Wood Burning Stove Safety Tips

As a source of warmth or as a decorative way to celebrate the winter weather, wood burning stoves are often a cost-effective way to lower electricity bills. However, these beautiful sources of heat do require proper use and awareness of potential safety problems. A plume of thick smoke from a clogged stove or a wayward spark can create an out-of-control fire in minutes if a homeowner isn t careful.Minimize Creosote BuildupSales of wood-burning stoves have been skyrocketing, according to retailers, but many families have been using their stoves for heat for many years. Over time, contaminants can build up impeding proper operation of the stove. Maintaining the wood-burning stove may require a professional s tools, but keeping the stove area clean on a regular basis should minimize buildup of contaminants during the winter season.Additionally, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends that safe operation may be enhanced through the use of a thermometer that can measure the temperature in

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Does Geotagging Affect Home Security in Idaho?

Geotagging poses significant security risks, particularly as an aspect of social media. Even the military is concerned that its soldiers, sailors or marines could inadvertently distribute sensitive information through geotagging. In fact, the U.S. military lost four AH-64 Apache helicopters because the enemy was able to use a geotagged image uploaded to the Internet to discern their location. The risk has become so real for the military that all branches have actually integrated it into their training for new and established personnel alike.What Is Geotagging?A geotag is metadata that exists within an image or other media. Geotagging is the process of inserting that metadata into the image, video, SMS message, QR code, RSS feed and so forth. A geotag includes at minimum latitude and longitude, but it can also consist of accuracy data, altitude, bearing, distance and even the names of places. Geotagging has many very fun and practical uses. If, for instance, an adventurer were to photo

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New Year’s Eve Safety and Security Tips

New Year s celebrations commonly feature raucous and all-night parties, but it s important to remember that some gatherings can get out of control if participants aren t aware of simple holiday safety tips. Thieves and criminals know that people let their guard down during holiday parties because it s so easy to have fun and relax with friends and family. However, this doesn t mean it s okay to forget about having good home security in Idaho that keeps revelers safe.Be Safe with AlcoholOne of the biggest contributions to dangerous New Year s celebrations is consumption of alcohol. Toasting with friends and popping the cork on a special bottle of wine is a great way to ring in the New Year, but for anyone who has decided to put alcohol on the menu, there are some important safety considerations to handle before the party begins. Designate a driver or a dry participant for the party Leave the cars at home or ask revelers to arrive by taxicab Know when to stop with alcohol and recognize

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Security in Boise Starts with New Year’s Resolutions

Most people make a New Year s resolution to lose weight, smoke less, or stop a bad habit, but a valuable post-holiday exercise is examining the family s home security to determine whether there might be any weaknesses in the system. Thieves today may use any number of tricks and devices to gain entry into an unsuspecting family s home. The arrival of the new year is a perfect time to get the family together and look at the home s safety and security systems. Burglars Get CreativeSecurity devices like surveillance cameras and alarms are an important part of comprehensive home defense; however, it s also essential for homeowners to consider that thieves don t always approach homes in the dead of night. A recent story reveals that criminals can talk their way into homes with ease when a homeowner isn t aware of the lengths to which a thief might go to get into a home.Ensure Smart Security DesignHome security systems may be designed to include any number of modern devices with wireless te

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Keeping Your Home Safe with Proper Candle Use

With windy and snowy conditions outside, the welcoming environment of a room lit by candles is a wonderful way to enjoy a winter evening. However, candles do represent a significant fire danger if they re not used properly and with safety awareness. A report in 2012 from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests that there were over 11,600 fires started by candles from 2006 to 2010. Incredibly, these fires caused around 126 deaths every single year.No family wants to experience the tragedy of an accidental fire, so it is important to use candles properly. Just because a candle looks small and non-threatening, doesn t mean that it s harmless. The NFPA suggests that holidays like New Year s Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day usually see a boost in the number of fires that occur. Knowledge of conditions that may make it likely that a candle fire may start is the best way to improving safety and security in Boise.Bedroom FiresA large number of candle fires begin because

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Fireplace Safety and Home Security in Boise

Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves are a common feature of many American homes. The increased use of these toasty devices in winter means that homeowners must revisit essential fireplace safety each year and engage in responsible operation alongside smoke detectors from a home security system.

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What You Need to Know about Apartment Security Systems:Home Security in Boise Advice

If you live in an apartment, you may be under the mistaken impression that you are unable to use an alarm system from a home security company to protect your living space. Many apartment dwellers believe this because they have clauses in their leases that severely restrict the types of modifications they can make to their apartments. However, there is a way to install an alarm system in your apartment by using service options provided by home security specialists in Boise. Here is a look at an exciting development that will help you keep your apartment secure from thieves.The Power of WirelessBecause a majority of home alarm systems installed by Idaho home security companies are wired directly into the building s electric system, they are impossible to use in most apartments. Forward-thinking companies have come up with an option for apartment residents that uses a wireless network to provide the same security options as a hardwired system.It is very simple to install a wireless alarm

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Useful Tips for Bicycle Security in Boise

When worried about home security in Idaho, people will lock their doors, purchase alarm systems and buy outdoor motion lights. What about security for other possessions? People who ride bikes should be extremely concerned about security. Around the country, thousands of bikes are stolen each year. In most cases, bikes are easier to steal and sell than vehicles, which make them more attractive to thieves. Here are a few ways to keep your bike safe.

Use Quality Locks
Perhaps this goes without saying: always chain your bike to a sturdy metal object. Never leave it unsecured. If you leave it unlocked for even a moment to run into the store, you 'll come out to empty space where your bike used to exist. When you secure your bike, use a high quality U-lock. Professional companies that deal with security in Boise recommend purchasing two different kinds of locks. Both the front and back tire should be secured along with a part of the frame. Thieves will often replace tires if they can steal the frame. Make sure there isn 't enough space for thieves to work on removing the locks. In addition, be sure to either take with you or lock items that can be removed off the bike including the seat, a basket, bell, etc.

Park Consciously
If you ride your bike every day to work or school, vary the locations where you park your bike especially if it 's an expensive one. Thieves will stalk an expensive bike for days to lock onto your routine. Even if your bike is in a busy location, it can still be stolen easily if you don 't take precautions.

Perhaps the best place to park is inside a parking garage- they typically have less foot traffic and more security in Boise than a street. If you have the option of taking the bike indoors with you, that’s another good option. Often businesses have surveillance on their parking lots, so parking your bike in a bike rack (if there’s one available) that’s under the protection of these security measures can help protect it. If you must park your bike on the street, be sure to secure it to a tall, sturdy stationary object.

When parking your bike at home, it can be easy to become nonchalant about its security. Items can be quickly, easily and innocently picked up off one’s property and out of one’s garage. Don’t become complacent; be sure to lock and secure your bike even on your own property.

Register and Mark
There are many ways to register your bike online including the National Bike Registry, so take advantage of this precaution. Often bikes are found by law enforcement after they 've arrested a thief, but because there 's no way to find the actual owner, the bike is sold at a police auction. If your bike has been stolen, contact the police right away to report the theft. Most people don 't report the theft of the bike because they think that the police won 't actively pursue the crime, but stolen bikes are often happened upon in connection to other crimes. You can also register with your local law enforcement department or the bike brand.

Try to label your bike in an out of the way place where thieves can 't tamper with it. A piece of tape with your name on it can be stuck in an unseen spot on the frame or under the seat where thieves can 't easily find it.

Home security in Idaho, while important, shouldn 't be your only concern. Bike theft is a real threat, so don’t let it deter you from enjoying the outdoors, saving money on those expensive gas prices, getting exercise, or any of the other benefits that bike riding offers. Register your bike online, lock it securely when you 're not riding it, park consciously, and don’t become complacent.

​Home Security in Idaho Includes Taking Precautions with Social Media

When it comes to your home, your belongings and your family, security is a top priority. There are many measures you can take to ensure their safety, from securing the entrance points of your home, to using timed lights and video camera surveillance. You can have the best home security system in the world, but can still become a victim because of one risk that is often overlooked; Social media. It's become a popular form of communication for many people in the United States (and around the world). Keep these tips in mind when you're posting.

Don't Post Your Vacation Itinerary on Social Media
If you are planning on going away, you do not need to notify the whole world about your plans. When you post such important details online, you are providing easy access to criminals. They have become technologically savvy, watching Internet activity, picking out properties that they know will be vacant. If you insist on making posts about your vacation, do so after the fact when you have returned home. That's the perfect time to tell everyone all the exciting details of your trip. Make sure you do tell neighbors, family and your security company when you're going away. Everyone can keep an eye on your property and be on the lookout for any unusual activity. Even better, a monitored alarm system with your home security provider allows for a professional to keep an eye on your property while you're away.

Don't Share Information About Appointments
Whether you are going to be in the hospital, have an appointment at the spa, or plan on taking your dog to the vet, this is too much information to post on social media sites. You will only make your home a target, letting criminals know when your home is vacant and for how long. Posts about vet visits are especially telling since they reveal that your furry friend isn't protecting your home for that period of time.

Educate Teens About the Pitfalls of Social Media
Sit down and talk with your teens about their use of social media as well. You want to ensure they are protected and don't compromise their existing home security in Idaho. They should never post information that makes it obvious they are home alone. Child predators and thieves are more likely to take advantage of children and teens if they know the adults are away. It's possible to stay up to date on social media platforms without giving away personal information. Remind them of the old fashioned way of communicating: by phone or face-to-face.

Keeping your home safe doesn't have to be rocket science. The best home security system involves teamwork and common sense. If you have the right equipment, a good company that provides maintenance and monitoring services, and take the proper precautions concerning social media, you'll have the best chance of safety and security. The criminals may be getting smarter, but you can always stay one step ahead of the game with your home security in Idaho.

Security Companies in Boise Keep Pets Safe Too!

As a homeowner, you want to keep your loved ones, home, property and belongings safe. Security companies in Boise know that the term “loved ones” also includes your pets. When you’re making home security decisions, be sure to consider a system that will protect and accommodate your furry companions in your home as well.

Pets require home security in Boise, too?
When you opt for a quality surveillance system, you will have the peace of mind of knowing your pets will always be monitored while you are at work or away. While many homeowners think of their pets as a satisfactory security system, they often overlook the fact that animals need to be protected as well. In the event that there is an intrusion, a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning, security companies in Boise can be on the job and will send out an alert for emergency assistance at the first sign of trouble. Their valuable services, in combination with an alarm system, could mean the difference between life or death.

Find out what they’re up to while you’re away.
If you discover destruction in your home that is hard to explain, a surveillance camera could provide you with the answer. Often, your dog or your cat could be caught in the act, giving you proof. Discover how your escape artist is getting into restricted areas or getting loose and use that footage to figure out a more effective solution. While it is difficult to be with your beloved animals at all times, you can feel like you are doing your part to show them true devotion and protection.

Make sure your pets are comfortable.
When you have remote access to your surveillance system, you can actually check in on your pets while you are at work, on a trip or at the grocery store. Whether you’re using a mobile device, your office desktop computer, or a laptop, you can rest assured that it isn't too hot or too cold in your absence. If there is any kind of problem, you will be able to notify someone or come home to give your pets some extra TLC. You can even take your security system to the next level and actually modify the temperature from a remote location. This is especially useful for pets that require a certain temperature, such as reptiles and fish.

Tailor your security system for your pets.
If you’re worried that your pets are going to set off a false alarm, there are simple, quick modifications that can be made to avoid the problem. You can also set up sensors in certain areas of the house in order to notify you immediately if there is a problem. For example, if your dog has a habit of getting into a particular room where he becomes destructive, you can set up a sensor that will raise the alarm any time he crosses the line.

Don’t let your pet deter you from protecting your home with a security system; your home should always be equipped. Home security in Boise can easily be altered to accommodate pets, and in addition they’ll keep them even safer.

School-Time Security in Boise

Back to school is an important time of year, particularly when it comes to security in Boise and the surrounding regions. Keeping our children safe is a point of emphasis, and school periods are a time when we expect them to shoulder a lot of responsibility. The key to keeping them safe is ensuring that our children know precisely what is expected of them and how to achieve it.

Home Security

Home security in Idaho is crucial for keeping your family safe. Make sure that your children know how to read the control panel and arm and disarm the system. Consider upgrading to a system with remote access, which will allow your kids to enter and secure the home with their iPod or smartphone.

Backpack Safety

Invest in a high-quality backpack, which should have heavily padded shoulder straps. Once the child has gotten his or her books and supplies, load the backpack and weigh it. Target a weight that is less than 10 percent of the child’s weight; anything more than that can cause real injuries.

Emergency Information

For ideal home security in Idaho, don’t assume that your child will remember important information. Compile that information on cardstock, and perhaps laminate it. Then store the card in a zippered compartment of the backpack or a similar location.

Buddy System

Children are much safer in numbers, so stress the importance of operating in pairs or larger groups whether going to or coming from school or the bus stop. Buddies can be siblings or neighbors or whomever the child feels comfortable with and works well with.

Walking to School

When it comes to school-time security in Boise, the walk to the school or the bus stop is the most dangerous time. Cover the basics with the child at the beginning of each school year, and children 10 or younger should likely be accompanied by an adult. If there’s a sidewalk, use it; if not, always walk facing traffic. If crossing the street is necessary, do so at a corner or intersection.

Bicycling

Children can ride a bike to school rather than walk. To do so, it’s necessary to have a bike helmet and to ensure that it conforms to all local riding laws. For ideal helmet security in Boise, it should have a proper fit and not show any signs of wear beyond cosmetic ones.

Bus Stop Behavior

When it comes to school and home security in Idaho, the potentially deadliest times are when children are unchaperoned. This is particularly true at bus stops due to the proximity of traffic. In order to avoid harm, it’s very important that the child be paying attention at all times. In order to achieve that concentration, they should not play or use their cell phone, iPod, Nintendo 3DS or similar devices.

Bus Conduct

Ensure that the child knows how to get on and get off the school bus properly. Despite strict laws, there are deaths and injuries each year because some drivers don’t follow the rules of the road. When the bus arrives, stand at least six feet away. If the child has to cross the street to get on the bus, do so at least 10 feet in front of the bus. Follow the same protocol when exiting the bus.

The Best Residential Alarm Systems are Monitored

When choosing from the many different residential alarm systems on the market, homeowners must decide between a monitored and standard system. A monitored security system is the best home security system possible, and we’ll demonstrate why in the following points:

Professionalism

A monitored system is installed by highly skilled and experienced technicians and then monitored by highly skilled and experienced response agents. These are professionals who have dedicated their careers to home security, and more specifically residential alarm systems, and that is the level of expertise that one should want when it comes to protecting your family and most valuable possessions.

No Accidental Off State

With a traditional alarm, it’s possible to disable the alarm and then forget about it. For example, one might disable an accidental smoke alarm and then leave it in that state. With monitored residential alarm systems, that kind of mishap isn’t possible. One can disable the local alarm, but the device and the link between it and the monitoring station are always active.

Alarm Response Assured

With a classic alarm configuration, you have to hear the alarm and be able to respond to it. This can be a dangerous issue when someone is incapacitated due to smoke inhalation or the presence of CO2. With a monitored system, the monitoring station will register the alarm and respond to it regardless.

Avoid Improper Alarm Response

Even if a family member is able to respond to an alarm, there’s no guarantee that they handle the response appropriately. It is, after all, often a high-pressure and stressful situation. The response agents, however, are specialists with computer systems optimized for calling the right emergency services and providing them with all of the necessary information.

Averts Fault and Failure

The monitoring station is also able to detect faults and failures in the system automatically. When it occurs, the company is able to send out a technician regardless of whether it’s the middle of the night or a holiday. With a traditional system, you can go for days or even longer without realizing that equipment has failed.

Lease Equipment

With a non-monitored system, you must purchase the equipment outright, but with a monitored solution you can lease it. Furthermore, the best home security system stays current, and since you lease it, you can upgrade the system as needed with very little additional expense.

Timely and Inexpensive Upgrades

When you buy residential security equipment, there is a tendency to stagnate. It’s less expensive and more convenient to stay the same. The monitoring security company, however, has its name on the line, and it wants to achieve the best home security system possible at all times. In other words, it will upgrade your home as soon as it makes sense to do so.

Insurance Discounts

Insurance companies often provide significant discounts for residential security equipment and an active monitoring service. The best discounts are reserved for homeowners who have active monitoring and who keep their system updated. If the system is outmoded, then the insurance company will be less inclined to provide you with a big discount on your home insurance policy.

Panic buttons

A monitored security system also allows for fixed and remote panic buttons. Panic buttons are a way to trigger an alarm with the central monitoring station when an alarm would not normally be triggered. For instance, if you allowed an attacker into the home, a panic button would allow you to call for help with relative ease.

Benefits of Home Wireless Security

Castles of old always had sentries standing watch. This is not the case in modern homes. Parents work, children are off to school and families are busy, leaving homes empty all across America at different times of the day and night. Also, pets are often left at home while owners are away at work or school. A home wireless security system is the modern day sentry, faithfully standing watch around the clock.

Cost Benefits of Wireless Security

Wireless surveillance systems are becoming more common in homes today. Once the luxury of the wealthy and the necessity of businesses, home wireless security is now both affordable and easy to install. The greatest advancement is the wireless sensors and cameras that do not require running any cables back to the central alarm panel. All sensors are powered by lithium batteries that last for years before replacement is needed, and cameras simply plug into a nearby electrical outlet.

With no need to run cables, installation time is drastically reduced with no need to tear into walls, floors or ceilings to hide cable runs. Mass production of the equipment further reduces costs, offering basic systems at a discount along with a monitoring agreement. If you ever relocate, wireless systems can be taken with you. In addition, check with your insurance provider for discounts due to installing a wireless security system; these discounts may offset the cost of the system.

Monitoring Benefits of Home Wireless Security Systems

At the top of the list of benefits of wireless security is quality 24-hour monitoring of the system. Regardless of whether a home's occupants are awake, away or asleep, sensors can monitor and report anything from intrusion attempts to elevated levels of carbon monoxide gas. An alarm condition at any sensor is transmitted to the monitoring center where agents assess the situation and notify the appropriate emergency services agency in the area where the home is located.

Modern systems also do not rely on phone lines that can be cut for communication with the monitoring center. Advanced wireless surveillance system communication components are capable of using the radio frequencies of the cellular network to transmit and receive information. Some systems are also capable of sending live video feeds from a camera to the monitoring center to aid an agent in assessing what is happening at the scene.

Alarm Systems Bring Peace of Mind

Homeowners rest easier and worry less when away at work or even on vacation when they know their homes are being monitored around the clock by state-of-the-art wireless surveillance systems. Secure Internet connections allow homeowners to check, arm and disarm their home alarm systems online. Apps permit homeowners to monitor live video feeds from wireless IP cameras using a smartphone, laptop, PC or tablet computer anywhere an Internet connection is available.

Parents can check on kids to make sure they are safely at home, and pet owners can visually see what their pets are up to anytime night or day. Families on vacation can check anything from the alarm system's status to the temperature inside the home. Alarm systems that integrate with home automation permit adjusting the thermostat and turning lights on or off from a remote location.

Whether you get a basic perimeter alarm along with smoke and carbon monoxide protection or a fully integrated home automation and alarm system, the benefits begin on the day the system is installed. Modern homes can be have a digital sentry keep watch with a much greater degree of reliability than castle sentries of Medieval times.​

What Small Business Owners Need to Know About Security Systems in Idaho

The discussion of private security systems often centers around residential use, but most small businesses require a similar system that relies on the same array of equipment and services. The process of choosing small business security systems can be overwhelming. After all, there’s a lot riding on the line, and the security system is the first and most important line of defense against theft and other crime.

Emphasize Versatility

Commercial security systems must be versatile because the needs of the business will change over time. Furthermore, that change is often not a matter of choice and is caused by external factors, such as the market or supply network. In a modern system, the best way to ensure future versatility is to design a distributed system that communicates wirelessly. Portable sensors, for instance, can be moved around the premise as needed.

Opt for Usability over Sophistication

In an effort to be versatile, however, it’s important not to become too enamored with sophistication. Commercial security systems typically require multiple employees to master them and use them consistently. Ideally, you want a system that is intuitive and easy to use. Make sure to choose an alarm service that is willing to teach new employees and is available when any issues occur.

Base Decisions on Practical Needs

Many of the decisions regarding small business security systems are essentially made in advance. For instance, the insurance company will likely have some requirements, and it’s important that all of those are met by the system. It also helps to speak to other local businesses and law enforcement. Consider factors such as local crime rate statistics and the presence, or lack thereof, of neighborhood watch.

Optimize the System for the Business

Base design choices around the way that the company functions naturally. Do not choose a system and then require the business to conform to it. In doing so, you’re just inviting inconsistency, which will cost you more in the end. If you have multiple employees coming in and out of the building at a wide range of hours, then consider investing in a system that includes access control.

Rely on a Professional Assessment

Services that install small business security systems will assess the physical environment as well as the business environment, and then develop a plan based on that assessment. The service will also adjust the plan based on the wishes of the business owner: the customer is always right. Keep that in mind, and when you make a demand, make certain that it’s in the best interest of the business.

Choose the Alarm Service with Care

Since you’ll be relying so heavily on that professional assessment, it’s crucial that the company you choose is an innovator with an exceptional reputation within the community. Ideally, your alarm company will develop a security system that is uniquely suited to your business. Never settle for anything less, and a cookie-cutter alarm plan serves as a warning that you should heed.

AlarmCo, Inc.

It’s for these reasons that so many small businesses in Idaho choose AlarmCo for their commercial security systems. AlarmCo specializes in security and fire protection and has a superior reputation for building alarm systems for unique security needs. AlarmCo also provides Idaho’s only local 24-hour UL-certified monitoring station, which assures that your alarms are handled properly as they occur, whether or not you’re on site.

Residential Alarm Systems: Knocking Down the Myths

If you have been brushing off the idea of home security systems in Boise, think again. Residential alarm systems can provide you with an added level of security and peace of mind beyond compare. There are many myths surrounding home surveillance systems that keep homeowners from taking vital steps to protect their homes. Take a look at some of the most common misconceptions in home security and reconsider. Remember that your home, your belongings, and your precious loved ones are priceless.

Crime is down. Why pay for residential alarm systems?

On the contrary, incidents of theft and vandalism are on the rise. In a time of economic uncertainty, people are desperate, choosing robbery when they see no other options. In addition, criminals are becoming savvier what with all of the advances in modern technology. They are finding new, creative ways to break in to your property. When you choose home security systems in Boise, you can rest assured that you are far less likely to be a victim.

My neighbors can watch the house for me.

If you have good neighbors, consider yourself fortunate. It is always helpful to have an extra set of eyes on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. However, your neighbors are not always going to be on guard. Whether they are away, occupied, or asleep in their beds, there will be times when your home is vulnerable. You need to also consider the fact that neighbors could put themselves at risk by taking action in the event of a break-in. Residential alarm system can keep watch 24/7 without putting anyone in harm's way.

My big dog can do the job.

While it's true that a large, loud dog can be a deterrent to criminals, it's not foolproof. Your dog could be asleep or locked in a room when intruders choose to act. There is also the possibility that someone will hurt your beloved pet to steal your belongings. Don't take chances with your pet, your valuables and your family.

There's no way I can afford a home security system.

In the end, you can't afford to live without a quality security system. A comprehensive surveillance system protects your home from burglary, vandalism, fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and medical emergencies. It acts as a first alert for authorities, meaning a speedy response for your home and loved ones. Security companies have flexible plans to fit your budget. While it's true that your home security system will be an investment, that added level of protection is absolutely priceless.

I will be locked into an unreasonable contract.

Each company varies on contract lengths, but you can negotiate your terms. Your contract could stretch as long as three years or run on a monthly basis. It's all about accommodating the needs of the customer and finding the right fit. You will probably save money when you opt for a longer contract, but no one is going to force you into an agreement that makes you dissatisfied.

Choosing a home security system means making your home and loved ones a top priority. It's best to be safe, rather than live with regrets later. Look into your options and ask the professionals when you hear myths such as these.

Summertime Blues Call Home Security Systems in Boise

Most Boise homeowners tend to think of home security concerns and residential alarm systems in static terms, but the truth is that security issues change on a regular basis. They change because your family and environment change, and they also vary from one season to the next. Your security-related interests in the wintertime, for instance, are considerably different from those during the summertime. Seasonal issues are further exacerbated by the fact that most homeowners don’t adjust their system and protocols to the changes.

Summertime Blues

The difference between seasons is particularly apparent during summer due the rise in crime. In many areas, and Boise in particular, violent crimes rates are generally up across the board during summer. Those crimes include assaults, battery, muggings and burglaries. In light of this, the Boise police recommend that all homes have residential alarm systems and that families take additional precautions to avoid being the target of these crimes.

Why Crime Rates Rise during Summer

Boise has an average crime rate of 37 per 1,000 residents, and that rate can often be twice as high during the summer, particularly among burglaries and similar crimes. Home security systems in Boise do make a difference, however, and rates in neighborhoods where residential alarm systems are prevalent tend to be well below the area averages for the city. Why crime rates are higher in Boise during the summer is difficult to say. There’s even some compelling evidence to suggest there is no correlation. Those who believe there is, however, point to the longer days, warmer nights, additional free time for young people and scorching weather that tends to put people on edge.

Burglar-Proofing the Home

Home security systems are crucial to burglar proofing a home. It is also paramount that the system be supported by a 24/7 monitoring station, which ensures quick alert of law enforcement in the event of a crime. Hire a locksmith to replace all door locks and window latches with high-security hardware. The two most important factors in getting through a break-in are quick alert of the police and slowing the burglars down, which the advanced hardware will accomplish. It’s also a good idea to have security cameras so that you can see who’s at the front door without having to go to it.

Additional Summer Precautions

It’s important to ensure that you don’t compromise the system. For instance, if you leave the windows open on the first floor, you make it very easy to be burglarized regardless of how high-tech the security system is. It’s also important not to leave ladders outside where they can be used to gain access to the upper levels of the home.

Choosing an Ideal Security Service

If you don’t currently have a security system, you should talk with a reputable security company like AlarmCo, Inc. immediately. If you do have one but are unsatisfied with it, keep in mind that a new company can integrate your current hardware into its service. Make sure that you choose a service that provides around-the-clock monitoring of home security systems in Boise and has a stellar track record for responding promptly and accurately.