functions such as viewing camera feeds, locking and unlocking doors and even operating your heating/cooling system and appliances, no matter where you are.
    • Professional monitoring – Even the best security system features may not fully protect your home without proper monitoring. You should choose a system that comes with around-the clock observation conducted at a central monitoring station. Trained professionals will keep a close watch on camera feeds, alarms and other system notifications and immediately dispatch first responders if necessary.
    • Built-in flexibility – Home security technology continues to evolve. Your home security solution should give you the flexibility to make fast, easy upgrades so that you will continue to have access to the best security system features on the market — without having to bear the hassle and expense of installing a brand-new system.

    The Importance of Choosing the Right Security System Provider

    Your selection of home security company is just as important as the system you choose. A competent provider will help you explore your options and ensure your system includes the right features for you and your family. It will also perform a proper installation and be there to provide timely maintenance and repair service when needed.

    If you live in the Phoenix, AZ area, Titan Alarm, Inc. has the expertise to assess your property and design and install a system that meets your unique home security requirements. Contact us for more information and to schedule a free in-home security consultation today.

    Learn More About Home Security

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    How to Avoid Scams That Target Businesses

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    When we think of scams, many different images may come to mind — senior citizens being swindled out of their retirement savings, predatory loans or pyramid schemes. But did you know that there are numerous scams that target business owners — particularly operators of smaller establishments? Newer small businesses are especially vulnerable, as the owners are often unaware of the various schemes that criminals frequently employ to acquire cash or business capital from unsuspecting victims.

    Examples of business-targeted scams include:

    • Vanity scams: These schemes appeal to business owners’ pride by informing them they will get a prestigious award — as long as they are willing to pay the “small fee” associated with receiving the award. Of course, the award does not exist and the scammer gladly pockets the fee and disappears.
    • Phishing scams: Phishing is an email-based scam where the crook sends an enticing email to get the recipient to enter personal information such as their SSN, bank account number or credit card data. The scammer uses the information to steal the victims’ identity and gain access to their money.
    • Phony business opportunities: Small business owners typically possess a strong entrepreneurial spirt, which can make them as easy target for a bogus business opportunity. A skilled scammer can make an offer that sounds too good to be true — because it is!
    • Billing scams: Enterprise scammers can get hold of a bill that the small business owner owes, then make contact posing as the company’s representative or a bill collector and demand immediate payment. The most brazen billing scammers may even show up in person to collect.
    • Fake business directory listings: Scammers sometimes contact small business owners asking for payment to list the company in their non-existent directory, with the promise that the listing will attract new customers. The scammer ends up with some of the business owner’s money, and possibly some personal information. The business owner receives nothing in return.

    How to Avoid Business-Targeted Scams

    There are several steps you can take to avoid becoming the next victim of a business-targeted scam:

    • Conduct thorough research on any individual, organization or company that is requesting money from your business. A quick online search can be helpful when attempting to identify potential scammers.
    • Never provide details or sensitive information regarding your business to anyone without being able to verify their identity.
    • Maintain tight control over who has access to your company’s financial information, especially employees who are responsible for paying bills or dealing with suppliers.
    • Do not open emails from individuals or organizations you’re not familiar with and avoid clicking on questionable links.
    • When in doubt, hang up the phone or ask suspicious individuals to leave your establishment.

    Contact Titan Alarm to Learn More About Protecting Your Small Business From Scammers

    Titan Alarm, Inc. is a leading provider of business security solutions in the Phoenix, AZ area. Contact us for more helpful advice regarding how to avoid business-targeted scams.

     

    Learn More About Commercial Security

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 2, 2018.

    Making Your Business Secure

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    Security is a top priority for any responsible business owner these days. When you consider that one business burglary occurs approximately every 10 seconds in the U.S., it’s not hard to imagine why preventing break-ins garners so much attention.

    Here are a few steps you can implement right now to protect your business from burglary, vandalism and other common security threats:

    • Take a layered approach to business security: The harder a burglar must work to gain access to your facility and valuables, the better the chance that he or she will give up and move on to the next target. Implementing a series of exterior and interior security measures for businesses provides the most effective protection from burglars.
    • Shore up doors and windows: Burglars will look for vulnerable doors and windows to gain entry to your building. Make sure all exterior doors are constructed from solid wood or metal materials and equip them with heavy-duty deadbolt locks. Cover exterior windows with shatter-resistant glazing and replace simple latches with secure window locks.
    • Install floodlights: Installing bright lighting at entrances, windows and vents will deter most nighttime burglars. Well-placed exterior lighting will also help to prevent business vandalism.
    • Replace keys with an access control system: If you hand out keys to your employees, you can never be sure they won’t end up in the wrong hands. Installing a keyless electronic access control system makes it easier to monitor your staff’s comings and goings — and you won’t have to worry about changing the locks every time an employee leaves.
    • Increase Safe Safety: If you store money or valuables in a safe, consider placing it near the front of your facility, so it is more visible from the street at night, and be sure to bolt it to the floor or wall. Try to keep the safe as empty as possible, especially when no one is there.
    • Install alarms: A reliable burglar alarm system is a tried-and-true way to protect a business from burglary. A monitored alarm system ensures the prompt dispatching of law enforcement should a break-in occur.
    • Video surveillance: Visible security cameras serve as effective deterrents to burglars and vandals, as well as enabling 24/7 monitoring of the premises. A robust video surveillance system with recording capabilities can also provide reliable visual evidence in criminal prosecutions.
    • Keep an eye on your employees: Internal theft poses as much of, and in some cases, a greater business security risk than burglary and vandalism. Review your internal monitoring and control methods frequently and make upgrades where needed.

    Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. for Your Business Security Requirements in Phoenix, AZ

    At Titan Alarm, we have many years of experience in preventing burglary for businesses in Phoenix and throughout Maricopa County. We can work with you to develop and implement a fully integrated security system that will provide an effective defense against internal and external theft, vandalism and other common business threats. Contact us for more information and to schedule a free on-site security consultation today.

     

    Learn More About Commercial Security

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 2, 2018.

    Choosing the Right Fire Alarm System for Your Home

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    Did you know that about 300,000 household fires occur in the United States each year? Tragically, these fires result in approximately 3,000 deaths — many of which could have been prevented by a properly functioning fire/smoke alarm system. Fire alarms provide the early warning to residents that can mean the difference between life and death — law in virtually every jurisdiction also requires them.

    As fire alarm technology continues to evolve, consumers have more options when choosing a fire alarm system for the home. Knowing how to choose a residential fire alarm system requires a fundamental understanding of the basic types:

    • Ionization: Ionization alarms typically provide the fastest response to open-burning fires. This gives residents more time to escape fast-moving fires fueled by highly flammable sources such as clothing and paper. While ionization alarms feature heightened sensitivity to fire, they’re also susceptible to false alarms caused by cooking fumes.
    • Heat: These alarms are the best choice for fire detection in kitchen and cooking areas. They’re designed to respond to an intense build-up of heat instead of smoke or fumes. However, this makes them a poor smoke detection solution for sleeping quarters and other living areas of the home.
    • Optical: Optical alarms rely on infrared technology. These single-sensor alarms are a good choice for detecting a heavy volume of smoke from slow-burning, smoldering fires such as those produced by mattresses, furniture and television sets. On the downside, optical alarms are not known for their ability to detect heat.
    • Multi-sensor: Multi-sensor alarms contain a combination of optical and heat sensors, making them the best all-around fire protection solution for a home. The sensors deliver signals to intuitive software built into the detector, which also helps to prevent false alarms. The biggest drawback to installing multi-sensor detectors is their relatively high cost.

    The Importance of Fire Alarm System Interconnectivity

    Most modern fire alarm systems are compatible to interconnectivity, meaning that each alarm can be connected with all the others in the house. Why is this important? When fire alarms are not connected, it’s possible that only the people in the room where the fire breaks out will hear the alarm. With an interconnected system, everyone in the home will hear the alarm simultaneously, increasing the odds of a safe escape for all occupants.

    There are two methods for interconnecting fire alarms. A hard-wired connection entails running cabling between each alarm in the house to deliver the signals transmitted by the system. A hard-wired system can be extremely labor-intensive regarding installation and maintenance. Other alarms enable connection via radio frequency waves, which eliminates the need for hard-wiring.

    Titan Alarm, Inc. Can Help You Select the Best System for Your Home

    If you live in the Phoenix, AZ area and are having trouble choosing a residential fire alarm system for your home, Titan Alarm can help. We’re experts in home fire alarm system design and installation — we’ll ensure you select the best system for your needs and budget. Contact us to schedule a free home fire alarm consultation today.

    Learn More About Fire Alarm Systems

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    Will My Security System Work During a Power Outage?

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    Power outages can occur for many reasons such as severe storms, tree limbs falling on power lines, blown transforms and other equipment failures, as well as damage caused by humans or animals. If you’ve installed a security system to protect your home, you might wonder what will happen if the power goes out: will your system continue to operate as normal, or will it fail and leave you vulnerable to intruders and other threats?

    How Does a Security System Work During a Power Outage?

    Whether and how your system will continue to operate largely depends on the type of system you have, as this could affect its ability to communicate with the central monitoring station during a power emergency. The monitoring station is staffed by trained professionals who alert authorities when a security threat is imminent. The basic home security system types include:

    • Landline: This system uses a traditional telephone line to connect to the monitoring station. Assuming the power event does not damage or disrupt the phone lines, the transmission should continue as usual. However, an opportunistic burglar or intruder could capitalize on the situation by cutting the phone lines that run into your home, knowing that you and your family are sitting there in the dark.
    • Cellular: A cellular-based system carries transmissions between a home and monitoring station using the same technology that delivers your cellphone’s signals. Thus, it is unaffected by an electrical power outage. Cellular systems are often the best option in areas where power outages occur frequently or for highly security-conscious property owners who want to minimize their risks.
    • Broadband Internet: Many newer security systems use the Internet to communicate with the monitoring station. However, these systems typically pose the greatest risk of failure during an outage — this is because Internet outages typically occur during a power interruption. You’ll have to wait until the power is restored and the Internet resumes normal function to reestablish communications — but by then, it could be too late.

    No Power to Security System Due to a Backup Battery Failure

    Most of today’s security systems are equipped with a battery to provide backup power during an outage. The battery will generally provide power to the security system’s operating panel for up to 24 hours after the loss of AC power. The battery will begin to recharge itself upon the restoration of power. Some security system professionals suggest keeping an extra battery on hand in the event of an extended outage.

    Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. to Learn More About How an Outage Could Affect Your System

    If you live in the Phoenix, AZ and are concerned about a power outage, security system professionals such as those at Titan Alarm can help you understand your system’s vulnerabilities — and how to be prepared if an outage occurs. Contact us for more information and to schedule a free in-home security consultation today.

    Learn More About Home Security

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    Press Release July 2018

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    PHOENIX – Titan Alarm Inc., announces the acquisition of the accounts and customer bases of Post Security and CCS Systems. The deal with Post Security was closed on May 8th and CCS Systems was closed on June 30th..

    Titan purchased the monitored accounts of Post Security, a Phoenix-based company owned by Scott Post. Scott formed Post Security in 1990 and provided a full range of low voltage service, including intrusion alarms, access control systems, low voltage wiring, intercom systems, camera systems, and surround sound systems.

    IMG_3712 Titan“Post Security adds a very loyal customer base of intrusion alarm systems to Titan’s customer portfolio,” said Danny Holmgren, President of Titan Alarm. “Scott ran a great operation and provided incredible customer service, as evidenced by the praise we have heard from his customers since we began servicing them, and his low customer attrition. We are thrilled that when the timing was right, Scott chose Titan Alarm as the best fit to take care of his customers into the future.”

    CCS Systems was established in 1981 in Tucson, Arizona, by Andy and Margie Billings. CCS provides residential and commercial services, including intrusion alarm, fire alarm, CCTV, access control, home theater and A/V, and central vacuum cleaning systems. With over 30 years of experience, CCS proudly built one of the premier security integration companies in Southern Arizona and built a reputation of exceptional quality and customer service.

    “For Titan Alarm, the opportunity to combine the customer base and personnel of CCS Systems with Titan Alarm was extremely exciting. Southern Arizona has been a territory that we have serviced for years and built up a small account base in, but we have never established a true branch,” said Holmgren. “The addition of CCS brings a very loyal, healthy account base, but also adds a new territory which will allow us to expand and grow exponentially. This transaction more than quadruples our account base in Tucson.  That’s a very exciting opportunity for us, but we feel that is just the beginning.  We are pleased to be able to retain the staff from CCS and look forward to integrating their great skills and reputations as we build our first brick-and-mortar branch location outside of Phoenix.”

    With the closing of the deals with Post Security and CCS Systems, Titan Alarm’s total RMR now exceeds $205,000, with other potential account acquisition opportunities in the works by the end of 2017.

    Titan Alarm was founded in 2008 in Phoenix Arizona and has become a recognized leader in the Phoenix market. Titan has gained great market share thru its ability to provide high quality intrusion and smart home systems to its residential customers, as well as being a full-service security and life safety company offering intrusion alarm, HD-video surveillance systems, card access control systems, and fire detection and suppression systems.  Holmgren says that there is a great need for quality security and fire companies in Southern Arizona. “Being able to find a great company that is large enough to provide all of the services that we provide is difficult in most of Southern Arizona.  We are very excited to expand our footprint and truly feel that we will be able to offer a service that fills a great need in this territory”

    Learn More About Home Security

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    Schedule a
    Consultation Today!

    Schedule a Consultation