Best practices for using a burglar alarm, from Texas home security experts.
The trauma of a home invasion is something people often don’t understand until they’ve lived through it. Feeling the violation of your personal space is unnerving; walking through your home after a break-in, you can see the disregard a stranger had for belongings that you handle with care and pride.
Whether you have gone through this experience already or seek to avoid it altogether, one of the first prevention ideas many people have is to install a home security system. While there are a number of ways to deter break-ins, installation of a burglar alarm remains one of the top methods.
While the simple presence of a burglar alarm is a good first step, there are several key factors that can amplify the power of these security systems to protect your home. Read More »
Texas security system installer is among the first wave of companies implementing the new-to-market touchscreen for business and home automation and security monitoring.
Sept. 30, 2014 – This month, Fortress Security announces availability of the highly-anticipated Honeywell Lynx Touch 7000 (L7000) to its customers. In April, a sample of the product debuted at the popular security conference ISC West 2014. In addition to expanding the capacity of existing tools like video streaming, Honeywell has tacked on brand new technologies, including flash updates and critical elements like two-way voice over wireless communication.
“We’re excited to help Honeywell introduce this great new product that takes advantage of rapidly-advancing technology,’” said Jerrod Smith, owner of Fortress Security, headquartered in Arlington, Texas. “People are so used to being able to launch updates and communicate instantly through their mobile devices. Now their home security and automation panel can meet the expectations being driven by high frequency of app updates on phones and tablets.” Read More »
Use of technology in our daily lives continues to grow, thanks to simpler, cheaper technology, including the ability to stream and store video data. This has become evident in the home security industry with the rise in popularity of home security camera usage.
A decade or two ago, this might have sounded like something only a retail store or warehouse might put to use, due to the costs of equipment to record and store footage. But now people use webcams to broadcast things 24-7; anything from a box of puppies to the construction of a building. Why not use similar technology to ensure the safety of your family and your home? Read More »
This September, Fortress Security spoke to industry news outlet Security System News about their recent service expansion to the Houston metro area. Owner Jerrod Smith highlighted the benefits of launching in a new city, thanks to a good hiring climate in Houston, plus tools that allow technicians to work remotely on tablet computers without reporting to a brick and mortar storefront. He also talked about the focus on customer service Fortress offers.
The company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Smith said customers give Fortress five-star ratings because “we are a small company and we take a little more time with our customers in the sales process and also the installation process and then … making our customers feel like they’re not just completely forgotten about after the install is really important to us.”
Smith gave additional information on plans to move into other nearby markets in Texas, with sights set on San Antonio as the next area of service.
Launching in Houston opens a gateway to Austin and San Antonio, Smith said. “Geographically, [Houston] is obviously a much closer base than DFW would be, so when we have some installation overflow that we need techs to handle, it would be much easier for them to go from Houston to Austin for support than it would be from DFW to Austin,” Smith explained.
Fortress Security is currently offering free installation and activation of home security systems. Houston residents can request a quote for monthly service online.
Moving into a new home brings a flurry of activity and excitement. You have so much to get unpacked and in order; but before you get settled, you want to make sure your home is secure. Read our to-do list for moving into a new place.
Change locks on all doors. This should be one of the first things you do when renting or buying a home. Even if you know the former residents and trust them, you never know who they lent a key to once and forgot about.
Reprogram your garage door. Like keys, there can be multiple openers calibrated to one garage door opener, and you may not be in possession of all of them when you move in. Limiting access to all of your property is ideal, even if your garage is detatched from your home. These devices differ, so look into the reset process of your particular model.
DALLAS, TEXAS – Aug 29, 2014 – Fortress Security, a security and monitoring provider in Texas, warns residents to be wary of door-to-door solicitors engaging in home security systems scams (link to site once published), particular strategies aimed at those who already have service in place. Jerrod Smith, founder and owner of Fortress Security, urges consumers to do sufficient research and be aware of common deceptive practices.
“We’ve heard of agents claiming a particular company ‘asked us to come by and just simply upgrade your system since it’s old – free of charge,’” said Smith. “Our customers have been told, ‘Fortress Security has gone out of business and we are here to transfer your service over to us.’”
When accepting a supposed upgrade without carefully reading the new contract, a homeowner may not immediately realize they are agreeing to concurrent service, or even that they are signing on with a completely new company. While many consumers are aware of the importance of diligent research, clever sales agents add incentives to speed the process along by claiming they offer savings only available by signing the agreement on the spot. Read More »
Just as you’re getting the hang of your summer schedule, the start of the next school year is right around the corner. As you rush around collecting pencils, paper, books, and new clothes for your kids, remember to prepare for the coming changes to your routine, too.
Your kids are getting older and with every year that passes, they get new freedom and responsibility. But with that comes a little more risk. Before the first day of classes, you might want to review some important rules and good practices with them. Use this back-to-school safety checklist to get that conversation started. Read More »
Unseemly as it may be, home burglars treat their crime like a trade and take preparations long before breaking into a home. Selecting a target is their first step. So how do thieves decide which house to rob and which to pass up?
Burglars Look For:
Open blinds. Don’t put your electronics, jewelry box, or extra car keys on display for anyone who looks through your windows. By being able to map out where everything is located, a thief knows he can plot out break-in and get valuable items. Close the blinds, particularly in rooms with expensive possessions. Read More »
If you haven’t heard much talk about smart home automation and energy management yet, you will soon. As household utility bills have been rising, so has the popularity of systems that control heating and cooling digitally.
Also called “The Internet of Things,” smart home technology is the next logical step for a world in which people access nearly every aspect of their lives online, from making mortgage payments to buying movie tickets. Now instead of worrying what the thermostat is set to, or if you left the lights on, you can immediately log in and see for yourself. Read More »
Who doesn’t love summer? With its longer days, flip-flop weather, and no need to help with your kids’ math homework after a long day at work, there seems to be a lot more opportunity to get outdoors and have fun.
Unfortunately, being more active does have its risks. But rather than sit inside on the couch, just follow these ten summer safety tips to help you prepare for warm weather fun. With the right precautions, you can have a great time and keep yourself and your family safe. Read More »
