“Dinosaur” is both a great and multi-purpose word, don’t you think?

All at once it conjures up images of creatures who roamed the continents in search of food, water, safe nesting areas, and little else all those millions of years ago while also referring to anything else that is already or about to become extinct.  You know, like, “VHS tapes have gone the way of the dinosaur.”

Well, now there’s another endangered species slowly but steadily slipping into the mists of our memory banks:  the telephone landline.  We needn’t debate whether that’s a good or bad thing; we simply need to acknowledge that partial or total extinction is all but assured – the only question left to be answered is “when”.

For some, that represents one less monthly bill to pay and little else.  For others, it’s a concern and for a very practical reason.  We’re talking about Connecticut home owners with security alarm systems, those that signal security monitoring providers via home phone lines. Which begs the question: “If I give up my landline will that render my home security system useless?”

The answer is a resounding “no”.  Here at Now Security Systems, for example, we still provide landline monitoring connections if that’s what you prefer.  But we offer a second and, for most of our customers, far superior alternative:  the StarLink Alarm Communicator that comes with an app you can download to any computer or mobile device.  Among other things, you can use your app to arm and disarm your system remotely from any location with a Wi-Fi connection.

StarLink can take the place of or be used to back up your landline to communicate signals to our monitoring center.  Like a smart, advanced technology cellphone, StarLink works on today’s most modern cellular networks (GSM and CDMA) and transmits your security system’s high priority signals wirelessly, digitally and dependably.

So if you’re letting a little thing like your lapsed landline service stop you from obtaining the peace of mind that only a well-designed home security system can afford, contact Now Security Systems today and ask us about our StarLink Alarm Communicator.

While many of us believe and live our lives on the premise that “age is just a number”, the numbers still matter. Here’s one, for example: every day, an average of 100,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 and enter a new season of life – one that presents some challenges when it comes to staying safe and comfortable in the place they call home.

Are you or a loved one are part of this rapidly growing population base? If so, here are 5 tips for making your home better suited to a longer home life of independent living.

1. Easy Entry

For older homeowners or anyone with mobility issues, being able to enter and exit a home easily is important. Consider adding a stairless entry, slope to the doorway, or a ramp. If none of these options are possible, add non-slip materials and sturdy hand rails to stairs. You can even modify the front door to have a no-threshold entry to reduce the risk of tripping and falling.

2. Low Maintenance

If the siding or deck has seen better days, upgrade to materials that require very little maintenance, like composite decking and vinyl siding. To make landscaping a little easier, choose native plants that require little care and consider installing a time activated sprinkler system.

3. Kitchen Convenience

Your kitchen doesn’t need a complete overhaul to become more user-friendly. Simply replace cabinet shelves with shelves on rollers that can pull out to access items in the back. If you opt to remodel, consider installing drawers in the base cabinets and adding a dining area that is comfortable for chairs instead of bar stools.

4. Smart Home

From appliances that beep or light up when they’re turned on to sensors and timers for interior lights, thermostat controls, and security systems, today’s manufacturers are making products that are smarter, easier, and safer to use.

5. Bathroom Safety

Change your walk-in shower to one with a zero-clearance entry (no threshold), and add a non-slip stool or bench. Replace your existing toilet with a comfort height model that makes sitting down and getting up easier. Choose flooring with some traction to help prevent slips and add some well-placed grab bars near the toilet and in the shower/bath area for an added measure of safety.

To help you or your senior parents sleep better at night, you might also want to consider adding certain home safety and security features, including:

• A home security and alarm system
• Strategically placed video surveillance cameras so you can keep an eye on your property and on those who seek to gain entry, forcibly or otherwise
• Hard-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

To learn more about these home security products and our very attentive security management services, contact New Security Systems today.

So, you’ve been looking around your home lately, and more and more you’re loving what you’re seeing.  You don’t hate the views, you’re just so used to them you could draw them from memory – assuming, of course, you can draw that well.

At the same time, funds are a little tight and with the holidays coming up, you don’t want to break the bank simply to delight your vision.

Now, with the stage properly set, here are 6 simple ways to add a little character and style into your home, and fall in love with it all over again.

• Do a little trim work. Whether it’s traditional dental molding beneath the ceiling, a classic chair rail in the dining room, or bead board in the bathroom, wood trim and wainscoting is an easy way to instantly change the look and feel of a room.
• Accent a wall. Wall paper is back and it’s better than ever. Whether it’s calm and neutral or bright and lively, a wallpapered wall in a space makes for a great focal point and is a fun way to show off your personal style.
• Pamper your powder room. Give your boring powder room a timeless look by swapping out that dated basin for a pedestal sink. From sleek and modern to sculptural and classic, it’s a quick way to set your powder room apart.
• Light it up. No matter how well designed and decorated your home may be, the wrong lighting can make it lackluster. Replace dated fixtures with eye-catching chandeliers, pendants, and spot lights for instant ambiance and greater lighting control.
• Look up. Who says ceilings can’t have style? Add some visual interest to yours by installing wood beams for a natural, rustic look, bead board for an easy cottage feel, or decorative ceiling tiles for a more traditional touch.
• Make a grand entrance. Don’t forget the role your front door plays in setting the tone for what’s inside. Up your curb appeal factor by adding a splash of color to your entry door or a seasonal wreath.

Don’t get so wrapped up in the look of your home, however, that you overlook its security.  From improving on what you already have to designing and installing a custom home alarm system, Now Security can help you protect what’s yours: family, valuable possessions, and all.

A fireplace, either gas or wood-burning, is a great way to add charm and warmth to your home while reducing your heating bills during the cold Connecticut winter months.

For all the good they do, however, did you know that fireplaces and chimneys are involved in over 40% of home heating fires? So before you spark up another log, make sure your fireplace is able to keep you safe and comfortable by following these simple steps.

• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep at least once a year. This annual maintenance task can potentially save you thousands of dollars in damage while beefing up your home security.

• If you have a wood-burning fireplace, make sure to burn only seasoned wood, such as oak, that has been chopped and stored in a dry place for several months. Softer woods produce more creosote, which can build up in the chimney.

• Don’t overload the fireplace with wood. Smaller fires produce less smoke, and subsequently, less creosote.

• Avoid burning paper, cardboard, or anything other than wood in the fireplace and never use lighter fluid. These only cause more smoke, resulting in more creosote.

• Make sure your fireplace is equipped with a metal screen or glass doors to catch embers.

• Keep combustible items at least 3 feet away from any open flame.

• If you have a gas fireplace, be sure to turn the valve to the “off” position when not in use.

So what’s the big deal about minimizing and routinely cleaning away concentrations of creosote?  For starters, even though it’s a byproduct of a wood-burning fire, it’s combustible in its own right and can ignite from a floating ember and start a chimney fire.  If creosote is accidentally ingested, it can cause a burning sensation in your mouth and throat and, over time, lead to kidney and liver damage.

Luckily, exposure to creosote is relatively low when proper precautions are observed.  Speaking of which, fireplace owners are ideal candidates for a whole-house burglar alarm system, one that also can include hard-wired smoke and CO detectors.  After all, accidents can and do happen, and Now Security able and ready to help ensure you have all the protection you need against accidental injury or damage to your home.

How much do you trust your children? How much do you want to trust them?

Before you answer either question, consider the following:  a house guarded, in part, by a security alarm system is only as safe as every mature member of your family allows it to be.  If, for example, you’ve recently installed a home security system but haven’t instructed your children on its use, do you really safe as you thought you might?  Probably not.

That’s precisely why you need to instruct your children on how to arm and disarm the system, especially if one or more of them arrive home ahead of working adults are left home by themselves even for short periods of time.

Here are a couple of additional reasons why children should be taught how to work home security systems:

Fosters Mutual Trust

If your kids are like most, they want to be trusted and feel a closer connection to home and family when they are.  Giving them your home security password and having them practice arming and disarming the system under your supervision is vital to that process. By demonstrating your trust and confidence in them, you’ll be earning even more of theirs in return. Experience, after all, is still the best teacher.

Children become security conscious

Is there a part of you that thinks telling your kids about the importance of and reasons for having a home security system is to rob them of some measure of their childhood innocence?  If so, consider the following: school age kids already know plenty about the world around them, and probably more than you realize.  And ultimately, isn’t it far better to have them aware of security concerns than to expose them to the dangers that benign ignorance can cause? The point is, teach them to be aware without being afraid, and that having a home security system gives everyone another reason to feel secure.

Prevents False Alarms

What if you were to set your security alarm and then leave the house not expecting your children to arrive home before you, but one or more of them does without knowing how to disarm the system.  And now you have one more very good reason to give them that added trust and responsibility.

Here at Now Security Systems, your family’s safety and security mean the world to us. That’s why we invite you to contact us if you’re not confident that your current security system is completely adequate for your current needs, or if you don’t have one at all.  We’ll come to your home, size up your needs, explain your options and give you a free new system quote, complete with our 24/7 monitoring services.  You’ll be safer yet when you choose Now Security Systems.

Ever meet a burglar?  You know, you walk into a bar, sit down next to someone who looks normal and interesting enough and, after you ask “So, what do you do for a living?”, you get such a start, you think he or she is lying.  (In case you were wondering, home burglaries are not the sole province of the male persuasion.)

But the conversation continues and eventually you muster the nerve to ask about some of the tricks of their trade.  And this being a burglar off the clock and one who enjoys being treated like a professional, is only too happy to share.  Well, even though conversations like this don’t take place every day, let’s assume this one did.  And on that assumption, here are 5 things the burglar would likely have revealed:

1. “I prefer robbing houses I’ve been too before. That way, I know exactly where to look for the stuff worth stealing.” Many burglars have jobs that take them inside people’s homes – furniture delivery, cable TV guy, you name it.

2. “When I see expensive toys and tools outside, I assume there’s even more valuable stuff inside.” Educate your kids and each other on the importance of putting bikes, scooters, power tools, and anything else that came with a hefty price tag away when you’re done using them. Leaving them outside when not in use is like sending a burglar an engraved invitation.

3. “Sometimes all it takes is turning the door handle and, ba-da-bing, I’m in!” Would you leave your house without brushing your teeth?  Of course not.  So don’t leave without locking all doors and windows, either.

4. “My favorite houses are the ones with two or more newspapers on the door step. That means either they forgot to have them held before going on vacation or the person they trusted to pick them up every day took the day off!” ‘Nuff said on this one.

5. “Guess what, if you can see your alarm panel from the outside, so can I. And if I see that’s not armed and nobody’s home, it’s time for me to get busy.” Not only should the alarm panel itself not be visible from anywhere outside, it also should not be visible through a foyer mirror.

So what have we learned except, perhaps, that some burglars are more forthcoming than others.  We’ve learned that where there’s a will, there’s a way, and it’s your job to block that way through a whole series of safety precautions.

And speaking of home alarm systems, how’s yours?  Is it up to the challenge of guarding against unlawful entry from anywhere in your house?  If you’re not sure or don’t already have an alarm system, why not contact Now Security Systems today for a free in-home analysis during which we’ll assess your security needs and come up with exactly the right solution.  Just as we’ve already done for thousands of Connecticut businesses, institutions, and home owners.

Headed out of town to visit friends and family this holiday season? Well, there’s a little more to it than getting packed and gassing up the car, especially this time of year.

Here are a few helpful tips to follow, especially if you want to return from vacation to find everything in its place and undisturbed.

Keep burglars guessing

One of the best ways to keep burglars out is to create the illusion that someone is home.  So, before you leave, set your lights and even your main TV on a timer.  If you don’t have an extra car to leave parked in your driveway, ask a neighbor to use your driveway while you’re gone.

Mail, newspaper, and other deliveries

Nothing screams “nobody’s home!” quite like uncollected mail and a stack of newspapers of UPS deliveries on your front porch or stoop.  If you don’t want to stop the deliveries you can predict, engage a friend or family member to collect them for you once a day – the earlier, the better.  Even if you do place a temporary hold on newspaper and mail deliveries, there’s no telling when an unexpected Christmas package might arrive.  So, the smart move is to have someone on standby and available to check your house at least once a day.

Plan for the weather

Don’t leave windows open as you don’t want to return to find you can make a snowman in your living room! Also, you can prevent pipes from freezing by turning off all external faucets and setting your thermostats no lower than 55 degrees.  As an added precaution, hire someone to remove snow, slush, or ice should a winter storm strike during your absence.

Unplug

To save some money, unplug any non-safety-related appliance before leaving town.  That includes items like computers, TV’s, DVR, clock radios, and more.  Even items like your toaster, coffee maker, lamps, and more continue to draw power when plugged in but not being used.

Lock up

Naturally, you want to sure that all windows and doors are locked before you depart for your holiday destination. You’ll also want to close your fireplace flue, or ensure that it already is.

Yes, more burglaries take place during the holiday season that at any other time of year.  But that doesn’t mean burglaries suddenly stop come the New Year.  So, if you’re looking for a more permanent and all-encompassing home security solution, contact Now Security Systems today to request a free and no-obligation in-home consultation.  We have more ways to protect your home and family than ever.

If you have one or more small children, there’s one thing that comes right along with them: constant concern for their safety.

Even with the proverbial second pair of “eyes behind your head,” there’s only so much you can do to guard against accidental slipping, falling, and other hazards of your domain.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of household safety precautions, i.e., something you can print or bookmark to keep handy and take a look at now and again just to make sure something important doesn’t slide by you unexpectedly.

Electrical Matters

• Check all outlets, plugs, and switches every 6 months to see if any are warm to the touch. If so, call an electrician you know and trust for service.
• Cover any unused to wall outlets with plastic plugs to help baby-proof your home.
• Check for and replace any frayed outlets.
• Don’t overload your outlets. When in doubt, add more.
• Make sure no extension cords are located under rugs, carpeting, or across common access spaces where they can be walked on.

Heating Matters

• At the start of the heating system and after every snowstorm, check your heating system vents to make sure they are properly sealed and obstruction free. Otherwise, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can back up into your home.
• Have your heating system professionally cleaned and inspected once a year. That’s an effective way to help guard against electrical fires plus CO and gas leaks while also serving to help curb your home heating costs.
• If you have a fireplace, only burn well-seasoned, dry wood. Anything else will cause creosote to build up in your chimney, and then you run the risk of a chimney fire.
• Keep an eye on your water heater thermostat, too. The ideal temperature is 120 degrees to give you as much hot water as you need, but without an overt risk of scalding. Even still, don’t let small children wash their hands or brush their teeth unsupervised.

General Child Safety Matters

• Purchase only those medicines and vitamins, etc., that have childproof safety caps.
• Keep sharp knives off your counters and out of reach.
• Install kitchen and bathroom cabinet looks.
• Lock up anything that can be ingested as a poison. And always keep handy the toll-free number to the poison control hotline: 800-222-1222.
• Teach your children to know your home address and how to dial 911; the latter is especially important should something happen to you while no other adult is at home.

You know there are at least another gazillion safety tips we also could include, right? Like using gates at the top and bottom of stairs, having a family fire escape plan and practicing it on occasion, and so on.   But, we didn’t want to make this list so long that it would be easier to ignore. Rather, we went for “just long enough” knowing that for every safety tip included, you could and no doubt will think of two or three more on your own.

For example, wouldn’t you feel more secure with a home burglar alarm system managed by a highly responsive and responsible alarm management company? The two don’t necessarily go hand in hand, mind you, but they do when you choose Now Security Systems. We can install and manage a brand new system for you or take over management of your existing system should you be unhappy with your current provider for any reason. Contact us today for a free and no-obligation quote. Because allaying concerns over safety and security is what we do best.

So much of our time is spent protecting the people and things we hold dear to us.  Probably even more so than you realize.

Take your home heating system, for example. Even without annual scheduled maintenance, you’d probably still get a nice long run out of it.  But it will perform so much better, and last a good deal longer, when faithfully maintained by a licensed and skilled home comfort provider.

The goal of annual preventative maintenance is just like it sounds:  taking proactive measures to prevent heating system problems from sneaking up on you and either impairing your furnace or boiler or shutting it down completely.

At the same time, you have a role to play in keeping your heating system in peak operating condition, too.  Here are a few recommendations:

• Clean or replace the filter about every two months. A clogged filter blocks or restricts the flow of heat; that, in turn, can cause repair issues.
• Make sure all vents, registers, baseboard units, are unblocked so the heat can flow freely from them.
• Make the most of Mother Nature by opening window treatments that cover windows getting direct sunshine during the day, then close them up at night to retain the added heat the sun provided.
• If you don’t like how much it costs to heat your home, consider adding one or more zones and replacing existing, outdated thermostats with programmable models.
• Speaking of energy savings, it never hurts to replace or beef up window caulking, weather stripping around your doors, and attic insulation.

Here at Now Security Systems, we specialize in helping you protect your home and family from burglaries, fire, and accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.  It’s not just the quality of our alarm system equipment that’s equal to the task.  It’s how well and thoroughly we monitor your home and that tools we provide that allow you to keep an eye on things, too, even remotely.  To learn more, contact Now Security Systems today.

The electricity’s gone out, and your kids can’t wrap their heads around the idea that their tablets and smart phones don’t work.  Not to mention the lights, TV, or anything else electronic.  In such an instance, their frustration is bound to amplify yours, thus making matters worse for everyone.

Which means now’s the time to plan now for your next power outage, and how to get through it with your nerves fully intact.

Plan ahead: Keep electronics charged up and have a supply of batteries available if you know a storm is on its way. Also, keep games, toys, and other supplies close by so you don’t have to stumble through a dark house looking for them.

Make a survival kit: Make up separate kits for different family members. You can use a box or a storage basket, and fill it with the essentials including craft items like glue sticks, paper, markers, glitter, scissors, activity books, and stickers. You also can pack in snacks, juice boxes, and individual flashlights so everyone can find what they need right away.

Flashlight games: Flashlights are good for more than just finding your way in the dark.  How about playing games like flashlight tag, flashlight hid-and-seek, and making shadow puppets. Once again, just make sure you have plenty of batteries.

Old School it: Old games that don’t need batteries like playing house, dolls, blocks, action figures, and Legos all provide lots of entertainment and can be played alone or with friends.

Group games: One of the best things about a power outage is that it gives the whole family a chance to put down their electronics and play together. There are lots of group games to play such as board games, card games, pick up sticks, hangman, or even building a fort or an obstacle course. Use your imaginations and you might even be looking forward to the next time the power goes out!

How about your security alarm system – does it depend on electricity to help protect your home and family?  If so, it’s time to contact Now Security to learn about the many advantages of a security system that can be monitored with a simple Wi-Fi connection so you never have to worry about your system being down.