How To Secure Your Home: Never Fall Into These Three Bad Habits Again
Happy Fall Y’all
Can you believe Fall 2022 is here?
While you might be out enjoying the sunshine, slightly shorter days and plenty of cooler weather here in South Carolina, we are always on alert! Your security is our business here at Strand Security in Murrells Inlet!
Today, we’d like to discuss three bad habits many homeowners have, that put you and your loved one at risk for a home invasion, burglary or theft.
These are three bad habits homeowners have that put them at a higher risk for a home invasion or burglary.
1 Hiding Spare Keys Outside, in an Obvious Spot
While you might have grown up as a latch key kid, or knew where all your neighbors hid their keys, there is no need to continue this dangerous habit!
If you have lock on your doors with keys, do this one thing: Go and have 10 extra keys made and only give them to people you completely trust. That’s it. Stop hiding a key outside.
If you have an emergency and do need to hide a key outside, do it in a spot away from the door.
Never, and I mean never put your key in an envelope and put it in your mailbox. Don’t hide it under a rock either.
TIP: It’s best to replace all your door locks with a keyless entry system, and connect it to your smarthome system! Never ever have a use of a key again – all you need is codes to get in the door!
2 Forgetting to Lock Doors
Did you know that most burglaries happen between the hours of 10 AM – 2 PM?
Indeed, they do and what most people don’t realize is that often a burglar enters the home through an unlocked door. Front door, garage side door, backdoor. It’s easy to walk in if the door isn’t locked
If you have this bad habit, try setting reminders on your phone, or leave yourself a note on your car’s dashboard “STOP. Did you lock the door?” might be all it takes to get into the habit of locking up behind you.
Remember, most burglaries happen because of opportunity, not scouting! Entering a home where the door is unlocked is a huge bonus for someone who wants to remain unseen and unheard!
3 Refusing to Install an Alarm System
Last but not least, another bad habit is refusing to install a home security system all together! What makes you special enough to be spared the trauma of a home invasion or burglary? Nothing!
We serve people who want to prevent a home invasion, burglary or theft. Unfortunately we are also contacted often by people who’ve already been victims and want to prevent a second occurance. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Get an alarm system now. It’s doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, it doesn’t have to be too complicated either.
Contact Strand Security in Murrells Inlet for your Home Alarm System
We make the process of home alarms, security systems as easy as possible. Give us a call today to get started. We will be happy to answer your questions over the phone!
What Brands Give the Best Overall Value for a Home Security System?
The Best Brands for Home Security Systems
What do you value in a brand?
Is it
- longevity
- durability
- customer service
- innovation
- integration
When it comes to home security, we at Strand Security believe that ALL of these are important! When it comes to our own family, and our customers, we want the best systems for the best pricing. We want you to have access to the latest technology and we want it to be affordable.
Here are 3 Home Security Brands that Provide Excellent Overall Value!
1 Honeywell Total Connect
We love Honeywell Total Connect! Many of our customers have a home security system that allows them operated their smarthome and to check in from afar using the Honeywell Total Connect app.
As we live in a hurricane prone zone – the coast of South Carolina – having a remote app to check in on our home when we can’t be there provides peace of mind during a stressful time like a mandatory evacuation during a hurricane.
Honeywell is a reliable brand, integrates well with other products and has been around for a long, long time.
We stand by these products.
2 Alarm.com
Newer to our Strand Security family is the brand Alarm.com.
Much like us here at Strand security, the folks at Alarm.com protect and trust their own family with the brand Alarm.com.
We think differently at Alarm.com. For more than 20 years, we’ve been pioneering smarter solutions that deliver total protection for millions of homes, businesses, and families – including our own. What’s the difference? Get to know us and some of our customers here.
Whether you need to secure your family, your home, your business, your assets like boats, commercial real estate or motorcycles, trust Alarm.com to be there when you need them!
3 URC Smarthome Automation
What’s NOT to love about URC Smarthome automation?
The URC company is on the cutting edge of technology, adding more and more of the latest and great tech innovation to their products. They have become a trusted brand for us at Strand Security, not just on the Home Security side, but on the Commercial Security side as well. Check out this story of a commercial install in North Myrtle Beach, using URC!
For your home, URC will change automation once and forever.
Do you think that voice commands to change the setting on your thermostat is exciting?
Wait until you learn more about window shade automation! If you dream it, you can automate it.
Local Security Company + Premium Brands = Perfect match Up
No matter what your home or business needs, trust Strand Security to help guide you to the right system and the right brand for your budget and needs!
Give us a call to get started.
The 3 Most Compelling Reasons Parents Need Security Cameras in 2022
Family Safety
If you are a parent, you know the importance of keeping your family safe and sound. Home safety includes keeping kids and teenagers safe from fires, water and chemicals.
While prevention is the key to keeping your family safe, installing security cameras in the right spots can help give you peace of mind when you are not in the same space as your family.
Security cameras trained on your pool for example, can not prevent a drowning, but will give you an instant access view of the pool and pool deck when needed.
Keeping an eye out in hallways, garages, bedrooms and living rooms might help you spot a problem before it endangers the life of someone you love and care about.
Here is a story of how a security camera system saved the lives of a family after moving into a home with a faulty fire alarm!
Surveillance of the Property
Next, another reason to install and use security cameras it to keep an eye on your property. Think not just home, garage and yard, but also car(s), boats, bikes and motorcycles!
Security cameras might detect someone scouting your home for a potential burglary or home invasion. Keeping track of who comes near your home, who stops in front of your home and who is suspicious looking, might actually prevent a crime.
Teenagers are impulsive and might get in with the wrong crowd and try sneaking out of the house in the night. Surveillance of your home and property would identify when and where and with whom they associate.
If by chance a crime does occur, having security camera footage will certainly help law enforcement in their effort to identify and capture the thieves and return your property to you.
Potential Security Breaches
Last but not least, security cameras help you spot potential security breaches before they happen.
Your child or teenager might forget to lock up, or leave doors open at night. They might forget to lock the car doors, leaving the car unlocked overnight. Having a camera system trained on the right spots could identify these types of potential security breaches before they become an issue.
Security cameras are also a great tool to keep an eye on outside workers when they need access to your home, whether you are home, or not. These include but are not limited to babysitters, nannies, home healthcare workers, petsitters, construction crews, delivery personnel, etc.
Identifying potential security breaches can prevent big problems down the road.
Security Cameras – Know What Your Needs Are
Here are a few helpful articles about security cameras should you want to learn more.
- Wireless Security Cameras
- 10 Reasons To Love Security Cameras
- Everything You’d Want to Know About Ring Cameras
- The Best Location For Outdoor Security Cameras
- What Makes a Powerful Surveillance Camera?
- Security Camera Stats
How To Effortlessly Connect Google Home, Alexa, Ring or Nest to A Home Security System
Got a Home Security System?
If you’ve had a home security system for years, you might be curious about making your home into a smarthome. Technology has changed so much over the last few years and so much more is possible now, more than ever before!
The good news? You do not have to start from scratch. Systems and brands can communicate and work together to create a smarthome.
The best news? We have the best way, the best solution for you to get started on this project. Keep reading for the best way to effortlessly connect Google Home, Alexa, Ring or Nest to your home security system!
Home Security Systems and Smarthomes!
Home security systems can be added to other technology to create smarthomes.
What if you could just TELL (by voice) your home to
- arm the whole house
- arm the back door
- turn on the lights
- dim the lights
- adjust the thermostat
- alert the fire department
- call for an ambulance
- notify the police
- draw the shades
- turn on music
and more!
How amazing would that be?
That is what smarthome technology can do: your current system can be updated to link up with other systems on your home.
Your Home Security System + Google Home
Google Home offers many apps to connect to.
Control Appliances and Fixtures
Control Home Security (including Alarm.com)
Got a Google Home System? Connect your home security system to use voice command.
Your Home Security System +Alexa
Alexa is a Amazon product.
“You can build smart home and other products that customers can control from millions of Alexa devices with just their voice. Expand your device’s capabilities with Alexa to create delightful experiences for lights, switches, thermostats, cameras, locks, and more.”
Alexa can be linked to your entertainment center and control the TV. Alexa can be linked to a microwave and used with vioce command and much, much more!
Got an Alexa system? Connect your home security system to use voice command.
Your Home Security System + Ring Cameras
New for Ring.com is an integration with home security systems. Known as the “DIY home security camera system”, Ring has branched out and can be integrated with home security systems as well as other smart systems.
Your Home Security System + Nest
Another Google product, Google Nest also lets you connect devices in your home for a fully integrated smarthome system. Their tag line?
“Build your helpful home!”
Effortlessly Connect A Home Security System To Your Other Systems
Here is the easiest way to do connect a home security system for another smarthome system, like Google Home, Alexa, Ring or Nest, just to name a few:
Reach out to Strand Security, or your own home security experts! They are trained to do this for a living: effortlessly and without much trouble.
If you value your own time, hear this: this is one DIY job you really don’t want! Let the professionals handle the integration. You’ll be glad you did!
New Resident? What You Need To Know About Crime on the Grand Strand
When planning to move to a new state, city or neighborhood, it usually pays to read up on local news, local crime and local events to get an idea on what’s happening! You want to be prepared for anything and everything, right?
The population growth in the Myrtle Beach area aka The Grand Strand shows no sign of slowing down: we have welcomed a lot of new residents in the last 18 months and there is no sign that things are slowing down anytime soon.
The housing market along the beach is competitive, houses are built left, right and everywhere in between and frankly, the roadways are busier than we’ve even seen them before!
If you are planning to move to the Grand Strand in the near future, or if you’ve just arrived, keep reading!
Are You Planning to Move to the Grand Strand?
If you are still in the planning phase of moving to the Myrtle Beach area, may we suggest you read up on several topics.
Read about
If you’ve arrived on the Grand Strand and getting your bearings, you already know and might have experienced some of the challenges that come with a growing community like ours.
Congested roads, overcrowded school, a competitive housing market driving prices up, up and up and increased crime are all part of this growing community along South Carolina’s beautiful shoreline.
Rapid Growth Along the Grand Strand Brings Challenges
It’s simple math:
More houses are being bought and sold, the population is growing steadily, Horry and Georgetown Counties are building more schools, roads and hospitals – and with all these new people moving in, crime rates are going… UP!
The Myrtle Beach area has been a draw for those criminals who want to hide for years and years. As millions and millions of tourists pour into the Grand Strand each year, hiding out is an easy thing to accomplish! The transient community that is Myrtle Beach is a perfect place for petty criminals, human traffickers, thieves and convicted felons.
In this 2021 article, we read
According to the FBI’s latest US Crime Report, Myrtle Beach, SC is now officially the 3rd most dangerous city in the United States.
How To Keep Your Neighborhood Safe
The best way to keep your neighborhood safe is to communicate and take preventative action. Even if you live in a safe neighborhood, it’s important to understand the risks you run by not protecting your home.
Here is the best way to keep your neighborhood safe: communicate with law enforcement officers and with neighbors. Then take action!
Did you know that most people purchase a home security system AFTER they are the victim of a crime? Why wait? Why go through this trauma, this anxiety, if it can be prevented? The same is true for your neighborhood! Why wait until cars are broken into, or vandals destroy property?
We suggest a neighborhood watch program as described here.
Crime Happens. Be Prepared!
The last thing we want to mention is… that crime happens.
You can’t prevent crime, but by being prepared, you can prevent the severity of the crime – and reduce the time it takes for law enforcement officers to come to the crime scene, increasing the chance the criminals are caught!
Our clients homes are monitored by COPS Monitoring and have been for the past 10+ years!
3 Tips to Keep Your Staff and Customers Safe in the Parking Lot
Myrtle Beach Crime on Businesses
The crime rate in Myrtle Beach, the Grand Strand, Horry County and Georgetown County is high. Business owners on the Grand Strand and in the Myrtle Beach area need to stay vigilant to keep their staff and customers safe from harm.
Crime on businesses include
During some of these incidents, the safety of staff and customers was in jeopardy.
What is a business owner to do?
We have 3 tips to share with you today. Tips that will simultaneously deter criminals and will give your staff and customers peace of mind.
Parking Lot Safety 101
First, let’s go over some basic parking lot safety tips for those who park their cars.
- Do not talk on the phone while walking through a parking lot. Instead, stay alert.
- Do get out your keys before you approach your car and be ready to enter your car.
- Do not sit in your car in the parking lot. Instead, start your car and drive away.
- If the parking lot is empty when you enter it, park underneath security lights.
- If you are approached in a parking lot, immediately return to the building and ask for an escort to your car.
- Always lock your car.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Don’t park next to a large van or truck.
- If you feel unsafe, return to the building.
- If you notice loitering, report it to management.
1) Commercial Security System with Cameras Keep Staff and Customer Safe
The first and best tip we have for you to keep your staff as well as your customers safe it to hire a security company to install a complete commercial security system.
A professionally installed system will allow you to keep tabs on inventory, customers and staff as they work for you.
Such a system would include security cameras and a mobile app integration, as well as smart technology to keep all the part working together to allow you to monitor from afar.
Having video recording of a possible crime will help speed up the stolen product recovery process. Cameras as well as security signs with a “monitored by XYZ Security Company” help to deter criminals from even approaching your business!
2) Add Security Lights in Strategic Spots in the Parking Lot
Not all security systems include lighting: we highly recommend installing security light systems in your parking lot. Some of the lights should include sensor flood lights that are activated as criminals approach the building.
Other lights should provide ample light for customers and staff to feel safe enough to walk to their car in the dark.
3) Offer Self Defense Classes for All Your Employees
Last but not least, we give you one more tip to keep your staff and customers safe in the parking lot.
Organize a self-defense class for your staff. This can be a powerful way to make your staff feel more secure, more confident and more self-assured when working late at night or alone. Self-defense classes are a great team building activity!
Don’t Wait Until it’s Too Late: Offer Staff and Customer Protection TODAY!
Many of our customers come to us as victims of crime. We are always so sorry to hear about their ordeal and their trauma. Some, not all, crime is preventable. Putting safeguards in place before a crime takes place can prevent a lot of heartache, headaches and trauma, and we aren’t even talking money yet!
Please contact us today and we’ll get your staff and customers the best protection we can offer!
Prevent Home Break Ins While on Vacation
Summer 2021 Is (Nearly) Here!
As we publish this, summer 2021 is fast approaching. Spring weather has turned into summer weather. Pools are open. School are nearly done for the year. And as the USA is slowly opening back up after a pandemic year, families are most ready than ever to hit the road and take a vacation.
Go on Vacation Without Worry
Homeowners who travel leave behind a huge asset: their home that they love, care for and have invested a ton of money into. This is why protecting the home you love and everything in it is important. A burglary, or break Ins will leave you feeling violated and attacked!
Who doesn’t want to go on vacation this summer, without worry?!
We all want this right?
Reduce the Risks and Make Your Home Less Attractive
In order for a burglar to ‘skip your home’ and move onto the next, you need to be proactive! Make your home less attractive to a potential criminal.
Reducing the risk of a break ins and making it harder and less attractive for a burglar to target you, is not a difficult task. It does take a bit of planning and action on your part. We are going to give you several actionable ways you can help prevent a home break in while on vacation.
How To Prevent Home Break Ins While on Vacation
In previous blog articles, we’ve shared our best summer security tips. It’s always good to revisit some of these tips and hints as we enter the next summer. We know as you do, that family circumstances changes quickly!
Going on Vacation? Read this Today!
The following 5 action items should be high on your list of things to do to prepare before going on your next family vacation. Whether you go away for the weekend and stay close to home, vacation somewhere for two weeks in South Carolina or take a cross-country trip, these tips apply to you! It takes less than a minute for most burglars to get into your home and only 8-12 minutes to get back out and get away!
1 Make it Look Like Someone is Home
When you leave your home unattended for an extended period of time, make it look like someone is home. Leave a dog toy or two out, a child’s ball, and put your indoor and outdoor lights on timers! Arrange with a neighbor or friend to come pick up mail, packages and return your garbage can back to your home. Alternatively, you can have the USPS hold your mail. Don’t forget to notify your newspaper delivery person too because nothing says ‘we are on vacation’ like a bunch of unread newspaper on your front lawn!
2 Clear Shrubbery That Is Close to Your Home
Large shrubs and trees that aren’t trimmed, can hide a person (i.e. a criminal) making it easier for them to enter your home undetected. Before going on your next trip, cut back branches and trim that shrubbery!
3 Activate a Monitored Alarm System
If you have an alarm system, activate it. This might seem one of the ‘silliest’ action items, but you’d be surprised home many homes with alarm systems are broken into undetected because the system wasn’t activated! Make activating your system a habit and a priority! Teach everyone who routinely enters your home to activate your system: it will little room for error!
4 Install Deadbolts on Front and Back Doors
Making it harder for a determined burglar to breakin usually results in the burglar moving on to the next (read: easier) target! Therefore, investing in new deadbolts might make a lot of sense. The longer it takes for someone to enter the home, the more likely they are to move on to another home.
5 Utilize Security Cameras and Monitor with an App
We recommend (and install) security cameras for your home. Ideally, your cameras should be strategically placed in and around your home and be connect to your monitored system. While a monitored alarm system should give you the highest level of comfort and security, monitoring your own cameras at the same time, allowes for additional visual queues of potential danger!
Take That Family Trip and Enjoy It!
We wish you and your family a gorgeous summer and a wonderful and memorable trip, no matter where you go. Go with peace of mind, knowing your assets are protected and monitored by the best!
As always, let us at Strand Security know how we may help you.
Who Installs the Best Grand Strand Commercial Security and Automation Systems?
Commercial Security Systems for Grand Strand Businesses
Did you know that Strand Security has been installing Commercial Security Systems on the Grand Strand for over 10 years?
We are not only experienced, we have well-trained staff members who know exactly how to get the job done right! If you need a commercial system, choose Strand Security.
Automation Systems for Grand Strand Businesses
Technology keeps changing: new businesses opening up don’t just need a commercial security systems, they also want automation, the latest security cameras, the best technology and the most reliable brands!
We at Strand Security have been installing Smarthome technology for years, and that includes automation for commercial sites as well. We have installed URC technology for many happy customers along the Grand Strand.
URC technology connects all systems, including POS, audio/stereo, security cameras, security systems.
Learn more about URC here.
Commercial Security Cameras
Why would a new business invest in high quality, well-performing security cameras?
There are many reasons including:
☆ to ensure staff safety at all times
☆ the prevention vandalism of property
☆ safety of guests and customers
☆ real-time notifications of break ins
☆ monitoring of building for fire
and more!
Smart business owners get smart technology and security cameras!
Prevention is the key!
New Business Development in North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach has been a hotspot for new business development for years! In the past, we’ve worked with several new businesses particularly some that have taken up ‘residence’ at Barefoot Landing. We are thrilled that once again, one sich new business has chosen Strand Security for all their commercial security and automation needs.
Are you looking for a business to partner with? Give us a call today!
Crooked Hammock Brewery in North Myrtle Beach
Last but not least, a HUGE shoutout to Crooked Hammock Brewery in North Myrtle Beach! It was an honor and huge pleasure to partner with you on all systems.
If you are in the area, make sure to go check out this new business – Spring is here: enjoy it!
Come Talk Commercial Systems with Us!
We are here to help you navigate all things commercial security and automation.
Call us for a quote or with any questions!
How To Integrate Your Home and Your Car Systems for Security and Safety
Smarthome Technology for your… Car?
Say what? Can you really integrate your car alarm system with your home security system?
Yes, now you can with Alarm.com and the latest smarthome technology. The program is called ‘Connected Car’. Learn more about it here in this article!
Connect Your Home And Car System
Why would you want to connect your home and car systems? Well, let us count the reasons!
- Track a vehicle’s location
- View engine status
- Analyze fuel efficiency
- Connect car and home on one easy-to-use-app
Real Time Car Status
Want to know what is happening with your car, in your car and where it is?
Connected Car offers customers 24/7 awareness—even when the car is parked and the engine is off—thanks to a dedicated cellular connection and backup battery. Now when your elderly parent, the babysitter or your teenager drives the car, you have the data you need for peace of mind!
Driver Safety Alerts
Next, you can monitor your car as it drives. This is great for parents with a new teenaged driver, or an elderly parent, a nanny or if you are a business owner with a fleet of cars driven by employees. You can monitor speed, mileage, location and more.
Trust us, this will be worth every penny!
The Alarm.com Mobile App Connects It All!
Connected Car allows customers to easily track their vehicle’s location, monitor its diagnostic health and receive alerts for speeding, towing and more—all from the Alarm.com mobile app.
APPLE: Download on the App store
ANDROID:Get it on Google Play
How Can You Get Connected Car from Alarm.com?
If you already have an Alarm.com system, it’s as easy as connecting with us at Strand Security. You need a car device that connects with your home system. Easy-peasy. let us know you want it and we will order and install it for you.
Crime Happens: How To Deter a Criminal From Targeting You
Crime Happens in Myrtle Beach!
If you live in South Carolina or the Myrtle Beach area, it should come as no surprise to learn that crime happens in our area. We are a transient community with millions of tourists who flock to our shores, and golf courses. That tourist activity invites criminal activity.
Crime happens.
In this article we will give a few tips on how to deter a criminal from target you!
Take Safety and Security Precautions
If a burglar really wants to clean you out and rob you, s/he will and not much will stop them. However, more often than not, criminals will ‘case’ a house and if they see security precautions in place, they will skip you as a target and move on to the next house!
Ways to deter a criminal from targeting your home:
- install an alarm system
- install security cameras
- post a security company sign!
- trim landscaping around the windows and doors
- install motion-detecting lights near the front and backdoors
Ways to deter a criminal from targeting your car:
- install a car alarm
- lock the doors
- park it inside your garage
- or park it on your driveway and install motion-detecting lights.
Next, let’s talk about personal safety!
To Deter Being a Target to Criminals: Look and Act Confident
Always, always, always be aware of your surroundings. Whether you are in a parking lot, busy mall, or going for a run: know who is near you and know where you are going! Looking and acting confident is a good way to deter a criminal from choosing you as their next target.
We further recommend self-defense classes for anyone and all.
The first lesson in self-defense is awareness of your surroundings. Keep your head up, no headphones or talking on your phone while walking in busy places, and know where you are going.
Stopping a robbery or preventing one starts with awareness!
Partner Up with Neighbors and Friends
Last but not least, criminals want an easy target and prefer a lonely target.
When running, or shopping, try to team up with a neighbor or friend.
At the same time, starting a neighborhood watch program is a great way to look out for one another. Sharing information with neighbors about potential criminal activity, and letting your neighbors know when you are away can also prevent crime. Partnering up is a smart way to keep yourself safe and secure.
When Crime Does Happen
If you have an alarm system, and it’s monitored, even if a crime does happen, you have the peace of mind that help is on the way! We highly recommend a monitored system which will alert authorities, in the event you are incapacitated. This can save lives as second, minutes count when crime happens!
If you have concerns about your security or personal safety, comes talk to us. We can customize a system that works for your home, your family or your business!
We are only a phone call away.
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