Why Security Systems are a Good Fit for Rental Properties

If you own a rental property, a home security system is an investment that is worth considering. Not only can it make your property more attractive and help you secure a trustworthy renter, but also it can protect your property from theft, vandalism or burglary. If you do choose to install a security system, it’s important to be clear and upfront about what it means for your renters.

What are the Benefits?

First, let’s discuss the benefits to having home security system monitoring on your rental property.

• Prospective tenants are more likely to think highly of your property.

• You may be able to secure more reliable tenants who will care for your home.

• Possible tenants will feel safer, which can be helpful if your property is located in an iffy neighborhood.

• If there are any issues on the property - a fire, a break-in - first responders will be on the scene in a matter of minutes. This provides invaluable peace of mind that your property will receive immediate attention rather than counting on the tenants to make the first call.

• Most security providers include stickers or decals with their service that you can place on your property. This way, if your home has a month or two where it’s vacant, you can deter criminals.

• You may be able to charge more for rent because of the built-in features of a security system.

• Talk to your insurance provider, as you may be eligible for discounts by installing a home security system on your rental property.

Installation Tips

Do your homework and make sure that you select a reliable home security company. A trustworthy provider should have licensed installers, positive reviews, honest pricing, modern equipment and 24-hour monitoring.

It’s best that you are there for the installation so you can make sure that everything goes smoothly. Most of the time, you can choose the area where you want the security panel to be installed.

It’s also important that you have clearly defined instructions between you and the tenant for use of the system. Your tenants deserve to have peace and privacy, but it’s also acceptable to have the security code so that you can access the property without setting off the alarm.

Some tenants will be okay with this, and some will not. You can find more information about this topic at RentPrep.com. Also check with the laws in your state.  

Contact Texas Security & Surveillance, an Austin alarm company to learn more security systems and monitoring for your rental property.

Spring Cleaning Tips For Your Home Safety Plan

Now that spring is in full swing, it’s time to catch up on your home. You may have cleaned out your cabinets, organized your closets and scrubbed your floors. But what you may not have done is updated some of the safety features in your home.

Home safety and home automation deserves a category of its own. It’s highly important, but unfortunately, it’s often overlooked.

People tend to tackle many of the cleaning projects in the springtime, especially since it becomes obvious when the dust builds up on the blinds or the grout changes color. Yet just because home safety features aren’t staring you in the face doesn’t mean they’re not important.

Below are spring cleaning tips for your home safety plan that you should address before the summer starts.

Let’s begin!

Replace Your Filters

Did you know that indoor air can be five times more polluted than outdoor air? This is especially true in the winter and early spring when the windows and doors are closed and there isn’t any fresh air to circulate through the home.

To improve the air quality in your home, replace the air filters in your HVAC system. Also replace filters that are in your home appliances, such as the range hood, refrigerator, vacuum cleaner and dryer.

Choose Green Cleaning Products

Another way to improve the indoor air quality in your home is to use green cleaners. However, do be aware that “natural” does not mean “nontoxic.” Many cleaners, including natural ones, use chemicals that can be toxic, especially for children, pets and seniors.

If you don’t trust what’s on the shelves, find a recipe online and make your own cleaner. A few basic ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, castile soap and baking soda can give you cleaning products for every purpose while also saving you money. Check out some great recipes here.

Test the Batteries in Your Smoke Alarm

To ensure that your smoke alarm is in good working condition, check the batteries even in a hard-wired alarm. Each alarm should be tested individually. You’re looking for a couple things when you test the batteries. First, the smoke detectors should be working and responsive. Second, the alarm should be loud enough for you to hear. If it’s not, replace the batteries and retest. If it’s still not very loud, you may need to replace the fire alarm.

Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Many smoke alarms these days also have a carbon monoxide detector built in. If not, you should have separate carbon monoxide detectors on each level of the home. Test the batteries on a regular basis. The test button only accounts for the battery, however, and not the actual sensors. If your carbon monoxide detectors are 5 or more years old, you should have them replaced or recalibrated.

Secure Your Home

With summer approaching, homes are more at risk for burglaries. You will be leaving your doors and windows open more often, and you may be going on vacation.

If you already have a home security system but haven’t been using it to its full advantage, now is the time to get everyone in the home on board. Create a family safety plan that includes when the alarm should be set, what the access code is, whether or not you want security cameras, etc.

Now is the time to think about securing your home. Find a reliable Austin alarm company that will provide you with the peace of mind you deserve. Call Texas Security and Surveillance and let us check out your existing system and make sure that everything is in excellent working condition.

How to Protect Your Business from a Fire

Protecting your business from a fire takes careful planning. But, you aren’t just counting on yourself to keep your business safe. You’re also counting on others. Whether it’s your customers, employees or other businesses in the building, the risk of fire can come from a number of sources.

Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to protect your investment and reduce the risk of a devastating fire. Let’s take a look.

Start With the Four Walls of Your Business

Clutter makes a potential fire even more difficult to put out. Go through old papers and files and discard what you can. If you have a lot of sensitive documents, hire a paper shredding company.

Now is also a good time to have an electrical inspection done. Make sure your building is up to code, and if it’s not, fix the issues immediately.

Install Reliable Smoke Detectors  

Your business should have the best fire protection possible, which in this case is a hard-wired fire detection system that is monitored by a business security company. This way, if there was ever a fire, emergency crews would be notified immediately.

Aside from having reliable smoke detectors, also check for how loud the alarm is. The alarm needs to be loud enough that it would alert customers and employees to evacuate the building.

Have Fire Suppression Methods Available

Add fire extinguishers to the appropriate places in your business, such as on the walls or in hiding spots. Your staff should be trained on how to use the equipment. Many businesses have fire extinguishers, but they are useless if their employees don’t know where they are or how to operate them.

Keep Sensitive Documents in Safe Places

Fires can happen to any business, which is why it’s important to safeguard important documents. Keep hard copy documents in fire-safe cabinets. Backup computer files regularly and store the files in a fire-safe cabinet or off site.

Educate Your Staff

We discussed the importance of training your staff to know how to use fire extinguishers. Staff should also be trained on how to turn on the business monitoring system each night before they leave. If anything were to go wrong overnight, the alarm will notify the right people.

It can also be beneficial to have your staff participate in fire safety seminars. Some of the things discussed in these seminars include how to use fire extinguishers, the safest exit routes and ways to reduce fire hazards at the workplace.

Fires can come out of nowhere. It doesn’t take much to safeguard your business and reduce the threat of fire. For maximum protection, install a fire alarm that is hard wired into your business security system.

Texas Security and Surveillance offers security solutions for all types of businesses. Call us today to learn about the different business alarm system packages we have available and how we keep our customers in good hands.

Going Out of Town? Protect Your Home in 3 Steps

Whether it’s a delayed spring break or an upcoming summer vacation, chances are that you will be going out of town in the next couple of months.

Traveling is fun, and it’s meant to give you a break from a monotonous routine. But what happens when you return home from your vacation and realize that your home has been broken into? Or what will you do if you get a call from a neighbor saying that your alarms are going off?

Fortunately, there are smart ways that you can protect your home before you head out of town. This way, you can enjoy your travels and come back to a safe, secure home.

1. Arm your home security system and notify your monitoring center.

Before you walk out the door, arm your home security system. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people forget to do this!

Many families feel rushed as they’re packing up the car or lugging suitcases into a taxi, and they rush out without ever setting the system. If you have a checklist of things to do, be sure to add that on there.

Also notify your monitoring center that you will be leaving the home. This is extremely important because if the center gets a signal that something is going on, they know that it’s not a false alarm.

2. Automate your lighting.

One of the best ways to show activity in your home is by turning on and off the lights. Thanks to home automation, no one has to go through extreme lengths to do this like they did in Home Alone.

Using your home security system, you can make your home look lived in without actually being there. Turn on/off the lights and open/close the curtains with home automation.

Aside from the safety features that home automation provides, you can also lower your energy consumption and keep your home comfortable while you’re away.

3. Don’t advertise that you’re going to be out of town.

Hold the mail, or have a trusted neighbor collect it for you. Give your yard a good cleaning before you leave so that the grass doesn’t grow much and give your absence away.

Also be mindful of what you post on social media. Sure it can feel great to share pictures of how much fun you’re having, but it also means that everyone knows that you’re not home. Consider sharing this information with close friends and family only and/or making your posts private. Or, simply wait to post the pictures until you are home.

You deserve to come home to a safe and secure property. But, you play a role in keeping your property protected. By following the three tips above, you significantly lower the chances of break-ins, burglaries or vandalism. Be smart about who you share information with, and keep your monitoring service aware of when you’ll be leaving.

If you don’t have an Austin alarm company watching out for your home, call Texas Security and Surveillance today. We have affordable, reliable home security systems that will keep your property safe no matter where you are.

Would You Know How to Handle a Break In?

Often times when we think about our homes being burglarized, we picture a situation where we’re not in the home. While burglars do prefer homes that are empty, crimes still occur with the homeowners inside.

Would you know what to do if your home was broken into in the middle of the night? It’s a terrifying situation that happens to thousands of people each year.

Here are some things to think about that will help protect you and your family in the event of a break in.

Avoid Confrontation

One of the best things you can do today is make a plan. Each home is unique, so take the time to identify which exit routes you and your family would take and how you would call for help.

Once an intruder is in your home, it’s best to stay away from them. You don’t know who you’re dealing with, so avoid confrontation at all costs. Either hide or escape, depending on what’s best for your home and the circumstances at large.

Assign a Code Word

If you don’t live alone, this means you have other people in your household who will need to be warned of an intruder.

It’s best to come up with a code word that you agree on in advance. This way, when you yell out the word, everyone knows what issue you’re dealing with. You should also have an escape route or safe room planned in advance.

Designate a Safe Room

Getting out of the home is usually ideal. You can then run to a trusted neighbor’s home or another place of safety. If you can’t get out of the home, a safe room or closet is the next safest option.

The door on your safe room should be thick and able to lock from the inside. It should also be easy to barricade. Consider installing a deadbolt on your bedroom door as well as the safe room door.

Finally, your safety room should be stocked with the essentials, including a phone charger and things you can use as weapons.

Call for Help

Obviously, alerting the police is one of the first things you should do. Let them know where you live, where you are hiding and how many intruders you think there are. Let them listen in on the phone call. Turn off all lights and keep quiet while hiding. Wait there until help arrives.

Conclusion

Talking about a potential break in isn’t the most fun conversation to have as a family, but it’s important to know how you would handle an intruder. Of course, the best way to protect your home is by installing a home security system.

Not only does a security system deter burglars but it also alerts local authorities immediately so that you can focus on getting to a safe place. To learn more about having a home security system installed, call Texas Security & Surveillance today!

4 Ways to Prevent Burglars from Choosing Your Home

If your house was vulnerable to burglars, wouldn’t you want to know?

The reality is that there are many things people unknowingly do each day that makes their homes easy targets for criminals. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common things that burglars look for and how to safeguard your home from potential break-ins.

Let’s begin.

1. Lock Your Doors  - Always!

Over one-third of burglars enter the home through the front door. It’s easy enough, after all.

Many times, a burglar will walk up to the front door, knock to see if someone is home and then try the door. If the door is unlocked, they can walk right in and have access to all of your belongings.

Even if you’re doing something quick like running your dog to the vet or dropping something off at the post office, lock your doors. Same with if you’re playing in the backyard with the kids. An open home is an open invitation for criminals.

2. Be Unpredictable...At Least Sometimes 

Many times, burglars will scope out the properties they’re interested in burglarizing. Their purpose is to strike when the moment is right. That’s why burglars love predictability.

Statistically speaking, a burglar will spend between 8-12 minutes in your home, so he only needs a short window to do serious damage.

Of course, you can’t help if you leave every day at the same time to catch the train for work. But you can protect your home with a home automation system that allows you to turn on/off lights and appliances, plus open and close curtains. This can throw off a burglar.

3. Shut and Lock Windows (Even on the Second Floor!)

It’s not just Spiderman who can get through your second floor windows. Burglars look for these windows to be open or unlocked. They won’t hesitate to use a ladder, either.

Lock all windows when you’re not home, and make sure all windows are monitored with window alarm sensors as part of your security system. If a burglar were to enter, you would know immediately. Don’t forget about other accessible windows such as those found in the basement. When there’s a will, there’s a way.

4. Proudly Display Security Stickers and Signs 

When a property proudly displays that it’s protected by a home security system, criminals are far less likely to target the home. And if they do try to get in, the alarm will sound and the police will be alerted. It’s highly unlikely that a burglar will stick around and risk getting caught.

However, don’t get lazy with your security system. You have it for a reason. Be diligent about activating the alarm each time you leave the home.

Find out how affordable home security can be with Texas Security & Surveillance! Give us a call for your FREE quote at 855-693-4003.

5 Simple Security Tips for Your Lake Home

 

Do you own a lake home? If so, you know all too well how often your house sits vacant. Whether you’re waiting for your next getaway, or you only visit your lake home in the summer, your investment probably spends a lot of time without anyone in it. This can be unsettling since burglars look for vacant homes.

Let’s discuss some simple security tips for keeping your second home safe from burglaries, vandalism and break-ins.

1. Make it Look Lived In

Even if you’re not at the home on a daily basis, you can still leave signs of your presence. Break-ins and vandalism is less likely to occur if people think that you check in on a routine basis.

Start by asking a trusted neighbor to look over the house. If they notice anything strange, they can alert you with a text. Also leave them with a key or the garage code so that they can access your home if need be. Invite your neighbors to use your driveway sometimes, too.

2. Maintain the Exterior

Nothing says a vacant home like unmowed grass, piled up newspapers or old holiday decor. Maintaining the outside of your home prevents it from sticking out a like a sore thumb.

Hire a lawn service to take care of watering plants in the spring, mowing the lawn in the summer and shoveling snow in the winter. Have a neighbor collect your mail or newspapers. When you visit, pull weeds, take down old decor, etc.

3. Install a Security System

Nothing protects your lake home like a security system. Post signs on your front lawn letting others know that your home is monitored 24 hours a day. If you choose to install video surveillance, you can check in on your property at any time. This gives you the ultimate peace of mind that your investment is secure, even when you can’t be there.

4. Use a Light Timer

Lights are a great way to indicate that someone is in your home. Criminals keep an eye out for repeatedly dark homes. Have at least one or two lamps plugged into a timer, and have the lights go off in the early evening, when you would typically turn them on. Also consider installing motion-sensor lights outdoors that will turn on if someone is on your property.

  

5. Watch What You Say (and Post!)

It’s inevitable that some people will know that your home is empty, but still be cautious of who you tell. If you go “into town,” don’t tell the local people that your lake home is furnished, or give them your address. Anyone can overhear your conversation, and your home can become a target.

Also be mindful of what you post on social media. It’s easy to give away the fact that your home is vacant without realizing it.

You can never be too cautious when it comes to protecting a second home. By following the tips above, you can prevent break-ins and vandalism and give yourself peace of mind when you can’t be there.