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!)
Why Zwave is the Best Home Automation your Money Can Buy
What Exactly is Zwave Home Automation?
Zwave home automation is a way to transform any home into a smarthome!
You can use Zwave for your home, but don’t forget, Zwave can also work for your business!
Zwave can take over reoccurring daily tasks like
- turning lights on and off
- locking and unlocking doors
- drawing window shades
- adjusting thermostats
Zwave is world-standard wireless technology that lets all your electronics devices talk to each other and to you via remote control!
How Smart Can Your Home Get with Zwave Home Automation?
How smart is Zwave?
Pretty darn smart, even if we say so ourselves!
Zwave control can be added to just about anything electronic in your home, even devices that you would not think of as intelligent.
By utilizing Zwave, you unify all your home electronics into an integrated wireless network without any complicated programming and no new cables. Any Zwave enabled device can be added to your existing network and many non-Zwave devices can be made compatible simply by plugging it into a Zwave accessory module.
Zwave Home Automation is Easy To Set Up!
Zwave control is easily added to almost any device.
As stated before, simply plug your device of choice into a Zwave module and ‘join’ it to your Zwave network.
You can add as many devices as you need.
Zwave can be added to one device, a whole room, a floor or an entire home!
Zwave Home Automation is Easy To Use!
Unlike whole-home control systems, no special wiring is needed to utilize Zwave. If you are handy and have tackled DIY projects before, installing Zwave should be an easy task. Of course, we at Strand Security understand that even if you can do it, sometimes you don’t have the time to do it.
No worries.
Our crew can set up your Zwave systems for you, saving you time and possibly a bit of frustration and some stress.
Zwave does ‘the thinking’ for you!
It understands the present status of any enabled device and gives you confirmation that your devices have received the automatic or manual commands you want!
Zwave Home Automation is Affordable
Because there is no special wiring needed and Zwave can be installed by a do-it-yourselfer, Zwave remains affordable.
Last but not least, Zwave is brand-agnostic.
What that means is that you, the consumer, are not stuck having to buy from just one manufacturer or supplier.
Ready to Move Forward with Zwave? Request a Demo!
We have Zwave in our showroom, feel free to stop by to see us in Murrells Inlet anytime you are in the area.
While you are visiting, ask about other demos including
✔️ Sonos
✔️ Honeywell
and more!
We are located at 11810 Frontage Rd. Unit 10 in Murrells Inlet!
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.
3 of the Most Common Mistakes People Make With Do It Yourself Home Security
Have You Ever Attempted to Install Your Own Home Security System?
We get that you want to save money. Life is expensive. Life with a family is expensive.
Just for a minute, consider the consequences of a home security install disaster.
Go ahead!Consider them.
Your family’s safety and security should be your number one priority. There are certain things you can cut corners on, and yes, saving money feels good! Let us be the first to tell you, cheap is not always the best value!
Do it yourself home security almost always
….starts with over-confidence.
Quickly turns into a frustrating project.
…and can be an utter and total fiasco and failure!
As we don’t want that to happen to you and yours, here are some Do It Yourself Home Security Fails you can learn from!
You are welcome!
Do It Yourself Home Security Fail #1: Thinking You Know What Equipment You Need
The experts have seen hundreds, maybe thousands of homes and businesses and have installed countless security systems. An expert understands what each location needs and what is unique about that home or business. They check and measure the distance to exits, current lighting, ask about habits, potential users of the system and many more questions. When an expert comes to you for a consult, they take everything into consideration before deciding what equipment you need. You, on the other hand, might be lured by price points, sales at the local hardware store or by what your 80-year-old neighbor installed in his much larger, or smaller, home.
Security is not one-size-fits-all.
Therefore, ask a security expert to help you pick the exact equipment you need to secure your home and keep your family safe!
Do It Yourself Home Security Fail #2: Thinking You Know How To Wire New Equipment Correctly
Another mistake frequently people make is that they underestimate the time and knowledge it takes to install a new system correctly. Even if you’ve wired lights before, installing a security system is different.
It is only your family’s safety and security that depends on you installing a new system correctly.
Ask yourself: “Am I 100% sure I know what I am doing?”
If you can not answer that question affirmatively, it’s time to outsource this skill to an expert!
Do It Yourself Home Security Fail #3: Thinking You Know How To Integrate New and Old Equipment and Pair it With Your Smarthome.
There are tons of commercials enticing you to buy add-ons to your current system. There are even more YouTube videos available to watch and learn from. DIY videos are one of the most watched genres of videos on YouTube.
Caution ahead.
Old and New Equipment Don’t Often Integrate Well. Ask an Expert to Make Sure It Can Be Done Safely and Securely.
Just because you watched a video, that does not make you an expert.
Just because your friend is helping you install some new features, does not make you both security system installers.
Just because you think you can, does not mean you can!
A ‘Do It Yourself Home Security Fail’ Often Results In Higher Overall Security Cost
If you tired and failed to be the do-it-yourself home security installer, it is time to call in the expert.
Often, experts only work with the best systems and the best brands, something many DIY installers don’t consider. That might make your ‘deal’ on the hardware from the local hardware store, not such a good deal afterall because if you can’t use the equipment and you can’t return it, you will end up paying double, never mind the wasted time you’ll never get back!
We hope your home is safe and secure!
Let us know if disaster struck and you need us, we are only one phone call away!
5 Excellent Reasons You Will Want Home Automation Now
Is Your Home a Smart Home Yet?
We’ve been busy here at Strand Security in the Myrtle Beach area, not just with installing new home security systems and home automation features, but also with writing this blog and several of the articles we’ve been writing lately are about home automation. The Grand Strand area is growing rapidly and new homes, new neighborhoods, new businesses and new roads are being build at incredible speed!
It’s a popular topic to write about as it’s a growing trend among home owners!
People like you want the right information to make the right decision about their home before they invest time and money into home automation. Believe us when we say ‘we get it’!
Home Automation Information and Latest News
Want to know more about home automation and what home automation can do for you, here are some of the most recent articles on our very own Strand Security blog that talks about automation and smart technology.
? How to convert an old home into a smart home. Read it here
? Smart home. Safe home. Secure home. Read it here
? How to give your home a voice. Read it here
? Party like a rockstar at home with SONOS. Read it here
? How to program your universal remote the easy way. Read it here
? Smart homeowners get smart home demos in Myrtle Beach. Read it here
We hope these articles have inspired you and made you excited about using home automation to turn your home into a smart home! We are here to help you…!
Don’t Put Off Home Automation! What Are You Waiting For?
In case you are still hesitant, here are 5 reasons you will want home automation now!
1) Improved security
Of course you will get improved security with home automation! Your systems will work together and the possibilities are endless. The best part? Once it’s set up, your overall security is enhanced by it. For example, you might be able to watch your home security cameras in real time from an app on your device! Nothing will get by you.
2) Timesaver
As your home is automated, many ‘daily tasks’ will be automated. With voice activation simple commends like ‘good morning house’ could lower the temperature in your home, raise the blinds and unlock your front door all at the same time without you lifting a finger!
3) Frustration-Free
Since everything is automated, it is, well, automated! No more frustration that you forgot to change the thermostat before your left the home. No more frustration that you forgot to set your security alarm system. No more frustration that you can’t remember if you fed the dog…
4) Saves Money on Utility Bills
Home automation will automatically save you… money! Of course it does. Your thermostat will be automated to give you the perfect temperature when you are home, saving energy when you are not!
5) Resale Value of Your Home
If you are ready to sell your home soon, home automation features can be an important selling point and enhance the overall feel for your home to a potential buyer. Getting the best and latest and greatest gadgets is something most home buyers would want!
How Do You Get Started With Home Automation?
Call your local professional to consult with. Our phone number number is 843-318-6392
After doing research, like reading this and other articles online, you might have an idea of what features you might want and need in your home. The next step would be to have a professional come out to your home and give you an even clearer picture of home automation possibilities.
Will Drones Have an Impact On Your Home Security Now, or in the Future?
Drones Are Here To Stay!
Whether you own one, want one or don’t care either way; drones are here to stay!
Many new businesses have sprouted up with the introduction of affordable drones sold to the general public.
Drones are used for taking photographs and video, and have been used to conduct land surveys and to find ships lost at sea, just to name a few uses.
After drones became affordable for just about any amateur photographer and videographer, many towns, municipalities and cities reacted by instituting ‘no fly zones’ for drones for the safety of air traffic and their citizens.
Are Drones Safe?
Flying drones is a great hobby. It can also be part of a great business model, if you can make money off of the videos and photographs taken with your drone. But are there any safety concerns with flying drones just about anywhere?
Sure there are!
Safety first when it comes to drones, especially if drones are flown near airports, busy highways or cell towers!
How about near your home? Will flying drones impact your home security? Will flying drones enhance or hinder your home security?
Futuristic? Drones As Part of Your Security System
New technology will enable drones to be part of your home security system – if not now, in the very near future!
In this article in Digital Trends we read about a new home security system that deploys a drone to patrol your property! Sounds like something out of a sci-fi book? Think again! The technology is here and soon most, if not all, security systems will have this capability. This article predicts
“The idea of a security camera that doesn’t fly will seem like the dark ages.”
That will be an amazing day…!
Can Drones Interfere with Your Security System or Home Automation System?
Sure, drones can interfere with your systems, that can happen, and it has happened. However, it’s not the main concern you should have about your home security system. If your Wifi system is password protected, drones should not be able to interfere with your home automation or security systems.
But there is a much larger security concern with drones…
Drones Have Access To Private Property!
Drones can pretty much fly wherever they are guided! That means the lines between private property and public land are not so clear anymore – from the air, there are no gates, fences or lines drawn in the sand…
Case in point (and we know – this was a helicopter, not a drone) are the fly-over pictures released on July 4 weekend of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
Read the full article of what happened here.
The point is; helicopters, and now drones, give private citizens access to private property and that means your neighbor could decide to fly a drone over your backyard to SPY on you…! Or worse; someone who is out to hurt you, your family or wants to burglarize your home, could use a drone to ‘scout’ the area before striking.
We feel that’s all pretty scary to think about!
So what can you do to protect yourself from drones?
Be Aware of Drones Flying Near Your Home
The first step to preventing a crime is to be alert and aware. When you do notice a drone flying over your property, take notice. Find out where it is flying back to; who is flying the drone. Take a picture of the drone if you can, and notice the size, color and time of day it’s flying over.
The next step is to make sure all family members know your family emergency plan and go over and practice this plan at least twice per year.
Last but not least, activate your security system when you are home alone, and when you leave your home. It might be a good idea to have at least one of your outside cameras pointing up at the sky!
Be Aware! Be Prepared: Drones Are Coming!
Whether you like drones, or not, they are coming to a neighborhood near you, very soon.
Be aware.
Be prepared.
They are coming.
5 Quick and Easy Security Tips for New Homeowners
Congrats; You Just Bought A New Home!
We are sure you are excited, overwhelmed and scared all at the same time. There are so many things to do and take care of before you purchase a home, and then many more details after the contract goes through.
So how can we at Strand Security in Murrells Inlet be of help during this exciting time?
We’ve put together a list for new home owners just like you; a list of 5 quick and easy security tips you can implement right away. More security means less stress and better sleep and we all know that more sleep keeps you happy and healthy!
So really, this list will be something you can use to stay, happy, healthy, secure and safe!
Here are our Top 5 Security Tips for New Home Owners
? Change the locks, all of them!
No matter what the previous owner tells you (‘we only ever made 3 keys’ or ‘we didn’t give a key to anyone’) you can never be too sure. Don’t take the risk of some stranger still having access to your home; change the locks immediately. People who might have a key to your new home could be parents, adult or teenaged children, pet sitters, babysitters, neighbors, or friends of the previous owners.
? Meet your neighbors
When you go to your new home to take measurement, meet contractors, or move some things in, make it a point to meet your new neighbors. Stop by for a quick chat to introduce yourself. Eventually you might become friendly enough for them to have an emergency key for you. Neighbors are also a great resource for local contractors and services you need as they have experience with plumbers, electricians, roofers, HVAC personnel and yes, security companies.
? Write down emergency numbers
Since you might be new in town, and most likely at least new in the neighborhood, make a list of emergency numbers and make a new family emergency plan. This list of phone numbers might include but is not limited to your HOA, the local police and fire stations, the schools your children will be attending, the cable and phone companies, the electric and water companies and more.
? Stay aware of current crime stats for your neighborhood, city and county
Technically, you should have done this before you purchased your home. You should know about break-ins, burglaries, robberies etc. Staying informed about what happens after you move in, is also a great way to stay safe. If there is a rash of car break-ins in your neighborhood, or mail is being stolen out of mailboxes, you’d want to know, right? Find out where and whom lists these crimes and adjust your security accordingly.
? Purchase a security system
Not everything you read and not everyone you meet will be on the up and up about crime stats in your new neighborhood. Why take a risk? Talk to a reputable security company today and install a system with Hi Def cameras, remote access and more to keep your loved ones safe and your new home secure!
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