Triangle NC

Five Advantages of 24-Hour Security Monitoring

5 star rating

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.

 

 

Thanksgiving Time

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

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

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

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

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

See how many of these you know!

 

Where was the first Thanksgiving?

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

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

When was the first American call for a national Thanksgiving?

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

Which president refused to recognize Thanksgiving?

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

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

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

Why is football a Thanksgiving tradition?

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

When was the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

 

Water Sensors

 

Damage to homes and businesses from extreme temperatures, power outages/surges, failed/faulty appliances, and in-home flooding can cause personal and financial devastation. In fact, these environmental extremes are in the top five causes of insurance claims. 

According to the American Insurance Association, water damage claims have been growing faster than any other component of homeowners insurance. One in 50 insured homes has a property damage claim caused by water damage or freezing each year.

Here in North Carolina where we have multiple weather events each year, such as Ice storms, Tornados, Hurricanes, Flash Floods, Extreme temperature swings and power outages – the potential for property damage due to water is high.

But you can protect yourself from the property and financial devastation that water damage can cause by acting proactively — have a professional security alarm/sensor company install a multiple environmental sensor system into your home or place of business.

Note: To be fully protected and be credited by homeowners’ insurance, the system must be installed and monitored by a professionally certified company – self-installed and monitored systems do not qualify.

Whatever the installation challenge, Secur-Tek’s Honeywell Home Environmental Sensors can play a critical role in helping to prevent damage due to flooding or extreme temperatures in your home or business while lowering insurance premiums.

Here’s what a professional environmental sensor system can do for you: 

  • Monitor kitchens, basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, freezers, boiler rooms and other areas for flood and extreme temperature detection 
  • Minimize or avert costly damages from flooding or faulty appliances
  • Help alleviate dangerous health risks from mold 
  • Help create a safer home and work environment 
  • Give you peace of mind with 24/7 central station text alerts on mobile devices via Resideo Total Connect Remote Services 

So, if you are living in Central North Carolina, isn’t it time to give us a call to discuss what a sensor system can do for you?

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.

 

Street Safety when Out and About

As we travel to different cities or explore unfamiliar streets while visiting local attractions, it is always important to be aware and vigilant concerning you and your families’ personal safety.

Here are some tips to remember:

Walking

Staying alert and tuned into your surroundings so you can avoid/anticipate where trouble may be lurking. In addition, remind yourself to stand tall and walk briskly and confidently. This is a behavior that potential criminals tend to avoid. And if you ever feel uncomfortable or have that little warning feeling in your gut about the place or situation you are in, leave as quickly as you can!

  • Try to use well-lit busy streets. Whenever you can, avoid passing on the side of a street with a vacant lot, alley, or deserted construction site. If you must pass by, do so quickly and confidently!
  • Try to explore or jog with a buddy. There is safety in numbers.
  • Carry your purse or handbag close to your body and keep a firm grip on it. Your wallet should go in an inside coat pocket or front pants pocket.

If wearing a backpack, take it off and hold it close to your body. This will prevent an attacker from grabbing you from behind by the backpack and throwing you to the ground.

Don’t overload yourself with store packages that signal you have valuables ripe for the grabbing.

And finally – wear comfortable, stable shoes that will help, instead of hinder, your stability or a quick getaway.

In the unfortunate situation where someone does try to rob you:

  1. Don’t resist and get into a tussle with them – give up your property. For example – toss your wallet as far as you can. This way, the assailant will typically go for your wallet.
  2. Try to remember to carry a whistle or mace when walking in unknown territory, but if you don’t have it, and you are accosted, yell, “Help, Fire!” This is more likely to draw attention to you.
  3. Report the crime to the local law enforcement. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent others from being victims.

Driving

  • When you park, always lock your car and take the keys, even if you’ll only be gone a short time.
  • When you drive, be on the lookout for any signals that indicate an environment where you might be at risk – such as empty streets during normal day/evening times, abandoned cars, missing signs, malfunctioning traffic lights, reckless drivers, or poor street lighting — particularly near stop signs or lights.
  • In the unfortunate situation where your car breaks down – even with a flat tire, try to drive it to the first well-lit area you can find. (For example, a store parking lot or gas station.) Raise the hood or tie a white cloth to the street-side door handle. Stay in the locked car. If someone stops to help, crack your window only slightly and ask him or her to phone for assistance if you haven’t already. It’s also a good idea to call the police for help when you’re in a potentially vulnerable situation.
  • Be extra alert when using enclosed parking garages. Park near other cars, entrances, or exits. Upon return, as you approach your car to get back inside, always glance under the frame, then the back and front seats. If you must leave a key with the lot attendant, make sure to give them only the ignition or valet key.
  • Always carry an emergency kit in your car. It should contain a flashlight, flares, and first aid products.

Riding Buses, Subways, and Elevators

  • Sit near the bus driver or pick the subway car that has several other passengers.
  • Use well-lit, busy stops or terminals only.
  • Stay alert to those around you! Don’t doze, daydream, or get lost in reading or social media while in transit.
  • If someone harasses you, don’t be embarrassed. Loudly say “Leave me alone!” If that doesn’t work, hit the emergency device.
  • Watch who gets off with you and exit with the crowd. Don’t linger waiting to exit alone. If you feel uneasy, walk directly to a place where there are other people present.
  • If you find you must use an elevator alone at night – when the doors open, check to see if there is anyone already there. Often it is a snap judgment, but if there is only one person on board or you get an uneasy feeling from those onboard, step away quickly and say you forgot something.
  • Always stand near the controls in an elevator. If a stranger gets on that makes you uneasy, press the button for the next floor and get off. If accosted, press the alarm button immediately.

At Secur-Tek, Inc. we specialize and care about your safety, and urge you to stay alert while out and about, whether here in the Triangle or visiting a new location.

And if you do travel, remember you can have greater peace of mind if we are protecting your family, pets, and property. Call us at 919.387.1800 or use the form below for information and a complimentary quote on a home security system or upgrade.

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.

Supporting Senior Citizens through the Pandemic

 

The current pandemic can create situations where seniors and their loved ones will need to make extra efforts to avoid loneliness.

Seniors should prepare to be social distancing for the long haul, according to Dr. Leonard Kirschner, a licensed M.D. and the past President of AARP Arizona. “This virus will be with us for a long time, this pandemic will run its course for at least 18 months.”

Knowing this, older people and their loved ones can plan to take actions to safely avoid succumbing to anxiety and depression.

 Family, Friends, and support groups can:

  • Make calls
  • Send cards and letters
  • Encourage and facilitate exercise

Encourage and follow-up with your loved ones on their exercise.

  • Be interested, listen and question how they feel. The National Physical Activity Guidelines recommend engaging in 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity every week.
  • Keeping track of the little things like getting up during every commercial on TV and doing an active chore, marching in place, or doing a set of stretches can work wonders for body and mind.
  • When possible, encourage getting outdoors, breathing in the fresh air, feeling the sunshine, looking at nature or going for a walk – this gives most seniors a tremendous boost.

However, sometimes we have to remind and encourage older adults to exercise with caution and think safety. Remember to consult a physician before starting an exercise program. Here are a few tips to emphasize:

  • Listen to your body. Always warm up before exercising and cool down afterward. You should be exercising at a level that allows you to talk, but not sing.
  • Be aware of your environment. Make sure you are in reach of a counter, the back of a couch, or a sturdy chair that is pushed up against a wall in case you lose your balance and need to hold on to something or need to sit.
  • Hydrate. Drink water before, during, and after exercising, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  • Choose clothing that is made for the type of activity you want to do. Shoes, long sleeved shirts, hats etc. should work with the activity, sun intensity and the temperature of your environment.

Use technology to enhance their day

This could be as simple as sending them a Zoom link to a yoga class, church meetings or art classes that they may find enjoyable. It’s a good idea to talk your senior through the first few log-ins and insuring their comfort level with the technology and process.

Security systems have options that can make checking in at the right time easier. For example, cameras with remote monitoring can be installed in the kitchen or key hallways so you can see when the senior is up. In addition, sensors can be added on key cabinets or the medicine drawer to let a family member know they’ve taken their medicine. These electronic assists can be customized to help seniors — and you — feel safer, secure, and connected.

So during these strange and isolated times, taking a little extra effort to plan a routine of communication, connection and security for your parents and older relatives can really have a positive impact on their mental as well as physical well-being.

For more information on technology for seniors, please contact us at: 919-387-1800 or use the form below.     

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.

              

Building a New Home? Want the Air As Clean As Possible? Consider a Central Vacuum!

Do you or a family member suffers from allergies?  Did you want to make sure the air in your home is as clean as possible?  Then you’ll want to consider installing a central vacuum system while your new home is under construction.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, using a central vacuum system vented to the outdoors can significantly reduce dust mites, pollens, animal dander and other irritants in your home. The University of California Davis School of Medicine asserts that allergy sufferers’ symptoms can be improved up to 61% when using a central vacuum system.

Due to the positive impacts on home air quality, central vacuum systems are a popular feature in new home construction. The vacuum inlets are strategically installed based on your home’s design for efficiency and ease of use. A great feature to this system is an automatic dustpan that can be installed in your kitchen or bathrooms allowing you to simply sweep unwanted dirt, food, hair or debris away.

In addition, the central vac canister, which is located in your garage, has an assessable inlet enabling you to quickly and effectively clean out your vehicles as well.

Now you might be wondering – would I have to lug around a heavy hose to connect to the central vacuum system?  The answer is NO!  You don’t have to drag around a long hose from room to room or find a place to store it – the optional Hide-A-Hose System, solves that problem easily. You simply pull out the amount of hose you need, connect your tools, and begin vacuuming. When finished, the suction from the central vacuum power unit retracts the hose for you, saving time and making your vacuuming more convenient. Hose lengths are customized according to your floor size and retract so they are hidden within the wall, attic or crawl space.

If this easy, convenient system that keeps your home’s floors and air as clean as possible sounds right for you, ask your builder about Secur-Tek and Dirt DevilCentral Vacuums with Hide-A-Hose Retractable Hose Systems.    

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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.

Secur-Tek: Reliable, Local, Recycles

 

Secur-Tek offers reliable, local service and installation for Home Automation and Security Systems while implementing a “green” approach to doing business – we believe in protecting your home and the environment as well.  

As stated in their website, “Klipsch Sound carries a strong sense of responsibility when it comes to preserving the environment”. Klipsch has been delivering highly efficient premium speakers since 1946, and much like Secur-Tek, are always looking for earth-friendly ways to run their business. As they state, “From engineering and manufacturing to product packaging and displays, we want to remain committed to understanding green concepts as we shape our future products”

Klipsch began implementing “green” processes well before the environmental movement started. Their “horn technology” is the best way to achieve high efficiency and low distortion from a speaker. This principle remains the foundation of Klipsch products today and not only creates powerful, detailed audio performance but its speakers are among the most efficient offered in the market today.

Here are some ways they show their commitment:

  • Reduction of Hazardous Substances – All Klipsch products are RoHS (reduction of hazardous substances) compliant, meaning they do NOT contain substances that are harmful to humans or the environment           
  • Reconfiguration – Klipsch conducted a facility energy study and implemented several changes to their operations. The upgrades have resulted in 30% reduction in electrical costs and 52% reduction in gas consumption in just a two-year timeframe.
  •  Horn Loaded Efficiency Design – An average home speaker requires 1 watt of audio power to produce 85 to 88dB sound levels. Klipsch speakers can produce up to 6db more sound output for that one watt. This difference can reduce amplifier power needs by a factor of four, cutting electricity utilization by 75 percent.
  • Built to Last – As stated in their website, “Klipsch speakers – across the board – are not built with obsolescence in mind. We’ve been manufacturing long-lasting products for over 65 years, and we support them with repair parts and valuable customer service to keep them running”. This emphasis on longevity and durability, coupled with high quality results in less waste produced.

           Offering high quality, durable products with an emphasis on minimizing the impact on the environment — these approaches are complementary to Secu-Tek’s way of doing business for our customers! 

If you would like to learn more about Klipsch’s line of products and how we can enhance your home music / theater experience, please give us a call at (919) 387-1800 or checkout our Klipsch Audio page.

If you are looking to decrease your carbon footprint and are looking for convenient recycle centers, the listing below might help get you started: 

  

Wake County Convenience Centers

Multiple Centers in Wake County

http://www.wakegov.com/recycling/Pages/default.aspx

 

Durham County Recycling Centers

WEBSITE

 

Orange County Recycling Centers

WEBSITE

 

Hwy 55 C & D Landfill

Apex, NC

(919) 367-2895

Open until 5:00 PM

DIRECTIONS

 

Greenway Waste of Apex

Apex, NC

(919) 367-2895

WEBSITE

DIRECTIONS

 

South Wake Multi-Material Recycling Facility

Apex, NC

(919) 387-4312

Open until 4:00 PM

WEBSITE

DIRECTIONS

 

Cary Recycling Drop-off Site

Cary, NC

(919) 469-4090

Open until 5:00 PM

WEBSITE

DIRECTIONS

 

Citizen’s Convenience Center

Cary, NC

(919) 469-4090

Open until 5:00 PM

WEBSITE

DIRECTIONS

 

SMART Recycling US

Apex, NC

(919) 267-6848

WEBSITE

DIRECTIONS

 

South Wake MSW Landfill

Apex, NC

(919) 325-3000

Open until 5:00 PM

WEBSITE

DIRECTIONS

 

Cash for Junk Cars Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Durham, Clayton, Apex, Morrisville, NC

Raleigh, NC

(919) 624-4793

Open until 6:00 PM

WEBSITE

DIRECTIONS

 

American Greenz Inc.

Recycling Center

Morrisville, NC

(855) 372-7270

Open until 4:00 PM

WEBSITE

DIRECTIONS

 

           

 

 

 

 

         

The Rundown on Doorbell Cameras

47237659 - close-up of woman pressing the button of a doorbell on a brick wall

Doorbell cameras are growing more popular, popping up in many Triangle neighborhoods. But does that mean it’s the right solution for your home? At Secur-Tek, we’ve received more questions about doorbell cameras in recent weeks, so here is the rundown on how doorbell cameras might aid your home security.

What is a doorbell camera?

A doorbell camera alerts you when someone rings your doorbell. You can speak to visitors through your smartphone from anywhere — just as if you are home. In some cases, the camera will detect motion and send an alert to your phone even if the bell isn’t rung. Some will record video for later use.

Why use a doorbell camera?

Doorbell cameras have many advantages for busy people. Most home burglaries occur between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when no one is home. Now that Wake County year-round schools are back in session, it’s more likely that your house is sitting empty for at least a few hours each day. These days, we might not know our neighbors well enough to rely on them for monitoring our porches — and that’s if our neighbors are home at all.

Also, about 33 percent of intruders enter a home through the front door. Many would-be burglars will ring a doorbell first, to make sure no one is home. Burglaries are fast, taking between 90 seconds and 12 minutes, according to the FBI. On top of that, burglaries are difficult to solve; only about 13 percent of burglaries are cleared by police.

Pros of a Doorbell Camera

Those burglary statistics are why a doorbell camera adds another layer of security. With one in place you can:

  • Pretend to be home by “answering” the door.
  • Monitor movement on your porch, whether it’s a delivery person or someone suspicious.
  • Monitor housekeepers entering your home or get an alert when your child returns home from school.
  • Lock and unlock the door remotely.

With some models, you can record video footage of someone if he/she enters your home, making it easier to identify suspects.

How to Choose a Doorbell Camera

Not all doorbell cameras are created equal. Like so many things, the type you buy depends on what you need and how much you are willing to spend. Some things to note as you shop:

  • Video Quality – is it HD and how clear is the image?
  • Mounting Hardware – Some consumers have complained about mounting systems for some of the less expensive models. They have been known to break during the installation process. Be sure yours comes with a solid mounting system.
  • Fit – Will it work for your doorframe?
  • Wires – Hardwired or wireless?
  • Night Vision – Some doorbell cameras offer the ability to record night video.
  • On-Demand – Some cameras let you check the video whenever you want, while others only show you video when movement is detected.
  • Phone Compatibility – Some versions don’t work with all mobile carriers and devices. Make sure yours works with what you have.
  • Contracts – Some of the popular models come with monitoring contracts and may require someone else to install them.
  • Appearance – They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors.

We sell multiple types of doorbell cameras at Secur-Tek. Talk to us about whether adding one to your home security system is the right move for you.

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