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.
The Ultimate Smart Home Integration: Window Shades and Amazon’s Alexa
Smart Home Automation in Myrtle Beach
Who doesn’t love home automation?
Smart home Automation means automating recurring tasks in your home.
That includes things like:
- activating your home security system
- locking and unlocking doors
- regulating your thermostat
- accessing your home theater
With the latest technology, you can pretty much automate any appliance or system in your home.
Smart Home Technology and South Carolina Hurricanes
Automation doesn’t just happen, or is only possible from within the house!
We’ve entered hurricane season!
When the next hurricane hits the Myrtle Beach area and you need to evacuate, using smart home technology you will be able to watch-in-real-time and take care of your home while away, from a distance!
Security cameras and smart home technology will enable you to keep an eye on your assets during a mandatory evacuation while you are safe and secure away from the storm, during the next named storm.
Automated Window Shades with Amazon Alexa!
Today, we are going to show you the latest (and super cool) automation!
Window shades!
Automating Window Shades with Amazon’s Alexa
What is Alexa?
Alexa is Amazon’s voice-based AI-powered digital assistant that powers an entire smart device ecosystem. Alexa can reply to simple queries and perform various tasks or commands that one gives.
Alexa is a lifesaver for people with disabilities.
For example, someone who is visually impaired can use Alexa and voice commands for tasks like
- turning on the microwave
- accessing their TV
- locking and unlocking doors
- regulating heat and AC
- opening and closing window shades
Smart Homes Shades Demo
Check out this awesome smart home window shades demo by one of our Strand Security technicians.
Automate Recurring Tasks with Smart Home Technology
At Strand Security, we have being installing Smart Home Technology, Smart Home Systems as well as Commercial Smart Technology in local, Grand Strand homes and businesses for many years!
Technology advances and brands change. We at Strand Security will always be on trend with the latest technology and the best brands to provide you with the best customer experience and the best smart home or commercial automation system available.
No matter what home security system you have right now, chances are you can keep (part of) your current system and add smart home technology to make all systems work together.
Here are some brands we work with:
Are You Interested in Smart Home Window Shades?
Give us a call if you want to learn more about home automation, like these window shades!
How to Choose Smart Home Security Cameras to Keep you Safe!
Choosing Smart Home Security Cameras for Your Home!
South Carolina homeowner: are you ready to choose smart home security cameras for you home? What has made you decide to invest in home security cameras? If it is for safety reasons, you are in good company! Most homeowners looking for home security cameras are doing so to protect the people they love, and the assets they invested in.
There might have been a life changing event to trigger the need for home security cameras:
- birth of a baby
- elderly parent moved in
- new pet
- child went off to college
- separation or divorce
- bought a new home
- bought a new car
- installed a pool
- home construction
- neighborhood crime increase
Whatever life event that has made you look for smart home security camera options, you’ve come to the right place!
Smart Home Security Cameras aka Wireless Home Security Cameras
A Smart Home Security Camera is a camera that connects to the internet using your home wifi. This means you can watch a live camera feed, receive alerts when you’re out and about, and, with the right type of camera, record footage.
There are many brands that offer this type of camera.
This type of camera is great for everyone!
- parents
- pet owners
- remote workers
- elderly living alone
They are affordable and easy to operate. Peace is mind is one of the most common benefits that users report! Strand Security can help you set up a complete Smart Home System, or Smart Home Security Cameras to integrate with an existing system.
Monitored Home Security Cameras
Monitored Home Security Cameras are part of a monitored security system which is actively monitored by a professional home security company. We use COPS Monitoring for all of our monitored clients in Horry County and Georgetown County. When the system detects an emergency: a break-in, fire, or other emergency, it notifies the security team at COPS who will contact emergency responders.
Foodlight Home Security Cameras
One of the ‘newest kids on the block’ is the floodlight home security camera!
A smart floodlight camera is where technology really shines: this is where an outdoor floodlight and an outdoor security camera are combined into a single fixture for your convenience and peace of mind. Like Smart Home Security Cameras, these devices use wifi to connect to your home network and allow you to control them with an app your phone and often, even your voice.
This technology is great for busy two-income households and for those who live alone.
Doorbell Home Security Cameras
What is a ‘Doorbell Home Security Camera and how does it differ from all the other home security cameras?
Video doorbells like the RING Doorbell are doorbells that have a built-in camera to provide an initial home security video check and protect your property. Crimes like package theft, burglary or home invasions can be caught on camera in real time, or prevented. Doorbell Home Security Cameras can be either battery-powered (wireless) or hardwired into an existing doorbell.
These Doorbell cameras are connected to your Smart Phone or other mobile device, where you can receive instant activity alerts, and talk with visitors using two-way talk which is a great way to stop a criminal act in real-time, and live stream video.
Are You Ready To Choose Your Smart Home Security Cameras?
We’d love to help you with your choice. Give us a call anytime.
How to Get the Best Home Security Systems Pricing
Do You Want The Best Pricing on Home Security Systems?
If you want a home security system but you think you simply can’t afford it, think again.
Home security systems come in many sizes, options, and brands. No matter where you live or work, there is a solution for your problem: whether you own a home, a business or rent a place.
If you have family members, pets, assets or a business to protect, you’ve come to the right place. We are here to help guide our customers in Horry County and Georgetown County, South Carolina and you as well, to help you find the best pricing on home security systems.
Let’s talk how you too can get the best home security systems pricing.
Who Can Afford a Home Security System?
Almost anyone can. Home security systems come in so many different packages, brands and pricing structures. Whether you rent or own a home, having a home security system will give you peace of mind.
The cheapest home security system is A DIY systems; one you install on your own. Ring cameras are a great place to start.
Once you own a home, and you have more assets to protect, and larger property, we suggest looking at a monitored system. We highly recommend Honeywell Total Connect and Alarm.com as two security systems that work for you and with your needs! Both are affordable systems for busy homeowners.
Who Needs a Home Security System Most?
Anyone who has the following people and assets to protect:
- spouse or partner
- children
- additional family members
- elderly parent(s)
- home
- boat
- car
- motorcycle
- business assets
How Can You Get the Best Home Security Systems Pricing?
Here are some tips to get your started:
- Know what you are looking for
- Shop around
- Research the brands you want
- Set a budget: what are you willing and able to spend
- Bundle systems
- Plan ahead for upgrades and replacement parts
- Ask for a locals discount: some companies will be able to accomodate you!
The Best Home Security Systems Pricing on the Grand Strand
Cheap isn’t always best!
What might seem affordable initially, might have additional, hidden cost later on in the buying process. When working with a Security Company, ask for transparency up front. Find out what it will cost to buy, install and monitor your system long term. Ask about replacement timing and cost, as well as upgrades.
An honest company will be happy to provide you with all the information you are asking for!
As always, we are here to inform and educate you, our most favorite customers and friends!
How To Find a Smart Home Installation Company
Are You In The Market for a Smart Home?
If you are ready to take ‘the plunge’ and enter the world of smart home technology, believe us when we say we know it can be daunting. We know because we work with families, individuals and businesses like you to install smart home systems for their home and offices, too.
If you are looking for find a smart home installation company (and especially if you live in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area), you’ve come to the right spot. We’ll be happy to guide you!
How To Find a Smart Home Installation Company
Here are the five steps we recommend you take when you need to find a smart home installation company.
1 Do Your Research and Learn about Smart Home Technology
Know what you want and what’s available. Search for the latest technology from your favorite brands and don’t forget to ask your friends what they have installed in their homes.
2 Identify Your Smart Home Needs
Next, identify what your needs are. What do you want your smart home to be able to do, what tasks do you want to automate? Not sure, again, search online and ask friends to show you their smart home systems.
3 Set a Budget for Your Smart Home Installation
Know what you are willing (and not willinging) to spend on the smart home tech components, installation and recurring cost for the system to function. Always add a bit of extra wiggle room because you might find some amazing gadget or functionality you must have to add to your system last minute! 😉
4 Take Stock of the Smart Home System and Components You Have
Before deciding what you want, take stock of what you have and how that has worked for you. If you currently have a security camera, a security system, a home theater or some form of alarm system, installation might just have gotten a bit easier! Consult your smart home installation company to find out what will seamlessly integrate with a new system.
5 Read Online Reviews for Smart Home Installation Companies in Your Area
Last but not least we recommend you check online, using a Google search, for both positive and negative reviews. The absence of reviews don’t mean as much as the presence of negative ones. We invite you to check out our reviews right here.
Do You Have Questions About Smart Home Installation?
URC Total Control Smart Home System
Smart Home Integration Options with URC
Honeywell Smart Home Security Systems
How To Convert an Old Home Into a Smart Home
Smart Home. Safe Home. Secure Home.
How Crime Rates Spike In Summer and What to Do To Prevent Becoming a Victim
South Carolina Summer is Nearly Here!
Summer brings:
- swimming
- boating
- surfing
- hiking
- fishing
and an uptick in violent crime.
Yes, you read that right.
In summer months, crime rates go up!
Most of our readers live and work in either Horry County or Georgetown County – just like we, owners at Strand Security, do – and this all makes sense
More Daylight. Warmer Weather. Opportunity for Crime Rises.
While you would think that winter and darkness invite more crime, it’s the exact opposite.
Most home invasions happen between the hours of 10 AM -2 PM anyway!
As people spend more time outdoors, they are exposed to more people and thus crime rates can go up, especially in places where petty theft opportunities start (beach, boat docks, outdoor restaurants, tourist shopping strips etc.)
As far a summer crime spikes, here are the three most common reasons!
1
When looking at when violence was significantly higher, it turns out that during the summer crimes rates spike, compared to winter, spring and fall seasons.
Unfortunately, that includes crimes like rape and sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated assault. Among adults, simple assault is also more common in summer than in other months.
How to prevent this from happening to you?
- Go out in groups
- Have a plan, know where you are headed!
- Be aware of where you go and where you park
- Don’t wear expensive watches or jewelry, or flaunt them if your do
- Don’t bring wallets or purses to the beach and leave them unattended
- Share your location with friends and family when going on vacation
- While running or walking, don’t wear earbuds or headphones
You can not prevent all crime, but you can be vigilant about preventing crime. Most criminals go for unsuspecting victims and look for opportunities: they are not looking to confront hyper-aware people!
2
As the summer season heats up, so do property crimes. More tourists on the Grand Strand means more vehicles, more people and more possessions! Household burglary rates go up in summer as more vacation homes are now occupied!
Burglary is 11% more common in the summer than in the winter and for our area in South Carolina that makes total sense. Homes that are empty in winter, now have people with electronic equipment, computers, expensive phones, bikes, boats and surf boards, just to name some property that is easily stolen!
If you are vacationing on the Grand Strand, or have ‘toys’ like boats, bikes and surfboards, make sure to lock them up when you are not around! Crime of opportunity is always there, but with extended daylight hours, there is more time for criminals to steal!
3
Next, let’s address beach crime. With over 60 miles of beachfront on the Grand Strand, beach crime rates increase drastically in summer months, as more people come to Myrtle Beach to vacation. While it’s tempting to bring ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ to the beach, especially if you have a large family, let us recommend you leave valuables at home, or in a safe at your vacation rental!
Beach crimes are an equal opportunity crime! No matter who you are, if you leave your things on the beach unattended you run the risk of getting your things stolen. Chairs, shoes but also surf boards, wallets, purses and phones!
TO be safe, always leave someone at your beach station to watch over your things, or leave all valuables behind. Don’t assume that those around you will speak up when someone will try to walk off with your property. Most beach-goers don’t and won’t as they might not see it, or not know whether to intervene, or not.
Preventing petty beach crime is as easy as not bringing anything of value with you for a day of fun!
4
As mentioned in #2, the nicer weather brings us outside with our outdoor toys. Boats, surf boards but also motercycles, bicycles, basketball hoops, eBikes, sports equipment, tools and surround sound home systems. Yes, your nice new Sonos speaker could be stolen as well.
The first line of defense is a home security system with both indoor and outdoor cameras, the second line of defense is locking thing up when not in use! We know this is easier said than done because… kids! Right? We know kids leave bikes out, toys out and forget to put them back inside.
A home security system, a security sign, visible security cameras – these deterrents all help prevent crime of opportunity!
Don’t become a Summer Crime Statistic!
Prevention, prevention, prevention.
Now that you’ve read this blog, be aware. Share with your family. Make a plan. We encourage you to have fun, but also choose your activities wisely and always lock up expensive toys and sports equipment as well as all your tech!
If you need help, give us a call! Stay safe and have a wonderful summer.
New to South Carolina? Get Prepared for Hurricane Season Now!
National Hurricane Preparedness Week
May 2022 started out with National Hurricane Preparedness Week! If you follow us (Strand Security) on Social Media, you’ve seen some of the posts.
We want to make sure that our blog readers are prepared as well.
FACT: The Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June 1-November 30.
Preparation for this Atlantic Hurricane Season, which is our season here in South Carolina, should start in May! Especially during this post-pandemic time with shipping issues and delays, getting your hands on supplies might become a challenging task.
- Need a generator? You better start looking!
- Need wood to board up your windows, better start saving money!
Pricing and availability of hurricane supplies are at a all-time premium.
Prepare Now. Be Safe When The Big Storm Hits!
According to NOAA, Hurricane preparedness needs to start in May. Being prepared for disaster can mean the difference between life and death.
Here are the things to start working on TODAY!
Before a storm hits, trim trees, secure loose outdoor items and store inside a garage or home, secure all doors, cover windows and move your vehicles indoors, or to another safe location.
Know what is covered, and what is not. This is of utmost importance if you live in an active hurricane zone like we do in South Carolina! First thing to do is to call your insurance agent, ak about whether you need flood insurance and get copies made of your insurance policies to add to your evacuation kit!
Whether you are brand new to the neighborhood, or you’ve lived there for decades, make a plan to check in with your neighbors. Not everyone has the funds or capability to evacuate. Make an emergency plan with your neighbors and keep in touch before, during and after the storm!
Learn where and when to evacuate! When it’s time to put a plan in motion, it’s too late to prepare! YOu will need to have all your ‘ducks in a row’ before the first named storm is headed your way! Hurricane supplies should be stocked in your home, a plan for evacuation should include a plan for your pets! (Search for pet-friendly hotels! We love the Best Western and Red Roof Inn chains as most will allow you to bring your pets. Be sure to check with each hotel about their pet policy)
Know when to evacuate and when it’s safe to stay! Evaluate your risk for all things hurricane! We highly recommend you listen to your local news stations for the most updated information about evacuation!
last but not least, this supply list should be an ongoing list! Try to get these supplies now, as it might take a while to gather all that’s needed for the next storm. We know from experience that there will be a run on
- gas
- generators’
- flashlights
- batteries
- cash
- bread
- milk
- cleaning supplies
- plywood
- chainsaws
- snacks
- and many other supplies!
Don’t get caught without the necessary supplies to stick it out at home!
If you can stay, stay! If you are asked to evacuate or seek shelter, please listen to the local authorities!
Prepare Your Home for a Hurricane With Smarthome Solutions
How can you prepare your home for the next hurricane?
Smarthome solutions like security cameras, remote locks, thermostats settings, water sensors and more can help you monitor what’s going on at home, even if you have to evacuate!
Come talk with us now and we will gladly help you prepare, whether this is your first ever hurricane season in South Carolina, or your 25th! We are here to offer support, advice and installation.
3 Easy to Implement Tips to Prevent Springtime Crime
It’s Springtime in South Carolina
It’s spring!
In South Carolina that means
- Flowers
- Golf
- Soccer
- Beach walks
- Myrtle Beach Marathon
- Sweet Tea
- and so much more!
Springtime is a time for renewal and outdoor activities.
Preventing Springtime Crime
Did you know that the lowest rates of motor vehicle theft… is in the springtime?
Most crimes and crimes of opportunity happen…in the summer months.
Just because there is less crime, that doesn’t mean crime stops on the Grand Strand in the spring. It just means there is less to worry about for now, and time to prepare for the summer to come. Building good habits now can help prevent future crimes.
- always activate your alarm system
- lock doors and window behind you
- stay alert
- don’t post to social media when you go on vacation
Here are 3 things you can do today that will help you prevent springtime crime!
1 Prevent Personal Property Thefts in Spring
In spring, people spend more time outdoors. They have a tendency to leave equipment outside. Yard tools, kids toys, bicycles, tools, lawnmowers, weed eaters, blowers. We urge you to lock up personal property once you are done using it – in your garage or in a shed or barn.
If you do springtime yard work and spring cleaning, keep your doors locked while working.
We say it often: even when you are home, lock your doors behind you and activate the alarm system. Your valuables — purses, wallets and car keys — are often within reach from inside the front door for a quick run-and-dash crime. If you lock your doors, that easy steal is off the table!
Ladders left out in your yard could be used by criminals to gain access into your own home.
Keep ladders in your garage and lock up any storage unit or shed you have on your property.
2 Spring Cleaning Home Security Lapses
If you are hiring someone to clean your windows, they might need access to the inside of your home. Always double check that all windows are still locked after a service provider has been in your home. If you are cleaning your windows on your own, do the same.
If you do any spring yard maintenance, consider how landscaping might obscure a clear view to your front door. Trim back large bushes and ornamental plants.
Does the Start of Daylight Saving Time Bring Us More or Less Crime?
Daylight Saving Time – Love it or Hate it?
Do you like Daylight Saving time, or do you dread it? It’s almost that time, on Sunday, March 13 we will be ‘springing ahead’ to add an extra hour of daylight into our days!
There is a movement to do away with it all together while most western countries are still adhering to Daylight Saving Time.
Here is some history on it as found on Wikipedia
“Daylight saving time in the United States is the practice of setting the clock forward by one hour when there is longer daylight during the day, so that evenings have more daylight and mornings have less. Most areas of the United States observe daylight saving time (DST). The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established the system of uniform daylight saving time throughout the US.
In the U.S., daylight saving time starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November, with the time changes taking place at 2:00 a.m. local time. With a mnemonic word play referring to seasons, clocks “spring forward, fall back”—that is, in springtime the clocks are moved forward from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. and in fall they are moved back from 2:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Daylight saving time lasts for a total of 34 weeks (238 days) every year, about 65% of the entire year.”
More daylight and warmer weather in spring time means… more criminal activity!
Does Daylight Saving Time Reduce or Increase Crime?
You might be surprised to find out how Daylight Saving time affects crime! We were!
“In a new paper forthcoming in The Review of Economics and Statistics, we find that shifting daylight from the morning to the early evening has pretty hefty returns for public safety. When DST begins in the spring, robbery rates for the entire day fall an average of 7 percent, with a much larger 27 percent drop during the evening hour that gained some extra sunlight.
Why might this time shift matter? The timing of sunset is pretty close to the time many of us leave work, and walking to our cars or homes in the dark makes us easier targets for street criminals. We feel safer when we’re walking in the daylight, and it’s easy to imagine why light might have a deterrent effect on crime: offenders know they’re more likely to be recognized and get caught if they’re fully visible. The timing of sunset matters because our daily schedules can’t easily adapt to follow the daylight. Most people can’t leave work before 5pm, even if it would be safer to do so.”
source: brooking.edu
Spring Season is Not a Big Crime Season (but Summer is!)
More daylight means less darkness which in turn translates to less crime.
Most criminals do want cover of darkness to commit their crimes. The biggest exception is burglaries, which happen most often between the time of 10 AM – 2 PM, when people are not home but at work!
So what can you do in spring?
- Relax!
- Go outside and play.
- Make sure to activate your home security system, but enjoy that extra daylight and sunshine.
If you are the spring cleaning kind, read this.
If you are the worrying kind, here are some spring home security tips to consider implementing.
Daylight Saving Time Bring Us Less Crime!
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