When I am going to be gone from home for an extended period of time, I usually only think about whether or not our 100-pound dog will make it without a chance for a potty break. Rarely do I think about what kind of danger he might be in when left home alone.

However, I am being naïve. The chances of Bear needing a potty break or getting into the cat’s food is probably significantly lower than the chance of a fire starting while I am not home. And without a home security system monitoring for heat and smoke, it could be the end of Bear because the fire department would be delayed in getting to the house to save him – or the house.

Fire Monitoring Means Faster Response Times

Think about it: If no one is home, then the fire won’t be noticed until the neighbors see or smell something, and how long will that take? Plus, you have the added time it will take for the neighbors to investigate before they call 911. They’ll want to make sure there’s a fire and not a BBQ gone awry before making that call, after all. That means that by the time the fire department gets to your home, a lot of time will have elapsed. Will there be any chance for your pets at that point?

The authorities can get there sooner, however, potentially in time to save your pets and home. With a fire alarm system in place, your home is monitored whether you’re there or not, alerting both you and the fire department at the first indication of heat or smoke.

A Different Kind of Peace of Mind

People often associate home security systems with peace of mind, in part, because burglars tend to bypass those houses they know are protected. In that way, you’re protecting your family and your property, both with the home security and with the fire monitoring. Protecting pets adds a whole new layer to that peace of mind.

This kind of monitoring checks for heat too. Although smoke detectors and fire alarms are commonplace today, heat can start to build before a fire breaks out and is apparent. So that’s one more early warning signal that can get the fire department to your house faster, to save your property and your pets.

Deadly House Fires: More Common Than You Think

If you think the chances of a fire starting at your house are slim, statistics indicate otherwise. House fires are very common. And house fires are very deadly. According to the home security review website ASecureLife.com:

• According to the National Fire Protection Association, a home fire is reported every 23 seconds.
• House fires are the third leading cause of deaths that happen at home.
• More people are killed by fires in the U.S. every year than by all natural disasters combined.

These statistics are only about people, not pets, but you can be sure the statistics for pets are probably the same or worse since they are helpless to let themselves out to escape a house fire. A fire detection system can help. It can’t prevent a fire from starting, but the early detection and notifying of authorities can go a long way toward saving your house, your things, your cats and your dogs.

Contact SafeStreets for ADT-monitored Fire Monitoring Systems

ADT-monitored smoke detectors and fire detection systems from SafeStreets can help keep your family, pets and home safe during a fire by notifying you immediately if one of the smoke and fire alarm systems detect smoke in your home. This will help you get your family and pets out of the home safely. If you’re not home, ADT-monitoring services will notify you and the local emergency services immediately to send help.

As you can see, the benefits of installing a fire protection system in your home are plentiful. To have a fire alarm monitoring system installed, contact the home security professionals at SafeStreets.

Having a home security system installed in your home is a smart way to help protect your family. However, you can’t neglect taking other precautions too to ensure your home and family are safe.

Your home security system can do a lot to deter burglars, but you’ll be even safer if you take certain precautions. Plus, what about those days or nights when you forget to turn on the alarm? Or the power goes out? Or something else puts your home security system out of whack? Aren’t you going to want to know you’ve got other precautions in place?

Below you’ll find some tips for bolstering your home security system so you’re even safer. These are tips derived from real life examples.

Don’t Assume Standard Locks Are Good Enough

A friend who lives in a primarily military neighborhood had the frightening experience of a burglary during the night, as she and her husband and son were all sleeping upstairs. The burglars entered the first floor of their house with ease by climbing in despite a locked window, taking her purse and other items, then proceeding to steal stuff from the cars parked outside. And this was a new house in a huge and very nice development.

How did the burglars get in? Easy: The home security system was not on, for some reason, and the window locks were easy to undo, it turned out. Despite having a new house in a nice development, plenty of outdoor lighting, and neighbors very close by, this family and the others were at risk because the home builder used windows with flimsy locks making forced entry not really forced at all. (My friend has since replaced the locks on the windows with better ones.)

I tell this story to illustrate that you need to assess how good your current locks and latches are. Just because there is a lock doesn’t mean it will keep someone out!

Door and Window Sensors

If you’re concerned about burglars breaking in through your windows or doors, consider adding window sensors to your existing security system. Glass break sensors from SafeStreets are designed to pick up the unique sound of shattering glass and will sound the alarm as soon as the sound is detected.

You can also be alerted whenever a door or window is opened to help keep your home and family protected. Door and window sensors come with professional monitoring from ADT.

Smart Door Locks and Cameras from SafeStreets

Smart door locks from SafeStreets are incredibly convenient and safe. Our smart door locks can be locked and unlocked from anywhere using the ADT Control app from your smartphone. It’s also equipped with a keypad; you can assign different passcodes to different people to allow them to enter your home. You can also choose to be notified if any opens or closes the door.

Another piece of home security equipment that can help protect your home is a video doorbell camera for your front door. You can choose to be notified if anyone is approaching your door and see them with high-quality 720p HD video. The two-way audio capabilities even allow you to speak to the person on the other side of the door even when you’re not home. Just the presence of a video doorbell security camera can be enough to deter a potential criminal from targeting your home.

The downside to doorbell cameras is that they can only see the front of your home. If intruders try to gain access from a side window, are you going to be able to see them? Safestreets also offers outdoor security cameras that can help you see all your blind spots. During the installation process with a SafeStreets trained Smart Security Pro, we’ll be able to help you find the best locations for your security cameras so you have a good view from every angle. 

Use Some “Common Sense Coverage”

Then there’s just the common sense stuff, and making sure everyone is on the same page as far as home security goes. For example, if your kids like to sleep with their bedroom windows open at night, make sure their windows are not only shut but locked in the morning before you leave the house for the day. 

Also, make sure to check doors and windows you don’t use as often, like side doors, garage doors, and shop doors are shut and locked before you leave the house. Maybe assign each child certain doors and windows to double-check as part of their morning routine.

You also want to inspect the lighting outside of your house, to make sure you’re not providing hiding places at night. Check for bushes, fences, and trees that offer coverage for potential intruders during the daylight hours too, since most burglaries happen between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to ADT.

Also, follow practical steps to make your home looks occupied while you’re away.  With home automation systems from SafeStreets you can put lights on timers, so they will turn on and off at a set time. Another way to look like your home is occupied when it isn’t is to leave a TV or radio on. 

Outdoor Lighting from SafeStreets

Installing outdoor lighting is a great way to help protect and monitor the outside of your home. Our home automation system can schedule your outdoor lighting system to automatically turn on at dusk and off at sunrise. SafeStreets can provide professional installation for your outdoor lighting system.

Contact SafeStreets for the Best Home Security Systems

Of course, the best burglar deterrent is a well-advertised home security system, but when you pair your new security system with some common sense safety tips, your home security system will work as intended. Contact SafeStreets today to find the right home security system for your property complete with home automation systems and monitoring service from ADT. Contact us to learn more. 

In nearly a fourth of all break-ins, burglars take advantage of windows to gain access to the home. And although unlocked windows are certainly the preferred target, in many cases home invaders will go so far as to smash their way through the glass itself. 

But what can homeowners do? Windows are pretty much the definition of ‘standard’ when it comes to home design, and unless you want to adopt the prison cell look and install iron bars, your windows will always be among the first places an invader will consider. In answer to this problem, some residents are turning to a less-conventional solution: unbreakable glass. But is unbreakable glass a good investment? And more importantly, is it an effective form of protection?  

What Is Unbreakable Glass?

In the most basic sense, ‘unbreakable glass’ is exactly what it sounds like: glass that can’t be broken. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as actual, unbreakable glass — given enough force, any material will eventually break. But semantics aside, there are two products currently available that are marketed as ‘unbreakable windows’ for home use:

Polycarbonate Windows

Although not actually ‘glass,’ polycarbonate windows are able to mimic the transparency of glass, but with approximately 250x the impact resistance (and 50%–60% less weight). Polycarbonate is made from fused panels of thick synthetic resin, which makes it a good choice for shatterproof windows.

While polycarbonate windows are extremely resistant to breaking, shattering, and chipping, the material itself is much softer than glass, and thus much more susceptible to scratches and weathering. Also, polycarbonate tends to swell and distort slightly in extreme heat, which can negatively affect how the window sits in its frame or whether the latches will be able to close properly.   

Laminated Glass Windows

Laminated windows are a combination of traditional glass and transparent plastic. These windows are made from a kind of safety glass (such as is used in car windshields) which consists of two or more layers of glass, attached to and separated by plastic interlayers. Essentially, the plastic layer is sandwiched between the glass layers, which are fused through high heat and pressure.

Laminated glass is nearly as ‘breakable’ as traditional glass. The difference lies in what happens to the glass once it breaks. Although a strong enough impact will shatter the glass layers, the plastic interlayers hold tightly to the pieces and keep them from scattering. So, most attempts at smashing laminated glass result in a ruined window, but without any sort of hole for a burglar to gain entry through. On the other hand, laminated glass is much heavier than traditional glass, and should only be installed by a trained professional.

In both cases, these ‘unbreakable glass’ windows offer increased protection against home invasion. But are they a worthwhile investment?  

The Pros and Cons of Investing in Unbreakable Glass

Whether you’re considering polycarbonate windows or laminated glass windows, you need to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages. Here, we take a closer look at the pros and cons of unbreakable glass for home windows. :

Pros of Unbreakable Glass Windows

• Both Can Be Retrofitted
  If you decide to invest in either of the options mentioned above, you can at least be happy that you won’t have to replace your window frames. Both polycarbonate and laminated glass windows can generally be retrofitted into existing frames, bringing down some of the potential cost of upgrading.
• Both Can Improve Home Energy Efficiency
  Although regular glass is fairly effective at insulating homes, polycarbonate and laminated glass windows are even more so. These unbreakable glass windows are poor heat conductors, which means that temperatures don’t tend to equalize from one side to the other. In terms of energy consumption, this can mean lower power bills, as the home is more capable of retaining heat in the winter and keeping it out in the summer.
• Both May Be Good Solutions for Keeping out Intruders
  The main reason property owners consider investing in unbreakable glass options is to prevent break-ins. And in many cases, polycarbonate shatterproof windows and laminated safety glass may act as a deterrent.

Cons of Unbreakable-Glass Windows

• Unbreakable Windows Are Expensive
  Laminated safety glass requires a more in-depth process to make and includes more materials than traditional glass. This makes it a much more expensive option. And while polycarbonate windows are actually less expensive than traditional glass, the fact that a homeowner would likely need to replace several windows at once can still make the overall investment prohibitively costly, regardless of which option they choose.
• Intruders May Still Get In
  Just because the window is functionally unbreakable doesn’t necessarily mean that the materials that attach the window to the rest of the house are quite as strong. It may only take one good hit to pop the entire window out of the frame. Unbreakable glass windows need to be installed in a very specific way to resist this kind of brute force assault, and you won’t know whether they’re up to the task until it’s too late.
• Other Options Can Be Just as Effective
  There are ways to help protect your home that doesn’t require you to invest in expensive replacements for all of your ground-floor windows. With the right sensors, you can enjoy added home security without depending on unbreakable glass windows. 

Home Security Alternatives to Unbreakable Glass

A determined burglar might get slowed down by unbreakable glass windows, but probably won’t be stopped entirely. Worse still, if the unbreakable glass is your only line of defense, anyone who manages to get inside will likely go unnoticed until after they’ve gotten what they came for.

Sensors take a different approach; instead of trying to create an impenetrable barrier, they act as a first-response system alerting homeowners and security monitors to break-ins immediately when they occur.

Glass Break Sensors

When glass breaks, it creates a distinctive audio frequency. Glass break sensors are designed to listen for this sound and then immediately send out an alert. When positioned correctly within a home, a single glass break sensor can cover multiple windows and glass doors, often for less than the price of materials and installation for a single pane of unbreakable glass.

Learn more about glass break sensors here. 

Door and Window Sensors

Even when intruders choose to shatter glass, they’re usually doing so to reach a latch and open the window or the door that’s attached to it. Door and window sensors can be placed at possible entrances and set to sound the alarm whenever specific doors or windows are opened unexpectedly. These sensors connect directly to security monitoring services and ensure that possible break-ins are being immediately reported and investigated.

Learn more about door and window sensors here.  

The Verdict

So, is unbreakable glass a good investment? Although we can’t speak for every property, in most cases replacing existing ground-floor windows with unbreakable glass will end up costing the homeowner quite a bit more than the price of a more universal (and more effective) home security solution. Cost-effective alternatives to unbreakable glass — such as door, window, and glass break sensors, and other ADT-monitored systems from SafeStreets— may offer more protection at lower prices. 

Want to learn more about comprehensive home security options that are worth your investment? We’ll work with you to find the right solutions, so you can help protect your property from break-ins without breaking the bank. Contact SafeStreets today for your free quote.

Over the years, home package deliveries have grown, and most people in America are familiar with them. Packages dropped on your doorstep are very convenient, after all. But no delivery company is used more than Amazon. Amazon ships billions of packages a year right to your doorstep. But as more and more packages are being left on porches, there has also been a growth in package theft. 

Porch piracy is becoming a huge issue. In 2021 alone, about 210 million packages were stolen off Americans’ porches. If you’ve had a package stolen, you probably want to know what to do next. We’ll walk you through three stolen package scenarios (shown as delivered, third-party, non-trackable packages) and what to do if an Amazon package is stolen. With millions of packages being stolen, it’s something that could happen to anyone who orders online—if they don’t have the right protection in place. So we’ll also walk you through the right prevention protection to help keep your home safe. 

What To Do If You’re Missing A Delivered Amazon Package 

Amazon is great at letting you know when packages show up at your door. You usually get a notification or an update on your account that shows packages as delivered. But what happens if you go to get your delivered package, and it’s not there? That’s when you have a missing “delivered” Amazon package. These are the steps of what to do next if this happens to you. 

Step 1: Check on Your End

The first step is to check everything on your end to make sure the package is stolen. Sometimes packages are accidentally left on your next-door neighbor’s porch or your upstairs apartment neighbors. Sometimes small packages might be in your mailbox instead of on your doorstep. So before doing anything else, take some time to check everything on your end to make sure the package is truly missing. Here are some ways you can determine if your package is missing: 

• Double-check your delivery address to make sure it’s for your house
• Check nearby and similar addresses to see if it was delivered there on accident
• Look for Amazon’s photo of the delivery 
• Check every delivery location where the Amazon employee could have left the package
• Check to make sure the package hasn’t fallen off the porch or had something put on top of or in front of it

Once you determine that your package is missing, it’s time to move on to the next step. 

Step 2: Wait 48 Hours

This second step might be the hardest step when you’re waiting for a delivery or anxious that your package has been stolen. But waiting for 48 hours can help you solidly determine if your package has been stolen or if something else went wrong. This little window of time will provide you with evidence that something very wrong has happened with your delivery. After this waiting period, it will be time to report. 

Step 3: Report It

Once you’ve checked everything you can and waited to make sure it wasn’t going to show up, it’s time to report your Amazon package as stolen or missing. If you file your report within 90 days, Amazon will likely offer you a refund for your missing package—up to $2,500. So it’s important to be on top of reporting your missing package, so the stolen package isn’t costing you. Follow these steps to submit your report: 

• Open up your Amazon account and find “Your Orders”
• Find the right order and select “Problem with Order”
• A list of problems will pop up. Select that the package hasn’t arrived
• Then select “Request Refund.” If requested, fill out the additional information 
• Your report is in 
• To track your refund request, use the Amazon Pay tab. When your payment claim is approved, you’ll know

What About Packages That Aren’t Trackable?

Most Amazon packages have tracking information, but there are a few rare exceptions that aren’t trackable. With trackable packages, you can check on your Amazon account for information on where it has been and if it was put on your porch. But with non-trackable packages, you don’t have that option. So what do you do instead? 

• Check everywhere it could be. Look in your bushes, go door-to-door to your neighbors to see if they got your package, and look at similar addresses to see if somebody accepted your package. Since you can’t confirm with Amazon if it was delivered, it’s best to perform a thorough check with your neighbors to see if they know where your package could be. 
• If your package was delivered by USPS, contact them. Some non-trackable packages come through the postal service, and they may provide documentation on where your package could be. 

If non-trackable packages are something you receive somewhat often, you should definitely consider installing theft protection solutions, as these packages can be harder to track down. 

Missing Third Party Seller Amazon Packages

Some packages are fulfilled by Amazon directly, and some are fulfilled by a third-party seller, usually referred to as “Amazon Seller” on your order. If your missing package was fulfilled by a third-party seller, you will need to take a different approach to report the missing package. For these packages, you will still want to check everything on your property, neighborhood, and account and then wait 48 hours. If the package hasn’t shown up then, you will report the package as missing or stolen in a different way: 

• Go to your Amazon account and find “Your Orders”
• Click on the “Amazon Pay” tab
• Find the missing item and click the “Details” button next to it
• An automatically generated message will appear. This message informs the third-party seller that you haven’t received your product. You can edit this message to add any relevant information
• Click “Send to Merchant” 
• If the seller doesn’t respond within 24 hours, you can file a claim with Amazon

In most cases, a third-party seller will provide a refund or replace the missing product. They may even investigate the missing product. Again, it’s important to file your report as soon as you can, so you are more likely to receive compensation and the help you need. 

Does Amazon Replace Stolen Packages?

In most cases, Amazon does provide some kind of replacement or compensation for stolen packages. The company takes package theft very seriously and offers the “A to Z Guarantee” for customers. This guarantee means that your goods—whether from Amazon directly or through a third party—are covered up to $2,500. When you file a claim with Amazon, they will refund you up to that amount. Third-party sellers will likely replace the product, but if they aren’t cooperating with you or responding to your request, then Amazon will also cover that reimbursement. If your package is stolen, it’s worth reporting it quickly and properly, so you can get your money back. 

To get your refund, go to your Amazon account and “Your Orders.” After finding the missing order, select that there’s a problem with the order. Click that your package hasn’t arrived and hit “Request a Refund.” It may take a little while to get your refund, but make sure you’re responding to any messages in your account to make sure you qualify. 

How To Avoid Package Theft

While there are some Amazon measures in place to make sure stolen packages aren’t the end of the world, it’s better to avoid the problem completely and not have your packages stolen. There are some precautions you can take now to help protect your packages from being stolen: 

• Require a signature. Use your order settings to require a signature from you before Amazon can leave the package. With this in place, you can always be sure that you get your packages. 
• Send packages elsewhere. If your porch isn’t safe, you can set your delivery address elsewhere. You could have it sent to your work office. You could also have packages delivered to nearby Amazon lockers where you can pick them up with a code. 
• Use the Amazon Key Smart Lock System. Amazon has a somewhat new Key app that lets delivery employees leave packages directly inside of your home. To get this setup, you’ll need a Prime account, the Key app, a smart lock installed by SafeStreets, and a Wi-Fi-enabled security camera.  
• Install a porch home security system. A porch home security system can scare potential porch pirates away, but it can also help catch them if they do go after your packages. Outdoor cameras will record what’s happening on your porch while you’re away, and doorbell cameras are another way to have eyes on your porch at all times. 

Help Protect Future Amazon Deliveries With SafeStreets

Here at SafeStreets, we want to help you protect your packages and keep your porch safe. We provide and install ADT-monitored cameras and doorbells that can help prevent stolen packages. Cameras can be a big deterrent against theft and help keep your packages on your porch. In a study conducted by the University of North Carolina Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, researchers found that 60% of potential thieves check for cameras before they make a move. So simply installing the camera could help keep your home safe. 

But if something does happen, you’ll also have ADT-monitored cameras that will provide you with evidence that your package was stolen and a team of security professionals that have your back. In fact, you can set up your camera to receive a notification when a package arrives, and you can keep an eye on it from your phone. If a theft still happens somehow, the video footage will help you receive full compensation for the theft. 

Ready to get help protecting your Amazon packages? Get a free quote from SafeStreets today!

As a homeowner, you may have considered where to hide a key outside your house. You may have also considered whether or not to hide spare keys at all! You don’t want to get locked out, but you also don’t want to risk the safety of your home. Let’s look at some pros and cons of hiding a key, how to hide a key, and better yet, why smart door locks are the safest option.

What Is The Best Way To Hide A House Key Outside Your Home

No matter where you hide a key to your home, it could leave your home vulnerable to home intruders. If you are thinking about hiding a house key outside your home, there are a few general tips on how to disguise and how to hide a key.

How TO Hide A Key:

• Fake sprinkler head
• Lockboxes
• In the dog house
• Under a loose brick
• Place the key in a small container and bury it
• Attach a small magnet to the key and attach it to the inside of a grill or metal vent

How NOT to Hide A Key:

• Under the doormat
• Under a potted plant
• Under a rock or poorly placed fake rock
• Under a garden statue
• Above the door or the doorframe
• In the mailbox

What To Do Instead Of Hiding Your House Key

If you don’t hide a key, you could get locked out of your house, and if you do, then you could risk your home getting broken into, so what can you do instead? 

One solution is to give a spare key to a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member. If you get locked out of your home, you can simply ask them for the key. If you go out of town, they can check on your pets or house plants.

Another alternative to hiding a key is to install smart door locks. This means that your smartphone becomes the key to unlocking your door. Along with keyless entry using a code, SafeStreets electronic door locks let you unlock your doors using your mobile app. You’ll never have to worry about forgetting your house key again because you can lock and unlock your door from anywhere. Additionally, with SafeStreets smart door locks, you can set up your system to automatically notify you whenever the status of your door changes.

No Need To Hide A Spare Key With SafeStreets Smart Door Locks

No matter where you hide a key, it could leave your home vulnerable to home burglaries, intrusions, and break-ins. Here at SafeStreets, we offer a variety of home security and automation options, including smart door locks. Each system offers you peace of mind knowing your home and your household members are safe. 

A SafeStreets professional will help you choose the right smart home security system for your home. Our security experts will also make sure your smart door lock is installed correctly and working to your specifications. Choose which doors you want a smart door lock installed on with the help of our home security professionals. Get a free quote with SafeStreets to learn more about our smart door lock installation and ADT-monitored home security systems.

When it comes to keeping your home and loved ones safe, you’re looking for the best burglar alarms. SafeStreets is a licensed ADT Authorized Provider, and we bring you high-quality products with top-end customer service from the oldest name in home security. We’ll walk you through how our burglar alarms work and answer frequently asked questions about alarms. 

How Burglar Alarm Systems from SafeStreets Work

Our burglar alarm systems include: 

• 24/7 monitoring from experts to provide fast assistance around the clock
• Alarm responses—we’ll let you know as soon as an alarm is tripped
• Easy integration with our tech and your current home security system 
• Industry-leading control panels that give you unparalleled control 

Key Elements of a Burglar Alarm System

Our systems include all of the necessary components to help keep your home and family safe. 

Window and Door Sensors

The most common entry points for a burglary are your windows and doors. So to help catch burglars at the point of entry, window and door sensors are key. Our door and window sensors include two pieces. One is attached to the door or window and the other to the frame. When the sensor is activated, if the two pieces are separated, your burglar system will alert you automatically. 

Glass Break Sensors

If a burglar can’t get a window open, they might try breaking the window. A glass break sensor will alert you if this happens—whether you’re at home or away. There are two kinds of sensors: shock and acoustic sensors. At SafeStreets, we provide acoustic sensors because they cover a range of 25-feet. These sensors “hear” breaking glass with ultra-sensitive detectors and alert you immediately. 

Video Doorbells

Burglars will sometimes ring your doorbell to determine if you’re home or not before breaking in. Video doorbells are a great way to see who’s at your door and get assistance if necessary. With smart technology, you don’t even have to be home to see who’s at your door and to get rapid emergency assistance. 

Door Locks

Keeping your door locked is your first line of defense against burglars. A smart door lock will help control locking and unlocking your door from wherever you are. That way, if you leave and forget to lock your door, you can simply lock it from wherever you are and help keep your home protected. You are also able to unlock the door from the mobile app, so you never have to worry about forgetting your keys again. 

Control Panel

While the equipment alone can still help you, burglar alarms are even better when you’re able to control them. Our smart touchscreen control panels give you unparalleled control over every aspect of your burglar alarm system. You can run your locks, alarms, sensors, and cameras all from your fingertips with a control panel.  

Frequently Asked Questions about Burglar Alarms

These are some FAQs about burglar alarms to help you with yours: 

If I lose power, will my burglar alarm system still work? 

Yes! If you lose power, your system will have a backup battery that will activate and keep your system running for several hours. If the battery runs low, you’ll be notified.  

How do I set up my burglar alarm system? 

Here at SafeStreets, we provide expert technicians that will set up your system for you. Combined with our top-tier customer service, you don’t have to worry about a thing when your system is getting set up. 

Can I turn off false alarms? 

False alarms happen with any system, so it’s important to be able to turn them off quickly. Luckily with the mobile app and control panel, you can turn off any false alarms within minutes. 

Do burglar alarms stop burglars? 

Many people wonder if setting up a burglar alarm system is worth it or if burglars will still break in anyway. The good news? They do! In a study from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, researchers found that 60% of burglars check for an alarm before attempting a break-in. Then if an alarm goes off, burglars are likely to abandon the break-in. 

Getting Started with SafeStreets

When it comes to burglar alarms, SafeStreets has what you need. We provide equipment monitored by ADT—the oldest and most well-known security provider in the country—and take care of all the details for you. You’ll get the benefits of ADT-monitored equipment combined with SafeStreets’ expert technicians and customer service representatives. 

If you’re ready to get started with your burglar alarm system today, request a quote.

Since you can’t be everywhere at once, you need something to help protect your home and loved ones while you’re gone. That’s where home surveillance systems come in. In this blog, we’ll talk about what home surveillance systems are, what they include, and how to pick the best one. 

Home Surveillance Defined 

A home surveillance system or residential surveillance system is any kind of filming, recording, or monitoring of your home or property. The smallest residential surveillance systems are one camera monitoring one space, but they can get much bigger than that. Surveillance systems can include an intricate web of cameras monitoring your entire home and property. However residential surveillance looks, it’s an important part of home security.  

What Are The Key Aspects Of A Home Surveillance System? 

While there’s a whole range of what residential surveillance can look like, there are a few key parts that will help keep your home and property monitored: 

Cameras

Cameras are a crucial part of any home surveillance system. There are two main kinds of cameras: indoor and outdoor. Indoor cameras can monitor a child’s room or the entryway—any space you want to keep an eye on. These cameras can be a single unit, or they can be part of a package. Outdoor cameras monitor the outside of your property. They can be easily visible to deter potential intruders, or they can be concealed. Cameras can be connected to a central device or your phone to monitor your property. 

Recording Options

Without a recording option, cameras only show live footage. If you’re not actively watching the cameras, you may miss something important. A recording option—like a DVR or cloud storage recording—will record footage and store it in a central location where you can look at it when you need to. While a DVR allows you to locally look back at your footage if an accident occurs, it usually has to be connected to a monitor or other device. Cloud storage, an option that SafeStreets offers with ADT-monitored cameras, allows you to instantly be notified anywhere in the world of an incident and allows you to view it immediately on your smart device, tablet, laptop, etc. DVRs also usually have a limited amount of space, whereas cloud storage is much more flexible.

Video Doorbells

Video doorbells are a newer addition to residential surveillance, but they can make a world of difference. These high-tech doorbells show video footage of whoever is ringing your doorbell or on your porch. You can see the footage on your phone, and you can even talk to the person on your phone as well. The front door is an important place to monitor to keep your home and family safe. 

Light Sensors

You might not think of light sensors as part of surveillance, but they can be. Many light sensors use cameras to determine if someone entered a space and turn on the lights. The sudden influx of light can scare away intruders. In addition, lights on your cameras can also make sure you can still monitor your surroundings after dark. 

What’s the Best Home Surveillance System? 

You know what you should get in a home surveillance system, but how do you figure out which system is the “best”? Determining the best can be hard, but there are some key metrics you should consider when looking for a surveillance system. 

• IP rating. When it comes to long-lasting cameras, you’re going to want one with a good IP rating. IP ratings tell you how much protection the electrical casings provide from dust, water, and other wear. The first number in the rating tells you about the protection from solid ingress while the second digit tells you about water protection. IP68 is as high as you can get. For security cameras, you’ll always want dust protection at 6, but you can vary on water protection from 5–8. 
• Night vision. Cameras can become useless in the dark without some kind of night vision technology. When looking for cameras, consider choosing at least one with night vision. These cameras use infrared light to create the image of what it’s filming. 
• Resolution. There are cameras with resolutions ranging from 720p to 4K. A good surveillance camera will have 1080p, but the better the resolution, the better the detail—especially at a distance. 
• Wireless vs. wired. Whether a wired or wireless system is best for you will depend on your level of comfort with technology, security concerns, and WiFi connectivity. Wired systems are integrated into your home’s wiring and are great if you want an added layer of hacking protection or have poor WiFi connectivity. Wireless systems allow you to remotely connect and control your system. They can be more flexible, easier to install and work, and can be removed and reinstalled if you were to move houses.

ADT-Monitored Home Surveillance From SafeStreets

Here at SafeStreets, we provide all of the best features of a residential surveillance system. We offer surveillance tech monitored by ADT—the biggest name in the home security business. Our indoor and outdoor security cameras have high resolutions and IP ratings, and we offer both wired and wireless systems. With light sensors, recording, and video doorbells available too, you’ll be able to create the ideal home surveillance system for your house and family. Call for a quote to get started today.

Anywhere you look, you’ll find smart devices. The Internet of Things (IoT) has increased over the past decade, expanding just how many devices can be connected to the internet. One of the biggest developments in smart technology is the smart home. The smart home allows devices in your home to all connect to a singular WiFi network that gives you total control over your home. 

With the increase in smart home technology, there’s also been an increase in using smart home tech for your home’s security. Nearly every security company now offers a variety of smart home technology to protect and connect your home. In this blog, we’ll discuss what a smart home security system is, how to use it, and how to protect against the risks that come with the high-tech. 

What Is Smart Home Security? 

What is smart home security? To answer this question, it helps to start out with what smart home automation is. Smart home automation is when everything from the lights to the door locks to the doorbell is all connected to one singular device that you can monitor and control. Smart home security is then using this smart home automation (with maybe a few extras) to protect your home as well as make it easier to use. 

For example, smart home automation can allow you to turn on and off lights with your smartphone. Smart home security would be using this same tech to turn on lights with a motion sensor as well and scare away potential home invaders. 

Smart home security systems can include all the usual tech in smart home automation, but usually, smart security systems also include cameras and sensors that can be connected to your device. These cameras help you record your property and monitor any suspicious activity. 

How to Effectively Use Smart Home Security

Now that you know what smart home security is, how do you use it effectively? These are some of the most important parts of smart security systems and how to make them work to your advantage: 

Window and Glass Break Sensors

Window sensors may be small, but they’re extremely powerful when it comes to protecting your home. Window sensors work by attaching a magnetic connection between two points. When the window is opened, the connection is broken and the alarm is triggered. Window sensors can also be used with smart home technology to bring your security system to the next level. You can use window sensors to alert you if a window was left open and get a notification on your device. That way you can use your smart home to check the status of each window in your home. 

Another good sensor to have is a glass break sensor. These sensors will trigger an alarm and alert your device if the glass in your window breaks. There are two types of glass break sensors to choose from. An acoustic sensor essentially “listens” for the frequency of shattering glass, and one sensor can cover multiple windows in the same room. A shock glass break sensor “feels” the vibrations of glass breaking and can monitor only the window it’s attached to. Either one of these sensors can be hooked up to a smart home center that will alert you on your device if a window’s broken. That way, even if you’re not home, you can always know what’s going on with your windows. 

Smart Security Cameras

Security cameras are a staple of any thorough home security system. Cameras help you monitor your property. Smart security cameras are the perfect addition to your smart home system because you can use your smart home device to monitor everywhere your cameras are—from anywhere. Whether you’re at work or on vacation, you can use your smartphone to see what your cameras see. Your camera system can even use motion sensors to detect suspicious movement after you arm your system. 

Smart Locks

Smart locks are both convenient and a key security feature. Most smart locks use a keycode entry instead of a physical key, so you never have to worry about losing your key and giving someone access to your home. Smart locks can also connect to your smart home hub, which then gives you access to control if the door is locked or unlocked from your smartphone. 

With this smart home automation, you’ll be able to control and monitor when a door is unlocked. And you can lock it from anywhere—no more worrying about if you remembered to lock the door or not. Plus, if a child forgets to lock the door when they leave, you can lock it from your phone and keep your home safe. 

Smart Doorbell

Smart doorbells are another type of smart home automation for your doors. Smart doorbells include a camera that allows you to see who’s at the door, and there’s usually a speaker that you can talk to people at your door. The best part of the speaker and camera is that you can view both from your smartphone. You can see who’s ringing your doorbell when you’re at work or away from home. And you can talk to whoever’s at your door from anywhere. 

Smart doorbells are a great addition to your smart home security system because they’re an added layer of protection. You never have to open the door to a stranger, and you can even let a stranger at your door know that you’re watching them. Burglars are less likely to attempt to break into your home when they know you’re watching and listening. 

Smart Light Controls

Controlling your lights is one of the most popular smart home automation uses. But you can also use smart light control to increase your home’s security. You can turn lights on at certain times with your device to make it seem like you’re home when you’re not. Gone are the days of timers turning your lights on and off while you’re away from home. You can now run it all from your smart home hub, and doing so can help protect your home. 

The Risks of a Smart Home Security System & How to Reduce Them

When some people hear about smart homes, they’re resistant because they’re worried about the risks of that much technology being connected to their WiFi. While there are some risks associated with smart home technology, the risks usually outweigh the benefits.

Plus, with a few security tips, you can significantly reduce the risks of a smart home, so you’re able to use this technology to protect your home. 

Use a passcode on your mobile device

Your mobile device is your smart home hub—all of your security devices can be accessed from that one place. So it’s important to make sure that nobody can access your smartphone without your permission. The easiest way to secure your device is to make sure that you have a good passcode on it. 

Use a strong passcode on your computers

Your computers are a way somebody could also access your network and your smart home devices. Mitigate the risk of a security breach by making sure that all of your computers also use a strong passcode. All of your computers should have different passcodes to increase security. 

Always run patches and updates

Software companies create patches to repair potential holes in their security and networks. If you see a patch available, you should always run it as quickly as possible. The same goes for updates. Updates also sometimes take care of security risks as well as improve the operating system as a whole. You should always install updates as quickly as possible to make sure your devices stay secure. 

Use firewalls

Most routers have a built-in firewall that you can use if you enable it manually. Once you enable it, the firewall can help keep your entire internet network safer. You can also enable firewalls on your computers to add an extra layer of protection. 

Find a router with good security features

A good router is key to protecting your home network and smart home technology. Many routers come with good security features that can help keep your internet secure and protect your network. If your router right now doesn’t come with these security features, consider upgrading to a better router, so you can take advantage of the benefits of smart home technology and security. 

Getting Started with a Smart Home Security System

If you’re ready to get started with smart home security, we’re here to help you at SafeStreets. We have every kind of smart home security—from just the basics to the complete smart home with professional installation and 24/7 monitoring service by ADT. Here’s a brief overview of the different smart home security plans we have for you: 

• Remote Plan. This package lets you control your smart home technology remotely—from your smartphone. You can arm and disarm your system as well as control locks, lights, and sensors. 
• Control Plan. This plan will give you the control that a smart home allows you to have. This plan is remote while also allowing you to access live footage from your security cameras. Plus, you’ll get text notifications in case you aren’t watching the app when something happens. 
• Video and Automation Plan. This plan is one designed to give you access to all real-time video footage, so you’re able to automate and monitor your system remotely. This plan is complete coverage—with the smartest smart home tech including smart thermostats, automated door locks, light module control and more. 

Ready to get started with smart home security? Request a quote today, and we’ll help you find the right plan for you.

Many Americans rent homes or apartments. In fact, 43 million Americans rent the space they live in. A large number of these people live in apartments, and many of them don’t have security systems because they’re renting. But apartments still need security. Read on to learn more about apartment security systems, discover the options from ADT, and get answers to other nontraditional security questions. 

Do I Need a Security System for an Apartment? 

One common question most renters have is if they even need a security system for their apartment. We often tend to have this vision of burglars sneaking into big houses at night to steal plasma screen TVs. But in reality, burglars choose targets where they think they won’t get caught and that they can enter quickly. Apartments without any security fit this bill. They fit it so well that according to the US Bureau of Justice Statistics, renters are more likely to be burglarized than homeowners. Because of the high rate of burglaries, renters should consider getting a security system for their apartments. 

Common Home Security Systems for Apartments

Some kinds of security systems can decrease your risk of being burglarized and increase your sense of comfort. These are the most common parts of a security system that can benefit apartment renters: 

• Essential home security alarms. Alarms are a big deterrent for burglars. They will also alert you if something is awry in your apartment while you’re gone. 
• Indoor security cameras. Indoor cameras will help deter theft while also recording what’s happening in your apartment while you’re away. Indoor cameras help you monitor your pets and family to make sure they’re safe at all times. 
• Outdoor cameras. Outdoor cameras are a good way to signal to potential burglars that your apartment is under surveillance and secured. 
• Doorbell cameras. These will help you see who’s at your door, monitor package deliveries, and help keep your family safe. 

Can I Install a Security System? 

While many renters want to install a security system, a lot wonder if it’s even possible to install one in a rented apartment. There are legal restraints on installing things involving wiring without landlord permission, but there are other ways to help protect your apartment from theft. The first step is to communicate with your landlord about getting an installed security system. 

Does Your Landlord Approve of an Installation? 

The best-case scenario is that your landlord approves your request to install a security system. In many cases, the landlord will also see the benefit of protecting the property he or she owns. Some landlords are even willing to pay for the security system to attract future tenants. 

If your landlord approves, go ahead and install the security system that you would like—including the right cameras, alarms, and doorbells. You’ll most likely need to share any alarm codes with the landlord, so they’re able to enter the property without tripping an alarm. 

You might also want to research your state laws for privacy. In some states, some laws restrict what video footage landlords can access, and that might affect where your landlord allows you to install cameras. If landlords can’t access indoor footage, you might consider requesting permission to install indoor cameras yourself. 

Does Your Landlord Not Approve of an Installation? 

Sometimes landlords don’t approve of security system installations. If you’re not approved to install a security system, there are still ways to protect your apartment from burglary and help protect your family. 

One way to get security protection is to install a wireless security system like an ADT-monitored system from SafeStreets. These systems don’t require rewiring your apartment. Wireless systems provide the security you need through cameras and alarms, and they’re easy to install and take with you when you move. Also, if your landlord approves of indoor security installations but not outdoors (or vice versa), you can use a wireless system outdoors and remove it when necessary. 

Choosing the Right Security System for Your Apartment

The right security system for your apartment will depend on your landlord and what options you have. But no matter the situation, there’s a way to find security for your apartment. In addition, there are several other security steps you can take to add an extra layer of protection for your apartment: 

• Install deadbolts or a chain lock. You’ll want some kind of mechanism to help keep intruders out. 
• Get a security bar for sliding doors. Even a simple wooden dowel can help keep sliding doors from being opened. 
• Keep your windows closed when possible. Keeping your windows covered with blinds or curtains keeps intruders from being able to look inside and determine if there’s something they want to steal. It also helps protect your privacy. 
• Get a safe for valuables. Keeping any valuables locked up will help reduce the risk of burglars seeing them as well as reduce what you might lose in the event of a break-in. 
• Consider investing in renter’s insurance. Renter’s insurance is important to protect your property, including in the case of a robbery. 
• Don’t advertise when you’re away from home. When you’re away during the day, try to vary when you’re gone, so thieves are less likely to notice a pattern. When you go away on vacation, be discreet about it and avoid making it public knowledge that you won’t be home for a week. 
• If your neighborhood has a watch group, be a part of it. These groups will help keep you aware of what’s happening around you. 

Apartment Security Options From ADT

Blue by ADT is a great option for renters’ security that won’t make your landlord mad. This DIY system can be easily installed yourself, doesn’t require a contract, and is backed by the most trusted leader in home security. It still comes with a lot of the same features we’ve mentioned above for traditional security with the added bonus of being able to take it with you easily if you move. Get the security you need to help protect your home with alarm sensors, smart locks, indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, or a doorbell camera without causing damage to your rental property.  

What If I Own A Nontraditional Home Like a Condo?

If you own it, we can secure it. Here at SafeStreets, we believe that all homes, second homes, vacation homes, condos, and townhouses alike should have the protection they need. That’s why we offer customizable home security packages that make sense for you and your property. Whether you’re just wanting a basic home security package or you want a home as smart as you are, we’ve got you covered.

Our security equipment includes cameras, alarms, glass break sensors, video doorbells, smart door locks, and more. These features can help protect your property and family wherever you live. 

Request a free security quote today.

When it comes to protecting your family and property, you want the best. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to figure out what home security systems are the ideal fit for your home and family. 

That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to choose a home security system. Before getting started, you’ll want to ask yourself questions like these:

1. Who and what am I looking to protect?
2. How does my home size and shape affect protection?
3. What is my budget?

Answering these questions will set you on the right track when choosing a home security system. The appropriate equipment package, payment option, and additional features will ultimately depend on what you want to do with your home security system. Keep reading to learn more about what to look for when choosing a provider, how to decide what will work best for you, and the different package options available from SafeStreets.

What To Look For In A Home Security System

One of the main decisions you’ll have to make during the home security system process is choosing which provider you’re going to use. We’ve compiled six key things you’ll want to make sure your system offers when narrowing down your choices (spoiler alert: SafeStreets provides all six!). 

1. 24/7 Professional Monitoring

Professional monitoring provides you with 24/7, 365 days year assistance if one of your alarms is triggered. This means that as soon as your system goes off, you have someone investigating the situation and sending the appropriate emergency responders to your home if necessary. All of our home security systems come with 24/7 ADT monitoring services. In over 140 years of business, ADT has never missed an alarm, so you know you’re in the most capable hands for the job.

2. A Mobile App

A mobile app makes it easy for you to see and control aspects of your home security system right from your smartphone. This allows you further ease of mind and control even when you’re not at home. SafeStreets home security systems can be connected to the ADT Control App where you can remote arm/disarm alarms, receive instant alerts, view live video, adjust lightning and temperatures, and more. 

3. Ease of Use

What’s worse than not having a home security system? Having a home security system that you don’t know how to use. Your home security system should be designed to help protect your home and family while making it easy for you to use without worry. At SafeStreets, our Smart Security Pros provide a complete demonstration of your system once it’s installed to give everyone the confidence they need to run the system properly. As we like to say, the equipment helps KEEP you safe, but it’s our job to help you FEEL safe.

4. Home Automation Integration

Bundle your security system with home automation options to save you time and money. From lighting control and energy efficiency to home security and video doorbells, completely automating your home puts you in control. Learn more about SafeStreets home automation options.

5. Flexibility

Just as your home may change over the years, you want the same flexibility in your security system. Maybe you finally got around to that addition you’d been wanting and now need an additional door sensor. SafeStreets makes it easy to add additional devices and/or services to your plans in the future. 

6. Seamless Design

Home security systems don’t have to be an eyesore with complicated installation. With one central control tablet and multiple wireless devices, your home doesn’t have to face massive redesign for an effective system. Most of our SafeStreets systems take only an hour or less to install with virtually no wiring (all of our devices can operate wirelessly) and discreetly placed cameras, sensors, and other devices. 

Buying a home security system with these six features will ensure years of safety and security for all the things you value most in your life.

Tailor Your Security System To Your Home

All aspects of your home also play an important role in deciphering what will be the best security system for you. Now that you know more about what features and options you should have in a system, let’s take a look at some of those that could be affected by your home setup. 

Points of Entry

Every home has a certain number of doors and windows, each with the potential for break-ins. While ground-floor windows and doors are most crucial, ideally your home security system will have enough entry sensors, glass-shatter detectors, and/or cameras to protect and track all of your home’s points of entry.

Space Size

How many sensors, cameras, and other devices you need will depend a lot on how much space you are looking to help protect. Bigger homes tend to have more devices or add-ons simply because they have more ground to cover, while some smaller homes may get by with just a few sensors and cameras. 

Who And What’s At Home

Do you have kids or pets? What about valuables or collectibles? Who and what you value most in your home may determine what security options are best for you. For example, if you constantly have people or animals running around your home, a motion sensor might not do much except for detecting your own family. However, an outdoor or indoor camera can help you keep an eye on things while still retaining the protection you want while at home or away. Or maybe you have a large collection of valuables that have been passed on for generations. You might want to install extra smoke and/or fire detectors in the room they’re stored in so you can prevent anything from being ruined in the case of a fire emergency. Each home security system can be tailored to your own unique family and routine. 

Home Security System Elements & Options

The term “home security system” encompasses all the different devices, technology, and monitoring services that work together as a comprehensive home protection solution. One of the best things about this is its customization for what you want and need in a system.

Home security systems will look different for various homeowners based on the size and architecture of their home, their budget, and the main aspects of their home and family that they are helping protect. Regardless of these different factors we’ve discussed, however, all of the best home security systems will do three things: 1) help protect your property, 2) ensure your family’s safety, and 3) provide 24/7 peace of mind. 

At SafeStreets, we offer four customizable protection plans tailored to your needs and budget. Here’s a look at the basic elements you’ll get with a traditional plan:

• ADT 24/7 Monitoring
• Touch Screen Control Panel
• Alarm/Siren
• Image Motion Sensor
• 3 Door/Window Sensors
• 1 Keychain Remote
• 1 Yard Sign
• 3 Window Decals
• Maintenance/Extended Warranty
• Cellular Connection to Monitoring

In addition to the above elements, our remote, control, and video and automation plans can also include:

• Smoke and Fire Detectors
• Glass Break Detectors
• Panic Buttons
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors
• Water & Flood Sensors
• Remote Thermostat Control
• Remote Door Locks
• Lighting & Appliance Control
• Garage Door Sensors
• 2-Way Voice
• App Notifications
• Remote Arm/Disarming
• System Scheduling
• Video Monitoring
• Real-Time Video Footage
• Smart Home Automation

Learn more about our different ADT monitored plans and packages here.

Need Help Picking the Right Plan for Your Family?

When choosing a home security system, trust the experts at SafeStreets to customize your system and ADT monitored package. Together, we can discover the security plan that matches the needs of your home and family. Contact us today to get started with a free quote.