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We’re on the move! Tasco Security is excited to announce that we’ve relocated our office to 203 Heater Road in Lebanon, NH! As a premier security provider for over 50 years, this move marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to enhancing our service capabilities and meeting the growing needs of our customers throughout the Upper Valley region.

This isn’t just a change of address—it’s a strategic step forward that positions Tasco Security for continued success. We understand that security is about more than just systems and sensors; it’s about the trust and peace of mind we provide to each of our customers. This new office will help us deliver on that promise better than ever before.

Why the Move?

As our team has grown in size and expertise over the years, it became clear that a new space was necessary to accommodate our expanding staff and operations. Our previous office served us well for many years, but the new Heater Road location offers several distinct advantages, including enhanced facilities, increased capacity for growth and convenient access.

Growing to Serve You Better

Our move to Heater Road represents a new chapter in the Tasco Security story and our team, now larger and more capable than ever, is excited to support you from our new headquarters. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and thank you for trusting Tasco Security with your safety and security needs!

New Address:
203 Heater Road
Lebanon, NH 03766

According to Forbes “more than 2 billion packages will be shipped between Thanksgiving and the end of the year.” As we choose to purchase more and more products on-line there is are a plethora of packages sitting at residences that are ripe for the taking. Unfortunately, thieves have noticed this and according to USA Today “package theft hits nearly one-third of Americans.”

Ordering gifts for the holiday season has many benefits. You can avoid the “holiday rush” at your local shopping centers, you don’t have to haul your goods from store to the car to the house and you can take advantage of online discounts and shop countless websites for different products. However, the thought of a few hundred or even thousands of dollars of goods sitting on a doorstep or driveway for hours at a time is nerve-racking, to say the least. 

If you are someone who has a lot of packages delivered, here are some tips to help ensure that your packages are not stolen this holiday season. 

1. Deliver packages to your work or pick up at the post office or Fed Ex/UPS center:
   Delivering packages to your place of work is a great option as there is almost always someone available to sign for the package. Additionally, they will not deliver the package if your business is not open. You can also request to have your package set to “hold for pick up” at your local post office or Fed Ex/UPS center and you can pick them up at your earliest convenience. 
2. Install a lockbox:
   Much like the typical mailboxes you see every day, a lockbox allows your package delivery driver to drop the package into your lockbox and it is secured until someone with a key comes and opens the box. This is a great option if you are someone that leaves packages out for multiple days. 
3. Require a signature and insure all valuable packages:
   Requiring a signature is a simple step that guarantees your package cannot be left without someone signing for it. If you are sure someone will be available when your package is scheduled to be delivered this is a no-brainer. Additionally, insuring all valuable packages is a way to make sure you are not totally out of pocket if your package is stolen, damaged or lost. 
4. Get a professional technician to install security cameras:
   There are many benefits to installing security cameras besides protecting your delivered packages so this is valuable on multiple levels. Anyone that steals a package from your home will be caught on camera and can then be shown to the authorities. Additionally, if you know when your package should arrive you can use your mobile app to view the camera and confirm when your package is delivered. 
   
   At Tasco Security, we suggest using a professional security company for camera installation and monitoring. By utilizing a professional company, you can have peace of mind that your technology is up to date, your cameras are installed correctly and your hardware is a quality piece of equipment. 
5. Home security signage: 
   If you are utilizing security cameras then make sure to point this out to any potential suspects. A simple lawn sign and/or window sticker can go a long way in deterring someone from stealing packages off your front porch (among many other potential crimes as well.)
   
   You can see that with a few extra steps you can ensure a much safer delivery process for your packages this holiday season. Don’t be one of the one-third of Americans that have their packages stolen each year. If you are interested in how Tasco Security can assist in helping to protect your home this holiday season, give us a call, we are here to help. 

Contact Tasco Security Today To Learn More

The use of video monitoring products and services is on the rise. As products become more affordable, technologies become more integrated and users become more tech-savvy the value that robust video monitoring systems bring to residential and commercial facilities has increased. 

Traditional monitoring products utilize a DVR or NVR to record events. These systems work great in supplying authorities with a record of a crime or event when it has taken place. When an alarm has been tripped trained personnel can access the video to verify events and alert authorities when needed. However, the shortcoming of this type of technology is that it does not assist in notifying anyone while a crime is taking place, there is no “proactive” monitoring. 

Proactive video monitoring assists could assist in alerting someone to a crime as it takes place. Combining advanced AI, video analytics and live security professionals a holistic system is created that is capable of detecting, intervening and responding to crime as it happens. 

Some benefits of proactive video monitoring would include:

• Superior facial recognition software to identify individuals
• Real-time response to crimes
• Decreased reliability on overnight or round the clock security guards

-Niall Kelly, CTO of Netwatch Group

Proactive and traditional video monitoring are both valuable services. However, they each have their unique benefits depending on the needs of the facility. Additionally, many of the new DIY products that are on the market are incapable of providing this new type of proactive monitoring. This is something to consider as you make choices in investing in new monitoring products and services. Although this technology is still being adapted there is no doubt that there is much more value in being alerted to a crime as it happens vs. dealing with the aftermath of a criminal event. If you are interested in learning more about proactive video monitoring for your business or residence please contact us today. 

At Tasco Security we strive to connect with our local community. A major factor in what sets Tasco apart from other national corporate security providers is our connection with our local emergency responders. In times of crisis, and when seconds matter, it is important that your security provider works seamlessly with your local first responders.

For years we have supported two golf tournaments that help in raising funds for the Lebanon NH Police Department. as well as the Professional Fire Fighters of Hanover, NH IAFF L-3288. Both organizations are critical to our local communities and we are proud to help support their cause.

The Lebanon Police Dept Annual Golf Tournament was held on July 25, 2019. The monetary donations raised allows them to make donations to local nonprofit organizations, support the schools and School Resource Officer training, and purchase giveaway items to distribute during public relation events throughout the year.

You can learn more here 2019 Lebanon Police Annual Golf Tournament.

The Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire is a fraternal organization dedicated to providing services and representation to fire fighters, emergency medical services personnel and retirees. The Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire provides multifaceted services which encompass safety and health compensation, benefits and political action.

Their annual golf tournament was held on August 23rd, 2019 in Hanover, NH. President Rob Diehm, a long time community partner, had this to say about the Tasco/PFFNH relationship:

Learn more about the PFFNH Annual Golf Tournament here 2019 PFFNH Tournament.

At Tasco Security, we are proud of the local relationships with our first responders that we have formed over the decades we have been in business. By cultivating a foundation of communication, trust and dependability that directly benefits our customers we provide you peace of mind that your security needs are in good hands.

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It’s that time of year when many of us start to prepare for our long-awaited summer vacation. Whether you are staying local or flying international, any time you leave your home for an extended period of time there are certain precautions you should take to ensure your home’s security. According to the US Dept. of Justice “Seasonal patterns existed in household larceny and burglary victimization rates. Rates of these household crimes tended to be higher in the summer than during other seasons of the year.” Below are some simple home security tips to consider before you head out on your next trip:

1. Lock windows & doors before you leave
   This seems logical however an astonishing number of people can forget to lock ALL their doors and windows. Did you remember to check the back door? What about the bulkhead?
2. Ask your neighbor or local police to check in, or have a neighbor park in your driveway while you’re away
   Your local police department would much rather prevent a burglary then deal with the aftermath. If you let them know you are leaving town for an extended period of time they will likely try to keep an extra eye on your residence. Another strong prevention method is to ask your neighbor to park in your driveway, giving the impression that someone is home; an obvious deterrent to most criminals.
3. Turn off your mail service or have a neighbor pick up your mail
   Your post office is happy to hold your mail for you while you are gone. There is nothing like a stack of papers in the driveway or a mailbox overflowing with mail to let the bad guys know that your house is vacant.
4. Find a house sitter/pet sitter
   Home security begins with prevention and having someone stay in your residence to house sit/pet sit keeps the house lived in. That means cars in the driveway, lights on at night, mail out of the mailbox, etc.
5. Install a home security system
   What better time to consider a new home security alarm system then when you have a long vacation coming up. Although a DIY security camera system is cheap there are many drawbacks compared to a full-service security company such as Tasco Security. There is no substitute for a system installed, monitored and services by a team of certified professionals.
6. Install Smart home devices
   Security technology has had many recent advancements, including some devices that are not directly meant for home security but do add some additional benefits. Smart home devices such as smart lighting and smart speakers give you remote access to your home while you are on vacation, allowing you to turn on and off devices to give the appearance of the home being occupied.
7. Landscaping
   Have you ever driven past an acquaintance's house when they are on vacation and noticed that the lawn is getting quite long? That is basically a “we’re outta town!” lawn sign. Don’t plant a sign on your lawn when you are going on vacation, make sure to mow your lawn when you leave or have someone take care of it while you are gone.
8. Watch your Social Media Activity/Don’t Post about it until you are home
   It’s exciting to go on vacation, and social media is the perfect outlet to ask for recommendations or post updates from your awesome trip. However, social media is easily shared outside your circle of followers; even a simple “Does anyone have recommendations for restaurants in Miami for next week” is an easy way to alert a would-be burglar of an empty house. Likewise, a picture of you and the kids on the roller coaster on day one of your trip gives out the same alert. Wait until you are home to share all that fun vacation excitement.
9. Get a cab to the airport: If you can, leave your vehicles in the driveway
   Much like asking your neighbor to park in your driveway, leaving your car(s) at home is an easy deterrent. Grab that taxi/Uber or bus, you’ll save on parking too.
10. Check your mobile security apps
    If you work with a professional security company, like Tasco Security, you will have access to some pretty powerful mobile apps that let you monitor your home security system from anywhere.

No one wants their vacation ruined by a break-in. We hope these simple 10 tips can help you enjoy your trip and give you peace-of-mind. If you want to discuss security options, please contact us and we would-be happy to find a solution that fits your needs. 

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The Internet of things (IoT) is the extension of Internet connectivity into physical devices and everyday objects. Embedded with electronics, these devices can communicate and interact with others over the Internet, and they can be remotely monitored and controlled. 

This new hyper-connectivity is rapidly evolving in the home and business security industry. From Wi-Fi enabled security apps to wireless doorbell cameras, the users’ ability to access their security devices and information is easier than ever before. Combine this with the advent of the “smart home”, where you can remotely connect and monitor things such as appliances and lights, we now have more access to our personal technology devices than ever before. However, the concern is who else may be able to access these devices and our personal data. 

The term “hacked” generally brings to mind identity fraud or someone stealing our credit card number. These new Wi-Fi connected devices are allowing for hacks of a different kind, one that may not seem as dire on face value but none-the-less presents a serious security risk.  

For example, when you install a wireless device in your home, the hardware can be hacked remotely and/or contain pieces of spyware from the company that made the device. Recently a wirelessly connected doorbell was found to be sending packets of information to China. 

The issue was quickly fixed by the company but this highlights some problems with the new wireless technology that is available. Many times these devices are rushed to market with little oversight, leading to issues such as the one above. 

Beyond the risk of being hacked, there is the legality of some of these recording devices as well. For example in the state of New Hampshire did you know it’s illegal to record audio without all-party consent? If your device is recording conversations, you may actually be committing a crime depending on your state laws. 

Another downside to installing Wi-Fi enabled devices is the level of IT experience that it involves. Are you familiar with port forwarding, firewalls and IP addresses? If not, then you may not truly understand how to install and monitor your devices. Without some level of IT experience, it’s difficult to be sure your network is secure. 

Wi-Fi enabled devices such as smart speakers, doorbells and refrigerators have many benefits, and we are not trying to scare you off. But the “set it and forget it” mentality is not how you want to go about utilizing Wi-Fi enabled security devices. In fact, your new DIY security device may actually be making your environment lesssecure. 

At Tasco Security, we provide many wi-fi related services. We also provide many alternatives as well which may be a better fit for your needs. We understand there is no one-size-fits-all solution to home and business security. If your curious about Wi-Fi enabled security devices or have any other security solution questions, please give us a call today. 

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Today’s digitally connected world seems more over-scheduled than ever before. Full time job, never ending house projects, replying to work emails 24/7, shuttling family members from place to place, running errands...the list goes on and on. With our minds being overstimulated our ability to remember tasks is more taxed than ever before. This increasing demand for our time and attention has us scrambling through most days, unfortunately resulting in some simple but immensely important tasks getting pushed aside or at worst completely forgotten.

Ask yourself if over the past 6 months you have thought about any of the following tasks but put it off until another day: changing your car oil, getting your septic tank pumped, fixing a leaky faucet, fixing a broken fence/railing, getting your HVAC system serviced, scheduling a dentist appointment… We all mean to take care of these things ASAP but it’s increasingly becoming more difficult than ever before.

At the top of the list of items that should be taken care of regularly is checking and servicing your alarm system. This is important not only for your residential life safety systems but for your business security systems as well. The days of annually “checking the battery in your smoke detector” have changed to checking your smoke alarm, your security cameras, your moisture detection sensors, your connections to your monitoring station and more.

If you are investing in a robust, professional security and/or life safety solution at your home or business then keeping up on the maintenance should be a priority. This is why at Tasco Security we offer Full-Service Policy Plans that takes one task off your list and gives you the confidence of knowing your system is operating optimally.   

This all-inclusive plan covers:

• Battery Replacements
• Annual Equipment and Systems Check
• Equipment Replacement due to manufacturer malfunctions and updates

*The plan also includes otherwise costly repairs or replacements of the components of the system, including the labor.

At Tasco Security, we not only care about solving your unique commercial and home security needs but we are your security solutions partner, giving you peace of mind that your system is in good hands. Contact us today to learn more about our full-service policy plans!

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When talking about security and/or life-safety solutions most people have the misconception that you must still rely on a landline. However, by utilizing today’s technology there are many other methods of communication that your alarm system can use to transmit an emergency without the needed expense of a landline.

The Basics

As consumers have moved more towards  cell phones and away from traditional landlines, the alarm industry has embraced new ways to ensure that alarm signals are received. Today security systems can send alarm signals via the Internet, cellular, or proprietary radio systems. This gives you peace of mind that your system is being monitored 24/7.

Types of Wireless Technology

POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service)

You read that right, the most reliable residential or commercial security connections are still through the old telephone line that most locations still have. Just because the line is no longer being used for a phone doesn’t mean it can’t be utilized to connect a home or business to the central security station. This proven and trusted system is not affected by power outages or poor internet connections; many times an old telephone line still provides the best option for your security needs.

Cellular radio

Similar to a cell phone, this technology uses wireless digital transmission to communicate alarm signals to the central station, relying on the same cell tower network that cell phones use. Because of this, the system still functions without power. Additionally, an intruder cannot disable your system simply by disabling your internet connection or cutting a phone line. You must consider, however, that as cell technology changes so must your system (3G vs 4G vs 5G etc.) and also if your location has spotty cell coverage or your bandwidth gets bogged down your service could suffer.

The Internet

By utilizing DSL, cable or wireless internet connections you can connect an alarm to the monitoring station. An internet connection is cheap and most everyone already has an internet service up and running. This system has many features, giving you access to many smart home devices from your web browser or smartphone device. However, this type of connection is not always reliable so we suggest having two or more paths of connectivity (Satellite internet specifically performs questionably at best). If the power is out, then a residential or commercial security/life safety system will not be able to send out an alarm signal via an internet modem.

Wireless mesh-radio technology

Wireless mesh radio is a communications network that consists of radio nodes that are organized in a mesh topology.

These systems are easy to scale and offer a robust platform with redundancy if one node goes down the whole system will not go down.

Here at Tasco Security, we utilize AES-IntelliNet® the industry’s premier wireless mesh radio solution.

Conclusion

As with anything when talking about security and life safety there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Each business or residence has its own unique challenges and everything must be taken into account when setting up a new security solution. The good news is that modern life safety and security systems are proven, reliable and effective regardless of the technology you choose. At Tasco Security, our professional staff will work with you to discuss your options and develop a plan to meet all your security and life safety needs. Give us a call today if you want to learn more about alternative methods of alarm communication.

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Cold weather is here and it often causes many headaches for homeowners. From plowing and shoveling to frozen pipes and down tree limbs, there is a lot of upkeep to ensure your home is running smoothly when the temperature drops below freezing. However, many people don’t realize that there is a way to proactively monitor your home whether you are there or not. Your local security company, Tasco Security, offers services which will help alert you when your home drops below a certain temperature, helping you avoid frozen pipes. Additionally, they can also alert you when water is discovered in your home, from such things as a burst pipe. Environmental alarms can be stand-alone or can easily be integrated with most current security alarm systems.

According to The Travelers Companies, Inc, frozen pipe damage is a top five danger to your home:

In fact, the average claim between 2012 and 2016 for water damage was $9,633.00. This is no small amount when you take into account that burst pipes are often not covered on your homeowner’s insurance policy. “If the insurance company believes that pipes broke because they were neglected — if the heat was off, or the pipes were not drained, for example — you may be denied coverage.” (Zillow) Considering an environmental alarm system from Tasco Security starts under $400 for install, the finances make a lot of sense.

Environmental alarms have quite a few features including:

• High / Low-Temperature Sensors: These environmental sensors will detect when the ambient room temperature rises above or falls below a specified level.
• Water Sensors: Water sensors provide detection of standing water and are often used in basements and around appliances such as water heaters and washing machines.

Homeowners Losses Ranked By Claims Severity

(Average Claim), 2012-2016

At Tasco Security, we also offer Burner-lockout sensors which detect when the heating system goes into a lockout mode, due to lack of fuel or a malfunction of the boiler. These devices combined with low / high-temperature sensors provide comprehensive coverage and can help keep your home or business safe during the colder weather months.

As the temperature drops, it is time to take stock and evaluate your home and think about how to proactively avoid any potential cold weather disasters. Every year homeowners have to deal with burst pipes, leading to thousands of dollars in water damage and potential mold issues. Don’t be that homeowner; contact Tasco Security today and let’s discuss what options would work best for your home to help monitor and avoid any potential disasters this winter.

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Having a residential or commercial security system can be a smart, affordable and reassuring investment. However, investing in an alarm system has many variables (some of which we talked about here) that must be considered.

With so many new technologies available there are many options when installing or upgrading your security system. If you choose the DIY route then you must rely on your own research to make sure you are acquiring the alarm options that will best fit your needs. If you choose to partner with a professional security company (such as Tasco Security) you will have a trusted source of knowledge that will help steer you to those technologies that will most benefit your security needs.

One of Tasco Security's newer technologies available is an app called AlarmAccount that allows you to interface with your alarm system. This technology, available on the App Store, enables users to take the following actions with your alarm system:

• Cancel an alarm
• Place accounts on and off test
• View alarm event history
• Update contact information

All of these features can be extremely valuable to users for a variety of reasons. Users can cancel an alarm remotely from their device, which allows them to avoid municipal charges for false alarms. Users can also put their system on a disregard status if they want to change their batteries or test their alarm without fear of accidentally dispatching authorities.

Another useful scenario is the ability to update unique passwords for vendors/service providers, such as a painter or housekeeper, without having to contact your alarm company or central station.

Users of AlarmAccount can check their history to see data about things such as if their service provider/employee etc. was in-or-out as planned. Additionally, users have access to system reports and event logs which can be helpful to small business owners and residential customers alike.

These are just a few of the features that new security related technology provides. If you are interested in learning more about AlarmAccount please contact us today and we would be happy to discuss if this product is a good option for your security needs.