Home Safety

Holiday Safety and Year-round Peace of Mind

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

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.

 

Moving? 4 Tips for Safety and Security in Your Home

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.

Spring is Here! Time for Thinking About Safety and Pool Gates

Spring is here and it’s time to get out and enjoy the benefits of the warmer weather.

That may include swimming at the local pool, working out, or socializing at the neighborhood clubhouse. While these amenities are great for residents, they can create liability issues for the HOA or property management group.  Controlling access while balancing convenience for the residents and monitoring for safety and security is important.   

Secur-Tek, Inc. sells and installs equipment and monitoring solutions for community pools and shared amenities in the greater Raleigh, North Carolina area.

Solutions using coded cards or key fobs to control the swimming pool and fitness center access are efficient and cost-effective. Requiring cards, or fobs to enter pool gates keep 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 access is requested for legal as well as illegal entry. 

For ease of access management, Secur-Tek can provide remote hosting. Controlled internet access provides the ability to make program changes or unlock/lock a door/gate from anywhere. For best control of your point of access, we install Keyscan access systems manufactured by Dormakaba, a global leader in the security and access control market.  

In addition to good fencing and access point control, we highly recommend installing a camera system. Cameras serve multiple purposes. Most importantly, when visible, they act as a deterrent to potentially hazardous or destructive behavior. If the unfortunate happens, they can prove helpful for identifying and prosecuting individuals caught in the act of trespassing or vandalizing the property. Should the situation arise where someone is injured cameras also offer the option to review what happened and validate that safety equipment was in place.

Securing common areas while allowing convenient access for those authorized to use them is a critical issue for HOAs. Secur-Tek has the experience to help with this responsibility through the process of selecting and installing the right equipment given your situation, budget, and safety/security requirements. 

If you need to update or install a new access control system, give us a call at 919-387-1800

—–

​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.

Lighten Up the Winter Darkness

After you take the Christmas lights down, does your home seem dark?

When you turn into your driveway, your home seems cold and dreary. It’s winter in North Carolina, but your home can be safe, secure, and cozy during these blustery months.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could turn on the lights of your choice, crank up the heat and even unlock your door from the comfort of your warm car or office? You can do all this and more using the Resideo Total Connect App on your phone at any time from anyplace!

Once inside, turning on your fireplace and lighting a few candles can add a warm, calming ambiance for you and your family as dinner is prepared and the day’s adventures discussed. For that extra feeling of serenity, your security system monitors your home 24/7 for intruders, fire, and smoke. Whether at home or away, your monitored system will notify you and the fire or police department will be dispatched to provide assistance. Many insurance companies give homeowners a discount for a monitored security system with monitored smoke alarms.

With all this convenience and security, the winter evening becomes a sanctuary for you and your family to unwind, relax and prepare for the next day. But winter weather shifts dramatically in North Carolina, and the next day could bring cold temperatures, snow or worse, ice, so it’s best to be prepared. 

Here is our easy-to-follow checklist for ensuring your safety in times of extreme winter weather:

Have an emergency kit well supplied and readily accessible to all members of the family. It should have:

  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
  • Sand/Kitty litter for better tire traction. (Having a bag in your trunk is ideal.)
  • Rock salt, or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways.
  • If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood.
  • Have enough clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
  • Keep a supply of water and necessary staple foods on hand.

Make a family communications plan. Your family may not be together when extreme weather strikes, so know how you will get in touch with each other, how/where to get back together, and what each person is expected to do in an emergency.

 Bring pets inside during cold, dark wintery weather and ensure they have enough water in case you get delayed.

 Set your phone for emergency weather alerts.

 If you must travel, be sure you have a full tank of gas, a spare blanket, snack bars and water. Of course, always carry a fully stocked First Aid kit in your car no matter what the season.

Winters in North Carolina can be a challenge at times, but with a little preparation, and the security of Total Contact installed by Secur-Tek, Inc. it can also be a cozy time to share with family and friends. So, live in the moment and enjoy the change of seasons!

If you have any questions on monitored fire detectors or security systems for your home, please call Secur-Tek, Inc at 919-387-1800 fill out the form below.

Seven Tips for Safe Holidays

The holiday season is upon us and with it, putting up decorations, visiting, shopping, package delivery, food, and fun!

Below are seven quick reminders to ensure the security and safety of your family, friends and pets throughout the festivities.

On-line Shopping:

1) Keep your network updated and use strong passwords and two-factor authentications on your accounts

Before shopping, check to make sure you have the latest security updates installed on your phone, computer, antivirus software and your router. These updates help improve security and fight new attacks. It may seem inconvenient to have to wait for your computer or phone to update and restart, but the protection is worth it.

Don’t let your computer or device remember your usernames, passwords, or credit card information. To reduce the chance of being hacked you can use a password generator and manager to create and keep track of complicated passwords that are not worth a hacker’s time to crack.

2) Ensure your transaction is safe and secure – Verify that the online store is secure before entering any personal or financial information. Look for “https” at the beginning of a site’s address. If you don’t see an “s” at the end of “http,” then the site is not encrypted, and your data will not be secure. Additionally, avoid shopping on public networks – Free hotspots are great when you’re out and about, but hackers like them even more than you do. Because public networks aren’t secured, don’t log in to banking sites or payment sites like PayPal on a public network — and make sure that you are logged out of those sites before connecting to a public network.

 

Home Deliveries

3) Track it! – If the ordering system allows you to choose the time of delivery, select a time you know you’ll be at home. Always use the alerts option or tracking numbers to follow your packages along on their journey so you can arrange to get your packages off the porch as soon as possible. If things appear slow or stopped, contact the delivery service or store for assistance in locating your package.

4) Limit Porch Time – If you’re not home much, alert a neighbor that will be home or consider having the package delivered to your office, a friend, or neighbor’s house for safekeeping.

Also, if you participate in Nextdoor.com or a similar neighborhood app, you can let neighbors know if something has been stolen from your porch so they can keep an eye out and report suspicious behavior.

5) Consider getting a smart doorbell. Upgrade your current doorbell to a Skybell doorbell and you’ll enjoy a higher level of safety and security with remote monitoring and cloud recording features. When the delivery person rings the doorbell, you can see when and how packages are delivered. You can also check for any unwanted visitors at your doorstep.

6) Control Deliveries by Controlling Your Garage Door. With Total Connect 2.0 integrated with the MyQ garage door app, you can monitor and allow deliveries to be placed inside your garage. To learn more about how convenient this can be, click here or call us at 919.387.1800 or fill out the form below.

 

Protecting Your Fuzzy Friends

7) Check out this short, adorable video with puppies and kittens demonstrating tips for keeping them safe during the holiday season.

 

 

 The holiday season is a fun and exciting time of year. Following these tips can help ensure that it is a safe and joyful time.

Happy Holidays from 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 Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, and Pittsboro in North Carolina.

 

Six Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Security Company

Installing and monitoring a security system is an effective way to keep your home, family, property, or business safe. It has been shown statistically that security systems can deter crime, however, the first thing you will want to do is thoroughly check out the Security company you’re thinking of doing business with.  

You can start your “due diligence” by getting answers to these questions:

Is the company you’re considering fully insured? A reputable/reliable security company will have insurance to protect all parties concerned.

Are their installers employees or contractors?  Does the company utilize their own employees, or do they use contracted help? Can they tell you who will be coming out to your home or business to work on your system? If you are having a system installed, the installers will have access to your entire home and its contents, so you want to feel comfortable with that situation. Therefore, you may want to make sure the security company has their own employees and that they go through an extensive background check. Background checks should include a complete criminal history, the sex offender list, and the employee should have multiple references.

Are the company and its employees licensed? In the State of North Carolina, any person, firm, or corporation engaged in an alarm system business needs to be licensed and all service and installation technicians need to be registered.

What is the company’s response time? If you need emergency assistance, or have a question or concern about your security, you shouldn’t have to wait for a response or be delayed in managing it. You want help as soon as possible. Too address this situation, does the company give you a specific contact person and/or is there customer service available 24/7?

How does the company document any security incidents or interactions that require your attention? Be familiar with the company’s policies and practices including logs and written reports. Insurance companies usually require this when you’re working with them on an incident. You should be able to acquire copies of those reports easily and when necessary.

Last but not least – go over the fine print!  How much will my security system cost? What is the length of the monitoring contract? You will naturally ask these questions but be sure to confirm installation costs vs. product costs, service costs, monitoring fees and any other associated charges. Some companies advertise low-cost package deals but charges are added on during the process. Companies may lock you into long term contracts and you must pay even if you sell your home. Be careful!  

Getting the answers to these questions upfront can save you time, money and more importantly, give you and your family the peace of mind you are looking for.

If you are located here in the Raleigh NC, Apex NC or the Triangle, and looking for help analyzing and determining your security requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Secur-Tek, Inc. is locally owned, and our technicians are employees. We can design and install the right system for your situation in a cost-effective, timely manner.

 

Are You Wasting Money on an Alarm System?

Safety statistics show that having an alarm system can be an effective tool for protecting your family and property from home invasions.

According to the National Council for Home Safety:

When Do They Happen? Burglaries most often occur during the day between 6 am and 6 pm while people are at work or running errands. The seasonality is quite simple as well, with snow and cold being principal deterrents, the lowest number of burglaries happen in February while burglary rates are higher in the summer.

How? Intruders are most attracted to houses that do not have home alarm systems.

  • The national average indicates that homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized.
  • 85% of convicted burglars said that they specifically look to see if there’s an alarm and that they would leave and target another property where no security system is installed.
  • The F.B.I also reports that 90% of all intrusions occur through doors; 6% occur through windows; 3% occur through the roof and 1% occur through the walls.

Who? Over 85% of thieves are amateurs with 41% saying break-ins are an impulsive decision.

The bottom line is that utilizing a security system on your property will offer an increased level of protection and peace of mind.

HOWEVER – you might be wasting your money on that home alarm system if:

1) You don’t set the alarm. This is understandable — but it can be impacted by the ease and convenience of doing this simple act. Therefore, thinking through your daily routines and researching which system is most compatible with your personality and lifestyle is an important part of choosing the best system for you and your family.

2) You don’t thoroughly understand and learn the proper usage or programming of the alarm system you have purchased. At Secur-Tek, our systems are easy to use, and we take the time to ensure you understand the system’s functionality.

3) You don’t have your installer use windows stickers and signs as a warning. We at Secur-Tek ensure that warning stickers and signs are placed in the optimal locations for good visibility and thus function as a key deterrent.

4) You don’t test the system on a regular basis. At Secur-Tek we only install high-quality security systems and recommend testing every month. It only takes a few minutes to ensure everything is functioning properly. You can find the steps here.

5) Your system isn’t monitored. You may have purchased a home with the alarm system already installed or installed one yourself. Although the noise of an alarm may scare off those who enter your home, it’s vital that you have a company monitor your alarm so that the police can investigate for forced entry. Monitoring is also critical in case of a fire or carbon monoxide leak, especially when your family is sleeping or away.

6) You leave the house with the windows/doors open or unlocked. Windows and back doors are a favorite, especially those left open in the warmer months and obscured by bushes or buildings. Many alarm systems do not go off if someone enters through an open window. If you don’t have a motion detector installed or alarm sensors on the windows, be sure to at least close and lock your windows when you are not home.

When used properly, alarm systems can be a very effective tool in deterring crime and protecting your family and home. We at Secur-Tek, Inc. partner with you to ensure you get the right system for your situation.

Please give us a call at 919.387.1800 or contact us by using the form below for a complimentary in-home consultation.

Secur-Tek, Inc. is locally owned and operated in Apex, NC, offering home and business security and monitoring. Secur-Tek also provides automation, audio, and central vacuum systems to customers in the Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, and Pittsboro areas.

Preparing for a move? Check out these helpful security tips!

You have searched and found your new home, the contract is signed, inspections completed, and now you are preparing to move your family near Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Here are a few ideas to help secure your new property and ensure your family’s safety and peace of mind at your new location.

Thoroughly acquaint yourself with the neighborhood:

Take the time to get to know your new neighbors and find out if they have a neighborhood watch group. If there is, find out when and how you can meet with them to introduce yourself and offer to be an active member. In addition, take the time to locate the local police, fire, rescue stations, and hospitals to understand routes and response times. Finally, acquaint yourself with any enjoyable features of the location like community centers (for example, Bond Park Community Center, Cary NC), pools (Triangle Aquatic Center), walking trails/parks (Umstead State Park) and review safe usage of these areas with your family.

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

Check how well the lighting illuminates the entry, walkways, driveway, yard space and window areas around your house. Take the time to install additional lighting (motion sensor lighting is great) where lighting is not adequate. Then examine the landscaping for overgrown or poorly placed bushes that can give potential intruders a place to hide, especially near doors and windows.

Re-examine the doors to the exterior:

The safest doors for your home are built out of metal or with solid wood cores. Having a deadbolt in addition to your entry locks is a must. Be aware that sometimes the most aesthetically pleasing decorator doors sometimes offer the least amount of safety from intrusion. For example, glass panels in or next to the doors offer burglars easy access. There are many companies in the Raleigh area, such as The Aluminum Company of North Carolina, that can help you select the safest as well as stylish doors for all the entryways in your home.

Home and property security system:

Having a security system can give you peace of mind when moving to a  area and home. If a system is already installed, have it checked out to ensure it is functioning properly, has the features that you and your family use, and consider having it monitored. The window and door sensors may need adjustment, as well as the location and alignment of the motion sensors to ensure they are properly aimed and positioned for maximum benefit. If the home doesn’t have a security system, think about the benefits of installing one, as they are an effective method for ensuring your new residence will offer you the safety and security your family desires.

Moving is an exciting and stressful time. Secur-Tek is here to serve the Triangle area’s home and business security needs 

We offer a complimentary security consultation of your home/business property and offer suggestions on upgrading your current system or new systems that Secur-Tek has to offer. Please call us at your earliest convenience — either before you move (which is best so we can help you get your new home secure before your family arrives) or soon after. 

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.

Carbon Monoxide in The Home — A Hidden Danger!

Carbon monoxide (CO) is harmful because it deprives the heart, brain, and other vital organs of oxygen. Large amounts of CO can overcome a person in minutes, causing them to lose consciousness and suffocate. Since CO has no odor, color, or taste, it cannot be detected by the senses. This means that dangerous concentrations of the gas can build up indoors and humans cannot detect the problem until they become ill. Furthermore, the early symptoms of CO poisoning are like the flu, which can cause victims to ignore the signs. The most common symptoms felt are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

Per the CDC, each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized. 

 

What are the potential sources of CO in your home?

Homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages are more likely to have CO accumulation problems. Some common sources of CO are:

  • Clothes dryers
  • Water heaters
  • Furnaces
  • Fireplaces, both gas, and wood-burning
  • Gas stoves and ovens
  • Motor vehicles
  • Grills, generators, power tools, lawn equipment
  • Wood stoves
  • Tobacco smoke

When appliances and vents work properly and there is enough fresh air in your home to allow complete combustion, the trace amounts of CO remaining are safely vented outside your home. Problems occur when an appliance malfunctions. For example, a furnace heat exchanger cracks, vents clog, or debris blocks the chimney or flue.

What can you do to ensure the safety of your family, pets, and friends?

  • Install a CO alarm as recommended by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). Install a battery-operated or a plugin alarm with battery back-up on every level of the home – including the basement. Consider buying a detector with a digital readout. This detector can tell you the highest level of CO concentration in your home. Check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall and replace your CO detector every five years.
  • Inspect the pilot lights on natural gas appliances to ensure that the flame is blue. When a flame is mostly yellow, it likely is producing CO.
  • When you buy gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, such as Underwriters’ Laboratories, and have it serviced by a qualified technician each year.
  • Make sure your gas appliances are vented properly. Horizontal vent pipes for appliances, such as a water heater, should angle up slightly. This prevents CO from leaking even if the joints or pipes don’t fit tightly.
  • If you have a fireplace, have your chimney checked or cleaned every year. Chimneys can be partially blocked by debris and this can cause CO to build up inside your home.
  • Don’t use outdoor equipment inside – like chemical heaters, camp stoves, or charcoal grills.
  • Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.
  • Never leave a car running in a garage — even for a couple of minutes with the overhead garage door open.

Protecting your Family 24/7 —  Monitored CO detection

Adding a monitored CO detector outside the bedrooms ensures that the fire department will be called — even if everyone is asleep or drowsy due to the lack of oxygen. When notified of a CO leak, the fire department will react differently than if responding to a smoke alarm and the home will be searched for non-responsive individuals.

A Secur-Tek security system has a backup battery to maintain security and detection for 20-24 hours if fully charged during the event of a power failure. Your keypad will display when the battery needs to be replaced. For instructions on changing battery: Frequently Asked Questions about Home Security Systems (secur-tek.com)

Secur-Tek, Inc. gives you total confidence that your family is protected from CO poisoning 24/7, and we can also design, install, and monitor specialized monitoring systems to fit your specific needs.

Examples include:

  • Monitoring Children – If you have teenagers or children old enough to be home alone, remote access will allow you to be notified when they get home from school. You can use specialized security codes for each child as well as babysitters and view activity in the interior and exterior of your home for extra peace of mind.
  • Monitoring Elderly Parents – If you need to monitor an elderly parent, you can be notified when they get up out of bed, open the medicine cabinet or when there is no activity in the home.
  • Keeping an eye on Pets – Our technicians will put the cameras in places so you can check in on your pets. Temporary security codes for pet sitters will help give you greater peace of mind that your pet is doing okay.  
  • Detecting Water Leaks – When you are not home, even a slow leak can cause serious flooding and expensive damage.  Adding a water leak detector so you will be alerted if this happens can minimize the damage.  Our monitored smart system can even turn off a water shutoff to minimize damage.

Quality Monitoring

 For monitoring services, Secur-Tek partners with Affiliated Monitoring, a leader in the safety and security monitoring industry.

Affiliated Monitoring is certified by the following organizations:

  • CSAA Five Diamond Certified – The Monitoring Association Five Diamond Certificate signifies compliance and assurance that an alarm system has followed guidelines established by best-industry practice. The certificate recognizes best practices utilizing existing standards.
  • UL Listed — UL listed monitoring centers use the most up-to-date technologies.  UL is the trusted resource across the globe for product safety certification and compliance solutions. The UL Certificate is proof that Affiliated’s listed alarm systems meet the stringent standards of the UL.
  • IQ Certified – The IQ (Installation Quality) Certification Program gives consumers a way to identify alarm companies that are committed to providing them with high-quality security and life safety systems.

For more information, please call us at (919) 387-1800 or scroll down and use the form below.

Secur-Tek proudly serves the North Carolina communities of Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, and Pittsboro

Security & Home Automation