Blog

Livly: A Modern Residential Community Experience

Livly is a trusted technology solution for both property managers and residents that will change the resident experience for the better.

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Items Burglars Want Most

Burglars move quickly during a break in, and these are some of the most sought after possessions. 

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Reasons to Choose a Local Security Company

There are pros and cons to both national and local security companies, but the advantages of choosing a local one might surprise you.  

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What to Do After a Break In

No one ever wants to be victimized by a burglar, but the fact is that many will encounter some sort of theft or break in at some point in their lifetime. Knowing how to handle the aftermath can make a significant difference in moving forward.

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How Landscaping Affects Your Security

When it comes to the landscaping around your home or business, there are several considerations to keep in mind that could affect your overall security. While some of these suggestions seem automatic, others are more subtle and could have a huge impact.
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Do You Know How Your Alarm System Communicates?

There are several avenues in which alarm systems communicate with their alarm monitoring system with each having specific pros and cons. 

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What to Know About Smart Locks

Smart locks have been on the market for several years now and they continue to gain features as technology advances. But what exactly are they? And how useful can they be?

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What is Video Alarm Verification?

Video alarm verification technology adds layers of protection and convenience for both consumers and law enforcement to any security system. read more

Motion Detector Installation Basics

Motion detection devices are at the core of any security system, and their placement can have major implications on your system’s effectiveness.   read more

Inside the Mind of a Burglar

Getting inside the mind of a thief can help protect your business from falling victim to burglary.

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Will Renter’s Insurance Give a Discount if You Have a Security System?

Did you know that having a security system could ultimately save you money by reducing the cost of your renter’s insurance?

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Can You Get a Discount on Home Insurance if You Have a Security System?

One of the biggest deterrents for burglars is a home security system that could record evidence of their actions or could notify the authorities at the time of a break-in. This is a huge motivator for homeowners when deciding whether they should invest in a home security system. But did you know that having a security system could ultimately save you money by reducing the cost of your home insurance?

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What is the Difference Between Dome Cameras and Bullet Cameras?

Two of the most prevalent types of CCTV cameras are bullet and dome cameras. Let’s dig into the similarities and differences between the two. One or both may be the right fit for your system.

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Tips to Prevent Your Security System from Being Hacked

DIY security systems can leave your home as a potential target for hackers or thieves. When you are investing in a security system, you are hoping for peace of mind, and you are trusting this technology with your safety and property.

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Holiday Safety Tips for Homes and Businesses

With the holiday season right around the corner, burglars are on the lookout for unguarded homes or businesses to prey on. Unlike the Grinch, holiday robbers don't often have a heart that grows three sizes, making it more important than ever to protect your valuables and your loved ones. 

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Where Should Window and Motion Sensors be Placed?

A motion sensor allows a system to detect movement, using waves or light to determine if someone or something is in your space. Similarly, a window sensor is used to detect when a window is opened. Together, these can become your eyes when you’re not around.

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What are the Best Outdoor Security Cameras?

When it comes to protecting your home, you need to think about both the indoor and outdoor components of your security system. Security cameras can allow you to see and monitor what is going on, even if you aren’t there in person.

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7 Ways Home Monitoring Keeps Your Pets Safe

Your family’s safety is at the forefront of your mind when installing a security system, and that includes your pets as well. When researching a security product that suits your needs, consider the ways that this technology can help your pets stay safe too.

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The Risky Business of Ring's Vulnerable Security

If you are like the rest of Americans, you have noticed that the Ring Security company has been in the news lately— and not for anything useful. Between security hacks and lawsuits, the company has landed itself in hot water.  read more

Can Video Doorbells Be Used in Apartments?

There usually are two concerns that arise when it comes to video doorbell usage in a rented property: Installation concerns and privacy concerns. read more

The Cost of Alarm Monitoring vs. the Cost of a Break-In

Property crime in the United States is costly. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, property crimes in 2018 resulted in an estimated $16.4 billion of losses. read more

What Is Alarm.com?

Alarm.com is a cloud-based service that allows customers to manage their security alarms and home automation systems remotely. read more

The Only SimpliSafe Review You Need to Read

The challenge with any DIY home security system, in our opinion, comes down to the customer experience. read more

Smart Home Security & How to Implement

Security vs. home automation is the friendliest rivalry around. Why? Because they play so well together. read more

Smart Home Technology for Aging Adults

Today’s smart home technology, while offering a whole new level of convenience and ease to our lives, also can provide tremendous benefits to caregivers. read more

4 Questions & Answers about Smart Home Devices

A smart home device connects to a network in your home so it can operate and interact with you and other devices in your home remotely. read more

Why Cheaper Isn't Better When It Comes to Security

The development of home security technology using wireless transmission connections and battery power has made it possible for DIY options to enter the home security market. One of the biggest misconceptions about DIY home security is that it is so easy that a person with absolutely zero background on audiovisual equipment can do it.

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Why Security Camera Installation Should Be Left to the Professionals

If you are not a professional in the audio-visual field, installing quality, capable home security equipment can be a much bigger ordeal than you anticipated. read more

What are the Different Kinds of Security Video Storage?

How much storage does a security camera have? It’s a seemingly simple question, with a surprisingly complicated answer.

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The 3 Key Differences in Residential vs. Business Security Explained

Commercial and residential property are subject to different laws and regulations, and that includes rules for security systems. read more

The Safest Neighborhoods in Detroit

Rankings are all well and good; however, it’s important to remember that safety is a word that can mean different things to different people. read more

Security Cameras Are Not Created Equal

Cameras are one of the most critical components in your security arsenal, and not all security cameras are the same. Consider these differences. read more

3 Ways Security Contracts Help You

There are pros and cons to contracts. The key is to know what you are paying for in a contract and details about the reputation of the company. read more

How Security Cameras Work at Night

Light is a crucial element for making a camera work. Without light, the camera can’t see anything. So, how do security cameras work at night?

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What Do Villages Require to Add a Security System?

Every village adopts its own building codes to establish minimum requirements for the safety and well-being of the property owner, occupants, and the general public. read more

Can You Get in Trouble for Breaking into Your Own House?

Yes, you can get in trouble for breaking into your own house—at least temporarily. If the police are notified that there is a break-in at a residence, either by a neighbor or a security alarm, they can detain or arrest you until you can prove that it is your home. It’s unlikely you’ll be charged with any crime, though. read more

What Is a Central Station Alarm?

A central station alarm system provides around-the-clock monitoring from specially trained staff that can make decisions on how to respond to any situation.

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Video Doorbell Privacy Issues

Video doorbells are one of the hottest home security tools on the market today. We agree. Once you have a video doorbell, you’ll probably wonder how you ever lived without it. However, like any technology on the market today, privacy issues continue to be a significant concern and video doorbell companies have come under scrutiny for some of their privacy practices. read more

How Video Doorbells Work

A video doorbell is a system that allows you to see who is ringing your doorbell by way of a video connection. If your video doorbell has a two-way audio system, you also can talk to the person at the front door, whether you’re home or not. How you connect your system and how you access it depends on you. read more

Advantages of Having an Alarm System

There are a lot of advantages to having an alarm system. For starters, the National Council for Home Safety and Security says that homes without an alarm system are three times as likely to get burglarized. read more

How Much Data Does a Wifi Security Camera Use?

What factors affect the necessary bandwidth for using and uploading footage from your home security system?

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Who Owns ADT Alarm Systems After Install?

You’ve paid to have an alarm system installed in your home. Do you own the equipment? Most likely, but not yet if you contracted with a big-box home security company like ADT. read more

How to Make Your First-Floor Apartment Safe

In business, getting in on the ground floor is great. You are part of a plan early on to gain an advantage. When it comes to apartment-dwelling, however, getting in on the ground floor is only an advantage in some respects. It’s easier for you and your pets to get in an out, it’s easier to move furniture in and out, but getting in on the ground floor also has a significant disadvantage: it’s easier for thieves. read more

What to Do If a Package Is Stolen

According to a recent study, nearly one in four people report being a victim of package theft. About half know someone who has had a package stolen. So, what should you do if your package is stolen? read more

Big Name Home Security Gimmicks

Choosing a security system can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you and your family's security is at stake. So how do you choose a home security system?

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How Burglars Break In and Where to Secure Your Home

When a burglar considers your home as a potential target, here are some of the things he or she is looking for.

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ADT Home Security Settlement

Why should you care that ADT is facing a class-action lawsuit? Although this settlement is for ADT, this is a vulnerability all wireless security systems face. 

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Lowe’s Iris Line Goes Under

Many consumers are seeing red with the recent news that big-box retailer Lowe's is shutting down service to its Iris smart home platform.

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Ring Doorbell Cons

Video doorbells are a great addition to home security, and Ring is the popular choice for many who prefer wireless security. Although there are some pros to the Ring Doorbell, it has some cons you should be aware of. read more

Cost of Home Security Systems

Getting a security system for your home is a wise investment. While the obvious benefit is protection for your home and belongings, it's hard to put a price on the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you and your family will have professional help in case of an emergency. Still, you must find something that works within your budget and achieves everything you want.

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Cons of DIY Home Security Systems

When considering getting a home security system, some people might assume they can set up a fully functioning system themselves.  
 
The reality is that DIY systems come with some significant drawbacks. Here are some of the things to consider before you decide to take on this project yourself.

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How to Deter Burglars

While owning a home security system automatically decreases your chances of being burglarized, there are many common mistakes and oversights that can compromise its reliability. Here are the most important safety precautions you can take in conjunction with your security system to ensure your home is safe from thieves. read more

Holiday Security Tips

It's a beautiful time of the year, but the holidays come with some inherent risks that you should prepare for amidst all the gift buying, cooking, and decorating. Here are some of our top holiday safety tips to keep your home and loved ones safe over the season. read more

What are the Components of a Security System?

Security systems can vary widely in size and scale: from simple home alarms and small business surveillance systems to commercial-grade intrusion and detection systems.

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Monitored vs. Unmonitored Security Systems

If you're thinking about installing a security system, you may be wondering if monitoring is a necessary feature. While an unmonitored system is better than nothing at all, there are some critical things you should consider before making a decision.

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Can Video Surveillance Be Used In Court?

The criteria for whether home security camera footage is admissible in court varies from state to state.  The ability to use video surveillance footage depends on many factors within the case itself as well as adherence to any local laws that may exist. read more

Alarm Monitoring Services: How They Work

An ear-piercing siren and flashing strobe lights create an immediate sense of emergency and indicate an alarm of some sort has been triggered. Now that the alarm has been triggered and the warning sirens have sounded, what happens next?

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8 Home Security Tips

With more than 45 years of experience in the home and business security industry, here are our top eight tips for discouraging intruders and burglars from targeting your home.

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What to Do if Someone Breaks into Your House

We have put together a list of what to do if someone breaks into your house and hopefully help make things easier in the unfortunate case that you fall victim to property crimes.

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Can Motion Sensors be Triggered by Light?

Motion sensors are a common part of our world today. Wave your hand under the faucet and the water runs. Pull open the closet door and the light turns on. Walk near the doors of the grocery store and they automatically slide open.

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What is a Smart Home and How Can Home Automation Solutions Help You?

Home automation solutions are no longer the ideas of science fiction. These intelligent home systems can save you hundreds of dollars through energy conservation, and they can provide state-of-the-art security to protect your home and the loved ones inside of it. 

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3 Types of Security Lights

Outdoor security lights have come a long way from the days of bright, unshielded floodlights that used copious amounts of energy and created light pollution. Today’s security lighting is designed to save energy, add curb appeal, and act as the main deterrents in warding off criminals.

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5 Reasons Why You Need a Home Security System

A home security system protects your home and the ones you love. While there are many reasons you may need to invest in a home security system, we have highlighted some key ones.

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Local Alarm System vs. National Home Security Company

When looking for home security, you may find yourself stuck between local alarm companies and national home security. Find out why more and more people are turning to local home security companies.

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Ins and Outs of Contract vs No Contract Security Systems

Many people see signing a long-term contract with a reputable alarm company as a stressful experience. In truth, contracts are in place to benefit both the alarm company and the homeowner. Developing a relationship and signing a long-term commitment to a security company allows you to get to know a team and benefit from the peace of mind that comes with working with professionals. Although many people would prefer to avoid a long-term contract by going with an online or national company, there are many benefits.

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5 Ways Your DIY Security System is Failing You

In the digital age, DIY projects are the rage in all things, including home security. People turn to DIY home security because it seems easy and can save you a few bucks. Unfortunately, you really do get what you pay for if you choose a DIY security system. 

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