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.
The 3 Most Useful Video Surveillance Tips for Business Owners
Business Owners Need Protection, Security and Safety!
Meet Nuvico
Strand Security is proud to partner with Nuvico when clients need video surveillance equipment to protect their business.
Nuvico branded video surveillance equipment is ideal for any surveillance project and is regularly installed in the following markets :
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Nuvico Installation in South Carolina
here on the Grand Strand we have many hotels, marinas, medical offices, stores, malls, restaurants, gas stations, car dealerships and offices, just to name some of the local business facilities in Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas.
Strand Security is an official Nuvico dealer and installer of surveillance systems.
Here are 3 of the Most Useful Video Surveillance Tips for Business Owners
We know you want reasons to install security cameras and surveillance camera systems. In a previous article, we gave you “3 Ways Video Surveillance Can Help Control Large Facilities and Businesses”. Next up are 3 tips for business owners!
1) Stick with Trusted Brands and Professional Installation
Strand Security only works with the most trusted brands in the industry. We constantly make sure that whatever we install in your home or business, is equipment we stand behind and is equipment we want to install and use for ourselves and our families!
As far as professional installation, we advise you on the best
- strategic placement of any and all cameras
- products for your business
- and what you need! We never sell you anything you don’t need to stay relevant and protected!
2) Utilize the Cloud to Store Surveillance Video Footage
Our second tip for business owners who have surveillance cameras is to make sure your video footage is backing up to the cloud!
you are going to want remote access and continued access, storage, so make sure the Cloud is where the video footages goes. We can help you set up your storage if you aren’t sure where your video footage is currently being stored!
3) Secure your Surveillance System from Hackers
Last but not least, this tip is included because many security camera systems and surveillance systems are vulnerable to random attacks by hackers who want to gain access to your footage with intend for criminal activity!
Secure your system from hackers by doing any and all of the following:
- Updating the system password often.
- Securing your business network.
- Refraining from connecting your system and your cameras to a public network: use your own, secured network instead.
- Choosing surveillance cameras with encrypted signals.
Ready to Work with Strand Security to Install a Surveillance System?
Give us a call today! We are ready to serve you.
3 Ways Video Surveillance Can Help Control Large Facilities and Businesses
Meet Pelco.com, VideoXpert Video Management Platform
If you are an owner at a large facility or business, or in charge of the maintenance or management of a large facility, check out one of the newest brands we at Strand Security work with!
Pelco video surveillance is great for larger facilities like
- schools
- universities
- prisons
- hospitals
- laboratories
- restaurants
- office buildings
- industrial buildings
What Pelco Can Do For You in 2022!
A new era of video security!
NEW for 2022, Pelco’s VideoXpert Video Management Platform provides:
- Smart Analytics
- Anti-Ligature hardware Options
- Body Worn Cameras
- Surevision Technology
- Onvif® Compliant
- Easy-to-install and repair
How Can Video Surveillance Help Control Large Facilities and Businesses?
1) Liability Protection: Surveillance Cameras Record and Gather Evidence
Whether you are a school, university, prison, office building or anything in between, maintaining video records can be invaluable to help solve crimes or acts of vandalism or violence – in other words, when things go wrong on campus you’d better have content to back up your claims!
A surveillance video system like Pelco can take all your worries away. It’s liability protection for your business!
2) Real Time Monitoring: Surveillance Cameras Provide Instant Access to All Areas of the Building(s)
Unless you can afford to hire a multitude in security offers and staff, using surveillance cameras and a surveillance systems to keep eyes on things in real time can make the difference in life-and-death situations like fire, assault, break-ins, fights, medical emergencies and more.
It’s like having eyes in the back of your head and a 360 degree view!
3) Preventing Crime: Surveillance Cameras Act As a Deterrent to Criminals
Prevention of crime should always be the goal when your manage a large facility or business. How can you prevent crime and violence?
One way is by installing a surveillance system and adding notices and and signs throughout the facility, mentioning the cameras!
If you were to put yourself in the shoes of a criminal, wouldn’t you SKIP this facility and make way for one where there are no cameras and no system to record your crime? We think so!
Surveillance camera systems are one of the best ways to deter crime!
How To Pick the Right Surveillance Camera System?
The best way to pick the right system for your facility is to talk to an experienced installer.
We are happy to answer your questions and to come out and see your facility or business. Let us know what your needs are!
The 2022 Home Security Trends You Don’t Want to Miss, Myrtle Beach!
Grand Strand and Myrtle Beach Area Population Boom in 2022!
We are almost into the second quarter of 2022. Spring is here and we are looking ahead to what else is to come in 2022. Myrtle Beach, Horry County and Georgetown county are booming!
Houses can not be built quickly enough for the demand. Older homes are getting facelifts and updates while new homes and whole new developments are popping out of the ground like mushrooms.
While we love the Grand Strand – we live and work here just like you – we are well aware that crime rates go up when the number of residents keep increasing.
Home security along, with location, is a huge factor when looking at who might be a victim of crime and criminal activity. While you can’t always just up and move your home to a new, better, more secure neighborhood, you CAN update your home with the latest trends and technology.
Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand Residents: Here are the 2022 home security trends you don’t want to miss!
1 More Smart Home Integrations
Homeowners are waking up to the fact that technology is here to stay and technology is our friend – and can make our lives so much easier.
While smart homes and smart home technology isn’t new, there are a few trends to look for in 2022.
They include
- Smarter sensors (see #4 facial recognition)
- Energy efficiency is one of the top requests from homeowners: devices connected to thermostats, window shades, electronics and solar panels all help to reduce energy waste and cost!
- Health tracking and health management while at home can now be integrated with smart home technology as the system can communicate with healthcare providers and caretakers in real time!
2 Security Drones
Back in 2017 we wrote about drones as part of looking ahead to future security concerns. We quote:
“New technology will enable drones to be part of your home security system – if not now, in the very near future!
In this article in Digital Trends we read about a new home security system that deploys a drone to patrol your property! Sounds like something out of a sci-fi book? Think again! The technology is here and soon most, if not all, security systems will have this capability. This article predicts
“The idea of a security camera that doesn’t fly will seem like the dark ages.”
That will be an amazing day…!“
Well – it’s here. It took only 5 years, but we now do have drones with security cameras that can be employed with smart home technology to scout your property! It’s a new trends for 2022 and an exciting one to boot!
3 Universal Home Automation
We love love love automation – but there are so many options! Google, Apple, Ring…
What coming is more ways to link to any smart speaker and provide you with full control across multiple environments.
We predict you can expect the security of your home to be more streamlined and connected to all other smart home devices in the near future.
4 Facial Recognition
Mentioned above in #1, the newest trends is facial recognition with the assistance of AI, for home security. This will replace keyless entry with number pad or fingerprint and over into to facial recognition for optimal security!
5 Remote Video Monitoring
This is a new service that will come into being: not just home security monitoring, but actual video monitoring services.
With regular home security monitoring, an alert goes out when an armed door or window is unlocked or opened, or when there is movement if sensors are activated.
Remote video monitoring would include constant monitoring in real time offered as a service to those who want peace of mind – think elderly parent living home alone, or a preteen home after school.
Get Your Home Security Up-To-Date for 2022, Myrtle Beach
We stay on top of the latest trends, brands and technology so you don’t have to. Come talk to us.
Another offering that we might see more of from 2022 is remote video monitoring services. This ensures potential emergencies and criminal activity can be spotted and prevented before they become a bigger problem.
The 3 Most Compelling Reasons Parents Need Security Cameras in 2022
Family Safety
If you are a parent, you know the importance of keeping your family safe and sound. Home safety includes keeping kids and teenagers safe from fires, water and chemicals.
While prevention is the key to keeping your family safe, installing security cameras in the right spots can help give you peace of mind when you are not in the same space as your family.
Security cameras trained on your pool for example, can not prevent a drowning, but will give you an instant access view of the pool and pool deck when needed.
Keeping an eye out in hallways, garages, bedrooms and living rooms might help you spot a problem before it endangers the life of someone you love and care about.
Here is a story of how a security camera system saved the lives of a family after moving into a home with a faulty fire alarm!
Surveillance of the Property
Next, another reason to install and use security cameras it to keep an eye on your property. Think not just home, garage and yard, but also car(s), boats, bikes and motorcycles!
Security cameras might detect someone scouting your home for a potential burglary or home invasion. Keeping track of who comes near your home, who stops in front of your home and who is suspicious looking, might actually prevent a crime.
Teenagers are impulsive and might get in with the wrong crowd and try sneaking out of the house in the night. Surveillance of your home and property would identify when and where and with whom they associate.
If by chance a crime does occur, having security camera footage will certainly help law enforcement in their effort to identify and capture the thieves and return your property to you.
Potential Security Breaches
Last but not least, security cameras help you spot potential security breaches before they happen.
Your child or teenager might forget to lock up, or leave doors open at night. They might forget to lock the car doors, leaving the car unlocked overnight. Having a camera system trained on the right spots could identify these types of potential security breaches before they become an issue.
Security cameras are also a great tool to keep an eye on outside workers when they need access to your home, whether you are home, or not. These include but are not limited to babysitters, nannies, home healthcare workers, petsitters, construction crews, delivery personnel, etc.
Identifying potential security breaches can prevent big problems down the road.
Security Cameras – Know What Your Needs Are
Here are a few helpful articles about security cameras should you want to learn more.
- Wireless Security Cameras
- 10 Reasons To Love Security Cameras
- Everything You’d Want to Know About Ring Cameras
- The Best Location For Outdoor Security Cameras
- What Makes a Powerful Surveillance Camera?
- Security Camera Stats
How To Effortlessly Connect Google Home, Alexa, Ring or Nest to A Home Security System
Got a Home Security System?
If you’ve had a home security system for years, you might be curious about making your home into a smarthome. Technology has changed so much over the last few years and so much more is possible now, more than ever before!
The good news? You do not have to start from scratch. Systems and brands can communicate and work together to create a smarthome.
The best news? We have the best way, the best solution for you to get started on this project. Keep reading for the best way to effortlessly connect Google Home, Alexa, Ring or Nest to your home security system!
Home Security Systems and Smarthomes!
Home security systems can be added to other technology to create smarthomes.
What if you could just TELL (by voice) your home to
- arm the whole house
- arm the back door
- turn on the lights
- dim the lights
- adjust the thermostat
- alert the fire department
- call for an ambulance
- notify the police
- draw the shades
- turn on music
and more!
How amazing would that be?
That is what smarthome technology can do: your current system can be updated to link up with other systems on your home.
Your Home Security System + Google Home
Google Home offers many apps to connect to.
Control Appliances and Fixtures
Control Home Security (including Alarm.com)
Got a Google Home System? Connect your home security system to use voice command.
Your Home Security System +Alexa
Alexa is a Amazon product.
“You can build smart home and other products that customers can control from millions of Alexa devices with just their voice. Expand your device’s capabilities with Alexa to create delightful experiences for lights, switches, thermostats, cameras, locks, and more.”
Alexa can be linked to your entertainment center and control the TV. Alexa can be linked to a microwave and used with vioce command and much, much more!
Got an Alexa system? Connect your home security system to use voice command.
Your Home Security System + Ring Cameras
New for Ring.com is an integration with home security systems. Known as the “DIY home security camera system”, Ring has branched out and can be integrated with home security systems as well as other smart systems.
Your Home Security System + Nest
Another Google product, Google Nest also lets you connect devices in your home for a fully integrated smarthome system. Their tag line?
“Build your helpful home!”
Effortlessly Connect A Home Security System To Your Other Systems
Here is the easiest way to do connect a home security system for another smarthome system, like Google Home, Alexa, Ring or Nest, just to name a few:
Reach out to Strand Security, or your own home security experts! They are trained to do this for a living: effortlessly and without much trouble.
If you value your own time, hear this: this is one DIY job you really don’t want! Let the professionals handle the integration. You’ll be glad you did!
How To Get Ready for 2022 With Our Best Home Security Tips
2022 Is Almost Here! How Will You Protect and Secure Those You Love?
In just a few weeks, the calendar will turn to 2022.
Are you ready?
Protecting the ones you love should be your number one priority, followed by protecting your hard-earned possession. Strand Security partners with individuals, families and businesses to do just that!
Your security is our business!
As we close out 2021 with Strand Strand Security’ s last blog article in 2021, let’s look ahead to how you can get ready for the most amazing year (2022!) with our Best Home Security Tips!
Activate Your Alarm System – When You Leave and When You Arrive!
Why not use it if you got it?
We continue to be surprised to find that the majority of home security system owners only activate their alarms when they are not home! Right, we mean that people will arm the system and set it to ‘away’ when they leave, but fail to arm the system when they are home.
Wait?! Yep!
TIP: You should use the system when you are home! Really!!! Protect yourself and those you love against a home invasion, possible burglary or worse.
You got? Use it!
Keep Your Yard Trimmed and Cleaned Up
You want to tell the world you care about your property. Tell them you care enough to landscape, trim hedges and bushes and you are aware of changes happening in your yard.
This signals to a potential burglar on a stakeout to skip your home! They do not want to meet a homeowner – burglars want to enter your home undetected and want to leave before anyone notices they are there. Install Motion-Detecting Flood Lights Around Your Home and Office
Lights deter. But leaving lights on all night is not a great option. While you could use timers to turn lights on and off, why not use motion-detecting lights to flood the doorways, windows and parking lots when people approach your building!
Crime can happen during the day. However, the cover of darkness makes sneaking in and out of a building much easier. Don’t make it easy for a criminal. use light to deter them.
Test your System Periodically
We at Strand Security help our customers test their systems. We want to make sure that during an emergency situation – home fire, carbon monoxide, medical emergency, hurricane, flood etc – your system will alert the proper authorities!
Testing should be part of your standard maintenance list done on your home!
Upgrade Your Security Cameras
The newest, latest security camera technology is amazing. No more grainy pictures, no more guessing who is trying to break in. Clear images and wireless options, wired or wireless, there are many options and each year they get better and better with advanced technology. If you’ve not updated your cameras in a long time, come talk to us.
We’d be happy to give you a quote to upgrade your current system!
Keep an Eye On Crime Stats in Your Neighborhood
Last but not least, keep an eye on the crime stats for your neighborhood, your town, your county. Not all crimes make the paper or the news, but there are places you ca find real data on crime.
We don’t recommend you get obsessed with numbers, but a forewarned person can action to prevent certain crimes from happening. Why not be prepared?
If crime in your area is in on the rise, read this.
Strand Security: Serving Horry County and Georgetown County
We are here when you need us, but we prefer to help you before you really need us aka you’ve been a victim of crime! 😉
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from all of us at Strand Security. May your 2022 be filled with joy, happiness and and may you always feel safe and protected!
The Best Security and Technology Brands We Recommend in 2021
Did You See Our Ad in Sasee Magazine?
If you live on the Grand Strand, you might have seen our ad in Sasee Magazine this past summer or this fall!
We are spreading the word of our services to homeowners new to the area, to those who want better services, and to those who want to switch and save money!
In case you missed the magazine ad, here it is.
What you are not seeing is the brands we work with here at Strand Security!
If you are looking for the latest technology, the best service, the best brands and technology, Strand Security has you covered.
Here are the best security and technology brands we recommend to our customers in 2021.
Honeywell on the Grand Strand
We install and service Honeywell Security Systems. Whether you live in Georgetown County or Horry County, we’ve got you covered. This is a trusted brand with many options for both home owners as well as commercial use.
URC Total Control
Smarthomes and smart business owners use URC total control! We love the technology of URC and we have many happy customers who can attest to this effectiveness of these systems!
Dahua
When installing security cameras, we look to Dahua for a wide range of options to offer our customers! They are a one-stop-shop for all things video!
Abiding by the philosophy of “Innovation for All”, Dahua offers a wide portfolio of security-related products, ranging from IPC, NVR, HDCVI cameras, HCVR, PTZ cameras, thermal cameras, Access Control, Video Intercom, Alarms, Mobile & Traffic products, display & control, VMS and so on. Dahua products are based on an open platform that features easy integration with third party partners through a standard SDK.
UBIQUITI
Ubiquiti is a multi-application network operating system. It connects all your networks, locations and gives you “Simple IT that just works”. Ask us about ubiquiti if you are a small to medium size business owner!
Sonos
Home sound systems and home theaters use Sonos speakers to bring the music to the party! We love and use Sonos right here at our office. Feel free to stop by for a demo anytime. Don’t forget: we don’t just sell Sonos speakers, we also install and service them and integrate these speakers into existing smarthome systems!
Onkyo
No home theater is complete without an Onkyo receiver and sound system!
From their website:
(Onkyo receivers are) affordable and versatile home theater centerpiece tailored to deliver a best-in-class entertainment experience for your movies, music, and next-gen gaming systems.
Denon
Denon home sound bars are an affordable choice for a home sound system!
No matter what Denon system you chose, be confident that Strand Security can install and service your new system for years to come.
Marantz
Master the art of listening with Marantz. Marantz products include
Z-Wave
Z-Wave is the smarthome control you need when convenience and ease-of-use is paramount!
Z-Wave is the leading wireless technology behind many of the secure, trusted brands that are working to make everyone’s home smarter and safer. With Z-Wave, smart home products can communicate with each other no matter what brand or platform they are built on using a central smart hub.
HikVision
The leader in security camera solutions is HikVision. We use and trust HikVision to keep our own family and business location safe and secure.
Smart Builders Install Security Systems While Constructing the Home
Are You Building a Home on The Grand Strand?
Welcome to the Grand Strand! If you are new the state of South Carolina, or to the Myrtle Beach area, we want to make you know how excited we are to have you join us in this wonderful place we’ve called home for 10+ years!
The growth we’ve seen on the Grand Strand is phenomenal! In a recent article, we touched on all the different areas the Grand Strand is growing, including new schools, 5+ new hospitals, lots of new road construction and yes, new residents!
Whether you are renting, buying or building a new home, you are not alone.
Purchasing a Spec Home on the Grand Strand
New neighborhoods are sprouting up like mushrooms all along the Grand Strand. We can’t seem to keep up with the new names, new locations and new homes that are being built and can we just say the volume of spec homes is staggering!
Grand Strand Realtors can not seem to find enough homes to list, while home buyers are outbidding each other for their favorite homes!
If you are one of the new residents thinking about purchasing a spec home, or working with a builder, or a contractor to build a new home, we’d love to talk to you.
Why?
To save you money!
Adding a Security System To Your Newly Constructed Home
If you are considering adding a security system or smarthome technology to your new home anytime in the future, it will pay for you to talk with your contractor today about adding the wiring before the dry walls go up!
This will save on labor cost later, and will ensure the wiring is placed in exactly the right spot you want and need it to be.
Construction is a Great time To Add Smarthome and Security System Capabilities!
Next, if you are considering a smarthome system for your newly constructed home, consult a security and smarthome expert to find out how to wire the home for this technology as well.
Electric wiring is done before dry walls and painting is done, so it makes sense to plan out the location of your wall units, security cameras and other technology so as not to ruin perfectly good and newly painted walls.
Our team at Strand Security works closely with Grand Strand contractors to ensure the best possible location for your home security system.
Save Time. Save Money. Get Security!
Why not save time and money when building a new home? We know from experience there are quite a few ‘hidden costs’ to building a new home. Why not save some from the start by being proactive and getting wiring done right?
What is your security worth to you?
New Resident? What You Need To Know About Crime on the Grand Strand
When planning to move to a new state, city or neighborhood, it usually pays to read up on local news, local crime and local events to get an idea on what’s happening! You want to be prepared for anything and everything, right?
The population growth in the Myrtle Beach area aka The Grand Strand shows no sign of slowing down: we have welcomed a lot of new residents in the last 18 months and there is no sign that things are slowing down anytime soon.
The housing market along the beach is competitive, houses are built left, right and everywhere in between and frankly, the roadways are busier than we’ve even seen them before!
If you are planning to move to the Grand Strand in the near future, or if you’ve just arrived, keep reading!
Are You Planning to Move to the Grand Strand?
If you are still in the planning phase of moving to the Myrtle Beach area, may we suggest you read up on several topics.
Read about
If you’ve arrived on the Grand Strand and getting your bearings, you already know and might have experienced some of the challenges that come with a growing community like ours.
Congested roads, overcrowded school, a competitive housing market driving prices up, up and up and increased crime are all part of this growing community along South Carolina’s beautiful shoreline.
Rapid Growth Along the Grand Strand Brings Challenges
It’s simple math:
More houses are being bought and sold, the population is growing steadily, Horry and Georgetown Counties are building more schools, roads and hospitals – and with all these new people moving in, crime rates are going… UP!
The Myrtle Beach area has been a draw for those criminals who want to hide for years and years. As millions and millions of tourists pour into the Grand Strand each year, hiding out is an easy thing to accomplish! The transient community that is Myrtle Beach is a perfect place for petty criminals, human traffickers, thieves and convicted felons.
In this 2021 article, we read
According to the FBI’s latest US Crime Report, Myrtle Beach, SC is now officially the 3rd most dangerous city in the United States.
How To Keep Your Neighborhood Safe
The best way to keep your neighborhood safe is to communicate and take preventative action. Even if you live in a safe neighborhood, it’s important to understand the risks you run by not protecting your home.
Here is the best way to keep your neighborhood safe: communicate with law enforcement officers and with neighbors. Then take action!
Did you know that most people purchase a home security system AFTER they are the victim of a crime? Why wait? Why go through this trauma, this anxiety, if it can be prevented? The same is true for your neighborhood! Why wait until cars are broken into, or vandals destroy property?
We suggest a neighborhood watch program as described here.
Crime Happens. Be Prepared!
The last thing we want to mention is… that crime happens.
You can’t prevent crime, but by being prepared, you can prevent the severity of the crime – and reduce the time it takes for law enforcement officers to come to the crime scene, increasing the chance the criminals are caught!
Our clients homes are monitored by COPS Monitoring and have been for the past 10+ years!
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