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Do you have kids? How about pets? Are you expecting a new addition to your family soon? Many of our blog readers and customers have families. We do too! We have three teenagers and we an adorable dog named Henry: you might have visited our office and met him.
During the pandemic, many families adopted new pets as they had more time to spend at home! Having a new family pet brings joy and laughter, but also new responsibility and safety and security hazards.
While we as adults can certainly have accidents at home, we generally know how to keep ourselves safe and secure. It’s a little different for kids and pets: they love to explore new things, and by nature, are curious about the world around them. It’s even more important to set some safety rules and guidelines when you have both kids and pets!
In honor of National Kids and Pets Day on April 26, 2021, we present this article with tips to keep your kids and pets safe at home.
From National Day Calendar:
“National Kids and Pets Day on April 26th raises awareness of the importance of picking the right pet for children at the right time. It’s an important decision that can lead to a lifetime of bonding between pet and child.
The day also celebrates the bonds children and pets can share and a day remember safety where our pets and children are concerned. There are many benefits of having a pet in a child’s life. From fostering natural nurturing abilities to developing responsibilities, pets have a lifelong impact on a child’s development.
It is also important to remember that small children as well as the pets may not know their limitations and should not be left alone with each other. They should always be supervised to prevent injury to both the child and the animal.”
This includes indoor as well as outdoor play time! Kids and pets needs to have an adult nearby to supervise their playtime and while it’s tempting to leave the room to take care of chores, don’t. Pets are unpredictable and they can get triggered by your child’s behavior. Take your child with you when moving from room to room, or separate the child and animal (crate or gate, or even closed room) when you are not able to supervise.
Outdoors, always supervise around pools, and in the yard!
A pet needs to feel safe and secure and when their sleep, feeding time or playtime is interrupted, they can get annoyed, or even aggressive. To avoid this happening, teach your child to leave the pet alone during these activities.
Cat litter boxes look like fun sandboxes to young children. Cat’s waste carries disease and you do not want your child to play with the cat’s waste. At the same time, a dog carries diseases as well: teach a child the proper way to dispose of a dog’s poop.
While you may play games with your dog or cat that can be labeled ‘roughhousing’, don’t allow your child to play those same games. It is most likely that you as the adult in the home are the alpha. A dog or cat will accept certain dominant behavior from you, the alpha, but not from a child that is smaller. To avoid this happening, avoid playing these types of games in front of the children, as they often emulate what they see! Games to avoid include tug-of-war, picking up the pet and spraying it with a hose.
It’s hard not to mention dog bites when we talk about kids, pets and safety. Prevention is so very important and that is why supervision of kids and pets at all times is THE MOST important rule to stick to!
Here are some crazy statistic to wrap you head around.
Installing security cameras is one way to help the adults in your home keep an eye on kids and pets, but it should not replace in-person supervision.
Teaching children the right to play and care for a pet is another important safety measure.
We love our children and we love our pets. We know you do too! Stay safe and secure in your own home at all times!
Did you know that Strand Security has been installing Commercial Security Systems on the Grand Strand for over 10 years?
We are not only experienced, we have well-trained staff members who know exactly how to get the job done right! If you need a commercial system, choose Strand Security.
Technology keeps changing: new businesses opening up don’t just need a commercial security systems, they also want automation, the latest security cameras, the best technology and the most reliable brands!
We at Strand Security have been installing Smarthome technology for years, and that includes automation for commercial sites as well. We have installed URC technology for many happy customers along the Grand Strand.
URC technology connects all systems, including POS, audio/stereo, security cameras, security systems.
Learn more about URC here.
Why would a new business invest in high quality, well-performing security cameras?
There are many reasons including:
☆ to ensure staff safety at all times
☆ the prevention vandalism of property
☆ safety of guests and customers
☆ real-time notifications of break ins
☆ monitoring of building for fire
and more!
Smart business owners get smart technology and security cameras!
Prevention is the key!
North Myrtle Beach has been a hotspot for new business development for years! In the past, we’ve worked with several new businesses particularly some that have taken up ‘residence’ at Barefoot Landing. We are thrilled that once again, one sich new business has chosen Strand Security for all their commercial security and automation needs.
Are you looking for a business to partner with? Give us a call today!
Last but not least, a HUGE shoutout to Crooked Hammock Brewery in North Myrtle Beach! It was an honor and huge pleasure to partner with you on all systems.
If you are in the area, make sure to go check out this new business – Spring is here: enjoy it!
We are here to help you navigate all things commercial security and automation.
Call us for a quote or with any questions!
If you live in South Carolina or the Myrtle Beach area, it should come as no surprise to learn that crime happens in our area. We are a transient community with millions of tourists who flock to our shores, and golf courses. That tourist activity invites criminal activity.
Crime happens.
In this article we will give a few tips on how to deter a criminal from target you!
If a burglar really wants to clean you out and rob you, s/he will and not much will stop them. However, more often than not, criminals will ‘case’ a house and if they see security precautions in place, they will skip you as a target and move on to the next house!
Ways to deter a criminal from targeting your home:
Ways to deter a criminal from targeting your car:
Next, let’s talk about personal safety!
Always, always, always be aware of your surroundings. Whether you are in a parking lot, busy mall, or going for a run: know who is near you and know where you are going! Looking and acting confident is a good way to deter a criminal from choosing you as their next target.
We further recommend self-defense classes for anyone and all.
The first lesson in self-defense is awareness of your surroundings. Keep your head up, no headphones or talking on your phone while walking in busy places, and know where you are going.
Stopping a robbery or preventing one starts with awareness!
Last but not least, criminals want an easy target and prefer a lonely target.
When running, or shopping, try to team up with a neighbor or friend.
At the same time, starting a neighborhood watch program is a great way to look out for one another. Sharing information with neighbors about potential criminal activity, and letting your neighbors know when you are away can also prevent crime. Partnering up is a smart way to keep yourself safe and secure.
If you have an alarm system, and it’s monitored, even if a crime does happen, you have the peace of mind that help is on the way! We highly recommend a monitored system which will alert authorities, in the event you are incapacitated. This can save lives as second, minutes count when crime happens!
If you have concerns about your security or personal safety, comes talk to us. We can customize a system that works for your home, your family or your business!
We are only a phone call away.
Happy 2021! While we may not all be happy where we are in this pandemic, at least we can say there seems to be a light at the end of the (long) tunnel.
The 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic has affected everything we do.
How and where we
The housing market is booming, and so is marketing, outdoor equipment sales and home improvement, just to name a few industries!
In contrasts, the airline industry is in trouble, along with travel and restaurants.
We are seeing new trends and new technology take hold because of the changed circumstances we live in. Today, we’d like to look at 4 home security trends to look for in 2021!
Indeed! This trends that started in 2020 due to the Pandemic will continue far into 2021. As people spend more time at home, they want to improve their home. Increased demand for home security systems will continue far into 2021. Combine this with the increased home sales as people move out of cities to new places due to the ability to work remote and you have a ‘perfect storm’ and more people looking to connect with a local home security company!
As we all continue to spend more time at home, we want smarthome technology! Why not, right? What does this mean? Automation for daily tasks, mostly.
Connecting things like your thermostat, lights, security system, security cameras, shades and audio system so that you can automate through programming, as well as use voice commands to complete tasks. Amazing and smart!
While the demand for smarthome technology has increased, so has the demand for simpler ways to use and integrate these systems. As children, teenagers as well as elderly relatives are home alone more, the need to keep things simple is evident. Brands are looking to simplify technology with the end user in mind.
It has to be simple and easy to use. User-friendly apps, easy-to-read screens and technology integration for technologically challenged seniors are all ways brands are leaning into this trend.
Last but not least, we continue to see an increased demand for health-related features in our home and home security systems, as well as commercial security systems. We’ve seen the need for increased voice-command features so we can be hands-free and germ-free and temperature screening solutions for businesses. As parents continue to work from home and children continue to learn at home, this demand shall continue to increase and evolve.
While this is not a complete list, we are confident that these trends are on-point. Most likely we will see an increased demand in home security systems as more people are relocating. The Myrtle Beach and South Carolina Real Estate market has exploded. So many people who used to be geographically bound due to jobs, are now free to live wherever they wish. Many are choosing the Grand Strand for their new home.
We welcome you and your family!
When moving to a new town or state or when you purchase a new home, it might be time to find a home security company to help you navigate the security and safety concerns of your new home.
How do you go about vetting the many choices of home security companies to find the one that is right for you?
This article will give you a few tips to get you moving in the right direction. Ultimately, it’s up to you to find and connect with the best fit and the best company to protect your home and family!
When it’s time to choose a home security company to install and maintain your security system, understand you should always focus more attention on customers service and brand quality, than on price.
Ultimately, just about anyone with a screwdriver can hang a security camera – but it’s the knowledge and years of experience that will tell a professional where to hang that camera and to what system to connect it, as well as diagnose system failures or service interruptions.
Connecting with the right security company means connecting with a company that is interested and invested in your community and will serve your community for years to come.
Here is how we would start a search to connect with the right home security company.
Before leaving your home, and don’t we all want to avoid that these days, start your research online. Google ‘local home security company’ and add your location if needed.
Look for websites, Google reviews, social media presence, online reviews and images.
Create a list of several local home security companies.
Next, ask your friends and neighbors for referrals. Don’t just ask ‘Who do you use?’ but ask them questions about WHY they picked that local business and what they love about working with them. Ask them what services they’ve contracted for and how responsive that company is when an emergency arises!
Last but not least, keep an eye out for service vehicles in your neighborhood. When you take your dog for a walk, try to find signs. When you take a bike ride with your family, look for those service vehicles. take note of which ones are helping your neighbors with their home security needs!
Now that you have developed a list of potential local home security companies you want to give your business to, pick up the phone and call! There is no substitute for a phone call inquiring about services!
You will know pretty quickly if you are getting what is ‘advertised’ so to speak!
Does a human answer the phone? If you got the answering service or a machine, how quickly, if at all, was your call returned? Did you get answers to your questions and a friendly human on the line? Move this company to the top of your list!
Once you have a top 3 of local home security companies you potentially want to work with, make a list of services you need now, and additional services they offer that you are interested in for a future project.
That could includes additional services like
One more point to drive home. We highly recommend asking each potential business if they are locally owned and locally operated. Supporting your local businesses in 2021 is more important than ever.
If you are in the Myrtle Beach area, in Horry County or in Georgetown County, we invite your to give us a call!
Happy Holidays to you and yours on the Grand Strand! We at Strand Security are still busy installing smarthome technology, URC automation and home security systems, all while preparing for Christmas.
We’ve collected 5 of the best holiday security and safety tips to keep you, your family and your employees safe and secure this holiday season.
While we know you are busy, it only takes seconds for disaster to strike – take a few minutes today to read and learn more about keeping your home and family safe during this special time fo the year.
Here are some ways that decoring can undermine your security!
❌ Don’t use real candles in any room without proper adult supervision.
❌ Don’t run your outside lights through your windows; that is an invite for a burglar to open the window and come in!
❌ If you have a fireplace, get it cleaned before making your first fire of the season.
❌ Don’t leave crockpots plugged in if you leave your home. They are a fire hazard.
❌ Don’t forget to activate your alarm system, even if you are home.
While we are in a pandemic and most of us will choose to stay home, some of you may need to travel. As always, we highly recommend not advertising the fact that your home will be empty and unattended; do not post on social media that you will be gone for an extended period of time.
If you need additional tips on keeping your home safe and secure while you travel, read this.
Do you love spoiling your family? We do! Well, burglars look for gift boxes under the tree. Don’t give the Grinch a chance to steal your Christmas gifts – draw your shades at night so the tree and your gifts can’t be seen from the outside!
Be aware of strangers is something we’ve talked about before on this blog. But during the holidays, you might have people come to your door that do not look suspicious. Burglars may take advantage and scope out your home and your security measure, or lack there off, by pretending to ask for donations, by carolling or ‘delivering’ something to the wrong address. Beware of strange vans or unidentifiable delivery personal! Don’t open the door for strangers.
Last but not least, don’t leave your Christmas trash outside overnight! TVs, iPhone, games, expensive boots, clothes, or other tech gadgets – if you received these for Christmas and leave the boxes outside for all to see it will attract those with bad intentions!
Instead, flatten all boxes – recycle them if possible – and put them inside your trash can where no one can see them! Alternatively, put your trash out right before the trash pick up occurs, illuminating the possibility that someone is scoping out the ‘goods’
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We hope you will be spoiled with the presence of family, love and yes, gifts!
Stay safe and secure.
Hi there, thank you for reading our blog!
This is our last installment of a year-long 12-part series of blog articles to celebrate our 10th business anniversary. The “10 Reasons to Love…” idea came to us long before this pandemic struck, yet has sustained us through it.
Positivity goes a long way when things seem dire.
Check out our previous 11 “10 Reasons to Love…” articles published this year!
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
With these articles, we’ve spread love about community, South Carolina, the Grand Strand, security cameras, security systems, home theatres and much much more!
It’s only fitting that we close out this year with this last article in this series, titled:
We love working with you, our customers! Our wish is to always strive for excellence through service and products choices. here are 10 reasons, you too will love working with Strand Security, now in 2020, or in the years to come!
No matter you security needs, we can meet them! Whether you own a home, a business, a boat or huge mall, no job is too big or too small. We will customize service to what your needs are. We only use brands we trust to protect our own families.
We love where we live and we love where we work. We are not a large corporately-owned business, directed by someone who doesn’t understand the needs of our community. We live here, work here and play here. We know when hurricane season arrives, floods or other tragedies strike and where crimes happen. (spoiler alert: crime happens all over Horry County and Georgetown County!)
When you combine the experience of our staff we have a lot of years of experience under our belt in the security industry. We have seen huge changes, particularly in technology used. We started integrating smarthome technology years ago and are thrilled that so many local businesses on the Grand Strand have embraced that technology to further their business and to keep their staff and customers safe!
We are so very proud of our growing crew of installers! They truly understand smarthome technology and do an excellent job of installing and servicing smarthome systems like the URC system. Their experience goes beyond installation – they are frequently seen helping homeowners and business owners get the most out of their systems! We are all for demos and education!
Don’t take our word for it, check out our Google Reviews! Our customers love that we deliver what they’ve asked for and that we often go above and beyond. We take pride in serving our customers as your security is our business!
If you’ve been an reader of this blog for the past few years, you have seen us recommend brands we trust and use. This is not just an endorsement due to our business relationships. We use these products and we stand by them; they protect the ones we love each and every day in our own homes! We only use the best and the most reliable products on the market!
Strand Security offers great value for your money. We only work with the best brands, the best monitoring system and hire only the best technician to install your systems. We offer the best value for your money on the Grand Strand.
We continue to sing the praises of COPS monitoring for all our customers. Their response rate to emergency calls is one of the highest in the country. In an industry where every second matters, this is an important sign of reliability!
Over the years, we added several staff members to our team. We are still growing as we take on more clients on the Grand Strand. No matter who comes into your home to install or service your security system, you will get the best service and care possible.
Last but not least, let us repeat that no job is to big or too small for Strand Security! We are only a phone call away and we pride ourselves on excellent customer service. Our customers always come first.
Wherever you may be and whatever 2020 has brought you – good or bad – we wish you all the best in 2021 and beyond!
Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
No matter where you live, in Myrtle Beach, on the Grand Strand, in South Carolina or in a different state, we know you want to keep yourself, your family as well as you personal property and assets safe!
While there is going to be a lot less in-person shopping and travel during the 2020 holiday season due to this pandemic, people like you an me will still need to leave their home to work, get groceries and run errands.
If you are on-the-go and need to keep an eye on things at home, Ring Cameras are a great option for you.
You might have seen the home videos of ‘porch thieves’ and other front-door shenanigans. Having a camera on the outside of your front door, so that you can see from inside your home – or from anywhere in the world really – is powerful!
Protect what is yours and prevent a home invasion or burglary.
This is how having a Ring Camera can work for you!
and this one!
Whatever you might have on the outside of your home that thieves might want including bicycles, holiday packages or other sports equipment, a ring camera and alarm + flood lights can scare would-be robbers away!
This little kid was told to reach parents with the Ring Camera if needed!
Check out the clever use of Ring at the doorstep.
When help is needed, no matter what type of help, Ring to the rescue.
If you have children, tell them a ring Camera can help them reach an adult when they are in trouble, like this little girl did when she saw a Bobcat while out on a bike ride!
When you are home, Ring can be used to help alert you to fire like in this dramatic video of neighbors using the Ring camera!
If you are away from home and expect a package to be delivered, you can monitor that is stays where it is supposed to be.
You can watch your animals from afar when you are not home!
We encourage you to buy local, supporting your locally owned and locally operated small business. If the Ring Camera or the Ring Camera System is something you’ve been wanting to invest in, we invite you to come see us in Murrells Inlet, or call us to learn more. We’d love to talk to you to help you pick the best Ring cameras for your home.
If you are ready to give the gift of safety and security, we will be happy to help you surprise a loved one with a Ring Camera! Come visit us! As a reminder we services all areas in Horry County and Georgetown County.
Are you considering buying a Ring Camera?
If you live on the Grand Strand, you know the growth of our community. Thousands upon thousands move to our area each year and new homes are popping out of the ground like mushrooms.
New neighborhoods seem to arise overnight as builders churn out new homes near our beautiful South Carolina coast.
With new people and a larger population comes more crimes and more home burglaries and invasions. Criminal activity goes up as communities grow as there is more opportunity to steal and more potential victims available.
Residents might choose a DIY home security system or a professionally installed system to keep their loved ones and their property save; many residents choose to enhance their systems with Ring Cameras
While we knock anything DIY, there is so much to know about installing cameras that we highly recommend extensive research, or hiring professionals like Strand Security.
We have over 25 years of experience installing home security systems and we get the job done fast, and right the first time! 😉
Things to remember when installing your own cameras would include
Ring Cameras can be purchased as a stand-alone product from just about anywhere online.
They’ve gained popularity among DIY-ers and home improvement communities as an easy way to keep tabs on what’s going on at home when you are not there.
One of the best places to install a Ring Camera is at your front door.
This YouTube video shows front-porch thieves stealing packages and breaking in.
While the ‘most well-known’ Ring Camera is the one people have installed at the front door, there are several Ring Cameras on the market! Strand Security is happy to help you choose the right cameras for your home, your security, your needs. You can stop by in Murrells Inlet for a visit to check out the Ring Camera options and models, including:
While we highly recommend you purchase your Ring Cameras from a reputable Ring Camera Dealer, we also recognize that not everyone will want to go that route. You might find an online sale or might have received a Ring Camera as a gift.
The good news is that Strand Security can and will install your Ring Cameras should you need assistance. We serve Horry County residents as well as Georgetown County residents and will be happy to come your way to set up your Ring Camera System for you.
Give us a call today and let’s get your home and your family secured!
Six months after the start of the 2020 pandemic millions of people in the USA still work from home.
As South Carolinians are getting ready to send their kids back to school, many parents are opting to keep them home. If you are homeschooling one or more children in Fall 2020, this might be of interest to you.
Homeschooling in a smarthome is just plan smart!
With COVID-19 forcing many employees to work from home, business executives are having to rethink their online and offline security needs.
Security procedures that were in place before the pandemic might no longer be valid as employees work from home, and new strategies are having to be implemented.
This article looks at three vulnerable areas of security as a starting point for those who manage companies in the time of this coronavirus pandemic.
While stores might or might not be open, offices are shut or only open for limited hours and with limited employees, for those in charge of employee safety, inventory and customer satisfaction it is imperative to be able to monitor on-going activities on location, from home.
Does you current commercial security system have these capabilities? Can you monitor your cameras from your phone? Can you watch your employees, keep an eye on your customers or your backroom inventory? Are you monitoring the commercial alarm system from any device?
You should be able to do this at anytime, but with so many people working from home, this has become an essential piece of data and communication between employers and employees .
If you are not currently monitoring cameras and activity in real-time, it’s time for an upgrade.
With millions of employees quickly transitioning to working from home, it’s easy for businesses to have forgotten to update their cybersecurity protocol.
If that was you, now is the time to get it done!
“Working from home brings security concerns that are unique to those seen in a traditional office setting. While working from home, employees may be accessing or transmitting trade secrets, personal information of individuals, and other confidential information. Exposure of trade secrets or confidential business information can cause expensive damages or loss to a company” Source CPO Magazine.
Things to be aware of and fix ASAP:
Things to implement include:
Check out our Best Work From Home Cybersecurity Tips
While your employees are at home, often using work computers to get work done, it’s important to update your employee information, to protect their privacy as well as yours!
This includes things like choosing the right video platforms .
While Zoom has had security issues, Webex is secure enough for the large TV networks and financial institutions to use.
Sharing sensitive information through online portals also requires special software – just make sure sure that you, the employer are aware of and are in charge of the tools used by everyone who works for you from home!
By updating your online and offline security strategies you are providing a safe and secure working environment for everyone; those who will continue to work form home into 2021 and those who might want to migrate back into the office.