Why DIY home security installation is better

The secret of DIY installation is that it’s super easy. Even though professional installation requires no work on your part, the “work” you need to do for most do-it-yourself installations is minimal. Here are some pros and cons of DIY installation…

The upside of DIY installation:

> No installation fees > Install on your own schedule
> Adjust the system how you want it
> You can move your system whenever you want
> You’ll learn about how your system works

The downside of DIY installation:

> You have to do all the work
> No in-person professional, however they are usually on the phone guiding you

The best part about DIY installation is that it’s completely free. You don’t have to pay any installation fees since you’ll be doing it yourself. The good companies won’t leave you all alone to do this though! Some companies have an installation professional to walk you through the process over the phone, so when you install your system yourself you won’t have to wait around for an installer.

There are some situations where you really need a professionals help, like with any kind of hard-wired home security that’s going to be more difficult to install than wireless. If you want to talk to a professional to get a better idea on which type of system is best for you, give SIS – Security & Investigation Services can help you anytime.

Written By: Christine Romans

Safety tips when selling your home

When you are selling your home, always remember that there are certain safety guidelines that should always be followed to keep yourself and others safe…

Valuables
- Don’t forget to take your keys, credit cards, jewelry, and other valuables from your home or lock them away.
- Antique, rare or expensive home décor items also should be put away to avoid accidental breakage, or worse, theft!

Medications
- Remove all prescription medications from medical cabinets and bedside tables.

Weapons
- Firearms, knives (including those in a block in the kitchen), and other weapons should be removed from sight and locked away.

Personal Info
- Bills, invoices, credit card statements, mail and anything with personal identifying information should be removed from view.
- Family photos and anything labeled with names also should be out away.

Showings
- Do not let strangers into your home if they do not have an appointment first.
- All showings should be officially scheduled in advance through either your estate agent, their office, or another estate agent who represents the buyer.

Hazards
- Protect yourself from a liability standpoint by making sure that driveway and sidewalks are clear and free of all debris.
- Also, make sure all pets are secured at all times.
- Do everything on your power to ensure a prospective buyer is never in any danger.

Contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services for all your home security needs. From general guarding and farm protection to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans

The Step Off Door Alarm

With all the hot days turning your home into an oven, it only makes sense to leave windows open at night and let the cool air come inside. But, as peaceful as that sounds, it’s also the perfect time for predators to be sneaking around looking for ways to get into your home.

There are many ways you can deter burglars from climbing in your window at night, like…

- Dogs can be trained to wake you up with a bark and also subdue a person breaking into your home.

- Alarm systems can protect your doors and windows with the simple push of a button.

- Replacing windows with newer models that have window locks so the windows cant just slide open.

- Cutting a sturdy piece of wood to slip into the track to stop the window from opening all the way.

Not everyone can afford an alarm system though, and not everyone is allowed a dog. Lock and slicks can also make it hard to open the window to get good circulation.

Luckily, there is another solution. The Step Off Door Alarm by Damsel in Defense. It is a versatile, inexpensive and easy to use gadget that works with sliding glass doors and main doors to your home and windows. All you have to do is set the pressure sensitivity and place it so that if the door or window is slid open, the pressure will sound a 120 decibel alarm that will not only wake up the dead, but scare any intruders away immediately!

The Step Off Door Alarm is battery operated and portable, it can be used in college dorms, hotel rooms and anywhere else you want to stay safe. It can also be used during camping in your trailer or placed just under a tire so that if someone tries to steal your car the alarm will sound.

If you can’t afford expensive monitoring the Step Off Door Alarm can completely replace it, plus you won’t have to be in any unsafe situations, attacks, burglaries and you will have complete peace of mind. Anyone who has used this device would give it five stars, because it is durable, practical and it lasts very long.

If anyone ever tries to break into your home, you will be completely safe and out of harm’s way thanks to this nifty little gadget.

Contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services for all your home security needs. Whether it be general guarding and farm protection to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans

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

4 ways you can save money by saving energy

You’re wasting energy now and you don’t even know it. While sitting on your phone or computer you've let energy go to waste/ that’s right, by doing nothing your home is quietly letting energy and your hard-earned money go down the drain.

Saving money and energy is not as hard as you may think; here are four easy ways to save money by conserving energy…

Turn it down
Whether it’s your thermostat or water heater, adjusting the temperature down can shave off a lot of money each month. That can add up to big savings!

Plug it up
Make sure your home is tight, and I don’t mean styling! Make sure there’s no ways for air to leak out of windows or doors.

Use a switch
Gadgets and devices around your home that stay plugged in slowly drain energy. Use a lamp module will give you automation technology, but also cuts off this energy loss.

Go renewable
Getting solar panels is cheaper than ever. Using wind or geothermal energy is a good alternative as well. Using these technologies in your home could bring your energy costs to 0!

There you have it, four quick and easy ways you can stop wasting energy and save money today!

Contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services today for a reliable, affordable home security system. They offer anything from general guarding to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans

Backyard pool safety tips

With the warm temperatures outside, it’s great to be able to cool off in the pool. If you own a pool or you’re visiting friends or family with a pool, always keep safety in mind! Accidents can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, so make sure to follow these simple safety tips…

When you ARE NOT using your pool, follow these guidelines:

- Secure your pool with a high barrier. A fence or gate with a latch is best. Make sure the latch is closed completely and locked when out of the pool area.

- Keep the pool covered. A hard cover will prevent anyone from climbing into the water without supervision. You should also remove ladders or steps.

- Install an alarm. You may want to consider installing an alarm or video surveillance around your pool. You can set up notifications, so that when you aren't at the pool, you’ll be notified is motion is detected there.

- Ensure that lawn chairs and tables are kept away from the fence around the pool. This is keep children from trying to climb over the fence.

- Teach your kids how to swim. Even though it doesn't always prevent accidents, everyone should know how to swim well.

- Establish clear rules. Make sure children know to never enter the pool area without adult supervision.

When you ARE using your pool, follow these guidelines:

- Supervise children at all times. Small children should always be in arms reach of an adult.

- Establish a buddy system. Never allow anyone to swim alone.

- Keep water clear. Make sure you maintain the proper chemical levels, filtration and circulation in your pool.

- Have lifesaving equipment ready at all times. Make sure all adults know how to use the equipment in case of an emergency.

- Pay attention. When supervising children at the pool, keep distractions at a minimum. Keep an eye on the children at all times.

Swimming is great for the whole family, especially when the weather is unbearable, but always make sure to keep these tips in mind and ensure everyone is safe and secure. 

Contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services for a professional company that prides themselves on protecting you, your home or your business.

Written By: Christine Romans

Choosing the best lock for your home

It may seem like an easy item to check off your to-do list, but choosing a lock to protect your home is a very important decision. There are many different types of door locks, but not all locks are created equally. In fact many can be compromised with just a little skill, study each of these features to ensure your lock is safe and secure:

  §  The bolt. Make sure the bolt extends at least one inch into the door jamb; this will help keep the door secure if it is kicked or hit violently. The bolt should also have a hardened, free-spinning steel pin, which makes the bolt more saw-proof. Locks with a six-pin keying system are also more difficult to pick than a five-pin system.

  §  The strike plate. This is a metal piece that is mounted inside of the door frame that holds the bolt. It would be ideal if it was made of heavy-gauge steel or brass and should come with screws that are at least three inches long to securely fit it to the door frame.

  §  The plug. Both the plug (the part that the key turns) and the cylinder (surrounds the plug) should be make of forged solid brass. Avoid any locks that use brass-plated zinc, which is softer and easier to destroy.

  §  The housing. Choose a lock with housing that attaches to the door, rather than sitting on the surface of it. This will prevent a burglar from simply sheering off the deadbolt.

  §  The door. Sliding doors are a favourite target for burglars since they often have a lock on just the handles that can be easily defeated. Add an auxiliary lock with a steel bolt that attaches to the door frame, rather than another sliding panel, to prevent horizontal and vertical movement.

It’s also important to remember that home door locks should just be one component of your security system, you should still invest in a security system for your home or business.

Contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services for a reliable security system for your home or business. we can offer anything from general guarding to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans