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One of the biggest issues with the use of an alarm system is the problem of false alarms. Most false alarms are caused either by user error or equipment malfunction.  Being familiar with your security system and partnering with a company that is dedicated to the latest technology can help reduce false alarms.

These are responsible for 94% to 98% of all alarm calls and most police departments have fines in place in an effort to cut down on false alarms.

False alarms are not only embarrassing and costly for homeowners; they eat up a lot of valuable police resources and tax dollars that could be better spent elsewhere.

What can you do to prevent false alarms? Here are some easy steps that every owner of an alarm system should follow.

• Keep your alarm system in good operating condition. Test it once a month. Have it inspected as necessary by trained, professional technicians. Report and repair faulty devices immediately.  It’s hard to remember to perform monthly checks on the equipment so make sure you put a reminder into your calendar.

• Keep ground-floor doors and windows in good condition. Doors that won’t latch properly should be repaired so that the wind doesn’t blow them open. Windows that are not secured properly in their frames could lead to an accidental alarm.  Not only does this reduce false alarms it also helps secure your home against intruders.

• Ensure that everyone who is going to use the alarm system is trained in its proper operation. Make special arrangements for house-guests, cleaning companies, delivery people or repair technicians.  It is important to make sure family members are familiar with the system in case of an emergency. 

• Make sure that all authorized users of the system know the passcode. The passcode is our only method of identifying you over the telephone. We need that information to cancel an alarm or to discuss your account. You can have more than one passcode.

• Advise all authorized users to answer the telephone if it rings after they’ve accidentally set off the alarm system. Your monitoring station will be calling to verify the alarm so don’t ignore that ringing telephone.

• If you accidentally set off your alarm you can also try calling your central monitoring station first. Do so from a cellular phone or another line, however, because the alarm system may still be in the process of using your telephone line to send additional signals.

• If you accidentally set off a silent alarm that calls for immediate police response such as a panic, duress, or hold-up alarm, it is imperative that you call the monitoring station immediately! Unless you have notes on your account stating otherwise, your monitoring station will NOT call to verify a silent alarm; they will immediately send the police.

• Keep your account up-to-date! Immediately inform your alarm company of any changes to your account such as authorized users, telephone numbers, passcodes, addition of pets, etc.

• Always use exhaust fans when cooking. This makes it less likely that you accidentally set off a smoke detector.

• Don’t leave things hanging from the ceiling (balloons, decorations, etc.) in a room that contains a motion detector.

• Before arming the system, make sure that everyone has left the premises.

• Always notify your alarm company before you do any remodeling and make sure that they are aware of any changes or additions that might affect the proper operation of your alarm system.

Overall, one of the best ways to avoid accidentally triggering an alarm is to be familiar with all your system’s components.

While motion detectors are undoubtedly an integral part of your home security system, few people outside of the industry understand how these devices differentiate between and intruder and a person who is meant to enter the home.

This article will discuss exactly how motion detectors work and when you should install them in your home.

How Motion Detectors Work

There are a few options available when it comes to picking a motion sensor for your home, and each one functions slightly differently. Most of today’s motion detectors are wireless, electronic, and use either active or passive sensors.

Active Sensors

Active sensors are also referred to as radar-based motion detectors and they work by emitting ultrasonic sound waves. When an interference in the sound waves is detected, the sensor will then send a signal to sound an alarm.

Some active sensors will activate a light when tripped or even open a door as opposed to sounding an alarm.

Photosensors

Another type of active motion detector uses light instead of sound. If you’ve ever seen a spy movie where the main character has to pass through a bunch of invisible laser beams (revealed by chemical fog) to infiltrate a facility, you know what photosensors are. When something moves into the path of the beam, disrupting the flow of energy, the alarm goes off.

Some systems even illuminate a light beam on the intruder when he or she is detected. Consumer products like driveway alarm systems use similar technology to detect cars coming up to the home.

Passive Infrared Sensors

Also known as PIR motion sensors, this is the type of motion detector that is most commonly chosen to protect residential homes due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of use. These sensors detect infrared energy that is released from the body heat radiating off of humans and animals.

PIR sensors are intuitive and can come with a variety of features such as a 90-degree look down, so that no intruder will be able to sneak underneath the sensor’s range of vision.

Motion Detector Set up and Installation

While you may be able to figure out how to set up your motion detectors on your own, many people benefit from getting the help of a professional to ensure the equipment is set up correctly.

When motion detectors aren’t installed the right way, they’re far more likely to result in false alarms, becoming a source of frustration rather than peace of mind.

Should you opt to install motion detectors, enlist the help of a security professional to either set it up for you or show you exactly where to mount it on the wall.

Another reason to consult with a security expert is that motion detectors may not always be the best method of protection for your property. If you have small children or pets in the home, you might want to consider adding window sensors and glass break sensors to your home or apartment security system instead.

Where Should Motion Detectors be Installed?

The first place to consider is near your front door as most intruders will try to gain access to the front door before trying to open your windows.

Second, we suggest placing them in hallways or living rooms that an intruder would have to traverse to reach their primary target: the master bedroom.

Motion detectors are not only used for keeping intruders out; if you have little ones at home that you want to keep safely within a certain part of the house, you can install a self-monitored motion detector that will notify you when the device detects any movement in the off-limits part of your home.

Are Motion Detectors Necessary?

The benefits of having motion detection technology in your home are numerous. When used in conjunction with other security measures like glass break detectors, motion detectors are highly effective.

You can never be too cautious when it comes to protecting your family and since we can’t physically be everywhere at once, motion detectors provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

Moving into a new house is an exciting time as you get to know a new space that feels and breathes differently. Somewhere within all that excitement hides a serious question: What should you do with the existing home security system at the house?

When you purchase a new property and decide that you want to bring the existing alarm system into the 21st century, swapping out the house’s old equipment for the latest and greatest is the best way forward in many cases. This way, you get to design the system for your needs and do what you feel is required to keep your new property and its inhabitants safe.

But that’s not the only option available for new homeowners. When you move into a house with an existing security system, you can:

• Leave the existing security system as-is and reconnect it with a monitoring service
• Modernize the existing alarm system through hardware and/or software
• Discard the existing system and upgrade to up-to-date technology that can better accommodate cameras and home automation

Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option so you can discover how to make your home secure and keep your loved ones safe in your new home.

Reconnecting Your Existing Security System

If the property you just bought comes with an existing inactive security system, you may wonder whether you can re-use any of that equipment and just update the keypad.

It doesn’t matter if your existing system is a home security system or a business security system, the principle remains the same.

The answer depends on a number of factors—most importantly on the manufacturer and age of the security system in question. Legacy security systems are commonplace in all sorts of properties. These systems aren’t necessarily bad; their age just means you can’t expect much from them.

Your current system may be restricted by outdated technology with limited capabilities and upgrade options. Or the previous owner may have had different security standards than you do.

Additionally, many older security systems use landlines to send alarms and notifications. That makes them vulnerable to intruders who can cut through a few wires to render the alarm useless.

However, if the house’s existing security system is up-to-date, you can use it as-is and reconnect it to a monitoring service. Sometimes, sticking with your existing system is a better option. Homes with complex systems that have many zones on them can be expensive to replace.

In general, we do NOT recommend replacing security systems that have to-code fire systems tied into them as this is a far more complex and expensive process. Talk to a local security provider and ask them to walk you through your options and the costs and benefits of each.

But depending on the existing system in question, you may be looking at limited security that doesn’t meet modern safety standards. That’s when you should consider the other two options: updating the existing security system or installing a completely new system.

Updating the Existing Security System

If using your new house’s existing system in its current state isn’t a good option for you, you can likely upgrade it for a relatively low upfront cost.

When working with outdated technology, your options are limited. Older home security systems have only a few upgrade paths to choose from, if any.

Even updating hardware can cause problems. Some older home security systems simply weren’t designed to fit the needs of today’s homeowners.

If you’re considering updating your new home’s existing security system, call a local security provider and ask them about what improvements are available for your system. Once they know the brand and model of the equipment in your home, they can lay out the upgrade options available and give you a professional recommendation.

For example, landline-reliant systems are neither burglar-proof nor future-proof, so if your new home has one of these systems, consider updating it. Updating these systems is doable with the help of a local security provider: We offer cellular modules that can completely eliminate the need for a landline.

Getting Rid of Your Home’s Old Security System and Installing a Brand New One

Your last—and often best—option is to remove your new house’s existing system altogether and replace it with new technology. Although new equipment comes with an upfront cost, it will be much cheaper than hanging on to the old system and calling technicians to fix it every time something goes wrong.

New homeowners often don’t realize that older systems weren’t designed for longevity, and in many instances, people with older systems experience more frequent errors or even abrupt equipment failure.

You may be surprised to hear that systems installed in the early 2000s are likely reaching the end of their operative lifespan, and performing maintenance on an older system can be much more expensive because of the expertise required to service those systems.

For customers who are still using older technology, we suggest opting for safer, newer technology that will be less of a hassle to deal with long term. The latest wireless technology is designed to function reliably for decades, and maintenance is usually simple enough for you to do it yourself with help from a member of our support team.

Another benefit of updating your system is getting all of the latest features of wireless technology. Even though wired systems are still better for huge properties like warehouses, wireless systems are likely sufficient for all but the largest homes.

Aside from looking sleek and modern with its touchscreen panel, wireless home security systems are much easier to upgrade, and sourcing the parts is easy, lowering the cost of upgrading. Our security systems are compatible with a variety of add-ons like smart locks, thermostats, and smart lighting, all of which can be controlled through your smartphone.

While new systems are the ideal solution for many homeowners, explore all of your options to make sure doing so is cost-effective and that the benefits of wireless security are applicable to your needs.

Deciding whether to keep, modify, or completely upgrade your new home’s existing security system comes down to what you want your system to do for you.

One can never be too cautious and prepared when it comes to protecting their family and home. Installing a security system is one the best ways to protect your home against intruders.

With so many layers of protection available out there, it can be difficult to know exactly what you need. One commonly overlooked security measure is glass break detectors.

What are Glass Break Detectors?

Simply put, glass break detectors are security devices that sound an alarm when glass is broken and are a critical piece of a home or business security system.

Unlike door or window contacts that detect when an entryway is opened on your home, glass break detectors will sound the alarm if there is any break in the glass.

This, in conjunction with your other home security devices, ensures that you are protecting your home and family to the highest extent.

How Do Glass Break Detectors Work?

Glass break detectors use intuitive sound and microphone technology that is programmed to recognize the frequency of glass breaking. If the detector picks up that specific frequency, the alarm will sound.

With a working radius of several feet, you can place the break detector in the middle of a room that has several windows and it will provide protection for all of the windows in that room. You won’t need to buy a separate detector for every single window and door in your home.

Do I Really Need Glass Break Detectors?

If you are serious about securing your home and providing the highest level of security, then yes you do. Placing motion sensors in every room may not be a advisable depending on your living situation and the pets you own.

Most window and door sensors detect the motion of the door or window being opened. If the intruder instead breaks that glass and you lack that extra layer of protection, they will be able to gain access to your home without setting off the alarm.

While glass break detectors are not sufficient in arming your home on their own, they are an essential part of a home’s security system.

Installation

Glass break detectors should be installed inside the rooms in your home that have windows. Typically, you will want to place these on the wall facing the pane of glass. Rooms with sliding glass doors are of particular importance to protect in this way, as burglars are likely to view glass doors as an easy opportunity to gain entry.

Many people choose to install these detectors in the bedrooms of their home to give them peace of mind that their family is safe from intrusion.

The detectors do not need to be pointed directly at the window or door, they just need to be in close proximity, so they can pick up on the sound. This eliminates the need for multiple detectors in each room of your home, saving you money.

Set Up and Maintenance

While you may be able to purchase and set up your glass break detectors on your own, many customers prefer having a professional come to their home to set things up for them.

Once set up and functioning properly, most devices will require little maintenance other than the periodic battery change every 4 years or so. Don’t worry, this process is pretty simple. Most devices will alert you when it is time to switch out the batteries. Changing the batteries is simple enough where most people can do it on their own.

Important Considerations

While glass break detectors are a vital part of your home security system, like anything else, they aren’t ideal for every situation. Since they are designed to pick up on the frequency of breaking glass, even the sound of glass breaking on TV will set them off if the volume is too high.

The benefits of having glass break detectors installed in your home far out weigh the negatives. Installing these detectors in your home will give you and your family peace of mind so you can rest easily at night and know that your home is fully protected.

The bulk of fire-related deaths in the United States happen in the place where we should actually feel safest: at home. Massachusetts has a huge fire problem, so being aware of the risk factors of residential fires is important.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the major fires Massachusetts has experienced in its time, the main causes of fires today, and prevention and alarm solutions you should have in place to prevent a fire from starting in your home.

5 Major Fires in Massachusetts History

A number of fires in Massachusetts’ history have gone down as some of the most infamous and damaging in the entire country. Here are some of the biggest fires in the state’s history:

1. Great Boston Fire of 1760

On March 20, 1760, a major fire broke out in Downtown Boston. It began in a residential dwelling in Cornhill, and the cause is unknown.

The conflagration made its way east toward Oliver’s Dock on the harbor, setting many buildings and ships ablaze in its wake.

The inferno continued to spread across the area, eventually destroying 174 houses and 175 warehouses and shops. This left over 220 families (more than 1,000 people) homeless and many business owners without premises.

Significantly, no deaths were reported. But the fire was, and still is, dubbed one of the largest to spread in Boston.

2. Great Boston Fire of 1872

The Great Boston Fire of 1872 began on November 9, 1872, in the basement of a warehouse on the corner of Kingston Street and Summer Street.

(Source: Boston Public Library)

At the time, Boston streets were narrow, and the buildings were close together. The roofs were wooden with wooden framings, which added to the quick spread of the flames.

Despite efforts to halt the blaze, some of the buildings were too tall for fire ladders to reach the top. And although Boston had fire alarm boxes installed throughout the city in 1852, hose pressure was insufficient, and the fire began to spread rapidly. Gas lines added fuel to the conflagration.

Over the course of 12 hours, 65 acres of Downtown Boston and 776 buildings, including residential and financial districts, were consumed by the blaze. But unlike the Great Boston Fire of 1760, this time there was loss of life too, as 13 people, including two Boston firefighters, were killed.

The Great Fire of 1872 is still regarded as one of the most expensive fire-related losses in the history of the country. Today, the damages would amount to around $1.4 billion.

3. Great Chelsea Fire of 1908

On April 12, 1908, a major fire broke out in Chelsea, Massachusetts. It started at the Boston Blacking Company and was quickly put out. However, escaping sparks set nearby houses ablaze and started the major conflagration.

The fire moved east, destroying 1,500 buildings and leaving over 12,000 people homeless. Even buildings of solid granite were destroyed, along with schools, churches, bank buildings, and the city hall.

Overall, 19 people were killed in the Great Chelsea Fire of 1908. This came to be known as the first Great Chelsea fire, succeeded by the second in 1973.

4. Cocoanut Grove Fire of 1942

The Cocoanut Grove Fire of 1942 broke out at a nightclub in Boston on November 28, 1942. To this day, it is still known as the most fatal nightclub fire in the history of the United States.

While the origin of the blaze remains unknown, people speculate it began from a lit match catching fire on the fronds of a palm tree below the ceiling downstairs. The flames quickly spread up the stairs and covered the entirety of the building within five minutes.

To this day, the fire is surrounded in controversy. The nightclub was being run illegally, and safety violations and a crowd over the guest capacity contributed to the severity of the damage and number of deaths. Exit signs were not visible, and exit doors did not allow for safe and easy access.

Overall, 492 people died in the Cocoanut Grove Fire of 1942, and hundreds more people were injured in the blaze.

5. Boston Brownstone Fire of 2014

The 2014 Boston Brownstone fire took place on March 26, 2014, in Boston’s Back Bay.

Allegedly, the blaze started from sparks coming from welding being done on an iron railing near the basement of a four-story brick row apartment building. The inferno spread upward from this basement as high winds fanned the flames. Over the course of the fire, nine alarms were set off at the nearby fire box as the fire worsened.

Two firefighters who responded to the first alarm died in the basement of the apartment building; 18 other nonfatal injuries occurred, with 13 of those injuries happening to firefighters. The legal battle to determine who was responsible was a long one, but ultimately the deaths of these firefighters were ruled accidental.

Which Areas in Massachusetts Are More Fire Prone?

Annual fact sheets issued by the MFIRS (Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System) relay statistics that can help people understand why fires occur and where they are more likely to happen so residents can prevent them in the future. Although fires can occur almost anywhere, they are most likely to occur in homes and businesses.

Data analysis of fires in Massachusetts between 2012 and 2017 determined that structural fires (fires in residential buildings or businesses) happen more often than fires in motor vehicles or other open areas:

• 2012: 17,536 structural fires out of 31,229 overall fires (56%)
• 2013: 17,353 structural fires out of 29,828 overall fires (58%)
• 2014: 17,395 structural fires out of 28,989 overall fires (60%)
• 2015: 16,993 structural fires out of 31,302 overall fires (54%)
• 2016: 16,955 structural fires out of 31,889 overall fires (53%)
• 2017: 17,098 structural fires out of 27,895 overall fires (61%)

Of these structural fires, residential fires are the most common. Over 80% of building fires occur in residential buildings, and around half of all residential fires occur in multifamily apartment buildings. Each year, around 80% of civilian fire deaths occurred in the homes of the victims.

Who Are the Most Common Victims of Fires?

According to the MFIRS, it is more common for men to die from major blazes. Below are the statistics for 2012–2017, detailing how many men, women, children, and firefighters were victims of fires in Massachusetts:

2012

• 39 civilian deaths: 21 men (54%), 17 women (44%), 1 child (2%)
• No firefighter deaths
• 33% of fatal fire victims were adults over 65

2013

• 44 civilian deaths: 23 men (52%), 18 women (41%), 3 children (7%)
• No firefighter deaths
• 3% of fatal fire victims were adults over 65

2014

• 54 civilian deaths: 27 men (50%), 21 women (39%), 6 children (11%)
• 2 firefighter deaths
• 28% of fatal fire victims were adults over 65

2015

• 62 civilian deaths: 32 men (52%), 26 women (42%), 4 children (6%)
• No firefighter deaths
• 34% of fatal fire victims were adults over 65

2016

• 56 civilian deaths: 30 men (54%), 22 women (39%), 4 children (7%)
• No firefighter deaths
• 29% of fatal fire victims were adults over 65

2017

• 56 civilian deaths: 32 men (57%), 19 women (34%), 5 children (9%)
• 2 firefighter deaths
• 41% of fatal fire victims were adults over 65

From those statistics, it is clear that men are more likely to die in fires in Massachusetts, and that older adults are at high risk. Safety is nevertheless imperative regardless of your demographics, and fire alarms and safety measures should always be put in place.

The Most Common Causes of House Fires in MA

Each year the MFIRS determines the leading cause of fires in residential dwellings in Massachusetts. From 2012 to 2016, cooking accounted for 68–72% of residential building fires and injuries in Massachusetts.

In 2012, the most common cause of house fire that resulted in deaths was suicide-related blazes, closely followed by electrical and smoking fires. These latter two causes are generally the most common cause of fire-related deaths for a given year.

Other leading causes of fatalities are cooking fires and fires that can be traced back to heating equipment.

A contributing factor to these fires is the failure of fire alarms to go off or a lack of batteries or battery power in the devices. That’s why it is extremely important to be vigilant in fire escape protocols as well as making sure your alarm works.

Making sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are operating at all times can decrease the amount of property damage from a fire and could save lives. With a monitored home security system in Boston that includes fire protection, emergency responders can act quicker to ensure your safety.

Fire Prevention Tips for the 5 Most Common Causes of Residential Fires

Most blazes happen in the home. Because residential fires are so common, keeping up with fire safety in your Massachusetts home is becoming increasingly important. Below are tips for fire prevention, organized by the most common causes of residential fires:

1. Cooking safety

Cooking is the leading cause of fire outbreaks in the home. In order to prevent your kitchen from becoming another statistic, here are a few simple tips to follow.

First, make sure that all pans or grease fires are covered securely with a lid. Never leave a pan or pot unattended, and do not move a burning pan—you want to prevent any boiling over or spills.

Wear clothing that is not likely to catch fire, and keep all flammable objects away from the stovetop.

Metal should never go in the microwave, and you should always check whether or not the dish you are using is safely microwavable.

2. Smoking safety

Smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in the home. If you are a smoker, it is extremely important to be responsible and to never leave a cigarette burning or put it out somewhere where it may fuel a fire.

Always put your cigarette out all the way—it takes mere seconds to check that you have safely extinguished the butt of your cigarette. Wetting the butts or placing them in sand once you are finished is a good way to ensure the butt is safely extinguished.

You should always know exactly where your cigarette has been put out. Never throw them out of the window or off the porch. Do not put them in mulch or potted plants—that’s also a fire hazard.

3. Electrical safety

Electrical problems are one of the leading causes of residential fires. It is important to be extremely vigilant when it comes to your electrical appliances.

In the kitchen, where most fires start, keep water away from electrical equipment and unplug appliances that are not in use. Overloading outlets is a huge fire risk.

Heating appliances should be plugged directly into outlets rather than into power strips or extension cords. Set up all cords so they are visible and unobstructed.

Laptops and phones should be charged on a hard, flat surface rather than on a soft one. It’s also a good idea to call in a professional to check on the electrical safety practices in your home and the working order of your outlets and cords.

4. Heating safety

Heating devices are a must in the winter, but you need to take a lot of precautions when it comes to safety against heating fires.

For space heaters, make sure there is nothing too close to the heater that may burn. Clothing materials are particularly flammable, so do not try to warm your clothes directly on heaters. Rather, keep all bedding, curtains, and clothing at least 3 feet away from your space heater.

Never leave your heater on when you leave the room—this is a safety precaution as well as a way to save electricity. The same goes for electric blankets. An electric blanket will always have a timer so that it does not stay on all night.

For fireplaces, prevent embers from sparking out by placing a metal or glass screen in front of the fireplace. Never burn paper in your fireplace, and always extinguish your fire when you leave the house or before you go to sleep.

5. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm safety

You are legally required to have a working smoke alarm in your home, and in most places, you are also required to have carbon monoxide alarms.

Smoke alarms should be on every level of your home, outside of bedrooms as well as at the tops and bases of stairs. You should check that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working at least once a month and do regular checks on their batteries or power sources.

Batteries should be changed at least once a year. Smoke alarms themselves should be replaced at least once every 10 years to ensure optimal working order and safety.

To check on your alarms as well as your family’s ability to follow the correct procedures should a fire occur, create a home escape plan for your residence.

Home Sprinkler Solutions

Because there are so many flammable objects in the typical home (like plastic, foam rubber, laminates, and wood), things can catch fire quickly and result in extended damage on a larger and faster scale. Having a sprinkler system installed can buy you time and ultimately save your life should a blaze occur.

Sprinklers put out an estimated 90% of home fires before firefighters even arrive on the scene. They can help to prevent injuries, extensive damages, and fatalities. In addition to smoke alarms, sprinklers can help dramatically in your defense against a house fire.

Fire Alarm Solutions

You need to be as vigilant as possible when it comes to protecting your home or business from fires and the damage they cause. Know what types of detectors and alarms you need to keep your family and home safe. These are three main types of fire alarm solutions you may need:

• Heat detectors have a detecting element inside of them that goes off when a certain temperature is reached.
• Smoke alarms detect flames quicker than heat detectors do. Ionization smoke alarms respond best to fast, raging fires, while photoelectric smoke alarms respond best to slow, smoldering fires. It is recommended that you get a combination of the two in your home.
• Carbon monoxide detectors are also extremely important—carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer and is a gas caused by fuels that have not burned completely. The gas can be deadly, so having one of these detectors in your home can save you from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Investing in a fire alarm today, or making sure that yours is in perfect working condition, is essential. Along with the right safety precautions like a home security system, a professionally-monitored fire system is a solution that might just save your life and your property.