5 Reasons To Upgrade Your Security System Now
Security Systems Need Updating
Say what?
Just like your smartphone, your computer, and any other tech gadgets you may own, your security system needs upgrading too!
In this article, we will look at five reasons to upgrade your security system.
Whether you live in the Myrtle Beach area, on the Grand Strand, somewhere else in South Carolina or elsewhere in the world, technology needs to be upgraded from time to time and upgrading your security system is not just a matter of convenience but a matter of your personal safety and security!
While there may be more than five reasons to upgrade your security system, we are going to look at these five most common reasons to help you decide whether to upgrade or leave it for a bit longer.
Upgrade Your Security System Now If Its Older Than 5 Years
If you have a security system that was installed more than 5 years ago, it’s time to upgrade. Technology advances in the last five years make many devices and some epquipment absolete or outdated. There are newer and better cameras, systems, apps and other updates that will make your system run more smoothly.
Just like your car needs a tune-up, your security system does as well.
We aren’t saying you need to replace your system; upgrading the systems and adding some newer parts and equipment is most likely all you will need.
Upgrade Your Security System Now If Your Family Dynamics Have Changed
If you were single or married without children, or married with small children, or married and now are single, or you have babies, toddlers or teenagers – any changes to your family dynamics warrant an upgrade to your security system.
Reason being that new people might be using your system, and you are now monitoring different areas of your home.
If your elderly parents have moved in, you might need to upgrade the system to include a panic button, just to name an example.
Upgrade Your Security System Now If Your System Depends on A Landline
This is a tricky one but important reason to upgrade your system.
Landlines used to be the standard way to install your security system, but criminals have learned to simply identify and cut landlines, leaving your home, and you, vulnerable.
Instead, your system should run on mobile technology on a secure and password-protected network you manage for all your computers and technology.
If you still have a system on a landline, call your security provider today and switch to a new system!
Upgrade Your Security System Now If You Have No Security Cameras
Security cameras have come a long way.
Security cameras used to be ugly, bulky and huge. In 2019, the choice is yours! Security cameras are sleek, small and hard to detect.
Adding cameras to your home or business is a smart way to monitor what goes on when you are away, from your smartphone or tablet!
Upgrade Your Security System Now If You Are Planning a Trip
Nothing like upgrading a security system right before a trip. Especially if it a long trip, or a far-away trip. Servicing and upgrading -where-needed before a trip will give you complete peace of mind while you travel.
If you get the right system installed, you will be able to monitor from afar, no matter where you are in the world, as long as you have Wifi! You could be Tahiti, Hawaii or Australia and still know and see what’s happening in your home or business from your device!
Are You Ready To Upgrade Your Security System?
We at Strand Security can upgrade your system, whether you are a current customer, or not (yet). We’d love to help you navigate the world of security, making sure you get the right equipment, the right system and perfect security set up for years to come!
Meet Honeywell’s LYNX Touch Control System!
Meet LYNX for a Picture-Perfect Connected Home
Why Honeywell?
Why Lynx Touch?
This system supports up to four cameras, which can be displayed individually or in a quad configuration on the touchscreen!
Through the touch screen, you can control security and home automation functions, and view videos on up to four cameras.
Through mobile access, you can keep an eye on your home and stay connected to your family and home whether you are across the street, or across the world!
LYNX Offers a Brilliant Full-Color Touchscreen
The screen is a brilliant full-color touch screen, making the icons clear and easy to read.
The display also features two dedicated keys for easy access to the home screen as well as emergency functions.
Check it out in the video!
On-Premise Video Viewing with LYNX
No matter where you are or what you may be doing, with this system, you can view up to four indoor or outdoor cameras right on the touchscreen or anywhere on premises on your smartphone, tablet or another WiFi-enabled device.
Lynx is a great system to keep an eye on your family as well as your property.
Think about keeping an eye on your
- teenager
- nanny
- elderly parent
- housekeeper
- gardener
- landscape crew
- pool area
- garage
- backyard
- game room
and so much more!
Manage your Home and Energy with LYNX
With Honeywell Lynx Touchscreen, you are in complete control of your thermostats, lights and locks!
Even when at work or on vacation, you have control all of these home functions.
- Rent your home with Airbnb?
- Have a housesitter?
- Need to turn on your AC due to a sudden heatwave?
All these actions can be taken from your smartphone or Wifi-enabled tabled if you are not anywhere near your home.
For our Grand Strand area, in particular, our customers have peace of mind with these systems when a hurricane rolls in!
A long as there is power to the home, or a generator is running, or the backup battery is functioning, even those who have evacuated can ‘see’ their home!
Get Garage Door Control with LYNX
If you have multiple drivers at home or you have children who might enter and exit the garage with bicycles, it’s good to have some added protection in place.
It is easy to forget to close a garage door at night, or close it behind you when leaving, therefore having remote access to close, or open, your garage door is a wonderful feature.
Honeywell Total Connect™ Remote Services
With Honeywell Total Connect™ remote services you
✔️Control your security system and home automation functions from anywhere in the world
✔️View live video and receive email notifications
✔️Can keep tabs on vehicles and assets via GPS tracking
✔️Get location-based weather, traffic and news delivered right to the touchscreen
✔️Receive tornado alerts delivered to your touchscreen, based on your zip code.
Lynx Touch Provides Families with Peace of Mind
What you get is complete peace of mind!
Total, constant access to those you love and those assets you care most about.
If you would like to know more, connect with us at Strand Security and will be happy to show you all the possibilities; we are happy to show you the options that work with your lifestyle and budget.
Introducing the Honeywell Smart Home Security System!
Amazon Alexa™ and Honeywell Have Teamed Up!
This could very well be one of the most in-demand holiday gifts for 2018! You heard it here, alright? 😉
Honeywell and Amazon Alexa™ have teamed up to give you the best of home security and technology; introducing one smart system called the Honeywell Smart Home Security System!
This is great for any homeowner, on the Grand Strand, or elsewhere!
Is The Honeywell Smart Home Security System Right For You?
To find out if the Honeywell Smart Home (Security) System is right for you, watch this video.
We find it super exciting to see an amazing brand we love, use and recommend to our customers here at Strand Security aka Honeywell, move forward with a partnership of this magnitude, with Amazon Alexa™, and serve their customers even better!
The Honeywell Smart Home Security System is an all-in-one home security system that is expandable to fit your life and home, now and in the future. Easy to set up, use and featuring Amazon Alexa™ built in it sends smart alerts to your mobile device.
How is this different from Honeywell Total Connect?
“Security just got smarter”
The all-in-one system with facial recognition and Amazon Alexa™ built-in sends smart alerts to your mobile device. Easy to set up and use, it grows with your needs thanks to a range of sensors and services.
Making Your Home a Honeywell Smart Home!
Whether your home is large, medium or you live in an apartment; your home can be a Smart Home too!
The same protection and security features, now linked with Amazon Alexa™ to make your home smart and interactive!
Exciting Honeywell Smart Home Security Features!
The new Honeywell Smart Home Security System starts with the purchase and installation of a camera base station.
Additional accessories to enhance the system include
- indoor motion viewer
- outdoor motion viewer
- motion sensor
- access sensor
- key fob
The best part about this new system?
You can control it all with the Honeywell Home app!
Get it for your Apple Devices here.
Get is for your Android Devices here.
One place, one app.
Everyone in your family has access and full control over your safety and security, in real time.
Strand Security and Honeywell Smart Home Security
We understand that some of our customers will be able to set up and install the Honeywell Smart Home System on their own.
However, we wanted to make sure that you know that we offer installation of the Honeywell Smart Home System and help with integrating it with your current home alarm system.
Why struggle with the set up if we can do it effortlessly, right?
For those who choose to ask for help with set up and installation, we will make sure you receive a demo and understand how your Honeywell Smart Home works before we leave.
We want to make sure you understand your system and know how to operate it!
Give us a call to purchase a system, or to ask for installation and set up if you already have a system but need help.
Why Do I Need a Commercial Security System?
Do You Own a Business on the Grand Strand?
If you are a local Myrtle Beach area business owner, let’s talk security!
Crime rates in the Myrtle Beach area vary from town to town, neighborhood to neighborhood, but the reality is that with a transient community like Myrtle Beach which hosts millions upon millions of tourists every year, these tourists also lure crime and criminals to our area!
If you are a local business owner, it stands to argue that you’ve been confronted with some sort of crime at your place of business.
Have you dealt with
✔️employee theft?
✔️counterfit money?
✔️ loitering around your building?
✔️vandalism?
✔️break-ins?
If you have, we are very sorry you’ve had to deal with this type of crime. We want to offer you a solution.
Please read on.
Do You Value Your Business Investment?
As a locally-owned and locally operated business, we fully understand the sacrifices and investment of time and money it takes to get a business off the ground.
We understand you are building something for the future, for your family, for your community.
We know this because we are living it alongside you.
If you value your business investment, we need to talk about security!
Do you have a few more minutes?
How To Protect Your Local Business Location and Reputation
Our slogan is “your security, our business” and we mean it!
We install, support and monitor residential alarm systems to protect local Grand Strand area families. What not everyone knows is that we also install, support and monitor commercial security systems.
We are ready to partner with you and protect your business investment, your employees and you!
Let’s talk about how a commercial security system can protect the physical location of your business as well as your reputation!
Why You Need a Commercial Security System
As business owners, we understand you can’t be everywhere all the time! You put your trust in your employees, yet all responsibility still rests on your shoulders.
A commercial security system will take away, in a way shoulder some of the responsibility for you!
We offer Total Connect Video Services for your convenience because we know how busy you are!
With this service, you can view your business from your iPhone, iPad, Droid, Blackberry or laptop from almost anywhere and
- check on employees activities and their behavior
- monitor critical equipment remotely, no matter where you are and what time of day it is
- view your business in real-time, or with event triggers
- gather evidence against employee theft or errors and outside criminal activities
- find out how busy your business is when you are away
and much much more!
Your Security, Our Business!
We work with business owners as well as property management companies.
Here are some of the ways we can help protect and secure your investments;
✔️ Monitor alarm systems
✔️ Digital camera systems
✔️ Telecommunication networks 24/7
✔️ Overhead Projection
✔️Plasma, LCD, LED displays along with AUDIO Sound Systems (for restaurants and sports bars)
and much more!
Isn’t it time you give us a call?
Learn More About Wireless Security
What is Wireless Security?
Wireless security is exactly what it may sound like to you.
It’s a way to connect your security system in such a way that’s it is… wireless.
In a few simple words, a basic home wireless network means connecting an internet access point, such as a cable from your internet service provider, to a (wireless) router in order to allow multiple devices to connect to the network very quickly.
Now whether you live in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina or elsewhere, we are certain you have access to WiFi.
Using a wireless system, you can turn your home into a Smarthome!
Let’s explore why a wireless security system might be the best next step for your home or business.
Is Wireless Security Better Than Wired Security?
This is a loaded question, for sure!
Hardwired alarm systems may have an edge on reliability, while wireless systems provide a more streamlined installation and can be used in places where wired systems can’t.
“Wireless vs. wired security” refers to two different parts of the security system.
The network of sensors, plus the control panel, make up a self-contained system that may be wired or wireless. Then there’s also the way that this security system connects to the outside world; like sending alerts to a remote monitoring center or receiving commands from your cell phone.
If your home does not have a security system pre-installed, wireless systems can solve several problems. You won’t have to worry about drilling holes or other modifications, making wireless an more attractive option for renters, historic homes, or buildings with significant interior brick, stone or marble construction. Renters or homeowners who change residence will also be able to take advantage of the portability of most wireless systems-simply disconnect and reconnect at your new address.
Is A Wireless Security System Right for Me?
Let’s look at when a wireless security system might be what makes the most sense for you, making it the best choice for your home and business.
- Renters or homeowners who change residence will be able to take advantage of the portability of most wireless systems-simply disconnect and reconnect at your new address.
- Homes without a wired pre-installed security system; wireless systems can solve several problems including drilling holes and wiring issues.
- Older homes and those with significant interior brick, stone or marble construction.
When Does a Wired Security System Make More Sense?
There are several situations when it makes more sense to have a wired system.
- When absolute reliability is a must
- Purchasing a home which is pre-wired for a security system makes installing a wired system extremely easy and often more economical
Your Local Security Company Can Best Advice You!
May we suggest you talk to your local security company and ask them to come out to speak with you regarding your security system options. Whether you decide on a hardwired system, or you are set on a wireless system, know that Strand Security of Murrells Inlet will stand with your decision and offer the best installation pricing and the best customer service at all times.
When you are ready, give us a call!
Meet Honeywell Total Connect™ and Fall in Love Forever!
What is Honeywell Total Connect™?
Honeywell Total Connect™ Remote Services lets you stay in the know wherever you go! How neat is that?
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.
Honeywell Total Connect™ is packed with features that help you receive a great user experience!
Who Can Use Honeywell Total Connect™?
Honeywell Total Connect™ can be used both for residential as well as commercial use, so homeowners, as well as business owners, get great value from our system!
Kids, teenagers, elderly parents, nannies, neighbors, employees; anyone you trust and who needs access to your home or business can get access while you are away!
What Can Honeywell Total Connect™ Do?
Let us check out what Honeywell Total Connect™ has to offer, shall we?
To get the full scoop, check out this brochure!
How Easy Is Honeywell Total Connect™ To Use?
Oh, it’s super easy!
In fact, our app is so easy to use once it is set up, that kids, teenagers, as well as the elderly, should have no problem using our app. Of course, if you use Strand Security as your service provider, we will make sure that everyone who needs access to your system will have full access.
Are you ready for a Smarthome?
How Can I Get The Honeywell Total Connect™ System and App?
All you need to do is connect with us at Strand Security. We can answer any question you may have.
You can also stop by our offices for a demo to see how a Honeywell Total Connect™ system works and play around with it!
Did you know you can install vehicle tracker in your (commercial) vehicles, too, and monitor with Honeywell Total Connect™? Great for teenage drivers and employees.
Keep Your Home Secure While You Are on Summer Vacation!
Summer Crime Statistics and Break-in Numbers
For many law enforcement agencies, crime spikes during the summer. Crime statistics indicate warmer cities, however, often don’t experience much change. It’s generally cities in colder climates and tourist destinations, like Myrtle Beach, that experience the largest monthly changes in reported crimes.
Why is that?
Summer is supposed to be the best time of the year, but it sure brings out the worst in some people. A study released by the US Dept. of Justice found a definite correlation between the season and the crime rate. Researchers found that crime rates are often lower in the fall and winter while peaking in the summer. Some of the summer crime rate increases were significant.
On the Grand Strand, we also have a spike in crime rate due to an influx of tourists visiting our area. As our population swells in the summer months, so do crime rates!
Summertime = Burglary time!
From one of our earlier articles:
2 million home break ins are reported each year in the United States!
30 percent of break ins occur through an unlocked window or door.
66 percent of all break ins are residential break-ins vs business break ins.
The highest percentage of break ins happens during the summer months.
Homes without security systems are up to 300% more likely to be broken into.
How can you protect what is yours in this type of environment?
Before You Go on Vacation
Make a plan to keep your home and other assets safe while away.
Failing to plan is planning to fail!
Instead, follow these guidelines.
- Talk to your neighbors and tell them you’ll be away.
- Be aware of the recent crime rate in your neighborhood and what is being done about it.
- Double check all your locks and make sure all windows and doors are secured.
Having someone keep an eye on your property is a smart way to go on vacation and come home to an undisturbed home.
If you have a great security system and a monitoring company keeping an eye on your home while on vacation you have the best solution!
While You Are Away
Smart burglars – and yes, there are some smart and sophisticated burglars and thieves out there – will avoid confrontation. They do not want to come to your home while you are home. They do not want to break down a door, they’d rather find one unlocked. They do not want an alarm set off. They’d much rather burglarize a home without a system.
Here are 7 ways to protect your home while you are away (for the day or) on vacation!
Watch Your Home From Afar; The Best Option to Secure Your Home
Wouldn’t love to be a ‘fly on the wall’ to keep an eye on your home while away?
You can be!
With our Honeywell Total Connect App, you can monitor your home (or any other asset) from afar from your phone or tablet, in real time!
- If someone tries to break-in, you’ll know!
- If your water heater breaks and water starts to flow throughout your home, you’ll know!
- If a fire breaks out, you’ll know!
Doesn’t knowing this give you peace of mind while on vacation?
Have Fun This Summer, Prepare Now.
Don’t delay talking with your friendly, local security company! Whether you need a new system installed or you want an upgrade with more cameras and newer technology, we at Strand Security have you covered!
It’s not too late to protect your assets this summer!
Can Cheap Security Systems Protect Me in an Emergency?
If You Can’t Afford the Best Security System, Get What You Can Afford!
The question of whether cheap security systems can protect you in an emergency is a simple one.
The answer is ‘Yes, cheap security systems CAN protect you in an emergency, however…’
As always, there’s a caveat to such a question.
The ‘however‘ is what this article will focus on. Please read on.
Cheap Security Systems Don’t Last As Long
The problem with cheaply made products is that they are… well… cheap!
- The materials used in cheap security systems is most likely not of the same grade as the more expensive units.
- Corners will be cut with regards to research and testing cheaper units.
In other words, cheap security systems might not last as long and replacement costs can thus drive up your total cost.
Cheap Security Systems Don’t Always Integrate Well With Existing Hardware
If you are in the market for an upgrade and you want to go cheap, be forewarned that cheap systems often don’t integrate well with older systems or any system for that matter. Meaning, you might have to fork over more money because you might not be able to reuse existing hardware. Again, in the end, this will drive up the final cost.
Cheap Security Systems Might Break or Malfunction More Easily
Cheaply made does not always have to mean lesser quality.
When it does, however, and when cheap translates into broken or malfunctioning systems requiring maintenance, this, of course, comes at a cost.
As much as we like you, our customer, we really don’t want to come see you every month because of issues with a cheap security system. We much rather spend our time helping (new) customers set up new systems that will last a long, long time!
Cheap Security Systems Don’t Come with Good Warranties
When a system breaks to no fault of yours, warranties will allow for replacement units. That is, as long as you didn’t pick the cheapest security system without such warranty. In that case, you will be responsible for replacing units and again, cheap becomes expensive when you have these unexpected additional costs associated with your security system.
Strand Security Offers Honeywell Total Connect Systems!
We work with many different brands and we stand behind every piece of equipment we install.
Have you checked out the Honeywell Total Connect systems and mobile apps?
We believe everyone can afford a security system; let us work within your budget!
What Cheap Security Systems Can Do!
If the security system is new and has been installed by a reputable dealer, even cheap security systems will
- notify you of intruders
- alarm when a fire breaks out
- alert you to Carbon Monoxide poisoning
If you have a monitoring company like C.O.P.S. to keep you safe, you are in even better hands!
We invite you to give us a call to see how we may help you with the selection of the right security system for you and your budget!
How To Select The Best Door Alarm To Keep My Assets Safe
Most Break-ins Happen Through Unlocked Doors!
Did you know that?
Most break-ins happen through unlocked doors and happen during the daytime hours of 10 AM – 2 PM.
Yes, that’s right! Daytime break-ins happen more than at any other time day or night, with easy access, because people don’t use their locks. We make it really easy for thieves to have access to our valuables this way.
We can do better than that, can’t we?
Let’s start with something you can do right now that will make it just a bit harder for someone to break into your home.
Make It A Habit To Always Lock Doors Behind You
Sounds simple enough, but it is a habit you need to create by doing it each and every time.
Start off by reading about evening routines to keep your family and your assets safe. You can apply some of these same principles to a daytime routine when you leave your home to go to work, to go shopping or even just going for a walk with your dog. Don’t ever assume that thieves come during the night in a black mask. Often, they come during the day, they might greet your neighbors and walk out with your valuables without anyone suspecting what they are doing.
Locking your doors is the first step.
So what is step two to prevent break-ins?
Research The Best Door Alarm To Purchase
Can we assume you always do due diligence on new purchases like homes, cars, refrigerators, and HVAC systems? You need to do due diligence on door alarms the same way.
This includes learning more about door alarms before talking to a dealer about purchasing a system.
Consider
- price point/budget
- size of your home
- number of access doors and windows
- stories of your home
- current technology in your home
- remote access
Once you have this information on a list, then pick up the phone and call your nearest local security dealer at 843-318-6392
Your Security Company Can Tell You More About What Brands They Prefer
Each security dealership has preferred vendors and brands they work with.
The best door alarms are those your security company uses the most, and those they trust to keep their customers and their family safe.
Why don’t you ask this:
“What door alarm do you have installed in your home?”
This should give you an answer to the question; ‘what is the best door alarm to keep my family safe?’
Go ahead and ask us today.
Then once you have a system installed, make it a habit to active your system whenever you leave your home!
What is the Best Home Security System?
Are You In The Market For A New Home Security System?
Are you a new homeowner? Have you recently moved to the Myrtle Beach area? Are you unhappy with your current home security system? If you fall in any of these three categories you might be looking for the best home security system available to you!
We want you to know we’ve got you covered!
Strand Security is a locally owned and locally operated security company. We provide both residential security systems as well as commercial security systems. If you need to protect those you love, we can help you get started with the best home security system your money can buy!
What Makes A Security System The Best Home Security System?
If you were to talk to 20 experts, you might find 20 different opinions about what the best home security system might be. That doesn’t make it any easier to decide, does it? I bet you’ve called around, looked on the internet, maybe you’ve asked your friends yet you still aren’t’ sure what defines ‘the best home security system’. There are so many bells, whistles, brands, companies, options to choose from!
Help is on the way!
We have identified five important markers for you to check to find the best home security system for your home and family.
That is exactly what you need to start with:
identify your personal needs, goals and wants in a home security system in order to find the best home security system available to you
Here are the five questions you need to ask yourself!
Grab a piece of paper and start writing down answers, then give us a call!
1) What is The Best Home Security System For The Size and Location of Your Home?
What type of system you need, and want, depends on your home; the size, layout, and location.
Here are some factors to consider.
- Do you own your home?
- Are you renting?
- Are you in an apartment or condo?
- Do you live in a city, neighborhood, or in a rural community?
- How old is your home?
- What is the square footage of your home?
- How many exit doors?
- How many floors do you have?
- How many bedrooms?
- Do you have a garage?
- Is it detached or attached?
Next, let’s talk money!
2) What is The Best Home Security System That Fits Your Financial Budget?
As we can’t look in your pocketbook, or checkbook for that matter. Therefore, you should find a price point you are happy with before contacting a security company. It will help them, and you, decide on what you can afford at this time. If your financial situation changes, you can add additional features and services! If you have to go ‘bare-bones’ to start with, go for it, but make sure to make that a clear objective when searching for the best home security system.
Next, let’s talk functionality!
3) What is The Best Home Security System For Your Intended Usage?
Not everyone likes bells and whistles. Not everyone needs or wants all the latest technology or the highest ranked equipment. It is important, however, that your system performs the tasks you need it to perform!
Answer these questions.
- Do you need mobile access?
- Would you want to watch video footage?
- Would you want to watch video footage, live?
- Would you want 24/7 security monitoring?
- How many people will need access to your system?
- Do you have kids, babysitters or elderly parents who need to work the system?
- Do you have pets?
Once you have an idea about functionality, it’s time to talk integration.
4) What is The Best Home Security System To Integrate With Your Current Installed Technology?
If you bought a new home with security system equipment installed, your (new) provider needs to know what system and what equipment is currently in your home. Sometimes this equipment can be reused or repurposed; this will depend on what brands your provider works with and the age of the system and equipment. If you already own home automation hardware and software and you want to integrate a new security system with it, your security provider needs to know this as well. It is important to make a list of all technology in your home.
5) What is The Best Home Security System To Compliment Your Family’s Needs?
There is a difference between what your intended usage is and what your family’s needs are. Talking to your security provider is a great place to start. Tell them who lives in your home, who might need access to your system, whether you travel, if you also own a business which needs security and more.
Answering these questions after having answered the four previous questions will help your provider give you options for the best home security system for your current home.
We welcome any and all inquiries about security systems. We are here to help protect those you love.
We invite you to check out Honeywell Total Connect.
Give us at Strand Security a call today!
