3 factors leading to smart home growth

Do you often worry about whether you turned the lights off before leaving the house or if you remembered to lock the door? What if there was a way to eliminate all those worries with the press of a button? Here are three in-demand factors that have increased home automation system demand…

Increase Security Measures
It’s crucial to have protection for yourself, your family and your personal assets. With a home automation system you can safeguard your home anytime, anywhere! Smart home security is becoming incredibly popular because it provides remote access to your house even when you are not there. Control and monitor features, such as:

- Alarm panels
- Camera capabilities
- Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
- Door and window locks
- Garage door openers
- Motion detectors

Alerts can be sent to you directly if there is suspicious activity or if alarms are triggered. Also, pre-set schedules can be programmed to arm or disarm security features at specific time intervals or when certain events occur.

Live a More Convenient Life
Wouldn't it be nice if you could have the perfect temperature set and ready when you arrive home? With geo fencing capabilities, you can control specific preferences such as adjusting home temperature, turning on and off lights and opening your garage door. Automation features activated once your smartphone reaches a certain proximity to your home, providing you with effortless comfort.

It is estimated that by 2017 there will be 36 million smart home units and convenience capabilities will only increase. Home automation companies strive to create systems that are not only tailored to consumers’ lifestyles, but also implemented in seamless, unnoticeable ways.

Save Energy
The average person spends a huge amount of money each year on energy costs. With the installation of a home system you can conserve electricity at your own convenience. Some household appliances that can be controlled remotely and/or automated to eliminate unnecessary energy usage are:

- Light fixtures
- Refrigerators
- Robot cleaners
- Thermostats
- Washers and dryers

The need for energy-efficient solutions is becoming a sought-after factor by homeowners. Would you buy a home automation system? 

SIS - Security & Investigation Services can provide you with the best professional home security system in Cape Town. They can provide you with anything from general guarding and farm protection to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans

3 reasons why you should hire an alarm company

Maybe you've had the horrible experience of being involved in a home robbery, or perhaps your family and friends have told you about how terrifying it can be. Some of us can barely sleep at night because of the anxiety of one actually happening can cause. Whatever the case may be, choosing a home security company can provide you with complete peace of mind.

1. Preventative Measures
Even if you take all the precautions in the world, a break still could happen. However there is a way to avoid it, by having services from SIS – Security &Investigation Services, you can significantly lower the risk. When criminals are scanning for a house to break into, they are often looking for easy access. If you have an alarm system, they will steer clear of your home knowing that if they break in it will cause trouble. Make sure you have stickers and signs on your windows and in your yard so people know of the system that you have.

 2. Watching When You’re Away
Depending on the features that you have with your systems, you may be able to monitor your property when you are away from home. You can tap into cameras that let you know what is going on inside and outside your house. By doing this, you can see in advance if trouble is brewing and alert the police or proper authorities.

3. Individualised Plans for you
On top of having an alarm system, you can also personlise the system to your specific needs. For example, you might want to add a smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector onto your system. Even if you already have these features in your home, you can have them connected to the alarm system for even more protection. Make sure to work with the service professionals so they can help you determine the right plan for your home.

Keep these reasons in mind next time you tell yourself you don’t need an alarm system, it is best to install a home alarm system as soon as possible to avoid being involved in a home break-in  or any other traumatic event.

For all your home security needs, contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services. They can supply you with anything from general guarding and farm protection to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans

How can CCTV help you?

These days you have a wide variety to choose from when it comes to security, the only problem is finding the right security for your home or business. Some security devices have odd names that can make it difficult to understand their use, like CCTV cameras. However, many people may be unsure what CCTV even stands for, or whether it’s really even something you need.

So, what exactly are they and how do they help you? Here’s everything you need to know about them, including what CCTV means…

CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television, which means you can record and transmit video wirelessly. It also means that you can view both live and previous video feed.

You can choose to link your camera, infrared beams and alarm system. So, if the camera detects movement within its coverage area it’ll send a video clip to the monitoring centre. Each clip should be small enough to be sent instantly.

Once the monitoring centre receives the video slip it will be forwarded to the people you selected to be viewed.

These cameras will work during the day and during the night. They also work really well in poor and varying light conditions.

Most CCTV systems allow you to connect through an existing LAN network. However, some only allow authorized users to view the video footage.

You can also opt to view a live camera feed, which can be viewed from anywhere using your phone or computer.

Over time, the rise in crime has been matched by the development of technology in the security industry. CCTV cameras are the perfect example of this development.

If you are interested in increasing your home or business’ security with CCTV cameras you can contact a professional home security company like SIS – Security &Investigation Services.

How to stay safe during load shedding

Get your candles and your torches ready because there may be more load shedding on the cards for a long time to come. With power cuts happening all across the country at random times during the course of the day, it can cause people to feel unsafe in their own homes, especially at night. Some private security companies said that load shedding can wreak havoc with alarm systems and the signals sent to your security provider’s control room.

Many people believe that their home alarm system is deactivated when the power supply is interrupted, however, all modern alarms should have a backup battery pack that automatically activates when the electricity is cut.

When load shedding happens in your home,  keep in mind that it can increase the possibility of a false alarm activation and even though you might have a backup battery pack for your alarm system, it is important that your test your alarm on a regular basis.

Testing your alarm is a simple procedure which will take less than five minutes of your time. Make sure the testing is done as early as possible so that technicians can address any problems that they may find.

During power cuts burglars see one thing – opportunity. They are the most comfortable in the dark and can easily break into your home without being seen, especially if your alarm system has gone haywire. That’s why it is important to remember to lock all your doors and make sure your windows are closed and secure. Light candles and torches ton provide some light, but never leave an open flame unattended!

If you don’t want to be caught unawares, you should consider installing LED technology which is combined into the alarm systems wiring and will automatically switch on for a maximum of 15 minutes when the electricity cuts out.

When the dreaded load shedding happens, it’s simply inconvenient and it could be potentially dangerous too! Remember to check the schedule ahead of time to make sure you are safe and secure in your home. 

For a professional home security system contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services, they can provide you with a variety of services from guarding and farm protection to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans

Why a security system is cheaper than a burglary

Is the reason you don’t have a home security system because you think it’s way too expensive?  You’d be surprised that it’s more affordable than you may think and it significantly reduces the chances of your home being broken into. Consider these good reasons why investing in a home security system is so much cheaper than suffering financially and emotionally after a burglary.

   

  o   Improving your Odds
Weigh the cost of a security system against the cost of a burglary, odds are that every 1 in 3 homes without a security system will get broken into, so a home security system is a smart investment.

  o   Avoid Property Damage
Almost 100% of burglaries happen by force, like smashing a window or breaking in a door, this means that not only do you have to pay for stolen goods but also for property damage.

  o   Wireless Protection
With a wireless system no holes are drilled and it’s easy to pack up and move, not only that but it can’t be disarmed by cutting telephone or alarm wires.

  o   Future Prevention
It’s very common for a burglar to target a home more than once, if you've already been a victim of a break-in it’s definitely a good idea to install a security system so the burglars don’t return and cost you more expenses.

  o    Replacing Property
Only about 13% of burglaries are solved by the police and there’s even less of a chance of you getting your stuff back. The cost of replacing your expensive jewelry, appliances or laptops will cost more than just paying for a home security system for one year.

  o    Safety
It’s quite hard to put a price tag on a burglary because it can really devastate you emotionally and physically, in some break-ins the burglars may use violence so you’ll also be faced with medical bills.

  o   Help Save your Life
Keep in mind that a home security system can also protect you from dangerous hazards like fires and flooding, which can help protect you and
your loved ones.

  o   Cost of Loss
Depending on the area you live in, there is a chance your home could be burglarized, home security system prices are all different, but it will cost
much less than the average burglary.

It is confirmed that the cost of a home security system is far less compared to the emotional and financial trauma caused by a burglary; it’s time for you to protect yourself and your family and installing a home security system is by far the best option.

SIS – Security and Investigation Services is here to help you, they offer a variety of different services such as general guarding, CCTV off site monitoring and technical services, contact them for maximum protection.

Written By: Christine Romans