How to Prepare Your Home for a Flood

Every year, flooding causes extensive damage to residences in Phoenix, Tucson, and throughout Arizona. A flood can also have tragic consequences involving the loss of life.

A July 2017 flash flood in Payson, AZ that resulted from a monsoon-like rainstorm claimed the lives of nine members of an extended family. Taking steps to prevent flooding in your house can literally mean the difference between life and death.

How Can You Secure Your Home From Flooding?

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to “flood-proof” your home and possibly prevent a disaster from occurring:

  • Install sump pumps – A sump pump is essential for keeping a basement from flooding. Be sure to choose a pump that can operate via batteries or backup generator, as a flood could knock out your home’s main power supply for several hours or even days.
  • Raise electrical components above your home’s flood elevation level – Electrocution is a significant danger during a flood. Contact a licensed electrician and have them raise all electrical components (wiring, outlets, circuit breakers, etc.) at least one foot above your home’s estimated flood level.
  • Waterproof your basement – Waterproofing your basement and basement entrances can minimize your risk of flood damage. Specific waterproofing steps include keeping gutters, downspouts and storm drains free of debris and ensuring the slope of your property will channel water away from your home. Installing foundation vents can also prevent water from entering the basement.
  • Purchase flood insurance – Many property owners mistakenly believe that their homeowner’s insurance policy covers flooding, when in fact, most do not. Review your policy with your agent, and if necessary, purchase additional flood insurance protection if it’s available in your area.

What to Do When Flood Waters Are Rising

There are several actions you should take when flooding is imminent:

  • Move your belongings to higher ground – Move as many household items as possible to elevated areas such as second- or third-story rooms and the attic. Focus on moving valuable furniture pieces, electronic devices that could cause electrocution, and important papers and documents such as your home’s deed, insurance policies and financial records.
  • Elevate appliances – While you probably won’t be able to move your refrigerator, washing machine or stove to higher ground, you can use concrete blocks to raise them off the ground and possibly prevent the floodwaters from reaching them.
  • Turn off utilities – Turn off your home’s electrical power supply to lower your risk of electrocution, as well as plumbing fixtures and gas lines.
  • Open your windows – Closed windows will not keep the floodwaters out. Opening your windows will prevent them from breaking due to the water pressure.
  • Relocate to a safe place – Trying to ride out the storm is not a good idea, especially during severe flooding. The last thing you want is to be trapped inside your home while the waters are rising. Once you’ve made your last-minute home preparations, move to higher ground and wait for the floodwaters to recede before returning. Determine the locations of the emergency shelters in your area before the storm arrives.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Burglars Who Got Caught

Most folks who choose burglary as a profession aren’t necessarily the sharpest knives in the drawer. Perhaps that’s why they resort to breaking into homes instead of pursuing nuclear physics or biochemical engineering as a career path. What follows is a sampling of some of our favorite “idiot intruders” that is sure to bring a smile to your face — assuming you’re not one of them!

  • Albuquerque, NM – A burglar attempting to steal computer hardware from Central New Mexico Community College was unable to escape when he became ensnared in the window blinds. One has to wonder if the culprit possessed the brain power to know what to do with the hardware even if he managed to break free from his much smarter “captor.”
  • Portland, OR – Proving that it’s always good to know whom to call when you’re in trouble, a burglar dialed 9-1-1 to ask for help after breaking into a home. It appears that this mental giant was startled when the homeowners arrived unexpectedly in the middle of his attempted burglary and believed that the police might be able to get him out of the jam.
  • Centralia, WA – A dog may be man’s best friend — except when his owner is a burglar who takes his dog with him as he practices his craft. A dimwitted crook in Washington State made off with a pile of loot from a home, but left his dog behind. The police officer who responded to the call recognized the dog — he’d seen the owner walking it earlier in the day — and was able to track down the owner with minimal effort.
  • Carroll, IA – Two misguided burglars in Iowa felt that covering the faces with black magic marker would be enough to conceal their identity. Unfortunately for them, a witness saw the pair speeding away in a vehicle and was able to provide an accurate description to police. It wasn’t hard for the cops to figure out that two men with magic marker on their face were probably up to no good. The burglary attempt did occur in October, so maybe the crooks were confused and thought it was Halloween.
  • Madrid, Spain – It’s an indisputable fact that most burglaries are committed by living, breathing human beings and not corpses. When police in Madrid responded to a report of a break-in at a funeral home, they found the would-be burglar lying in a glass chamber used for viewings. The perpetrator’s drab, dirty clothes and the fact that he was breathing were both “dead” giveaways.

Titan Alarm: Home Security That Works

While these unsuccessful break-in attempts may be humous, most burglaries are no laughing matter. Titan Alarm, Inc. can provide a comprehensive security solution that will protect your property against burglary and home invasion. We can provide a video surveillance system that will enable a home invasion to be caught on camera, as well as burglar alarms, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, motion sensors and more. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation security consultation today.

Learn More about Burglar Alarms for Your Home

Updated by Titan Alarm on October 31, 2018.

Technology Is Changing Home Security

It seems technology changes almost at the speed of light these days, and it impacts every aspect of our lives — including the way we protect our homes. While some of us still rely on locks and keys or maybe even our canine companions to keep us safe from intruders, advanced technology in home security offers much more reliable solutions.

Some of the more noteworthy changes in home security today include:

  • Sensors: Sensors play a vital role in the function of today’s home security systems and make them more dependable than ever. For example, outdoor motion sensors can instantly detect the presence of intruders and activate your security lighting and alarms. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will provide an immediate alert to warn you of the danger of fire and potentially lethal carbon monoxide gas.
  • IP Cameras: Internet protocol cameras are the new technology in home surveillance. Unlike traditional analog CCTV (closed-circuit television), digital IP camera systems can transmit and receive digital data via the Internet. You have greater flexibility for camera placement and the ability to store recorded images in the cloud for future viewing.
  • Remote Monitoring Capabilities: Do you ever worry about what’s going on in and around your home when you’re not there? Remote monitoring enables you to use your smartphone or tablet as an extension of your home security system. You can perform functions such as watching live or recorded video camera feeds and monitoring your burglar and fire alarms while you’re at work or on the go, giving you additional peace of mind.
  • Access Control: An access control system allows you to manage your home’s entry points and locks while you’re away. For example, you can use your smartphone to unlock a door to allow a repairman inside while you’re at work or let a neighbor in to feed your pets when you’re on vacation. You no longer have to worry about hiding a spare key under the mat or entrusting it to someone else — you’ll have complete control over who enters your home at all times.
  • Home Automation: Home automation technology allows you to preschedule the operation of the various aspects of your security system — cameras, sensors, locks, lighting, etc. — as well as your appliances and other electronic devices. This gives you greater control over their functionality and enables them to work more efficiently, which can make your home more secure and reduce your energy bills.
  • Remote Monitoring: New technology in home surveillance now makes it easier than ever for central monitoring stations to observe camera feeds and respond to alarms. Wireless technology can prevent burglars from cutting phone lines or storms from knocking out your home’s power supply, ensuring a timely, uninterrupted feed between your home and the monitoring station.

Titan Alarm Remains at the Forefront of Technology in Home Security

Phoenix and Tucson area residents trust the experts at Titan Alarm to keep their homes safe. We can design and install an advanced security system featuring the latest technological innovations. Contact us to schedule your free in-home security consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Myths of Home Invasions and Burglaries

No matter where you live in Arizona, you face the risk of becoming the next victim of a home invasion or burglary. A home invasion is defined as an unlawful entry while the residents are occupying the property and can involve the commission of crimes such as robbery, rape, kidnapping or assault. A burglary entails breaking into the home with the intent to steal money or household items. In this post, we’ll explore a few of the common house invasion myths and untrue facts about burglary.

Myth #1: Invasions and Burglaries Only Occur at the Homes of the Wealthy

In fact, homeowners in lower and middle-class neighborhoods are more likely to be targeted by criminals than the affluent. Most burglars live within the communities where they perpetrate their crimes — and most of these folks do not reside in wealthy areas. Plus, many affluent homeowners these days have sophisticated security systems in place to deter break-ins.

Myth #2: Burglaries Only Occur at Night

Many people believe that burglars prefer to ply their craft at night under the cover of darkness. The truth is that many burglaries occur during the day between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. A burglar will usually watch a home for several days to make sure the occupants are at work and that no one will be there when they break in.

Myth #3: Burglars Only Covet Expensive Electronics and Other Larger Items

Another common misconception is that burglars will head straight for your flat screen TV or stereo system. However, one of the numerous misunderstood home burglary facts is that thieves prefer smaller items such as cash and jewelry – it’s easier to get these out of the home, and the payoff can be much greater. That’s why so many burglars make a beeline to the master bedroom, where these valuable items are often stored.

Myth #4: Home Intruders and Burglars Usually Enter Through the Back Door

Some folks believe intruders prefer entering through the back door so they can’t be seen from the street. In reality, about one-third of break-ins occur via the front door, as it is normally the easiest access point. Twenty-three percent of intruders use a window, while only 22 percent enter through the back door.

Myth #5: Dogs Are the Best Defense Against Home Invaders and Burglars

While a growling or barking dogs might deter some intruders, the pros know how to divert their attention with food or treats. And even the most trusted watchdog could sleep through a break-in!

Myth #6: Home Security Systems Won’t Keep Intruders Out

The truth is, a well-designed and professionally installed security system is the best way to protect against home invaders and burglars. Approximately 90 percent of convicted home intruders say they would avoid homes with security systems in place.

Titan Alarm, Inc. is your best source for a reliable, affordable home security system in the Phoenix area. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation security consultation today.

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Seasonal Crime Trends

While a home break-in can occur at any time, there is one period of the year where the risk increases: summer. According to Bureau of Justice statistics, the burglary rate is approximately 10.5 percent higher in the summer than the winter, the least active home burglary season. The reasons home crime spikes during the summer include:

  • Vacations: Summer is the time when a lot of folks go away on vacation, which leaves their home unoccupied for several days or even weeks. Opportunistic burglars are aware of this as well and will “case” neighborhoods to determine when the homeowners are away.
  • Spending More Time Outdoors: Even when people aren’t on vacation, they tend to spend more time outdoors during the summer months. This can involve going to the park with the kids, taking day trips to the mountains, beach or neighborhood swimming pool or attending ball games and concerts. Burglars are also out and about and on the lookout for opportunities to ply their trade.
  • Leaving Doors and Windows Open: In the earlier summer months, many homeowners will keep their doors and windows open to catch the cooling breezes. Unfortunately, some homeowners neglect to close them when leaving to go to work or the store, which gives burglars easy access.

How to Protect Your Home During Summer

Implementing a proactive approach to summertime home security can prevent you from becoming the target of a burglar. Steps to take include:

  • Maintain a Human Presence: Most burglars obviously want to avoid encounters with people. If you’re planning on being away for several days, arrange to have a trusted friend, neighbor or relative stop by at least once a day so the home maintains a human presence. If your budget allows, consider hiring a house sitter to stay at your home around the clock.
  • Stop Deliveries: If you can’t have someone stop by or stay in your home, at least be sure to stop all mail, newspaper and package deliveries until you return. A pile of newspapers on the porch is a telltale sign to a burglar that the house is unoccupied.
  • Keep Up the Landscaping: If you’re going to be away for a couple of weeks or longer, hire someone to cut the grass and take care of your landscaping. A neglected property is an open invitation to a would-be thief.
  • Don’t Broadcast Your Trip: You might be so excited about your upcoming vacation that you want to tell the world about it on social media. However, you could be tipping off a burglar that you’ll be away. Wait until after you return to make your friends jealous by sharing your stunning vacation pics on Facebook!

Titan Alarm Can Minimize Your Risk During Home Burglary Season

If you live in the Phoenix area, Titan Alarm can provide a reliable home security system to protect against the increase in the summer seasonal crime rates — and keep you and your family safe throughout the year. Contact us for more information or to schedule a free in-home security consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

What to Do If You’re Home During a Break-In

Coming home to discover that you’ve been the target of a burglar can be an unsettling experience, to say the least — but it’s not nearly as frightening as when someone breaks into your house while you and your family are there! Knowing how to stay safe when an intruder comes in can mean the difference between life and death.

Remain Quiet

A common scenario is that the homeowner is asleep in an upstairs bedroom and is awakened by the sound of breaking glass or a knocked-over lamp coming from downstairs. Your first reaction may be to yell out or scream —  but this only lets the intruder know where you are. Instead of calling out, get up and quietly move to lock the door. You can also press your ear to the door to see if you can determine the intruder’s exact location and if he has accomplices.

Call 911

If you have access to your cell phone or a landline phone, quietly call 911 and report the incident. Give the operator as much information as possible and stay on the line until help arrives.

Stay Inside

Some victims of a home invasion try to make a break for it. Even if you already have a home break-in escape plan in place, though, it’s possible that you won’t have a clear path to the nearest exit. Your sudden movement could also startle the intruder, and you can’t know for sure if he is armed and how he’ll react.

Find a Hiding Place

If the room includes a closet with a lock or other good hiding place, go to it quietly and remain there until the police arrive. If you have 911 on the line, let them know about your new location. If your vehicle is equipped with a key fob-activated car alarm and you have access to your keys, take them into your hiding place with you. Triggering your car alarm may frighten the intruder and cause him to flee — and it won’t reveal your location.

What to Do If the Intruder Confronts You

If you come face-to-face with the intruder, do not act aggressively or attempt to frighten him. You can’t know for sure if he’s armed and if he will use his weapon. Instead, raise your hands above your head and avoid eye contact. If you have a weapon on your person, keep it out of sight until the time comes that you may have to use it.

Installing a Security System Can Prevent a Home Break-In From Occurring

Don’t wait for a home break-in to occur. A well-designed home security is an important intruder safety step that can stop a burglary before it starts. The most effective security systems consist of a series of integrated devices such as surveillance cameras, burglar alarms, motion sensors and security lighting, as well as professional 24/7 monitoring.

If you live in the Phoenix, AZ area, contact Titan Alarm, Inc. to schedule a free in-home security consultation today.

Learn More About Preventing Break-Ins

Updated by Titan Alarm on October 31, 2018.

Steps to Take After a Break-In

Coming home to discover that someone has burglarized your house or apartment can be a traumatic experience. Not only do you have to deal with replacing the stolen items, but you must also cope with the emotional distress and the feeling of being violated.

The following steps can guide you as far as what to do after a break-in and assist you in managing the long-term psychological effects that often result from a home intrusion:

Call the police immediately.

The longer you wait to seek help after a burglary, the better the chance that the culprit will make a clean getaway. Before you do anything else, contact your local police department to report the crime. If you’re concerned that the burglar might still be in your house, go to a neighbor’s home and wait for the police to arrive.

Don’t touch anything.

There’s a chance the burglar left behind physical evidence that could link him or her to the crime. Sorting through your belongings or moving items around could destroy the evidence and make it harder for the police to investigate. Let the police do their job first — there will be plenty of time to clean up later. However, you should take pictures of the scene, as your homeowner’s insurance company will likely need them to facilitate the claims process.

Make a list of damaged or stolen items.

If you’re still inside your home while you’re waiting for the police to arrive, you can start to make a list of things you know are missing or damaged. As you walk through the property with the police, you may also discover some items you can add to the list.

Contact your insurance company.

You will want to file a claim with your insurance carrier so you can receive compensation for your damaged or missing items. If you have your insurance policy handy, check it to see what coverage it provides. Be sure to have the police report for the incident with you when you call, as the agent or claims adjuster will likely request the report number and other information.

Start cleaning up.

Cleaning up the mess left behind by the intruder is one of the most difficult steps to take after a break-in. However, restoring everything back to normal is an important part of the healing process and is essential for moving on with your life.

Bolster home security after an intruder targets your home.

If you’re the victim of a burglary, you’ll want to do everything possible to ensure it doesn’t happen. Identifying and addressing your home security vulnerabilities will also aid the healing process by giving you the peace of mind of knowing you’re reducing the risk of another break-in.

Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. for Your Home Security Needs

If you are a resident of the Phoenix, AZ area, Titan Alarm is happy to design as well as install an up-to-date security system that will provide an effective defense against break-ins. For more information and to schedule a free in-home security consultation, contact us today.

Learn More About Preventing Break-Ins

Updated by Titan Alarm on October 31, 2018.

What to Do in Tucson, AZ

Located in beautiful Pima County, AZ, the city of Tucson (approx. population 531,000) is a thriving desert community that is the site of the University of Arizona. Tucson has much to offer to visitors and residents alike. Here is a partial list of the best activities in Tucson and the surrounding areas:

  • Visit a casino: Tucson attracts people who want to test their luck at blackjack, poker, slot machines and other favorite casino games. The Tohono O’odham Nation and Pascua Yaqui Tribe are two Native American tribes that each operate a pair of popular casinos in the Tucson area.
  • Discover Catalina State Park: This picturesque park is one of the best places to visit in Tucson if you’re a fan of stunning desert landscapes and scenic mountain vistas. It’s the perfect place for hiking, biking, camping, picnicking and observing wildlife. We strongly recommend a hike down the Romero Ruin Interpretive Trail to explore the site of an ancient Hohokam Native American village.
  • Shop for the “chocoholic:” If you’d like to know where to go in Tucson to satisfy your sweet tooth, you have plenty of options. You can find everything from mouthwatering Western-themed chocolates to tantalizing monsoon apples at candy shops such as the Chocolate Depot and General Store and Gift Shop at Mt. Lemmon.
  • Check out local culture: If you’re planning to travel to Tucson in the fall and what to experience a taste of Southwest culture, then you won’t want to miss Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Held in late October, this multi-day event is a historic Mexican celebration designated for remembering departed loved ones and ancestors. Despites its somewhat somber name, Día de los Muertosis is actually a fun-filled festival filled with music, dancing and the perennially popular All Souls Procession.
  • Indulge in excellent dining: You’ll probably want to eat while you’re in town! If your idea of a fun night out is a fantastic meal combined with a little mystery or drama, you’ll want to check out at least one of the many dinner theatres in the Tucson area such as the Gaslight Theatre, The Mystery & Magic Dinner Theater Playhouse at the Five Palms or Mystery Dinner Theatre.
  • Explore Historic Downtown Tucson: History buffs will want to take a tour of Tucson’s captivating downtown historic district. This area features an abundance of historically significant properties such as the Rialto Building and Rialto Theatre, the Valley National Bank Building, Hotel Congress and Coronado Hotel.
  • Take in the natural beauty: There’s nothing quite like a southern Arizona sunrise — and one of the best places to experience one is in the Santa Catalina Mountains located to the north and northeast of the city. You witness a breathtaking scene you will remember fondly for the rest of your life.

Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. for Your Home or Business Security Needs in Tucson

If you’re planning to purchase a home or business in the Tucson area, Titan Alarm can provide a state-of-the-art security solution that will give your peace of mind — and we might even have some great ideas regarding what to do in Tucson! Contact us to learn more today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Common Home Break-in Spots

Few neighborhoods are immune from burglaries and break-ins these days — when you consider that nearly 5,000 home break-ins occur daily in the United States, it’s important to know how to defend your property against intruders and thieves. A good place to start is gaining an awareness of the most common break-in entrances:

  • Front door – It might surprise you that burglars don’t always look for “hidden” areas on your property to find their way inside. In fact, about one-third of burglars enter through the front door, which makes it the most common entry point. And they don’t always bother with picking locks — they’ll simply kick the door down and walk in!
  • Secondary entrances – Many homeowners pay close attention to securing the front door, but they neglect secondary entrances such as back doors and sliding glass patio doors. Burglars are also aware of this, and many will head straight to these areas if they’re unable to gain access through the front door.
  • Attached garage – Approximately 10 percent of burglars enter a home via an attached garage. Too many homeowners leave their garage doors unlocked for convenience, and/or they fail to secure the inner door that leads inside the house. Some thieves also target the garage, as many contain a treasure trove of household goods.
  • Windows – About one-quarter of intruders will come through a first-floor window. Some property owners fail to provide adequate locks for ground-floor windows or even leave them open in warm weather. An ambitious burglar who spots an open second-story window may find a way to climb up — including using the property owner’s own ladder!
  • Cellar doors – If you have an older home with exterior doors that lead to a root cellar, a burglar can use this to enter the cellar and then move into the main areas of your house. Many of these doors are not easily seen from the street, which provides convenient cover for the intruder.
  • Small doors and windows – You might think that burglars cannot get through pet doors or smaller basement and bathroom windows. However, many enlist the help of petite accomplices or even children who can fit through these openings and unlock a main door from the inside.
  • Using disguises – The more enterprising criminals will disguise themselves as police officers, cable TV installers, repairmen, delivery drivers or plumbing contractors. This helps them avoid suspicion as they break into a home. It also provides the ideal cover when plying their illicit trade during the daytime hours.

The Importance of Installing a Reliable Home Security System

Statistics show that a state-of-the-art security system equipped with surveillance cameras, alarms and motion sensors can dramatically reduce the risk of a break-in — approximately 60 percent of convicted burglars indicate that they avoid these protected homes.

If you live in the Phoenix, AZ area, Titan Alarm, Inc, can design and install the right security solution for your property. We have the expertise to answer vital questions such as “Where should I put my security cameras?” and “What are my most vulnerable security areas?” Contact us to learn more today!

Learn More About Burglar Alarms For Your Home

The Best Places to Put Security Cameras

“Where are the best places to put my security cameras?” “How many security cameras should I have on my property?” These are two of the most common questions we hear at Titan Alarm, Inc. It’s important to note that no two homes are exactly alike — the answers to where and how many cameras you should have depends on the size and layout of your property and a host of additional factors, such as:

  • Make first-floor doors and windows a priority – Burglars and intruders prefer taking the path of least resistance when breaking into a home — and that usually means attempting to enter through an exterior door or first-floor window. You should place enough security cameras to provide sufficient coverage for your ground-level doors and windows.
  • Cover your hidden areas – Just about every home has at least one high-risk area — it could be a cellar door that is out of sight from the street or maybe a detached garage at the end of your backyard. Your camera layout plan should account for these vulnerable locations.
  • Cover any previous break-in points – If you or a previous owner have ever experienced a break-in at the home, there’s probably a good reason that the perpetrator picked the specific access point — it likely served as an easy target. Make sure your cameras provide a clear view of this area.
  • Place them high – but not too high – Place your cameras at an elevated spot so that they’re out of reach of thieves or vandals. This will prevent them from tampering with and possibly disabling the devices. However, don’t place them so high that they will not provide a detailed view of the intruder’s physical features. Most security experts recommend a placement height of about nine feet.
  • Install a camera inside your garage – A garage is a favorite target of many thieves — if they know you’re not at home, they’re likely to spend a good amount of time rummaging through your garage’s contents. Place a camera that offers a full view of the inside of the garage so you can see how the thieves are getting in and the objects they’re targeting.
  • Don’t forget the backyard – Many intruders prefer accessing a property via the backyard so they can avoid detection from the street. A backyard security camera is crucial — especially if your yard is out of the view of neighbors or passersby.
  • Cover the master bedroom – Most burglars head directly to the master bedroom, as this is where most homeowners keep jewelry and other valuable items. Your cameras should provide a full view of the bedroom, especially the areas where you keep expensive goods.

Contact Titan Alarm to Learn More

If you’re not sure where to put security cameras at your home or business, Titan Alarm, Inc. can help. As a leading security solutions provider in the Phoenix, AZ area, we can assist you in developing the most effective camera placement strategy for your property. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today!

Learn More About Home Video Surveillance

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.