Category: home security

Installing a home security system is one of the best steps you can take to protect your family and property against ongoing threats such as fire, burglary and carbon monoxide poisoning. But if it’s been a while since you’ve updated your system, you’re probably not taking full advantage of the latest home security technologies that could enhance safety and even help you lower your energy bills. Here are a few signs that indicate the time has come for an upgrade:

• You have landline connectivity: If your system operates via a hardwired telephone line, a burglar could disable it by cutting the wires. A severe storm could also knock out the power supply to your home — and your system. Upgrading to a wireless security solution featuring advanced cellular technology can eliminate these risks.
• You’re still relying on low-tech cameras: Old-fashioned low-resolution surveillance cameras can indicate the presence of intruders, but they often provide fuzzy or grainy images that can make it difficult for law enforcement to identify them. Modern IP cameras can provide crystal-clear HD footage that can increase the likelihood of capturing and successfully prosecuting a burglar.
• You have a “bare bones” security system: A security system that consists of burglary and fire alarms will only provide basic protection. These days, you can include fully integrated features such as motion detectors, access control and video verification that takes home security to a higher level.
• You don’t have remote monitoring capabilities: Are you among the 77 percent of Americans who own smartphones? Today, you can install a home security system that’s compatible with your mobile device. You’ll be able to view surveillance camera feeds, lock and unlock doors and even turn lights on and off while you’re away from home.
• You don’t have home automation: Many modern security systems give you the flexibility to automate the operation of alarms, locks, lighting heating/cooling units and even household appliances. Besides offering the benefit of convenience, this can help you conserve energy and keep your utility costs under control.
• You’re planning a renovation project: If you’re thinking of building an addition to your home or renovating an existing room or space, you’ll likely need to upgrade your security system to accommodate the change. For example, you may have to place an additional surveillance camera, add door or window locks or install an extra smoke or carbon monoxide detector.
• You have an older system: If your home security system is at least 15 years old, there’s a good chance that it no longer meets your current needs. Consider contacting a professional security company to conduct a comprehensive assessment and make recommendations regarding any necessary upgrades.

Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. for a Free Security System Evaluation

If you live in or near Phoenix or Tucson, AZ, the local home security experts at Titan Alarm can conduct a comprehensive assessment. We can also install state-of-the-art equipment that will make your home a safer place. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Statistics show that a residence without a security system is up to 300 percent more likely to experience a break-in or home invasion. Therefore, it’s not surprising to learn that, according to a report released by Dallas-based research firm Parks Associates, approximately 30 percent of U.S. homes will have monitored security services by 2020.

How Burglars Are Adapting in Modern Times

Crooks are fully aware of the trend toward increased home security — but that doesn’t mean they’re going to give up anytime soon. Criminals have become more enterprising than ever when finding ways to practice their craft. Here are a few of their more creative tactics:

• Signs of cat activity: While dogs can often deter criminals, cats can have the opposite effect. If a burglar sees a cat hanging around outside, he’ll likely think there could be an open window or cat door to allow the feline to come and go — which also makes it easier for the crook to get inside. Homeowners with security systems sometimes turn them off to prevent the cat from tripping the alarm. And once he’s inside, the burglar has few worries about being attacked by a guard cat!
• Power outages: Opportunistic burglars wait for severe storms that cause power outages when targeting a neighborhood. They know that this will disable a wired or landline-connected security service. Choosing to install a wireless system can eliminate this threat.
• Using “advance scouts:” Some burglars will pay accomplices such as maids, babysitters, nannies and gardeners to provide them with inside information about the home and its occupants. These individuals can also make the burglar’s job easier by casually leaving a door or window unlocked or disarming the security system at the right time.
• Targeting rural areas: Folks who live in the country sometimes feel more secure, thinking that burglaries are more likely to occur in heavily populated areas. Consequently, these rural homeowners are less likely to install a security system. Crooks are aware of this as well. They also understand that even if these homes have an alarm system, it may take law enforcement longer to respond because they might be farther away from the scene.
• Houses for sale: Another relatively new home burglary trend is thieves posing as a married couple and making an appointment with a real estate agent for a private showing of a house for sale. This gives them the opportunity to determine if the home has an alarm system and whether they can disable it easily. Additionally, one person can keep the agent occupied while the other surveys the rest of the home to look for vulnerable areas. Some may even manage to steal smaller items during their tour.

Contact Titan Alarm to Learn More

With more than a decade of proving home security solutions in Phoenix and Tucson, AZ, we here at Titan Alarm are familiar with the ways of the modern burglar. We can also recommend the best methods for thwarting their tactics. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation in-home security consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on October 31, 2018.

 

One of the many wonderful things about living in southern Arizona is the warm climate that allows you to hang out in the backyard throughout the year. And there’s nothing quite like the crackle and glow of a fire pit to add ambiance and make being outdoors even more enjoyable.

Of course, any use of fire around the home introduces an element of danger — it only takes one small act of carelessness to turn a fun, relaxing evening into a disaster. The following tips can ensure the safe operation of your backyard fire pit:

• Check local ordinances: Municipalities have specific rules and regulations regarding the placement and use of fire pits. Check with your local government office or fire department before using your pit for the first time.
• Placement: Place your pit on a flat, level surface at least 10 feet away from your home, outbuildings, trees, fences or neighbor’s yard. Always check the wind direction before lighting a fire — you may have to relocate the pit if the wind will blow the flames toward a structure.
• Avoid using soft woods: Softer woods such as cedar or pine tend to “throw” sparks when burning, which could reach people, pets or flammable objects that are near the fire. It is safer to use these to supplement hardwoods such as oak or maple.
• Don’t add flammable fuels: You might be tempted to add gasoline or lighter fluid to ignite or intensify the fire. However, these fuel sources can cause the blaze to get out of control quickly. Use dry wood or kindling to keep the fire going and avoid placing it beyond the edge of the pit.
• Dress appropriately: Avoid wearing clothing made of flammable materials such as nylon, or loose-fitting items that could ignite if you get too close to the flames.
• Monitor alcohol consumption: Fire pits are great for outdoor nighttime parties. However, excessive alcohol use can lead to reckless behavior around the fire — which could have devastating consequences. As a responsible host, keep an eye on your guests who have been drinking to make sure they stay away from the fire.
• Watch kids and pets closely: The warm glow of a fire will attract young children and household pets. Make sure kids and animals stay at least three feet away from the fire, and don’t allow small children to do things like roasting marshmallows or hot dogs without adult supervision.
• Extinguish the fire safely: When the time comes to put the fire out, use water to extinguish it. Stir and spread the wet ashes to facilitate cooling, and don’t leave the pit for the night until the ashes feel cool to the touch.

Contact Titan Alarm to Learn More About Home Fire Prevention

Titan Alarm, Inc. can provide your Phoenix- or Tucson-area home with an advanced fire prevention and detection system that will help keep your property safe throughout the year. Contact us to learn more or to schedule a free on-site fire safety consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Many homeowners are making the transition to a smart home equipped with advanced automation technology for the convenience ­— you no longer need to worry about getting up in the middle of the night to adjust the thermostat or run back home because you forgot to lock the door or turn the lights off before leaving for work.

But you might not know that a smart home also offers a variety of cost-saving benefits. While it’s true that implementing smart technology will require an upfront expenditure, most homeowners will be able to recoup their investment relatively quickly in the form of lower costs. Here are several examples of the ways that a smart home can help you save money:

• Reduced heating and cooling bills: The cost of heating and cooling is one of the biggest household expenses. Installing a programmable thermostat that can automatically adjust the temperature to the desired level can reduce your heating and cooling costs by as much as 25 percent. Your HVAC unit will operate more efficiently, which can also contribute to lower energy costs.
• Saving electricity: Leaving lights on in unoccupied rooms or forgetting to turn them off when leaving home wastes electricity. Smart lighting that includes the use of energy-efficient LED light bulbs and sensors that provide alerts via email if you forget to turn the lights off when exiting a room could save you hundreds of dollars per year. You can also operate your home’s lighting remotely with your smartphone.
• Monitoring power consumption: Smart home apps are available that provide detailed data regarding how much power you’re using and patterns of consumption. You’ll be able to identify areas where you might be wasting power and make modifications that can help you save money.
• Preventing package theft: Do you order a lot of products online? Many thieves discreetly follow delivery drivers as they make their rounds — and steal the unattended packages that are left on porches. With smart door locks, you can unlock the door remotely to allow the driver to place the package inside your home, then lock it when the driver leaves. You can also install smart doorbells to enable you to view and record what’s happening on your porch and in front of your home.
• Lower homeowner’s insurance premiums: From an insurance company’s perspective, the additional safety and security provided by smart home technology reduces its risk — there is less chance of a break-in or significant damage caused by an unattended HVAC system or home appliance. Depending on the insurer, you could receive as much as a 15-percent reduction in your insurance premium.

Contact Titan Alarm to Learn More About Smart Home Cost Savings

If you reside in the Phoenix or Tucson, AZ area, Titan Alarm, Inc. can help you explore the cost-saving benefits of transforming your house into a smart home. For more than a decade, we’ve been helping homeowners take advantage of the latest security technologies to make their homes safer — and save money in the process. Contact us for more information and to schedule a free in-home consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

The typical neighborhood burglar is not reckless — which is probably why only about 13 percent of household burglary investigations result in arrests. Many housebreakers will take the time to “case” a property for several days or longer – they’re looking to see when the occupants come and go, whether there are dogs lurking or any areas of vulnerability that will make it easier for them to gain entry.

How can you tell if a thief may be looking to make you his or her next victim? Telltale signs include:

• “Unusual” vehicles parked on your street: If you’ve lived in your home for a while, you probably know which vehicles belong to your neighbors — and which ones seem out of place. If you notice an unfamiliar parked car on your street for an extended time, notify law enforcement so they can investigate.
• Strangers knocking on your door: Some burglars will pose as door-to-door salespeople or solicitors for charitable organizations to gain access to the inside of a home. The information they glean during their visit can prove invaluable when they come back to break in when you’re away. The common-sense rule to follow is to never let someone into your home unless you know them, or they have a valid reason to be there.
• People taking pictures of your home: Burglars will often use their smartphones to snap photos of a home to assist them in planning a break-in. If you observe someone attempting to photograph your home, use your own phone to discreetly take pictures of the individual and notify the police.
• Service people hanging around: Thieves sometimes take legitimate day jobs as home repair workers or members of cleaning crews, which can give them a free run of the inside of a home. Some will even unlock a door or window, so they will have easy access when they return to burglarize the property. Keep a close eye on anyone you allow into your house to perform work. When they leave, check to make sure nothing is missing, and the house is secure.
• Exterior lights that stop working abruptly: Burglars who prefer to ply their trade at night may attempt to disable your home’s outdoor lighting to avoid detection. If your porch light suddenly stops working, check if the bulb is missing. Some thieves will steal the bulb during the day, then come back after dark.
• Missing trash or disrupted containers: Identity theft is a growing problem these days. Thieves can often gain valuable information such as Social Security numbers and bank records by rooting through your trash. To be safe, shred anything that contains personal information before you throw it away.

Titan Alarm, Inc. Can Help You Thwart Your Neighborhood Burglars

An advanced home security system containing features such as video surveillance cameras, motion sensors and burglar alarms is your best defense against criminals. Titan Alarm can provide a state-of-the-art security solution that will protect your Phoenix- or Tucson-area home from burglars and home invaders. Contact us to learn more today.

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For those of us who own smartphones, it’s hard to imagine what it would be like to live without them. Nowadays, you can use this “smart” technology to control everything from your home’s security system to your household appliances and heating/cooling systems. Here are a few examples of the many ways a smart home and home automation can simplify your life.

1. Control temperature: How often do you find yourself getting up to adjust the thermostat? Smart technology can automatically raise and lower the temperature to keep it at a comfortable level, which offers convenience — and can help you save energy.

 

2. Receive instant security alerts: Having a smart home can put your mind at ease while you’re away. You’ll receive an instant alert via your smartphone or tablet whenever someone trips a burglar alarm or tries to enter your home.

 

3. Monitor your surveillance cameras remotely: If you prefer to be a little more vigilant about home security, smart technology allows your phone or tablet to serve as an extra monitor for your surveillance cameras. You’ll be able to view live and recorded camera feeds on a 24/7/365 basis, even if you’re hundreds of miles from home.

 

4. Answer the door when you’re not home: Are you concerned about who might be ringing the doorbell at your house during the day while you’re at work? With smart technology, you can use your mobile device to see who’s at the door. If you need to let someone inside, you can unlock the door with a quick tap, and then lock it again when the person leaves.

 

5. Control your lights: Burglars often watch for patterns of the lights going on and off in a home to determine the best time to break in. Smart technology enables you to automate the operation of your interior and exterior lighting at random intervals to make it appear someone is at home.

 

6. Go wireless: Smart home systems feature Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you can go completely wireless. You won’t have to string cables all over your house, and you can even ditch that expensive landline from the phone company.

 

7. Watch your kids and pets: Whether you have younger kids you leave with a nanny or babysitter, or teenagers who are old enough to stay home alone, smart technology makes it easier to monitor their activities. You can even keep an eye on your household pets.

 

8. Utilize voice activation: If you have Google Home or Amazon Echo, you can integrate these smart speakers with your smart home features. You’ll be able to use the power of your voice to perform tasks such as arming your security system, unlocking doors and adjusting the thermostat from the comfort of your easy chair.

Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. for More Information Regarding Smart Home Technology

 Contact Titan Alarm to learn more about the numerous advantages of transforming your Phoenix- or Tucson-area house into a smart home. We can also schedule a convenient in-home consultation.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Known as the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that claims the lives of hundreds of people in the United States each year — and many more experience severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning. Although sublethal amounts of CO exist in just about every home, there’s always a risk that it could rise to dangerous levels. Because humans are unable to detect carbon monoxide with their senses, we are often unaware of CO poisoning until it’s too late.

What Causes Excessive CO Levels in a Home?

Carbon monoxide gas is a byproduct of the incomplete combustion of the carbon-containing fuels found in many home heating and HVAC units. When these systems are functioning correctly, the CO gas will be drawn away and pose no danger to people. However, a poorly maintained or malfunctioning heating/cooling system can produce lethal amounts of CO. A home or room lacking sufficient ventilation can also prevent CO from escaping to the outside.

Automobile exhaust systems are another common source of carbon monoxide gas. Consequently, CO poisoning can occur when someone sits inside a running automobile parked inside a garage with the door closed.

How Does Carbon Monoxide Get Released in a Home?

There are several ways CO can get released inside a home. For example, improperly installed or malfunctioning heating/cooling units can result in carbon monoxide leaks. Using barbecue grills, space heaters or generators in poorly ventilated areas can lead to a dangerous build-up of CO. Automobile exhaust systems also emit carbon monoxide, so allowing a vehicle to run in an enclosed garage can enable CO to seep into an attached home.

What Are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

CO poisoning exhibits symptoms that may resemble those produced by sea sickness. Initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea, fatigue and shortness of breath. Prolonged CO exposure may cause confusion, vomiting and a loss of coordination. As the poisoning progresses, the victim may lose consciousness and die. Many victims die in their sleep without ever being aware of the present dangers of carbon monoxide.

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Taking appropriate safety precautions can prevent carbon monoxide from occurring in a home. Many of these are common-sense solutions entailing the use of household appliances. For instance, you should never operate fuel-burning devices in enclosed areas or portable generators indoors. Also, keep the flue open when using the fireplace and always open the garage door when allowing your car to warm up during the winter.

Timely equipment maintenance can ensure appliances are working properly and are free of leaks that could emit carbon monoxide inside your home. Have a professional come to your home to inspect your HVAC system, water heater, oven and washer/dryer at least once a year. The inspection should also verify the proper ventilation of these units. If you have a fireplace, have the chimney cleaned on an annual basis.

The Importance of Installing Carbon Monoxide Detectors

While virtually every jurisdiction in the U.S. mandates the installation of smoke detectors, only 27 states (not including Arizona) have laws that require CO detectors in private dwellings. Like smoke detectors, CO detectors can provide an early warning when the presence of gas reaches an unsafe level. The occupants will hear an alarm that alerts them to the danger — which could mean the difference between life and death.

Where to Place CO Detectors

You should consider installing carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home to ensure maximum coverage. Specific areas to target include outside sleeping areas, in or near attached garages and in confined spaces that do not have sufficient ventilation. Avoid placing them near fuel-burning heating units or appliances, in high-humidity areas such as the bathroom or near any source of blowing air (open windows, ceiling fans, etc.). Also, pay close attention to the manufacturer’s installation instructions and recommendations to maximize the detector’s capabilities and prevent mistakes that could cause it to function improperly.

Contact Titan Alarm for More Information About CO Detector Installation and Use

Titan Alarm, Inc. can integrate carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, fire alarms and other life-saving safety devices as part of a comprehensive security solution for your Phoenix- or Tucson, AZ-area home. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation in-home consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Page Updated November 1, 2018

The term “smart home” refers to a house equipped with lighting, an HVAC system, alarms and appliances that the owner can control remotely via smartphone, tablet or laptop computer. Smart homes also enable the automation of these systems and devices.

Many modern homeowners are making the transition to smartphones for reasons such as convenience and energy efficiency. But a house equipped with this advanced technology can also provide numerous security benefits:

1. Monitoring remotely: If you frequently travel for business, smart technology enables you to keep an eye on your home while you’re away. Use your mobile device to monitor your surveillance feeds from your property, check in on your kids or receive an instant alert whenever someone or something triggers an alarm.

 

2. Eliminating spare keys: Many homeowners like to hide extra keys around their property in case they lock themselves out. Of course, most burglars are aware of this tendency and are adept at finding even the most “imaginative” hiding places. A home equipped with smart locks, which you can control with your mobile device, eliminates concerns about intruders locating your spare house keys and gaining easy entry to your home.

 

3. Seeing who’s at the door: Have you ever had the unsettling experience of someone knocking on the door or ringing the bell in the middle of the night? A smart doorbell allows you to see who’s on the other side of the door without opening it. It can also send a video of the doorway to your phone, so you don’t even have to get out of bed to answer the door. Some models even enable you to send a picture of the individual to the police if you have reason to be suspicious.

 

4. Detecting intruders: Too often, home invasions occur because the occupants are unaware of the presence of the intruder until he or she is already inside. A smart home equipped with exterior motion sensors can provide immediate alert whenever someone breaches the perimeter of your property. You’ll have plenty of time to act before the individual gets to the house.

 

5. Keeping watch over kids, pets or seniors: If you have teenage children or pets who are home alone, smart technology gives you the peace of mind of knowing that they’re safe while you’re away. And if you have aging parents who are unable to fend for themselves, you’ll be able to intervene or request help quickly during an emergency.

 

Contact Titan Alarm to Learn More About the Safety Benefits of Smart Home Technology

As one of the foremost home security experts in Phoenix and Tucson, AZ, Titan Alarm, Inc. can help you understand the advantages of making your house a “smart” home. We can design and install a state-of-the-art security system that will give you access to this advanced technology. Contact us for more information and to schedule a free security consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

If you’re not concerned about a burglar targeting your home, you could be living with a false sense of security. According to FBI statistics, a burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the U.S. — that’s approximately 5,800 per day!

The good news is there are some basic home security steps you can implement to significantly lower your risk of becoming another victim of a break-in:

1. Stage a fake burglary: Allow a trusted friend or relative who doesn’t live in your home to roam through it for 3-5 minutes and “steal” as many valuables as they can find. You might discover that the precious items you thought were well hidden would be easy prey for your friendly neighborhood burglar.
2. Remove those hidden spare keys: You may think you’ve found the perfect hiding spot for that spare house key, but veteran burglars know all the tricks. By upgrading to “smart” locks, which you can control via your smartphone or tablet, you won’t need to worry about hiding keys or leaving them with your neighbor again.
3. Install warning signs: A “Beware of Dog” sign will deter some intruders — even if you don’t own a canine. A “No Trespassing” sign can also work well. You can purchase these signs today at your local home improvement store.
4. Get rid of hiding spots: When burglars see a home surrounded by shrubbery, they view it as an opportunity to have some cover for breaking in. Keeping your plantings trimmed will make your house less inviting to prospective thieves.
5. Inspect window locks: Many homeowners go to great lengths to ensure they have the most reliable locks on their exterior doors, but they overlook another favorite burglar entry point — the windows. Check all window locks to make sure they’re functioning properly, and don’t forget to lock your windows when they’re closed.
6. Don’t leave ladders outside: It might be more convenient to keep ladders outside your home, but it also makes it easier for burglars to gain access to second-floor windows. Store your ladders in the basement or garage when not in use.
7. Secure the garage: Speaking of the garage, don’t forget to close and lock the garage door, even if you’re only leaving for a short time to run a few errands. An open garage door is an invitation to burglars to help themselves to your garage’s contents. They can also enter your home through the adjoining door.
8. Request a police inspection: Depending on where you live, your local police department may be willing to send an officer to do a walk-through of your home to help you identify areas of vulnerability.

Contact Titan Alarm for a No-Obligation Consultation

If you reside in or around Phoenix or Tucson, AZ, Titan Alarm, Inc. will be happy to schedule a free in-home security consultation. We can also make an informed recommendation regarding your home security system options. Contact us to arrange a convenient time for your security check-up today!

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.