Drill Down to Minimize Surprises

Remember fire drills in school? For a lot of us, it was pretty exciting to break the monotony in class. But we just couldn't run outside when we heard the special bell ring. There was order. A single file method and a calm way to move out of the building into designated safe areas. The purpose of the drill was to make sure all systems were go. That we knew what to do, how to do it, how long it would take, what unlocked door to exit, recognizing orders from our drill captains....making sure the bell worked. In case of an actual emergency there should be no surprises. It's a reassuring to know that you have it all under control isn't it?

　

I try to educate my alarm customers to construct a response system of their own, so that when an actual alarm event should arise, that they know exactly what to do.

　

First question I have, do you know your password? It's natural that most alarm calls to the monitoring stations are false. That will always be the case. We are all human and prone to mistakes. However, what exacerbates to a problem is whenever the monitoring operator cannot cancel the false alarm because the person on the other end doesn't know their password to properly be identified an authorized user. That gets awkward, when the only thing left to do is to dispatch the police afterwards. Know your password. I encourage you to have one that you can recall even after you cut a finger off. (Curse words and racial slurs are not recommended.)

　

Run a test, not only on a system, but with your family or others who have access. That way you're all on the same page. You can co-ordinate this with your monitoring company. I'll let you in on a secret. It's ok to prepare a test false alarm, just to get familiar with how everything works. In other words set the alarm, then open a door but don't deactivate the alarm. Let it run all the way to the siren and let it blow for about 30 seconds. It's important to be prepared for this. So don't forget your password, because the alarm company will be on the phone shortly and you will need to cancel the alarm when they ask you for it. The purpose of this drill is to make sure you know you will have a call back. If you have a standard alarm system installed you should expect to hear your phone ringing within 2-3 minutes. Any longer, or not at all and you may have a problem to work out with the company. Newer smart-automation systems should take less than a minute for response. After the cancellation, you can let them know that you were running a test. You won't get in trouble. You are the customer and you've paid for that call.

　

However your method, it's imperative to be prepared and on your game. The very times of life and death circumstances are not ideal to educate yourself on what to do next.

　

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#RIP2016 #HappyNewYear2017 #Texas

Convicted Burglar Tells All

I was glued to this series of videos that has recently been posted by the Allen, TX Police Department. This is a convicted career home burglar that has revealed so much of what he looks for while "casing" neighborhoods and homes. In particular revealing what may not be so obvious to most people, no matter what extra steps they have taken to secure their homes. One thing for certain that has stood out is how obsolete alarm systems that are connected to landlines are. I've been in this business for a long time and I'm feeling very good that I have already taken that measure in my security alarm sales to not even apply the old dial up option. You'll see what I mean when you check this out.  https://youtu.be/TeiIi8EHEAo?list=PLFXqLhtIWygmP7tL3bl3073WuYPHu1xOD

Become Tech Savvy, The Criminals Are

Interactive mobility is quite a convenience! I find it useful as a daily tool from GPS, messaging or reading emails on the fly. Virtually everyone has a smart device in their hand, and therefore lies a new problem in the hands of an unseemly individual with this technology.

Have you ever been to Google Maps to see your own home from a satellite view or the street view portal? Give it a shot, but this time look at it with eyes of someone that wants to break into your home.

I've captured some examples of a random typical median income North Texas neighborhood. See for yourself if the new "prowling" is like a shopping trip through an online website.

Here is a view of three homes. In your opinion what home would be your target for a break-in? Why? What way would you find is the easiest way to enter and how would you accomplish your crime without being detected?

Here is a view from the opposite end of the street. 

A view of homes across the street.

Now a satellite view of the same neighborhood with a view of front and back of all homes including adjacent homes on the next streets over. 

Have you found soft spots that can help you identify building a better security plan for you and your neighbors. Remember it's all about common sense, the best security system that you possess!

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Home Security Is Remotely Possible

Spring is in the air! A notable increase in outdoor activities abound as neighborhoods transition to the warmer weather, extra daylight, increased family time and the dream of weekend getaways, golf, softball and whatever else allows someone to break away from the cocoon of cabin fever.

Because of this; it is also the prime time to shift your home security strategy.

Statistically, home break-ins begin a resurgence as even the not-so-bold invaders collect a new dose of courage if they take advantage of these natural resources available to them. As I've posted earlier, your common sense is the best form of protection that you possess. And that's free. How you apply that at times that you are not present is how my industry's services work best for you.

The advantages of smart devices make it possible to access and stay in control and be alerted to changes of all aspects of your life from virtually anywhere, especially where your loved ones and prime investments are concerned. The GoHawk Security Remote Automation system is really the right fit for you for the extended periods of time that you may be away from home.

Did you remember to set the alarm when you left home? A notification to a "non-event" should a system be expected to be turned on or off at designated times can be sent to you. With Geo-Services, it's even possible for your system to sense a separation from it and your smartphone a few miles away. At that point, you can activate your system by logging in securely. Anyone with access to your alarm can be programmed in and tagged with a specific code that will alert you to whomever was there by name. If they don't have access, you can remotely unlock the door, turn off the alarm and even turn on the porch light for them.

Forget to reset the thermostat? With the GoGreen Energy Management System, keep up with real-time room temperature and extreme settings alerts. A tremendous cost saver in the midst of the pummeling Texas heat ahead.

I was amazed to find out recently that my neighborhood had experienced a power outtage for exactly 1 hour and 11 minutes. How did I know? My GoHawk app alerted me, even giving me a detail that under 5% of a mile radius around my home was down! No more mystery as to why my coffee maker clock was flashing when I got home!

Consider the value that a GoHawk Smarthome Management System can offer. It's how control, convenience and common sense work together.

How Can I Save Your Life Today?

Over the years, I've come to the realization, if not the outright respect of the life-saving benefits of having a home security system.

That thought runs through my head every morning that I tune into my local news channel and notice the lead stories being a choice of a wrong way drunk driving wreck, a shooting or a home fire. There's nothing that I could possibly have done about the first two, except to stay home under the covers. But for what that's worth, there's still room for the unforeseeable in my cocoon. It's that last choice that concerns me enough with each and every new customer to my security alarm service that I prioritize that as a first optional extra before I turn them on with the sparkle of cool convenient gadgets. 

A simple add-on purchase of a monitored smoke/fire detecting system, no more than $300 in most cases, is possibly the wisest life-saving benefit that you can possibly supply for your home and family.

I know. I had a fire in my home, and my monitored smoke detector channeled the call up to the fire department who arrived in 7 minutes! That was 7 minutes that allowed my family to be outside in fresh air amid the confusion of which one of us called 911. I was sold after the sale on this one.

Consider the return on investment that an addition like this can provide in your due diligence.

Bryan Thompson
Hawk Secuity Services

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