Going On Vacation? Read This First!

Vacation-GoogleYour bags are packed, airplane tickets in hand, and your family is in the car.  You’re ready to go on vacation, and a well-deserved one at that!  One last thing, is your home secure?  Have you done everything you can to safeguard your property and valuables?

While everyone needs a vacation now and then, it is important to make sure your home is fully protected before you leave.  Preventative measures will not only help avoid disaster, but allow you and your family to rest easy and enjoy your time off.  There are many steps you can take to protect your home from break-ins and burglary, allowing you to focus on what’s most important-laying out in the tropical sun with an umbrella drink in hand!

Install a Home Security System

If you don’t have one already, a home security system is an effective way to prevent home invasions and burglaries.  A comprehensive security system would include a burglar alarm, motion detectors, window and door sensors, fire alarms, smoke and carbon detectors, home automation, and a monitoring service.  Systems that are fully integrated with your home allow you to adjust your lighting, thermostat, and so much more from your central control panel.  With wireless home automation you can access these types of features via an app on your mobile device (like the one available on Alarm.com).

Homes without a security system are more likely to be broken into.  In fact, “A home without a security system is 2 to 3 times more likely to be burglarized.”  As experts in the field of home security systems, our team of professionals at Perfect Connections, Inc. understand the importance of protecting your home, especially while you can’t be there.  We have been providing security system solutions to homes in Northern and Central New Jersey for the past 22 years.  Our team can assess the security needs specific to your home and provide a system that is tailored to you.  We want to help you avoid potential catastrophe.

Have Someone Stop By or Stay

Having a trustworthy relative or friend/neighbor stop by your home on a regular basis, or even stay there, while you’re on vacation can be a helpful crime deterrent.  It can make it appear as if you and your family are still home.  Having someone there to tend to your plants, animals, and general upkeep will prevent your home from looking uninhabited, which to a criminal means, “open for business.”  Whomever you charge with caring for your home should be given your vacation contact information and spare key in case of an emergency.  There are services where you can hire house sitters/pet sitters, but they’re likely to be pricier than a friend or family member.

Stop the Mail

Unless you already have a post office box, you likely receive mail at your home.  When you are going on vacation or leaving your home for an extended period of time, you want to make sure you have your local post office hold your mail until your return.  A mailbox that is bursting at the seams can tipoff criminals that you’re away.  It’s best to either stop your mail, which you can conveniently do online HERE, or have a trustworthy friend/relative check and pick it up frequently.  The post office can hold your mail for up to 30 days.  This idea holds true for newspaper delivery as well.  If you subscribe to a newspaper, make sure they don’t pile up on your front step or in your driveway while you’re gone.

Time Your Lights

Setting timers for your interior and exterior lights can be an effective crime deterrent.  It’s better than leaving lights on throughout the entirety of your vacation.  Leaving lights on the whole time will not only run-up your energy bill, but create suspicion for criminals who might be watching your house.  They’ll notice that certain lights never go on or off indicating no one is around.  With a comprehensive security system, you can set timers before you leave, and with home automation you can change your settings from afar if need be.

Beware of Social Media

While it may be tempting to share/brag to all of your friends and family on social media about your upcoming trip, it’s not the best idea.  Why?  By posting the time and date of your trip, you’re basically advertising the fact that you won’t be home.  Even with privacy settings set to their limits, be weary of sharing such private information, you never know who is watching, sharing, and searching.  This is important to keep in mind throughout the duration of your vacation.  Again, while posting photos of you and your family in tropical bliss seems innocent, you’re providing evidence that you’re not home.

Lock It Up!

Locking your doors and windows may seem like an obvious security measure, but it’s easily forgotten.  It’s not uncommon for people to leave back doors or windows unlocked for family members or frequent visitors.  It’s a simple, yet effective, step to take in protecting your home.  Locks are the first line of defense, don’t forget to check them before you leave.

Turn Off/Unplug Appliances

Unplugging or turning off appliances will help save on your energy bill.  Also, it will help prevent potential power surges or electrical fires.  Things like coffee makers, computers, and TVs should be unplugged unless you have someone staying or stopping by regularly.  Unplugging appliances before you leave helps alleviate any worry that you might have accidentally left something on or running.

Alert Local Authorities & Alarm Company

If you’re planning on being away for longer than an extended weekend, it might be a good idea to alert the local authorities.  They may be more inclined to go past your home on their patrol routes if they know you’re gone.  If you have a security system with a monitoring service, it is crucial they are made aware of your leave.  This will help avoid false alarms and make them more vigilant of any irregularities.

Temperature Settings

Depending on where you live you’ll want to adjust your thermostats or time them appropriately.  Homes in the northeast and cooler climates will want to make sure temperatures don’t fall below 55 degrees to avoid freezing pipes.  Home automation allows you to adjust the temperature from afar.  One of the benefits to this technology is coming back to an already warmed up or cooled down home.

If you’re going away be prepared.  If you haven’t already, consider a comprehensive home security system.  The peace of mind you’ll have is priceless.  If you live in Northern or Central New Jersey don’t hesitate to contact our specialists at Perfect Connections, Inc..  We can provide you with a personalized system that is right for your unique home.  We’ve been helping homeowners protect what matters most since 1992.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply CLICK HERE.

Home Security Tips While Traveling

Vacation-GoogleYour bags are packed, airplane tickets in hand, and your family is in the car.  You’re ready to go on vacation, and a well-deserved one at that!  One last thing, is your home secure?  Have you done everything you can to safeguard your property and valuables?

While everyone needs a vacation now and then, it is important to make sure your home is fully protected before you leave.  Preventative measures will not only help avoid disaster, but allow you and your family to rest easy and enjoy your time off.  There are many steps you can take to protect your home from break-ins and burglary, allowing you to focus on what’s most important-laying out in the tropical sun with an umbrella drink in hand!

Install a Home Security System

If you don’t have one already, a home security system is an effective way to prevent home invasions and burglaries.  A comprehensive security system would include a burglar alarm, motion detectors, window and door sensors, fire alarms, smoke and carbon detectors, home automation, and a monitoring service.  Systems that are fully integrated with your home allow you to adjust your lighting, thermostat, and so much more from your central control panel.  With wireless home automation you can access these types of features via an app on your mobile device (like the one available on Alarm.com).

Homes without a security system are more likely to be broken into.  In fact, “A home without a security system is 2 to 3 times more likely to be burglarized.”  As experts in the field of home security systems, our team of professionals at Perfect Connections, Inc. understand the importance of protecting your home, especially while you can’t be there.  We have been providing security system solutions to homes in Northern and Central New Jersey for the past 22 years.  Our team can assess the security needs specific to your home and provide a system that is tailored to you.  We want to help you avoid potential catastrophe.

Have Someone Stop By or Stay

Having a trustworthy relative or friend/neighbor stop by your home on a regular basis, or even stay there, while you’re on vacation can be a helpful crime deterrent.  It can make it appear as if you and your family are still home.  Having someone there to tend to your plants, animals, and general upkeep will prevent your home from looking uninhabited, which to a criminal means, “open for business.”  Whomever you charge with caring for your home should be given your vacation contact information and spare key in case of an emergency.  There are services where you can hire house sitters/pet sitters, but they’re likely to be pricier than a friend or family member.

Stop the Mail

Unless you already have a post office box, you likely receive mail at your home.  When you are going on vacation or leaving your home for an extended period of time, you want to make sure you have your local post office hold your mail until your return.  A mailbox that is bursting at the seams can tipoff criminals that you’re away.  It’s best to either stop your mail, which you can conveniently do online HERE, or have a trustworthy friend/relative check and pick it up frequently.  The post office can hold your mail for up to 30 days.  This idea holds true for newspaper delivery as well.  If you subscribe to a newspaper, make sure they don’t pile up on your front step or in your driveway while you’re gone.

Time Your Lights

Setting timers for your interior and exterior lights can be an effective crime deterrent.  It’s better than leaving lights on throughout the entirety of your vacation.  Leaving lights on the whole time will not only run-up your energy bill, but create suspicion for criminals who might be watching your house.  They’ll notice that certain lights never go on or off indicating no one is around.  With a comprehensive security system, you can set timers before you leave, and with home automation you can change your settings from afar if need be.

Beware of Social Media

While it may be tempting to share/brag to all of your friends and family on social media about your upcoming trip, it’s not the best idea.  Why?  By posting the time and date of your trip, you’re basically advertising the fact that you won’t be home.  Even with privacy settings set to their limits, be weary of sharing such private information, you never know who is watching, sharing, and searching.  This is important to keep in mind throughout the duration of your vacation.  Again, while posting photos of you and your family in tropical bliss seems innocent, you’re providing evidence that you’re not home.

Lock It Up!

Locking your doors and windows may seem like an obvious security measure, but it’s easily forgotten.  It’s not uncommon for people to leave back doors or windows unlocked for family members or frequent visitors.  It’s a simple, yet effective, step to take in protecting your home.  Locks are the first line of defense, don’t forget to check them before you leave.

Turn Off/Unplug Appliances

Unplugging or turning off appliances will help save on your energy bill.  Also, it will help prevent potential power surges or electrical fires.  Things like coffee makers, computers, and TVs should be unplugged unless you have someone staying or stopping by regularly.  Unplugging appliances before you leave helps alleviate any worry that you might have accidentally left something on or running.

Alert Local Authorities & Alarm Company

If you’re planning on being away for longer than an extended weekend, it might be a good idea to alert the local authorities.  They may be more inclined to go past your home on their patrol routes if they know you’re gone.  If you have a security system with a monitoring service, it is crucial they are made aware of your leave.  This will help avoid false alarms and make them more vigilant of any irregularities.

Temperature Settings

Depending on where you live you’ll want to adjust your thermostats or time them appropriately.  Homes in the northeast and cooler climates will want to make sure temperatures don’t fall below 55 degrees to avoid freezing pipes.  Home automation allows you to adjust the temperature from afar.  One of the benefits to this technology is coming back to an already warmed up or cooled down home.

If you’re going away be prepared.  If you haven’t already, consider a comprehensive home security system.  The peace of mind you’ll have is priceless.  If you live in Northern or Central New Jersey don’t hesitate to contact our specialists at Perfect Connections, Inc..  We can provide you with a personalized system that is right for your unique home.  We’ve been helping homeowners protect what matters most since 1992.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply CLICK HERE.

Vacation Security Tips

Vacation-GoogleYour bags are packed, airplane tickets in hand, and your family is in the car.  You’re ready to go on vacation, and a well-deserved one at that!  One last thing, is your home secure?  Have you done everything you can to safeguard your property and valuables?

While everyone needs a vacation now and then, it is important to make sure your home is fully protected before you leave.  Preventative measures will not only help avoid disaster, but allow you and your family to rest easy and enjoy your time off.  There are many steps you can take to protect your home from break-ins and burglary, allowing you to focus on what’s most important-laying out in the tropical sun with an umbrella drink in hand!

Install a Home Security System

If you don’t have one already, a home security system is an effective way to prevent home invasions and burglaries.  A comprehensive security system would include a burglar alarm, motion detectors, window and door sensors, fire alarms, smoke and carbon detectors, home automation, and a monitoring service.  Systems that are fully integrated with your home allow you to adjust your lighting, thermostat, and so much more from your central control panel.  With wireless home automation you can access these types of features via an app on your mobile device (like the one available on Alarm.com).

Homes without a security system are more likely to be broken into.  In fact, “A home without a security system is 2 to 3 times more likely to be burglarized.”  As experts in the field of home security systems, our team of professionals at Perfect Connections, Inc. understand the importance of protecting your home, especially while you can’t be there.  We have been providing security system solutions to homes in Northern and Central New Jersey for the past 22 years.  Our team can assess the security needs specific to your home and provide a system that is tailored to you.  We want to help you avoid potential catastrophe.

Have Someone Stop By or Stay

Having a trustworthy relative or friend/neighbor stop by your home on a regular basis, or even stay there, while you’re on vacation can be a helpful crime deterrent.  It can make it appear as if you and your family are still home.  Having someone there to tend to your plants, animals, and general upkeep will prevent your home from looking uninhabited, which to a criminal means, “open for business.”  Whomever you charge with caring for your home should be given your vacation contact information and spare key in case of an emergency.  There are services where you can hire house sitters/pet sitters, but they’re likely to be pricier than a friend or family member.

Stop the Mail

Unless you already have a post office box, you likely receive mail at your home.  When you are going on vacation or leaving your home for an extended period of time, you want to make sure you have your local post office hold your mail until your return.  A mailbox that is bursting at the seams can tipoff criminals that you’re away.  It’s best to either stop your mail, which you can conveniently do online HERE, or have a trustworthy friend/relative check and pick it up frequently.  The post office can hold your mail for up to 30 days.  This idea holds true for newspaper delivery as well.  If you subscribe to a newspaper, make sure they don’t pile up on your front step or in your driveway while you’re gone.

Time Your Lights

Setting timers for your interior and exterior lights can be an effective crime deterrent.  It’s better than leaving lights on throughout the entirety of your vacation.  Leaving lights on the whole time will not only run-up your energy bill, but create suspicion for criminals who might be watching your house.  They’ll notice that certain lights never go on or off indicating no one is around.  With a comprehensive security system, you can set timers before you leave, and with home automation you can change your settings from afar if need be.

Beware of Social Media

While it may be tempting to share/brag to all of your friends and family on social media about your upcoming trip, it’s not the best idea.  Why?  By posting the time and date of your trip, you’re basically advertising the fact that you won’t be home.  Even with privacy settings set to their limits, be weary of sharing such private information, you never know who is watching, sharing, and searching.  This is important to keep in mind throughout the duration of your vacation.  Again, while posting photos of you and your family in tropical bliss seems innocent, you’re providing evidence that you’re not home.

Lock It Up!

Locking your doors and windows may seem like an obvious security measure, but it’s easily forgotten.  It’s not uncommon for people to leave back doors or windows unlocked for family members or frequent visitors.  It’s a simple, yet effective, step to take in protecting your home.  Locks are the first line of defense, don’t forget to check them before you leave.

Turn Off/Unplug Appliances

Unplugging or turning off appliances will help save on your energy bill.  Also, it will help prevent potential power surges or electrical fires.  Things like coffee makers, computers, and TVs should be unplugged unless you have someone staying or stopping by regularly.  Unplugging appliances before you leave helps alleviate any worry that you might have accidentally left something on or running.

Alert Local Authorities & Alarm Company

If you’re planning on being away for longer than an extended weekend, it might be a good idea to alert the local authorities.  They may be more inclined to go past your home on their patrol routes if they know you’re gone.  If you have a security system with a monitoring service, it is crucial they are made aware of your leave.  This will help avoid false alarms and make them more vigilant of any irregularities.

Temperature Settings

Depending on where you live you’ll want to adjust your thermostats or time them appropriately.  Homes in the northeast and cooler climates will want to make sure temperatures don’t fall below 55 degrees to avoid freezing pipes.  Home automation allows you to adjust the temperature from afar.  One of the benefits to this technology is coming back to an already warmed up or cooled down home.

If you’re going away be prepared.  If you haven’t already, consider a comprehensive home security system.  The peace of mind you’ll have is priceless.  If you live in Northern or Central New Jersey don’t hesitate to contact our specialists at Perfect Connections, Inc..  We can provide you with a personalized system that is right for your unique home.  We’ve been helping homeowners protect what matters most since 1992.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply CLICK HERE.

Making the Switch from Analog to IP

If you’ve had a surveillance system installed within the past decade it’s more than likely that it’s either an analog or IP (Internet Protocol) system.  So what’s the difference?  Analog typically refers to an older technology that doesn’t use Ethernet protocol.  IP includes “IP-addressable items,” the cabling, and network equipment used to connect all components to an Ethernet networked system.  As people transition to a fully digital IP system there is some overlapping of the two technologies creating hybrids.

Making the switch from analog to IP isn’t always as daunting as it may seem and there are options that make the transition easier over time.  Our licensed professionals at Perfect Connections, Inc. have the expertise to address your security needs.  We have been providing comprehensive security system solutions to organizations throughout northern and central New Jersey for the past 23 years.  We understand the complexities of installing and updating security systems including the surveillance equipment.

So why make the switch from analog to IP?  For one, a fully digital IP system will have improved performance over an analog system.  Many IP cameras are equipped with features like, “advanced digital signal processing, optical zoom lenses, wide dynamic range, on-board analytics and auto image stabilizers…” These features in conjunction with high resolution megapixel cameras provide better coverage and the ability to cover more area with less cameras.  Being able to expand or re-configure, also referred to as scalability, comes easily with an IP system.  This is an advantage to any organization especially one that plans on expanding or renovating in the future as the initial investment cost isn’t lost in the process.

With IP surveillance systems comes advanced analytics.  That means footage can be monitored, recorded, interpreted, archived, and retrieved by the central server as well as peripheral devices.  How is this beneficial?  It helps when looking for specific recordings as a search can be initiated versus having to view hours of useless footage.  If an alarm is activated this type of intelligence can be used to zoom in on what is setting it off which cuts down on time looking for what it might be.

There’s also a flexibility that comes with converting to an IP system.  It makes system integration easier when it comes to adding features like access control, alarms, and extra cameras.  You also have more of a reason to store a higher volume of footage with an IP system because the image quality is clearer and be accessed easily.  Having an IP system allows for ease of software upgrades which helps keep it relevant.  In that sense IP is worth the initial up front cost as it is more adaptable to future technologies and won’t require extensive re-cabling and labor in years to come.

Does this mean you have to completely abandon your analog system all at once?  Not necessarily.  As each system is different the only real way to tell what will need to be done is to hire a security systems expert to do an in person assessment of the current situation.  One option might be to use the existing analog equipment and simply add converters to the camera and network switch ends of the cabling.  This creates a sort of hybrid system where you’re using existing coax cable from the analog system but the converters allow you to add IP cameras; they don’t have to rely on your company’s network and can still be recorded on your DVR, NVR, or VMS (Digital Video Recorder, Network Video Recorder, and Video Management System).

The benefit to a hybrid system is you don’t lose out on the initial investment of the original system and it allows for easy add-ons, upgrades and replacements of IP technology.  The other option is to completely remove all analog devices and cabling and start over with a new IP system.  Sometimes IP systems can utilize existing analog infrastructures so that could be an alternative to starting from scratch.  Remember if you have an IT department at your facility it is important to include them in the process to ensure a seamless integration.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade to and IP system all at once or try the hybrid approach it’s key to include a licensed security systems expert from the beginning.  They can help guide you through the process from start to finish.  Our team at Perfect Connections, Inc. have been providing expert security system solutions to businesses throughout northern and central New Jersey since 1992.  We understand that each facility is unique and requires individualized security solutions.

If you live or run a business in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply CLICK HERE.

Protect Your Home While You’re Away

Vacation-GoogleYour bags are packed, airplane tickets in hand, and your family is in the car.  You’re ready to go on vacation, and a well-deserved one at that!  One last thing, is your home secure?  Have you done everything you can to safeguard your property and valuables?

While everyone needs a vacation now and then, it is important to make sure your home is fully protected before you leave.  Preventative measures will not only help avoid disaster, but allow you and your family to rest easy and enjoy your time off.  There are many steps you can take to protect your home from break-ins and burglary, allowing you to focus on what’s most important-laying out in the tropical sun with an umbrella drink in hand!

Install a Home Security System

If you don’t have one already, a home security system is an effective way to prevent home invasions and burglaries.  A comprehensive security system would include a burglar alarm, motion detectors, window and door sensors, fire alarms, smoke and carbon detectors, home automation, and a monitoring service.  Systems that are fully integrated with your home allow you to adjust your lighting, thermostat, and so much more from your central control panel.  With wireless home automation you can access these types of features via an app on your mobile device (like the one available on Alarm.com).

Homes without a security system are more likely to be broken into.  In fact, “A home without a security system is 2 to 3 times more likely to be burglarized.”  As experts in the field of home security systems, our team of professionals at Perfect Connections, Inc. understand the importance of protecting your home, especially while you can’t be there.  We have been providing security system solutions to homes in Northern and Central New Jersey for the past 22 years.  Our team can assess the security needs specific to your home and provide a system that is tailored to you.  We want to help you avoid potential catastrophe.

Have Someone Stop By or Stay

Having a trustworthy relative or friend/neighbor stop by your home on a regular basis, or even stay there, while you’re on vacation can be a helpful crime deterrent.  It can make it appear as if you and your family are still home.  Having someone there to tend to your plants, animals, and general upkeep will prevent your home from looking uninhabited, which to a criminal means, “open for business.”  Whomever you charge with caring for your home should be given your vacation contact information and spare key in case of an emergency.  There are services where you can hire house sitters/pet sitters, but they’re likely to be pricier than a friend or family member.

Stop the Mail

Unless you already have a post office box, you likely receive mail at your home.  When you are going on vacation or leaving your home for an extended period of time, you want to make sure you have your local post office hold your mail until your return.  A mailbox that is bursting at the seams can tipoff criminals that you’re away.  It’s best to either stop your mail, which you can conveniently do online HERE, or have a trustworthy friend/relative check and pick it up frequently.  The post office can hold your mail for up to 30 days.  This idea holds true for newspaper delivery as well.  If you subscribe to a newspaper, make sure they don’t pile up on your front step or in your driveway while you’re gone.

Time Your Lights

Setting timers for your interior and exterior lights can be an effective crime deterrent.  It’s better than leaving lights on throughout the entirety of your vacation.  Leaving lights on the whole time will not only run-up your energy bill, but create suspicion for criminals who might be watching your house.  They’ll notice that certain lights never go on or off indicating no one is around.  With a comprehensive security system, you can set timers before you leave, and with home automation you can change your settings from afar if need be.

Beware of Social Media

While it may be tempting to share/brag to all of your friends and family on social media about your upcoming trip, it’s not the best idea.  Why?  By posting the time and date of your trip, you’re basically advertising the fact that you won’t be home.  Even with privacy settings set to their limits, be weary of sharing such private information, you never know who is watching, sharing, and searching.  This is important to keep in mind throughout the duration of your vacation.  Again, while posting photos of you and your family in tropical bliss seems innocent, you’re providing evidence that you’re not home.

Lock It Up!

Locking your doors and windows may seem like an obvious security measure, but it’s easily forgotten.  It’s not uncommon for people to leave back doors or windows unlocked for family members or frequent visitors.  It’s a simple, yet effective, step to take in protecting your home.  Locks are the first line of defense, don’t forget to check them before you leave.

Turn Off/Unplug Appliances

Unplugging or turning off appliances will help save on your energy bill.  Also, it will help prevent potential power surges or electrical fires.  Things like coffee makers, computers, and TVs should be unplugged unless you have someone staying or stopping by regularly.  Unplugging appliances before you leave helps alleviate any worry that you might have accidentally left something on or running.

Alert Local Authorities & Alarm Company

If you’re planning on being away for longer than an extended weekend, it might be a good idea to alert the local authorities.  They may be more inclined to go past your home on their patrol routes if they know you’re gone.  If you have a security system with a monitoring service, it is crucial they are made aware of your leave.  This will help avoid false alarms and make them more vigilant of any irregularities.

Temperature Settings

Depending on where you live you’ll want to adjust your thermostats or time them appropriately.  Homes in the northeast and cooler climates will want to make sure temperatures don’t fall below 55 degrees to avoid freezing pipes.  Home automation allows you to adjust the temperature from afar.  One of the benefits to this technology is coming back to an already warmed up or cooled down home.

If you’re going away be prepared.  If you haven’t already, consider a comprehensive home security system.  The peace of mind you’ll have is priceless.  If you live in Northern or Central New Jersey don’t hesitate to contact our specialists at Perfect Connections, Inc..  We can provide you with a personalized system that is right for your unique home.  We’ve been helping homeowners protect what matters most since 1992.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply CLICK HERE.