How to Choose Smart Home Security Cameras to Keep you Safe!
Choosing Smart Home Security Cameras for Your Home!
South Carolina homeowner: are you ready to choose smart home security cameras for you home? What has made you decide to invest in home security cameras? If it is for safety reasons, you are in good company! Most homeowners looking for home security cameras are doing so to protect the people they love, and the assets they invested in.
There might have been a life changing event to trigger the need for home security cameras:
- birth of a baby
- elderly parent moved in
- new pet
- child went off to college
- separation or divorce
- bought a new home
- bought a new car
- installed a pool
- home construction
- neighborhood crime increase
Whatever life event that has made you look for smart home security camera options, you’ve come to the right place!
Smart Home Security Cameras aka Wireless Home Security Cameras
A Smart Home Security Camera is a camera that connects to the internet using your home wifi. This means you can watch a live camera feed, receive alerts when you’re out and about, and, with the right type of camera, record footage.
There are many brands that offer this type of camera.
This type of camera is great for everyone!
- parents
- pet owners
- remote workers
- elderly living alone
They are affordable and easy to operate. Peace is mind is one of the most common benefits that users report! Strand Security can help you set up a complete Smart Home System, or Smart Home Security Cameras to integrate with an existing system.
Monitored Home Security Cameras
Monitored Home Security Cameras are part of a monitored security system which is actively monitored by a professional home security company. We use COPS Monitoring for all of our monitored clients in Horry County and Georgetown County. When the system detects an emergency: a break-in, fire, or other emergency, it notifies the security team at COPS who will contact emergency responders.
Foodlight Home Security Cameras
One of the ‘newest kids on the block’ is the floodlight home security camera!
A smart floodlight camera is where technology really shines: this is where an outdoor floodlight and an outdoor security camera are combined into a single fixture for your convenience and peace of mind. Like Smart Home Security Cameras, these devices use wifi to connect to your home network and allow you to control them with an app your phone and often, even your voice.
This technology is great for busy two-income households and for those who live alone.
Doorbell Home Security Cameras
What is a ‘Doorbell Home Security Camera and how does it differ from all the other home security cameras?
Video doorbells like the RING Doorbell are doorbells that have a built-in camera to provide an initial home security video check and protect your property. Crimes like package theft, burglary or home invasions can be caught on camera in real time, or prevented. Doorbell Home Security Cameras can be either battery-powered (wireless) or hardwired into an existing doorbell.
These Doorbell cameras are connected to your Smart Phone or other mobile device, where you can receive instant activity alerts, and talk with visitors using two-way talk which is a great way to stop a criminal act in real-time, and live stream video.
Are You Ready To Choose Your Smart Home Security Cameras?
We’d love to help you with your choice. Give us a call anytime.
How to Get the Best Home Security Systems Pricing
Do You Want The Best Pricing on Home Security Systems?
If you want a home security system but you think you simply can’t afford it, think again.
Home security systems come in many sizes, options, and brands. No matter where you live or work, there is a solution for your problem: whether you own a home, a business or rent a place.
If you have family members, pets, assets or a business to protect, you’ve come to the right place. We are here to help guide our customers in Horry County and Georgetown County, South Carolina and you as well, to help you find the best pricing on home security systems.
Let’s talk how you too can get the best home security systems pricing.
Who Can Afford a Home Security System?
Almost anyone can. Home security systems come in so many different packages, brands and pricing structures. Whether you rent or own a home, having a home security system will give you peace of mind.
The cheapest home security system is A DIY systems; one you install on your own. Ring cameras are a great place to start.
Once you own a home, and you have more assets to protect, and larger property, we suggest looking at a monitored system. We highly recommend Honeywell Total Connect and Alarm.com as two security systems that work for you and with your needs! Both are affordable systems for busy homeowners.
Who Needs a Home Security System Most?
Anyone who has the following people and assets to protect:
- spouse or partner
- children
- additional family members
- elderly parent(s)
- home
- boat
- car
- motorcycle
- business assets
How Can You Get the Best Home Security Systems Pricing?
Here are some tips to get your started:
- Know what you are looking for
- Shop around
- Research the brands you want
- Set a budget: what are you willing and able to spend
- Bundle systems
- Plan ahead for upgrades and replacement parts
- Ask for a locals discount: some companies will be able to accomodate you!
The Best Home Security Systems Pricing on the Grand Strand
Cheap isn’t always best!
What might seem affordable initially, might have additional, hidden cost later on in the buying process. When working with a Security Company, ask for transparency up front. Find out what it will cost to buy, install and monitor your system long term. Ask about replacement timing and cost, as well as upgrades.
An honest company will be happy to provide you with all the information you are asking for!
As always, we are here to inform and educate you, our most favorite customers and friends!
How To Find a Smart Home Installation Company
Are You In The Market for a Smart Home?
If you are ready to take ‘the plunge’ and enter the world of smart home technology, believe us when we say we know it can be daunting. We know because we work with families, individuals and businesses like you to install smart home systems for their home and offices, too.
If you are looking for find a smart home installation company (and especially if you live in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area), you’ve come to the right spot. We’ll be happy to guide you!
How To Find a Smart Home Installation Company
Here are the five steps we recommend you take when you need to find a smart home installation company.
1 Do Your Research and Learn about Smart Home Technology
Know what you want and what’s available. Search for the latest technology from your favorite brands and don’t forget to ask your friends what they have installed in their homes.
2 Identify Your Smart Home Needs
Next, identify what your needs are. What do you want your smart home to be able to do, what tasks do you want to automate? Not sure, again, search online and ask friends to show you their smart home systems.
3 Set a Budget for Your Smart Home Installation
Know what you are willing (and not willinging) to spend on the smart home tech components, installation and recurring cost for the system to function. Always add a bit of extra wiggle room because you might find some amazing gadget or functionality you must have to add to your system last minute! 😉
4 Take Stock of the Smart Home System and Components You Have
Before deciding what you want, take stock of what you have and how that has worked for you. If you currently have a security camera, a security system, a home theater or some form of alarm system, installation might just have gotten a bit easier! Consult your smart home installation company to find out what will seamlessly integrate with a new system.
5 Read Online Reviews for Smart Home Installation Companies in Your Area
Last but not least we recommend you check online, using a Google search, for both positive and negative reviews. The absence of reviews don’t mean as much as the presence of negative ones. We invite you to check out our reviews right here.
Do You Have Questions About Smart Home Installation?
URC Total Control Smart Home System
Smart Home Integration Options with URC
Honeywell Smart Home Security Systems
How To Convert an Old Home Into a Smart Home
Smart Home. Safe Home. Secure Home.
How Crime Rates Spike In Summer and What to Do To Prevent Becoming a Victim
South Carolina Summer is Nearly Here!
Summer brings:
- swimming
- boating
- surfing
- hiking
- fishing
and an uptick in violent crime.
Yes, you read that right.
In summer months, crime rates go up!
Most of our readers live and work in either Horry County or Georgetown County – just like we, owners at Strand Security, do – and this all makes sense
More Daylight. Warmer Weather. Opportunity for Crime Rises.
While you would think that winter and darkness invite more crime, it’s the exact opposite.
Most home invasions happen between the hours of 10 AM -2 PM anyway!
As people spend more time outdoors, they are exposed to more people and thus crime rates can go up, especially in places where petty theft opportunities start (beach, boat docks, outdoor restaurants, tourist shopping strips etc.)
As far a summer crime spikes, here are the three most common reasons!
1
When looking at when violence was significantly higher, it turns out that during the summer crimes rates spike, compared to winter, spring and fall seasons.
Unfortunately, that includes crimes like rape and sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated assault. Among adults, simple assault is also more common in summer than in other months.
How to prevent this from happening to you?
- Go out in groups
- Have a plan, know where you are headed!
- Be aware of where you go and where you park
- Don’t wear expensive watches or jewelry, or flaunt them if your do
- Don’t bring wallets or purses to the beach and leave them unattended
- Share your location with friends and family when going on vacation
- While running or walking, don’t wear earbuds or headphones
You can not prevent all crime, but you can be vigilant about preventing crime. Most criminals go for unsuspecting victims and look for opportunities: they are not looking to confront hyper-aware people!
2
As the summer season heats up, so do property crimes. More tourists on the Grand Strand means more vehicles, more people and more possessions! Household burglary rates go up in summer as more vacation homes are now occupied!
Burglary is 11% more common in the summer than in the winter and for our area in South Carolina that makes total sense. Homes that are empty in winter, now have people with electronic equipment, computers, expensive phones, bikes, boats and surf boards, just to name some property that is easily stolen!
If you are vacationing on the Grand Strand, or have ‘toys’ like boats, bikes and surfboards, make sure to lock them up when you are not around! Crime of opportunity is always there, but with extended daylight hours, there is more time for criminals to steal!
3
Next, let’s address beach crime. With over 60 miles of beachfront on the Grand Strand, beach crime rates increase drastically in summer months, as more people come to Myrtle Beach to vacation. While it’s tempting to bring ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ to the beach, especially if you have a large family, let us recommend you leave valuables at home, or in a safe at your vacation rental!
Beach crimes are an equal opportunity crime! No matter who you are, if you leave your things on the beach unattended you run the risk of getting your things stolen. Chairs, shoes but also surf boards, wallets, purses and phones!
TO be safe, always leave someone at your beach station to watch over your things, or leave all valuables behind. Don’t assume that those around you will speak up when someone will try to walk off with your property. Most beach-goers don’t and won’t as they might not see it, or not know whether to intervene, or not.
Preventing petty beach crime is as easy as not bringing anything of value with you for a day of fun!
4
As mentioned in #2, the nicer weather brings us outside with our outdoor toys. Boats, surf boards but also motercycles, bicycles, basketball hoops, eBikes, sports equipment, tools and surround sound home systems. Yes, your nice new Sonos speaker could be stolen as well.
The first line of defense is a home security system with both indoor and outdoor cameras, the second line of defense is locking thing up when not in use! We know this is easier said than done because… kids! Right? We know kids leave bikes out, toys out and forget to put them back inside.
A home security system, a security sign, visible security cameras – these deterrents all help prevent crime of opportunity!
Don’t become a Summer Crime Statistic!
Prevention, prevention, prevention.
Now that you’ve read this blog, be aware. Share with your family. Make a plan. We encourage you to have fun, but also choose your activities wisely and always lock up expensive toys and sports equipment as well as all your tech!
If you need help, give us a call! Stay safe and have a wonderful summer.
URC Smart Commercial Automation for Crooked Hammock Brewery in North Myrtle Beach
Strand Security Got the Tap from Crooked Hammock Brewery!
“The Crooked Hammock Brewery challenged us to design a system that was easily repeatable and incredibly intuitive while delivering innovative entertainment experiences. ” ~ Chuck Bryant
We are proud of this work our team completed at Crooked Hammock Brewery, an award-winning brewer located at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.
URC Smart Commercial Automation in North Myrtle Beach
In 2021, we were asked to install a complete smart commercial automation system for a new restaurant in North Myrtle Beach.
We are honored to have worked with this company and are thrilled that the end results are amazing!
The Specs of this Project URC Smart Commercial Automation Project in North Myrtle Beach!
Strand Security installed to following components at Crooked Hammock Brewery:
Commercial Automation Allows for Creating Beer, Food and Good times for Guests
What can automation do for your restaurant? Automation frees up time to serve the customer, better and faster!
Automated systems are used to:
- automate audio and video systems for guests
- showcase brewing practice, dining and the coastal experience
- unify control and automation across locations
- eliminate simple tasks through automation
- monitor and control from afar
Strand Security Is THE Choice for Smart Commercial Automation on the Grand Strand!
This is not the first and not the only commercial space we’ve installed URC and smart technology for. We do these types of installs everywhere on the Grand Strand in Horry County and Georgetown County!
Strand Security works with business owners and property management companies to install, support and monitor alarm systems, digital camera systems and telecommunication networks 24/7. We also provide overhead Projection, Plasma, LCD, LED displays along with AUDIO Sound Systems for restaurants and sports bars.
Commercial security systems can be customized to fit the unique security and monitoring requirements of your business. Commercial camera systems provide an affordable way to provide an additional layer of security to your monitored system. Strand Security will make camera system recommendations based on factors such as location (outdoor/indoor), lighting and environmental conditions, desired results of surveillance, and budget.
Is you have questions, please call us today!
The full write up can be read here:
https://www.cepro.com/projects/integrator-strand-security-urc-crooked-hammock-brewery/
New to South Carolina? Get Prepared for Hurricane Season Now!
National Hurricane Preparedness Week
May 2022 started out with National Hurricane Preparedness Week! If you follow us (Strand Security) on Social Media, you’ve seen some of the posts.
We want to make sure that our blog readers are prepared as well.
FACT: The Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June 1-November 30.
Preparation for this Atlantic Hurricane Season, which is our season here in South Carolina, should start in May! Especially during this post-pandemic time with shipping issues and delays, getting your hands on supplies might become a challenging task.
- Need a generator? You better start looking!
- Need wood to board up your windows, better start saving money!
Pricing and availability of hurricane supplies are at a all-time premium.
Prepare Now. Be Safe When The Big Storm Hits!
According to NOAA, Hurricane preparedness needs to start in May. Being prepared for disaster can mean the difference between life and death.
Here are the things to start working on TODAY!
Before a storm hits, trim trees, secure loose outdoor items and store inside a garage or home, secure all doors, cover windows and move your vehicles indoors, or to another safe location.
Know what is covered, and what is not. This is of utmost importance if you live in an active hurricane zone like we do in South Carolina! First thing to do is to call your insurance agent, ak about whether you need flood insurance and get copies made of your insurance policies to add to your evacuation kit!
Whether you are brand new to the neighborhood, or you’ve lived there for decades, make a plan to check in with your neighbors. Not everyone has the funds or capability to evacuate. Make an emergency plan with your neighbors and keep in touch before, during and after the storm!
Learn where and when to evacuate! When it’s time to put a plan in motion, it’s too late to prepare! YOu will need to have all your ‘ducks in a row’ before the first named storm is headed your way! Hurricane supplies should be stocked in your home, a plan for evacuation should include a plan for your pets! (Search for pet-friendly hotels! We love the Best Western and Red Roof Inn chains as most will allow you to bring your pets. Be sure to check with each hotel about their pet policy)
Know when to evacuate and when it’s safe to stay! Evaluate your risk for all things hurricane! We highly recommend you listen to your local news stations for the most updated information about evacuation!
last but not least, this supply list should be an ongoing list! Try to get these supplies now, as it might take a while to gather all that’s needed for the next storm. We know from experience that there will be a run on
- gas
- generators’
- flashlights
- batteries
- cash
- bread
- milk
- cleaning supplies
- plywood
- chainsaws
- snacks
- and many other supplies!
Don’t get caught without the necessary supplies to stick it out at home!
If you can stay, stay! If you are asked to evacuate or seek shelter, please listen to the local authorities!
Prepare Your Home for a Hurricane With Smarthome Solutions
How can you prepare your home for the next hurricane?
Smarthome solutions like security cameras, remote locks, thermostats settings, water sensors and more can help you monitor what’s going on at home, even if you have to evacuate!
Come talk with us now and we will gladly help you prepare, whether this is your first ever hurricane season in South Carolina, or your 25th! We are here to offer support, advice and installation.
The 3 Most Useful Video Surveillance Tips for Business Owners
Business Owners Need Protection, Security and Safety!
Meet Nuvico
Strand Security is proud to partner with Nuvico when clients need video surveillance equipment to protect their business.
Nuvico branded video surveillance equipment is ideal for any surveillance project and is regularly installed in the following markets :
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Nuvico Installation in South Carolina
here on the Grand Strand we have many hotels, marinas, medical offices, stores, malls, restaurants, gas stations, car dealerships and offices, just to name some of the local business facilities in Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas.
Strand Security is an official Nuvico dealer and installer of surveillance systems.
Here are 3 of the Most Useful Video Surveillance Tips for Business Owners
We know you want reasons to install security cameras and surveillance camera systems. In a previous article, we gave you “3 Ways Video Surveillance Can Help Control Large Facilities and Businesses”. Next up are 3 tips for business owners!
1) Stick with Trusted Brands and Professional Installation
Strand Security only works with the most trusted brands in the industry. We constantly make sure that whatever we install in your home or business, is equipment we stand behind and is equipment we want to install and use for ourselves and our families!
As far as professional installation, we advise you on the best
- strategic placement of any and all cameras
- products for your business
- and what you need! We never sell you anything you don’t need to stay relevant and protected!
2) Utilize the Cloud to Store Surveillance Video Footage
Our second tip for business owners who have surveillance cameras is to make sure your video footage is backing up to the cloud!
you are going to want remote access and continued access, storage, so make sure the Cloud is where the video footages goes. We can help you set up your storage if you aren’t sure where your video footage is currently being stored!
3) Secure your Surveillance System from Hackers
Last but not least, this tip is included because many security camera systems and surveillance systems are vulnerable to random attacks by hackers who want to gain access to your footage with intend for criminal activity!
Secure your system from hackers by doing any and all of the following:
- Updating the system password often.
- Securing your business network.
- Refraining from connecting your system and your cameras to a public network: use your own, secured network instead.
- Choosing surveillance cameras with encrypted signals.
Ready to Work with Strand Security to Install a Surveillance System?
Give us a call today! We are ready to serve you.
3 Ways Video Surveillance Can Help Control Large Facilities and Businesses
Meet Pelco.com, VideoXpert Video Management Platform
If you are an owner at a large facility or business, or in charge of the maintenance or management of a large facility, check out one of the newest brands we at Strand Security work with!
Pelco video surveillance is great for larger facilities like
- schools
- universities
- prisons
- hospitals
- laboratories
- restaurants
- office buildings
- industrial buildings
What Pelco Can Do For You in 2022!
A new era of video security!
NEW for 2022, Pelco’s VideoXpert Video Management Platform provides:
- Smart Analytics
- Anti-Ligature hardware Options
- Body Worn Cameras
- Surevision Technology
- Onvif® Compliant
- Easy-to-install and repair
How Can Video Surveillance Help Control Large Facilities and Businesses?
1) Liability Protection: Surveillance Cameras Record and Gather Evidence
Whether you are a school, university, prison, office building or anything in between, maintaining video records can be invaluable to help solve crimes or acts of vandalism or violence – in other words, when things go wrong on campus you’d better have content to back up your claims!
A surveillance video system like Pelco can take all your worries away. It’s liability protection for your business!
2) Real Time Monitoring: Surveillance Cameras Provide Instant Access to All Areas of the Building(s)
Unless you can afford to hire a multitude in security offers and staff, using surveillance cameras and a surveillance systems to keep eyes on things in real time can make the difference in life-and-death situations like fire, assault, break-ins, fights, medical emergencies and more.
It’s like having eyes in the back of your head and a 360 degree view!
3) Preventing Crime: Surveillance Cameras Act As a Deterrent to Criminals
Prevention of crime should always be the goal when your manage a large facility or business. How can you prevent crime and violence?
One way is by installing a surveillance system and adding notices and and signs throughout the facility, mentioning the cameras!
If you were to put yourself in the shoes of a criminal, wouldn’t you SKIP this facility and make way for one where there are no cameras and no system to record your crime? We think so!
Surveillance camera systems are one of the best ways to deter crime!
How To Pick the Right Surveillance Camera System?
The best way to pick the right system for your facility is to talk to an experienced installer.
We are happy to answer your questions and to come out and see your facility or business. Let us know what your needs are!
How Smart is Your Home? 3 Ways to Increase Home Intelligence
How Smart IS Your Home?
Smarthome technology has been around for a while!
Smarthome technology allows you, the homeowner, to automate recurring tasks in your home or office space and control electronics and appliance tied to your home.
Automations can include
- sound system
- alarm system
- window treatments
- lights
- thermostats
- locks
- coffeemaker
- microwave
- TV
- garage door
- and so much more!
1) Home Intelligence – How Smart Can Your Home Get with URC?
With URC, your home can perform many tasks you never thought you could automate.
That includes lighting, comfort, shades, security and high-definition audio.
In fact, let us show you what you can control!
2) Z-wave Lets You Automate EVERYTHING
Another way to increase your home’s intelligence is to connect everything with Z-wave!
Z-wave control can be added to just about anything electronic in your home, even devices that you would not think of as intelligent.
Z-wave is
- Affordable
- Easy to set up
- Easy to use
Z-wave has many uses. Here are some things to automate with Z-wave:
- Garage Doors
- Indoor Lights
- Outdoor Lights
- On/Off Outlets
- Remote Controls
- Smart Home Security Systems
- Door Locks
- Smoke Detectors
- Thermostats
- and much much more!
No matter how old your home is, adding Z-wave can seriously increase the intelligence of your home!
3) Your Home’s Brain – Honeywell Total Connect
Think of Honeywell Total Connect as the brain of your home!
Smarthomes need a center of intelligence!
The brain of the home with with Honeywell Total Connect is the technology behind this product.
“Whether you are running an errand in Myrtle Beach, at work along the Grand Strand, or on summer vacation in the upstate of South Carolina or elsewhere, you will have full access to your home and/or business through our app. You will love being able to check in from anywhere, at any time! Once you have Honeywell Total Connect™, you will fall in love forever.
With the tap of a finger, our app lets you control your security system, receive push notifications, text messages and email alerts, control thermostats, lighting and locks, locate vehicles or assets — even view live video and see, hear and speak to visitors at the front door anytime, anywhere on compatible smart devices, including iPhone, Android and iPad.”
Which Smarthome System is Right for Your Home?
What system is right for your neighbor or friend might not be right for you. Therefore we highly recommend you come talk to us at Strand Security.
A lot depends on what systems you have installed in your home, and how ‘smart’ your home is currently! We recommend using what you already have if the technology isn’t outdated!
Come talk with us!
3 Easy to Implement Tips to Prevent Springtime Crime
It’s Springtime in South Carolina
It’s spring!
In South Carolina that means
- Flowers
- Golf
- Soccer
- Beach walks
- Myrtle Beach Marathon
- Sweet Tea
- and so much more!
Springtime is a time for renewal and outdoor activities.
Preventing Springtime Crime
Did you know that the lowest rates of motor vehicle theft… is in the springtime?
Most crimes and crimes of opportunity happen…in the summer months.
Just because there is less crime, that doesn’t mean crime stops on the Grand Strand in the spring. It just means there is less to worry about for now, and time to prepare for the summer to come. Building good habits now can help prevent future crimes.
- always activate your alarm system
- lock doors and window behind you
- stay alert
- don’t post to social media when you go on vacation
Here are 3 things you can do today that will help you prevent springtime crime!
1 Prevent Personal Property Thefts in Spring
In spring, people spend more time outdoors. They have a tendency to leave equipment outside. Yard tools, kids toys, bicycles, tools, lawnmowers, weed eaters, blowers. We urge you to lock up personal property once you are done using it – in your garage or in a shed or barn.
If you do springtime yard work and spring cleaning, keep your doors locked while working.
We say it often: even when you are home, lock your doors behind you and activate the alarm system. Your valuables — purses, wallets and car keys — are often within reach from inside the front door for a quick run-and-dash crime. If you lock your doors, that easy steal is off the table!
Ladders left out in your yard could be used by criminals to gain access into your own home.
Keep ladders in your garage and lock up any storage unit or shed you have on your property.
2 Spring Cleaning Home Security Lapses
If you are hiring someone to clean your windows, they might need access to the inside of your home. Always double check that all windows are still locked after a service provider has been in your home. If you are cleaning your windows on your own, do the same.
If you do any spring yard maintenance, consider how landscaping might obscure a clear view to your front door. Trim back large bushes and ornamental plants.
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