Sensors and Your Security System

August 30, 2023

When you think of a home or business security system, you might think of window and door sensors. However, there are other sensors that can be integrated into your security system to improve your safety and security.

Smoke detectors

Smoke alarms are essential for a home or business. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 50% of all fatal home fires occur while people are sleeping. When there is a fire, these alarms detect smoke particles and can warn you before you even smell the smoke, so you and your family can get out of the home safely. When integrated into a monitored security system, the fire department will be notified of a fire, even if you are away from home.

Heat Sensors

Heat detectors differ from smoke alarms as they respond to high temperatures, not smoke particles, making them an ideal sensor for garages, attics, or commercial environments that are dusty or have exhaust fumes that could cause false alarms by a smoke detector. Fires that start in these areas are often not quickly detected and can be devastating. When the heat alarm is connected to your home security system, the smoke alarms will go off if the heat sensor is triggered, and if your system is monitored, call the fire department.

Heat sensors are recommended if you use many Lithium-ion batteries – in fact, some insurance companies are requiring homeowners to have a monitored security system with a smoke/heat sensor in the garage if an EV charger is installed.

Motion sensors

These sensors detect movement and can trigger alarms by sending a signal to your security system that an intruder is detected. This sets off the alarm, and if your system is monitored, it alerts the monitoring center to a potential threat in your home.

Glass break detectors

These are set to detect the frequency of the sound of breaking glass, they will set off the alarm. This lets you know if an intruder is trying to enter your home by breaking a window or glass door.

Gas Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors are recommended by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). Large amounts of CO can overcome a person in minutes, causing them to lose consciousness and suffocate. The gas has no odor, color, or taste – it cannot be detected by the senses, so detectors are a good idea to protect your family and pets. Learn more.

Leak detection

Water sensors detect leaks from appliances and water pipes, preventing or limiting damage. It’s a growing problem; according to the American Insurance Association, water damage claims have been growing faster than any other component of homeowners insurance. Adding a water leak detector to your security system can alert you if this happens – our monitored smart system can even turn off a water shutoff to minimize damage. Learn more.

Specialized sensors and monitoring systems

Secur-Tek can design specialized systems to fit specific needs. For instance, if you need to monitor elderly parents, systems can be set up to send notifications when they get up out of bed, open the medicine cabinet, or when there is no activity in the home for a period of time.

To learn more about how a security system with sensors can improve your safety and peace of mind, call Secur-Tek at 919-387-1800 or fill out the form below.

Resources

How to minimize risk from lithium-ion batteries

Home fire prevention tips from FEMA

Back to School Safety Quiz – For Parents and Kids

August 16, 2023

When kids head Back to school, it’s a good time for families to think about safety.

It’s never fun to talk about safety, so try using our quiz as a conversation starter. See how many of these safety tips you and your kids know.

Then, if you want more information, visit our Back-to-School Safety List or any of the resources listed in the answers.

The Back to School Safety Quiz

1) Are you allowed to post on TikTok and other social media when you are home alone?

2) If allowed, what topics should you avoid mentioning?

3) If the doorbell rings unexpectedly – what is a safe way to react?

4) Who do you call if there is an emergency?

5) If the power goes out – where would you find a flashlight?

6) When you arrive home, how do you make sure you are safe?

Answers:

This depends on the parent’s discretion, the age of the child, and other factors. Here is a resource article for social media.
Don’t broadcast topics like being home alone, your age, location, or upcoming trips or vacations.
Look through the peephole, window where they can’t see you, or use your video doorbell to see who or what is there. Check with your parents to see if someone is expected and if they are safe to let them in.
It’s a good idea to have an emergency plan for each situation type and discuss this with the family. Resources for emergency planning.
Ensure a flashlight and emergency supplies are in accessible locations around the house and that the family knows where they are (and that the batteries are fresh).
Lock the door behind you and if you have a security system, re-arm it, then check in with one of your parents. With a smart home security system, parents can know at a glance if a family member has arrived home or left the premises.

Whether your student is going to school in Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, or Pittsboro North Carolina, Secur-Tek wishes your family a safe and productive school year!

Product alert – New Video Doorbell

July 18, 2023July 18, 2023

Have you been thinking about adding or upgrading your home security system by adding a video doorbell?

If so, there is good news for the Raleigh/Durham area: Secur-Tek, Inc. now has the new VX1 HD Video Doorbell from First Alert!

With this new model, you can select and receive the alerts you want — like when there is a package delivery, animals, people, and/or vehicles — from your Total Connect home security system, right to your phone or PC.

In addition, this doorbell features:

A durable design that can withstand a variety of extreme weather conditions – including temperature, (-40 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit), humidity, dust, moisture, and ultraviolet rays.
Innovative AI that can reduce false alarms by detecting and differentiating between people, packages, vehicles, and animals. Homeowners can customize notifications and detection areas based on their needs.
Deterrence Features, including siren & spotlight LED.
Night vision Modes: IR (infrared light) and color night vision
Field of view options: Tall, Wide, and Full.
High Resolution: 5MP sensor, 2592×1944 pixels max.
Better Wi-Fi connection with Dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5Ghz
Anytime, anywhere programming, troubleshooting, account creation, and more via web, IOS, and Android devices.

If you are located in our service area and would like to learn more, contact Secur-Tek at 919-387-1800 or fill out the form below.

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

7 Tips for Saving Money and Energy

June 21, 2023May 26, 2023

Are you looking forward to going away for a vacation this year?

Check out these tips to save energy and money:

Unplug. You may be looking forward to doing this on vacation, but first, unplug your small appliances and tech gear. These household items are called “energy vampires” because they draw current even when not in use. Before you leave, walk around the house and unplug every unnecessary appliance and electronic device. Start with the television, computer, and entertainment center, but don’t forget small items like coffee pots, digital clocks, and cell phone chargers – they all drain energy when plugged in.
Change your air conditioning settings. For every degree a thermostat is raised during the summer, a homeowner can save 2-3 percent on his or her electricity bill.
Check to see if your water heater has a low or vacation mode. If you are planning to be gone for quite a while, shut off your water heater at the fuse box. When arriving back home, remember to turn the main shutoff valve back on and run some water in the sink to ensure your tank is full before turning it back on.
Turn off your main water shutoff valve. This will avoid any unexpected water loss and damage that could result from it.
Set the sensor. If you have an automated irrigation system, check to see if the rain sensor is set to ¼ inch to avoid unnecessary watering and ignore tip #4.
Lower the blinds and close the curtains. This simple act will keep heat from coming in during the summer or going out during the winter.
Double-check alarms. Ensure your smoke detectors and home security alarm systems are operating in an optimal fashion.

For tips on protecting your home and property while away, watch for next month’s blog for the Vacation Home Security Checklist.

If you live in our service area and have further questions or would like an estimate on upgrading or monitoring your security system, please give us a call at 919.387.1800.

Secur-Tek, Inc. serves the following North Carolina counties: Wake County, Chatham County, Durham County, Orange County, and Harnett County.

FAQs on Home Security Systems

May 4, 2023

If you have questions about home security systems, check out our blog for answers! We’ve gathered a list of frequently asked questions and answers from our team.

General Questions:

What does a home alarm system consist of?

The typical system includes perimeter protection (doors and windows) linked to an alarm. It also may include interior protection, such as motion detectors, smoke, and CO monitoring. More information.

How much does it cost to install a security system?

Each home or business is unique, and that can affect the price. That’s why we start with a complimentary consultation to learn about your situation and recommend solutions that fit your needs.

Will I own the equipment?

Yes.

Can I access the system with my smartphone when I’m away from home?

Yes, there are options that allow you to remotely access your alarm system. You can view and run your security system from your smartphone or iPad with Honeywell Total Connect Services. Additionally, give us a call to discuss home automation options for your light switches and keyless door locks. More information.

Does the alarm work when the power is out?

Yes, a battery backup is included in your system.

Will I get a discount on my homeowner’s insurance when I purchase a security system?

Usually. It depends on the insurance company, but it’s worth checking as some offer discounts of up to 15 percent on homes with monitored systems.

Why would I need a monitoring service? Won’t the siren noise be enough protection?

Monitoring protects you and your home 24/7. Having and monitoring a home security system can increase your peace of mind, especially if you travel or have valuable items in your home. Our monitoring is provided by an award-winning company and will contact the police, fire, and medical emergency agencies. They are always there to call the authorities. For more information, see our blog on monitoring.

How much does monitoring cost?

We offer reliable, low-cost monthly monitoring. Our monitoring starts at $31.95 for cellular monitoring.

How long is the monitoring agreement?

Our monitoring contracts are just for 1 year. We don’t require long-term contracts.

What types of systems are compatible with Secur-Tek’s monitoring? We can monitor many types of systems. To determine if your specific system can be monitored, please call our office.

Security Upgrades, Camera Systems, and Monitoring:

Can Secur-Tek upgrade my existing system?

Yes, but it depends on the type of system you have. If you have a Honeywell home security system, we can upgrade your system by adding remote monitoring, cameras, and detectors for gas, smoke, and motion. If you have another type of system, we may be able to help — please call for a consultation or contact us.

How many cameras are needed to cover your home? The number of cameras you may need to safeguard your home depends on your home design. We can add cameras to enhance your protection; Secur-Tek offers a complimentary consultation where we look around your home and recommend how many cameras are needed and the locations to install them.

Who do I call for service on my Secur-Tek system?

Secur-Tek Inc. stands by our products and the same reliable technicians install and service our systems. To set up a service call, please call our office at 919.387.1800.

How do customers rate your service?

We’re glad you asked! We have many customers who have been with us for years. You can check out our testimonial page to see what customers say about us. We also have many 5 Star ratings on Google.

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We hope you found this helpful. If you live in our service area and have further questions or would like an estimate on upgrading or monitoring your security system, please give us a call at 919.387.1800.

Secur-Tek, Inc. serves the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, Apex, including Cary, Clayton, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Pittsboro, and Wake Forest. These are the North Carolina counties we service: Wake County, Chatham County, Durham County, Orange County, and Harnett County.

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.

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.

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.

Seven Handy Home Automation Features

August 15, 2023July 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.