home security system

Holidays and Home Safety

Will you be away from home on the holidays?

If you’re planning to travel this holiday season, your empty home could be a target for burglars. While break-ins can happen in any neighborhood, the good news is that you can protect your family and belongings from the possibility of a home invasion.

Thieves like easy targets – they are likely to look for:

  • Mail or newspapers piling up. Remember to stop your mail at the post office or arrange for a neighbor to pick it up.
  • Overgrown or shrubs that obscure the home from the street. Check around your home to see if there are good sight lines to windows and doors. If not, prune them or hire a service that can do this.
  • Weak doors or windows. It’s essential to keep entry points into your home (doors and windows) locked. Also check it to see if these openings are structurally vulnerable to break-ins, as weak doors and windows are easy targets for forced entry. Strong, sturdy doors with deadbolt locks and reinforced metal frames are optimal.
  • No indoor or outdoor lights. Darkness around your home can provide cover for a burglar. Avoid this by strategically placing automatic outdoor or motion sensor lights around your home and property. Light bulbs set on a timer inside also help give the illusion that the home is occupied.

Thieves tend to avoid:

  • Homes with security systems – especially with cameras. An alarm system can be an essential step in protecting your home and valuables. In fact, the FBI says 83% of would-be burglars check for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in.
  • And with remote monitoring, you have the convenience of checking on your home from anywhere.

If you’re interested in a security system that fits your needs, give us a call at (919) 387-1800.  We’d be happy to answer all your questions and provide you with a complimentary quote.

Secur-Tek offers customers the best in home security –  a personal touch, industry knowledge, and connections built on 35+ yrs in the industry. On top of that, we hand-select reliable name-brand suppliers to accommodate changes in the technological landscape.

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

 

 

 

4 Tips for Fire Safety

October is Fire Prevention Month; fire departments nationwide hold educational events focused on fire and home safety.  To support this effort, we’ve compiled four tips to help keep you and your family safe:

1)  Smoke Alarms

  • Smoke alarms are essential. If you don’t have them, install them or have them installed by a North Carolina-certified electrician.
  • Maintain your smoke alarms – to make sure they are working properly, test your smoke alarms at least once a year by pressing the test button to be sure the alarm is working. And don’t let them get too old – consider replacing all smoke alarms in your home every 7-10 years.
  • When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside. Then call 911 and stay outside until the fire department says it’s safe to re-enter your home.
  • Connecting additional smoke alarm detectors to your security system and monitoring them can add additional peace of mind—when the alarm sounds, the fire department is automatically called and can be dispatched. With a hardwired home security system,  auxiliary smoke/heat/CO sensors don’t have batteries that require changing and have a backup battery for when the power is out. Also, many of Secur-Tek’s additional smoke alarms sound at the keypad – so you don’t have another beeping unit on your ceiling.  It sounds at the keypad and can be cleared when the smoke/issue has passed.

2)  Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers should be available on every level of the home, especially in the kitchen and garage. Store them in accessible places or mount them on the wall for easy access.

Read the instructions carefully and teach all family members how to use it.

When using a fire extinguisher, it helps to 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

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

3) Prevent household fires

  • Kitchen fires caused by unattended cooking are a major cause of fires. Don’t leave items unattended and remember to turn all pot handles inward.
  • Ensure your fireplace screen covers the entire fireplace
  • Have proper ventilation for heaters and other small appliances
  • Use the correct size fuses and check for worn-out electrical wiring
  • If you use many Lithium-ion batteries, Install Heat Sensors. Many insurance companies require a monitored heat detector in the garage if an EV charger is installed.

4)  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 – plan and practice an escape route with your family:

  • Walk through your home and identify at least two ways out of each room. If windows or doors are blocked, clear them so they can be opened
  • For two-story houses, consider equipping bedrooms with escape ladders to provide additional exits. This safety feature is best added during construction and Secur-Tek has these in stock.
  • Decide who should 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 visible for first responders to see
  • If you have children, teach them how to call 9-1-1 after arriving at your meeting spot and help them memorize your home address
  • Once you have your escape plan, stage a practice fire drill **.

Secur-Tek , Inc. offers customers the best in home security – combining a personal touch with industry knowledge and connections built on 35+ years in the industry.  We hand-select name-brand suppliers, like First Alert, the most trusted brand in fire safety*.

Our service area includes Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, and Pittsboro in North Carolina.  Call us at 919-387-1800 or use the form below.

Resources:

For more information on safety and fire prevention go to: https://www.apexnc.org/335/Safety-Information or your local government safety office.

For information on heat alarms, please see https://secur-tek.com/sensors-and-your-security-system/

*First Alert Brand Trust Survey, March 2023 – Results are based on the responses of 1,043 adult homeowners, ages 25 and older, living in the United States who completed an online survey asking them to choose from six brands in the smoke, fire and carbon monoxide protection space.

**We recommend a test of the security system every month. If you would like to incorporate this into your practice, have the system placed on test (make sure it is on test), then hold the Fire panic button, and the siren will sound in your home. Please be mindful of neighbors, dogs, children when you do this.

 

 

 

Seven Handy Home Automation Features

A security system with home automation features—like cameras, smart locks, and lighting control—can add convenience and increase your peace of mind. To see how, check out these seven handy home automation features:

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

  • Know immediately 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 a stranger is at the door.
  • Monitor key hallways, staircases, and doors with live, look-in video.
  • Receive a notification of selected events – for example, if a bathtub or toilet overflows or when 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 not only 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, if needed, you can keep tabs on the temperature inside. This can be important if you store items in your garage that can be harmed by extreme heat or cold –  and can be achieved by adding a temperature sensor to your Total Connect system.

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”. When you’re on vacation, 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. The Total Connect app scenes and schedules feature can keep everyone safe and comfortable and free you from having to remember to adjust the thermostats, turn lights on or off, or lock the doors at night, so If you sometimes wonder if you locked the door(s), don’t lose sleep worrying. If your teens are old enough to come 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 they arrived home.

7) Warning Alert Lights. 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 in learning more?

Call Secur-Tek at 919.387.1800 (or fill out the form below) and ask about customizing a monitored security and automation system for your home.

 

Are you on Facebook?  If so, you can follow our page for safety tips and events in Raleigh, Apex, Cary and Garner North Carolina.  https://www.facebook.com/SecurTekNC

 

 

 

Is Monitoring Your Security System Worthwhile?

Whether you’re fast asleep in your bed in Raleigh or traveling away from home, knowing your home security system will work the way you expect is important.

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

Monitoring isn’t just to alert the police or fire departments. There are other advantages to 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. But actually, home alarms are often ignored by people nearby, who assume it is going off by accident.

Fires — Because they provide automatic response, monitored smoke detectors and heat sensors can save lives and limit property damage. This is especially important if you use many Lithium-ion batteries; some insurance companies now require homeowners to have a monitored security system with a smoke/heat sensor in the garage if an EV charger is installed. Read more about sensors here.

Leaks — While not as urgent as a fire or break-in, a gas or water leak can cause serious problems in your home. Monitoring systems can be set up to alert you in these instances – or even to let you know if there is a power outage and your freezer is no longer on.

Assistance — Monitoring systems can also be used to send notifications to people if you need help – in case of a fall or other personal accident.

Insurance —Most insurance companies will offer a discount when a customer’s home security system is monitored.

Peace of mind — Monitoring means someone is always keeping watch over your home or business. Many security system clients say that monitoring offers peace of mind, making it easier to sleep, both at home and while away.

 

How Monitoring Works

Secur-Tek, Inc. 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. The company has installed a redundancy system for its telephone and automation, ensuring dependability.

When contacting a security company to keep your home or business safe, be sure to check their terms and confirm that you are receiving the service you deserve.

Secur-Tek’s North Carolina service area includes Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Durham, Raleigh, Morrisville, Pittsboro, and Wake Forest.  If you are interested in a home security system or would like to add monitoring to your current system, please give us a call at 919-387-1800.

Sensors and Your Security System

sensors and safety home security

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.

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.

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

Product alert – New Video Doorbell

first alert video doorbell

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.

 

Are You Wasting Money on an Alarm System?

wasting money on 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.

Ensure Your Security System Is Functioning Properly with these Easy Checks

Your Security System is critical to keeping your family and property safe. Doing a few simple self-checks on your system is key to ensuring that it is working properly. We’ve listed a few easy, proactive actions you can take to ensure your system is operating in top order.

Perform Exterior Property Checks:

  • Walk around your home occasionally and inspect the locks on all gates, doors and windows. Check the frames around each door and window to ensure there is no rotting, warping or any other condition that makes it easier to break in and enter.
  • Check all exterior lights (flood, porch, security) monthly to ensure they are functioning. Strong winds can sometimes cause security lighting to shift slightly or get debris on them, so the lighting is not aimed exactly where you want. Readjust and clean the lights as needed to maximize their effectiveness.
  • If you have cameras included in your system, examine them to make sure they have power, are aimed properly, and have not been bumped or damaged. Also, take the time to check your monitoring and recording devices to verify each camera is getting an image and recording appropriately.

At Secur-Tek, Inc. we also recommend the homeowner perform a yearly system test to check that all communications throughout the system are functioning as designed.

Here are the steps to follow:

1) Place your system in test mode by calling:

Secur-Tek, Inc. @ 919-387-1800, 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday

OR

Affiliated Monitoring at 800-434-4000 24/7.

Please Note: You will need your account # and password.

            2) Arm your alarm system like you are getting ready to leave – it should start to beep, and countdown.  Wait for this process to complete. The alarm system is now armed.

  • Activate the alarm by utilizing the device(s) on the system you want to test; for example, open each door or window.
  • Allow the alarm system to sound the “big” alarm. After the alarm has sounded for 3 to 4 seconds disarm the alarm system.
  • Clear the alarm from the keypad by either hitting the reset key or entering your code and ‘off’ twice.

3) Verify with Secur-Tek, Inc. or Affiliated Monitoring that signals have been received. If signals are received, inform them the test is over. If no signals were received, you may need to schedule a service call with Secur-Tek.

 

Replacing the battery  – your system’s main battery life is typically 4-5 years depending on the usage and environment it is stored in. Here is the step-by-step process for changing out your main battery when your keypad displays “BATT” or “LOW BATTERY”.

Inside your security panel (normally located in a closet) is a small square 12-volt battery about the size of a brick.  See Picture Below:

security system battery

  • First, disarm your alarm system.
  • Next, unlock and open the panel door. Slide the red and black wires away from the clips to remove the battery.

Please Note: We recommend taking the battery with you to purchase a replacement. If you bring the battery with you, the store can recycle it and you can get exactly the battery you need. Secur-Tek sells a 7AH Battery that you may purchase at our office. You can also purchase these at Batteries Plus.

  • With the new battery, connect the wires back to the terminals matching red to red and black to black — CAUTION – be sure to connect similar colors.
  • Close and lock the door. The new battery can take up to 24 hours to get fully charged. You may need to reset the keypad after replacing the battery to clear the low battery message.
  • Replacing batteries in your wireless sensors (example:  Door/Window Contact, Motion Detector, or Glass Break Detector).

Replacing batteries in your wireless sensors (example:  Door/Window Contact, Motion Detector, or Glass Break Detector)

First, you will need to put your system on test when replacing these batteries. The system will beep once when the cover to the wireless sensor is removed. You can go to the keypad and enter your code and off to silence this while you replace the batteries. Once you are finished, the keypad should clear of any troubles.

  • Inside each sensor is a 9-volt or 3-volt battery. Locate the tab or notch on the side or bottom of the contact and gently twist a flat head screwdriver in the notch to release the cover. Caution do not break plastic tab; if the tab is broken you must purchase a new sensor unit requiring a service visit.
  • Remove the cover and take out the existing battery(ies). Install the replacement(s), paying attention to match the polarity.
  • Now re-attach cover; the cover should click into place.
  • By following these steps, you can know that your security system is functioning properly, giving you the peace of mind that your property and family are safe.

If you have further questions, please call Secur-Tek at 919-387-1800. Asking questions now about your system or the operation of it can save valuable time later if an emergency does occur.

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.