New for 2018, Fortress is excited to offer customers enhanced security systems with Honeywell’s new high definition indoor and outdoor cameras. Great for home security and commercial security systems, Honeywell’s next generation of security cameras capture clear, crisp video, both inside and outside of your property, up to 1080p at 30 frames per second. Honeywell’s HD indoor security cameras can also record audio at your request, and all cameras offer the highest level of protection with video alarm verification capabilities.
Wondering what you could be missing without video surveillance at your home or business? Security cameras not only deter theft, improve police response time, and provide peace of mind, they also capture unexpected moments that happen every day. Below we’ve compiled a few of the most viral video captures from home security cameras to let you see what you might be missing.
What Security Cameras See
Exterior security cameras don’t just deter thieves from breaking into your home, they also provide surveillance for your neighborhood so you can see when deliveries are made…and when deliveries fail. (16M views)
Security cameras in your yard can help you keep an eye on the safety of pets outside. Or, they can provide video evidence that your French Bulldog is a tough and protective security guard. (3.6M views)
In this case, home security cameras did exactly what they were intended to do – capture footage of criminals breaking into and entering a home in Raleigh, NC, which eventually led to their arrests. (3.1M views)
Cameras inside your home can help you keep an eye on the little ones. And, can even record some behavior you’ll want to keep forever. (1.8M views)
Security cameras can do more than just help you keep thieves at bay. A proper security system and external sensory system can keep your house safe from intruders on two legs, or four. Spoiler: it’s the bears again! (23K views)
Here is another home invasion caught on camera, only this time in broad daylight. (12K views)
Get Better Security Cameras for Your Home or Business
Looking to add or upgrade your security cameras or security system? Or just want to learn more about Honeywell’s new line of HD cameras? Contact Fortress Security today or call us at 817.226.7233.
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Over the last few years, the security industry, for both home security systems and business security systems has seen a remarkable evolution in security products and features, mainly relating to advances in technology that allow you to better monitor your security system from anywhere, and from virtually anything.
2018 looks to continue the trend of exciting, and accessible, security features that you can use to protect your property and loved ones better. Below we’ve compiled a few of the products and services we think will make a big impact on security systems this year.
Homeowners Will Get More Selective With Home Security Providers
Research and Markets, a leading market research firm, predicts that the market for home security products will reach $51.5 billion by 2022. As with any surge in market demand, new companies will be born to rise up and try to satisfy consumer demand. However, the home security space is unique in among the many providers of consumer goods.
When selecting a home security provider, you need to find a company that not only has a solid reputation for security services, but also a long, stable history of supplying home security monitoring and maintenance. You don’t want to enter into a multi-year contract with an unproven security provider who could be out of business before your contract ends or comes up for renewal. Consumers should look for home security providers that have a proven track record of stellar customer service and enough market saturation to sustain future growth.
Video Monitoring Will Become a Standard in Home Security and Less of a Luxury
Video monitoring is nothing new. Home security systems are often packaged with high-definition video capture and streaming products to provide greater protection than simple sensor-based systems of the past. Consumers now have the option to install video cameras internally, to monitor particular rooms or spaces within the home, as well as externally, to monitor access points and hidden areas around the home that could be entry points or access targets for potential thieves.
For years we’ve provided a number of cameras and camera systems, like our high-end, day/night cameras and DVRs and SkyBell doorbell, as options for new and current customers who want to see what’s going in or around their home at any time.
In 2018, we expect to install and monitor far more cameras and video security products to deter crime and keep home security and commercial security systems performing at all optimal safeguarding measures.
Video Alarm Verification Continues to Increase Emergency Response Times Over Simple Alarm Triggers
Late in 2016, we wrote about the benefits of video verification in alarm systems and how video capture benefits homeowners, business owners and law enforcement in different ways. One of the most eye-opening stats, however, was:
“With video verification, when a surveillance camera notices activity, the monitoring alarm center receives notice right away. A trained alarm center operator reviews the video footage, verifies what is transpiring, and reports it to the police right away. If the trained operator is watching a burglary in progress via video, it will be issued a higher priority. A burglary in progress is treated as a “priority 1,” by law enforcement. An alarm triggered without video verification is usually considered a “priority 3,” a much less important priority. The change in priority level from 3 to 1 means a much faster police response time. In the case of a tripped alarm, seeing is believing.”
In 2018, we think the proliferation of video cameras in security systems will only continue to increase the divide in response times for crimes-in-progress verified through video, and response times to possible crime-in-progress from traditional alarm sensor triggering.
Interested in learning how a new or updated alarm system can work for your home or business? Learn more about our services or contact us today to see how we can help.
As the seasons change, so should your precautionary measures to ensure your home security system is up to the task of protecting your home, your valuables and, your family. Weather changes and the holiday season mean no risks for your security, but with a few simple safety checks and updates, you can make sure you’ve done your part in preparing for fall and winter security needs.
Here are a few tips on what you can do to prepare your home for better security this time of year.
Make Sure Your Smoke and Fire Alarm Equipment is Working Properly
Fall is typically the time of year when temperatures go down, and people look for ways to warm up inside. Fires in fireplaces and the additional use of heaters and heating systems means that the potential for an in-home fire greatly increases.
And, with the holiday season, out come holiday decorations and Christmas trees – more fire-friendly elements inside and outside of the home. If a fire were to start, trees and decorations could accelerate a fire leading to a big problem.
In the event of a fire, your smoke and fire alarm equipment could mean the difference between life and death and thousands of dollars in property damage. To start, check that you have sufficient and up-to-date smoke and fire alarm equipment. Then make sure your equipment is working correctly, by testing all smoke alarms in your home and replacing batteries that are low. Also, make sure you have working fire extinguishers strategically placed throughout your home for easy and immediate access if something were to happen.
Ensure Exterior Lighting and Monitoring is Installed Correctly
As the holidays approach, thieves look for more opportunities to score quick wins and theft of packages or easy entry into homes. Homes with poor or limited exterior lighting are good targets for theft. If it’s easy to get in and out undetected, packages are much more likely to get stolen off your porch or within easy access for quick break-ins.
Protect your property and your loved ones by doing a complete walkaround of your house at night to make sure you aren’t an open target for potential crime. Identify dark spots and unmonitored areas to see if you need to update or add exterior lights to deter theft.
Let Neighbors and Loved Ones Know Your Travel Plans, But Don’t Advertise When You’ll Be Out of Town Online
This seems like common sense, but people are typically busier this time of year and can easily forget that a seemingly harmless Facebook check-in or Instagram post can alert home invaders to an empty house and good opportunity.
Potential thieves are smart, and they will use social media and online monitoring to know when you’re out of town and when your home is ripe for a break-in.
Be Internet savvy, and don’t give criminals an opportunity to target you by letting them know where you and your family are. You can still post the photos on social, just wait until you’re back home.
Interested in learning how Fortress Security can help prepare your home or business for the coming months? Learn more about our services or contact us today to see how we can help.
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With offices located in the shadows of Globe Life Park, Six Flags over Texas and AT&T (Cowboys) Stadium in northwest Arlington, Fortress Security was started in 2001 by an industry veteran with a passion for serving. What started then as a small, local company providing home security systems, has grown into a company employing dozens of Dallas-Fort Worth residents and protecting thousands of Texas homes and businesses.
Despite its growth, and recent designation as one of SD&I’s Top 50 Fastest Growing Security Companies, Fortress has remained in Arlington and has continued to provide top-notch security services from its home base.
How has Fortress impacted the Arlington home security community?
Fortress Security has left a wide footprint in economic growth for Arlington and the surrounding communities. In 2017, for example, Fortress continued to grow in both revenues and in a number of full-time employees. Year over year, Fortress enjoyed a 50% growth in revenue and a 40% growth in security system subscribers.
Additionally, Fortress has expanded its business offerings becoming a certified dealer of Honeywell, Savant, and MOBOTIX products.
The trending growth and expansion of product lines mean Fortress is armed and ready to serve residents and business owners through Dallas, Fort Worth, North and Central Texas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston for years to come.
Interested in learning how a Fortress security system can work for your home or business? Learn more about our services or contact us today to see how we can help.
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Fires have always been and will continue to be, a life-threatening danger. Since smoke alarms became legally required of all residences in 1973, fire- and smoke-related deaths and injuries have decreased significantly. However, it is vital to not just abide by the minimum legal requirements for protection from fire and smoke accidents. Smart consumers are using the latest technology and systems available to better protect their families and property.
What National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Statistics Show
Between 2010-2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 358,300 home structure fires per year. This represents three-quarters of all structure fires during the period, and caused $6.7 billion in direct damage, or 69% of total direct damage from structure fires.
With a wide-range of DIY smoke alarm systems and installations and a variance of professionally managed and monitored fire prevention and smoke alarm systems available, homeowners and business owners have more options for protection than ever before. But, how do you know that the system you’re using is the best level of protection for your loved ones and your property?
The answer is that superior technology, reliability, and tested accuracy are the core components to look for in a smoke alarm system. Combined, these elements will provide the best level of defense against potential harm, or death, caused by fire and smoke.
Fortress’ smoke alarm systems utilize photoelectric smoke sensors built to respond immediately using optical sensing chambers and thermal heat sensing technologies. Our preferred hardwired smoke detectors from the InterLogix 500 series are fully compatible with an array of control panels. And, our preferred wireless smoke detector, the Honeywell 5806W3, is proven to provide the highest level of fire and smoke safety for your home or business.
Interested in learning how a new or updated smoke alarm system can work for your home or business? Learn more about our services or contact us today to see how we can help.
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An access control system is simply the method of managing entry and access into specific buildings, locations and areas within buildings. Knowing who, and how, different people can access property is a fundamental concern of any business owner.
The traditional type of access control system is lock and key. However, with advancements in security system technology access control has moved beyond a metal lock and business owners now have the ability to control accessibility into their facilities with electronic keycards, keypads and touchscreens that provide different levels of access and security, based on individuals’ access needs.
Access control systems give business owners and building managers an extra layer of security and control of their property. Depending on the type of technology you use to manage your system, access to property can be granted or denied in real-time and your system can log exactly who accessed your property and when.
Using an advanced access control system provides greater security detail and a number of benefits to traditional security methods.
Top Benefits for Commercial Access Control Systems
You Can Manage Individuals’ Access to Specific Areas of your Business or Property
Every business has a hierarchy of employees. Some employees need to be able to access sensitive equipment, like a secured network server, while others simply need access into the main office in order to their jobs. An access control system allows business owners to put sensitive equipment into different rooms of their business and only give access to those areas to employees that need to be able to use that equipment.
Access History Logs and Automated Environmental Controls
In addition to managing employee access to different rooms and buildings, access control systems log all entry into secured locations so that business owners can review who has been into specific areas, and when, if a problem or potential threat ever arises. Access control systems also allow for adjustments in the environment such as turning on the lights in a secured room or adjusting the temperature when someone scans to enter. The simple touches such as automatically changing the environment can lead to long-term energy bill savings.
Enhanced Efficiency for Security Needs and Changes
Never change a lock again. Keys often get lost or stolen, leaving your business vulnerable. On top of that, employees come and go. When employees leave, especially employees that previously had access to sensitive information and equipment, changing locks and re-securing areas of your business can be a hassle. With advanced access control systems, access can be granted or removed very quickly and electronically so that business owners don’t have to worry about legacy access becoming a threat.
Enhance Safety for your Business and your Employees
Business owners can use access control to restrict access to dangerous equipment or sensitive systems to prevent any unnecessary tampering and potential for accidents. Less accidents, mean less hours spent dealing with workers compensation forms and even lawsuits. Also, security experts in Information Technology will tell you that the first thing they review is ways around physical security with the intent to access a server room. Once they have access, it takes no time at all to setup a remote connection to leak sensitive customer and employee data.
Deter Criminal Activity
Criminals can recognize an access control system and know that it is not only more difficult to break into, but the chances are much higher that authorities would be notified immediately if a break in were to occur. Access control systems are a signal to potential criminals that this business has a more mature security system, and very likely has cameras rolling to record activity, too, making it an undesirable target.
Advanced access control system give business owners a more secure business while also providing convenient, flexible and cost-effective means of maintaining that security.
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Knowing when it’s time to upgrade your home security system is an important part of keeping your family, business and property safe. However, life changes can often creep up on you, and you never know what precautions you need to take until it’s too late. Discover some of the top reasons our customers choose to upgrade and see if you’re in the same boat.
Your Equipment is Outdated
Start by making sure you aren’t using a security system still running on the 2G spectrum. If you are, that system is no longer capable of keeping your family secure because it is being phased out in favor of the newer, faster systems. The 2G devices will not contact emergency services because they no longer have a functional network to contact. (Note: If you are an existing customer, we have already reached out to you and had any units replaced.)
Next, determine if your security system is still working with your lifestyle. The latest alarm system technology lets your home stay more connected to you, and the authorities, than ever before. Your security system equipment should be able to communicate not only with first responders, through things like cameras with video alarm verification capability, but also with you through your smartphone and smartphone apps that notify you immediately if the security of your home is at risk.
Upgrades or Additions to Your Home
Have you recently replaced any doors or windows in your house? Or, maybe you’ve added a room or redesigned the exterior of your home? Any home improvements or updates you’ve done to your house could warrant an overhaul to how your security system works and the best placement for sensors or cameras.
New Family Members in the House
Maybe you’ve recently moved your elderly mother into the home, and her eyesight isn’t great. You could make it easier on her and yourself with a larger, more visual experience of the Honeywell Tuxedo panel. Also, if you’re dealing with a loved one that has memory problems, a security camera would allow you to check in on them from time to time to ensure they haven’t fallen or decided to leave the house unexpectedly.
Additionally, if you’ve welcomed a new child into the home, you’ll want to keep a closer eye on them with a security camera — accessible from wherever you are thanks to Honeywell Total connect.
Crime Has Increased in the Neighborhood
Has a recent wave of crimes hit your area, and no one has caught footage of the thieves? Be the hero of your neighborhood and add a surveillance camera to your property to capture footage that you can send to your neighbors on the Next Door app along with the local authorities. In the process, you’ll keep would-be criminals from picking your house as an easy target. It’s a win-win situation because they know if they hit your home, the footage is going to end up online, and the last thing they want to do is get caught!
If you need an upgraded home security system, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can help you pick the upgrades to solve life’s little changes and challenges.
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In just the last month, news reports from across the country have popped up to let consumers know how to avoid scams and what to look for when answering the door. Take a look at just a few of the headline stories we’ve compiled since our last blog post one month ago:
May 26, 2017 – Home Security Company Agrees to Pay Wyoming $100k in Door-to-Door Sales Settlement, http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/home-security-company-agrees-to-pay-wyoming-k-in-door/article_6940b888-4010-532d-807f-f00264b13002.html
From the article, “The Wyoming Attorney General’s office came to the agreement with Vivint Inc. after a multi-year review of the company’s door-to-door sales practices, the attorney general’s office announced in a news release Friday.
“After that investigation, the Attorney General alleged that Vivint misrepresented the discounted price of its equipment and installation, failed to provide timely refunds after consumers cancelled within the three-day cancellation period provided by the Consumer Protection Act, and engaged in unlawful door-to-door sales tactics,” according to the office’s website.”
In just the last month, news reports from across the country have popped up to let consumers know how to avoid scams and what to look for when answering the door. Take a look at just a few of the headline stories we’ve compiled since our last blog post one month ago:
From the article, “Another door-to-door scam that’s bringing complaints in the region involves home security systems.
“They may say they’re with ADT or Protection One or another well-known company,” Hegarty says. “What we’re learning is, a lot of times, the bad actors use reputable names like ADT just to get a foothold, get in your door and get you to switch contracts and get you engaged in a deal that’s not going to be favorable to you.”
June 5, 2017 – Here’s How to Avoid Scams from Door-to-Door Solicitations, http://www.macon.com/news/business/article154467764.html
From the article, “Home security systems: The BBB often receives complaints about companies that falsely claim to be working with or for your existing security company. Under the pretense of upgrading your contract, they sign you to a new contract with their company. Now you’re committed to having two companies perform the work of one. And getting double billed. Other issues include salespeople who tell you that your current company has gone out of business, or your current system is outdated and is about to stop working.”
From the article, “Miguel Segura, Regional Director with the Better Business Bureau , says there are a few things you know before someone comes knocking on your door. Watch below:
If you have questions about home security scams or are looking to invest in a home security system for your residence, Fortress Security has over 15 years experience and is here for all your security needs. Give us a call or fill out an online to form to request a free quote today.
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It’s fairly common knowledge that installing – and using – a home security system can save you money on home insurance costs. Having a more secured home means you are less at-risk for loss, and your home insurance provider recognizes that with decreased premiums.
However, many homeowners don’t realize that with a few additional features, your home insurance costs can continue to go down – sometimes by as much as 25%, according to Bankrate.com. Things like living inside of a gated community, being a part of an HOA, using the same insurance carrier for both home and auto coverage, or installing updated wiring can all contribute to home insurance savings.
But, you can’t control all of those variables. With a home security system, you can. So, when looking at adding or updating a home security system, here are some of the best ways to save money, earn a return on your investment, and better protect your home and family.
Homeowners insurance, according to a Federal Reserve Board estimate, costs between $300 to $1,000 annually. With the right setup, your alarm system could save you up to 20% on homeowners insurance each year, saving you hundreds of dollars.
What You Can Do To Save Money on Homeowner’s Insurance
SAVE (1-2%) DEAD BOLTS
– Every exterior door – your front door, back door, possibly a door leading out of your garage – should all have dead bolts at a minimum. These are easy to install and can be quickly and inexpensively updated.
SAVE (5%) SMOKE DETECTORS
– Make sure your home has properly installed and functioning smoke detectors. You should have a working smoke detector in every bedroom in your home. And, for 2- or 3-story homes, you’ll need at least one smoke detector on each floor of the house.
SAVE (5 – 20%) SECURITY CAMERAS
– According to The Huffington Post, homes that are not monitored by video surveillance equipment are 300 times more likely to be broken into. While not all insurance carriers will give you a discount for using security cameras, some will, and even without a direct cost savings on insurance, your home will be exponentially less at risk for burglary than it would without cameras.
SAVE (10 – 20%) CENTRAL MONITORING
– Check with your home security system provider, or the companies that you’re researching, to make sure your alarm system is connected to a central monitoring station and is not just an audible alarm. Central monitoring means that beyond just loud alarms, your system is triggering a response for your system’s monitoring team and first responder alerts.
Interested in learning how a new or updated alarm system can work for you and save you money? Learn more about our services or contact us today to see how we can help.
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Over the last few years, the affordability and widespread use of security cameras in home security systems have meant that more and more, home burglaries and property crimes are caught on tape. Criminals have fewer places to hide and have a hard time arguing their way out of a conviction when their face is on tape in the middle of a burglary or assault.
Security Cameras For Burglary Prevention
But, security cameras are not just useful in monitoring and recording crime, they also prevent burglaries from taking place before any damage is done.
According to urban.org, “surveillance camera systems can be a cost-effective way to deter, document, and reduce crime. Urban’s research has shown that in Baltimore and Chicago, cameras are linked to reduced crime, even beyond the areas with camera coverage. The cost savings associated with crimes averted through camera systems in Chicago saved the city over four dollars for every dollar spent on the technology, while Baltimore yielded a 50 cent return on the dollar.”
For homeowners, this means having strategically placed security cameras to see-and-be-seen inside and outside of your home can make your home an undesirable target for potential thieves. It’s not worth the risk to break into your home and get caught on camera when there’s another target a few streets over that’s not under constant camera surveillance.
Security Cameras for Monitoring Inside Your Home
Security cameras are useful for monitoring activity inside the home, too.
In the normal day-to-day, home security cameras can give you an extra set of eyes and ears around the house to help keep your family, and your property, safe. For families with kids, for example, cameras inside can mean that while you’re cooking dinner in the kitchen, you can also keep an eye on what the kids are doing in the playroom.
Or, for the more unusual and unfortunate events, cameras inside your home can let you know when someone is inside when no one is supposed to be there. Earlier this month, in San Diego, a couple away for the weekend on a camping trip, watched a break-in happen live on their phones when their security system’s app was triggered and began streaming footage of robbers inside their home.
And, security cameras are useful for monitoring activity outside the home. Well-placed external cameras can not only keep a homeowner more protected, but they can also improve the safety of your neighborhood.
Footage from security cameras can be used to identify vandals, car thieves, front-porch thefts and other crimes that occur on the streets or alleyways of many neighborhoods.
Don’t have cameras installed in your current system, or looking to upgrade to HD and other options? Fortress offers a range of cameras that are professionally installed and can be set up in just a few minutes, and usually the same day it’s requested. Give us a call or fill out a Contact form to speak with one of our reps today.
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