Story time...
So you're heading to the grocery store... you arm your alarm system and head out. Unfortunately, you forgot to lock your door. Your daughter comes home from school while your gone. She sets off the alarm, but she forgot the code. You're notified, but have the police respond because you aren't home. They arrive to find your daughter. After a quick investigation they leave. End of the story, right? Here comes the part you didn't expect... a big fat false alarm fine from your county government.
False alarm fees.
Many local governments are resorting to charging for false alarm response. It's not that they don't have the right. They are using tax dollars to pay police officers to respond to homes when there is no emergency. They could be using those resources for more important issues. The problem is that many alarm companies have a 30% false alarm rate (ours is under 1%). Some counties fine after three false alarms a year. Some fine after five. Some fine after one. Bottom line, if you ha ...
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Flooded basements are a problem...
Recent heavy rains are causing many problems here in Indiana. Flooding is causing problems for travelers and for home owners. One of the biggest concerns I hear from our customers is basement flooding. Not only is a flooded basement inconvenient, it can also be dangerous for your health and cause major damage to your home. I've compiled a list of some of the common issues with basement flooding and how to avoid them.
Damaged Items
The most obvious problem with a basement flood is the damage it can cause to your possessions. Laundry equipment, furniture, carpet, and family heirlooms are just a few of the things that water can damage pass the point of repair.
Damaged Home
Basement floods can also cause serious damage to the structure of your home. Doors and cabinets can warp due to moisture and condensation. This can also cause deterioration of floor joist, sub-flooring, and beams. Floors above the basement may even begin to give way and need to be replaced.
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The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms in your house. Your family gathers there to to prepare and eat meals together. Unfortunately, the kitchen is also one of the most dangerous rooms as well. Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fires. Here are some cooking fire prevention tips to help keep you and your family safe in the kitchen.
· Never leave cooking unattended - Two out of five deaths in home cooking fires occur because the cooking was unattended.
· Keep cooking area clean - Always wipe appliances and surfaces after cooking to prevent grease buildup.
· Do not store flammable objects near the stove - Curtains, pot holders, dish towels and food packaging can easily catch fire.
· Always turn pot handles toward the center of the stove - Turning handles inward can prevent pots from being knocked off the stove or pulled down by small children.
· Wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking - Fire ...
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The adage "you get what you pay for" is just as true when dealing with your security as anything else in life. The big difference is however, your life could easily hinge on the effectiveness of your security system.
For decades alarm systems have been providing security for millions of homes and businesses. From year to year the features and benefits provided by alarm systems change rapidly. Systems can be installed that communicate using a cellular communicator and are powered totally with solar energy. Another technology feature that is available to consumers is video enhancement. Video can be integrated with your alarm system to perform a multitude of tasks.
When the kids come home from school and disarm the alarm system you can see them on your computer at work or on your smartphone while you are at the mall. If you have a burglary occur at home, the central station upon receiving the alarm signal simply takes a quick “live view” using your video enabled alarm system.
False alarms ...
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We have clients come to us all of the time wanting to solve employee theft. While our electronic systems can solve many of their problems, there are other things that need to be considered when eliminating and preventing employee theft and fraud. Here are 9 of the best ways.
1. Hotlines: have a number, email, or drop box where employees can inform you of their suspicions.
2. Install a Surveillance System: cameras can help you track where and when theft is happening. They also provide hard proof if legal action is necessary.
3. Random Checks: Perform random audits and inventory checks to keep your employees honest. Performing these regularly will also keep employees singled out when they are checked.
4. Keep Your Door Open: Allow employees to feel comfortable discussing their concerns with management. When they do discuss things with you be honest and supportive.
5. Employee Involvement: Employees are the most aware of theft vulnerabilities in your business. Talk to them about your concerns.
6. ...
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I was reading the local New Castle paper online recently, and something really grabbed my attention. I always read the police reports, but the past few have been a bit different. There have been more burglaries this month than in any one month since I have worked at ASI. Not only are the burglaries happening more often, the burglars are becoming braver and more dangerous. There was a home invasion this month were two home owners were bound with duct tape and robbed. The burglars took everything from personal documents to Christmas presents. You can read the newspaper article if you want more info on that crime.
Here is a list of the burglaries from the past week in New Castle and Henry County. The list begins with Monday the 13th and goes back to Wednesday the 8th.
Monday, 11:28 a.m. - A New Castle resident reported a burglary in the 1100 block of Audubon Road. (there was a physical altercation during this burglary).
Monday, 11:45 a.m. - A New Castle resident reported a burglary in the 20 ...
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1. Keep all doors, windows, and garage doors closed and securely fastened. Doors should have 3 inch deadbolt locks with at least a 1" throw and reinforced strike plate with 3 " screws. All windows should have window locks.
2. Secure sliding glass doors. Place a metal rod or pieces of wood in the track and install vertical bolts.
3. When service or delivery people come to your door, ask for ID. If you're still not sure, call the police first and report the stranger. Call the company to confirm.
4. Cut up boxes for TVs, computers, stereos, etc. so that a burglar going through the garbage can not see any of your highly valuable items.
5. Do not leave ladders or tools lying around outside. They can assist a possible intruder.
6. Install a wide-angle peep hole in your front door so you can see who is at the door.
7. Organize a neighborhood watch program. Neighbors working together make one of the best crime-fighting teams around.
8. Make a home inventory list, complete with photos or video. ...
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Going out of town for the holidays? Here are a few tips to help keep your home safe while you're gone.
1. Ask police to check your home and patrol your neighborhood more closely while you're away.
2. Stop mail and newspaper deliveries, or have a trusted neighbor collect them while you're away so that they do not accumulate.
3. Secure all doors, windows, pet entrances, and garage doors.
4. Transfer your valuables to a safe deposit box.
5. Place timers on indoor lamps to illuminate your home during the night, and set timers to turn on radios and televisions randomly.
6. Check that no bulbs are burned out on your indoor lamps, outdoor lighting fixtures, or low-voltage lighting system.
7. Arrange to have your landscaping continue, or your drive ways and walk ways shoveled. A snow-covered driveway without tire tracks or an overgrown yard is an immediate indicator to burglars that nobody is home.
8. Keep some shades and blinds up and curtains open to maintain a normal appearance.
9. Hav ...
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I wanted to let everyone know about a new product we are offering. ASI now carries the Optex iVision
wireless video intercom. It comes full of features, and it's ready to install right out of the box. This intercom adds piece of mind and convenience to any home or business. You no longer need to worry about opening the door for any unwanted guest. When a guest arrives at your door they will press a button to ring a door bell. The iVision will take a snap shot once the button is pushed. You will then be able to view and talk to the visitor without ever getting up. Call today for special holiday pricing! This product makes an excellent gift. Please comment with any questions.
Did you know most burglaries occur through a door? Here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent a burglar from entering through your doors.
1. All door hinges should be hung on the INSIDE of the door.
2. Replace hollow core doors with solid wood or metal doors.
3. Install a wide angle peephole in your front door
4. Maintain good lighting at your front entrances
5. Remove bushes or other items that obstruct views of doors
6. Never hide your keys outside. Give the extra to a friend or family member instead.
7. Never put an ID badge on your key ring.
8. Re-key the locks if you move into a new house.