Day: June 21, 2019

Last Updated on December 15, 2021 by Alarm New England

Hurricanes put your home at extreme risk for damage, especially the windows. High winds or flying debris can easily break through your windows, exposing your home to the elements and sending shards of broken glass into you home.

Here are some ways to help hurricane-proof your windows.

Preparation

When it comes to hurricanes, the most important thing you can do is prepare for the worst so that you can protect your home and family. If you live in a hurricane prone area, you need to take the necessary steps to make sure that your home is equipped and prepared for these dangerous storms.

Ways to Reinforce your Windows Against Storms

Install Hurricane Grade Windows – You can purchase special hurricane grade windows that are designed to withstand the intense winds that accompany hurricanes and other big storms.

Keep in mind that since these windows are built much sturdier than a traditional window, they will cost you more money. That being said, they are well worth the investment since you don’t have any additional preparation to do when a hurricane hits.

Install Storm Shutters – Storm shutters are permanently attached to your home’s windows and can be deployed when necessary. When there is a threat of a storm, you need only pull the shutters down to protect the windows.

There are several different styles, colors, and materials that storm shutters can be made of. If you are unsure which type of storm shutter will work best for your home, you should consult with a professional before purchasing to make sure that you have the right coverage for your windows.

Storm shutters are one of the pricier options for hurricane-proofing your windows. However, if you live in an area where hurricanes are prevalent, it will be well worth the investment.

Plywood – Plywood is a sturdy way to protect your windows during a severe storm. Plywood can be screwed onto your windows before the storm to provide a solid, protective barrier.

You will need to make sure that the plywood overlaps the windows by at least 8 inches all around and that you use heavy duty screws to secure it.

If the plywood is undamaged after a storm, it can be stored away and used for the next hurricane. This is a cost-effective method of protecting your windows, but you will need to make sure you prepare well in advance, so you have time to get every window secured before the storm hits.

Last Updated on March 4, 2022 by Alarm New England

The last thing you want to be anxious about during your work day or on vacation is the thought of an unsafe home without a security system. It can be extremely stressful knowing your family and property are at risk, especially when you know there are steps you can take to make your home more secure.

One of the main reasons many people don’t have security systems is because they think that security systems only work with phone lines—and many people don’t have phone lines. People may even think that phone lines should be more secure because they plug directly into the source, right?

Wrong.

Today’s technology has advanced to the point where there are better options for home security systems that don’t rely on phone lines! In fact, these options don’t just eliminate the need for telephone lines—they give us even more control over our home security and keep our homes safer.

The Difference Between Wireless and Cellular Security

When it comes to home security, there is a big difference between cellular and wireless systems.

Wireless home security means that the control panel and sensors around your home are linked via radio waves instead of physical wires in your home.

The term cellular refers to how the control panel communicates with your security company’s alarm monitoring center, also known as cellular monitoring. These cellular-based security systems use mobile cellular networks—instead of phone lines—to contact the monitoring center in an emergency.

Security Systems Without Landlines: How It Works

Because most homeowners rely on cellphones and no longer want to pay for a landline, companies are adapting to our changing world by offering the option to upgrade security systems to cellular technology.

Traditional alarm systems are typically connected to the monitoring center through a landline and a home phone. Their backup was cellular data in case the phone line went down.

Today’s cellular alarm systems rely on cellular data to be the primary communication path—it’s no longer just the backup option. Cellular alarm systems leverage cellphone towers near your home to communicate with your alarm monitoring center, and they are still effective in areas with limited cell service. Cellular monitoring doesn’t require the use of a phone, and you don’t have to pay a phone bill for the cellular data.

Thanks to cellular technology, cellular alarm systems are now reinforced by cellphone towers, improving their safety and speed compared to landline-based systems.

Advantages of Using Cellular Technology with a Security System

Cellular alarm monitoring offers significant advantages over landline-based systems, even though it requires that you have a cellular communicator in your system. Advantages of using cellular alarm systems include:

• Access your security system anywhere, anytime
• Text and mobile alerts, updates, and notifications
• Lower costs—including not needing to pay for a landline
• Much more reliable
• Home automation features
• More secure
• Safer because burglars can’t cut your phone line to disarm your alarm system

Making the Change to Cellular

One of the most important decisions is choosing the right company to take care of your alarm monitoring. What good is having the quicker cellular communication if your monitoring company can’t do its job well?

Find a monitoring company that offers remote and on-site maintenance. Companies like Alarm New England have a proven track record of responding to emergencies and dispatching personnel who are familiar with upgrading landline security systems with cellular technology.

You’ll be glad you made the switch to a home security system without a phone line and picked the right company to help you make the change.

Last Updated on March 4, 2022 by Alarm New England

Welcome to the Alarm New England family! We are proud new Englanders with offices in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Our teams of technicians, service, and support personnel will work hard to be sure you are satisfied. Don’t worry – nothing is changing for you! Your rates, monitoring station and Security Engineering team members you know so well are all the same. We have just added 110 employees by joining forces with Alarm New England. We look forward to getting to know you. In the meantime, if you need anything at all, please contact us at: 857-445-4010.

Please take a look around our site! We offer affordable solutions to help get you get rid of phone lines, control the system via an app or add cameras and smart home automation to your system. If you need anything at all, please click below to let us know how we can help!

About Alarm New England, Inc.

Founded in 1972 by Douglas Curtiss, Alarm New England, headquartered in Rocky Hill, CT, is one of the largest privately owned security companies in the Northeast. The company provides intrusion detection, fire alarm, video surveillance and access control products and services. With offices throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Alarm New England offers a network of resources, utilizes leading technology and provides a strong commitment to customer service.

Last Updated on March 4, 2022 by Alarm New England

No one wants to think about the scary “what-ifs” that exist in today’s world, but the truth is there are situations in which you may need help right away and being prepared for these types of events could save your life.

Panic buttons are a great safety and security option for both businesses and home residences as a way to be prepared for a time when quick response time is a must.

What is a Panic Button?

A panic button is a small, strategically-placed device that allows you, a loved one, or employee, to quickly call for help in the event of an emergency. The device features a button and can take different forms depending on whether it’s used in a home or business. When tied to a reliable alarm monitoring system, they get the fastest response times from the police.

In a business, like a bank or retail store, panic buttons are often located under a desk or counter for quick and easy access and deployment.

If being used in a home, many panic buttons are designed to be worn as a necklace around the neck, so it is always within reach.

Panic Buttons for Businesses

A panic button located inside a business is typically used as a security measure should the business ever experience a robbery or other dangerous situation in which the police need to be deployed to the scene.

There are two different types of panic buttons used for business locations; silent or audible. Each business and their needs are different, so it is important to discuss which variation will work best for your business.

A silent alarm will be completely discreet, meaning the perpetrator will likely not know that someone engaged the alarm. This helps police catch the the robber by surprise.

An audible alarm, on the other hand, will sound an alarm that everyone will be able to hear, including the perpetrator. Audible alarms are a great way to alert others in the building of danger so they can seek shelter or evacuate.

The sound of the alarm may scare the perpetrator off or it may upset them to a point where they lash out and cause harm to those inside the building. Each business needs to determine the possible scenarios they may face and choose the right panic button for their needs accordingly.

What Businesses Need Panic Buttons?

Aside from the obvious ones, like a bank or convenience store, should other businesses have a panic button? Yes, because we’ve seen how panic buttons save lives.

Even a small business with only a few employees and rare foot traffic through their door can find itself in a situation in which police or firemen need to be dispatched immediately. Quick access to a panic button allows your employees to have a first line of defense against any potential threat. This includes protection from fires or other environmental hazards.

Your employee’s safety is your number one priority, installing panic buttons will give both you and your employees peace of mind that they can use this countermeasure to get out of a dangerous situation.

Panic Buttons at Home

Emergencies in the home happen surprisingly often, especially when it comes to the elderly and those with a disability or other condition. Panic buttons are a fantastic way to help seniors feel safe.

One of the best ways to ensure their safety and quick access to emergency responders is to wear a panic button on your person.

A panic button, or medical alarm, is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get an emergency responder to your residence in a time of crisis.

Who Should Have a Panic Button in Their Home?

Home panic buttons are mainly geared towards the elderly as they are more prone to emergency situations in which they may not be able to go get help such as a bad fall. However, anyone with a disability or pre-existing condition that could land them in a situation where they are unable to reach a phone and call for help should have one.

Seniors, or those over the age of 65, are at a high risk for falls. If you are in your home alone and you fall and are unable to get up, having a panic button at the ready will ensure that help is on the way.

Those at risk of having a stroke or heart attack should also consider a panic button for their home. Your chance of survival for either of these conditions is greatly increased if you are able to get medical assistance quickly.

With help only a press of a button away, you can feel safe knowing that if you have an emergency, help is immediately on its way.

When to Get a Panic Button

There are several factors that play into when you should get a panic button for your home. Don’t wait until after a disaster to implement this safety measure. If you fall into any of the following categories, you should consider getting a panic button for your home:

• You live alone
• You are over age 65
• You have a history of slips and falls
• You have a history of stroke and/or heart attack or are at high risk as determined by your doctor
• You have a disability that impairs your ability to get around safely
• You have a condition that causes seizures, such as epilepsy

Panic buttons save lives on a daily basis. You and your family can breathe a little easier knowing that in the case of an unfortunate emergency event in your home, access to help is just the press of a button away.