Spring cleaning is an important part of keeping your home and family safe from fire, and can be overlooked. This spring, make fire safety part of your routine to stay on top of fire prevention in your home, whether you own your home or rent. As dust and items build up inside over the winter, landscapes, vegetation and even leftover firewood outside can put your family at greater fire risk.
Add these tips to your weekend to-do’s, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with prevention.
Dryers and washing machines caused 2,900 were involved in one out of every 22 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments recently with dryers accounting for 92% of the fires. Clean the lint filter with each load of laundry and remove all lint from around the drum. Keep the area surrounding your dryer clear of flammable items like clothing and cleaning supplies.
Working smoke detectors cut the risk of dying in a reported house fire in half. If you have monitored smoke detectors in place today, when were they tested last? Test your smoke alarms frequently. Make sure you call us first to put your system on test.
If you don’t have monitored smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside the sleeping area and on each level of your home, schedule a system review with our team to make sure you are covered.
Some families grill year-round, while others break it out again in the spring and summer. While your grill sits over winter, grease, and build-up can harden and make it easy work for fire to catch. Before firing it up this spring, inspect it for damage and remove any trapped grease or debris that may have lingered there. A thorough cleaning will help avoid preventable grill fires in the future.
Most home cooking fires involve the stovetop. Keep your stove clean and flammable items away from the stove. This includes wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, curtains and oven mitts. Never leave the kitchen when you’re frying on the stovetop. Check out more cooking safety tips here.
9 Volt Batteries can start fires. Batteries stored in drawers surrounded by metal objects (paper clips, coins, or other batteries) and flammable items increase fire risk. Clean out that junk drawer! Keep batteries in original packaging until ready to use them. Battery posts that come into contact with metal can make enough heat to start a fire. Store batteries standing up.
Dried leaves can be especially flammable and need to be removed from any areas near your household structures, garages, and sheds. Debris is one of the top fire-causing factors in home fires, but your risk can be reduced with simple yard maintenance. Pay special attention to twigs and branches and dead plant life that could catch fire easily when dried.
Extension cord fires outnumber fires with permanent power cords by two to one. Make sure your electrical cords are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are meant for temporary use only. Have a qualified electrician add more outlets if needed.
Check out more Safety Tips from the NFPA here.
Locally operated Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.
Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.
For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.
The most obvious advantage of wireless security systems is less wire and drilling throughout your home or business, but there are many more advantages. Here are seven benefits of installing or upgrading your current system to wireless.
As an authorized Alarm.com dealer, our systems can use a secure cellular connection that is fast and reliable. Plus, as telephone companies continue to make changes to infrastructure, traditional landline phones lines are becoming less reliable for alarm communication.
As traditional phone service is phased out of more of our Eastern Shore communities, traditional phone lines are increasingly expensive. Enjoy the savings of eliminating your traditional phone service without breaking the bank with our exclusive Customer Loyalty Rewards.
Savvy intruders will attempt to destroy your security system’s control panel to defeat the alarm. With our wireless protection, the alarm signal can still be sent to our central station, alerting us to the situation and the authorities can be dispatched.
Another benefit of a wireless security system is the flexibility and convenience of knowing what’s happening while you’re away. Once you have the foundation of your smart home in place, it’s easy to add to your system later. We can incorporate light, lock, appliance, thermostat, video and garage control into your smart home. Even if you’re looking to put your home on the market soon, it’s a smart move.
“We have remote controls for everything these days, so why not for your home?” our customer Donna tells us. “Control your lights, or lock and unlock your door remotely — and your thermostat! Now that’s the biggie! Just touch your phone, and you’re done! I don’t have to worry about whether I remembered to bring my keys when I left D.C, and I change the thermostat settings on my way, so it’s comfortable when I arrive.”
Don’t give ‘forever access’ to folks who shouldn’t be able to access your home later without your knowledge. Your wireless Alarm.com system from Alarm Engineering allows you to easily change or disable custom user codes for renters, guests, workers, property managers and more.
“A friend from South Bethany just recently shared with me that her neighbors rented their home out over the summer and that those same renters were still using the home on Thanksgiving because the renters had made themselves a key!” Our customer Paul shared. “Well, there’s no way that can happen with our home: We can just look to see if anyone has come in or even if anyone changed the thermostat settings.”
Integrating your security system with home automation and remote access is using the system to its fullest potential. Protect your family and investment with the security and automation experts at Alarm Engineering. We’ve been protecting Delmarva for forty years and were the first to bring automation to the Shore.
“This system removed the burden and pressure of owning an investment property,” our customer Paul in Delaware offers. “Now, we’re looking forward to our first renters at Savage Pines this season!”
As a valued Alarm Engineering customer, you can save big on your upgrade to a wireless security system with our Customer Loyalty Rewards, where we give you $50 in credit for each year you’re been our customer towards smarter security features. This includes wireless crash and smash technology mentioned above, but also lights, locks, thermostat, appliance, video (including doorbell video), and garage door control from anywhere.
“The service we have had with Alarm Engineering has been excellent. The updated security system has been very helpful. Now we can remotely access the house and open it up, decrease or increase the temperature, check on the water, plus many other features. The video is really impressive because we can watch real time what is happening from a remote location or in the house. The biggest asset is peace of mind.” -John M.
Read more of our customer testimonials or check out our five star Google Reviews.
Locally operated Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.
Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.
For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.
As the weather warms, many of us are anxious to get out the grill. Remember fire can be a very destructive force and it’s important to be careful. Here are some important tips to keep your family and property safe around the grill.
Read more of ABC’s grilling safety tips here. Check out our full list of cooking safety tips here.
Locally operated Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.
Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.
For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.
Prepare for emergencies in the cold, including power outages:
Locally operated Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.
Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.
For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.
You may think of our 24/7 professional monitoring service for security and fire protection only, but we can help you stay on top of issues like frozen pipes as well. We can monitor for extreme temperatures and flooding so issues can be detected before issues get out of hand.
Read the full American Red Cross article to learn more preventative tips and how to thaw pipes here.
Tell us more about you and we’ll provide a full security and safety assessment at no charge. Having more of these transmitters in your home will NOT increase your monthly monitoring!
Use your smartphone or computer to access your system remotely so you can know what’s happening, and allow you to unlock and disarm your system remotely to let in workers or neighbors no matter where you are. Our Customer Loyalty Rewards program may enable you to upgrade your system free.
Locally operated Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.
Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.
For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.
As you weigh the pros and cons of each household expense consider that your insurance agent prefers you keep your alarm system monitored and many offer savings to incentivize you.
Your insurance agent knows that they have less to worry about if you are actively securing and monitoring your home for both security and fire threats. This reduces the chances you will have a claim. Since this saves your agent money, they pass the savings onto you with discounts. Call your insurance agent for all the details.
Are you unhappy with your current security company and looking to make a change or ready for a no-hassle security assessment? Tell us a little about you and remember to use the promo code FIRSTMONTHFREE for additional savings.
Locally operated Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.
Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.
For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.
False alarms are irritating. Irritating to you, your neighbors…they even startle your pets.
They consume police resources and after too many you may be issued a fine or fee depending on where you live. Depending on your location, Enhanced Call Verification or ECV may be in place, requiring us to call at least 2 people on your call list before dispatching authorities.
Luckily, most false alarms are easily prevented.
Most false alarms are caused by people just entering the wrong codes to disarm. An easy way to eliminate this issue is entering custom codes for each person, being careful to never use codes that a burglar could easily guess like your house number.
Keeping windows and doors closed is a smart security practice but is also prevents false alarms. Remember to close all windows and doors before attempting to arm your system and disarm it before opening.
Make sure everyone who may have to interact with your alarm system knows how to use it and knows the false alarm passcode or Account ID. Practice makes perfect, so encourage any new workers, babysitters, house cleaners and guests feel comfortable with your system. Use our easy interactive services to quickly assign and delete custom user codes after your guests or workers should no longer be able to access your home.
If your home is armed with motion detectors and you have pets, be sure they are pet immune detectors. No motion detector is completely pet proof, though. Cats especially, who can jump on high furniture are typical triggers of motion detectors. If you recently have adopted a cat into your home armed with motion detectors, call or click here to ask our team what other security solutions we can replace them with.
A motion detector’s job is to simply report when there is motion. If you have curtains that move when your heater comes on, that motion may cause what you think of as a false alarm. Make sure holiday decorations, balloons and cobwebs are kept away from rooms with motion detectors as well. Have a Roomba that cleans your floors while you’re away at work? Yep, that’s motion, too. Also, make sure nothing is blocking your motion detector’s field of view such as a large box directly in front of it. Blocking your motion detector assures it cannot do its job effectively and can also cause false alarms.
We let you know when you have a low battery, change them as soon as you can after you receive the notification. If you don’t want to change batteries, we can also do it for you.
Acts of nature can also set off your alarm. Strong winds, electrical storms and hurricanes can result in false alarms.
False alarms are typically due to human error. Nationwide, about 70% of false alarms are due to some kind of mistake. But if you ever feel that a false alarm was caused by an equipment error, call our office and our service department will troubleshoot the system over the phone and set up a service call if needed.
If you do cause a false alarm, don’t panic! Have your Account ID or passcode ready for the operator who calls you or call our office 24/7 to report a false alarm. Declaring a false alarm quickly can save police resources from being dispatched unnecessarily.
Don’t be surprised if one of our team members contacts to check on you after a false alarm. We know you are busy and want to follow up to if we can help you in any way. If you have any questions or concerns, call us 24/7 at 410-546-2210.
Locally operated Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.
Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.
For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.
What were you up to back in 1985? Here are some examples of what was happening then to jog your memory…
The Nintendo Entertainment system was released on US Shores and Microsoft released the first version of Windows. “We Are the World” was recorded by USA for Africa and Coca-Cola released the New Coke. Rock Me Amadeus and Take On Me were playing on the radio. Moonlighting, The Golden Girls and Growing Pains were on primetime (remember watching commercials?). Back to the Future and The Goonies were playing on the big screen.
Here’s where it gets depressing: Keira Knightley, Kaley Cuoco and Michael Phelps were born in 1985. Ahem, back to happier thoughts: Alarm Engineering installed a burglar alarm for it’s first customer in Salisbury in 1985.
It’s stunning to think about how much has radically changed since 1985. With the advancement of technology and the dramatic ups and downs in the economy, many companies have come and gone. Our team here at Alarm Engineering is so thankful that we are celebrating 30 years of serving our friends and neighbors here on Delmarva. Thank you for your loyalty to Alarm Engineering, we are fortunate to count you among our family here.
Back in 1985, alarm systems relied on phone lines and video systems were reserved for only big business with even bigger budgets. Now, your alarm system can communicate wirelessly using cell towers and you can check in on live video of your kids, pet, or aging parent right from your smartphone. A lot has changed in the alarm industry, but our commitment to you, our valued customer, has always been our mission.
Thank you to all our customers who made this celebration possible.
Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.
Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.
For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.
As charitable giving ramps up over the holidays, so do scams. Protect yourself this holiday with these tips:
Information is power when it comes to scams. Use caution and trust your gut – when something feels not right or out of the ordinary, stop and take a step back.
Read the more scam details and tips from The Today Show and Scambusters.
Locally operated Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.
Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.
For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.
In 2014, the kidnapping and murder of Beverly Carter, an Arkansas Real Estate agent, shocked the nation. Her body was discovered buried near a home she was scheduled to show, and according to the suspect, was targeted because she was a “rich broker working on her own”.
Here on the Eastern Shore, many of our real estate professional partners were shaken as well. The Mid-Shore Board of Realtors organized a safety class for their members and we teamed up with Steve Gadow from the Talbot County Sheriff’s office to host and lead the class.
Jodi Garvin, Alarm Engineering Systems Specialist and Steve Gadow from Talbot County Sheriff’s office presenting safety tips to the members of the MSBR.
These tips aren’t just for Realtors, but for any professional who works one on one with strangers outside of an office, like our Systems Specialists who conduct free onsite consultations. If your office or professional group is interested in a Security and Safety class, let us know at inform@alarmengineering.com.
Arm yourself with information and stay safe!
Locally operated Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.
Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.
For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.