Holiday Music Sounds Better with Sonos!
‘Tis The Season For Holiday Music!
Merry Christmas.
Happy Holidays.
‘Tis the season to celebrate!
What better way to kick off the season and to really enjoy the holiday season than with holiday classic movies and holiday music!
Music and movies bring back happy memories and might trigger long-forgotten holiday celebrations.
Now – if you could not only bring holiday spirit, holiday movies and holiday music to your home, but you could do it with the best possible sound, would you be interested in that?
What Are Your Favorite Holiday Songs?
Let’s start by finding some holiday classics!
How is THAT for sound?!
We love how this song plays and sounds on the SONOS speaker!
Cool Apps To Use To Find New Holiday Music
Check out the many options you have for streaming holiday music on your SONOS speakers and sound systems!
Options include
- Spotify
- Apple Music
- Amazon Music
- Pandora
- Google Play Music
- SoundCloud
- Deezer
- Sirius XM
- Tidal
- TuneIn
If you already have a subscription to any of these music apps, all you need is a SONOS speaker and you are all set!
Holiday Music Does Sound Better with SONOS Speakers!
Why do SONOS speakers sound so good?
You can fill your home with
“rich, crystal clear sound for music, TV, movies, video games, podcasts, audiobooks, radio and more”
Give The Gift That Keeps on Giving All Year Long!
SONOS speakers are the gift the keeps on giving all year long!
Use the home speaker system for upcoming parties, including
- graduation
- anniversary
- birthday
- bridal shower
- pool
No matter what time of year, SONOS speakers will provide you with instant rich-sounding music with just one voice command.
AVAILABLE in our Murrells Inlet Showroom!
You Can Thank Your Lucky Stars Or Hire The Best Security Company
How Lucky Do You Feel?
Accidents and attacks happen in mere seconds. People get mugged, attacked, and robbed daily. Businesses get vandalized and their employees robbed and you might never have known about it unless it made the news.
Within precious seconds, or even in the blink of an eye, something can happen to you or a loved one that will alter the rest of your life.
How well you are prepared often dictates the outcome!
The more prepared you are for the potential of a natural disaster, personal attack, accident, home invasion, fire or another emergency, the better off you are.
Leaving it all “to chance” is one sure way to set yourself and your loved ones up for failure and a negative outcome.
Do You Want Your Security To Be ‘Lucky’ or Scientific?
If you’ve never been
- attacked
- robbed
- vandalized
- in a fire
- under attack
- in an accident
count your lucky stars!
Each year, millions of Americans deal with the aftermath of personal disasters like accidents, home invasions, fires, attacks, vandalism and more.
Let us look at some statistics and scientific data next, to find if preparation for an emergency can make a difference.
Facts and Data Don’t Lie!
We contract with C.O.P.S Monitoring Services and this is why!
This means that when you do have a home or business emergency, help is on the way instantly, even if you are incapacitated due to injury, smoke inhalation, an attack or another emergency!
Safewise states: “Based on a report by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, about 60% of convicted burglars stated the presence of a security system influenced their decision to target another home.”
How is this for a statistic: “Almost 30% of burglars enter a home through an unlocked door or window.” It’s easy to prepare and to make sure to lock up every night to prevent burglaries.
Don’t Leave It To Luck. Hire The Best Security Company Now!
We are on standby to help you and yours.
Your security is our business here at Strand Security and we take it very seriously.
We are a locally owned and locally operated business and we want nothing more than help to protect those whom you love and that what you’ve worked so hard for!
Come to talk to us and learn the difference.
We Are Thankful For Our Customers!
We wouldn’t be where we are today without our loyal customers.
To our current customers, we’d like to say “We enjoy doing business with you and thank you for your patronage.” For those who are not customers yet; “What are you waiting for?” Pick up the phone and give us a call!
Seven Solid Reasons You Need a Business Security System
Are You A Local Grand Strand Business Owner?
Whether your business is here in South Carolina on the Grand Strand or elsewhere if you are a business owner with a business with a physical location including
- warehouse
- store
- medical facility
- restaurant
- office suite
- office building
- shed
- trailer
or any other building – you are in need of a business security system!
To start any business takes an investment of time and money.
We know because we are business owners ourselves. If you have invested your hard-earned money and/or life savings into a new business venture, don’t you want to make sure this investment is protected against all sorts of crime and accidents?
Crime Statistics for Myrtle Beach, Horry County and Georgetown County.
The local crime statistics aren’t pretty.
The Myrtle Beach area is a fast-growing area with many transient families and individuals. We are also a tourist hot-spot; millions of non-residents come to visit our shore and golf courses every year. They not only bring their families and money to spend, they also attract criminals.
To learn more about daily Myrtle Beach criminal activity, or any city you live in, check this out.
You can also you NeighborhoodScout to check on crime near you.
To learn more about why Myrtle Beach was listed on ‘Most Dangerous City’ reports, read this.
Learn To Protect Your Investment!
When you start a business, there are many things to consider.
You have to
- write a business plan
- create a budget
- get funding
- purchase equipment
- hire staff
- market yourself
and much much more.
One of the most frequently dropped but important tasks is getting the right insurance coverage up front and installing a business security system.
And of course, always lock your doors!
You Need a Business Security System
If you own a business, you need a business security system.
If you own a business, your responsibility isn’t just for yourself, but also for those you employ.
The personal safety of your employees is now in your hands, is now your responsibility.
Just this one fact alone should have you pick up the phone and call us immediately. You can not go back and prevent a crime once it has happened. You can not go back and prevent someone from getting hurt once they’ve been hurt. You can not go back and give someone back their life if their life was taken during a robbery.
Equipment, buildings, inventory and your fleet can be replaced and if you’ve got the right insurance, without too much hassle. People lives is a whole different matter.
Let’s look at a few reasons to call Strand Security and get a business security system installed by the end of the year!
7 Reasons To Install a Commercial Security System
Here are 7 solid reasons to install a business security system!
- Deter crime before it happens
- Keep vandals and squatters out
- Protect your employees and customers
- Deter employee theft
- Save money on insurance
- Alert authorities in real time when a crime happens
- Gather evidence in case of a crime
We’d be happy to discuss any of these with you at any time. Let’s get you protection.
Give us a call today!
We Are Proud To Be A Top Home Security Blog!
Strand Security is a Top Home Security Blog
We have some news to share and something to celebrate with you, our readers!
⬇️
We were recently named a Top Home Security Blog by Lockpick World.
It’s a great honor to be included in this list of top blogs, for sure!
Their words:
These blogs, websites, and experts are some of the best in the field of home security. They can supply, guide, and educate you with everything you need.
Wow!
These are great, encouraging words to hear. We work hard each week to provide with you with an updated article about everything home security – and commercial security, too – so that you may stay safe!
We always aim to
✔️supply you with answers to any home security questions you may have
✔️guide you to make decisions that are right for you, your family and business
✔️educate you about the latest technologies available in our security industry
It seems we are on track!
Your Security, Our Business!
We stop at nothing to give you the best, day in, day out!
We strive to give our customers the best
- customer service
- brands
- equipment
- monitoring service
- response time
- value
- pricing
- overall experience
We’d love to hear what you think of us!
Online Reviews for Strand Security
We value our customers, each and every one of our customers, and while it is amazing to be recognized as a Top Security Blog by a peer organization, we really love it when our customers leave positive Facebook and Google reviews for us online!
These reviews help future customers know more about Strand Security and what we do!
Let us be real!
As much as we can tell you about our customer service, our brand, equipment, and company, people trust other people more than they trust businesses.
Review Us Please!
If you’ve ever interacted with us, we’d love for you to take a few minutes to review us.
It will help future customers makes decisions, and it will help us to be found online.
Lockpick World has this to say about us and our blog:
Strand Security believes in making a safer world and works toward that goal one customer at a time. Such is its focus in attending to its patrons that every person who employs Strand Security’s services rests with a lighter heart, confident in the total security of their homes. In fact, its motto is “Your security, our business.”
We now proudly display this logo!
Why Do I Need a Commercial Security System?
Do You Own a Business on the Grand Strand?
If you are a local Myrtle Beach area business owner, let’s talk security!
Crime rates in the Myrtle Beach area vary from town to town, neighborhood to neighborhood, but the reality is that with a transient community like Myrtle Beach which hosts millions upon millions of tourists every year, these tourists also lure crime and criminals to our area!
If you are a local business owner, it stands to argue that you’ve been confronted with some sort of crime at your place of business.
Have you dealt with
✔️employee theft?
✔️counterfit money?
✔️ loitering around your building?
✔️vandalism?
✔️break-ins?
If you have, we are very sorry you’ve had to deal with this type of crime. We want to offer you a solution.
Please read on.
Do You Value Your Business Investment?
As a locally-owned and locally operated business, we fully understand the sacrifices and investment of time and money it takes to get a business off the ground.
We understand you are building something for the future, for your family, for your community.
We know this because we are living it alongside you.
If you value your business investment, we need to talk about security!
Do you have a few more minutes?
How To Protect Your Local Business Location and Reputation
Our slogan is “your security, our business” and we mean it!
We install, support and monitor residential alarm systems to protect local Grand Strand area families. What not everyone knows is that we also install, support and monitor commercial security systems.
We are ready to partner with you and protect your business investment, your employees and you!
Let’s talk about how a commercial security system can protect the physical location of your business as well as your reputation!
Why You Need a Commercial Security System
As business owners, we understand you can’t be everywhere all the time! You put your trust in your employees, yet all responsibility still rests on your shoulders.
A commercial security system will take away, in a way shoulder some of the responsibility for you!
We offer Total Connect Video Services for your convenience because we know how busy you are!
With this service, you can view your business from your iPhone, iPad, Droid, Blackberry or laptop from almost anywhere and
- check on employees activities and their behavior
- monitor critical equipment remotely, no matter where you are and what time of day it is
- view your business in real-time, or with event triggers
- gather evidence against employee theft or errors and outside criminal activities
- find out how busy your business is when you are away
and much much more!
Your Security, Our Business!
We work with business owners as well as property management companies.
Here are some of the ways we can help protect and secure your investments;
✔️ Monitor alarm systems
✔️ Digital camera systems
✔️ Telecommunication networks 24/7
✔️ Overhead Projection
✔️Plasma, LCD, LED displays along with AUDIO Sound Systems (for restaurants and sports bars)
and much more!
Isn’t it time you give us a call?
Don’t Fall For Fraud After a Natural Disaster
The Aftermath of Hurricane Florence
At a time of disaster, many people will choose to give to local charities and relief efforts to help those affected. Unfortunately, disasters can also bring out the worst in people; that is when those with criminal intentions step forward or make their way to a disaster area from another state.
While the Grand Strand at-large was barely affected by the hurricane force winds of Hurricane Florence, save for power outages and a few downed trees, the aftermath of Florence has been devastating!
Historic Flooding and Evacuations in South Carolina
Two years ago when Hurricane Matthew blew through, we at the Grand Strand experienced what we, Grand Strand residents, believed to be a historic 1000-year-flood. Only two years later these flood records are smashed, one after another by Hurricane Florence floods.
As many as 21,000 people have already or might need to evacuate due to flooding!
Donate and Support; Where to Place your Money and Efforts
Keep your money local but make sure it is reaching those who need it.
If you can donate supplies, give volunteer hours, cook a meal, offer pet fostering, or can take in those displaced by the flooding, you can do that right now. There are several active Facebook groups coordinating efforts in the area.
Once the rivers have crested and water recedes, people will need continued financial support, cleaning crews, meals and supplies as they try to replace what was lost.
Prevent Fraud; Things You Need To Know
After our rivers have crested and then recede, and life goes on for most of us, some of our local Grand Strand residents will be dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Florence for months, even years to come.
It is important to remember that most business owners are knowledgeable, kind and reputable. However, not everyone is, so take caution. Here are some things to keep in mind!
- Verify and still adhere to ‘buyer beware’. Research each charity you plan to donate to, to ensure it is legitimate and that an acceptable amount of your donation is staying local.
- New charities specific to this disaster will emerge. If you chose to donate via this route, just like any other online portal, ensure you are using the correct web address. Fraudulent sites will pop-up; be aware!
- Do not fall for a high-pressure sales pitch. Reputable charities won’t disappear overnight, and they won’t demand you donate now. When in doubt, skip to the next charity.
- Like with any other fraud prevention strategy, beware of wire transfers and gift cards, as well as requests for your personal information/account numbers.
- If you have damage to your home (roof, downed trees, etc.) take care to double check that the contractor you are working with is licensed, bonded, and insured. Next, ask for and get a written contract with costs, timelines, and a clear expectation for the work. Always keep receipts of everything and take ‘before & after’ photos. Never pay the full amount up front.
Be Aware!
Scammers are everywhere.
Here is the first reported local scam; someone has been reselling free sandbags to those in need.
Let Us Know How We Can Help You Today!
Dealing with the Aftermath of Hurricane Florence
Did You Evacuate For Hurricane Florence?
What a crazy two weeks we’ve had here in South Carolina and it is not over! The Myrtle Beach area and all of the North Carolina and South Carolina coast braced for Hurricane Florence, a hurricane who couldn’t make up her mind where to wander to.
Right now, the aftermath for the two states is a bit different, as North Carolina took the brunt of the winds which toppled trees, power lines and more. The one similarity is that both states are currently dealing with the hurricane aftermath; unprecedented flooding in their coastal areas.
Aftermath: ‘the consequences or aftereffects of a significant unpleasant event’
The scenes we are seeing on the news are horrific. We see images and videos taken near the rivers and the Intercoastal waters and they are heartbreaking. Local businesses and homes are threatened by water and some are already flooded.
Can we just say how proud we are to be part of the Grand Strand community as this community is coming together to care for those affected by flood waters once again?
Trying To Get Back Home To The Grand Strand After Hurricane Florence
As soon as the storm was over, starting Saturday, September 15, 2018, evacuees tried making their way back to the Grand Strand area to go check on their homes. While the official evacuation orders weren’t lifted by our governor until Sunday, many local residents made it back safely.
Yet it continued to rain and then the floods came.
On Monday it was pretty apparent that this was going to be yet another ‘historic flood’; rivers are expected to surpass any records previously smashed by the 1000 year flood that was the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew in 2016! So much for a 1000 year flood!
As people were making their way back home on the North Carolina and South Carolina roads, technology enabled them to stay in touch with loved ones, sending the most accurate road updates to friends and family also trying to come home. They included pictures and it was hard to comprehend what they were seeing!
Again, the pictures spoke louder than words and we started to see just how devasting this flood is.
Resources To Find The Best Routes Home
We want to share some of the apps and tools people were, and are, using to stay safe on the roads as they wind their way home from the south, west and north to reach the Grand Strand.
Zello walkie-talkie app to stay connected on the road.
Real-time river levels and forecasts.
How The Community Is Stepping In
Community response to Hurricane Florence along the Grand Strand was immediate and continues to be strong.
Individuals helping other individuals and families.
From starting Facebook groups to help neighbors
to sharing links like how to get free phone service and free Airbnb rentals and taking their own sandbags and redistributing them to low-lying areas.
From urging neighbors to evacuate and then helping secure UHaul trucks and storage free-of-charge, we are seeing the best of people on social media, offering help, resources, food and doing kind deeds!
Local Businesses and Organizations Who Are Stepping Up
We’ve also seen great responses from the local business community!
This is by no means a complete list; feel free to comment on this post with a link and information about additional local heroes and we will add them to this story!
This article mentions this hotel as well.
Join us in praying for those affected by this storm for months to come and let’s continue to help out our neighbors!
How To Stay Safe With These Fall Security Tips
Fall Is In The Air!
Can you believe that Labor Day has come and gone and we are headed towards fall?
Of course, here in South Carolina is doesn’t feel and look like fall yet!
However, it’s coming and why not be prepared? We’ve gathered some tips to keep you and yours safe and secure this fall and by the time we were done, we realized it read more like a fall to-do list than anything else!
Therefore, grab a pen and paper, or your smartphone and make note of these tasks to get done.
Fall Clean Up and Maintenance
If you are a homeowner here in the Myrtle Beach area, you know that fall is one of the most beautiful seasons here on the Grand Strand. Golfers come because the weather is fine, the beaches are still pleasant and it’s just finally cool enough to really enjoy being outdoors.
Therefore, this is also a good time to spend some time in your yard and around your home to take care of those pesky tasks you’ve been avoiding during the heat of the summer!
Check our list of Fall Security Tips for Your Home and plans to get them done by Thanksgiving! That will give you a few months and the best weather to get them done.
Fall Security Tips for Your Home
To keep your home in tip-top shape and your family safe and secure, here is a fall maintenance list.
✅ Check Outdoor Lighting
Replace bulbs if necessary and check the wiring for all outdoor security lights.
✅ Keep The Yard Free of Debris and Wet Leaves
While our leaves don’t drop in September/October like they do in New England, eventually they do fall. Keep walking paths and your yard free of wet leaves, sticks and other debris to prevent falls.
✅Service your HVAC unit
Fall might be a time to give your HVAC system short rest. Throw open your windows, let in the fresh air and get your HVAC unit inspected and serviced. Soon you’ll want your system to be able to switch to heat! Make sure to relock all your opened windows.
✅Hire a Chimney Sweep
Now is the time to prepare for those cold winter nights! Call and make an appointment to have your chimney swept if you plan to use your fireplace this winter. Those unexpected cold evenings usually happen….unexpected! Be prepared this year.
✅Test Your Batteries
This includes the batteries to your Carbon Monoxide alarms as well as your fire alarms.
✅Use Caution When Using Space Heaters
If a cold night sneaks up on you and you want to use a space heater, use caution! Don’t allow small children to be near these units and don’t leave them unattended.
✅Clean Out Clothes Dryer Vent
Another fall (and spring!) chore is cleaning out your clothes dryer vent to prevent accidental fires. If you have never cleaned out your vents, it might be time to call a local professional to take care of that for you; many appliance repair businesses offer this as a service.
✅ Put Together a Hurricane Kit and Plan
If you are new to the area, we encourage you to prepare for a hurricane before a named hurricane is headed toward the Grand Strand! The end of Summer/Fall is usually the most active time in the hurricane season – don’t get caught without supplies and a solid evacuation and family emergency plan.
✅ Test Your Security System
You should be testing your alarm system periodically; why not add it to this easy list and have peace of mind that in case of an emergency everything works as expected.
Prepare. Relax. Enjoy Fall!
Why not take time to get this list done and then go out an play a round of golf on your next free weekend? 😉
Myrtle Beach Self Defense Introduces ‘Fight Club’ for Women and Girls
Introducing the Myrtle Beach Fight Club for Women and Girls!
Strand Security, Myrtle Beach Self Defense and Karate World of Surfside Beach are very excited to introduce you to the Myrtle Beach Fight Club for women and girls.
How did we get here?
Read on!
What is Myrtle Beach Self Defense?
Myrtle Beach Self Defense is a division of Strand Security, a locally owned and operated security company.
Launched in 2016 by Heather of Strand Security, Myrtle Beach Self Defense has taught self-defense classes for the last 2+ years in Horry and Georgetown Counties to women, men, boys, and girls of all ages.
Myrtle Beach Self Self Defense is a division of Strand Security and was started by Heather Bryant of Strand Security.
Read this to learn about why Heather is passionate about self-defense. (spoiler: Heather credits self-defense classes she took in high school as saving her life during an armed robbery)
What Has Myrtle Beach Self Defense Accomplished in Two Years?
Myrtle Beach Self Defense started classes at a local business facility, and after outgrowing that space, partnered with Karate World of Surfside Beach! Most self-defense classes now are taught at this facility, unless MBSD is asked to do a class at a social location.
Last year, MBSD conducted two self-defense classes at Coast Carolina University for a sorority, and we also held a class on location for a girl scout group.
We’ve partnered with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce for a self-defense class for professionals in Myrtle Beach and the local senior citizen’s coalition. Self-defense classes can benefit young and old!
Who needs a self-defense class?
Partnering With Karate World in Surfside Beach, South Carolina
We partnered with Karate World in 2017 to bring more classes in a better learning environment for our community members.
We’ve been very happy to work with Master Jason and Carri in their Surfside Beach location.
Summer Series of Self Defense
This summer, we tried something new and exciting. We’ve just completed an 8-week summer series of self-defense.
As always, Strand Security customers can take self-defense classes free of charge!
Fight Club Launches in Myrtle Beach
Now that you know our 2+ year history, we are excited to give you the full details of our Fight Club.
We want to empower women and teenage girls by teaching them how to defend and fight. This club will teach their members more than traditional self-defense. Read this to get a feel for what you’ll be learning when you join us.
We’ve Been Teaching Women to Defend Themselves All Wrong
From the article
“When I started looking for a self-defense class, what I was really looking for was one that would teach me how to fight. I go on solo runs most mornings and often walk home alone in the dark from the Metro. If someone were to attack me, I wanted to know, could I take him?”
Are you ready to learn how to fight?
Sign up today!
Call 843-828-4386 or email KARATEWORLDSSB@GMAIL.COM
Install FLIR Security Cameras To Protect What is Yours!
Are You Aware of the Crime Rate In Your Town?
Whether you live in Myrtle Beach or elsewhere on the Grand Strand, in Horry County or Georgetown County, or somewhere else altogether, it is always a good idea to know crime stats for your neighborhood and the city you live in! Anyone who owns a home should protect that home and those who live in it.
We at Strand Security love Flir Security Cameras. It’s what we use to protect our own family!
As Myrtle Beach is on the list of America’s most dangerous cities, it is important to be aware of what continues to happen in our neighborhood, our city, our state!
NBC states:
It’s been one year and the Grand Strand continues to land on the list of America’s most dangerous.
According to Alarms.org, Myrtle Beach is the most crime-ridden city in the Palmetto State and 33rd most dangerous in the country. Its ranking is on par with other publications. Safewise.com ranks it as the 32nd most dangerous city. Another website, Neighborhood Scout, tabbed it the 13th most dangerous, saying you have a 1-in-60 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Myrtle Beach.
Awareness is the first step to change and prevention!
How Can You Best Protect Your Loved Ones and Your Assets?
The best way to protect your loved ones, and your assets, from crime, is with knowledge!
Knowledge about:
- crime rates
- criminal activity in your neighborhood
- crime prevention
- security systems
Read. Learn. Stay Informed. Secure. Prevent.
All of these are action-verbs, meaning; to be inactive is to remain vulnerable to crime.
Take action today for the safety and security of those you love.
One easy way to start protecting whom and what you love best is with security cameras!
How Do Security Cameras Protect You?
Now, how do security cameras protect you and the ones you love?
“Security cameras help prevent a crime from happening in the first place – as security cameras are a huge deterrent to potential criminals – and if a crime does occur, the recordings can help police find, identify and arrest the perpetrator.”
In addition to crime prevention, we found a super helpful list of ways security cameras can help protect your home. This isn’t a complete list, but a great start to thinking about preventing accidents and crime at your home.
They include
- Monitor the perimeter of your property
- See who’s at the front door
- Nanny Cams for child protection
- Keep an eye on your garage
- Monitor points of entry to prevent theft
- Make your own video baby monitor
- Protect your home business
- Watch the pool and play areas from indoors
Now, let’s look at Flir Security Cameras!
What can Flir Security Cameras Do?
Here is a list of applications!
For those of us needing home security or commercial security, check out this selection of Visible Security Cameras.
Learn More About FLIR Security Cameras!
From FLIR:
We bring innovative sensing solutions into daily life through our thermal imaging systems, visible-light imaging systems, locator systems, measurement and diagnostic systems, and advanced threat detection systems. Our products improve the way people interact with the world around them, enhance public safety and well-being, increase energy efficiency, and enable healthy and entertained communities.
Here are some amazing FLIR facts!
- FLIR is the world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of thermal imaging infrared cameras
- FLIR cameras produce the highest quality video at the lowest bandwidth
- FLIR cameras use the latest sensor technology
- FLIR cameras offer tamper detection and multi-zone video motion detection
Interested in getting the BEST cameras for your home? Talk to us at Strand Security today!