An alarm monitoring company should be accessible and respond promptly to your inquiries and requests. Thus, there are several important things to consider when choosing a reliable home security monitoring company, including: recommendations, credentials and services.

Below are 3 important things to consider in choosing a reliable security monitoring company:

Recommendations
As with any major purchase, it pays to shop around. I asked friends for recommendations and did a lot of online research, although I couldn’t get accurate pricing information without speaking to sales representatives. Don’t fall for high-pressure sales techniques or scare tactics. Once you’ve identified a few good candidates, check for customer complaints with the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List or other trusted reviewers. The Federal Trade Commission provides tips for choosing a home security system and identifying common scams. Source: HuffingtonPost

Credentials
Think of the process like you are interviewing candidates for a job. You want to find the best fit for your situation. You also want to make sure the security company you choose has the proper credentials to help you if/when you need it. Here are a few things to look for.

• Monitoring Station– Is the monitoring station company-owned, or do they outsource it? Is the station CSAA and U.L. Certified? A station with these certifications has to meet stringent security and monitoring standards and is regularly tested to ensure compliance.
• Reputation– Look around your community. What security signs do you see in your neighbors’ lawns? Ask them about their experience with those companies. Ask friends and family who they use and if they would recommend their security company. Check the Better Business Bureau to see the security company’s grade.
• History– How long has the company been in business? Just as a long, detailed employment history looks good on a job application, if the company has been in business awhile, it usually means they are doing something right. Source: AckermanSecurity

Services
Trustworthy alarm services, from companies like Alarm Relay, believe that successful monitoring is not just about using the most up-to-date technology. Monitoring also requires dedicated Central Station operators who are truly concerned for your safety. It is important to be sure that the alarm monitoring company you choose to use is accessible and responds promptly to your inquiries and requests. Source: AlarmRelay

For more information about our high quality alarm monitoring services, contact us here!

Taking steps to burglar proof your windows can put your mind at ease as you keep your family, home and valuables safe. Here are 3 ways to burglar proof your windows:

Window Bars
Iron bars on your windows make your home very burglar resistant – even if a thief smashes through the glass, they cannot squeeze through the bars to burgle your home. Many people are resistant to the idea of window bars however, since they feel that bars make a house more like a prison than a home.
However, if this option appeals to you, be aware that some companies specialize in decorative window bars that are absolutely beautiful and can be customized to suit your home’s design.Source:  SafeSoundFamily

Reinforce Windows
Besides your doors, windows are another important point of entry to secure. If you live in a high-crime area, consider placing iron bars on your windows to make them burglar-resistant.
If your windows are old, they might be easier to break, or break into. If you’re getting new windows, consider tempered glass, which is more durable than traditional glass.
You can also make windows more secure with:

• Security film
• Roller shutters
• Security screens Source:  AlarmRelay

Purchase a Security System with Motion Sensors
All homes should have some form of security system, whether it’s a basic camera installation or a fully monitored smart system. Evaluate the needs for your area and choose a system you’re comfortable with. Some of the basics to consider include an alarm, motion sensors for the doors and windows, and carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Source:  Safewise

For more tips and ideas, contact us here today!

Moving between homes can be a very exciting time. However, you are more likely to be burgled before and after your move. Here are some security tips to consider when moving, including: replacing the current locks, bolstering sliding doors and establishing a safe haven.

Continue reading to learn more about these 3 security tips to consider when moving:

Replacing the Current Locks
The first thing you should do when you move into a new house is to replace the current locks to your home using a vetted, inspected and qualified locksmith.
Ideally replace locks with a patented or a restricted locking system, do make sure you pick the correct lock though. Patented keys carry legal protection, preventing copies being made without providing proof of ownership, while restricted keys are unlikely to be copied due to their unusual design and unique mechanical features. This means that extra keys can’t be made without your knowledge and previous owners or tenants do not still have access to your home.
In addition, when patented keys are stolen or go missing, the existing key can be deleted from a locksmith’s key code database, the lock re-configured and new keys issued, ensuring that lost or stolen keys no longer work. Source: Locksmiths

Bolstering Sliding Doors
Balcony doors are great for sunshine and views, but they can pose a hazard if they are not properly secured. An unsecured sliding door can provide an intruder with a relatively untraceable and quiet entrance to your place. While it’s important to always lock your balcony door when it’s not in use, many sliding doors have inadequate locks and come off their tracks with just a nudge. For optimal security, make sure to arm your sliding door with an inside bar lock or a pole on the track. You can also install a secondary locking mechanism with a metal pin inserted through the doorframe and into the sliding door. Source: SafeWise

Establishing a Safe haven
Follow three basic steps in setting up a safe-haven in your home:

• Designate an internal room;
• Install a two-way communications system or telephone; and
• Furnish the safe haven with an emergency kit.

It is highly unlikely you would spend more than a few hours in a safe haven; however, the supplies listed below are suggested for your maximum safety. Your security officer can tell you more about how to select and secure your safe haven. Source: State

4 Day Hands-On Locksmith Class | Mr. Locksmith

For further informaiton go to Mr. Locksmith

Real hands-on locksmithing class  designed to teach engineering or maintenance employees for small or large facilities (School, Hospital, Corrections, Policing, etc.) and is a good start for beginners to help you become a locksmith or start your own locksmith business.

In this training you will:

• Cut over a hundred keys on key duplication machines as well as computerized key code machines
• Rekey locks
• Shim
• Trouble shoot
• Pick locks
• Take apart (and put back together) locks (deadbolts and key in knobs).
• Lock-outs, broken keys and picking locks.
• Design a mini Master key system and master key their locks.
• and much much more…

The Mr. Locksmith Locksmithing Course includes all supplies, lock picks, tools and material needed to take the course with.

SIGN UP NOW! 

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

September 19-22. 2016 (9am – 4pm Monday to Thursday 200 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, United States)

October 03-20, 2016 (9am – 4pm Monday to Thursday 200 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, United States)

November 7-10, 2016 (9am – 4pm Monday to Thursday 200 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, United States)

December 05-08, 2016 (9am – 4pm Monday to Thursday 200 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, United States)

BRITISH COLUMBIA

June 06-09, 2016 (9am – 4pm Monday to Thursday 10499 University Ave. Surrey BC)

September 06-09, 2016 (9am – 4pm Tuesday to Friday  10499 University Ave. Surrey BC)

Victoria, BC TBA September 2016 (email me if you are interested in attending a class in Victoria BC)

ALBERTA

September 12-15, 2016 (9am – 4pm Sandman Hotel Edmonton 17635 Stony Plain Rd., Edmonton, AB T5S 1E3)

SASKATCHEWAN

September 26-29, 2016 (9am – 4pm Sandman Hotel & Suites Regina 1800 Victoria Ave, Regina, SK S4N 7K3)

MANITOBIA

October 10-13, 2016 9am – 4pm (Sandman Hotel & Suites Winnipeg Airport 1750 Sargent Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0C7)

ONTARIO

October 17-20, 2016 (Holiday Inn Mississauga)

October 24-27, 2016 (Holiday Inn / Hotel IndigoOTTAWA DOWNTOWN CITY CENTRE 123 Metcalfe Street , Ottawa , ON K1P5L9

QUEBEC

October 31-November 3, 2016 (Holiday Inn / InterContinental MONTREAL 360 Saint Antoine Ouest , Montreal , QC H2Y3X4)

NEW BRUNSWICK

TBA Email me if you are interested in attending (Holiday Inn / Crowne Plaza MONCTON DOWNTOWN 1005 Main Street , Moncton , NB E1C 1G9

NOVA SCOTIA

TBA Email me if you are interested in attending (Holiday Inn HALIFAX HARBOURVIEW 101 Wyse Road , Dartmouth , NS B3A 1L9)

NEWFOUNDLAND

TBA, Email me if you are interested in attending (Holiday Inn Express & Suites ST JOHN’S AIRPORT 5 Navigator Avenue , St. John’s , NL A1A 0R5)

OTHER CANADIAN and USA CITIES TBA

Note: All students must pass a security clearance from your local Police Force. Also, if you want to purchase lock picks and join the “Penetration Expert: Locksmiths Always Get In” Lock Picking Club you must pass a Police security clearance. Note: The following do not need an extra security clearance but must show ID (Police, Licened Locksmiths, School and Hospital Employees)

BRITISH COLUMBIA: Apply online for your “Locksmith Employee Under Supervision” License

For All Other Provinces and Terriortories go to your local Commissionaires for Criminal record checks

Commissionaires

SIGN UP NOW!

Thinking about installing an outdoor security camera? These article will introduce you to a number of popular outdoor security cameras, such as: ADT, Foscam and Loftek cameras.

Below are 3 best outdoor security cameras:

ADT Camera
ADT offers the OCR-810 day/night wireless security camera, compatible with the company’s Pulse home automation package. The ADT Pulse® package provides one indoor and two outdoor cameras, but you can connect up to 10 cameras to your system. The OCR-810 requires a solid, secure wireless connection to speak to the Pulse system. An ADT monitoring Wi-Fi extender may help to increase the range of your wireless signal. The camera also requires an AC power source.
The motion-activated camera records clips in 30-second segments and stores them on ADT’s secure WPA2-encrypted server for 30 days. You can also select preset recording times and take advantage of 24/7 monitoring through ADT monitoring’s fully staffed monitoring centers. Source:Safewise

Foscam Camera
This Foscam camera has one of the easiest connection setups. All you do is scan the camera’s QR code with your smartphone and it is connected. You have the option as to how you’d like to store your video footage: on a hard drive or using the Foscam Cloud service for remote storage. Included with your purchase is a free trial of Foscam Cloud so you can see if you like it before you pay for it. The camera is weatherproof making it a great fit for the outdoors. Source: Asecurelife

Loftek Camera
Loftek focuses on the development, design and manufacturing of consumer surveillance and security product, including a range of high-quality security cameras that are designed to withstand outdoor environments and deliver exceptional day/night video performance even in complete darkness.

• Wired and wireless models
• Motion detection can be integrated into and alarm/alert system
• Wide angle lenses and distance viewing Source: Safesoundfamily

If you want to know more about outdoor home security cameras, please give us a call or contact us here.

It is important to know what type of security services you need in order to hire a locksmith that can tackle your problem. There are some common types of locksmith services, including: automobile services, residential services, and commercial services.

Below is more information on 3 common locksmith services:

Automobile Services
Automobile locksmiths are likewise available. These are also considered to be the rarest kind in the locksmith industry and that they have a special edge in their services. This is true because automobile locksmiths do not have an easy task to handle and that they handle different kind of brands and also have different complicated lock mechanisms which they need to learn. Source:LocksmithGuideInfo

Residential Services
Residential locksmiths have a greater demand in the market as they secure the property and the in mates from break-ins and thefts. Majority of them are certified also. Many a times, people lock themselves out of their house, and in this regard, residential locksmiths are of great help. Apart from quick and reliable services, they are also amiable in nature. Taking their huge demand into consideration, many locksmiths nowadays are also offering 24*7 services. If even at the midnight you sleepwalk and lock yourself out of your house, there’s no need to worry, your local locksmith can help you get inside without letting you in much embarrassment. Source: SlideShare

Commercial Services
Locksmiths offering commercial services have much more knowledgeable on different types of locks used for commercial structures. The locks used in offices, shops and schools are usually more sophisticated than those used on homes since they come with a variety of options such as timekeeping, attendance registering, personnel identification, and many more. These locks are also programmable for more secure after-hours measures. Since commercial services involve the installation, repair and modification of these locks, only companies trained in more complex jobs will be able to handle the requirements. Source: RonaldFerguson07

Locksmith scams are common all over the country. Thus, it is important to be aware of the potential locksmith scams around. Here are some tips that will help you avoid locksmith scams, such as: checking locksmith ID and licensure, asking question and watching out the fluctuation bids.

Below are 3 tips to avoid locksmith scams:

Check Locksmith ID and Licensure
Before even contacting them, check their ad and website for an address. Look for accreditation such as from ALOA (though a lot of genuine locksmiths are not members). Then check Google and directory listings for customer reviews.
When you phone them, ask where they or their technicians are based (again, checking the address), whether they are licensed and what the registered name of the business is. End it here if you’re not satisfied with the replies. Source: Scambusters.org

Ask Questions
Most consumer complaints concern fees that were not disclosed when they called the locksmith.  Ask about the cost of a service call, mileage and parts before you agree to have the work performed.  Get an estimate before any work begins, including emergency service.  If the on-site estimate doesn’t match the price quoted on the telephone, have the job done by someone else.Source: BBB.org

Watch Out for Fluctuating Bids
If the locksmith’s on-site price doesn’t match the phone estimate, don’t allow the work to be performed.
Some locksmiths may demand payment after doing shoddy work or inflating the bill, and threaten to call the police or file a lawsuit if you don’t comply.
If that happens, call their bluff. Let them call the police, or offer to call for them. A reputable company won’t drastically change a quoted price, Colorado Attorney General Cynthia H. Coffman says.
“The people who are making those threats generally have the most to lose, because they’re not operating within the law, and their actions are not ethical. They’re bullying,” Coffman says. Source:Angieslist.

Having a security system for your business is a big help in protecting your investment. These articles will discuss some tips to help you choose the right security systems for your business.

Below are 3 tips for choosing the right business security systems:

Conduct a Security Review
Since small business owners cannot afford to leave any of their valuable assets —including customer data, inventory and computers — unprotected, many install security systems as a first line of defense against thieves. Small business owners need to know the right questions to ask before plunking down money on equipment and ongoing monitoring.
The types of features and function of an alarm system can vary greatly by the type of business being protected, experts said. A reputable alarm company will perform a site survey before recommending an alarm system or any security equipment. Source: BusinessNewsDaily

Select Security System Solutions
Select solutions to the problem areas in your security system. Address lighting problems by adding motion-sensing lights to your property and removing obstructions like excessive plant growth. Add security cameras to keep sensitive areas under surveillance and use a digital video recorder to keep extended surveillance records. Upgrade locks on entrances and windows. Purchase time-clocks to keep track of employees coming and going. Multilayer your security system. Especially sensitive areas should be protected by locks, security camera surveillance and alarms. Source:Overstock.com

Other Factors to Consider
Another factor to consider is whether you want to be able to control the security features of your business off-site, whether you’re at a conference for a few days, or just home at night looking to make sure all is well at work. You could also choose to give access to these types of controls to certain employees. The choice is yours.
You’ll also want to decide whether a wireless or wired security system is the best fit for your business. If you’re in the planning phases of creating office space, workspace, or a storefront, consider security systems now.  Source: AlarmRelay