Category: home security

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

What Are the Best Features for a Home Security System?

The best security system features include:

• Reliable alarms – High-quality burglar, fire, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are essential for providing the early detection and warning that can mean the difference between life and death. They can also deliver timely alerts to first responders.

• Video surveillance – Strategically placed security cameras enable you to monitor what’s happening inside and outside your home on a 24/7 basis. Cameras with recording capabilities allow you to explore footage, so you can review property activity at any time. Cameras placed in visible locations can also deter burglars, vandals and home intruders.

• Motion sensors – Motions sensors can detect movement in vulnerable areas on your property. They can trigger your alarms and cameras to deliver a more robust security solution. Sensors can also activate security lighting, which usually causes intruders to flee.

• Home automation/smart technology – The availability of today’s “smart” technology can give you greater control over your home security system’s features. You’ll be able to use your smartphone, tablet or laptop to perform functions such as viewing camera feeds, locking and unlocking doors and even operating your heating/cooling system and appliances, no matter where you are.

• Professional monitoring – Even the best security system features may not fully protect your home without proper monitoring. You should choose a system that comes with around-the clock observation conducted at a central monitoring station. Trained professionals will keep a close watch on camera feeds, alarms and other system notifications and immediately dispatch first responders if necessary.

• Built-in flexibility – Home security technology continues to evolve. Your home security solution should give you the flexibility to make fast, easy upgrades so that you will continue to have access to the best security system features on the market — without having to bear the hassle and expense of installing a brand-new system.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Security System Provider

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

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

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

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

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

• Ionization: Ionization alarms typically provide the fastest response to open-burning fires. This gives residents more time to escape fast-moving fires fueled by highly flammable sources such as clothing and paper. While ionization alarms feature heightened sensitivity to fire, they’re also susceptible to false alarms caused by cooking fumes.

• Heat: These alarms are the best choice for fire detection in kitchen and cooking areas. They’re designed to respond to an intense build-up of heat instead of smoke or fumes. However, this makes them a poor smoke detection solution for sleeping quarters and other living areas of the home.

• Optical: Optical alarms rely on infrared technology. These single-sensor alarms are a good choice for detecting a heavy volume of smoke from slow-burning, smoldering fires such as those produced by mattresses, furniture and television sets. On the downside, optical alarms are not known for their ability to detect heat.

• Multi-sensor: Multi-sensor alarms contain a combination of optical and heat sensors, making them the best all-around fire protection solution for a home. The sensors deliver signals to intuitive software built into the detector, which also helps to prevent false alarms. The biggest drawback to installing multi-sensor detectors is their relatively high cost.

The Importance of Fire Alarm System Interconnectivity

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

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

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

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

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

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

How Does a Security System Work During a Power Outage?

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

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

No Power to Security System Due to a Backup Battery Failure

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

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

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

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

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

What to Do If Your House Was Broken Into

There are several steps to take after a home theft:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Updated by Titan Alarm on October 31, 2018.

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

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

How to Secure a Garage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

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

How to Secure a Front Door

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Titan Alarm Can Help You Burglarproof Your Front Door

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

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

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.