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.

Now that spring is in the air and virtually here, it’s time to start thinking about your spring home maintenance checklist. After all, once the grass starts turning green and the sun allows you to put your heavy clothing away, you’ll want to get busy doing your annual chores so you can enjoy as much time as possible outdoors.

And while many tasks certainly can’t be performed until the weather permits, there are plenty of pre-spring responsibilities you can tackle while you wait.

• Take an inventory of your spring lawn care tools and equipment. Service gas or electric powered mowers, replace broken rakes, and sharpen cutting blades to make yard work easier.

• Inspect window and door screens for damage and replace if necessary.

• Check wooden window and door frames for cracks, gaps, or signs of wood rot and repair to prevent warm and cool air loss.

• Inspect your siding for cracks, dents, bacteria growth, and peeling paint.

• Check outdoor railings and decks for signs of wood rot or damage.

• Conduct a visual inspection of your roof and repair or replace any loose or damaged shingles.

• Make sure the gutters are securely fastened to your home and free of any debris so rain water can move freely.

• If your chimney hasn’t been cleaned by a reputable chimney service in over a year, make that appointment now as the fireplace season is slowly winding down.

• Take note of tree branches or shrubs that are beginning to encroach on your home and plan to trim them back.

• Start a checklist of items that might need to be replaced, such as fences, decks, and even your home cooling equipment if it’s nearing the end of its effective lifespan, normally 15 – 20 years.

At the same time, what shape is your home alarm system in? Do you even use it anymore? If you still have the equipment but no longer employ a home security alarm management company, we invite you to give Now Security a call. We’re confident you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what we have to tell you, including new and more effective ways to keep an eye on your home and property, even while you’re at work or anywhere else away from home.

Now Security: ready and able to make you feel more secure in your own home environment.

Even if we looked up “most careful person in the world” in the dictionary and found your picture adjacent to the definition, it’s still all too easy to tip off burglars and other unsavory characters that your home is ripe for the pickings on social media.

So first, just how involved are you on social media?  And for each such medium you engage on, do you know for sure who can see your posts, and who can’t?  The point is, it’s better to err on the side of caution when posting on social media than to risk an unwanted visit to your home.

Consider the following examples of what can and often does go on.

Attending Funeral Services

It’s not only common, but natural to share your grief with others at the passing of a friend, colleague or loved one.  But if someone replies to your post asking for details of the services, ask them to contact you offline.  Announcing where you’ll be, and when, is an open invitation to people intent on helping themselves to what’s rightfully yours.

“5 days until vacation!”

We Americans love to travel, and we love to tell the whole world not just where we’ve been, but where we’re headed.  A word to the wise:  it’s far better to share after the fact.  Otherwise, it’s like posting a neon side outside your home while you’re gone:  “On vacation.  Come on in and help yourself.

Digital Check-Ins

What socially hip and connected business doesn’t want you to check in on social media that you are currently on their premises? But what’s good for them can be disastrous for you and your home.  If you want to share the good news, once again wait until you’re home.  It’s much safer that way.

Property Damage & Repairs

A storm blows through and blows a hole in the side of your house or through your roof.  Well, there are a lot of things that can and must be done in the aftermath – say, like seeking solace on social media?  Bad idea, even if you have a home security system.  Because in doing so, you’re inviting thieves to come check out the damage for themselves to see if your home security system has been compromised in the process.

“Check out my new Picasso!”

Are you a collector of coins, antique jewelry, rare stamps, or artwork of any kind?  Social media loves you, if you are!  In fact, it’s calling to you:  “Come on, grace our site with the latest addition to your collection!”  If you do, just take great caution that your home and valuables are as well protected as they can be.

Okay, so you get the point.  Social media, for all the clear advantages and opportunities it present, also can be an open invitation to the dregs of society.  And that’s just one reason to contact Now Security today, even if you already have a home burglar alarm system.  If you do, we’ll check out it to see if there are any security gaps and recommend the best ways to do so.  Don’t already have a home security system?  We can recommend and install one absolutely consistent with your home, lifestyle, and budget.  And then back it up with our world class security management services.  Contact us today to learn more.

If you’re planning on selling your home this spring, the time between now and then is likely to fly by in a heartbeat – or at least that’s how it will feel. That’s because, even if your home is in stellar condition, there are still multiple tasks ahead of you so it will show well and fetch the full amount you’re hoping to reap from the sale.

Here are some surefire and affordable ways to help make your home the one more prospective buyers will want to make their own.

Make a great first impression. While there’s not much you can do landscaping wise in January, you can still add some visual pop by hanging a seasonal wreath on your front door and making sure your yard is clear of needless clutter.

Deep clean the entire house. When it comes to selling your home, there’s no such thing as “too clean”. In addition to dusting, mopping, and vacuuming, tackle those rarely touched areas like windows, baseboards, blinds, and doorknobs. This is a great time to have your carpets steam cleaned, too.

Clear out the clutter. Less is more, so remove unnecessary items from tables, built-ins, and counters. Pack away overly personal items so that buyers can envision themselves and their loved ones in your home. And, believe it or not, potential buyers look in cabinets and closets when viewing a house. So get rid of or stored away items you no longer or rarely use so it doesn’t look like your home lacks storage space.

Improve your kitchen and bathroom. It’s no secret that kitchens and bathrooms sell, but gutting yours can cost a pretty penny. Instead, give them a facelift with some minor and inexpensive updates. Refresh tired cabinets with a coat of paint, update the hardware and fixtures, and add new lighting. A new shower curtain and some fluffy white towels will make your bathroom seem like a perfect retreat.

Tone it down. While you may love your deep purple walls, they may be a little much for a prospective buyer. Give your space a fresh, inviting look with a neutral coat of paint such as white, light grey, or tan. Even if your walls are trim are already painted in a neutral color, touch up any areas that have seen better days.

Tie it all in. Mismatched light switches, outlet covers, and doorknobs can make a home look dated. Update your space and make it look more cohesive by installing new ones.

You know what else appeals to prospective buyers? An integrated and well-managed home security system. At Now Security Systems, we offer expert installation to fit anyone’s budget, and affordable monthly monitoring packages. Contact us today to learn more how you can beef up your home security AND your home’s resale value at the same time.

If you’ve ever bought or sold a house, you know how nerve wracking the home inspection process can be. Just when you think you’re closer to owning (or selling) a home, the deal can grind to a screeching halt!  But while every home has some issues that need attention, they don’t have to put an end to an otherwise solid real estate transaction.

If you’re the seller, having an inspection prior to listing your home allows ample time to correct any problems before they even have a chance to scare potential buyers away. As the buyer, take some time to educate yourself on the most common home inspection findings.  That will put you in a better position to negotiate the repairs or purchase price while helping you determine where the squeaky wheels are that require priority attention.

Here are 5 of the most common home inspection issues to investigate as the buyer or seller:

• Signs of Moisture. While not necessarily a deal breaker, any wet, rotted, moldy, or musty areas in the home could indicate a number of problems such as poor ventilation, grading or drainage issues, roof and/or chimney problems, and more.
• Structural Problems. Most common in older homes, damage to foundation walls, and damaged or improperly installed floor joists and roof rafters, among other issues, could pose structural and safety concerns if not remedied.
• Faulty or Undersized Electrical Systems. Outdated and overloaded systems, as well as dangerous wiring connections pose a fire hazard and most often need immediate attention.
• Deficient Heating System. Broken controls, unsafe exhaust flues, cracked heat exchangers, and blocked chimneys not only represent inefficient heating but are also major health and safety concerns.
• Poor Maintenance. Cracked or peeling painted surfaces, crumbling masonry, careless wiring or plumbing, and broken fixtures and appliances often reflect the overall lack of care that a home has received over the years.

If you’re the buyer and notice a home security alarm system, be sure to ask if the system is active, when it was installed, and who’s monitoring it.  Burglars are very aware of real estate transactions so you want to be sure the system is up-to-date and monitored by a reputable firm.  And if the home you’re interested in buying doesn’t already have a modern security alarm system?  Contact Now Security to arrange to have one installed even before move-in day – you’ll enjoy the added peace of mind and appreciate our extreme focus on helping to safeguard your home and family.

The longer you live in your home, the more tempted you tend to become to give it your own personal stamp and make it better serve your family’s lifestyle. But think twice before plunging headlong into a project, especially if you’re concerned about your home’s eventual resale value.

Want the most bang for your buck when it does come time to tell? Then scratch any and all of the following home remodeling “don’ts” off your to-do list.

• Converting a garage into living space. Finishing the basement or attic to gain extra living space is often a great idea. However, one unfinished space that you should not touch is the garage, especially if accommodates only one car. Even if buyers never plan to actually park their car in it, chances are they’ll still value and desire the added storage space it provides.

• Making your home a little too accessible. More and more homeowners want a home they can keep for the long haul. And with walk-in showers, roll-out cabinets, and other “age in place” design trends, it’s becoming possible. However, it’s equally possible to pursue this trend to the extreme and, in the process, alienate a large pool of buyers. As such, you’ll do well to avoid converting all your baths to showers and lowering your cabinets and counter heights.

• Underestimating the importance of lighting. If you have a dark room in your house, look for ways to brighten it up. Reflect natural light by hanging a framed mirror opposite the only window, add recessed and under-cabinet lighting, and set the mood with lamps and sconces.

• Ignoring undesirable finishes. Those gold-toned door knobs and hinges might not bother you now, but when it comes time to sell, you can be sure potential buyers will notice. Bring your home into this decade by updating your fixtures.

• Planting fruit trees. If you plan to stay in your home for a very long time, you might enjoy being able to grab a fresh apple or pear right from your back yard. However, most home buyers see fruit trees as a high maintenance pain in the neck that attracts bugs and rodents.

• The wrong counter-top choice. While beautiful and quite popular right now, counter-top materials such as marble and soapstone require a good amount of maintenance and care. If you’re re-doing your kitchen, consider a more resilient surface like granite or engineered quartz.

• Down-sizing the number of bedrooms. Have you been dreaming of expanding your master bedroom by combining it with an adjoining room? If so, you might be greatly reducing your home’s resale value at the same time. For example, in a neighborhood of mostly 3-bedroom homes, a 2-bedroom house will undoubtedly sell for less even though it has comparable square footage.

Now that we’ve given you 7 “don’ts” pertaining to your home and its potential resale value, here’s a major “do”: and that is, invest now in a home security system. That definitely adds value to your home. Plus, the new owners are free to switch home security management companies if they’re not satisfied with your choice – and all without having to replace the equipment. To learn more about a security alarm system for your home and the management services that with them, we invite you to contact Now Security Systems today.