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    Category: Home Security

    Benefits of Security Cameras

    Posted on by Taylor

    One of the most important qualities for any professional endeavor is a secure environment. Being able to monitor activity helps owners ensure their business stays safe. Security cameras are a major asset for commercial operations of all sizes. Having high-quality cameras in the right locations can be very beneficial. Getting a security system from wholesale security camera distributors may help companies reduce shrink and protect the individuals at their facility. 

    Here are some of the benefits of having business security cameras: 


    Deter theft and crime

    One of the biggest benefits of security cameras is deterring crime and theft. People are less likely to commit a crime if they know they are being watched. In addition to random theft, employees may steal from a business. Although many business owners don’t like to think that their employees would steal from them, it does happen. Having footage can help give you the proof you need to catch the thief, plus the evidence can be used in court if needed.


    Protection against burglary

    60.5% of burglaries are forcible entry. Many people believe that burglaries are simply “crimes of opportunity. However, statistics show, the majority of burglaries are actually forcible entries (breaking windows, picking locks, kicking in doors, etc.). A good security system, including surveillance security cameras, can be a great deterrent for these types of crimes.

    Monitor activity

    No one is capable of being everywhere at once, but security cameras allow you to keep a constant eye on your business. They are beneficial for monitoring the day-to-day activities and operations of employees and visitors. This can be especially beneficial for remote sites and when a manager isn’t present at all times. Maybe you’re dealing with productivity problems, punctuality issues, or conflicts between employees. Security cameras can help boost efficiency and productivity as well as provide the evidence needed to resolve conflicts.

    Avoid legal claims and fraud

    Avoid costly legal expenses from false or dishonest claims. One of the worst fears of any business is being sued. Whether an accident, injury, harassment or other legal issue occurs on site, having video evidence can prove what actually took place

    Business compliance

    Many types of businesses must have a video surveillance system in place to comply with HIPPA or SEC regulations as well as internal corporate policies.

    Reduce the need for hiring additional security personnel

    Because employees, managers, and supervisors cannot be everywhere at once, a video surveillance system monitors productivity without the added expense of hiring additional personnel.

    Monitor customer transactions

    Retail establishments use video surveillance to monitor customer transactions. For example, if a customer claims to have purchased an expensive item but does not have the receipt, or that an employee was rude or provided misinformation, video surveillance records can be used to determine whether they were in the store on the day in question, and what, in fact, took place. Create a safer workplace By installing security cameras at your entrances/exits and in your parking lots, you are creating a safer workplace. Your employees will feel safer, and you’re more likely to prevent vehicle break-ins and vandalism. Having security cameras can also help prevent harassment and other inappropriate behavior among employees. There are many benefits to installing security cameras in and around your business. If you’re curious which cameras would be most beneficial for your business, contact the experts at Titan Alarm.

    How to Make Your Home Safe for the Elderly

    Posted on by Taylor

    Our homes provide comfort, familiarity, and feelings of continued independence and security. So, having a senior continue to live at home makes sense. But in order to safely share one’s home with an elderly parent, families must take into consideration potential safety issues that may arise. Depending on the health and mobility of the elderly family member in question, one’s home may require minor or major adjustments to ensure that all residents are safe from accidental injury.

    Prevent falls and injuries

    For seniors, accidental falls are a serious problem and the leading cause of broken bones, head injuries, cuts, and bruises. However, these risks can be mitigated by taking certain precautions. To start, it’s important that the family recognizes the common causes of senior falls.

    Poor lighting and decreased vision are common culprits. Not only does a person’s eyesight change as they age, but other conditions may affect their ability to see clearly. To counter decreased vision, families should add more lighting or brighter lights if necessary.

    In addition to poor lighting, slippery floors or area rugs that move may be dangerous. Toys from pets and children can create clutter and become tripping hazards, as well. It’s important to make sure that walkways are kept clear to reduce the risk of a parent stumbling or tripping.

    Easy access

    Accessibility can be a problem for one’s parents if they have difficulty moving without a walker or wheelchair. This can be resolved with the installation of a ramp leading to the front or a side door. Doorways will also need to be widened to 6 inches or wider to allow wheelchairs to pass through easily. To make doors easier to open for people with arthritis, change handles from knobs to levers.

    Educate family members

    When moving an older family member into one’s home, it’s important that all residents understand what to do in the event of a medical emergency. Establish a protocol that includes everyone taking classes for basic CPR and first aid. The family should be taught how to recognize the signs of a medical emergency, including those for serious problems such as a heart attack or stroke, and should know when to call 911. It could also be a good idea to keep a list of all the senior resident’s medical conditions, along with the names of their doctors and medications.

    Check on them frequently

    Home safety for seniors means checking in with your loved one. You, your loved one’s neighbors, and a professional caregiver can help to make sure they are safe.

    Another great option is to install cameras around the house so you can monitor your elederly loved ones even when you’re at work or away from home. 

     

    To learn more about security cameras and home automation, contact Titan Alarm.

    Reasons to Get Home Automation System

    Posted on by Taylor

    Smart technology has become an integral part of our lives. The industry is exploding with options and excitement. In the last couple of years alone, around 30 million households adopted some element of smart home technology. But what is it and why do we need home automation?

    Simplify Daily Lives

    Home automation is the automation of common household activities and processes having a centralized control. The devices and appliances are connected and can relay information which is then collated. Having information about regular usage can help the system to respond to your needs, or point out important abnormalities. It is complex technologies that make life simple.

    Home automation

    Security

    Improved safety is one of the top two reasons people opt into home automation systems. Systems use the collected information of connected devices and motion sensors to know when you leave the house and can close the smart garage door, turn off lights, or lock smart locks. You can also tap in through a smart app and turn off forgotten connected appliances so you can avoid causing a fire.

    Care for Family

    With home automation features such as smart cameras, video doorbells, and motion sensors, you can provide even better care to your family. Whether it is using motion sensors to know if a sick or aged loved one is getting around enough or wandering at odd hours, or using the smart cameras to know that the kids made it home or are playing safely outside, smart technologies offer a wealth of support.

    Energy Savings

    Home automation can help you reduce your energy consumption by automatically adjusting the thermostat based on the time of day, open and close shades to take advantage of daylight, adjust lights to reduce electricity usage and keep your family’s budget in check

    Peace of Mind

    Never again worry about your home while you’re away. Using home video cameras and an internet connection, you can check on the status of your home or kids from anywhere in the world using a PC or web-enabled phone.

    Contact Titan Alarm to learn more about home automation.

    Ways to Create a Safe Play Space for Your Kids

    Posted on by Taylor

    Keeping babies and toddlers safe at home is naturally something that parents focus on. Whether you have a curious crawler or a toddler on a mission to explore your home, having a designated play area they can call their own makes it easier to have other rooms, like the laundry room, be off limits. This area can be in a separate room in your home or use an existing room, like the living room. Following these tips will help get you started.

    Safe Furniture

    Toddlers constantly use furniture to brace themselves while learning to walk. They also enjoy climbing on top of furniture. Use furniture guards on the sharp, pointed edges of wooden tables and bookcases to prevent bumps and bruises. Secure items such as dressers and television stands to the wall with brackets or furniture straps to keep them from tipping over onto your child. Make sure all buttons or decorative accents found on sofas or chairs are secure to reduce the likelihood of them coming off, which could present a choking hazard. Consider removing throw pillows or other items with these types of decoration out of the play area.

    Kid-friendly Flooring

    Kids are known for playing on the floor, so that is why it is important to have kid-friendly flooring for your child’s playroom. There are three great options when choosing flooring, including carpet, hardwood flooring and floor mats and rugs. Carpet is a wonderful option if you are looking for soft flooring. Hardwood flooring is great because it will withstand years of use. Floor mats and rugs are the ultimate option that allows you to add a soft touch to your hard surface flooring like wood or title.  Budget Blinds offers a variety of design options for children’s rugs that will match any child’s room décor. They are easy to clean when playtime is over, and regular cleaning will prevent dust and dirt build-up, especially critical if your child has allergies.


    Electronics

    Keep all cords from electronics out of reach of children. Use flat outlet covers for all unused outlets, and use box type plug covers, such as the Safety 1st Outlet Cover, to protect toddlers from outlets that have electronics plugged in. It is also beneficial to strategically place furniture so that it blocks visibility of outlets. Take care to keep little fingers away from portable fans and heaters, or keep these items out of the areas where your toddler is free to play.


    Toys

     

    The best toys for young children are those that support intellectual growth and development while stimulating natural curiosity. These toys make use of vibrant colors, are smooth to the touch, and can easily be manipulated by small hands. Toys selected for your child should be age- appropriate. Age ratings on toys are a helpful safety feature. Toys intended for a 3-year-old could present a choking hazard for children ages 2 and younger due to small removable parts, or items like buttons or beads that may come loose. It is a good idea to stay at or below age ratings with toys you give to your toddler. Toys received as gifts can be stored until your child reaches the appropriate age.

    Monitor

    It’s impossible to be with your child 100% of the time, but nothing is better than supervision where safety is concerned. Consider a second baby monitor or a surveillance camera for use in the play area. This gives you the freedom to be in another area of your home and still keep in touch with what’s happening with your little one.

    Titan Alarm is a company you can call for any of your household safety needs, from tips and tricks to keep your kids safe, to how to automate your whole house. Contact Titan Alarm today!

    Home Security Tips for the Holidays

    Posted on by Taylor

    Whether you’re travelling to visit family or just taking a much needed vacation, there are a few very important security measures to get in place before you leave,. Keep in mind that thieves don’t take a vacation for the holiday season. In fact, the holiday season in their busiest time of the year.

    The following are some simple steps you can take to make your home less attractive to burglars. 

    1. Lock up

    Always close and lock the doors and windows of your home if you’re leaving, even if just for a short trip. The garage door is also a popular entrance point for thieves, so keep it closed even when you’re home. Don’t forget to lock the door to the garage in the event that thieves gain access to the garage. Be sure to never leave a spare key outside the house—thieves know where to find them.

    2. Make it look like some is home

    Thieves and burglars love long December nights. If you plan on being away for the holidays, it is recommended to install a web-based light switch so that your house looks lived-in, even if it isn’t. You may even consider installing motion-sensing spot lights around the exterior of your home. This will serve as an excellent deterrent whether you are away from home for a brief period of time or out of town on vacation.

    3. Be cautious about announcing your trips on social media 

    Burglars are resourceful. Some of them will monitor Facebook and other social media sites to see who’s away on vacation and break in. The safer course is to only mention your trips when talking to friends and family in person or talk to them on the phone.

    4. Keep present out of sight

    While placing gifts under the Christmas tree adds to the holiday spirit, the presents can also attract the attention of burglars. If this isn’t already your custom, wait until just before going to bed on Christmas Eve to break out the gifts, and keep the well-hidden until the time arrives.

    5. Make sure your house is fire proof 

    Taking the neighborhood association’s home decorating prize may come at a price! If you plan on transforming your home into a twinkling Christmas palace or a charming gingerbread house, make sure that your lights are powered by a well-maintained outdoor outlet. Overloaded extension cords may cause fire hazards and gaps caused by unwieldy cords may be all that a burglar needs to pry your windows or doors open.

    6. Install a home security system

    The start of the holiday season is also a good time to beef up your home security. If you don’t have one already, consider installing an advanced security system with features such as motion sensors, video surveillance cameras, burglar alarms and centralized monitoring.

    Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. for more tips on how to keep your home safe during the holidays – and throughout the year.

    First-time Home Buyers Security Tips

    Posted on by Taylor

    Buying a house involves a long-term planning. Most people dream of buying a house for years or even decades before the actual process begins. Some of the things usually considered are the number of bedrooms, what the neighborhood is like, and how big the garden is, among others. But one important aspect that’s sometimes overlooked is security. 


    New homeowners are especially vulnerable to security risks, as they are just beginning to learn about their new home and neighbourhood. You can have peace of mind by optimizing your home’s security. Here are some of the best home security tips to consider when buying your first home:


    1. Check out the location before making the decision to buy

    Before you make that buying decision, you need to consider the safety of the neighbourhood.

    Buyers should keep an eye out for key indicators of a good neighbourhood, such as an active neighbourhood watch group, regular security patrol of the area, well-lit streets and pathways, as well as little to no signs of vandalism.

    No neighbourhood will ever be completely crime free, but you certainly do not want to buy a home in an area that has a high crime rate.

    For this reason, it is essential to conduct sufficient research into the neighbourhood’s crime statistics and overall safety.

    This can be done by liaising with local authorities like the local police station, who will be able to provide you with the latest crime statistics for the area.

    Enlisting the help of a knowledgeable local agent can also provide you with information on the safety in the area.

    2. Meet the neighbors

    There are many other forms of security measures worth considering, once you’ve found your ideal neighbourhood and have settled into your new home.

    One of them is getting out and introducing yourself to your neighbors. They don’t have to become your new best friends, but neighbors who are familiar with one another tend to look out for each other, notice when things are “off” or suspicious at the neighbor’s home, and report it to authorities. 

    A neighbour who you have built a good relationship with is more likely to keep watch over your home than a neighbour you have barely had any interaction with.


    3. Perform an audit of your home’s security

    Once you’ve moved into your new home, inspecting each of the home’s entry points is crucial, as online statistics reveal that criminals generally look to target homes with multiple entry and exit points, as well as homes that have easy access to main roads.

    For this reason, it is essential to conduct a walkthrough of your house to identify any security flaws and areas that need special attention. 

    Test the functioning of the windows and doors around your house in order to assess how easy or difficult it may be for an intruder to gain access into your home.


    4. Install a security system

    Trying to pick up the pieces after a house break in is a lot more traumatic than preventing one in the first place.

    It is essential to focus on prevention and consider the options for securing your home.

    The installation of a security system is a popular option among many homeowners, as it is considered an effective way to secure a home.

    An active security system can help to notify you immediately if an intruder has gained entry to your property and is especially helpful in the event of you being out of town.

    Most home security systems, once triggered, provides an instant notification by transmitting a signal to the relevant 24-hour monitoring centre. By doing so, security dispatchers can immediately inform you of the alarm and head out to your home to inspect the property, as well as alert the local emergency or police services.

    Contact https://titanalarm.net/ for more information on home security.

    5. Get a dog

    Despite all the advances in technology, dogs still make excellent security systems. Dogs are great at drawing attention to unusual activities and will warn you when someone unfamiliar is too close to the house or if they hear unusual noises outside. A pet can add a sense of security to any home, too. The simple idea of having another living, breathing thing in your house has a way of doing that

    Home Security in Phoenix

    Posted on by Taylor

    Do I Need Home Security in Phoenix?

    smart home app

    Like many people you may be thinking, is a home security system really necessary? Well, the simple answer to this is, yes! 

    No matter where you live nowadays, there will always be a necessity for home security. Today we are going to be looking at some of the top reasons that you need a security system to keep your home and loved ones safe.

    If you live in Phoenix and you are in search of a security solution that can protect your home or business, Titan Alarm is here for you.

    To Protect and Secure

    The FBI has recently said that 1 in 3 homes that are not armed with a security system will fall victim to a burglary. Comparing these statistics to 1 in 250, that alone should be enough to convince you.

    It may be an unbelievable statistic, but every 13 seconds, a home burglary takes place. That equates to almost 6,000 burglaries per day.

    Simply installing a home security system can offer added protection and dramatically reduce the chances of you falling victim to a burglary.

    Great For Protection Against Fires

    While most people think of home security as a way to protect their homes from burglaries, what many people do not realize is the capability of the security system when it comes to protecting against fires too.

    A lot of people are often guilty of thinking a house fire will never happen to them. Unfortunately, when we look at the 2017/2018 statistics from the Phoenix Fire Department, we can see a total of 21,730 call-outs to domestic fires.

    This is where an internal motion-sensing camera system can be highly beneficial. These cameras are generally quite inexpensive and can report directly to your handheld devices when motion is captured. 

    Having this available when smoke is spotted can give you the vital time required to call the local fire department and have any fire tackled before it goes out of control.

    Having the addition of heat sensors and smoke detectors is also a great way to alert anybody that’s in the local area that your house may be in danger.

    Security camera

    Monitor Your Carbon Footprint

    Having an internal camera system can also be highly beneficial when it comes to ensuring we have done our bit for the planet.

    We are all guilty of leaving a light or two on when we head out for work; the trouble is, this is neither efficient for the planet nor our wallets. While at one time, it would have been the case that we would have to travel home to rectify these issues, this is no longer the case.

    We now live in a beautiful age of technology, and this enables us to deal with small issues like this wherever we may be in the world. Pairing your security system with smart technology in your home can be highly beneficial.

    Save You Some Money

    When you own your own home, you know that having homeowners insurance is an absolute necessity. This is loosely related to why you need to have a security system in your home.

    While homeowners insurance is below the national average in Phoenix, it is still quite a sum yearly. Having a security system will always lower the cost of your premium. When you take into account the saving you will make over a year, the savings you make on your insurance will pay for your security system before long.

    It is important to note that the better and more reliable your home security, the more significant the discount that will be offered by the insurance company.

    Remotely Monitor Your Kingdom With Cameras

    While people love to get away and travel, more often than not, there is still a little sunken worry that while you’re away, something will happen to your property.

    Having an internal and external camera system is one of the best ways to give you peace of mind. No matter where you may be in the world, providing you have an internet connection, you will be able to view all aspects of your home. 

    Another advantage of security cameras is their ability to act as a deterrent. Pairing a camera system with a good alarm system is one of the finest ways you can protect your home.

    monitoring cameras live

    Protects Your Car

    One of the finest reasons to get a security system if you live in Phoenix is to protect your car. It may shock some of you, but Arizona is ranked 8th in the entire nation when it comes to car theft.

    If there is one thing we love just as much as our home, it’s generally our car (and possibly our children too). There is no worse feeling than waking up to find your vehicle has gone.

    Car theft nowadays has come a long way. Car thieves often attempt to gain entrance to the house; this is because they want to get hold of their keys. The best way to deter this, apart from a complex laser-based system, is an excellent house alarm system and of course, home video surveillance. 

    Cameras on the outside of the home act as a significant deterrent when it comes to keeping car thieves at bay. It is also a great idea to keep your keys in a safe location too.

    security camera & home

    Conclusion

    As you can see, there has never been a better time to get home security, and it does way more than protect you from intruders.

    If you live in Phoenix and you need a complete security solution that can take care of everything from Burglar alarms to access control systems, and everything in between, Titan Alarm should be your first choice. 

    At Titan Alarm, we don’t believe in using contractors like most other companies; we have a dedicated and multi-skilled team of employees that will treat you like a member of the family.

    Locked Out

    Posted on by Taylor

    What to do When you’re Outside… but your Keys are Inside

    It’s 8:25am, your wife is already at work, the kids are at school and you’re running late. The note on the fridge reminds you that it’s trash day… and the garbage truck will be there any minute. You make a mad dash to grab the can and get it to the curb, only to discover that… you’ve locked yourself out of the house. NOOOOOOOO!!!

    There are a few things you can do before throwing a rock through a window… or worse… go all Chuck Norris and try kicking in the front door, possibly fracturing your tibia.

    So, follow these tips to get back inside and save yourself a trip to the Emergency Room.

    1 – Take a Deep Breath

    Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body. This is because when you breathe deeply, it sends a message to your brain to calm down and relax. The brain then sends this message to your body. Those things that happen when you are stressed, such as increased heart rate, fast breathing, and high blood pressure, all decrease as you breathe deeply to relax. You’ll be in a much better state of mind for solving the “key” problem at hand. Breathing exercises are a great way to reduce stress daily… but maybe today isn’t the day to start. Just a few slow breaths ought to do it.

    2 – Look for an Unlocked Entry Point

    I know, I know… you always keep your doors and windows shut and locked; however, it’s worth taking a look to see if someone left a door out back unlocked or a bathroom window open. Always start with this plan of action since it’s the easiest and fastest way to get back into the house. Only check the access points on the first floor. Avoid climbing trees and trellises to check windows on the upper levels. Again, we’re trying to avoid a broken leg.

    3 – Text/Call Someone who Has a Key

    Your spouse or kids should have a key, so I’d start there. Unless of course, your phone is inside the house… on the kitchen counter… keeping your keys company. If that’s the case, start thinking of anyone else… anyone close… who might have a spare; a babysitter or pet sitter from the neighborhood perhaps. If you’re in an apartment, go have the landlord/maintenance staff open the door for you. At this point you’re probably second guessing your decision to not buy the hide-a-key rock in the Skymall magazine because you didn’t think it looked real enough.

    4 – MacGyver it

    Since you’re not an accomplished burglar, or ex CIA, picking the lock probably isn’t an option. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some other acts of ingenuity you can try. Some people might suggest a credit card… but unless you’re trying to break into your master bathroom, you’ll need something a little sturdier. Run over to the neighbors and borrow a butter knife (less creepy than showing up on their doorstep asking for a boning knife or cleaver). Slide the blade of the knife between the door and the strike plate until you hit the door’s plunger or bolt. Then, you can try to force the bolt away from the doorjamb and push the door open. The thought then occurs to you, if you went over to your neighbors, why didn’t you just call your wife from their phone.

    5 – Call a Locksmith

    This is the most expensive way to get back into your house… unless you didn’t take my advice and threw a rock through the window. It also requires a long wait, and reliance on a phone. The upside is that a locksmith will get you into your house for sure, and do it without damaging any of your property.

    6 – Stop it from Ever Happening Again

    Now that you’ve made it back in safely… don’t let it happen again. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Not sure how to compare a pound of cure to not getting locked out or keeping your family safe, but you get what I mean. The Smart Home solution:

    No more keys – Unlock your door with a unique code that you came up with, instead of a key

    Lock/Unlock door remotely – This time you’re on your way to work and you realize you didn’t lock the door. No problem. You can use your phone app to lock or unlock the front door from anywhere.

    Multiple access codes – You can create multiple access codes so that you don’t have to give out your own personal code to the babysitter… or even the in-laws. Give them their own code, and then just disable it later. That way you’re not resetting it all the time, like your work email password.

    What does all of that mean? It means your Smart Home system does just as much to keep you stress and worry free as your new breathing exercises. It gives you the peace of mind that asleep or awake, home or away, you and your family are safe.

    Ready to keep your family safe? Call 800-973-9001 (or just fill out the form) to get a free quote today and see how Titan Alarm can help bring you that peace of mind.

    SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!! … the quotes are free?

    You bet they are… and not just for the front door, for all of your doors, windows, thermostat, lights, etc…

    How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online

    Posted on by Taylor

     

    While the internet can serve as an invaluable learning tool and offer other benefits for our children, its use does pose certain risks. As many as 20 percent of kids will be subjected to some form of cyberbullying, and predators use the Web as a vehicle to connect with kids and attempt to lure them to a meeting place. What’s more, kids can be exposed to various types of inappropriate content while they’re online.

    Consequently, knowing how to keep kids safe on the internet is an essential component of parenting these days.

    Tips About Internet Safety For Kids

    The following cyber safety tips for kids can help you protect your youngsters while they’re online:

    • Establish a set of online activity rules:

      You likely have rules in place for where your kids are allowed to go, what time they must be home, setting aside time for homework, etc. Set some rules for internet usage, such as when and how long they are allowed to be online each day. The more time kids spend online, the more susceptible they become to the Web’s “dark side.” It also limits the time they spend engaging in normal, healthy childhood activities such as playing outdoors or hanging out with friends. Set parameters regarding when and how often your kids can go online and be sure to strictly enforce them. Create a list of acceptable websites they can to visit without your permission and post it by the computer as a reminder.

    • Teach them how to safeguard their privacy:

      Instruct your kids not to give out information such as email addresses, home addresses or telephone numbers online or to provide any type of personal information strangers. Many proud parents also love to share photos and other news about their kids on Facebook and other social media sites. Unfortunately, this can also negatively impact their privacy and potentially expose them to individuals with bad intent. Think twice before posting information about your kids, and be sure to use social media site privacy settings to limit what you share to only those people you know and trust.

    • Instruct them on basic computer security:

      Teach your kids the fundamentals of computer security, such as logging out properly and creating challenging passwords that are difficult to crack. Also, warn them of the dangers of sharing their passwords with anyone, including their most trusted friends.  If your kids are old enough to go online on their own, they need to learn about what constitutes safe — and even more importantly — unsafe Internet practices. Educate them regarding setting strong passwords, detecting phishing emails and the dangers of posting or responding to inappropriate messages and photos. A simple rule to teach your kids is not to do anything online that they wouldn’t do face-to-face. Also, instruct them how to recognize cyberbullying and other online threats — and to tell you about them immediately if they occur.

    • Set up your household computers in open areas:

      Placing your computers in open, high-traffic areas such as a living room or family room enables you to more easily monitor your kids’ online activity. If you have multiple computers in your home, limit the number that are connected to the Web to one or two. While it may seem intrusive, keeping a close eye on their social media activity is a good way to protect kids’ online security. For instance, many parents require their children to provide them with the password in exchange for permission to establish a social media account. Another option is to have your kids make you a friend or contact on all social media sites they use. Software is also available that can monitor your child’s online activities.

    • Take advantage your browser’s parental controls:

      Popular Web browsers such as Internet Explorer and Google Chrome give you the option to adjust the security settings to restrict access to certain sites unless the user has a password. One of the most important steps you can take to protect children online is installing a reliable Internet security suite such as Norton Internet Security on every computer in your home. These products contain numerous safety features such as a personal firewall, phishing protection and spam filtering. Various Internet filter software products are also available that can prevent your kids from visiting inappropriate sites.

    • Talk to them about what they post online:

      As your kids progress through their teenage years, much of their online activity will probably consist of engagement in social media. Be sure to have a conversation with them regarding what is and is not appropriate to post online — even a seemingly innocent comment could antagonize others and even be construed as cyberbullying. It’s also important to keep the lines of communication open regarding internet safety. Let your kids know they can approach you if they come across something that concerns or upsets them while online.

    • Warn them about issues such as plagiarism and hacking:

      While the internet can be of immense help when working on school projects and reports, your kids should have a basic understanding of issues such as plagiarism and copyright infringement. If your child is particularly tech-savvy, explain the potential consequences of hacking.

    Contact Titan Alarm To Help Setup a Home Security System to Protect You and Your Children’s Privacy

    Today’s generation of kids are exposed to the Internet virtually from birth. When used properly, the Web can serve as a valuable tool for educating and entertaining your children. However, Internet use can also leave your kids vulnerable to threats posed by sexual predators and cyberbullies — which can have serious and even tragic consequences. The good news is that you don’t have to resort to drastic measures like removing computers from your home or disconnecting the Internet to keep your children safe. Remember, it’s never too early to start protecting your kids’ online security — you’ll sleep better knowing you’re doing everything possible to keep your children safe.

    Learn More About Home Security Safety and Your Family:

    Home Security Tips for Renters

    Posted on by Taylor

    Home security isn’t just for property owners. If you rent, you also need to keep yourself and your valuables safe. While you might not have as much control over every aspect of your security as you would if you owned the home, there are still several home security tips you can take to create a safer environment:

    1. Change the Door Locks:

    In a perfect world, the landlord would change the door locks whenever a new tenant moves into an apartment. However, many are not willing to do so because of the expense or inconvenience. You never know who might be walking around with the key to your apartment — if the landlord is reluctant to ins tall new locks, it might be worth your while to offer to share or pick up the total cost to change them.

    2.Secure the Windows:

    The landlord also might not make window security a high priority. Talk to your landlord about installing window locks if there are none currently. Invest in blinds or drapes you can open and close as needed. If you have sliding windows, place rods in the opening to limit how far a would-be intruder could slide the window from the outside.

    3. Purchase a Safe:

    A safe is essential if you need to store valuable items such as jewelry, cash or important documents. If you’re unable to mount the safe to the floor or wall in your apartment, be sure to purchase one that’s heavy enough to prevent a burglar from picking it up and carrying it out. Also, hide the safe in an out-of-the-way area such as the back of a closet.

    4. Install Light Timers:

    Timers will turn interior lights on and off at predetermined intervals. This will make your apartment appear “lived in” even if you go away for several days at a time, making it a less inviting target for burglars.

    5. Screen roommates Carefully:

    If you’re looking for a roommate to share the rent, take the time to perform a background and credit check to ensure there are no red flags. If it is someone you don’t know, ask them to provide two or three references with phone numbers and/or email addresses.

    6. Purchase Renter’s insurance:

    Renter’s insurance is an inexpensive form of protection that will cover your contents if they are lost or damaged due events such as theft, water leaks or fire. Depending on where you live and what you need to cover, you can purchase a sufficient policy for under $200 per year.

    7. Get a Security System:

    Discuss the possibility of installing a home security system with your landlord. These days, you can purchase an inexpensive wireless system that does not require drilling or running wires all over the apartment. You can also use your smartphone or tablet to view live or recorded camera feeds and receive instant security alerts while you’re away.

    Home Security System

    If you’re renting in the Phoenix or Tucson, AZ area, Titan Alarm can help you with your home security needs. Contact us to learn more today.

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