Video Surveillance Home Security

Have you ever felt the need to see what’s really going on when you leave your home? Maybe you’re suspicious of a burglar or want to keep a closer eye on your nanny. Whatever the case may be, there’s no solution that offers such convenience and accuracy like our home security cameras at Protect America.

Equipped with an HD lens and zoom capabilities, the video cameras from Protect America will give you the quality security you need.

How It Works

Our security cameras operate through a wireless connection with your internet at home. So it’s important to make sure your internet is not slow and you always have a secure connection. Most big brand broadband internet providers such as Time Warner or AT&T will give you great connections to be able to support your cameras. It really doesn’t take anything out of the ordinary, just a secure internet connection.

After you’ve connected the cameras to the internet you can strategically place the camera(s) around the home as you please. You can have up to 4 cameras per internet connection.

The great part about having wireless cameras is that all history of the cameras recordings are stored online at protectamericainteractive.com – which is where you can play, zoom and review all recordings.

You have a pretty big amount of storage to display of 100 events or recordings from your cameras. Other surveillance cameras offer storage on CDS or even VHS tapes, but this is very outdated. Burglars often find the source of where they’re recorded and can destroy or even delete their actions. Online storage is the most secure way to protect your home with video cameras.

Protect America Interactive

Protect America Interactive is our service of being able to offer our home security app called SMART Connect along with our broadband or cellular monitoring. You can watch your cameras directly from your smartphone once you download our app or you can watch from your computer. This means you can access your surveillance cameras from anywhere in the world as long as you have internet or wifi access with your phone.

These are just some of the great features Protect America offers.

For more information about Protect America, give us a call: 877-233-4276

5 Ways to Secure Your New Apartment

 

 

Moving into a new apartment can be stressful. The floorboards creak as your neighbors walk around. The heating system moans as it warms up. A new residence is filled with unfamiliar sounds that may make you uncomfortable. You can feel safer in your new place by ramping up the security while on a budget. With the right tools and some common sense, you’ll be on your way to turning your new apartment into a safe haven.

1. Choose a Safe Location

The neighborhood you choose to live in is a huge factor in how safe you will feel and be. Investigate the crime statistics of the areas you are interested in. This information can be found online through neighborhood reviews, newspapers or by calling the town hall or police department. You can ask your real estate agent to send you in the right direction. However, realtors cannot legally commit housing discrimination, so they will be careful about what they tell you.

Walk through the neighborhood and look for key identifiers of dangerous areas, including barred doors and windows, gated businesses and a variety of stores that sell security equipment. Don’t rent in one of these neighborhoods. Live in the safest area you can afford.

2. Have Strong Doors and Locks

Once you’ve found a safe neighborhood within your budget, find an apartment that’s secure. All the exterior doors should have solid cores and have a deadbolt lock. If the apartment does not have these features, ask the landlord if he or she can change it before you move in. Purchase a dowel rod if your place has sliding glass doors. You can place the rod in the rail where the door slides. If burglars pick the lock, they still won’t be able to open the doors. Be sure the rod is long enough so that when the door opens, a person cannot slide through the opening. Locking the doors is one of the easiest, cheapest ways to secure your apartment. Keep them locked whether or not you are home.

Lock your windows when you are not using them or if you are not home. A dowel rod can also be used to secure sliding models. If you are on the first floor, be sure shrubs aren’t near the base of your windows. Burglars can hide in thick vegetation and slide unnoticed into your apartment.

3. Use the Buzzer

Most apartment buildings will have a vestibule that guests can access. However, the door to the building’s interior should be locked. Be sure your apartment has a buzzer that allows you to open the door for your guests. Instruct your visitors to call ahead of time so that you know they are coming. Never buzz in a stranger. Systems with intercoms are ideal because you can screen guests by speaking with them. If unexpected visitors buzz, ask for their name and purpose. Do not let them in if you feel uncomfortable.

4. Invest in Home Security

While securing your apartment with deadbolts and dowel rods is effective, installing home security systems is an even better way to protect your property. Security packages include motion sensors, cameras and glass break sensors. The alarm will sound when any of these sensors are tripped. Use the video feed as evidence to help catch the culprit if your apartment is ever burglarized. Install home security right away when you move in so that your first night in the new place is peaceful.

5. Hide Your Valuables

Keep your expensive possessions away from windows. Burglary is a crime of opportunity. Potential thieves are more likely to target your apartment if they can see your giant TV through the window. Arrange your furniture so that the stereo, TV, game systems and more are out of sight.

Store your precious items in smart locations so that burglars don’t find them if they manage to get past your locks. Sock drawers are incredibly obvious, so opt for a more creative hiding spot. For example, store money and pricey jewelry in a fake potted plant or inside of a picture frame (between the photo and cardboard backing). Don’t forget where you’ve hidden the items in case you need that extra cash. You can spend money on inconspicuous safes. Some designs make the box look like a wall vent or book.

This article is brought to you by Protect America – the leading distributor of state-of-the-art Wireless Home Security Systems. Protect America protects homes across the U.S. from intrusion, theft, fire, flooding, medical emergencies and more with 24/7 Cellular, Broadband and Landline Monitoring and cutting edge technology.

 

 

9 Ways to Secure Your Home During an Open House

 

 

Showing your home is a huge part of the moving process. Potential buyers want to know what the house is like to see if they can picture themselves starting a life there. However, holding open houses puts your home in a vulnerable position as strangers will be coming and going constantly. Home security systems and other measures will be your best friend during the showing process. Here are a few tips for protecting your belongings:
1. Hide and Lock Your Valuables

Keep your most valuable belongings hidden during open house times. Potential buyers – or secret thieves – could see a necklace laying on the counter top or a pricey electronic sitting in the kitchen. They may be tempted to steal the item on the spot or come back for another showing. Don’t temp wandering fingers by leaving these items in plain sight. In fact, the best thing to do would be to keep them under lock and key. Purchase a lock box and stow your belongings before a showing.
2. Conceal Personal Information

Credit card statements, addresses, phone numbers, your college diploma and more should be removed prior to an open house. Anything that gives away information about your personal life could be used by a thief whether they want to steal your identity or case your new home. Pack these papers away so that viewers cannot see them. If there are items you still need during the selling process, keep them in a locking file cabinet and take the key with you when you leave.
3. Don’t Leave Keys Out

You and the little lock box on your door knob are the only ones who should have the keys to your home. Don’t leave out spares because they can be easily nabbed by a potential burglar. Should someone get the keys, they may return at a later date and easily enter your home.
4. Never Show the House Alone

Whether you’re selling by owner or are a realtor, never show the house alone. Ask a friend or associate to accompany you and act as backup. While you share the features of the house, your sidekick can keep an eye on the buyers. This measure can help prevent an assault or burglary, or simply give you peace of mind.
5. Don’t Uninstall Home Security

You probably want to take your home security alarms with you to your next house. However, you should wait to take them down until after you’ve closed on the house. The security system will monitor your home during showings and alert you of break-ins that can happen after the fact. Tell your realtor that you’ll be leaving the system installed so that he or she is aware.
6. Monitor Open Houses

Use the SMART Connect app to watch live video feed of your house remotely. You can be monitoring the situation while the realtor is showing off your home. Since the realtor is focused on selling the house, he or she may not notice a wandering hand. However, from your vantage point, you might catch it. You can also access archived video if you are unable to sit in front of a computer or your smartphone during the open house. Review the footage after the open house to ensure everything went smoothly. If something did happen, you have evidence to give police.
7. Insist on a Sign-in Sheet

Require all visitors to sign-in before being shown the house. Explain that the gesture is important for security purposes and ask to see a photo ID – burglars will give a fake name. If people are reluctant to sign, reiterate that they cannot see the house unless they meet this condition.
8. Conduct Group Showings

You or your realtor can show the home to several parties at once. Not only will the presence of extra people discourage potential thieves, but it will also help drive competition. If two or more families love the house, they may attempt to outbid one another in order to get it. They may also point out nice features that another family may not have noticed. Let buyers know that you’re only doing group showings and ask them to schedule a time with you or the realtor.
9. Check the House Afterward

Walk through your home after the showing and check the locks on your doors and windows. Many burglars will unlatch entry points so they can easily break in later.

This article is brought to you by Protect America – the leading distributor of state-of-the-art Wireless Home Security Systems. Protect America protects homes across the U.S. from intrusion, theft, fire, flooding, medical emergencies and more with 24/7 Cellular, Broadband and Land-line Monitoring and cutting edge technology.

 

Get Started Today Call: 877-233-4276

 

4 Things Home Security and Smartphones Have in Common

 

 

Technology changes quickly in the modern world. Smartphones are essentially pocket computers and laptops are being replaced by tablets. These developments seem natural because computers and tablets are part of the same industry. However, devices not normally associated with phones and computers are starting to look similar as well. For instance, what do security systems and smartphones have in common? They are more similar than you might think.

1. Touch screen

Most smartphones nowadays feature state-of-the-art touch-screen technology. A few years ago, this feature still had a lot of glitches. However, now touch screens are efficient and sensitive to your touch. Not only does your smartphone have this feature, but so do home security systems. The Simon XT Touchscreen is a wireless, energy efficient home security device that controls your system. Interacting with your device is easy, as the Simon XT has a 3.5-inch LCD display.

The device allows you to arm or disarm the security system with a single tap. You can also check the status of your home system as well as your windows and doors. Should you ever feel in danger, the Simon XT features a 24-hour “panic button” that will alert the monitoring center of an emergency with a single touch.

2. Arm and Disarm Security

You can arm and disarm your wireless home security systems from the Simon XT as well as from your smartphone. The SMART Connect app allows you to communicate with your home security system remotely. The easy-to-read display gives you the option to arm or disarm the system with a single tap of the screen. You may have forgotten to set the alarm before leaving for work. With the SMART Connect app, you can do it on the commute.

3. Monitor Your Home

Home alarm monitoring provides protection over your life. The monitoring center is notified when one of your alarms is tripped. They will then call you to verify that the incident is an intrusion and call the proper authorities to deal with the situation. For example, if your smoke detector is monitored, the fire department will be called in the event that smoke is present in the house.

Your smartphone also allows you to monitor your home. The SMART Connect app gives you access to live video feed as well as archived footage that you can view from your phone. You can watch and see what happens inside your house while you are away. The monitoring center still watches over your home, but you also can act as the guardian. There are many ways to use this feature. For example, you can check in to make sure your latchkey kid got home safe or make sure the plumber is working.

4. Keep You Informed

Your home security system and smartphone let you know when things are amiss in your house. When you’re at home and the sensors detect an intruder, an alarm goes off. The SMART Connect app sends you notifications if something is wrong back at the house. Whether you are inside or away, you will always be kept informed on the status of your home. Not only does this give you peace of mind, but it keeps you in control as well.

This article is brought to you by Protect America – the leading distributor of state-of-the-art Wireless Home Security Systems. Protect America protects homes across the U.S. from intrusion, theft, fire, flooding, medical emergencies and more with 24/7 Cellular, Broadband and Landline Monitoring and cutting edge technology.

Get Started TODAY: 877-233-4276

 

Tagged: home security protect america Smart Phones

How to Keep Your Home State of the Art

 

 

Your home is aging. Eventually, it will be out of date no matter when it was originally constructed. However, a few home improvement projects will help your house stand the test of time by implementing elements that will cater to changing technology and trends.

Construction Considerations

Codes, standards and requirements are placed on the construction of new homes to make sure they are energy efficient and up-to-date. You can take a cue from new homes by applying these standards to your next renovation project. The website of the town in which you live is a great resource for learning about code requirements. Go online to discover what practices are being used and attempt to exceed them. For example, new homes are required to use double panes rather than single-pane windows. If you’re replacing your old windows, go above and beyond the current trend by getting Energy Star certified models and ensuring they are properly installed.

‘Smart’ Features

Ensure that your home is prepared for the future by adding smart technologies that make your life convenient. There are several products that will help you create an up-to-date home, including:

Home Automation: Home automation systems allow you to control appliances from a computer, smartphone or tablet. Plug the item into the appliance module in order to have remote control. For example, you may apply the technology to lamps so that you can turn lights on and off when you’re not in the room or are out of the house.

Programmable Thermostats: These devices let you pre-program settings into your home’s heating system so that you spend less energy to warm or cool your house. Make the most of programmable thermostats by keeping the temperature consistent. Avoid overriding the settings you created.

Home Security Systems: Protect your home and your family with automated home alarm monitoring. These state-of-the-art systems come with options that include remote monitoring via your smartphone, motion sensing and video surveillance. You can also choose a control panel that utilizes a touch screen.

Universal Design

Add features in your home that accommodate a variety of residents, whether they are kids or aging parents. Most retirees don’t want to leave their current home, but some have to because it doesn’t fit their needs. Prepare for the future by widening the traffic paths of your home, ensuring the walls can support grab bars, and installing easy-to-access baths and showers. Even if you don’t foresee needing these things, an aging parent or disabled relative could end up living with you at some point. Furthermore, having universal design features in the home when you sell it may allow you to increase the asking price.

Future Electronic Wiring

Add wiring, soffits and conduits that can be used for technology you may install down the road. Consider outlets for televisions, Internet modems and more so that setting up your appliances will be easy in the future. Homes are using an increased amount of technological devices, so older homes will need upgrades to accommodate them. Look for outlets that not only work for traditional plugs, but also have a USB port. This will allow you to plug your phone or tablet directly into the wall without the use of a convertor.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Replace outdated appliances with energy-efficient models that will not only decrease your consumption, but also last longer. Choose Energy Star-approved appliances that are of good quality so that they require less maintenance. Consider trading your old water heater for a tankless version, which heats water on demand.

Support these efficient appliances by ensuring that your home is airtight. You don’t want to be losing heat from a leaky home, as it can negate the savings you would have generated from owning energy-efficient products. Choose insulation that will increase thermal resistance and install it throughout the house. Pay special attention to the attic, basement and exterior walls since these areas are the most prone to leakage.

Eco-Friendly Materials

More and more homeowners are choosing to use materials that are sustainable. Be sure your house stays on top of these trends by using some of these materials yourself. For example, use bamboo or cork in your next flooring remodel or purchase formaldehyde-free kitchen cabinets. These things improve the health quality of your home as they don’t contain harmful chemicals and are better for the environment. Eco-friendly standards are only increasing in home design, so make sure your house is future-proof.

This article is brought to you by Protect America – the leading distributor of state-of-the-art Wireless Home Security Systems. Protect America protects homes across the U.S. from intrusion, theft, fire, flooding, medical emergencies and more with 24/7 Cellular, Broadband and Landline Monitoring and cutting edge technology.

 

Tagged: home alarm monitoring

How GPS Tracking can be Used for Protection

 

Home surveillance cameras don’t have to be the only way you protect your family. The growing popularity of GPS tracking has given families options they never would have dreamed of a short time ago.

Family protection
One way families are using their GPS tracking systems is as a monitor, The New York Times reported. Grown adults with elderly parents want to know that their mom or dad is safe. When the elderly get to the age at which they can’t live safely on their own, nursing homes tend to be the answer. Some families, however, have used GPS tracking to give their parents some independence. These devices allow other family members to know where the user is located. For families dealing with an Alzheimer’s patient, it’s effective.

Parents can also monitor children when they are out. GPS systems can tell the speed at which a vehicle is moving, which is a good way for parents to track their teenager’s driving.

In the workplace
Employers are using GPS tracking as a way to monitor a delinquent employee. If a company has given a work vehicle to an employee who is thought to be abusing privileges, a GPS tracker is a simple way to tell. Time sheets no longer have to be the only information an employer has on the movement of a worker.

This article is brought to you by Protect America – the leading distributor of state-of-the-art Wireless Home Security Systems. Protect America protects homes across the U.S. from intrusion, theft, fire, flooding, medical emergencies and more with 24/7 Cellular, Broadband and Landline Monitoring and cutting edge technology.

Call Today to Get Started; 877-233-4276

Getting the Edge on Burglars!

It’s easy to let crime statistics and news stories scare you into making rash home surveillance system decisions. When shopping for video surveillance systems, it is important to take your time and get the right security for your home and your family. So if you’re worried that your house is in danger while you’re making a decision, here are some things to remember:

Burglars
Burglars do not want to confront you. Plain and simple. They will go out of their way to choose a house that is unoccupied so that their chances of getting away are greater. Use this to your advantage by making your house seem occupied at all times. When you’re out, leave blinds open or the lights on. You can even set lights to a timer so it looks like someone is turning them on and off throughout the day.

Locks
Lock your doors and windows when you’re not home. Lock the doors even when you are home. These easy measures will deter crime. In fact, many burglaries happen because a garage was left open or the back door was left unlocked.

Being seen
Burglars don’t want to be seen, so don’t give them somewhere to hide. Keep your yard free of heavy bushes and shrubs that provide cover.

By the time you install your home surveillance system, you’ll be extra prepared. And remember, you don’t have to stress out while shopping around.

This article is brought to you by Protect America – the leading distributor of state-of-the-art Wireless Home Security Systems. Protect America protects homes across the U.S. from intrusion, theft, fire, flooding, medical emergencies and more with 24/7 Cellular, Broadband and Land-line Monitoring and cutting edge technology.

Get Started TODAY 1-877-233-4276

 

Easy Ways to Go Green at Home in 2014

 

Reversing the effects of global warming and saving the planet may seem like an insurmountable task. However, if everyone were to do their part, the problem would appear smaller. Fortunately, there are easy ways to go green in your home that don’t require huge changes. Simply altering your existing habits will make you a better steward to the environment and save you money on utility bills.

Change Your Light Bulbs to Get Environmental

Light​ bulbs are a small necessity that you generally only think about when you have to replace them. Purchase compact fluorescent light​ bulbs instead of incandescent ones. CFLs last 10 times longer than their incandescent counterparts and use one third the amount of energy. Though they cost a dollar or two more up front, your energy bills will be well worth it. Plus, you don’t have to buy as many CFLs as incandescent light bulbs. Some homeowners don’t like the cold light that CFLs produce, but that’s an easy fix. Avoid white lampshades as they increase the cold feel that florescent bulbs create. Buy cream or amber shades instead because they will filter the light to be the same soft yellow that incandescent bulbs produce.

Buy Recycled Goods to Go Green

More and more products are being made using recycled materials. Purchase these rather than buying new items. You can find recycled shampoo and conditioner bottles, coffee thermoses, paper products, kitchen items and more. Buying goods from thrift stores are another way to recycle. Why spend your hard-earned money on a brand new lamp when you can avoid waste by purchasing a used one? Buy the items you need at resale shops to avoid filling landfills.

Recycle to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Provide the materials used to make the items you now buy by recycling. Not only can you recycle paper and plastic, but you can do the same with electronics. Visit sites that help you find electronic recycling locations in your area. Tossing plastic bottles in a recycling bin isn’t much different than throwing them in the garbage, so the transition should be easy for you.

Fill Your Freezer to Get Environmental

Cut back on energy consumption by keeping your freezer stocked. A barren freezer forces the appliance to work harder to keep the space cold. However, if the freezer is filled with frozen items, the food does the cooling. The principle is the same as adding ice to your portable cooler. While you’re at it, purchase Energy Star certified appliances as they are more efficient than other models.

Turn Off the Lights to Go Green

Save on energy by turning off the lights when you don’t need them. Instead, open your blinds and use natural light during the day. However, if you forget to turn off the lights in your living room before you leave for work, don’t panic. Home energy management is simple with home automation systems. The appliance module allows you to turn your lights on and off via smartphone. You can turn off the lights you forgot about while you’re running errands and turn them on as the sun goes down so that you can walk safely to your front door.

Wash a Full Load to Conserve Energy

Don’t waste water and energy washing a small load in the washing machine or dishwasher. Combine loads or wait until you have more items to wash and choose cold water. This will reduce the amount of water and energy you use every year. Ask others in the house if they need their laundry done and combine yours with theirs.

Program Your Thermostat to Save on Utility Bills

Programmable thermostats allow you to preset the temperature of your home. Design the system so that the temperature decreases during the times you’re usually not at home (during work) or while you’re asleep. Turn it up again while you’re there. Avoid overriding these settings, as this will negate your savings by having a setting in the first place. Keep your home a few degrees colder in the winter and warmer in the summer to cut energy consumption.

Carpool to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

If you live in an area where basic errands require a car, team up with another driver. Carpools don’t just have to be for work or your kids’ soccer practice; they can be used to go grocery shopping and doing other errands as well. Talk to a neighbor to see if they’d be interested. However, if you can avoid driving altogether, do so. Purchase a rolling grocery cart and walk to the store, take your bike to work or stroll to the bank. This article is brought to you by Protect America – the leading distributor of state-of-the-art GE Wireless Home Security Systems. Protect America protects homes across the U.S. from intrusion, theft, fire, flooding, medical emergencies and more with 24/7 Cellular, Broadband and Land line Monitoring and cutting edge technology. SUMMARY Make small changes to your habits to conserve energy.

Get Started TODAY 1-877-233-4276

Tagged: carbon footprint environmentalism go green recycle

 

5 Ways to Protect Your Art

Most thieves who break into residencies are amateur criminals. They steal frequently, but they stick to low-key homes and businesses, attempting heists they know they can pull off. However, there are thieves who could be considered professionals. You’ve seen them in films and on television many times. These burglars sneak their way into museums or art galleries in creative ways to take valuable works of art. Hollywood doesn’t lie when it portrays this breed of burglar. They are very skilled because they work in a high-risk business.

According to the FBI, art theft is the third-highest grossing criminal career behind drugs and arms. Like the drug and arms black markets, art theft is often tied to organized crime syndicates, and the money made off of selling art has funded terrorist activity. In fact, looted antiquities sold in 1999 helped fund the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The FBI has a task force entirely devoted to catching art thieves.

If you are the owner of an art gallery or antique shop, are thinking about opening one, or if you are an art collector, you should take precautions to protect your merchandise. Expensive pieces of art are targeted by skilled thieves and could end up funding something terrible. Fortunately, keeping the artwork safe takes just a few simple steps.

1. Catalog Everything 
Art doesn’t have serial numbers like gadgets do. Your phone, computer and television can all be tracked by the number printed on the back. It is important that you take down notes about the art you are selling because the paintings you display don’t have these numbers. Write down a description of the object including title, artist, date or period it was made in, materials used, measurements, inscriptions and markings, and any other distinguishing features that will help police. Keep a digital and written copy of this data.

2. Get to Know Local Law Enforcement
Your business will benefit from a solid relationship with local authorities. The more the police hang around your establishment, the less likely art thieves will target it. Furthermore, having a good relationship with police will give you opportunities to pick up tips for protecting your collections. Don’t be afraid to ask about tactics burglars use and for ideas to amp up security. Local police know the area and have encountered thieves in the past.

3. Install Security Systems
Alarm monitoring and security camera systems will go a long way toward protecting your art investment. Install cameras in strategic positions so that a monitor can see all the pieces in your gallery. Check to see that there are no blind spots once you’ve hung the cameras. Hang motion sensors by every entry point, including windows and service entrances. You can use glass-breaking detectors on windows and gallery frames. Business security packages come with the SMART Connect app, which allows you to watch live and archived video feeds from your smartphone. This allows you to keep an eye on your gallery while you’re away.

Put your monitors in a visible area. Have your security guard sit at the front desk, watching the camera feeds. When guests enter, they’ll immediately know that there are eyes on the art. Some criminals won’t bother attempting theft if they don’t think they will succeed.

4. Prepare and Educate Your Staff
Help the staff at your gallery prepare for crime. Ask local law enforcement to give a talk to your employees about theft and how to react if they encounter the criminal. This kind of education will help keep your staff safe and could potentially deter crime. Your employees need to feel confident because theft can be an emotional experience. Should a burglar enter the premises when someone is there, your staff will experience stress. Support them before and after the fact.

5. Watch Your Guests
Be diligent as you welcome visitors to your gallery. You’ll have a variety of guests, including buyers, artists, tourists, art enthusiasts and even potential undesirables. If you have a bad feeling about someone in your gallery, keep your eye on them. You can even go so far as to make them uncomfortable enough to leave. Follow them as they view the art and ask questions about what they think. However, be careful not to alienate your guests. Only use tactics to get rid of those people who give you a very bad feeling.

This article is brought to you by Protect America – the leading distributor of state-of-the-art Wireless Home Security Systems. Protect America protects homes across the U.S. from intrusion, theft, fire, flooding, medical emergencies and more with 24/7 Cellular, Broadband and Landline Monitoring and cutting edge technology.

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