Author: Titan Alarm

Imagine walking through the front door of your home after returning from a fun-filled vacation — and realizing that you’ve been robbed! A home theft can be a traumatizing experience. In addition to the loss of valuables and the destruction of your property, there’s the unnerving feeling resulting from the invasion of your and your family’s privacy.

What to Do If Your House Was Broken Into

There are several steps to take after a home theft:

• Don’t touch anything: Once you’re able to regain your composure, your first instinct will likely be to start looking through your belongings to determine what is missing. However, it’s better to leave the scene intact, as this can assist the police in their investigation. Burglars often leave clues, and moving things around could disrupt them or cover them up. Feel free to take pictures of the burglarized areas, though — this can be helpful when filing a claim with your insurance company.

• Call the police: Call 911 immediately so they can dispatch the police to your home. There’s a chance that the burglar could still be in the area, so getting law enforcement on the case right away can improve the odds of a fast apprehension and arrest. The police will likely ask you to do a walk-through of the residence with them, so you can provide a list of items that were stolen or damaged. The list will then be included in the report you file with the police department.

• Contact your insurance carrier: If you have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance (which you should), contact the carrier as soon as possible to get the claims process started. Most insurance companies offer 24/7 claims service, so you can talk to a live person right away. You’ll need to provide the number of the police report, so be sure to get this information from the police before you call. Your insurance carrier will likely send a claims adjuster to your home to evaluate the scene.

• Check pawn shops and Craigslist: An important but often overlooked step to take after a home theft is checking local pawn shops and the Craigslist page for your city. Burglars sometimes attempt to use these venues to obtain cash for the items they’ve stolen. Notify the police immediately if you come across any of your possessions.

• Install/upgrade home security system: Installing a state-of-the-art security system can reduce the odds of another break-in. Today’s advanced systems include features such as motion sensors and alarms that notify a central monitoring service so it can immediately dispatch the police when a break-in attempt occurs. Video surveillance cameras provide recorded footage that can help law enforcement apprehend the burglar.

Contact Titan Alarm to Learn More About What to Do After a Home Theft

Titan Alarm, Inc. offers cost-effective security solutions to homeowners and renters throughout the Phoenix, AZ area. Contact us for additional advice regarding the steps to take after a home theft and to schedule a no-obligation security consultation.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on October 31, 2018.

For many homeowners, a garage is more than just a place to keep the family vehicles out of the rain. A garage also serves as an additional storage area for all types of household items. And attached garages often include interior doors that lead into the home.

These factors make a garage a prime target for thieves who are looking to steal your stored items or use the garage as an entry point to the interior of your home. If you haven’t made garage security a high priority, you could become the next victim of a neighborhood burglar.

How to Secure a Garage

 There are several ways to secure a garage and make it less attractive to thieves:

• Secure the door: Are you one of those homeowners who never lock their garage door or leave it open for hours at a time? This is like sending an open invitation to a burglar! Make your garage door is as secure as any other external door — and that means installing a high-quality lock (preferably a deadbolt model) and replacing an aging door with one made from sturdy materials such as metal, solid wood or fiberglass. Also, always keep the door closed when you’re not using the garage, especially when no one is home.

• Cover the windows: Garage doors with windows at the top or sides allow would-be burglars to see the valuables you’re storing inside. Covering the windows with blinds or curtains keeps your items out of sight and removes the temptation for thieves. Another option is to apply an opaque film on the window glass that lets sunlight in but keeps people from seeing inside.

• Install exterior lighting: Installing a spotlight above the garage will deter burglars during the nighttime hours. Another option is using motion-activated lights featuring infrared sensors that can detect body heat, which causes the light to go on when an intruder approaches the garage.

• Keep an eye on the remote: Do you have one of those remote garage door openers that clips to your car’s sun visor? If you park your car in the driveway instead of the garage, a thief could gain access to the remote and use it to open the door. A better way to secure your garage is to take the remote inside the house with you. You can also purchase a smaller keychain-style remote that eliminates the need to carry around a larger model.

• Install a comprehensive home security system: A home security system equipped with surveillance cameras, motion detectors and burglar alarms that also includes coverage for your garage will significantly reduce your risk of a burglary or home invasion. The best systems include professional monitoring that ensures the prompt dispatching of first responders when a break-in attempt occurs.

Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. for More Safety Tips for Garage Owners

Titan Alarm can design a fully integrated security system that will keep your garage safe — and protect the rest of your home as well. Contact us for more information and to schedule a free home security consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Most people know that having faulty electrical wiring, leaving unattended food cooking on a stove or falling asleep while smoking in bed present serious fire hazards in a home. But you might not know about other less obvious risks.

Being aware of the following threats — and taking steps to eliminate them — can help to prevent a house fire that could destroy your property and endanger the lives of your family:

• Animals: Household pets and other “uninvited” critters can pose serious home fire hazards. Dogs and cats can knock over candles or ashtrays containing smoldering cigarettes. Pets such as mice and rats can chew through electrical wires, which can ultimately lead to a fire.

• Dust: Dust can accumulate in electrical sockets and near heat sources. Dust is flammable — one spark in a dusty area can quickly cause a fire. That’s just one more good reason to dust and vacuum on a regular basis.

• Glass: Certain types of glassware can cause allow concentrated rays of sunlight to pass through. If the rays focus on paper or other flammable materials for an extended period of time, it could cause the materials to ignite. A safe practice is to keep all glassware away from direct sunlight.

• Lint: Like dust, an accumulation of lint in dryer traps or behind the machine presents a significant home fire hazard. A good way to prevent a house fire is to clean out the lint traps after every dryer use. Also, have the dryer duct professionally cleaned as part of your regular ductwork cleaning and inspection service.

• Oily rags: Oily rags that are commonly stored in garages, basements or sheds can produce heat that can cause a fire. A safe practice is to submerge oily rags in water and place them in a secure storage cabinet or container that is not exposed to heat or sunlight.

• Pyrolysis: Pyrolysis is a type of decomposition resulting from prolonged exposure to high temperatures. A common example of pyrolysis in a household environment is a pile of firewood stored under direct sunlight or stack of lumber next to a furnace or woodstove. As the wood breaks down over time, it becomes combustible and can pose a home fire hazard.

• Discarded/stored batteries: One of the more uncommon fire hazards is the loose storage of unused household batteries, particularly 9-volt batteries that power home smoke detectors. When stored next to a metal object, it’s possible that a connection between the battery and the object could produce a fire. A safe practice is to keep unused batteries in their original package.

Smoke Alarms Provide Excellent Protection Against All Types of Home Fire Hazards

While it is virtually impossible to remove all fire hazards in a home, a state-of-the-art smoke and fire alarm system can provide the early detection that can save lives. If you reside in the Phoenix, AZ area, Titan Alarm, Inc. can design and install an effective, affordable alarm system that will minimize your risk. Contact us for more information and to schedule an in-home consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Most of us remember to lock all exterior doors when leaving home — but we sometimes neglect to secure the windows. Although doors are the preferred access point for most home invaders, approximately 30 percent of intruders gain entry via an unlocked window, and about one-fourth enter through a first-floor window. Even if you keep your windows locked, some burglars will think nothing of breaking the glass.

The following window burglar protection tips can significantly reduce the likelihood of a window-based home invasion:

• Install/change locks: A visible window lock can serve as an effective intruder deterrent, and the best locks will make it harder for burglars to break in. There are many good window lock options on the market, such as pin and deadbolt locks. It’s also a good idea to change the locks if you’ve recently moved into your home.

• Update window glass: “Professional” burglars will often carry a hammer or crowbar for shattering window glass. Updating from traditional to reinforced glass, especially on ground-level windows, will make it more difficult for intruders to break the window. Tempered glass provides an affordable burglarproof window solution. Another popular option is laminated glass, which consists of a layer of vinyl installed between two sheets of traditional glass.

• Window bars: Installing iron bars will protect your windows against burglars. Even if a thief breaks the window glass, the bars will prevent them from getting inside. Several companies manufacture and sell decorative iron bars that will afford protection and enhance the appearance of your home.

• Floodlights: Installing bright floodlights over windows is a reliable nighttime break-in deterrent. Burglars prefer darkened entry points that are less visible to neighbors and passersby. Floodlights also give the appearance that the residents are at home, another reason for a burglar to move on to another house.

• Surveillance cameras: While many homeowners rely on security cameras to monitor doors, it’s also advantageous to use them to watch the most vulnerable windows. They can serve as an effective deterrent — burglars often avoid homes with a highly visible security camera presence.

• Window alarms: As with locks, there are several types of window alarms from which to choose. Some are designed to trigger an audible alarm when someone breaks the glass or attempts to open the window. Another type acts as a motion detector that picks up outdoor movement around the window before the burglar tries to break in.

• Thorny bushes: What better way to “stick it” to a would-be burglar than by planting bushes or shrubs with sharp thorns underneath your windows? An unsuspecting intruder will be in for a rude awakening if they try to break in. The extra foliage could also brighten the exterior of your home.

Titan Alarm, Inc. Can Help You Protect Your Windows Against Burglars

If you live in the Phoenix area, Titan Alarm can install an advanced security system including the strategic use of surveillance cameras, motion sensors and alarms to create safe, burglarproof windows. Contact us to schedule a free in-home security consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Residential burglars will always try to find the path of least resistance, and that often means breaking into a home via the front door. According to crime statistics, approximately one-third of break-ins occur at the front door, making it the most common point of entry for burglars and home invaders.

How to Secure a Front Door

 You can take several steps to protect your front door against burglars and reduce your vulnerability to a break-in. They include:

• Keep it locked. Surprisingly, about 30 percent of “break-ins” take place at unlocked doors or windows. Many homeowners think nothing of leaving the front door unlocked while they’re at home or when they go out to run a quick errand. But this only serves as an open invitation for burglars who often “case” a property to determine the ideal time to gain entry. The most prudent security measure is to keep the door locked at all times.

• Install deadbolt locks. Install a high-quality deadbolt lock on the front door and all exterior doors. Choose a deadbolt lock made from solid metal and with a bolt length of at least one inch.

• Use viewers to see who is at the door. Never let strangers or uninvited guests into your home. Installing a viewer, also known as a peep hole, is an inexpensive front door security solution that enables you to see who is at the door without having to open it first.

• Upgrade your door. Burglars can easily kick in an old, flimsy, improperly fitted front door, even if it has a secure lock. Replace a fragile front door with a newer model made from a sturdy material such as reinforced steel, solid wood, fiberglass or metal. Also avoid doors with small windows at the top or side, as this allows burglars to see inside.

• Bolster the door frame. A weak or improperly installed door frame also makes it easier for an invader to kick in or pry open the door. You can secure the frame by installing three-inch screws along the frame and doorjamb.

A State-of-the-Art Security System Can Enhance Your Front Door Burglar Protection Efforts

Installing a modern, technologically advanced security system will protect your front door — and the rest of your home — against intruders. The best security systems include home automation that allows you to lock and unlock doors with your smartphone or tablet even when you’re away.

Surveillance cameras enable you to monitor the front door and other vulnerable areas around your home and property. A visible camera can also serve as an effective deterrent to home invaders. A security system backed by a professional monitoring service ensures around-the-clock surveillance and prompt notification of law enforcement if a break-in occurs.

Titan Alarm Can Help You Burglarproof Your Front Door

If you’re a resident of the Phoenix, AZ area, Titan Alarm, Inc. can provide you with a customized home security system that will protect your front door against burglars — and provide a reliable defense against fire and other common security threats. Contact us to schedule a free security consultation today.

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Mike Proudfit, CEO of Titan Alarm, Phoenix’s best Home and Commercial Security System provider, discusses how technology helps homeowners protect their property from burglars, even when they aren’t at home. Check out the recent interview on Titan Alarm’s home security capabilities and find out how you can protect your home today!

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Security can be a major issue when renting a house or apartment. In fact, renters are 85 percent more likely to experience a break-in than individuals who own their dwelling. In many cases, property owners do not make security a high priority — they choose not to install a home security system at their rental properties due to the cost or concerns over tenants damaging or failing to operate it properly. This leaves security-conscious renters in a position where they must fend for themselves.

How to Secure Your Rental Home

If you’re a renter concerned about security, there are several steps you can take to make your home safer. For instance, it’s important to know the front door is the most popular entry point for break ins — 34 percent of burglars use the front door to gain entrance to the home. Because of this, you will need a dependable door lock. Ask your property owner if they will install a deadbolt on the front door –— you could even volunteer to handle the project yourself. Even a chain lock will provide extra security at this vulnerable location.

Windows are another favorite point of entry for burglars, especially first-floor windows. If your windows do not have locks or if the locks are worn, you can install inexpensive alarms that detect strong vibrations such as when someone is attempting to break in. These devices contain an adhesive backing that makes them fast and easy to install — no drilling or wiring is required. If your apartment has sliding windows, placing a wooden or metal rod in the track will prevent a burglar from opening them from the outside.

Installing a Security System for a Rental Property

While upgrading door and window locks will make a rental property safer, installing an advanced home security system will provide extra protection and give renters peace of mind. Proprietors may object to the installation of a hardwired security system and many security companies won’t sell them to renters.

However, affordable wireless options are now available that are targeted toward tenants. These systems require no drilling or the laying of cables or wiring. They’re also easy to install and offer the advantage of portability, enabling renters to take the system with them when they move to a new apartment.

Another important benefit of wireless home security for renters is the utilization of cellular technology. This facilitates remote system monitoring, which is perfect for single people who frequently travel for work. Renters can use their smartphones or tablets to manage the system while they’re away from home. Cellular technology also enables a professional monitoring service to receive signals transmitted by the system without the need for a landline telephone.

Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. to Learn More About Home Security for Renters

Whether you own or rent, you have the right to feel safe in your home. Titan Alarm offers reliable, inexpensive security systems for renters in the Phoenix, AZ area that will provide around-the-clock protection for your residence. Contact us to learn more about your home security options and to schedule a no-obligation consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 2, 2018.

You depend on your home security system to protect you and your family against intruders. But have you ever considered the need to protect your home security system from hackers? Home automation hackers can exploit your system’s vulnerabilities, enabling them to remotely view your surveillance camera feeds, unlock doors, disable alarms or even capture private or intimate situations and post them online. Instead of having a secure home, you’re only left with a false sense of security that all is well — when just the opposite is true.

Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Security System From Hackers

 The good news is that there are many ways to keep hackers at bay and ensure your security system is fully protecting your property as it should. Tips for protecting your home security system include:

• Choose a high-quality system – Not all home security systems are created equal. Selecting a product from a reputable manufacturer that includes high encryption levels will minimize your susceptibility to hacking. A professional security system installer can help you make an informed decision.

• Change your passwords regularly – Your system will come with a default password — which you should change as soon as the installation is complete. Refrain from using birthdays, your kids’ names or other obvious terms for passwords that even a novice hacker could easily decipher. Instead, make it a complex combination of letters, numbers and symbols. Also, when it comes to passwords, longer is always better. Update your password frequently — at least once per month.

• Don’t use public Wi-Fi Connections – When possible, access your security system via a secure Wi-Fi connection. Avoid using public Wi-Fi, as this makes it much easier for hackers to detect your login information and get access to your personal data.

• Use a secure router – If you have a wireless router at home, make sure to properly secure it. This will not only protect your home security system from hackers, but also your computers, smartphones, tablets and other connected devices.

• Monitor your camera logs – Many security camera systems feature logs that indicate the IP addresses that have attempted to access the cameras. Regularly check the logs to identify any suspicious entries. If something seems amiss, immediately change the access codes and contact law enforcement officials.

• Disable the remote online monitoring feature when not in use – The ability to monitor surveillance camera feeds remotely is a valuable security system feature. However, it also gives hackers additional opportunities to break into your system. A safe practice is to keep this feature disabled when you are not using it.

Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. for Additional Ways to Protect Your Home Security System

For more than a decade, homeowners throughout the Phoenix, AZ area have put their trust in Titan Alarm, Inc. to keep their family and property safe. We sell and install brand-name home security systems equipped with the most advanced encryption and other effective security features that will prevent hackers from gaining access.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.