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Tag Archives: alarm systems

what-is-the-difference-between-stay-away-and-night-home-alarm-activation-modes

What is The Difference Between Stay, Away, and Night Home Alarm Activation Modes?

what-is-the-difference-between-stay-away-and-night-home-alarm-activation-modesHome alarm systems need to be manually activated by a user to work. This makes sense when you consider the alarm would go off at any given time without proper activation and given how often we come and go from our homes, having several modes to accommodate different situations is certainly convenient.

This often causes confusion however. For instance, not everyone is fully aware of the differences between these modes, not knowing what works best for each situation. Let’s take a closer look at the main differences between home alarm activation modes:

1. Stay Mode

Stay mode, often referred to as home mode, is the mode best used when someone remains at home. Motion sensors from the system detect people inside but don’t activate any alarms, ensuring the system isn’t set off by mistake.

This mode still provides security of course, otherwise it would be rather useless. The main security provided by stay mode occurs at other entrances to the home, namely windows and any additional doors.

2. Away Mode

As the name suggests, this armed mode is used when homeowners are away from their home. Therefore, all alarms are usually activated (unless the user decides to deactivate certain alarms), ensuring the utmost protection when away from home.

Both interior and exterior alarms are armed, so whether it’s a broken window or forced entry, the security system immediately triggers and sounds the alarm. Depending on the security system installed, the police might also be contacted.

So, unlike other modes, away mode will always activate the alarm should there be an issue, making it the most secure option for those leaving their home unattended. Be mindful that pets may activate motion sensors with this mode!

Also, away mode usually features a delay, so you can leave the house as you activate it, while also giving enough time (around 30 seconds) to deactivate when you come back home.

3. Night Mode

One of the most notable difference with night mode is how customizable it is. You set the alarm to suit the needs of your own night time routine, allowing to get the balance of security when sleeping but avoiding false alarms should you go to the bathroom or have a pet moving around downstairs.

This works by letting you pre-program the night mode to turn off any sensors that may be disturbed by mistake. Most people tend to turn off most motion sensors with this mode while keeping other sensors active, such as those on windows and doors.

If you have a home in The Coachella Valley and are concerned about the overall security of your property, see our page for special offers on a new alarm system, then contact the professional alarm consultants at Command One Security! We are eager to discuss with you the most effective and economical options we have available for home security today. Call us today at (760) 568-0052!

4-ways-to-keep-your-vacation-home-secure

4 Ways To Keep Your Vacation Home Secure

4-ways-to-keep-your-vacation-home-secureHaving a vacation home is an ideal place that you can go to unwind. It is a great investment that you have made and many times you worry about the home when you are away.  It is possible to keep your vacation home secure and prevent any trespassing, vandalism or even burglary when you are away, and you have no one to take care of it.  Technology has made it possible to secure your home and not worry much while away.

Four ways that you can keep your vacation home secure include:

1. Installing a smart security system

This is the best way to secure your home and to prevent theft even before it happens.  It involves installing cameras that will send a real-time video that you can check even when you are far away. You can connect the camera to your computer, tablet or smartphone and get to watch what is happening in your home and around it.  It notifies you when something goes wrong, and you can arm and disarm the alarm from wherever you are, and you don’t have to give your access code to many people.   You can have the security system monitored by a live call center 24/7, and this enables you to send out any emergency services if need be.

2. Secure all doors and windows

Most burglars use the window to gain access into the house, so it is important to secure them with locks especially the ones on the ground level.  You may put a pin or nail into the inside of the frame, and this prevents the window from opening.  On the door locks, install a deadbolt, and this will prevent burglars from opening the doors easily.  You may install smart lock where you don’t need a key to open or close the door or leave the key behind so that other people can access the home when you are not around

3. Know the neighbors and make friends

This is your second home, so get to know the people who live around you and find someone who you can trust to look after your home while you are away. Let them know that you will be visiting the home so they should keep an eye on the house and alert the police of any suspicious activities when you are away. It is difficult for burglars to break into areas where there are close-knit neighbors.  Neighbors may also help prepare the home for you before you come for your vacation or if any bad weather is coming. You don’t need to leave a key behind, but invest in smart locks where you can unlock the door for them.

4. Make your home look as if someone is home

A home that looks vacant is an invitation to theft so make sure that your home looks like someone is living there. You may have the lights programmed to go on and off at certain times so that the house isn’t dark at all times, keep the yard maintained and bushes cleared.  This will convince would-be burglars that there is someone in the house, deterring them from any thoughts of breaking in.

If you have a home in The Coachella Valley and are concerned about the overall security of your property, see our page for special offers on a new alarm system, then contact the professional alarm consultants at Command One Security! We are eager to discuss with you the most effective and economical options we have available for home security today. Call us today at (760) 568-0052!

questions to ask a home security company

5 Questions to Ask a Security Alarm Company Before You Sign Up for Service

Whether or not you are getting your alarm system installed by a huge alarm company, or a small local questions to ask a home security companycompany, it can be incredibly important to ask a few questions before you let a company watch over one of your most valuable possessions: your home. After all, you wouldn’t let someone watch your child without asking at least a few questions, would you?

1. Is your company licensed to install and monitor security systems?

Never assume that just because someone is selling you a security system that they are licensed and registered to legally do so. Make sure that their title is backed up by actual licensing so that you can be sure that the company you are hiring is a legitimate business that takes what they do extremely seriously.

2. What will I be paying and how often?

One of the most important questions you can ask about any type of service that you have to pay for is an exact rundown of what you will be paying, and if it something that is continuously paid for, how often you will have to pay for it.

3. Are employees background checked and qualified to monitor my home?

This is something else you might automatically assume: All of the employees at a security company are fully qualified and innocent. However, it never hurts to make sure that they are being background checked to ensure that they do not have a history of criminal activity. If anything, it will add on peace of mind that your house is being watched over by someone who has a mutual interest in your safety.

4. What happens in an emergency situation?

If someone breaks into your house, a fire starts, or any other emergency, you will want to know what the procedure is. This includes things like how the alarm company will alert you if a fire has started or if a break-in has occurred while you are away from home, as well as how they will help you if you are inside your home. Will the local police be contacted? What about the fire department?

5. What happens if the power goes out?

It’s something we don’t really think about. However, when the power goes out, essential electronic systems like internet, appliances, etc. will also go out. Be sure to ask and ensure that your security system will stay online even after a power outage. On top of that, it never hurts to ask how long the backup system will remain online for until it too runs out of power.

Having a company install an alarm system can require a great deal of trust between you and the company. While it may seem a bit rude, clarifying questions are never a bad thing. It will show that you are up to date with the law and have a love for your home and/or family’s safety. There are a lot more questions you can ask, so don’t be afraid to ask anything that worries you or that comes to mind.

If you want a security alarm company that has the right answers for all the above questions, and get some great discounts on an alarm system for your home or business in The Coachella Valley, contact the experts at Command One Security! One of our home security consultants will be happy to discuss the best and most cost-effective options we have available for you. Call us today at (760) 568-0052!

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