How To Keep Your Family Safe and Secure in 2023
We hope that 2023 brings you all the joy, success, and prosperity that you deserve. Thank you for your business and we look forward to continuing to serve you in this new year.
Keeping Your Family Safe and Secure in 2023
There are many steps that families can take to keep their home safe and secure. Here are two ideas:
- Establish a family emergency plan: It’s important to have a plan in place in case of emergencies, such as a fire or break-in. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do in case of an emergency, and consider creating a designated “safe room” where everyone can go in the event of a crisis.
- Keep an eye on your surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Consider joining a neighborhood watch program, which can help you stay informed about potential threats in your area.
By taking these steps, you can help protect your family and your home, and create a sense of security and peace of mind.
Looking for Trends in Home Security for 2023 and Beyond
Here are five general trends that have been consistently popular in the field of home security in recent years that may continue to be relevant in the future:
- Smart home security systems: These systems allow homeowners to monitor and control their home security remotely using a smartphone or other device. Features may include the ability to remotely lock and unlock doors, view live footage from security cameras, and receive alerts when motion is detected.
- Security cameras: Security cameras, both indoor and outdoor, are a popular choice for homeowners looking to increase the security of their home. Some cameras even offer features such as facial recognition and two-way audio, which allow homeowners to communicate with visitors remotely.
- Doorbell cameras: Doorbell cameras allow homeowners to see and communicate with visitors at their front door from anywhere, even when they are not at home. These cameras can be connected to a smartphone or other device and often include features such as motion detection and night vision.
- Alarm systems: Alarm systems can be a valuable addition to a home security setup, providing an additional layer of protection against break-ins. Many alarm systems can be controlled and monitored remotely using a smartphone or other device.
- Security lighting: Security lighting can be an effective deterrent for burglars, as it makes it more difficult for them to go unnoticed. There are many options available, including motion-sensor lights, floodlights, and porch lights with built-in cameras.
It is always a good idea to stay up to date on the latest developments in home security and to take steps to protect your home and family. This may include investing in a security system, using smart home devices, and following basic safety practices such as locking doors and windows when you are away.
How Strand Security Can Provide the Security Your Family Needs in 2023
At Strand Security, we understand the importance of protecting your family and your home. That’s why we offer a range of security solutions designed to help you feel safe and secure in 2023 and beyond. Our team of experts can help you assess your security needs and recommend the right products and services to suit your specific situation. From security systems and smart home devices to security lighting and emergency preparedness, we have everything you need to keep your family safe and secure. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help protect your family and your home in 2023 and beyond.
Why learning Self Defense Can Save Lives, Including Yours!
January is National Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month
Self-defense is an important skill that can be valuable for individuals to learn in order to protect themselves and others in dangerous situations.
Many schools, community centers, and other organizations offer self-defense classes or workshops throughout the year, and it’s always a good idea to consider taking one of these classes if you’re interested in learning more about self-defense. Additionally, there are many resources available online that can provide tips and techniques for self-defense, such as instructional videos or guides.
We at Strand Security take self-defense very seriously. Check out Myrtle Beach Self Defense and call us if you want set up a self-defense training class for your club, school or organization!
Learning Self Defense Can Save your Life!
Learning self-defense can be a valuable skill that can potentially help individuals protect themselves and others in dangerous situations. Here are a few reasons why learning self-defense can be beneficial:
- It can increase confidence: Knowing that you have the skills and knowledge to defend yourself can give you more confidence in your ability to handle dangerous situations. This can also make you feel more secure in your daily life.
- It can help you stay calm in a crisis: In a high-stress situation, it’s natural to feel panicked or overwhelmed. However, self-defense training can help individuals stay calm and think clearly in order to make the best decisions for their safety.
- It can teach you how to de-escalate situations: Self-defense training often includes techniques for de-escalating situations before they become violent. This can be especially useful in situations where you feel threatened or in danger but don’t want to resort to physical violence.
- It can give you an advantage in a physical confrontation: While it’s always best to avoid physical confrontations whenever possible, sometimes they may be unavoidable. In these cases, having self-defense training can give you an advantage and potentially help you escape a dangerous situation.
Overall, learning self-defense can help individuals feel more confident and secure in their daily lives and can potentially save lives in dangerous situations.
Who Should Learn Self-Defense?
Self-defense can be beneficial for people of all ages, genders, and physical abilities. It’s important for everyone to be aware of their surroundings and to have a basic understanding of how to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations.
However, some people may have a greater need or desire to learn self-defense due to their personal circumstances or profession. For example, people who work in high-risk environments, such as law enforcement officers or security guards, may want to learn self-defense as part of their job training. Additionally, people who have experienced physical or verbal abuse or who live in neighborhoods with high crime rates may feel more vulnerable and may want to learn self-defense as a way to increase their confidence and feel more secure.
Ultimately, the decision to learn self-defense is a personal one and should be based on an individual’s specific needs and circumstances. If you are interested in learning self-defense, it’s a good idea to research your options and find a class or instructor that is appropriate for your skill level and needs.
Ten Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe and Secure in Winter Months
Winter is here! Yes, even in South Carolina can it get cold, wet and yucky!
Now that the holidays are over and colder weather has arrived, how do we keep our homes safe and secure?
What does Winter in South Carolina Look Like?
Winter weather in South Carolina can vary widely depending on location and elevation. Coastal areas are generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to low 60s Fahrenheit during the day and dropping to the 30s and 40s at night. Inland areas and the Upstate region, which includes the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Piedmont plateau, can be colder, with temperatures ranging from the 30s to the 50s during the day and dropping into the 20s and 30s at night.
Snow is rare in South Carolina, but it can occur, especially in the higher elevations of the Upstate. Ice storms are also possible, especially in the northern and central parts of the state. The best way to stay prepared for winter weather in South Carolina is to keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for cold temperatures and possible precipitation. It’s a good idea to have a winter emergency kit on hand, including warm clothing, blankets, a flashlight, and other supplies in case you need to stay warm and safe during a winter storm.
Whether you plan to travel or be home, work or work from home, these 10 tips will help you and your home stay safe and secure.
Ten Tips To Keep a Home Safe and Secure During Winter Months
- Keep your doors and windows locked at all times, especially when you’re not home. This will help prevent burglaries and other types of break-ins.
- Install a security system, such as a burglar alarm or surveillance cameras, to further protect your home.
- Consider adding deadbolts to your doors for added security.
- Keep your garage door closed and locked, as this is a common entry point for burglars.
- Keep your valuables out of sight and secure. This includes jewelry, electronics, and other items that may be tempting to burglars.
- Make sure your home is well-lit, both inside and outside. This will help deter burglars and make it easier for you to see what’s going on around your home.
- Keep your outside doors and windows clear of snow and ice. This will make it easier for you to see what’s happening outside and make it more difficult for burglars to access your home.
- Consider installing motion-sensing lights around your home. These lights will turn on when they detect movement, alerting you to any potential threats.
- Keep your shrubs and trees trimmed to reduce hiding places for burglars.
- Stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings. If you see anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to report it to the authorities.
Call Strand Security in Murrells Inlet Before an Emergency Arrives!
We often get calls from people on the Grand Strand who’ve experienced a crime. The BEST TIME to connect with us and ask us for help is before an emergency so that a crime can possibly be prevented. We are only a phone call away!
How Smarthome Technology Offers Disabled Persons a New Lease on Life
Living Independently in South Carolina
Everyone deserves to have a home and live the life they want. Those who are living with a disability often have fewer choices about where and how they live alone. Children with disabilities who work on gaining independence from their parents will experience confidence in themselves.
Technology can help facilitate these changes and that independence.
Technology used for good is allowing disabled persons to replace some of the tasks done for them with tasks they can do on their own with the help of this new technology.
This article will highlight just a few use-cases of smarthome technology for those living with a disability.
Smarthome Technology for The Visually Impaired
From first-hand experience we know how hard it is for someone who is slowly losing their vision to continue to live alone. Smarthome technology has helped a loved one we know in these ways:
They used Alexa to
- turn on the TV and adjust the volume
- warm up meals in the microwave
- make phone calls
- alert emergency personal
They also used another product to dispense pills twice per day.
Smarthome technology for the visually impaired can make the difference between independence, and relying on the help of a home aide.
From this article we learn:
Voice assistants can be integrated into a smart home to
- Turn on/off lights
- Control heating and cooling systems in a home
- Open/close shades
- Lock/unlock doors
- TV Control (even people who are totally blind will use a TV for audio content)
- Control robotic vacuums, mops, and lawn mowers
- Notify homeowners of events occurring in the home
- And more…
Smarthome Technology for Those with Hearing Loss
When we look as those persons with hearing loss, smarthome technology can help them in different ways.
That includes
- Smart doorbells
- Smart TVs
- Smart security system
- Smart hearing aids!
There are so many reasons to embrace smarthome technology!
Smarthome Technology for Those Who Live with Physical Limitations
This article from the New York Times highlights how people with physical disability and limited motion can be helped with smarthome technology!
It’s amazing to read WHAT can be automated in your home (HINT: Just about anything that runs on electricity!)
- telephones
- garage doors
- lights
- thermostats
- TVs
- locks
- doors
- and so so much more.
Voice controlled automation is brilliant for those with limited mobility!
Smarthome Technology for Those Living with Cognitive Impairments
Last but not least, those with cognitive impairments can be helped with smarthome technology, too.
Elderly who live alone and might forget to take meds, can be reminded to take them at set times with a simple Alexa hack. Simple tasks that are easily forgotten (like eating lunch, or cleaning the dishes) can be set to become daily reminders.
Smarthome technology can be used to make their home safer when they cook or perform other simple tasks.
Smarthome technology might give a person with cognitive impairments a bit more independence, or a few extra months in their home if they are experiencing declining health.
Smarthome Technology is Not Just for Disabled Homeowners
If you have a child with a disability, smarthome technology can enrich the life of your child by offering them more independence. Come talk to us about your most pressing issue and we might be able to help you find a simple solution with smarthome technology. We’d love to help you and your family!
Home Security Trends for 2023 and Beyond
Hey South Carolina!
What’s up? We are getting a head start on home security trends for 2023.
We know you want to know what’s new, exciting and what’s coming down the pipeline, right? Here are some of the 2023 home security trends we see taking off in 2023.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is Here to Stay!
AI, Artificial Intelligence is here. It’s being used in almost all industries and certainly has made its way to the home and commercial security industry.
Artificial intelligence is used to operate smart devices via the voice control function of AI-enabled units such as Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, in addition to its use in home security systems. In addition, Voice commands can be used to manage advanced home security systems and commercial systems.
Cloud-Based Security in 2023
If you have heard of the “cloud” but aren’t sure what it does, here is your answer.
Cloud security, also known as cloud computing security, is a collection of home security measures designed to protect cloud-based infrastructure, applications, and data.
These measures ensure user and device authentication, data and resource access control, and data privacy protection and are connected to your home security system. More and more systems rely on cloud-based systems to backup their data such as video footage.
Smarthome Technology – Expanded
We’ve been installing and servicing smarthomes for years. In 2023 we see smarthome technology expand even more. Homeowners want their smarthome to do even more recurring tasks for them.
In 2022 we saw the first installations of smart window shades.
In 2023, we predict more and more home will add smarthomes technology to
- locks
- lights
- sound systems
- HVAC systems
- and other home appliances such as coffee makers, alarm clocks, refrigerators, ovens and more!
Will My Current Home Security System Suffice in 2023?
That is a great question.
While technology changes quickly, we can often swap out or add components for you to keep the current system in place. Unless you have a brand new home that need it all, small changes i.e new cameras, new keypad, additional sensors, these are things that can be added without breaking the bank.
Imagine the Possibilities of Smarthome Technology in 2023
Smarthome technology is not just for nerds!
It’s great for
- busy parents
- senior citizens
- disabled persons
- families
- travelers
- second home owners
- AirbnB rentals
Smarthome technology allows you to keep an eye on your home when you are not present. It also allows you to DO things in your home while not present:
- unlock doors
- adjust thermostats
- draw shades
- turn lights on and off
- and much much more!
Smart Homeowners Get Smarthome Technology in 2023!
We are the experts in Horry County and Georgetown County in the Myrtle Beach area. We are locally owned and locally operated and live where we work.
Come talk to us!
The Best Home Security Tips of 2022 Per Strand Security
This year has been incredible. The growth we’ve seen in the Grand Strand area and in Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet and surrounding areas is incredible. New residents continued to move in as new homes were completed.
With so many new people in a relatively small geographical area, we need to be cognisant of friction this can cause.
Most often when a population swells quickly like it has on the Grand Strand, crime rate increases as well.
Home Security Tips for Grand Strand Residents
We’ve done our part by installing new home security systems, updates existing homes and systems and adding smart home technology for businesses and homeowners.
While we can monitor your home from afar with COPS monitoring, it’s important each homeowner takes an active role in keeping their home, their property crime-free and their family safe.
We’ve shared several new home security tips this past year, so let’s revisit the best of the best!
Drones, Facial Recognition and Smart Home Technology, Oh My!
We blogged about new trends and updates for 2022 and this included drones as security cameras, facial recognition to operate your smart home and additional smart home technology and did we ever predict it right!
Check out this featured story on window shades!
Fire Safety for Home and Family
Home security tips we gave earlier this year includes tips about home safety and fire hazards. If you have a family, you need to read this article and implement these home safety tips ASAP.
PS that article also has great tips about using lights and sounds to deter criminals. Music never sounded this sweet before!
Digging Up Unusual Home Security Tips for Golden Nuggets!
This fall we searched high and low for the most UNUSUAL home security and safety tips and oh boy, did we strike gold!
Most of these tips were about moving things around your home as not to be too obvious.
Move your keypad (so no one can see it through a window), move your spare key and even move your valuables. Did you know most people keep their jewelry in the master bedroom? Yep. Don’t put YOURs there! 😉
Got Bad Security Habits?
There are no bad security systems. Really. An armed system is great, but only if you … arm it! So many band habits result in bad decisions which lead to disasters.
To get your home and your family safe and secure, you’ve got to drop some of your own bad habits!
Listen to the Criminals for Home Security Advice!
Last but not least, we found some of the best home security tips for 2022 by asking criminals.
Most criminals do not want to encounter humans when they commit a crime. Most crimes are crimes of opportunity, which leave sus with these amazing tips: deter, deter, deter.
If you deter a criminal, they will move on to an easier target! Simple, but true.
Keeping Your Family Safe in 2023
If you are new to the Grand Strand, have just purchased a new home, or have started a family and new home security, we’d love to become your service provider. Give us a call anytime. Your security, our business. We live and work right here on the Grand Strand and we secure our home and our family with the same products and brand we instal in our customer’s homes.
What Home Security Packages are Available to Grand Strand Residents?
“Bundle”
Who hasn’t heard that word in recent …commercials? Do you love savings? Do you like a deal, a bargain? Do you like feeling you ‘won’ better service, better pricing or better bundles? Who doesn’t love combining services for a better price point? Strand Security has you covered!
When we went looking for keywords YOU (our audience) were searching for on Google, we saw you are searching for Home Security Packages.
Do we ‘bundle’ here at Strand Security? Sure we do!
What Home Security Packages are Available to Grand Strand Residents?
The short answer about our bundles, or home security packages, is to ask us!
If you have a home security system, and want to create a smarthome, we can add those new components and that new service into a new package for you.
If you are a commercial customer of ours, and we take care of your business, restaurant, or any of your commercial systems, and you want to protect your family, we can create a home security package for you!
If you are considering purchasing or building a new home, and want options like a central vacuum, smart window shades, a sound system or a complete home theater build, we can bundle that!
Customizable Systems, Customizable Home Security Packages
No one customer of ours is alike.
No one customer has the exact same needs as another.
No one customers comes to us with the exact same issues as another.
We customize your home security packages for that very reason.
Do you already have an (older) system? We might be able to reuse some of the technology!
Home Security Packages are Based on Your Needs
When we work together, we look for the best solutions for your home.
We strive to your home secure, your family safe and your assets protected.
Your security is our business.
We work with
- Home owners in Horry County and Georgetown County
- Retirees
- New residents to South Carolina
- New parents
- Those who care for kids and elderly aka the sandwich generation
- Business owners
- and more.
Home Security Protection: Building, Family and Assets
We secure everything and everyone close to you.
- If you have an elderly family member in your care, we can provide a personal panic button to add to your system.
- If you need to give access to your home to several people (babysitters, contractors), consider changing your system to a smarthome system so you’ll never need a key again, just personalized codes for easy and secure access!
- If you have assets like expensive cars, baots, jet skis or other fun toys on your premises, you’ll want special cameras and sensors to secure those high ticket items.
Your Security is our business!
Give Strand Security A Call to Talk about Home Security Packages
We are only a phone call away! Let us know your problem and we will tell you how we can help you solve your problems or security issues.
Ring in the Fall Season With these 5 Most Unusual Home Security Tips
Home Security Tips Galore!
A quick Google search gets you the most common home security tips.
We’ve covered them here on this Strand Security blog extensively over the past 7+ years! But what about the more unusual security tips? Things you might not think about when you purchase a home?
We’ve gone and done it! We’ve collected five of the most unusual home security tips we could find into one blog. Get ready for these home security hacks you wish you’d known sooner.
1 Move your alarm keypad!
Sure, most people depend on security companies (us) to install keypads for a home security system, but some don’t. If you are among a growing number of homeowners going the DIY home installation of home security systems like RING, do a quick audit on the location of the keypad.
- Where is it?
- Can it be seens through a window?
Here is why!
“An observant burglar might scope out the place and even watch you enter the numbers into the keypad. A would-be burglar can also glance through a window to see if you’ve activated your alarm system before leaving the house.”
Move it out of sight!
2 Find an unusual place for valuables
Most homeowners keep jewelry, cash and valuables in… their master bedroom! One way to secure those items is to NOT put them there in the first place.
May we suggest the back of a storage closet, a kitchen cabinet, a floor safe or elsewhere in your home, ANYWHERE BUT the master bedroom?
3 Don’t hang (car) keys near the back or front doors!
During the day keep the keys and car keys near you. You’ll need them to lock your home, as well as drive your car. But what about at night? Do you have a habit of hanging your car keys near the back door, garage door or front door?
Don’t do it!
Instead, take them with you into your bedroom where the are much safer and you’ve just made it much harder for a thief to take off with your car(s).
4 Decoy everything!
Get decoy security cameras, a decoy safe and even decoy keys. Burglars go in and out in minutes. They will not open up a safe, they will just carry the safe out and take it with them. If you want to fool those fools entering your home uninvited, become the master of decoys.
It works!
(for personal safety, we recommend a decoy wallet, too, especially when traveling and visiting new unfamiliar cities!)
5 Sliding Doors need extra protection
If your home has a beautiful glass sliding door, you need more protection than just a simple lock. Sliding door usually have small locks that are easy to break so adding an additional security measure seems right. If the door is not properly installed, a burglar can easily lift it off the tracks, so be sure to check your sliding glass doors for baseline security.
The best way to secure a sliding glass door is to put a rod (wood or metal) or something similar on the tracks and lodge it between the door and the wall. If an ill-intended burglar manages to unlock the sliding door, they still won’t be able to slide it open with a rod is in the way on its tracks!
Strand Security: Your Security, Our Business!
Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for more tips, tricks and to stay up-to-date on all things home and commercial security.
Where on the Grand Strand do Strand Security Murrells Inlet SC customers live?
The Myrtle Beach area offers 60+ miles of beach aka ‘strand’.
The Grand Strand stretches from Little River on the border with North Carolina, all to way to the beaches of Pawleys Island, just north of Georgetown.
Strand Security Murrells Inlet SC serves clients in and beyond those boundaries.
Strand Security Services Horry County and Georgetown County in South Carolina
Our customers typically live in either Horry County, or Georgetown County in South Carolina. Along the Grand Strand that includes towns like
- Little River
- North Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach
- Surfside Beach
- Garden City
- Murrells Inlet
- Litchfield
- Pawleys Island
However, we also serve more inland communities than these coastal towns.
Beyond the Grand Strand: We serve all of Horry County and Georgetown County
Other towns in Horry County we serve include:
- Conway
- Loris
- Aynor
- Green Sea
- Atlantic Beach
- Bucksport
- Forestbrook area
- Socastee
- Briarcliffe Acres
Who are the Customers of Strand Security Murrells Inlet SC?
Our customers include
- homeowners in Horry County and Georgetown County
- townhome
- duplex
- family home
- beach home
- vacation home
- condo
- mobile home
- Businesses in Horry County and Georgetown County
- any commercial real estate
- restaurants
- gas stations
- retail space
- service providers
- hospitals
- medical offices
- industrial buildings
- manufacturing plants
- schools
- parks and recreations sites
- mobile home parks
- campgrounds
- and so much more!
What Services does Strand Security Murrells Inlet SC provide?
We provide the following services:
-
Residential Security Alarm Systems
• Commercial Security Alarm Systems• Audio/Video Solutions• Home Automation
FAQs Strand Security Murrells Inlet SC receives
Here are some of the common statistics about alarm systems and home burglaries.
*Over 2 Million homes are burglarized each year.
*One in three burglaries occurs through an open/unlocked door or window
*Two thirds of burglaries in the United States occur at a residence.
*There is a home burglary, on average, every 13 seconds.
*Homes without an alarm system are 3x more likely to be burglarized.
*Less than 20% of homes in the United States have an alarm system installed.
*Most burglaries occur during the day when no one is home.
*Installing a home alarm system can greatly reduce your chances of a burglary.
*According to the FBI, a break-in is the most common threat to a residence.
Do You Have Questions about Home Security?
We would love a chance to speak to you.
Give us a call today.
The Most Useful Home Security Tips Shared by Criminals to Keep You Safe!
When it comes to learning about crime, listen to the professionals. Professional criminals that is! Many people have interviewed criminals and from those interviews we have gained a lot of knowledge.
Don’t make the mistakes the victims of their crimes made. Instead, do this:
- Always prepare.
- Always be on alert.
- Always do you part in deterring criminal from targeting you.
How? Read this article where we’ve gathered the best home security tips from.. professional criminals!
When Answering a Knock on Your Door…
Ask questions! Oten burglars knock first to see if anyone is home. If you happen to be home and you answer, look at the person. Ask what they want and who they are looking for. Burglars might make up an excuse, or make up a name of a so-called neighbors. When you ask these types of questions, burglars back off!
A burglar using this method, might be dressed for the part. S/he might be dressed as a neighbor, blending right in.
Close your Blinds When You Are Not Home
Burglars will look through your windows to scout for valuables. They look for gun cases, jewelry boxes, expensive TVs or audio systems and more. If they see something they like, they will make your home a target!
Activate Alarm Systems!
Burglars report avoiding homes with alarm systems. They do not want to be confronted by police if they can avoid it. Not only install those home alarm systems, but activate them! They work to deters burglars.
Locked Doors, Windows, even 2nd Story Windows
Just because you wouldn’t climb, doesn’t mean a determent burglar wouldn’t. Their advice is to lock all windows and door, even 2nd story windows. If they find windows locked, or alarmed with a system, they will leave and go to another home.
Don’t Leave It Up To Fate
Burglars report that most of their crime is random: they look for opportunities. As a homeowner, do everything you can to prevent a break-in. It’s your job to let a burglar know that you are alert and aware!
Signs Deter Burglars
Signs deter burglars!
- ‘Beware of Dog’
- ‘No Trespassing’
- ‘Alarm System installed by …’
Lock Your Cars! Keep Valuables out of Sight!
Not only do burglars target your home, they also check out your garage! Lock your cars and more importantly than that – do not leave valuables in sight. They will grab keys, money, purses, phones and more.
Lock them in a trunk, or better yet, take them inside each time you exit your car.
Listen To This Advice By Professional Criminals
No matter where you live: suburbia, the city or in a rural community, crime happens. Be prepared to deter those who look for an opportunity to rob you. Play it safe and smart: do whatever you can to deter the criminal from targeting your home.
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