Key Considerations for HOA Security and Access Control

March 29, 2023March 28, 2023

A homeowner association (HOA) is an organization in a subdivision, planned community, or condominium building that makes and enforces rules for the properties and residents. HOA-governed communities often have common areas like swimming pools, fitness centers, and clubhouses.

A private swimming pool run by a homeowner association is an attractive amenity for current property owners and potential buyers. However, while they can be popular, pools create a number of liabilities for the association that need to be addressed to avoid safety and legal concerns. To retain the benefits that a pool brings to the community, the board of directors or association management will need to mitigate these risks of operating a pool by instituting proper safety measures.

There are four areas of risk to consider:

Someone getting hurt or drowning in the pool area
Chemical imbalances in the water that can cause illness
Overcrowding and unauthorized entry – this includes people swimming during closed hours or unsupervised children or pets gaining access
Vandalism

To mitigate these risks:

Proper fencing and gating – this is a basic requirement and is required by North Carolina State law. Check here for FAQ on Wake County Pool Regulations.

Control access – there are a couple of options available to HOAs like mechanical coded lock systems, magnetic strip key cards, and coded key fobs. Card and key fobs are top solutions to control swimming pool and fitness center access. Requiring proximity cards or badges to enter the pool gates keeps strangers or unattended children out while offering convenient access to members or residents. They can also be set up to open gates at specific times and coded so authorized personnel can review when keys are used for legal as well as illegal entry.

A perimeter fence and locked gate is a good start but will not always deter trespassers or vandalism and can’t help identify the perpetrators if this happens. So cameras are recommended to supplement fencing and gates.

Cameras serve two purposes. If they are openly visible to people entering your community, they will serve as a deterrent to vandalism and off-hours entry. They will also provide helpful evidence for prosecuting individuals caught in the act of committing crimes or in enforcing violations of an HOA’s governing documents. In addition, should the unfortunate situation arise of someone getting hurt or drowning, cameras offer the option to review the situation to ensure safety equipment was in place, and lifeguards and EMTs followed protocol.

It is important to note that cameras should be regularly checked and maintained to ensure proper operation.

Key Considerations when installing or upgrading pool surveillance cameras:

1) Fencing and camera line of sight: Angles and positioning are major concerns for the direction you would like to aim the camera. Be mindful of potential visual obstructions that could become a problem in terms of where the camera is positioned.

2) Height off the ground: If at all possible, cameras should be placed at least nine feet above the floor/ground, so that it will be more difficult for would-be intruders to tamper with them.

3) Image quality: Your surveillance cameras should have “recognizable” image quality – could it be used to identify a suspect or clarify a situation? After all, what good is having video footage if you can’t use it when you need to? In addition to having the right camera, there needs to be enough lighting at night where the cameras are placed to produce usable images.

4) Camera angles: For example, a camera that is positioned in an area with seasonal trees could offer a clear view in the winter, but leaves may block the view in the summer. In addition, if you have a camera positioned to shoot into nighttime lighting or morning/evening sun, it could possibly hinder the camera’s field of vision for that span of time.

As you can see, there are a number of important things for HOAs to consider when securing common areas. Secur Tek, Inc. has experience helping HOAs in the Triangle Area through the process of selecting and installing the right equipment given your situation, budget, and homeowner requirements.

To learn more, visit our HOA page, then contact us by filling out the form or calling 919-387-1800.

Secur-Tek is locally owned and operated in Apex, NC, offering home and business security, monitoring, controlled access, automation, audio, and central vacuum systems.

Our service area includes Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, and Pittsboro in North Carolina.

Five Advantages of 24-Hour Security Monitoring

February 22, 2023

Whether you’re at home in the Triangle, snuggled in bed fast asleep, or away on an international trip, it’s important to know your home security system will work the way you expect.

One expectation most people have for home or business security systems is a response to the alarm — no matter what time it occurs. This 24-hour security monitoring means authorities will be notified as needed when the alarm is activated at your home or office.

How monitoring works

When an alarm is tripped, the typical system will have a siren go off for approximately five minutes. If the system is monitored and there is no emergency in progress, the alarm can be canceled by giving the monitoring station your password. If a burglar or prowler trips the alarm, they usually leave the premise quickly. In many cases, the intruder will then hide and watch to see if there is any activity in the home, or if police/people arrive. If so, they typically will leave quickly to focus their efforts on an easier target — a non-monitored home.

Monitoring isn’t just to alert the police or fire departments. Here are some other advantages of including 24-hour monitoring as part of your security system:

True protection — Some homeowners assume a burglar alarm making a lot of noise is enough protection. In truth, like car alarms, home alarms are often ignored by people nearby, who assume it is going off by accident.
Fire Detection — A monitored security system that includes low-voltage smoke detectors provides greater protection and quicker responses to fires.
Other Home Issues– While not as urgent as a fire or break-in, a gas leak can cause serious problems in your home. Our systems can be set up to monitor carbon dioxide. Special sensors can be added as needed – for example, to let you know your freezer is no longer on or indicate a power outage.
Assistance— Monitoring systems can also be set up to notify people that you need assistance in case of a fall or other personal accident.
Peace of Mind— Monitoring means someone is always alerted or spurred into action when emergencies happen in your home or business. Many security system clients say knowing someone is there offers peace of mind, making it easier to sleep at home and while away.

Five Star Monitoring
Secur-Tek works with Affiliated Central to monitor your home or business. The team at Affiliated Central is CSAA Five Diamond Certified and uses the most up-to-date technologies.

While most security companies offer 24-hour monitoring, some companies may consider it an add-on feature or require long-term contracts. When considering a security company to keep your home or business safe, be sure to read your contract carefully to confirm you are receiving the service you deserve.

If you have questions or would like to discuss your security system needs, please don’t hesitate to call us at 919.387.1800 or by filling out the form below.

How to Plan for Safety and Convenience at a New Business Location

January 27, 2023

Are you thinking about renovating or relocating your business? Opening an additional location? Or maybe you’re starting that new business venture you’ve always dreamed about. Whichever direction you are going with your business ideas, there are many things to consider when planning that new location.

Safety and security:

Which building/room access points need to be secure? Who should be able to gain entrance and when? These are critical questions for consideration when planning for customer, employee, and property safety aspects.

A security system can control access to your premises to deter theft or vandalism. For greater safety and convenience, access control features can be incorporated into your security system. They will allow you to:

Secure doors and limit entry to certain groups of people at specific times
Manage employee access to workspaces, inventory rooms, and critical business documents. (Called security partitioning)
Manage or check on business sites remotely
Record access history and easily produce history reports
Monitor and notify Law Enforcement, Fire, and Emergency Services when needed

The safety, security, and well-being of your employees and customers are key considerations. In addition, Commercial security systems safeguard your business assets from fire and theft, preventing costly losses and giving you greater peace of mind. Secur-Tek can help you design the most effective and efficient security system that supports your business requirements and ownership needs.

The business environment:

Would your business be enhanced in the customer’s eyes with background music to reinforce the feeling of a relaxed atmosphere? Or would you like to energize your employees with some peppy beats?

Studies show that listening to music often improves your mood. Playing low-level background music in your business can have a positive effect on your employees, as well as your customers, clients, or patients.

When exploring different music options for your business site, contact us. Secur-Tek can incorporate a premium multi-room audio system with award-winning Klipsch or Bose® speakers into the design of your new dental or medical office, salon, retail, restaurant, or gym.

Secur-Tek is locally owned and operated in Apex, NC. Our service area includes these North Carolina communities: Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, Pittsboro and Wake Forest.

Holiday Safety and Year-round Peace of Mind

December 13, 2022December 13, 2022

The holidays are just around the corner and it’s a wonderful time of year! It’s a time to see friends, family, or go on that nice relaxing vacation you’ve been looking forward to all year. But taking a few precautions can help keep you safe.

Five safety tips for when you are out and about:

Light up outside. The strings of outdoor Christmas lights are cheery but if your home goes dark when you leave town, it signals that you’re not home. Put them on a timer and mount exterior lights on your home, out of reach. These should also be put on a timer or used as motion detectors.
Make it seem like you are home. Put your usual indoor lights on timers and leave blinds in their usual positions so it appears you are home.
Hide and lock your valuables. A burglar wants to get in and out fast! They know to check a desk and the bedroom for important documents and jewelry. Put your laptops, lock boxes, important papers, and expensive items in multiple well-hidden/unusual locations.
If you are going to be away for more than a day, have your mail held or have a neighbor pick it up.
Ask trustworthy neighbors to keep an eye on your home. Letting a few people know you are gone will help keep them on alert for something amiss.

According to multiple research studies, burglars avoid homes with alarm systems. Monitored alarms don’t just make noise, but alert emergency services so there is a quick response to the trouble. In addition, most insurance companies offer a discount on homeowner’s insurance if you have a security system, making them a smart investment in your family’s safety and property.

Five advantages of having a Secur-Tek Inc. smart home security system around the holidays:

Package Theft

Concerned about your online shopping being left on the doorstep while you are away? As well as being a target for porch pirates, a package indicates that no one is home when potential thieves check out the neighborhood. For peace of mind, a video doorbell or entryway camera can verify a delivery. A smart security system can unlock your front door or garage so a neighbor or authorized deliveryman can put the package inside.

Property damage

Gas and smoke detectors can be connected to your security system and monitored 24 hours a day to maximize protection for your family, property, and pets while at home or away.

Water damage

When you’re home, small problems like a leaky hot water heater can be quickly dealt with. Leave home for a few days and even a slow leak can cause serious flooding and expensive damage. With a monitored system and specialized detectors, you can know if something goes wrong at your property. With a smart system, you can even activate a water shutoff to minimize damage.

Pet monitoring

Ever wonder if your pet sitter or neighbor remembered to feed, walk and play with your pets? No worries: just give your pet caretaker a temporary security code so they can enter when needed. This dedicated code unlocks your door and can alert you when your sitter uses it. If you want to see how your buddy is doing, just add cameras to your security system. Secur-Tek’s technician will place cameras so you can check in on your pets and see for yourself!

Home Security

Finally, as you travel around for the holidays, you can be assured your property is protected. With a cost-effective Secur-Tek customized security system that monitors 24/7, it will notify the security professionals at our monitoring center, who immediately alert your local police and fire department for you. This ensures a quick response to minimize any loss or damage if an unfortunate incident should happen.

Smart home security is the way to eliminate many of the worries that creep into our minds during the holidays. Remote access allows you to be notified, view and control activity in the interior or exterior of your home at any time.

Have a happy and safe holiday season from all of us at Secur-Tek, Inc!

Secur-Tek is locally owned and operated in Apex, NC, offering home and business security, monitoring, automation, audio, and central vacuum systems.

Our service area includes these North Carolina communities: Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, Pittsboro and Wake Forest.

Thanksgiving Time

November 21, 2022

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year; it gives us a chance to relax and reflect on the things we are truly grateful for.

At Secur-Tek, we’ve had a wonderful year and would like to thank

Our amazing customers, and
Our fabulous team of employees and partners.

We are also grateful for the incredible North Carolina Triangle area that we are privileged to live in and serve.

If you’ll be sharing this holiday with those you care about, here are some fun Thanksgiving trivia questions to banter about over that delicious pumpkin pie.

See how many of these you know!

Where was the first Thanksgiving?

Colonists and the Wampanoag tribe shared a harvest feast in 1621 at Plymouth, Massachusetts which is widely acknowledged as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations.

But some historians argue that Massachusetts may not have been the true location of our first Thanksgiving. They note that nearly 60 years before the Plymouth celebration, a Spanish fleet landed in Florida and planted a cross on the sandy beach to christen the new settlement of St. Augustine. To celebrate the arrival and give thanks for God’s providence, the eight hundred Spanish settlers shared a festive meal with the native Timucuan people.

When was the first American call for a national Thanksgiving?

America first called for a National Day of Thanksgiving to celebrate victory over the British in the Battle of Saratoga. In 1789, George Washington again called for a National Day of Thanks on the last Thursday of November to commemorate the end of the Revolutionary War and the ratification of the Constitution.

Which president refused to recognize Thanksgiving?

Thomas Jefferson was famously the only Founding Father and early president who refused to declare days of thanksgiving and feasting. Unlike his political rivals, the Federalists, Jefferson believed in “a wall of separation between Church and State” and believed that endorsing such celebrations as president would be equivalent to promoting state-sponsored religious worship.

How long has pumpkin pie been a traditional part of Thanksgiving?

Pumpkin pie was a staple on New England Thanksgiving tables as far back as the turn of the 18th century. Legend has it that the Connecticut town of Colchester postponed its Thanksgiving feast for a week in 1705 due to a molasses shortage. There could simply be no Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie.

Why is football a Thanksgiving tradition?

The first Thanksgiving football game was a college match between Yale and Princeton in 1876, way before there was anything called the NFL. Soon after, Thanksgiving Day was selected as the date of the college football championships. By the 1890s, thousands of college and high school football rivalries were played every Thanksgiving.

When was the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

To celebrate the expansion of its Herald Square superstore, Macy’s announced its first “Big Christmas Parade” two weeks before Thanksgiving in 1924, promising floats, bands, and an animal circus. It was a tremendous success! Macy’s later trimmed the parade route from six to two miles and signed a TV contract with NBC to broadcast the now-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and Happy Thanksgiving from Secur-Tek, Inc!

If you would like a whole collection of Thanksgiving trivia and answers to play as a game – here is a website you can reference: https://www.brightful.me/blog/thanksgiving-trivia/

*Source: Thanksgiving History Facts and Trivia – HISTORY, https://www.history.com/news/thanksgiving-history-trivia-facts.

FIRE PREVENTION SAFETY TIPS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

October 18, 2022

In October of 1871, The Great Chicago fire devastated much of that city, killing 300 people and leaving over 100,000 homeless. In remembrance of that horrific event, October was designated as Fire Prevention Month. During this month, fire departments across the country hold educational events focused on fire and home safety.

To support this effort, our blog this month offers tips to help keep you and your family safe:

1) Install/check your smoke alarm:

If you don’t have a smoke alarm, install one. If you have one, make sure it is maintained and working properly.

Test your smoke alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.
When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside, call 911, and stay outside.
A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install alarms on every level of the home and in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area
Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all should sound.

Facts about Smoke alarms:

Almost three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with either no smoke alarms (40%) or no working smoke alarms (17%).

Working smoke alarms save lives. The death rate from reported home fires was more than twice as high in homes that did not have working smoke alarms compared to the rate in homes with working smoke alarms.

In fires where smoke alarms were present but did not operate, 43% of the smoke alarms had missing or disconnected batteries.

Dead batteries caused one-quarter (25%) of the smoke alarm failures.

A monitored security system that includes low voltage smoke detectors provides greater protection and quicker responses to fires.

2) Make an Escape Plan:

In the event of a home safety emergency, every second counts. According to the National Fire Protection Association, you may have less than two minutes to escape after your smoke alarms sound. That’s why it’s important to be prepared by planning and practicing an escape route with your family. By planning, practicing, and repeating your emergency exit plan, you can help ensure a safe escape.

Here’s what to do:

Walk through your home with your family and identify multiple exits out of each room in the house. If windows or doors are blocked, clear them so they can be easily accessed and opened.
For two-story houses, consider equipping bedrooms with escape ladders to provide additional, safe exits. If you need an escape ladder, Secur-Tek has these in stock.
Dedicate someone to assist small children or infants out of the home.
Assign a meeting spot outside that is a safe distance away from your house like the mailbox, tree or neighbor’s house.
Ensure your street address is clearly visible on your home or mailbox for first responders.
If you have children, teach them how to call 9-1-1 once outside at your meeting spot and help them memorize your home address.

Once you have your escape plan, it’s time to practice. The NFPA recommends executing your escape plan twice a year, as well as at night.

To get started, download this home escape plan worksheet.

3) Place properly functioning Fire Extinguishers strategically placed around your residence.

Fire extinguishers should be available on every level of the home and in areas like the kitchen and garage. Store them in accessible places or mount them on the wall for easy access in the event of an emergency. Be sure to choose the right fire extinguisher for your home’s needs.
It is important for the whole family to understand how a fire extinguisher works, so be sure to read the instructions carefully and thoroughly with them.

When using a fire extinguisher remember the PASS technique:

P – Pull the pin

A – Aim directly at the source of the fire

S – Squeeze the lever slowly and smoothly to get the flow even and aimed where you need it

S – Swipe back and forth to contain and eliminate all burning fuel.

4) More tips:

Kitchen fires caused by unattended cooking are a major cause of fires in Apex and throughout the country. Keep an eye on anything that you’re cooking. Click here for kitchen safety tips.

Ensure your fireplace screen covers the entire fireplace.
Have proper ventilation for heaters and other small appliances.
Do not smoke in bed.
Use the correct size fuses.
Don’t use worn-out electrical wiring or run it under rugs or out windows or doors.
Clear refuse away — the less clutter, the less fuel a fire has to feed on.

For more information on safety and fire prevention – please go to https://www.nfpa.org or https://www.apexnc.org/335/Safety-Information.

Secur-Tek is locally owned and operated in Apex, NC, offering home and business security, monitoring, automation, audio, and central vacuum systems. Our North Carolina service area includes Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, Pittsboro and Wake Forest.

Home Security Debate – DIY vs Professional?

September 22, 2022

You may have seen ads for DIY Home Security Systems. They might even have started you thinking about the list of home DIY projects on your refrigerator door and wondering if you should add “install home security” to it.

Then a couple of questions cross your mind:

A home security system is an important item and since your family’s safety will depend on it, will I worry about if it’s installed correctly?
Will the project take time away from projects you really enjoy – like woodworking, gardening, or watching sports?

So, you decide a little research is appropriate to evaluate if you should go the DIY route or engage professionals for your Home Security System.

Will a DIY system save me money?

That’s usually the main reason people consider DIY systems. But remember, you get what you pay for – a box of basic security equipment and manuals. You pay the retail price for the equipment and then add the investment of your time, which can vary depending on how familiar you are with installing electronics. While doing a home project, have you ever gotten halfway through and wondered if you were doing it right? Or find it takes three times as long because the directions aren’t clear? Are you interested in fire detection, a smart thermostat, or a doorbell camera? Check that out in advance, as some DIY security companies don’t integrate these devices, so you may have to purchase them separately and download multiple apps.

When you have professionals install your security system, you get the following:

Customized protection that fits your needs

Not every property, neighborhood, or crime profile is the same. Secur-Tek doesn’t just bring a standard box of equipment and go to work. First, we talk with you to understand your security objectives and do a complete assessment of your home environment. We understand camera angles, lighting, and acoustical variables that should be taken into consideration when choosing the type and placement of security and surveillance equipment. We will help you customize a complete inside and outside solution that fits your needs.

Trained and qualified technicians for installation, adjustment, or repair

Using a certified technician will ensure the effectiveness of your security system. Secur-Tek customizes your security system to your home while explaining the process and confirming the optimal placement of every device, so you can trust your security system.

Real Technical support and guidance

Our expert technicians walk you through your new security and/or smart home system step by step at the time of installation. They’ll answer every question you have, help set up smart rules and automation when appropriate, and leave you confident and ready to protect your home and family. The same local technicians are available should you ever need service.

Confidence in your security system

Security systems are critical during times of emergency and stress. You need to be confident and knowledgeable about the functioning of your system during these situations. A trained Secur-Tek technician is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for after-hours emergency service.

Savings on your homeowner insurance

In addition to protecting your home and family, a professionally installed home security system can save you money on insurance. Most insurance companies offer a discount for professionally installed and monitored systems.

Personal response

Secur-Tek is a locally owned and operated company. We answer our own phones and will speak with you directly. We take the time to personally understand and answer any questions you may have. Our technicians are local company employees — not contractors.

We are passionate about protecting you, your family, and your property. We take pride in knowing every system is installed correctly and customized for your home. You can be confident in your system because our technicians test every individual device and the total system upon installation. We then walk you through it to make sure you are comfortable, knowledgeable, and confident in how to operate your system effectively.

Think about your family’s safety and the security of your property before making your DIY vs Professional installation decision. You can also check out the benefits of a monitored security system. Then call us at 919-387-1800 or use the form below to schedule a complimentary security assessment.

Secur-Tek is locally owned and operated in Apex, NC, offering home and business security, monitoring, automation, audio, and central vacuum systems. Our service area includes Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, and Pittsboro in North Carolina.

Back to School Safety Checklist

August 16, 2022

The Fall brings changes in children’s schedules with cooler air and a new school year. Here are a few precautionary actions you can take to ensure your children remain safe.

To make it easy for you, Secur-Tek Inc. has prepared the following comprehensive checklist compiled from many sources including The Red Cross, Parent & Child Magazine, and Scholastic.com.

1) Review behavior guidelines so everyone understands what’s expected of them:

Caution/Remind children:

Not to talk about being home alone in public or on social media.
Never tell someone on the phone that their parents are not at home. Say something like “He or she is busy right now. Can I take a message?”
Never open the door to delivery people or service representatives. Either ignore the doorbell or ask them through the door to leave the package on the porch. If you install a Skybell^® with your security system, the system will alert you so you can see who is there and allow you to talk without opening the door.

Take the same way home. Have them take the same route that you have designated to and from school every day. If your child walks, review each street that s/he uses. If they take a school bus, make sure they take it every day, even if offered a ride from a friend, unless previously agreed upon by you. Knowing the route allows you to predict how long it will take them to arrive home and to trace their steps if there is ever a problem.
Check in. Instruct your child to call a parent (or another adult that you designate) or leave a message as soon as s/he gets home. Honeywell Total Connect can also alert you when your home security system is disarmed or armed. This can be the first step in a daily routine that includes exercise, homework, a snack, and some downtime. If your child is older, set ground rules for going places and inviting friends over.

Review safe usage of their cell phone and/or the home’s landline. Your child shouldn’t answer the phone for just anyone, so set up guidelines. Tell them not to answer the phone if s/he doesn’t recognize the name or number. If you have a landline that doesn’t have caller ID, tell them to let all calls go to voice mail and listen to them – they can always call the person right back if it is important.

2) In addition to the above behavioral guidelines, prepare your home and family members by doing the following:

Post and review relevant phone numbers. Update your security contact list by calling the Secur-Tek office. This may include adding a new trusted neighbor or removing students going away to college or moving out of the home. Ensure this list is in your family members’ phone/emergency contacts list as well as posting a physical list in a prominent location.

Have an emergency plan. Develop and review an emergency plan so they know what to do in case of fire, injury, or other emergencies. Review the best routes to safety from each room in the house. Make it fun and hold a practice drill — sound the security alarm and practice what to do if it goes off. Your child should know how to immediately get out of the house and call 911 from the safety of a neighbor’s yard or house.

Ensure flashlights are in assessable locations around the house. Fall brings some extreme weather so make sure everyone knows where the flashlights are and that the batteries are fresh.

Test your security system. If you have a security system, test it to make sure it is working the way it should be. This is a good time to review your security system password information/contact list and consider having your security system updated or monitored. It’s a good idea to have the monitoring center phone number entered as a contact on your phone to identify the caller in case of a security call.

Keep doors locked. If the home has a monitored electronic security system like Honeywell Total Connect, ensure that children learn how to use it to enter and rearm it when home alone for extra protection.

Inspect your home thoroughly for any safety risks.

Make sure that all the smoke detectors are functioning properly.
Safely store all dangerous items like guns, ammunition, knives, hand tools, power tools, razor blades, and other objects that might cause injury in a securely locked safe or chest.
Put away and secure any prescription drugs.
Ensure potential poisons like detergents, polishes, pesticides, lighter fluid, and lamp oils are stored in locked cabinets or out of the reach of children.

3) Be ready for minor injuries. Update your first aid kit and review how to use the items in it with your child. You can also download the free Red Cross First Aid App for instant access to expert advice for everyday emergencies.

Consider enrolling older children in an online Red Cross babysitting course so they can learn first aid skills and how to care for younger family members.

Fall is an exciting time of year for fresh new beginnings, beautiful weather, and meeting new people. At Secur-Tek Inc. we wish you and your children a safe and wonderful new school year!

Secur-Tek has been providing peace of mind since 1990. We proudly serve the Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, and Pittsboro in North Carolina.

Seven Handy Home Automation Features

July 18, 2022

A security system with home automation features has many benefits that can add convenience and peace of mind, like cameras, smart locks, and lighting control.

But did you know that there are other ways that home automation can make life easier for you and your family?

Check out these features:

1) See what’s going on at home while you’re away.

Know at a glance if a family member has arrived home or left the premises.
Speak to babysitters or your children through the Total Connect app for reassurance and to let them know you are watching.
Get push notifications, email, and video alerts when events occur, like when you have a delivery or there is a stranger at the door.
Monitor key hallways, staircases, and/or doors with live, look-in video.
Be notified if a bathtub or toilet overflows or if an extreme temperature has been sensed.

2) Check if the garage door is closed. Have you ever driven away and wondered if you left the garage door open? If you have kids (or another forgetful family member), it can be worrisome when they leave the garage door open. A great solution to this is the MyQ app, which works well with Resideo Total Connect.

With the MyQ app, you can check if the door is closed. You can even accept home deliveries safely even when you’re at work – with the deliveryman on the phone, you can open the door, watch him put your package inside, then shut the door to keep everything safe until you return home.

3) Garage/Outbuilding Monitoring: In addition to monitoring the door of your garage or other building, you can also keep tabs on the temperature inside. If you store items in your garage that can be harmed by extreme heat or cold, adding a temperature sensor can have the system send you an alert if things get too hot or too cold.

4) Vacation Home Alerts: If you are away on vacation or own a vacation home, a “hard freeze” alert can let you know if special measures need to be taken to prevent burst pipes and flooding. In addition, water sensors can detect leaks and send warnings before they become a flood.

5) Power-saving “Mockupancy”: Speaking of vacations, your home automation system can turn lights on and off at random intervals when your house is in “vacation” mode, saving energy while creating the illusion that someone is home and moving from room to room.

6) Lock Programming: With the Total Connect app, scenes and schedules keep everyone safe and comfortable without having to remember to adjust the thermostats, turn lights on or off or lock the doors at night. If you have teens, or sometimes wonder if you locked the door(s), don’t lose sleep worrying. If your teens are old enough to be coming home by themselves after school or late at night, you can have a text message or e-mail notification sent to you to let you know exactly what time your teenager actually arrived home.

7) Flashing Light Ideas: The lights can be programmed to flash all over the house or in certain areas when a smoke detector goes off or the security alarm is activated. It’s sometimes hard to hear all of your various bells and buzzers when you’re watching TV or listening to music in another room, but these events are hard to miss when the overhead lights let you know what’s happening.

Interested? Call Secur-Tek at 919.387.1800 and ask how we can customize a monitored security and automation system for your home.

Moving? 4 Tips for Safety and Security in Your Home

June 28, 2022

If you are preparing to move to a new location, there are so many important things to think about! To help with this, we’ve compiled a list of items to check that will help secure your new property and ensure that you and your family have peace of mind in your new residence.

FOR EXISTING HOMES

1) Acquaint yourself with the neighborhood:

Take the time to introduce yourself to your new neighbors. Let them know who you are and who will be living (coming and going) in your new home.

Find who is active in the neighborhood watch group. Meet with them to introduce yourself and offer to do what you can to contribute.

Take the time to locate the local police, fire, rescue stations, and hospitals to understand routes and response times.

Reacquaint yourself with any features of the location like local ponds, pools, walking trails, and parks so you can review safe usage of these areas with your family.

2) Take inventory and fix/enhance the safety aspects of the property:

Check how well the entry, walkways, driveway, yard space, and window areas are lit. Add lighting (motion sensor lighting is great) where lighting is not adequate.

Examine the landscaping for overgrown or poorly placed bushes that can block out lighting or give potential intruders a place to hide, especially near doors and windows.

3) Re-examine the doors to the exterior:

Doors should be built out of metal or with solid wood cores and have deadbolts. Sometimes the most aesthetically pleasing decorator doors offer the least amount of safety from intrusion. Glass panels in or next to the doors offer easy access for intruders. When possible, replace doors that offer sub-par security before moving in for ease of mind and convenience.

4) Check your home security system:

A security system can give you peace of mind when moving to a new area and home.

If a system is already installed, have it checked out, upgraded if needed, and activated as soon as you move in. Upgraded systems can include touchscreens, a mobile app for communication with the security system, automation features, and cameras strategically positioned around your residence and property.

Make sure that either you or a security system professional check out the window and door sensors for proper functioning. Take the time to test each location and alignment of the motion sensors to ensure they are properly aimed and positioned for maximum benefit.

If your new home doesn’t have a security system, consider adding one. They are an effective method for ensuring your new residence will offer you the safety and security your family desires. And it may help save on your homeowner’s insurance.

Secur-Tek, Inc. is here to help with your home security needs. We can complete a security audit of your home and design an upgrade or new system that is right for you and your location. Contact us by calling 919.387.1800 .

IF YOU ARE BUILDING A NEW HOME

The best time to install features like security systems, home automation, whole-house audio systems, and central vacuums is during construction.

Secur-Tek installs both wired and wireless security systems. For new homes under construction, we recommend a wired system (you will have less maintenance with fewer batteries to change).

What system would be best for your new home?

New homes under construction	Install a wired system as it will have less maintenance with fewer batteries to change
Existing homes wanting a security system installed	Install a wireless system
Home renovations	Add wireless system or wireless components to an existing Honeywell security system
Existing home security system	Upgrade systems to include features to enhance security and convenience: • Touchscreens • A mobile app for communication with the security system • Automation features, • A doorbell camera • Camera system with motion detectors

Please call our office or use the form below to see how we can assist you with your new home.

Secur-Tek is locally owned and operated in Apex, NC, offering home and business security, monitoring, automation audio and central vacuum systems. We proudly serve: Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, and Pittsboro in North Carolina.