Today you can practically run your home with the swipe of a smartphone or help from a variety of high-tech home gadgets. From brewing coffee and turning on the lights to refilling prescriptions and ordering groceries, today’s tech-savvy homeowner is more efficient than ever. Yet all these smart-home devices could be putting your safety and security at risk.

Here are 4 of the biggest threats posed by smart-home systems.

Identity Theft – If your smartphone and smart-speaker hold your personal information and these devices lack protection to ward off cyber threats, you could be sharing personal details like your date of birth, credit card information, and more with a determined hacker. Change your passwords routinely and never store your social security number on any smart device. Regularly monitor your financial accounts and credit report for any suspicious activity.

Password Access – All too often, we choose too-weak passwords to connect our smart devices. After all, that makes them easier to remember. But cutting corners with passwords could allow hackers to gain access to and tamper with these devices. Avoid virtual break-ins by choosing unique and complex passwords and use two levels of authentication for an added layer of protection.

Secret Recordings – Do you ever feel like someone is listening to every word you say? If you’re a parent, it’s likely not the kids! While on, smart speakers and other digital voice assistants listen continuously, which means hackers can find security loopholes to hack into the speaker and gain access to prior recordings. Be sure to periodically delete old recordings, unplug smart speakers when not in use, and avoid pairing security cameras and door locks with these devices.

Third-Party Platforms – While it may be convenient to remotely lock your doors, turn lights on and off, and adjust your thermostat with one mobile app or platform, but doing so through an unsecured third-party company can put you at risk. Use only authorized platforms to control all your smart home devices, even if it means downloading one for each function.

At Now Security Systems, we offer a full suite of services to help you protect your home and family. And there’s nothing more important than that. Contact us today to learn more and request a free in-home consultation.

Is your current stove ruining your roast, scorching your salmon, or burning your brownies? Perhaps it’s time for a replacement.

Fortunately for you, this one’s close to a no-brainer. You’ve had nothing but electric stoves over the years, so now you’re going to replace with a new model that fits your décor and has a few more gadgets. Right? Uh, maybe not so much – at least not until you consider the pros and cons of staying the course or switching to gas.

Gas stoves require a gas line to operate. If you don’t already have a gas line to your home, adding one (assuming there’s a gas main on your street) could be cost prohibitive. Electric stoves, on the other hand, pose no such obstacle.

Costs can vary greatly. Gas stoves tend to be a bit less expensive than their electric counterparts. What’s more, utility costs are up to 30% lower with gas, giving it both a short- and long-term edge over electric.

Consider overall energy efficiency. While a gas stove might cost less to purchase and operate, it’s not necessarily the more energy efficient option. Of the energy produced, only about 40% is transferred to food with a gas range, versus about 74% with electric. Want to be even more energy-efficient? Consider an induction cooktop, with up to 90% of the energy applied to cooking, thus very little waste.

Response to temperature changes. Overall, gas stoves offer better control over temperature settings than electric stoves. With the turn of a knob, flames spread around the bottom of a pot or pan and can be adjusted. Electric stoves take a little while longer to heat up, change temperatures, and cool down. If you’re an avid chef, you may want to choose gas over electric for improved charring, flambeeing, and toasting.

Safety first. Because there is no open flame, electric stoves are generally considered safer than gas. Where there’s an open flame, there’s a chance for a dish towel or article of clothing catching fire. Also, if someone accidentally turns the knob on a gas stove just enough to release gas without igniting, carbon monoxide poisoning can ensue.

Not an easy choice, is it? Well, here’s one more thing to consider. Whether you choose gas or electric, there’s always a chance of a kitchen fire. And that’s one more reason to ensure your home is properly covered by smoke and CO detectors – not just in the kitchen, but throughout your living spaces. Contact Now Security Systems today for a free in-home security consultation and proposal.

Here in Connecticut, lots of people – including many of our customers – own a second home at or near the beach, on a lake, or somewhere deep in the woods. What most such homes have in common is getting closed for the winter.

You’ve probably got the routine down by now but even a small refresher course doesn’t hurt anyone. Or maybe you’re new at the whole vacation home thing and need a little guidance.

Either way, Now Security is here to help.

Evaluate the property. A few weeks before you plan to depart, examine the entire property, paying special attention to the foundation, siding, roof, plumbing, and HVAC system. Should anything require immediate repair, you’ll have time to schedule service – which is especially important if your main house is some distance away.

Clean the gutters. Ensure that rainwater and snowmelt can flow freely and away from your foundation by inspecting and cleaning gutters. Make sure downspouts are also clog-free and securely attached.

Inspect the roof and chimney. Visually – and carefully – inspect the roof, eaves, chimney, and flashing for signs of damage and repair as necessary. Check the attic for signs of water damage and look for signs of pest or insect infestation.

Go through the pantry and cabinets. Store all non-perishable food in air-tight containers or bring items back to your primary residence, dispose of expired food, and wipe up any crumbs or spills that might attract pests.

Clean all rooms. Clean out and organize closets and leave doors open to allow air to circulate. Also, remove, wash, and store all bedding.

Shut off electricity and gas. Shut off electricity at the main panel but leave on any necessities like exterior lighting and alarm system for safety. Also, unplug appliances to prevent damage due to a power surge in the event of a lighting strike. Have your gas service suspended.

Open your faucets and drain all water lines, including your appliances. Even if you turn off the water at the main supply, it’s still important to drain excess water from the water lines that run to your appliances, sinks, and toilets.

Partner with your neighbors or local police. If you have neighbors or friends who live near your summer home year round, ask them to check on your home periodically. Also, leave contact information with your neighbors or local police. Contact information should include your cell phone number, home phone number, and your e-mail address.

While friends, neighbors, and local law enforcement are important allies in protecting your investment property during the off season, they can’t be there 24/7. But a home security system from Now Security can be for your added peace of mind. Contact us today to learn how we can take at least some of the worry out of vacation property ownership.

The phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” is practically ingrained in our brains. And yet, according to the EPA, Americans still manage to generate over 250 million tons of trash each year.

That total can and should be reduced, at least somewhat, by keeping these items out of the trash and disposed of properly.

Batteries – Whether rechargeable or alkaline, batteries contain toxic chemicals that, if tossed in a landfill, can leach into the soil and water system. Take all batteries to your local household hazardous waste center.

Mercury Thermometers – Still have an old-school mercury thermometer hanging on your kitchen window? Don’t throw it in the trash when you’re ready to upgrade. If the thermometer breaks, the mercury it releases becomes an environmental and health hazard. Check with local universities to see if they offer an exchange program, or with your town hazardous waste and recycling center for proper disposal.

Fluorescent Bulbs – While most incandescent light bulbs can go in the trash once they burn out, fluorescent bulbs should be taken to a hazardous waste facility as they contain mercury.

Smoke Detectors – Photoelectric smoke detectors should be dropped off at a facility that recycles electronics. Ionization Chamber Smoke Detectors, which contain small amounts of radioactive material, should be brought to a household hazardous waste facility.

Electronics – From TVs to laptops and everything in between, electronics should be recycled at your local electronic recycling facility for proper disposal.

Prescription Drugs – Prescription medications should never be thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet as they can leach into the soil and water supply. Instead, check with your local police department to see if they take back unused medications.

Asbestos-Containing Material – If you’re tackling a home renovation project and suspect asbestos in any of the materials, let the pros handle it. Disposal rules vary by state, so check with your town.

Lawn Chemicals – Don’t pour leftover chemical-based herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizer down the drain or throw it in the trash. Instead, take them to a household hazardous waste facility for proper disposal.

Safety is our business, too. Contact Now Security Systems to learn how we can help make your home a safer and more secure environment.

The things we won’t do to make our homes feel warmer and more inviting…sometimes quite literally. That’s why so many families opt for a wood burning stove either as an adjunct to or replacement for a wood-burning fireplace.

There are numerous positives to owning such a stove, including added heat, flexibility in choosing where to place it, a good way to reduce heating costs, plenty of styles so you can pick the one that best complements your décor, and so on.

But with added beauty, convenience, and cost savings also come added safety hazards. So, to enjoy everything good a wood stove has to offer with none of the down sides, please follow these important safety tips:

Location, location, location

Your local fire department has specific requirements about where a wood stove may and may not be installed. For example, most safety codes require that a wood stove be installed at least 3 feet away from drapes, furniture, and certain other items.

Burn only seasoned, dry wood

Dry wood that’s been seasoned for a minimum of 6 months burns quicker and brighter, which means reduced creosote build-up. Creosote is a highly inflammable byproduct of incomplete combustion of firewood, which usually forms in the chimney.

Less wood is better

While it’s tempting to pile on the wood so you can leave the fire alone for a while, using too much at a time can cause overheating in the stove and chimney.

Have the chimney cleaned and inspected once a year

Annual maintenance by a licensed chimney sweep is critical to fire safety as it removes soot and creosote formations.

Keep combustible materials away

Never store combustible liquids such as kerosene or gasoline in your home. Never use these substances to start a fire or to increase the intensity of a fire in your wood burning stove. Keep firewood in a protected location outdoors as well. 

Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

This is a job for New Security Systems. Our home security systems include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that we strategically place around your home. When one alarm sounds, so do all the others so your entire family can be alerted all at once. Plus, our security and fire safety systems are carefully monitored at our own facility 24/7. So, if a fire should break out, the fire department would be alerted at once.

Contact us today to learn more and for a free in-home consultation and proposal.

Every homeowner knows the importance of a well-stocked toolbox. Even the not-so-handy types likely have one filled with the basics, like pliers, screwdrivers, a hammer, and so on. Yet there are also some surprising items that you probably don’t keep stored in one place but, read on, and you’ll see why you should.

Chalk – Not just for scribbling on sidewalks, a few pieces of chalk will absorb moisture and help prevent tools from rusting. What’s more, a little chalk helps remove grease and oil stains and can prevent flathead screwdrivers from slipping on screws.

Butter Knife – In a pinch, use it to stand in for a flathead screwdriver, a small pry bar and opener for paint cans, a spackle knife and caulk spreader, and even a temporary shim.

Small Notepad and Pencil – Measure twice, cut once, and have a place to jot down your measurements. Write down parts and supply lists and keep track of the order in which you remove items when taking something apart.

Selfie Stick – Sure, you can use a selfie stick to take a great selfie, but you can also use it to help you see inside tight spaces. Use it to hold your mobile phone and take pictures in any hard-to-reach space.

Disposable Lighter – In addition to lighting birthday candles, a lighter can prevent rope ends from fraying, heat up a nut or screw to make it easier to remove, and to loosen tight lids on jars.

Toothpaste – Use non-gel toothpaste to remove crayon from painted walls, ink from fabrics, water marks from wood furniture, and as a polish for chrome plumbing fixtures.

Toothbrush – Quite the little multi-tasker, an old toothbrush can be used to clean computer and laptop keyboards, grout lines between tile, and any other nooks and crannies where regular brushes can’t effectively penetrate.

Magnets – Keep a few different sized magnets around to clean up metal shavings and pick up loose screws, nails, and bolts. Rub a magnet on the shaft of a screwdriver in one direction to magnetize the metal and make it easier to hold a screw in place. A large magnet also can help you find metal studs behind a wall.

Toothpicks – Us them to touch up small dings and scratches on stained or painted surfaces; or, use toothpicks as tiny shims when repairing small furniture and knickknacks.

Nail Polish Remover – Acetone nail polish remover gets rid of shoe scuffs on laminate, tile, stone and concrete, coffee and tea stains from porcelain, and permanent marker from walls, tile, and hands. Just avoid using it on wood and other porous surfaces.

It’s probably already there, but every toolbox should contain a flashlight and, as appropriate, a replacement light or batteries. What if the power goes out at night, for example, and you’re deep inside a closet securing a bracket? The object is to get out of their safely and a flashlight is just the tool to help you do so.

For more comprehensive security solutions, contact Now Security Systems today to request a free in-home consultation and proposal. We can help you feel secure and protect your home 24/7 – isn’t that the goal?

When something goes wrong at home that you didn’t see coming, you tend to react in one of two ways: “I should have known better”, or “This is the last thing I would have expected!”

If it’s a simple mishap, it’s easy to laugh it off. You know, like touching a wall or door after it’s been freshly painted. Doesn’t really matter if you forgot or weren’t forewarned. At worst, it’s a minor inconvenience.

Then again, things can happen in or outside your home that require immediate attention, like a problem with your water heater. Here’s just some of what can go wrong.

• Scalding – Children and seniors are especially vulnerable to accidental scalding. To play it safe, we recommend keeping the temperature at 120 degrees.
• Carbon Monoxide Leaks – Carbon monoxide is a leading cause of accidental poisoning, and one that can be prevented with proper and attentive care. Carbon monoxide can leak from any fuel burning appliance, including your gas water heater.
• Natural Gas Leaks – Natural gas has a rotten egg smell which aids in prompt detection and evacuation. Don’t take chances – get everyone outdoors as quickly as possible and call the gas company from a safe distance. Since natural gas is highly combustible, don’t turn on any lights near your water heater.
• Accidental Fire – Keep all flammable objects – like paper or oily rags – far away from your water heater tank.

Other things can go wrong with a water heater, like internal rust and corrosion, a sudden loss of hot water, a broken thermostat, and more.

To be on the safe side and protect your investment in a steady supply of hot water, have your water heater inspected once a year by a qualified plumbing professional.

It’s also a good idea to install a smoke detector nearby. At Now Security Systems, we are home security specialists well trained in protecting your home and family – and that includes smoke and CO detector installation plus system monitoring. For more information and a free in-home proposal, contact us today.

Thank goodness for power strips that provide us with additional outlets so we can plug in the multitude of gadgets and electronics we use daily.

However, there are several items that, if plugged into a power strip, could overload the circuit, cause overheating, and even start an electrical fire. Here are 8 of them.

Large Appliances – Refrigerators, freezers, washers, and dryers require a lot of power which can easily overload a power strip. Only plug them into dedicated wall outlets and avoid plugging anything else into that same outlet to avoid tripping the circuit.

Microwaves – Like a conventional electric oven, a microwave should have its own dedicated outlet as it requires more power than a power strip can handle.

Small Appliances – While they don’t require as much power as a refrigerator, the current draw that toasters, electric skillets, waffle irons, and coffee makers require can easily cause a power strip to overheat.

Slow Cookers – One of the benefits of a slow cooker is having dinner cook while you go about your day. But if you plug yours into a power strip, you could be setting yourself up for a disastrous outcome.

Hair-Care Accessories – They may be small, but they are mighty and require a lot of electricity to get your locks just so. To prevent the circuit breaker from tripping, plug hair-care appliances like blow-dryers and curling wands directly into a wall outlet (preferably a GFCI outlet if you’re using it near a sink).

Portable Air Conditioners and Space Heaters – Portable ACs and space heaters are designed to cycle on and off as they reach a desired temperature. As such, they draw a large amount of current which can overload a power strip, resulting in a tripped circuit breaker or worse.

Sump Pumps – Most power strips are not designed for wet or damp conditions, making them unsuitable for sump pumps. Plug a sump pump into a dedicated GFCI outlet that is installed several inches above the floor.

Other Power Strips – The quickest way to overload an electrical system is to plug multiple power strips together. They simply aren’t made to be used in conjunction with one another.

With so many potential causes of a fire, the smart move is to install high quality smoke detectors throughout your home. Even better, engage Now Security Systems for the task so we can monitor fire activity from our own dedicated monitoring station. That way, the fire department will be contacted whether you’re home or not, and you’ll be notified via our Smart Phone app. Contact us today for more information and a free home security proposal.

You’ve scrimped and saved, budgeted and planned, and now it’s “go time” for your kitchen remodel. Congrats, we bet it’ll turn out fantastic, even though there’s no guarantee of a stress-free process.

Of course, you could always pack up and get out of Dodge during the process, but you can’t go too far since you’re still going to have a certain amount of day-to-day responsibilities.

So, ultimately, you decide to remain on the home front. Here are a few tips to help you get through the remodeling project unscathed.

Set realistic expectations. In the early stages of the project, it’s going to be noisy, messy, and nerve jarring. Surprises will pop up and your budget may take an unexpected hit. This would be a great time to work on letting go of control, having someone you trust co-manage the project with you, and take added steps to calm yourself – warm, candlelit baths can do wonders for the soul.

Get organized. Before demolition work gets underway, pack up your kitchen properly, getting rid of items that have outlived their usefulness. Place items in boxes or bins, label accordingly, and store in a designated area (ideally, away from the dust and debris of the construction zone).

Set up a mini kitchen. Carve out an area of your home where you can set up a coffee maker, electric teakettle, toaster, slow cooker, minifridge, and anything else that might come in handy during the transition. Don’t forget utensils, dishes, spices, and measuring cups. When picking the perfect locale for your makeshift kitchen, keep ease of clean-up and access to a working sink in mind.

Plan your meals, even if you normally don’t. While you may enjoy made-from- scratch buttermilk pancakes and crispy bacon every morning, washing a large batter bowl and grease-filled pan in your bathroom sink is no picnic. Go with food you can prepare quickly and with little clean-up, grill out whenever possible, and opt for pre-made grocery store items that require little more than a microwave or toaster.

Keep up with cleaning. Keep dish detergent, a sponge or scrub brush, lidded trash can, and clean dish towel near the sink you plan to use during the remodel. Scrape food off dishes and into the trash, wash them, dry completely, and place back in their designated areas.

Pick a room that is a “construction free zone”. Designate one room that is off limits to contractors, tools, and boxes. Some place you can escape to relax, enjoy and dine in, and briefly forget about the construction around you. We recommend a room that is not your bedroom and not directly adjacent to the kitchen.

Before starting a kitchen remodel, you may want to ensure your home security system is up to the challenge. After all, it’s likely people will be coming in and out all day – it’s critical that you know and trust them. Also, be very selective in who you give home keys to…the fewer the better.

Don’t already have a video camera surveillance system? Now’s a great time to contact Now Security Systems, a leading force in home security throughout Connecticut for all your family needs.