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Now that the weather is cooperating, and it’s warmed up outside (bye, bye winter!), it’s logical that our children, pets and we ourselves want to spend MORE time outside. Spring is a great time to plant a new garden, install a pool and sit on the deck or porch under the stars.
With more outdoor activities, come more outside dangers. We’re not sure about you, but we’d love to know what Sparky is doing when he’s in the backyard. (Is he digging to China? Is he eating a shrub? The same is true for our children, their babysitters, and (elderly) parents.
How can you keep an eye on what’s going on outside in your backyard, even if you are at work, or in your home office?
Security cameras!
Outdoor security cameras can be a powerful tool for enhancing your home security, not just in the spring, but all year round.
The benefits of installing and monitoring outdoor security cameras are vast.
Benefits include the following
Besides aiding in increasing your home security, outdoor security cameras can also prevent accidents and potentially save lives by allowing you to monitor kids, pets, elderly parents, and teenagers in real-time, from afar.
When deciding on outdoor security cameras, we recommend you speak with an expert. If you are doing the installation yourself, you’ll want to do the proper research on both wired and wireless systems and the pros and cons of each of these options.
Learn more about wireless outdoor security cameras.
As outdoor cameras are subject to the elements, it is important you have a solid plan for maintaining outdoor security cameras, such as choosing the right location, ensuring proper wiring and connections, and regularly cleaning and checking the cameras. With the Atlantic hurricane season approaching each year in June, we highly recommend you test and check on your outdoor security cameras in April or May.
One of the best features of a smart home is being able to integrate just about any system, including outdoor security cameras. This allows you to control your cameras remotely, receive alerts and notifications, and even automate your security system. You will be able to see what’s going on outside, from inside your home, your office or from anywhere in the world as long as you have Wifi service.
last but not least, it is important to be aware of potential privacy concerns associated with outdoor security cameras. What is a neighbor complains about the location of the camera, or your wifi security is low and there are concerns someone can break into your system and watch your cameras? Be sure to speak to an expert if those are concerns on top of your list for your family and property.
We sell, install and maintain many different brands of outdoor security cameras and can help you make the right choice for your family and property. If you have commercial needs, we welcome you as well. We’ve done some amazing local Grand Strand Installations for commercial properties: check out this one in North Myrtle Beach!
As spring arrives in South Carolina, so does… pollen.
If you live in the Myrtle Beach area of the Grand Strand, you might have seen this picture shared by Ed Piotrowski.
It’s not an oil slick, it’s a pollon-slick in the ocean! 😂
All this pollen doesn’t clean itself! After the trees have done their thing, it’s time for the humans to de-pollen their homes, porches, cars, windows and driveways!
Can we say it?
Yes, soon it will be time for… Spring Cleaning.
Now we’re not saying these home security mistakes can’t be made during other months. We’re not saying that at all.
BUT… these mistakes are more likely to be made in spring when you are spending more time outside, more time opening windows and doors, and less time inside.
In no particular order, here are 7 common home security mistakes made in Spring!
We are not saying we’ve not made these mistakes ourselves. Sometimes just reading tips like these can help you create better security habits around your home. By avoiding these common springtime home security mistakes, you can keep your home and family safe and secure. Don’t forget, your security is our business. Give us a call.
In 2023, technology is more affordable than ever!
Smarthomes, smart technology… as more and more people jump in, especially with new home construction, these types of systems have become more affordable and thus more commonplace.
Last year Strand Security installed these window shades, these types of Smarthomes systems, and several smarthome home theater technology systems!
Alexas, Google homes… who doesn’t own a ‘Siri’ device, right?
Let’s look at the best new home security tech gadgets for 2023. We know you’ll want them!
We don’t do anything halfway.
We’ve collected a list of not one or two, but ten home security gadgets.
In no particular order, here they are!
We encourage you to vet your service provider carefully. We’ve been installing smarthomes for many years and work with the best brands. If you are looking for the best brands, the best service at the best pricing and like supporting locally owned and locally operated small businesses… we are it!
Give us a call today and let’s figure out how we can help you.
It’s 2023. Technology is affordable. Why are you still debating getting a home security system or security cameras?
No matter where you live, in Myrtle Beach, on the Grand Strand, somewhere in South Carolina, or elsewhere, chances are that crime is happening in your neighborhood!
Today we are going to give your 3 great reasons you need security cameras in your home in 2023.
No more waiting.
No more excuses.
No more putting it off.
Read on!
Do you love your family?
Have you worked hard for what you have?
Do you own your own home and are paying for a mortgage?
If you’ve answered yes to all three, these three tips are for you!
Security cameras help you protect your home and family by providing you with a live video feed of what’s happening in and around your home.
Let’s write that again. A live video feed allows you to check on your home 24/7 in real time and shows you what is happening in and around your home.
Imagine… You can keep an eye on your kids, pets, and elderly relatives even when you’re away from home. Additionally, having security cameras deter burglars and intruders from breaking into your home, as they know they’re being monitored.
In the event of an unfortunate event like a break-in or home invasion, security cameras can also provide important evidence to the authorities to help them catch the culprits. Faster. Better. More accurately.
Another great reason to install security cameras in your home is that you can monitor your home remotely from anywhere in the world. That means you can travel for business, go on a family vacation, or visit relatives without having to worry about your assets at home.
With the help of a smartphone app, you can access live footage of your home from your office, a friend’s place, or even while you’re on vacation.
This way, you can keep an eye on your home and make sure everything is alright even when you’re not there. This can give you peace of mind and allow you to relax and enjoy your time away from home.
Sensors and cameras can be placed in strategic places in case of flooding, loss of heat, or in case of fire, this is particularly good for older homes!
Finally, security cameras can give you the ability to know what’s happening in and around your home as well, when you’re away.
With the help of motion detection technology, your security cameras can send you alerts when they detect any movement or activity in your home and outside of your home. Anyone approaching your home, friend or foe, will be picked up by these motion sensors and a live camera feed.
This way, you can stay informed and be aware of any unusual activity happening in and outside of your home.
Maybe you have a lively pet causing a ruckus, a delivery man leaving a package, or someone is lurking outside your property, you can know about it right away. This can help you take action quickly and make sure your home is safe and secure.
Choosing a security camera and a system is better left to the professionals. Take it from us, it gets confusing pretty fast when looking at all the options.
Instead of doing that, we suggest you do the following:
And that’s us! We’ve been installing home security systems and home security cameras for decades. Trust us with your family and assets. Your security is our business.
Everyone deserves to have a home and live the life they want. Those who are living with a disability often have fewer choices about where and how they live alone. Children with disabilities who work on gaining independence from their parents will experience confidence in themselves.
Technology can help facilitate these changes and that independence.
Technology used for good is allowing disabled persons to replace some of the tasks done for them with tasks they can do on their own with the help of this new technology.
This article will highlight just a few use-cases of smarthome technology for those living with a disability.
From first-hand experience we know how hard it is for someone who is slowly losing their vision to continue to live alone. Smarthome technology has helped a loved one we know in these ways:
They used Alexa to
They also used another product to dispense pills twice per day.
Smarthome technology for the visually impaired can make the difference between independence, and relying on the help of a home aide.
From this article we learn:
Voice assistants can be integrated into a smart home to
When we look as those persons with hearing loss, smarthome technology can help them in different ways.
That includes
There are so many reasons to embrace smarthome technology!
This article from the New York Times highlights how people with physical disability and limited motion can be helped with smarthome technology!
It’s amazing to read WHAT can be automated in your home (HINT: Just about anything that runs on electricity!)
Voice controlled automation is brilliant for those with limited mobility!
Last but not least, those with cognitive impairments can be helped with smarthome technology, too.
Elderly who live alone and might forget to take meds, can be reminded to take them at set times with a simple Alexa hack. Simple tasks that are easily forgotten (like eating lunch, or cleaning the dishes) can be set to become daily reminders.
Smarthome technology can be used to make their home safer when they cook or perform other simple tasks.
Smarthome technology might give a person with cognitive impairments a bit more independence, or a few extra months in their home if they are experiencing declining health.
If you have a child with a disability, smarthome technology can enrich the life of your child by offering them more independence. Come talk to us about your most pressing issue and we might be able to help you find a simple solution with smarthome technology. We’d love to help you and your family!
Hey South Carolina!
What’s up? We are getting a head start on home security trends for 2023.
We know you want to know what’s new, exciting and what’s coming down the pipeline, right? Here are some of the 2023 home security trends we see taking off in 2023.
AI, Artificial Intelligence is here. It’s being used in almost all industries and certainly has made its way to the home and commercial security industry.
Artificial intelligence is used to operate smart devices via the voice control function of AI-enabled units such as Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, in addition to its use in home security systems. In addition, Voice commands can be used to manage advanced home security systems and commercial systems.
If you have heard of the “cloud” but aren’t sure what it does, here is your answer.
We’ve been installing and servicing smarthomes for years. In 2023 we see smarthome technology expand even more. Homeowners want their smarthome to do even more recurring tasks for them.
In 2022 we saw the first installations of smart window shades.
In 2023, we predict more and more home will add smarthomes technology to
That is a great question.
While technology changes quickly, we can often swap out or add components for you to keep the current system in place. Unless you have a brand new home that need it all, small changes i.e new cameras, new keypad, additional sensors, these are things that can be added without breaking the bank.
Smarthome technology is not just for nerds!
It’s great for
Smarthome technology allows you to keep an eye on your home when you are not present. It also allows you to DO things in your home while not present:
We are the experts in Horry County and Georgetown County in the Myrtle Beach area. We are locally owned and locally operated and live where we work.
Come talk to us!
Can you believe Fall 2022 is here?
While you might be out enjoying the sunshine, slightly shorter days and plenty of cooler weather here in South Carolina, we are always on alert! Your security is our business here at Strand Security in Murrells Inlet!
Today, we’d like to discuss three bad habits many homeowners have, that put you and your loved one at risk for a home invasion, burglary or theft.
These are three bad habits homeowners have that put them at a higher risk for a home invasion or burglary.
While you might have grown up as a latch key kid, or knew where all your neighbors hid their keys, there is no need to continue this dangerous habit!
If you have lock on your doors with keys, do this one thing: Go and have 10 extra keys made and only give them to people you completely trust. That’s it. Stop hiding a key outside.
If you have an emergency and do need to hide a key outside, do it in a spot away from the door.
Never, and I mean never put your key in an envelope and put it in your mailbox. Don’t hide it under a rock either.
TIP: It’s best to replace all your door locks with a keyless entry system, and connect it to your smarthome system! Never ever have a use of a key again – all you need is codes to get in the door!
Did you know that most burglaries happen between the hours of 10 AM – 2 PM?
Indeed, they do and what most people don’t realize is that often a burglar enters the home through an unlocked door. Front door, garage side door, backdoor. It’s easy to walk in if the door isn’t locked
If you have this bad habit, try setting reminders on your phone, or leave yourself a note on your car’s dashboard “STOP. Did you lock the door?” might be all it takes to get into the habit of locking up behind you.
Remember, most burglaries happen because of opportunity, not scouting! Entering a home where the door is unlocked is a huge bonus for someone who wants to remain unseen and unheard!
Last but not least, another bad habit is refusing to install a home security system all together! What makes you special enough to be spared the trauma of a home invasion or burglary? Nothing!
We serve people who want to prevent a home invasion, burglary or theft. Unfortunately we are also contacted often by people who’ve already been victims and want to prevent a second occurance. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Get an alarm system now. It’s doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, it doesn’t have to be too complicated either.
We make the process of home alarms, security systems as easy as possible. Give us a call today to get started. We will be happy to answer your questions over the phone!
If this is the first time you’ve come to our website or blog, welcome!
We are excited to share Strand Security Services with you. Strand Security is a locally owned and locally operated small business, serving both Horry County and Georgetown County.
What services do we offer? Keep reading!
Let’s look at the full list of services first. Strand Security of Murrells Inlet offers:
Home Security Systems and Commercial Security Systems is what we are best known for.
We work with C.O.P.S. monitoring to keep our customers save in case of emergency.
Home automation is another area where we’ve been expanding. We partnered with URC and have installed several large commercial automation systems in local Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach restaurants.
Whether you want
Strand Security Services offer an affordable way to upgrade your current home!
Strand Security in Myrtle Beach will professionally customizes a home theater solution that fits your lifestyle, room needs and desires.
We offer our 25 years of experience for you to bring your favorite movies and films to life in the comfort of your own home.
Select your choice audio, video, and projection equipment from our product catalog. We provide complete pre-wiring for new homes or a blueprint plan and wiring for your existing room. Then we custom install your sound and viewing equipment putting you in control of your state of the art home theater.
Learn more:
10 reasons to love a home theater
How to get the most for your ideal home theater price?
Will you need expert help with home theater setup?
How to choose the right home theater design
Who installs home theaters on the Grand Strand in South Carolina?
When you contact us at Strand Security, you will talk to a real human! Most likely you’ll get Chuck on the line and he’ll be able to set up a meeting, or answer any questions you may have.
If you visit the shop, you’ll most likely meet Heather.
We are a family owned business: we live and work right here in Murrells Inlet.
For a quote, or with a question, call us anytime!
Who doesn’t love home automation?
Smart home Automation means automating recurring tasks in your home.
That includes things like:
With the latest technology, you can pretty much automate any appliance or system in your home.
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.
Today, we are going to show you the latest (and super cool) automation!
Window shades!
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
Check out this awesome smart home window shades demo by one of our Strand Security technicians.
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:
Give us a call if you want to learn more about home automation, like these window shades!
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:
Whatever life event that has made you look for smart home security camera options, you’ve come to the right place!
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!
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 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.
One of the ‘newest kids on the block’ is the floodlight home security camera!
This technology is great for busy two-income households and for those who live alone.
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.
We’d love to help you with your choice. Give us a call anytime.