I’m a Renter. Can I have a Home Security System?

There is a very healthy community of renters here in Buffalo, NY.  Whether you’re renting in an apartment complex, a duplex or a house you should protect yourself and you’re belongings just the same as if you owned your own home.  Did I mention it’s easy to do?

Home Security technology has seen many advances over the years and one that is particularly appealing to renters is the Wireless Burglary Control Panel.

A Wireless Panel allows for fast, reliable installation in an apartment or home without pulling a single wire.  Its Cellular Communication capabilities mean you don’t need a landline or traditional phone line in order to have a clear, dependable signal to and from your Monitoring Company.  And for the icing on the cake, if you move it easily moves with you!

So whether you need a complete and solid form of protection for your rented space or would just like some added security, you may have just found your solution.

For more information regarding features, installation, monitoring and operation contact Eastern States Sentinel Alarm Services, Inc. at (716)675-4344.

2012 ISC West Conference – International Security Conference & Exposition

Like all other industries, Home and Business Security is constantly advancing.  Each year the latest and greatest in the world of Security is on display at the ISC West Conference.  This year it is being held March 28^th-30^th at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As a leader in our industry and proud Western New York Security Dealer and Monitoring Company we wouldn’t miss this opportunity to discover new ways to improve our services.

Some of this year’s 900 featured exhibitors include:

• HIS Fire & Safety Group
• Genius Vision Digital
• LifeSafety Power Inc.
• Moxa Americas Inc.
• Tyco Security Products
• Assa Abloy Americas
• HID Global
• Nedap
• Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies
• Senstar Inc
• NEXT Level Security Systems

Stay tuned for the latest and greatest Security advancements that caught our eye when we return from Vegas!

Need help keeping your foundation dry this spring?

Our mild winter here in Western New York is coming to an end and spring is just around the corner!  Usually this time of year means melting piles of snow, which we won’t see much of this year, and lots of rain.

As a homeowner, the threat of over saturation in your yard means you have to pay more attention to keeping your basement and foundation dry.  So in Western New York its Sump Pump season!

A Sump Pump is commonly found in the basement of your home and is designed to keep the area dry by removing accumulated water.   Your Sump Pump is often hardwired into your home’s electrical system and can be equipped with a battery backup in case of a power outage.  It is vital to help keep your foundation dry, especially when excess water is present.  So what do you do when your Sump Pump stops working?

Let’s begin with, how do you know if your Sump Pump has failed?  Do you normally spend a lot of time in that area of your basement or check your Sump Pump regularly?  Don’t be ashamed.   Most people would answer no.  There is a simple solution that can save you from hours of hassle and clean up and unnecessary spending in the case of a Sump Pump failure – A Sump Pump Alarm Sensor.

What is a Sump Pump Alarm Sensor you ask?  Simple.  It is a Float Sensor that mounts above your Sump Pump.  It alerts you when your Sump Pump is not working properly.  Not only will your keypad sound an alarm letting you know there is an issue, but in case you’re not home your Monitoring Company will receive the signal and be able to assist you in handling the situation.

Peace of mind that you won’t have the hassle and added costs as a home owner in the case that your Sump Pump fails and your basement floods is priceless.  It is also rather inexpensive to achieve.  Western New York is in luck this year as Eastern States Sentinel Alarm Services, Inc. will install your Sump Pump Sensor at a very competitive price and provide monthly monitoring at no additional charge!  Installation usually takes no more than an hour and then you can rest easy when the rain is coming down this spring.

For more information visit us at EasternStatesSentinel.com or call (716) 675-4344.

What does Better Security mean to You?

Better security means peace of mind.

It means that in case of an emergency (home invasion, fire, or medical) you know first.  You know before it may be too late.  You know when action can still be taken.  You know that your security company will be there with you every step of the way.

There are various reasons why someone chooses to make the investment in home security.  Not everyone has the same priorities and therefore may strive to protect different things.

You may choose a home security system because you travel often or work long hours and like to know your home and all of its contents are protected.  Maybe you have children that make it home from school before you can and you’d like to know they made it home safe.  Do you have a pet that is like another family member that can’t dial 911 in case of an emergency?  Perhaps you have loved ones who want to maintain their independence but could use someone watching over them just in case.

Whatever your reason choosing the right security system to better protect what means the most to you is easy.  Call your local Security Specialist to discuss what security solutions are right for you.

Eastern States Sentinel Alarm Services, Inc. – proudly serving Western New York for over 35 years.  Better Security starts with a Better Security System!

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Every year an average of 170 people in the U.S. die from Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emergency rooms see several thousand people each year for CO poisoning treatment.

So what exactly is Carbon Monoxide?  It is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas produced by the incomplete burning of fuels such as coal, wood, charcoal, oil kerosene, propane and natural gas, as well as equipment like portable generators, lawn mowers and cars.

Many people exposed to CO may not even realize it is happening.  Symptoms of low-moderate exposure resemble that of the flu including headache, fatigue and shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.  Those experiences high level poisoning may experience mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination, loss of consciousness and death.

Since CO is nearly impossible to detect with our natural senses how do we protect ourselves from it?  Hardwired and wireless carbon monoxide detectors will detect and alert you when potentially life threatening levels of CO are reached.  Your carbon monoxide detectors can be monitored by your local security provider to ensure that you and appropriate emergency services are notified in the event CO levels become dangerous.

Did you know that Carbon Monoxide Detectors are required by law in New York State?  Amanda’s Law, effective February 22, 2010, states that all new and existing one-family, two-family, dwellings located in condominiums or cooperatives, and multiple dwellings must have a carbon monoxide detector.

If you are unsure if your carbon monoxide detectors meet the appropriate New York guidelines, are working properly, or wish to find out how to have yours monitored 24-hours a day call Eastern States Sentinel Alarm Services, Inc at 716.675.4344 – Western New York’s Local Home Security Provider.

Here are some basic tips for preventing CO poisoning from the US Consumer Product and Safety Commission:

• Make sure appliances are installed and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by qualified professionals. Have the heating system professionally inspected and serviced annually to ensure proper operation. The inspector should also check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections.
• Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skill and tools. Always refer to the owners manual when performing minor adjustments or servicing fuel-burning equipment.
• Never operate a portable generator or any other gasoline engine-powered tool either in or near an enclosed space such as a garage, house, or other building. Even with open doors and windows, these spaces can trap CO and allow it to quickly build to lethal levels.
• Install a CO alarm that meets the requirements of the current UL 2034 safety standard. A CO alarm can provide some added protection, but it is no substitute for proper use and upkeep of appliances that can produce CO. Install a CO alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home. Make sure the alarm cannot be covered up by furniture or draperies.
• Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent unless it is specifically designed for use in an enclosed space and provides instructions for safe use in an enclosed area.
• Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
• Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
• Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers to heat your home.
• Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room where people are sleeping.
• Do not cover the bottom of natural gas or propane ovens with aluminum foil. Doing so blocks the combustion air flow through the appliance and can produce CO.
• During home renovations, ensure that appliance vents and chimneys are not blocked by tarps or debris. Make sure appliances are in proper working order when renovations are complete.

Why a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)?

Commonly referred to as Medical Alert System or Panic Button, Personal Emergency Response Systems offer peace of mind while ensuring the freedom to live independently.  The alarm system is designed to signal its monitoring company that an incident has occurred requiring immediate attention and emergency personnel are needed.

It’s true that the vast majority of PERS subscriptions are related to elderly care; it is not uncommon for use while recovering from surgeries or as silent alarms in domestic violence cases.  PERS systems can be purchased for a variety of different purposes, to see if it may suit your particular needs please contact your local security provider.

A typical system includes a wireless pendant or transmitter and base station connected to a telephone line.  Base stations are equipped with a sensitive microphone and loud speaker activated when you push your alarm.  Transmitters are available resembling wristwatches that feature two-way voice capability and a more discreet form of protection.

Personal Emergency Response Systems are more often than not sought out after an emergency situation, like a fall.  Don’t wait until it’s too late.  Be prepared.  Offer the gift of peace of mind to yourself and loved ones knowing that you can live independently with a dedicated team behind you just in case anything takes a turn for the worst.

Panic Buttons and Medical Emergency Alert Systems available through Eastern States Sentinel Alarm Services, Inc – Western New York’s Local Security Provider.

What will a CCTV mean for you?!

CCTV (Closed Circuit TV) Security Systems can save you more trouble than you may realize.  Ideal for Commercial Security, these systems can range from a single camera and monitor to complete interior and exterior systems with multiple monitors.  In other words, you have options when designing a system to best suit your particular needs.

Additional features offered with a video surveillance system include motion tracking, high resolution imaging and even remote access via the internet. (Commercial Security Services)

What benefits will this type of security bring to you?  First and foremost, piece of mind.  You can have eyes and ears all around your business without physically being there.  CCTV systems can see everywhere at once.

If you’re in the retail business video surveillance helps to defer shoplifters and inappropriate behavior or identify offenders more easily. (See how surveillance photos helped identify these shoplifters “Women Identified in Shoplifting Case” or how video surveillance may help in the apprehension of these criminals “Pizzeria employee shoved into freezer”).

Registers can be more easily monitored for transaction accuracy and usage.  Staff can be held to higher standards as they are always under a watchful eye.  Traffic patterns for your business become more noticeable and actions can be taken when necessary to increase or decrease staffing base on time, department, location, etc.

CCTV may also prove helpful if lawsuits are brought against you by customers or employees claiming injury at your place of business.  It gives you the opportunity to have the event on record to review, reveal the validity of the claim and decide the best course of action.

So whether your CCTV Security System assists with prevention, apprehension or general management of your business it is hand-over-fist worth the investment.

For more information about what CCTV systems would be best for you and your company, please visit EasternStatesSentinel.com.

Western New Yorker’s Fall Victim to Holiday Thieves

It breaks our hearts to see that for some the Holiday Season can bring misfortune and heartache.  Unfortunately with the surge in Holiday shopping that ensures all of our loved ones get everything they’ve asked for, comes big opportunity for small-time crooks.

While you stock your home with fancy presents and spend more time out shopping or with your family, burglars are looking to score big on your generous holiday spirit.  This was the case for some local families this year.

“Christmas Day burglars hit Grimes Street home”

“Donated Christmas gifts taken in home Burglary”

Take a look at one of our previous blogs for suggestions that will help keep your home and loved ones safe during the Holidays.

“Is your home protected from Holiday Thieves?”

For a free security review and information on how you can safeguard your home contact Eastern States Sentinel Alarm Services, Inc.

Is your home protected from Holiday Thieves?

Anyone remember Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister in Home Alone?  Kevin spent his Christmas in a comical battle against thieves Marv and Harry, better known as the “Wet Bandits”.

Unfortunately Kevin’s family had mistakenly left him at home when they took off to spend the holidays in Paris.  Marv and Harry were canvassing Kevin’s neighborhood to hit all the homes empty while families were away on holiday vacations.  Kevin set traps and played tricks with the bandits to keep them away.  But not everyone has a smart-aleck kid at home waiting to give burglars a hard time, so how are you going to keep your house safe?

Here are some simple steps to help protect your home when you’re not there.

1. Make sure all of your doors and windows are secured.

2. Have your mail held at the post office or ask a neighbor to take in your mail for you.  You don’t want it piling up!

3. In case there is snow fall have someone ready to clear your sidewalks and driveway.

4. Put a few lights around the house on a timer so it appears as if there is activity in your home.

These tips will help better protect your home, but to really prevent a visit from the “Wet Bandits” call your local Home Security Specialist and let the professionals keep a watchful eye on the things you love when you’re out of town.

Visit us at www.EasternStatesSentinel.com.

It Pays to be Monitored by your Local Monitoring Company…

At 3:45am Tuesday morning the owner of Hoak’s Lakeshore Restaurant received a call from his alarm company informing him that the restaurant’s alarm system was going off.  It only took a few minutes for him to arrive at his business to discover that his fire escape door was open and his restaurant was on fire.

The fast response time of his security company and the owner lands this restaurant still open for business.  There was evidence of a possible break-in and arson.  It sure does pay to have your home or business monitored by a local monitoring company.

For more information on this case check out the article on WGRZ.com.