Everything You Need To Know About Ring Cameras
Population Growth In the Myrtle Beach Area
Are you considering buying a Ring Camera?
If you live on the Grand Strand, you know the growth of our community. Thousands upon thousands move to our area each year and new homes are popping out of the ground like mushrooms.
New neighborhoods seem to arise overnight as builders churn out new homes near our beautiful South Carolina coast.
With new people and a larger population comes more crimes and more home burglaries and invasions. Criminal activity goes up as communities grow as there is more opportunity to steal and more potential victims available.
Residents might choose a DIY home security system or a professionally installed system to keep their loved ones and their property save; many residents choose to enhance their systems with Ring Cameras
Home Security Systems for Grand Strand Residents
While we knock anything DIY, there is so much to know about installing cameras that we highly recommend extensive research, or hiring professionals like Strand Security.
We have over 25 years of experience installing home security systems and we get the job done fast, and right the first time! 😉
Things to remember when installing your own cameras would include
- location
- angle of camera
- light source
- nearby landscaping
- and more
What is a Ring Camera?
Ring Cameras can be purchased as a stand-alone product from just about anywhere online.
They’ve gained popularity among DIY-ers and home improvement communities as an easy way to keep tabs on what’s going on at home when you are not there.
One of the best places to install a Ring Camera is at your front door.
This YouTube video shows front-porch thieves stealing packages and breaking in.
Ring Camera Options Include Indoor Cameras!
While the ‘most well-known’ Ring Camera is the one people have installed at the front door, there are several Ring Cameras on the market! Strand Security is happy to help you choose the right cameras for your home, your security, your needs. You can stop by in Murrells Inlet for a visit to check out the Ring Camera options and models, including:
- Indoor Ring Camera
- Stick Up Ring Camera
- Spotlight Ring Camera
- Floodlight Ring Camera
Ring Camera Installation
While we highly recommend you purchase your Ring Cameras from a reputable Ring Camera Dealer, we also recognize that not everyone will want to go that route. You might find an online sale or might have received a Ring Camera as a gift.
The good news is that Strand Security can and will install your Ring Cameras should you need assistance. We serve Horry County residents as well as Georgetown County residents and will be happy to come your way to set up your Ring Camera System for you.
Give us a call today and let’s get your home and your family secured!
Homeschooling in a Smarthome is the Smart Choice for Parents
Homeschooling at the best of times can be a challenge but usually is a personal choice; homeschooling during a pandemic, or forced homeschooling as some will feel it is really challenging. As schools in Horry County and Georgetown County are back in session, many parents have already chosen to keep their kids home!
If that’s you, why not make being home just a bit easier by investing in Smarthome technology.
But what is a Smarthome?
Check out our blog 10 Reasons to Love Smart Homes if you aren’t sure what’s so great about smarthomes!
When you hear the word ‘Smarthome’ you might imagine a home that has ever available technology available to take the day to day tasks out of the hands of the homeowner. From smart doorbells, talking fridges and smart thermostats to voice assistants who welcome you home.
Sounds expensive, and it can be, however, you don’t have to go all in. “At its very core, a smart home is probably best defined as a living area connected to technology meant to enhance the home”.
We at Strand Security love URC. Check out how we help our customers on the Grand Strand.
Meaning that by a Smarthome can be a combination of devices or just have one. The trick is to find the devices that will benefit your home and your family.
Smart Speakers for Homework Help
With homeschooling becoming the norm and the kitchen becoming the classroom, a smart speaker provides a virtual classroom assistant enabling both parents and children to find answers to questions that would usually take time to find out.
Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are the popular smart speakers nowadays in your homeschool classroom which can not only enable your kids to access enormous amounts of information just by asking a question, but can also;
- Keep them on track – using the timer function to keep them focused
- Enhance their communication – smart speakers are not perfect and sometimes a question has to be rephrased to get the correct answer (how many times have you heard ‘I’m sorry, I did not understand the question’!!!)
- Help the parents check the kids’ answers (school was a looooong time ago!)
Security System To Keep Kids Who are Home Alone Safe
Smarthome technology integrates with your security system, allowing your peace of mind if you need to leave your teens or preteen unattended for a while during the day.
You might find yourself needing to check in at work, or taking a trip to the grocery store.
Not sure if your child is ready to be left home alone? Check this article!
And remember – if you activate the security alarm system, help is close by is an emergency arrises.
An additional perk to smarthomes: not only are they safer, they are healthier! Smarthome means hands-free and in the age of COVID-19, that’s just plain smart!
Remote Monitoring of Your Teenagers and Schoolwork
You’ve got the kids to sit down, you managed to get them to open their books but now you have to go to your home office to do your work. But how do you know that the kids are actually doing their school work?
Getting up to check that they are working the books is going to break into your work time not to mention breaking your concentration so investing in remote monitoring is a good option.
Enter security cameras and remote access!
With this smarthome technology your kids aren’t just safe, they can be monitored in real time by a live camera feed fed to you on your device of choice!
How about that for hall monitor?!
Homeschooling and Smarthomes Sets Your Family Up For Success!
Homeschooling is looking to be something that will continue for a while and as learning ‘at the kitchen table’ continues, why not make your family’s life easier (and less shouty) by investing in smarthome technology – gotta go, the fridge is talking to me!
Does Your Home Need A Security and Safety Tune Up?
Conduct a Home Audit To Get a Security and Safety Tune Up!
How secure and safe is your home for your elderly relatives, your teenagers, your baby or your pets?
If you aren’t sure what to answer, maybe it’s time for a home audit!
An audit is an official inspection.
To conduct a home audit for security and safety means conducting a thorough check up on the overall security and safety of the inside and outside of your home, identifying any problem areas to address.
Have you ever done a home audit?
This article will tell you how to do a home audit for security and safety.
Weekend Project To Make Your Home More Secure!
Are you ready to make your home more secure?
Here is how to do your audit.
- Create a spreadsheet, or use a clipboard with paper to document your findings.
- Find a partner to help you!
- Divide your home in sections.
- Start from the bottom and go up, or start at the top and go down, or start on the inside and go out.
- Check for possible security issues; check windows latches, deadbolts and locks, hatches, screens. Push, pull and pretend to break-in to your own home!
- Check the location of your security cameras if you have any, and look for blindspots.
- If you do not have security cameras, note what areas in your home you might need them installed.
- Test your home security system.
- At night, check all lights and sensors.
- Outdoors, check the entrance to garage and position of bushes and trees near the home that could be used as hiding spots
- Check your outdoor shed, and any equipment. Is it secure?
With the findings of this audit, make a plan to update or replace broken locks, replace burnt out light bulbs, adjust sensors and talk to an expert about security cameras.
Weekend Project to Make Your Home Safer!
The same way you conducted a home audit for security, you can conduct a home audit for safety.
Get started the same way with either a spreadsheet or a clipboard with paper to document your findings.
Then do this:
- Find a partner to help you!
- Divide your home in sections.
- Start from the bottom and go up, the top and go down, or the inside and go out.
- Look at your home from the perspective of being elderly and less-mobile, a teenager, or a crawling baby.
- Check for possible safety issues; sharp objects, fire hazards and places someone could trip and fall.
- Test smoke detectors and CO detectors.
- Make an appointment to have your chimney swept.
- Kitchen are often a safety hazard! Check for a fire extinguisher.
- Check your home for things left out that could pose a safety risk to elderly family members, teenagers, small kids and pets: matches, knives, guns, cleaning agents, prescription drugs, alcohol, poison and more. Note the location of these items!
- If you have a pool, make sure all gates lock securely and you have a pool alarm that works.
NOTE: This is not a complete list. Be a home detective and really look around for falling and tripping hazards and bend down and look up for things that could be hiding in plain sight.
Make a list or repairs and spend a weekend completing them.
Implement Changes and Be Safe and Secure in Your Home
While small changes are just that, small changes to your home for security and safety reason could end up saving your life of that of a person in your family.
You never know what might happen!
Home Safety and security first!
Let us know if you need help with securing your home.
We install alarm systems, security cameras and complete smarthome systems to help you keep those you love safe.
How To Attain a Germ-Free Smarthome in the Post COVID-19 World
Smarthomes Can Be Touch-Free Homes
Kids touch everything.
It’s just how they are.
They touch their face, their mouth, their eyes, pets, food, and any surface they come in contact with at home, at school and on-the-go!
In the age of COVID-19 and the coronavirus pandemic, touching means possibly coming in contact with COVID-19 germs. While social distancing measures certainly have helped the spread of this virus, it’s hard to know exactly when and where you are most exposed to germs.
There is one place you are safe. Once you’ve quarantined your family for at least two weeks, you can be assured the coronavirus is not in your home.
As the country is looking for ways to reopen and restart our economy, we are all looking for ways to touch less surfaces and stay germ-free as much as possible
Voice Activation Means Germ-Free Automation!
Smarthomes with voice activation is your solution to keeping you and your loved ones safe.
Not having to touch multiple surfaces will eliminate close contact with those who might visit your home as the country is opening back up again.
Whether you install voice-activation at home or in your business, it is the best tool in your arsenal against spreading germs.
URC Smarthome Technology: Touch-Free and Germ-Free Technology
At Strand Security, we trust URC to do the job for us. URC is fully-integrated and gives your whole house automation and control!
URC can
- alarm your home
- monitor your cameras
- light your rooms
- stream shows and films
- draw your shades
- pump music through your home
- lock your doors
and so much more.
Smarthome Technology Experts in Myrtle Beach
Who should you call when you need a smarthome with voice activation in the Myrtle Beach area? Whether you live in Horry County or Georgetown County, Strand Security can help you with URC installation and integration! Complete set up of the system including teaching you how to use the controls and all features.
Trust the smarthome experts who’ve been installing smarthome technology for years! Add to that the fact we don’t just work here, but we also live right here on the Grand Strand. Strand Security is a locally owned and locally operated small business to help you protect those you love and to secure that what you worked so hard for!
Doing Our Part to Stop The Spread of Germs on the Grand Strand
We are a proud partner with WBTW News 13 in their 13Cares Program as a response to the coronavirus outbreak on the Grand Strand.
We are doing our part to stop the spread of germs and to keep everyone safe!
Let us know how we can help you!
Go Ahead and Take Charge with URC Total Control!
New Home? New Automation!
If you have just build a new home or purchased a new home on the Grand Strand in South Carolina, we want to talk to you!
Did you know that ANY HOME, no matter when it was built, can be turned into a Smarthome!?
Yes! 🙌🏻
No need to wait for contractors or handyman… (because we know you already have!)
We at Strand Security can turn ANY home into a Smarthome with URC!
Old Home? New Automation!
Now if you are looking for a Smarthome but you do not want to move, rebuild or construct something, we’ve got great news! Any home can be made into a Smarthome with URC automation.
Even the oldest homes, the most basic homes, can be updated to become smart.
How awesome is that, right?
Just let us know WHAT you’d like to automate, and what brands/equipment you currently have and we will make a plan together!
URC Touchscreen Controller
Check out this super cool touchscreen technology.
Image this tabletop controller sitting on your kitchen table.
You activate the system with your voice and be giving a commend, you can turn on lights, turn the thermostat up or down or control the window shades!
How sweet is that?!
Need to change something? Use the tabletop controller to adjust a setting.
Need to monitor your cameras? Use the tabletop controller to see every angle!
URC Remote Control!
However, if you want total reach from say, your couch, you also need a universal remote from URC!
No need for any other remote – this one REPLACES all your other remotes!
How is that for Smarthome technology.
Chuck your tv remote, surround sound system remote, and all other gadgets…
The BEST PART?
We will INSTALL and PROGRAM your remote for you!
Let’s review that…
You do not have to know how to program this; Strand Security staff will program your URC system and remote for you!
Take Total Control Of Your Home with URC
The URC remote gives you
- Touchscreen LCD
- WiFi remote control
- Microphone and speaker for voice control
- Seamless integration with Total Connect systems
- Includes charging dock
South Carolina; are you ready for the next generation of Smarthome technology?
Give us a call!
10 Reasons To Love Smarthomes
This post is the second in a year-long series of ’10 reasons to love…’ as Strand Security celebrates 10 years in business.
10 Reasons to Love the Grand Strand
What is a Smarthome?
A Smarthome is
a residence equipped with a number of devices that automate tasks normally handled by humans. Some are built into the structure itself and some added later, and homeowners operate them with voice commands or by artificial intelligence.
What Can a Smarthome Do?
A smarthome
uses internet-connected devices to enable the remote monitoring and management of appliances and systems, such as lighting and heating.
That is just the tip of the iceberg, though.
New uses, new brands, and more integrations are available every day!
Our homes are getting smarter.
10 Reasons To Love Smarthomes
While new Smarthomes are created every day, not everyone fully understands what a Smarthome can do and how it can affect daily life.
Therefore, we’ve come up with 10 reasons to love Smarthomes.
1) Smarthomes Are Brilliant
Of course, they are brilliant. Their name says it all.
This home can think and has a brain that functions to communicate with the homeowners. If that’s not brilliant, we don’t know what is!
2) Smarthomes Are Convenient
While we won’t go as far as calling people lazy, Smarthomes offer convenience to those who crave it. With just one button, one switch or one command, the homeowner can engage the home to auto-work for them.
3) We Love Smarthomes Due To Endless Integration Possibilities
Smarthome technology integrates with hundreds, if not thousands of brands. URC integrates with 100’s of brands, many brands that we offer and recommend to our customers here at Strand Security
4) We Love Smarthome Automation
Automation means that once you set something up once, that ‘action’ is remembered and can be triggered at any time by a commend. Automation means that when you get home, you can, for example, tell your home ‘I am home’ and that would trigger any automation you’ve programmed – drawing shades, changing the thermostat, locking the doors behind you etc.
5) Smarthomes Save Us Time
By virtue of automation and integration, we all save time; the Smarthome does the thinking as well as the execution.
6) Smarthomes Eliminate Redundancy
Never again draw the shades. Never again have to touch a light switch. Never again have to lock (or forget to lock) the door behind you. Set it up once and it’s done!
7) Smarthomes Help Those Who Are Less Able-bodied
If you or someone you love lives with a disability, or is elderly and not active, having a Smarthome can be a gamechanger to being independent! Especially if that person has limited physical ability.
8) Smarthomes Make Our Homes More Energy Efficient
By automating lights, thermostats, and window shades, your home becomes energy efficient. You will save money on your electric bill just by being smart!
9) Smarthomes Give Our Home a Personality
Your home might be quirky, or stern, or persistent. If you set your automation right, your home will have a personality!
10) Smarthomes Allow Us To Control Our Home With Just One Remote
The best part of having a Smarthome besides ‘peace of mind’ is the ability to control your home from one remote! No more TV controls, thermostats controls, light switches and keys… One remote can do EVERYTHING for you.
Professional URC Total Control (Smart Home) Installation!
What Is Currently Powering Your SmartHome?
Many of us love technology! Some of us hate it.
Those who love it get the latest and greatest gadgets when they are released and want an upgrade after upgrade after upgrade.
(if you are THAT iPhone user who gets the next phone the day it’s released, raise your virtual hand )
Each year millions, upon millions of electronics are sold.
You can buy a system to
- alarm your home
- monitor your cameras
- light your rooms
- stream shows and films
- draw your shades
- pump music through your home
- lock your doors
and so much more.
How Many Remotes Do You Own?
One way to find out how many systems you have is to count your remotes!
That is if you aren’t already using a universal remote.
So how many different systems do you own in your home, in your business?
Wouldn’t it be cool if they all could talk to each other?
Wouldn’t it be amazing if you only had one point of contact for all those systems?
Wouldn’t it save your time, hassle and headache if you could control your WHOLE HOME form one point of contact?
Look no more, the future is here!
URC Smarthome Premium Whole-House Automation and Control
What is URC? Not sure what URC can do for your home?
(Make sure to watch the videos in that article!)
The best part about URC – we believe – is total integration with 1000s of other brands!
- Do you already have a SONOS surround-sound system? Yes, URC works with SONOS.
- Have you recently had a Home Theater installed? URC can integrate with your current system.
- Are you hiring in-home help and want to add cameras to your alarm system to keep an eye on what’s going on at home? URC will integrate and you can watch the cameras on the same device.
In essence, just about any system on the planet will integrate with URC – and take a look at the premium control devices. Slick right?!
For a full list of integration partners, click here.
URC Installation; The Easiest Way to Gain a Smarthome!
URC installation is as easy as 1-2-3!
All you need to get this in your home…
1.
and this…
2.
is THIS; the Strand Security TEAM!
3.
What’s not to love about that!
Myrtle Beach’s Favorite Smarthome Installation Team!
Strand Security prides itself on staying ahead of the competition by offering its customers the latest and best technology for their home and business.
In this industry, things change often, fast and furious!
Brands change, technology changes, products are updated and new features are added. We proudly stand by every product we offer and every system we install.
Let our team help you enter the year 2020 with a Smarthome that will hard work for you every single day.
Three Tech Gadget Gift Ideas for Dad
The 2019 Holiday Season is Here!
Whether you are ready or not, the 2019 holiday season is here.
- Christmas music is playing.
- Holiday parties are happening.
- Black Friday deals are being offered.
and people are shopping!
Some of us prefer to shop in-person, others do all their holiday shopping online.
Some of us like to support local businesses, others buy from Amazon all day long.
Some of us shop early, others are last-minute shoppers who complete their last purchase on Christmas eve.
Some of us have a list, will check it twice and then are done. Others have it a lot harder.
Holiday Shopping for Those Hard to Buy For Relatives
No matter what type of shopper you are, most of us have a ‘problem shopper’ to buy for.
That one family member who either ‘has it all’ or ‘likes nothing we give’.
Male or female, old or young, there is always someone you dread buying for, right?!
We KNOW many of us turn to good-old Google to find gift ideas for those we don’t know what to buy for. We get it! We have done the same thing.
Today we’d like to share with you this cool Gift idea list for Dads!
Three Tech Gadget Holiday Gift Ideas for Dad
1. Universal Remote
What is a universal remote? Check this out!
Never look for another remote in your home again. Dad will love it. You will love it. The whole family will love it.
And if you purchase your Universal Remote from Strand Security, we will give you the best deal ever on programming your new remote!
2. SONOS Speakers
Does dad shush the rest of the family when the big game is on?
Do you love big parties?
Does dad love to watch sports so much he needs to watch it everywhere in the house?
SONOS speakers will bring the game to him no matter where he is, including outside, in the attic or in the home theater! SONES speakers will assure you and your guests will have music anywhere in your home.
3. URC Smarthome Technology
URC smarthome technology lets every single gadget currently in your home, along with any new gadget dad collects going forwards communicate and be controlled from ONE premium control device of your choice!
Say what?
Yes!
URC is PERFECT for the dad who has everything, loves gadgets and technology and wants the latest and greatest, the best of the best technology has to offer. Basically, if the dad in your life wants to brag to his buddies about all the gadgets he has and how they talk to each other, he needs URC.
URC is seriously mind-blowing, the latest in smarthome technology and the best on the market!
You Give The Gift, We Do The Install
The worst part of giving dad technology gifts is the time it takes him to set up the systems.
The best part of giving technology gifts purchased form Strand Security is that we take care of all that for you – and dad!
Stop by our office to demo our products, purchase speakers, a remote or learn more about URC! We are a locally owned and operated, small business; we are here to support our customers.
Want a Smart Home? Check Out URC for Integration Options!
A Smart Home To Take You Into 2020!
As 2020 draws near, we at Strand Security are excited to introduce you to the next generation of Smart Homes!
Before we do, let’s talk a bit more about Smart Homes and what they can do.
Any home can be a Smart Home, whether it’s a studio, a condo, a townhome, or a mansion. It’s the powerful connections that make it smart!
The powerful connections being internal connections within the home to automate daily tasks like
- locking and unlocking doors
- setting alarms
- turning music on and off
- turning lights on and off
- drawing shades
- setting the thermostat
- and so much more!
At Strand Security, we strive to always offer the latest technology, the most sought-after brands, and the best value! In our search for the best we can offer our customers, we landed on URC.
Who or What Is URC?
URC stands for Universal remote Control.
URC is the ultimate smart automation & control system for you to experience premium control & automation for your home or business
URC Total Control 2.0 smart automation & control system features unprecedented ease of use with high-quality control devices, amazing custom GUIs, powerful system processors, and rock-solid performance.
URC comes with premium control devices, making integration easy, even those who are technology challenged.
How Smart Can Your Home Get?
It’s amazing how smart your home can get with URC.
We have been amazed by the integration possibilities!
Take a look at this list of partners!
Do you already own products by
- SONOS
- Vizio
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Home
- ONKYO
- Honeywell
- BOSE
- Dish
- Panasonic
- Sharp
- Zwave
just to name SOME of the integration possibilities!
Imagine it…
URC in action! Smart Home Demo Videos
Peace of mind for parents!
For those who like to be in control of everything!
For those with nosy neighbors!
For those who own a business!
Making Your Home a Smart Home With Strand Security and URC
If you are as excited about the possibilities as we are, give us a call!
We’d love to hear
- what brands you love
- products you currently have in your home or business
- what you want to automate
and together with URC technology, we will make a plan of action to take you into 2020!
How to Know When Your Child is Safe Home Alone After School
At What Age Can A Child Be Left Home Alone After School?
South Carolina schools in both Hory County and Georgetown County will be back in session in LESS THEN ONE MONTH and if you are a parent of school-aged children, pre-teens or teenagers after-school care solutions is what’s on your mind right now, are we right?
If you’ve researched after school programs, babysitters and clubs, you know that choices are limited and enrollment is expensive.
You might be ready to try the ‘free’ route aka allow your child to be home alone after school!
The question ‘At what age can a child be left home alone after school’ is one we hear quite frequently. As parents ourselves, we’ve had that same question years ago!
There is a two-part answer to this question.
- The LEGAL AGE a child can be left home alone after school in South Carolina is non-specific (there is no law regarding the age at which children can be left alone), however, the state has issued a non-legal guideline recommending that children younger than 8 never be left alone.
- The age you might want to leave your child home alone after school differs from child-to-child!
What does this mean?
It’s up to you as a parent; use your common sense and available resources!
Does Your Child Ask To be Left Home Alone After School?
In a previous article, we gave some advice on how to find out if your child is ready to be left home alone.
That included looking at the following criteria
- state laws
- maturity
- safety standards
One way to measure maturity is that they either bring it up themselves or that they are excited about the opportunity.
How To Prepare A Child To Be Home Alone After School
Preparation is key for a child to be ready to be home alone after school.
Rules are important!
From that previously mentioned article, we learn to
- Schedule set times for parental contact during the time spent home alone.
- Discuss telephone ettiquette and what information is ok to share and not share.
- Establish a code word in case there is a need to communicate with the child through a third party.
- Discuss before hand who should be allowed in the house, and who should not be.
- Make a list of rules. Is it ok to play with neighborhood kids or play outside? Which activities are not allowed?
- Again, a prepared person (including a child) is someone with confidence!
Safety Rules For Kids Staying Home Alone After School
These rules are rules kids should know regardless of being home alone, or with a parent!
- Rehearse possible situations the child might face. Rehearse what to do in case of a fire, power outage, tornado, security alarm set off.
- Rehearse what to do if a stranger knocks on the door.
- For an extra safety measure, install a security system. This will allow you to be notified when your child has arrived home from school and also allows you to check on them from time to time.
Kids are rehearsing for emergencies at school; why not rehearse them at home once per month as well?
How To Keep an Eye on Your Child Who Is Home Alone After School
For those among you who are excited at the prospect of being able to allow your child the freedom of being home alone after school, but are still worried, we have several options for you; all of those will ease your mind!
- LYNX Touch System by Honeywell Total Connect
- The Honeywell Total Connect iPhone app!
- Personal panic buttons
- Self Defense Classes (yes we believe kids should have this skill!)
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