Three Alarms to Add to Your Home Security System

Posted on February 28, 2012 by dstaples

If you’re one of the millions of American’s who protects their homes with a home security system you’ve taken a great first step. Home security has almost become a necessity in the modern era as criminals no longer think twice about breaking into homes; even when the residents are present. But today’s home security systems are so much more than simple door and window sensors and a loud siren. They can do so much more for you than that.

Below we’ve listed three more types of alarms every homeowner should consider adding to a current system. These extra alarms provide protection against several things we don’t often think of: current monoxide, freezing, and medical emergencies.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas which can kill in complete silence. Since it is tasteless, odorless, and completely invisible is entirely possible for a carbon monoxide leak to prove deadly at any time of night or day. This is especially frightening considering the possibility that an entire family could be poisoned while they sleep in their beds at night. A carbon monoxide alarm is the very thing you need to prevent this tragedy.

A carbon monoxide alarm attached to your security system consistently monitors levels of carbon monoxide in your home. Should they be elevated an alarm will sound to alert you to get out of house. At the same time, your alarm company will contact your local authorities and utility company. If you already have a home security system, there is no justification for not having a carbon monoxide alarm.

Freeze Alarm

For cold climate environments like Alaska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas, bitter cold can easily lead to frozen water pipes. And as anyone who’s experienced frozen water pipes knows it is an absolute disaster. When water freezes, it expands to the point where it can split your pipes wide open. Before you know it your entire basement or crawl space could be filled with water, costing tens of thousands of dollars in damage. A freeze alarm warns you when the temperature in the monitored space drops dangerously low. You’ll have enough time to turn off your water and drain your pipes.

Medical Alarm

For older Americans and those with potentially life-threatening medical conditions, the security offered by a medical alarm is a great comfort. You’re provided with a medical pendant to wear around your neck so that it’s always available should you run into a problem. With the simple touch of a button, you will alert you alarm company you’re in danger and need assistance. Not only will they call your local authorities, they’ll also talk with you over your home security system and stayed with you until help arrives.

Today’s home security systems do so much more than protect us from burglaries. If you don’t have a system in your home you should consider installing one. There’s no better way to protect your family and your property.

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False Alarms Can Be Costly

Posted on January 23, 2012 by dstaples

Alarm and monitoring systems for the home and business are a great tool in helping prevent burglaries. They’re also great for minimizing the damage from fires and carbon monoxide leaks. But like everything else, alarm systems can malfunction. Sometimes those problems result in false alarms that waste the time and resources of emergency personnel. In order to avoid such things it’s important to have your system checked on an annual basis to make sure it’s working properly.

Hopefully the alarm system company you do business with performs routine checks at a customer’s request. If not, you’ll need to hire an outside contractor or switch to a company that does provide such services. Regardless, the last thing you need is alarm system that either malfunctions or is not installed properly,leading to multiple false alarms.

False Alarms and Zoning Laws

A growing number of cities have specific zoning laws regarding alarm systems. In these cases the municipal code states that a business or homeowner is allowed a limited number of false alarms on an annual basis. Once that limit has been reached, subsequent false alarms can result in fines and even the revocation of a permit to operate an alarm system. You can avoid this hassle by making sure your alarm is customized to your personal habits, and to check your system regularly. To learn how to check the status of your alarm system, check out this video:

Preventing False Alarms

As you inspect your system, check windows and doors to ensure they are air-tight. Many false alarms are caused when an insecure window or door is rattled by the wind or blown open by a storm. Breezes can also knock something over, potentially setting off your motion detectors and causing a false alarm. With a regular inspection of your system these things can be avoided.

You should also be aware of your family’s behaviors. If you know your forgetful teenager will not disarm the system when they come home from school, perhaps you can put a reminder for him or her on the refrigerator, or set up text message alerts for both of you to notify you when they arrive home. You should also be aware of your pets. While motion sensors can be set for pet sensitivity, they can also be triggered when your pet jumps onto a couch or climbs the curtains. Be aware of your family’s behavior and change your alarm settings to ensure the system works with your habits, not against them.

Don’t Cry Wolf

At both the commercial and residential levels, frequent false alarms are like crying wolf. If the police respond to multiple false alarms over several weeks, they may get to the point where they no longer rush to your premises if notified by your alarm company. This is the last thing you need if you are genuinely in danger because of a burglary or fire. You want emergency teams to respond quickly and efficiently to your alarms. Checking your system regularly will help ensure this happens.

Along those same lines, frequent false alarms cause homeowners and business owners to let down their guard. Think of it in terms of the fire drills when you were in school. Most of us remember doing three or four drills annually where we had to walk outside and assemble as soon as we heard the fire alarm. By the time we got to the fifth or sixth grade we didn’t even need to be told it was a fire drill. Even today, we are so accustomed to that sound and if the fire alarm goes off in a department store people are very slow to evacuate. The same scenario will develop in your home or business if frequent false alarms are not dealt with.

Choose Your Alarm Company Wisely

In addition to annual system checks, one of the best ways to avoid false alarms is to thoroughly investigate your choices before you sign up with an alarm company. Go with one that has a good reputation for customizing a system to your family’s needs using quality equipment, someone who installs that equipment professionally and to your specifications, and who can service your system after the sale. This is one area where you don’t want to compromise on quality. We recommend Pinnacle Security due to their many years of experience and long list of satisfied customers.

Win A $100 Amazon Gift Card for Valentines Day

Posted on January 6, 2012 by dstaples

SCROLL DOWN FOR RULES AND PROMOTION DETAILS

*PINNACLE SECURITY “Valentines Promotion” SWEEPSTAKES.

HOW TO ENTER: Beginning 01/01/2012 at 12:00:00 AM (MST) through 02/14/2012 at 11:59 PM (MST) (“Promotion Period”) entrant must: (i) visit http://Facebook.com/Pinnaclesecurity and “Like” the page; and (ii) post a positive comment. You can also “Tweet” a positive Comment (being sure to include @PinnacleSecure or “Pinnacle Security” in your tweet) Post a positive comment on a video on our YouTube page (http://YouTube.com/PinnacleSecure) or post a positive review on Google. Each unique “post” “Tweet” “Comment” and/or “Review” counts as an entry (“Entry”) in the sweepstakes and there is no limit to the number of Entries that an entrant may submit during the promotion period. Duplicate posts will be removed from the wall. Once we verify that your post was not a duplicate and reflects positive comments or feedback, we will add your name to the drawing for prize. The winner will be posted on our Facebook page at the conclusion of the Promotion Period. Limit one (1) entry per positive review posted on the web, for the Promotion Period. Entries must be completed by 11:59 PM (MST) on 02/14/2012.

1. ELIGIBILITY: No Purchase Necessary. Sweepstakes is limited to adults (persons 18 years of age or older at the time of entry) that are legal residents of the United States and/or Canada. Other eligibility requirements will be determined by applicable laws and regulations. Employees of Pinnacle Security, their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising, promotion and other agencies and their immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of each are not eligible to participate. Void outside of the United States and Canada, or where otherwise prohibited.

2. SELECTION: One winner will be selected at the end of the Promotion Period by a random drawing, on or about the following date: 02/15/2012. The winner will be selected from among all valid entries received by the judges in this Sweepstakes, whose decisions are final and binding. Winner will be notified by a post on our Facebook wall, and by phone and/or email at if we have them on file. Winner will be selected at random from all eligible submissions. Chances of winning are dependent on the number of entries.

3. PRIZES/APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUES (ARV)/ODDS: One (1) Grand Prize of one Amazon gift card in the amount of $100, will be awarded to the winner(s) by mail. Unclaimed prizes will not be awarded. All applicable federal, state, and local taxes on prize are the sole responsibility of the prize winners. Limit one (1) prize per household. Odds of winning are relative based on the number of entries received.

4. PUBLICITY: Those who win prizes in this or any contest are requested to submit a picture of themselves and their prize to be used for marketing purposes to marketing@pinnaclesecurity.com. By participating in the contest you give the sponsor permission to use your name, city, and likeness for promotion without further compensation. You may be required to execute additional publicity consent agreements and provide the site owners with a release of liability and a declaration of eligibility (e.g. a certification that you are not related to an employee of the sponsor of the sweepstakes).

5. GENERAL: Non-compliance with Official Rules may result in forfeiture of prize and an alternate winner may be selected. If prize notification or prize delivery is returned as non-deliverable, prize may be forfeited and an alternate winner may be selected. No cash equivalents, substitutions or transfer of prize permitted except that Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value in the event that an offered prize is unavailable. By participating, entrants and winner release and agree to hold harmless Sponsor, Pinnacle Security LLC., and their respective parent companies, retailers, affiliates, directors, employees, officers and agents, including without limitation, their advertising/promotional agencies from any and all liability, injury, loss or damage of any kind, arising from or in connection with participation in the Sweepstakes, or the awarding, receipt, possession, use or misuse of any prize and/or with respect to participation in any prize related activity. Winners acknowledge that neither Sponsor nor its agents have made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to any prize, including, but not limited to, its quality, mechanical condition or fitness for a particular purpose. Any and all warranties and/or guarantees on a prize, if any, are subject to the manufacturers’ terms therefore and winners agree to look solely to such manufacturers for any such warranty and/or guarantee. Sponsor is not responsible for any typographical or other error in printing, offering or announcement of prize. By participating in this promotion, entrants agree to be bound by the Official Rules and the decisions of the judges, which are final and binding in all respects. Sponsor is released from liability for lost data, computer problems, electronic difficulties, and injuries and damage that might occur though use of the prizes awarded in the sweepstakes.

6. CONFIDENTIALITY: Entry information becomes property of Sponsor and is subject to Sponsor’s privacy policy. This policy can be requested by sending a self addressed, stamped envelope to Pinnacle Security Privacy Policy ℅ Legal Department 1290 Sandhill rd, Orem, UT 84058.

7. DISCLAIMER: This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing your information to Pinnacle Security, LLC and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for marketing/communication/updates from Pinnacle Security, LLC.

8. WINNER’S LIST: For the name of the winner, visit http://Facebook.com/Pinnaclesecurity on or after 02/15/2011.

9. SPONSOR: Pinnacle Security, LLC Customer Marketing Department, 1290 Sandhill Rd. Orem, UT 84058. Any and all questions should be submitted in writing to this address, or sent to marketing@pinnaclesecurity.com. Winners names and additional information can also be obtained through these channels.

10. ADMINISTRATOR: Pinnacle Security, LLC. Customer Marketing Department, 1290 Sandhill Rd. Orem, UT 84058.

American Home Security Facts

Posted on January 4, 2012 by dstaples

Most Americans take home security for granted, believing that our homes are sanctuaries and that we will always be safe there. Unfortunately, the statistics say otherwise. In fact, home burglaries are among the most common crimes carried out in this country. Home burglaries can take place at anytime of the day, whether someone is home or not. Therefore it is incumbent upon homeowners to do everything within their power to protect themselves from being victims.

It’s been suggested that if more Americans knew the facts about home security systems and crimes in general, they would be more willing to investigate purchasing one. To that end we’ve included some interesting facts below we hope will at least get you thinking. At the end of the day, if you’re concerned enough about the safety of your home and family you will take the necessary steps.

Not Worth the Cost

There is a myth among consumers who do not have a home security system that such a device is not worth the cost. There have been several survey-based studies over the last several years investigatingconsumer opinions in this area, on average, when asked whether or not the cost of home security was worth it compared to the benefits derived from it, only one in eight respondents answered in the affirmative. That means seven out of eight home owners are unlikely to spend the money on home security. Yet when you interview those who have and use their alarm systems, or have been the victim of a home invasion or burglary, the numbers are completely different.

Home Security Systems Are a Deterrent

Alarm companies routinely make known the fact that having yard signs and door details is a great way to deter criminals from even trying a burglary. Those claims are supported by a 2010 study which noted that homes not protected by alarm systems are almost 3 times more likely to be burglarized than those with alarm systems. The study even went so far as to look at homes where alarm systems were present but yard signs could not readily be seen because of snow or other conditions. The homes most often passed over had both an alarm system and a yard sign that could be easily seen.

Peace of Mind Is Priceless

Several studies done in the latter part of the previous decade looked at crime victims and their assessments after being victimized. These studies concluded that victims of home burglary who did not have alarm systems at the time the crime was committed regret not having one by a ratio of three-to-one. Many respondents said after the fact that they should have spent the money on alarm system rather than lose their peace of mind as the result of a burglary. Interestingly, the vast majority of these homeowners purchased alarm system as a result of becoming victims.

Apprehending Criminals

If your home is ever burglarized, there is little chance of the perpetrator being caught if he is not observed by someone. An experienced burglar knows how to get in and out quickly without leaving any evidence that can trace the crime back to him. However, an alarm system greatly increases the chance that a burger will be apprehended. Not only does the noise attract the attention of neighbors, but the alarm monitoring company can hear everything that goes on inside the home and can alert police as soon as the premises is entered.

Homeowners Insurance Reduction

One of the added advantages of having a home security system is that most insurance companies will offer a rate reduction on your homeowner’s policy. Statistically, since homes with alarm systems are at reduced risk of burglary, property damage, and loss of contents, insurance companies are willing to reward homeowners with lower premiums. This discount can range anywhere from 5% to 20%, depending on a number of factors, and how much of a discount you would get on your specific policy is determined by your provider.

Your home is the one place you and your family should always feel safe. In today’s world, providing a safe sanctuary requires that we take extra measures to protect ourselves. That’s why a home security system from a company like Pinnacle Security is a good idea.

Surviving a Home Invasion

Posted on November 16, 2011 by dstaples

Being the victim of a home invasion is a nightmare no homeowner wants to experience. Just the thought of such an event sends shivers up the spines of peace-loving Americans from coast to coast. Yet most people don’t realize that statistics suggest you are at a greater chance of experiencing a home invasion than a house fire. Home invasions don’t just happen in the drug infested neighborhoods of inner cities. They can, and do, happen everywhere. Unfortunately, very seldom do they end with no one getting hurt.

Surviving a Home Invasion

Hopefully you’ll never be the victim of such a crime. But if you are, surviving a home invasion requires that you act and react in a specific manner. We’ve listed below some suggestions offered by various personal safety experts over the years. Remember that your survival depends largely on you. So take heed to these tips and educate yourself further in personal safety, self-defense, and the use of weapons.

1. Don’t Panic – The first and most important principle of survival is to not panic. This is obviously easier said than done, but it is essential. When we panic certain chemicals in our body are elevated which prevent us from thinking clearly or reacting in an appropriate manner. Only when you stay calm can you make rational decisions that will help you survive. A good way to practice remaining calm is to put yourself in high anxiety situations that are otherwise harmless, like playing games that pity our skills against a clock.

2. Develop a Plan – We’ve heard for years that we need to develop a family escape plan in case of a house fire. The same can be said for surviving a home invasion. As a family you need to develop (and practice) a plan for what each family member will do if someone forces himself into your home. As part of this plan you should agree on a code word that sets the plan into action. The codeword should be simple and easy for anyone to understand even if they are somewhat panicked. Something like “hide” or “escape” works well.

3. Create a Safe Room – People who live in tornado or hurricane-prone areas are familiar with creating a safe room where they can find refuge during a storm. This safe room usually includes a few days food and water, a battery operated radio, blankets, and so on. Consider creating a safe room in your house to be used in the event of a home invasion. The safe room should be lockable from the inside – using several deadbolts, and should contain things like a first-aid kit, a cell phone, a flashlight, and any weapons you are comfortable with.

4. Firearms Protection – Many Americans don’t like to consider the need for owning firearms, believing that the intruder will just “take it and use it against you.” It’s obvious that untrained individuals who use firearms carelessly present as much a danger to the family as any home invader. But with proper training and education, the right weapon could be the very thing that saves your life.

5. Reliable Home Monitoring – Above all else, a monitored home security system is one of the best ways to keep yourself safe. A system that is set up properly will activate the moment your home was invaded and the 2-way voice service combined with the sensor log will notify the monitoring center to hear everything that’s happening. They will notify the police immediately and continue monitoring the situation until they arrive. Home monitoring can reduce the length of time it takes for police to respond by even just a few minutes, which could greatly reduce you and your family’s chances of serious injury or death.

How to Change Your Master Code

Posted on September 28, 2011 by dstaples

Your master code is the 4-digit code used to disarm your alarm system. You should choose something that is easy for you to remember, but difficult for anyone else to guess. It is extremely important that your family keep this information confidential to ensure that your home remains secure. Here we’ve provided easy-to-follow instructions on how to change your master code directly from your panel:

Simon XT Panel

You will use the up, down, and OK buttons located in the upper right hand corner of the Simon XT panel, just right of the blue screen. *Note: If you scroll through options too slowly, the system will time-out and take you back to the main screen. If you have this problem, try simply scrolling through the options faster.

1. Press down 4 or 5 times until your screen reads “System Programming.” Press OK.

2. Panel will ask for your current 4-digit master code. Enter in the code and press OK. Screen should read “Access Codes” if you’ve entered it correctly. Press OK.

3. Your screen will now display your current master code. Press OK and it will begin flashing. Type in the new 4-digit code you’d like to use. Press OK to save it and the new code will go solid.

4. To exit programming mode, hit the status button until your screen reads “Disarmed.”

Watch the following video tutorial on how to change your master code:

Pinnacle Security: User Codes from Pinnacle Security on Vimeo.

If you have any trouble or further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our technical support at 1.866.722.9030