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home and business security alarms

5 Differences Between Home and Business Security Alarm Systems

home and business security alarmsThere are two types of alarms systems, home and business. Over the last few years, the features of both home and business security alarms have started to merge. Many of the advanced features that were initially available in business security alarms are nowadays offered in home security alarms as well. However, there are still many differences between the two.

Following are 5 differences between home and business security alarm systems:

1. Business Security Alarms Are Generally More Complex
When it comes to security, there is no doubt that businesses have more complex needs as compared to homes. Commercial buildings are usually in high-traffic areas and depending on the services a business offers, it could be a lot more attractive to burglars than a home. That’s why businesses require more safety measures in order to maintain safety and security.

Since the needs of businesses are complex when it comes to security, business security alarms are more advanced and comprehensive as compared to home security alarms. They are equipped with relatively more features such as controlled access cards to allow employees to move throughout the facility, relatively more surveillance cameras, imposing limitss to where people can go, etc.

2. Certification

Being certified and non-certified is a key difference between a home and a business security alarm system. Certified alarm systems are those that are suited for small applications such as retail stores or small offices to high high-end applications such as airports and banks. Home alarm systems are not certified but business security alarms are.

3. Home Security Alarms Can Be Placed Anywhere

Home security alarms are designed in such a way that allows the homeowners to place them anywhere in the house. They feature small size and discreet design that fits-in well with the overall home décor. These features are not really a concern when it comes to business security.

4. Business Security Alarms Offer Relatively More Data Storage

You cannot always predict when an important piece of information will be needed. Unfortunate and unexpected things can occur at any time and you want to know that you have the ability to easily find and view the information that you need. Businesses especially, require their video surveillance system to store a lot of data because of the 24/7 high-traffic and activity in the facility. That’s why most security alarm companies design alarm systems to have relatively more storage, allowing businesses to keep a lot of important data with ease. Homeowners don’t need that much data storage, unless the home is empty for a long period of time, which doesn’t happen very often.

5. Business Security Alarms Are Relatively Costlier

Since business security alarms are a lot more complex and are also equipped with more features, it is not surprising that they are relatively costlier as compared to home security alarms. The cost of a security alarm system depends on the specific areas being monitored as well as the required number of features. Businesses require additional monitoring features such as panic button monitoring, access control monitoring, video monitoring, water monitoring, temperature monitoring, etc. so the cost of a business security alarm is relatively higher.

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!

keep your security system working properly

Keep Your Security System Working Properly with These 5 Maintenance Tips

keep your security system working properlyMaintaining the good working condition of your security system is an essential part of good home security practice. This includes cleaning, examining, testing, and replacement (if needed) of all the components of the system. You can either hire professional help for this or perform the maintenance yourself. Either way, it is recommended that you make a habit of making sure that your home security system is performing optimally.

Following are 5 maintenance tips that will help you make sure that your security system is working properly:

1. Develop a Scheduled Maintenance Plan

Developing a scheduled maintenance plan should be your first step to keeping your security system in optimal working order. You should also keep track of system checks and replacements via a maintenance log. It is recommended that you make a check list for parts and steps to use when testing your security system, so that you don’t miss anything or create more work for yourself.

2. Check the Batteries

An alarm system cannot function without batteries and that’s what makes them so important. You should check the batteries before anything else during your security system maintenance. If your home alarm panels contain batteries that cannot be easily changed, then it is recommended that you call the company or technician who installed your alarm system to come and test them. If needed, the technician will replace the batteries. On the other hand, if it’s possible to change the batteries yourself, then simply purchase them and replace the old ones with the new ones to keep your home security system running as expected.

3. Check the Light Bulbs

Most security alarm systems nowadays come with motion-sensitive lighting timers. These can be a great deterrent to any intruder who is trying to hide behind the bushes or lurk in the shadows. But they cannot do their job if the bulbs are burned out, so thoroughly test them and if they need to be replaced, then invest in the sort of light bulbs that have a longer life. You don’t need to have someone come from the alarm company for this job as they are easy to replace and you can change them yourself.

4. Check the Sensors

Sometimes sensors in particular rooms aren’t working to their optimal potential or they stop working altogether, but you are likely not to notice unless there is a break-in. The purpose of checking those sensors is to make sure that you are getting the most out of your investment. Make sure that all the sensors are still doing their job by having someone from the alarm company come over and test them.

5. Keep an Eye on the Latest Developments

This is a very important step and should be part of your scheduled security system maintenance. Keep an eye on the latest developments in the home security system niche because if you don’t, you might miss out on something useful that could be very beneficial for your home security – often at a much friendlier price. Keep your alarm system up-to-date with the latest monitoring devices so that you and your family can stay protected via enhanced features that the new technology has to offer.

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!

6-different-types-of-sensors-that-home-alarm-systems-use-to-detect-an-intruder

6 Different Types of Sensors That Home Alarm Systems Use to Detect an Intruder

6-different-types-of-sensors-that-home-alarm-systems-use-to-detect-an-intruderThere are many factors to consider when you are shopping for a home alarm system. The alarm type is probably on top of most homeowners’ list. However, deciding on what type of sensors to install is also very important because they are the most vital component of your home alarm system. An efficient alarm system sensor will detect any intrusions and save you from unfortunate circumstances.

Following are 6 different types of sensors that home alarm systems use to detect an intruder:

1. Passive Infrared Motion Detectors

Also known as PIR sensors, these are the most common type of sensors homeowners use because they are practical and affordable. The term passive means that these detectors operate without any need to radiate and generate their own energy. PIR sensors can efficiently detect changes in the ambient temperature as well as body heat. If these sensors detect a temperature spike due to the presence of an intruder or foreign object, the alarm is set off. A thing to note is that infrared energy cannot pass through glass, so the alarm won’t trigger due to the presence of people or animals outside.

2. Ultrasonic Detectors

Ultrasonic detectors use high-frequency sound waves to detect any kind of movement within a limited space. They transmit frequencies between 25 kHz and 75 kHz, which are inaudible to human ears. These frequencies are bounced off the walls, ceiling, as well as furniture in a protected room. And when there is any sudden change in the stabilized frequency, the alarm is triggered. Any moving object can change the frequency of the surrounding sound waves in the protected space, so these sensors will not discriminate between intruders and passersby.

3. Microwave Detectors

Microwave detectors work in the same manner as ultrasonic detectors. However, they use high frequency radio waves instead of sound waves. The advantage of using microwave detectors is that radio waves can go through walls, so they provide relatively more coverage as compared to ultrasonic waves.

4. Magnetic Switches

Magnetic switches are typically used for protecting doors and windows. Their ease of use, durability, and affordability makes them a popular choice. They consist of two separate parts i.e. the switch and the magnet, and homeowners can easily install them themselves. The switch creates an electrical circuit with the magnet when closed because it contains a spring. If a window or door is opened the circuit breaks and the alarm is triggered.

5. Photoelectric Beams

Photoelectric beams utilize infrared light beams in order to detect the presence of an intruder. These infrared light beams are usually stacked in rows of two or more. The home alarm system goes off if anyone obstructs a beam.

6. Glass Break Detectors

When a glass breaks, different bands of frequencies are generated including ultrasonic waves that are audible to humans as well as infrasonic that humans cannot hear. These sensors are installed next to glass panes, and the alarm sets off instantly when the glass breaks.

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-Things-to-Consider-When-Purchasing-a-Video-Doorbell

4 Things to Consider When Purchasing a Video Doorbell

4-Things-to-Consider-When-Purchasing-a-Video-DoorbellThere could be many reasons why you would want to know first who is ringing your doorbell. One, you would want to be ready for that specific person. Two, it is important to know who the person is, especially if you would want to entertain him/her by simply backing off and pretending you are not there. Apart from these simple reasons, you may want to install a video doorbell in order to enhance your home security and see any suspicious activity going on beforehand.

Following are 4 things to consider when purchasing a video doorbell:

1. Wired or Wireless?

You have two options when purchasing a video doorbell. You can either choose the system to be wired or wireless. Installing a wired system is somewhat complex and costlier, however it will increase your house’s market value in the long run. Wireless system on the other hand, is easier to install and maintain and it is also a safer option especially when you have kids at your home. Both options have their pros and cons, so it is recommended that you choose the setup that’s best suitable for the layout of your home, your property, and so forth.

Apart from being wired and wireless, video doorbells are of different varieties i.e. low-end, mid-range and high-end. These varieties can also be classified from cheap to expensive setups. So, choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

2. Make Sure It Has Night Vision

Nighttime is when you really want to take advantage of the video doorbell and see who is at your door. Unless you have a bright outside light, you might want to install a video doorbell that has night vision capability. Nowadays, a lot of the latest models of video doorbells have tiny camera holes so the visitor may not even realize that they are being seen.

3. Consider the Cost

Video doorbell setup generally costs at least a couple hundred dollars. However, the costs can drastically increase depending on the setup and variety of the doorbell. That’s why it is recommended that you make sure you purchase the one that fits your preferences and budget. Furthermore, it is also recommended that you do your research first in order to know everything about the system and save as much as you can. Ultimately, the system that suits your preferences well and performs as expected is well worth it’s price.

4. Buy Locally to Avoid Installation Headaches

Unless you know how to install it yourself, it would probably be a good idea to get some help installing the video doorbell. Not only the door camera and monitor inside your home needs to be connected correctly, you will also need to power both of them and setup the wires (if it’s a wired setup) between the two devices. Furthermore, the setup also needs to be hidden from sight, so some work above the ceilings or under the house might be necessary. So in order to avoid installation headaches, it is recommended that you purchase the video doorbell locally as most of the vendors also provide installation services for a nominal fee.

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!

What-To-Do-If-You-Hear-Your-Neighbors-House-Alarm-Going-Off

What To Do if You Hear Your Neighbor’s House Alarm Going Off

What-To-Do-If-You-Hear-Your-Neighbors-House-Alarm-Going-OffA lot of homeowners take their home’s security seriously and install a home security alarm system on their property. But few actually think about what they would do if the home alarm system of one of their neighbors goes off. Although, the advanced home security systems nowadays directly contact the authorities, there are still some that do not. Such systems rely on someone hearing the alarm and calling the authorities, or on scaring the criminal or burglar away with the noise alone.

While most people are well aware of what to do when their home security alarm system goes off, they fail to learn what to do when it happens in their neighbor’s house.

Following are some things you should do if you hear your neighbor’s house alarm going off:

1. Observe

If a home alarm system of one of your neighbors goes off, start by identifying the source of the noise. It is recommended to observe from a safe distance if you have a good line of sight to the source. Do not just glance for a few seconds; observe for at least five to ten minutes. If you are unable to see something going wrong, try to contact your neighbor via phone or text in order to let them know that their unit has gone off. It is also recommended to observe your neighbor’s house again every five to ten minutes, particularly if the noise is still sounding.

2. Avoid Direct Confrontation

If you see a suspicious individual near the source of the alarm, it is recommended that you avoid direct confrontation. Directly confronting a suspicious or mischievous individual can lead to a dangerous situation such as vandalism, harassment, or even violence. If your line of sight is not good and you have to get closer to make a good observation, then it is recommended that you keep a safe distance between yourself and the house where the alarm is going off.

3. Make Personal Contact with The Homeowner

Even if the alarm is switched off and there seems to be no signs of trouble, it is still imperative that you follow up. Especially, when you cannot contact your neighbor via phone or text, making a personal contact with him/her about what happened can make a difference. Because it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your home as well as your neighborhood.

4. Report to Authorities

Not reporting minor incidents (such as neighbor’s home security alarm going off) is one of the biggest mistakes neighborhood residents make. If your neighbor’s house alarm is going off and it may seem to you that a suspicious activity is going on in their home, it is recommended that you report the incident. Timely reporting to authorities regarding such suspicious activities in your neighborhood can help stop a burglar, a sex offender, or even a murderer before the situation gets really bad and results in scary incidents.

In conclusion, if you look out for your neighbors in such circumstances and take some action instead of ignoring it, it can have a great impact on reducing crime.

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!

security alarm monitoring in coachella valley

5 Reasons Why Security Alarm Monitoring is Important

1. The police will be called automatically if there is an intruder.

If there is ever an intruder that enters your house, the 24/7 monitoring system will automatically call your local police and explain what is happening. This makes contacting the police extremely fast because you do not even have to do anything in order to have the police be on their way to your home or business. While an alarm system will deter intruders by itself, on the off chance that one decides to still try to invade your house, you will be able to have the police there as soon as possible.

2. The same thing goes for the fire department.

A home security alarm system will also watch over your home for fires. If your smoke detectors go off, the fire department will be called so that you can emergency services on the way as soon as possible. This goes equally for a business security system. The great thing about this automated system is that if the smoke detector simply goes off by accident, it won’t automatically contact the local fire department. You have a small amount of time to confirm the fire was an accident and to clear out the smoke in your property.

3. If the security team that is watching over your house sees a potential issue, they will contact you to ensure you are alright.

security alarm monitoring in coachella valleyA lot of the bigger security companies will also offer a comfort aspect to their 24/7 monitoring system. Whenever a small mishap happens, such as a smoke alarm or the alarm went off and was quickly turned back off, you might even receive a phone call ensuring that everything is alright and asking if you need any assistance. The people watching over your house are there to help and comfort you no matter what, and it is extremely nice to know that your alarm company is worrying about your well being.

4. You can also be warned about carbon monoxide in your home or business.

This one is one of the scariest of all of the threats. Carbon monoxide is really scary because it is a gas that has no color, and no smell. Essentially, you would never be able to tell if you had dangerously high levels of it in your home until it was too late. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are extremely subtle and can progress very quickly. With a monitoring system, you will be alerted as soon as carbon monoxide levels go higher than what is safe.

5. There is always a trained security expert watching over your home.

This one is less about practicality, and a lot more about the sheer comfort of being somewhere that you feel safe in. No matter what time of day, you can feel more safe because of the fact that people that are trained to watch over security systems are ensuring that you and your family or coworkers stay safe and healthy.

Consider researching the different options that are available for security alarm monitoring in your home or business. Not only will it help to improve your comfort, it will also add backup solutions and a peace of mind that no matter what, someone will be there to help you and/or send the help you need.

To experience the peace of mind of having a monitored security 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!

home security system

home security system

7 Reasons to Use a Home Security System

A home security system may not seem like a priority, particularly in times of financial instability.  But, getting a home security system contract from a trustworthy and reliable company is a quality investment and a sound purchase. This system will certainly prove useful in improving your prosperity as well as helping your well-being to remain strong.

Following are the top seven reasons to use a home security system:

1. It Lessens Your Worries

When you know your house is equipped with a security system and your family is safe, it surely helps lessen your safety concerns.

2. It Lets You See What’s Happening in Your House Regardless of Your Absence

Internet connections and wireless cameras have made monitoring your home from a remote location a reality. Now you might check what’s happening in your house and check your pets regardless of being at work or outdoors.

3. It Gives Quicker Access to Help

Contacting for help is only a press of a button away as fire and panic buttons are available on your keypad. This quicker access feature will help in various household emergencies such as forced entries or fires, etc.

4. It May Lower Your Insurance Premium

There are many insurance companies that offer discounts on homes with security systems installed. This could range annually from 5 to 20%.

5. It Discourages Intruders

Signs, labels and stickers that come along with the security system placed in front yards and on windows and doors indicate that the house is protected with a security system and help discourage potential burglars. Outside security devices such as alarms, cameras, and motion sensors might help ward off street crime in your area.

6. It Helps Fight Crime

Monitoring devices such as recording devices and cameras could give primary evidence if a crime happens in your area.

7. It Lets You Guard Your House Even If You’re Not Around

With the help of wireless home security, you can activate your alarm system or control home automation features even from a remote location. All you have to do is log in to the home security’s console and activate the security system or other home automation features. This can spare you the worries for things such as not properly locking your house if you left in a hurry, because if you have home automation service that includes door locks, you can lock your doors remotely.

A home security system is not just for security, it keeps you and your family safe as well as protecting your important things and your valuables from intruders. These days, many security systems offer wireless benefits and features at a lower cost as compared to their wired counterparts. However, whatever is your choice, one thing is guaranteed: it will spare you the continuous worrying and will help you be at peace with your home security, which is probably the greatest benefit of all.

To experience these, and many other benefits of having a home security 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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