Home Security Companies Emphasize Back-to-School Safety

In Greenville, SC and throughout the country, children are heading back to school, and that's a great opportunity to turn our attention to back-to-school safety and security considerations.

Buddy System

The best way to keep children safe is to have them perform these activities in pairs or even larger groups of likeminded kids. Ideally, the buddy will be a family member, neighbor or friend. If possible, establish the agreement that the buddies will do everything together on the way home as well. Don't be afraid to perform these activities alongside the pair to and from school until you're confident they're able to handle it on their own.

Walking to School or the Bus Stop

For grade school children, it's important to sit down and talk about the protocols for walking to the bus stop or school. Cover all the basics, including not talking to and accepting rides from strangers. The National Safety Council and local home security companies also stress establishing rules. If no sidewalk is present, always face the traffic and walk on the left side of the road. Never use a phone, handheld game, ear buds or headphones while walking near traffic.

With older children in particular, it's crucial and difficult to impart on them the importance of bus stop behavior. Bus stop accidents kill thousands of children every year, and many of those deaths could have been avoided if the child was paying attention to his or her surroundings.

Bicycling

If the child uses a bicycle instead, a helmet in a good condition is paramount. Local home security companies also advise having a bike chain that will allow the bicycles and all accessories to be secured. If the child is 12 or older and rides a scooter or similar vehicle, it's also necessary to have heavy footwear, gloves, kneepads and pads for the elbows. Keep in mind that helmets can actually become hazards on playgrounds and in similar environments. Make sure the child understands the importance of stopping and removing the helmet when transitioning into one of these areas.

Backpack Safety

Backpack safety is a growing concern, and it's recommended that you choose a backpack that has padded shoulder straps. It's also important that when loaded the backpack not weigh more than 10 percent of the child's total weight. Use a zippered compartment for emergency numbers and similar information. You may be surprised to know how many children don't know their own home phone numbers, and a cheat sheet can be invaluable.

Home Alone

It's very important that you're child be familiar with the security system in the home and all emergency protocols. This is particularly true if the child will be home alone for any period. Educators of fire safety in Greenville SC recommend that you go over the evacuation plan each quarter. Parents might also want to consider Internet-enabled surveillance, which most home security companies can install and link to your smartphone.

Reward Programs and Consequences

Establishing good habits among children will require some work. Those who educate about fire safety in Greenville SC recommend using a reward system. Children respond very well to positive reinforcement. There should still be consequences when the child ignores the rules, but the emphasis should always be on the positive aspects and how these allow us to be safer and have more fun.

​What Small Business Owners Need to Know about Commercial Security in Greenville

No small company can risk losing its valuable data and inventory to thieves, making it very important that independent overseers invest in business security systems. In fact, security options are so important that any would-be business owners would be wise to educate themselves about security equipment, cost, and various options before cutting that grand opening ribbon.

Available options for commercial security in Greenville can vary quite a bit, with various features and functions available on a business-by-business basis. But which is best for your company's needs? Fear not, for a reputable business security systems vendor like Priority One Security will be able to survey your business site and make recommendations for how best to move forward. After all, a plumbing supply store won't need to take the same precautions that a jeweler would, would they?

There are, however, a few actions you can take and some tips to consider as a future consumer of commercial security in Greenville.

Stake Out Your Local Area: By pulling up crime statistics, you'll be able to better discern whether or not your business needs all the bells and whistles offered by many commercial security units. This is especially important if your company doesn't keep any cash on hand and you're wondering whether you need a security system at all. It should be free and simple enough to determine whether your neighborhood is problematic in terms of crime.

Visit Your Neighbors: Confer with other local business owners and find out whether they've suffered any vandalism or theft. Ask what kind of security systems your neighbors employ and get a better idea of what your company requires.

Exercise Common Sense: Leaving your company stock, including computers, data stores, and safes, completely alone at night can be a risky business. If your company would sink if these items happened to be stolen, it's time to invest in a quality security system. If your business space is full of dark nooks and crannies, consider lighting them with motion-activated lights at small cost to your business.

Be True to Your Finances: If you need a security system, you don't have to break the company bank to secure one. Purchase the system that's right for your finances, no matter how little you have to spend. Remember, it's better to have a little something to keep thieves at bay than to practically invite them to take over your electronics and data collection.

Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask Priority One Security any of the questions you may have about procedures and how the system works. Discover how your security system will be connected and how alarms can be triggered. If a security system is only connected to a main phone line, your business might be in trouble as this is the first line that experienced thieves will take down. These days, many security systems can send messages to a Smartphone. Find out whether a security system can be accessed using different pass codes – one for each employee, for example.

Determine How to Shop: On a basic level, a well-outfitted security system will monitor all entrances, exits, and windows. Shop for a security system that won't cause you any extra hassle and can be easily maintained through a security provider.

​Five Reasons to Choose an Alarm Monitoring Service

As a home owner, you make many decisions to protect your home. One of the most important decisions you make will be the alarm system you choose to keep your home and family safe. While there are many options when it comes to home security, including a variety of do-it-yourself options, a monitored security system has many benefits over more basic security options. Following are perks of a alarm monitoring service:

1. Professional installation and monitoring

While do-it-yourself home security systems may be appealing in the short term, a complete monitored system offers a level of protection other security options cannot. Additionally, a security professional will be sent to your home to access your needs. Professionals have years of experience, they can help you choose the right security system and options for your family. Since correct installation is vital for your new system to work properly, you can rest easy knowing it was done right the first time.

2. Save money on your home insurance

Insurance companies deal with fires, burglaries and other disasters every day. They know how quickly tragedy can strike, and they know the difference that monitored home security systems make. You may be able to save money on your home insurance premiums if you choose a professionally-installed monitored security system over an unmonitored system. Talk to your insurance company about possible discounts.

3. Peace of mind

When you choose a monitored service, your home and family are protected 24 hours a day, even when you are not home. While there are many items in a home that would be expensive to replace, your family members and their safety is beyond value.

If you experience a home fire, elevated carbon monoxide levels or other emergency, your first responsibly should be getting your family to safety. A monitored system allows you to focus on your family, while the alarm monitoring station calls for assistance.

4. Assistance when you need it

Unfortunately, thanks to over-sensitive car alarms, our modern society has become immune to loud, blasting alarms. You cannot assume someone will be nearby to hear your home alarm, or that they will know what to do. One of the greatest benefits of a monitored alarm system is that someone is there to assist you, whenever you need it, even if you are not at home.

In the event of a home invasion, intruder or other suspicious activity, someone from the monitoring station will stay on the line with you until help arrives. Your alarm monitoring company will give you branded stickers to put in your home's windows. Statistics have shown that homes displaying decals stating that the home is protected by an alarm monitoring service are less likely to be the victims of burglaries.

5. More than just a security system

Today's monitored security systems are more than simply a loud alarm. When you choose a security alarm with an alarm monitoring service, you have variety of options available to you. Discreet wireless security cameras can be used to monitor entrances, in-home caregivers and remote areas on your property. Water and smoke alarms can save you thousands of dollars in damage if disaster strikes and you are out of town. Portable panic and medical alert buttons ensure that help is on the way the moment you need it.