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The trends we observed twenty years ago in home security and safety systems only somewhat resemble the trends we are seeing today; however, today's trends were born from yesterday's triumphs. Our ever-growing technology and pervasive use of smartphones are enabling us to live like never before, and they're also helping us protect our homes like never before.

While technology and home systems are constantly in flux, there are some trends we will see in 2014 that will be here to stay, at least for a while. Here are some of the home security trends you should expect to grow exponentially in 2014:

Mobile Automation: Smartphones are making life a little bit easier these days, thanks in part to the plethora of mobile apps and gadgets available. In 2014 and beyond, we should see a movement into home security automation, meaning we will be able to control various aspects of our home security systems with our phones. Apps already exist to control air conditioning, coffee pots, locks, and even lighting systems, and more and more security systems are helping their customers take control of their home's safety by easily accessing their system in the palm of their hand.

Remote Monitoring: Home owners can often fret over the safety of their home when they are away on a work trip or vacation, causing unnecessary stress that detracts from the trip's main goal. Security systems are seeing an increase of customer interest in remote monitoring, or the ability to watch the activity that occurs inside and around their abode. Whether it's installing camera systems and watching this activity periodically throughout the day on a smartphone or tablet, or it's a simple app that enables users to monitor the technical aspects of their life safety systems, remote monitoring is only going to grow in popularity.

Geo-fencing: The term "geo-fencing" describes a home owner's ability to establish a GPS-based boundary around the home, one that alerts the owner when a linked device crosses that boundary. In other words, if there is a resident, such as a child or an elderly individual, who requires security at all times, a geo-fence will immediately notify parents or caretakers when these leave the house (providing they are carrying their linked mobile device). This can provide an instant response to protecting those we love dearly, especially if they leave on their own without telling you.

Many of the trends we are seeing in home security correspond with the emerging trends in our mobile technology. These trends are only going to grow and evolve, just as our technology grows and evolves. While we are living in a fast-paced society, these effective and efficient safety systems will likely remain popular in New Hampshire as well as around the world.

What are you concerned about the most when it comes to your home security? Do you see yourself implementing these current home security trends into your own security systems? Share with us your thoughts in the comments, or over on our Facebook page!

SOURCES:

http://mashable.com/2013/12/31/tech-predictions-2014/

http://www.domesticpreparedness.com/infrastructure/Cyber_&_IT/Security_Technology_Trends_to_Watch_in_2014/

Many of the new trends we are seeing in 2015 in regards to home security are extremely similar to the ones we have observed evolving within the past five years. Integration of home security is one of the biggest trends we're going to continue to see, as is video security and remote monitoring. The advancing technology of smartphones is allowing homeowners to gain more control over what is happening in their home security, and more and more people are continuing to take advantage of this technology to keep their home safe.

While home systems are constantly in motion (in response, mainly, to the evolution of technology), there are some trends we will see in 2015 that will be here to stay. Here are some of the home security trends you should expect to see in 2015:

• Integration Continues to Expand: Being able to monitor and control devices in and around your home via smartphone apps is certainly useful, but integration is definitely a smart thing to do. In order to respond to issues at a moment's notice, many apps are now offering real-time information from security cameras, monitoring systems, and other devices installed in your home. Integration allows homeowners to feel more in control of their home no matter where they are, giving them peace of mind.
• Video Dominates: Video has dominated the home security market for decades, and it will continue to do so in 2015. Of course, we will probably be seeing more live streaming video to smartphones and tablets, helping homeowners monitor their residence no matter where they may be. Some cameras today, which also stream HD live video, have face recognition software, notifying homeowners whenever certain people have entered the home. This can provides more ease in parents' lives who are away from home who need to know when their children arrive home.
• Remote Monitoring: Remote monitoring will continue to evolve during 2015, thanks in part to the rise of smartphones and smart technology. Many homeowners want to have the controls wherever they are that will allow them to lock doors and windows, turn on alarms, and control lighting. Most of these controls, if not all, can be taken accessed and used on smartphones, tablets, or computers.

Do you have plans to incorporate any of these trends in your home security this year? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page!

Homeowners do their best to keep their home safe from potential break ins, often employing the use of a home security system to protect inhabitants and valuables. While a security system is always a must and is the best way to go about keeping a home safe, it's not the entire picture. There are certain things any homeowner can do to supplement the power of a home security system, such as changing locks, unique security codes, and securing garage doors and windows at all times.

If you are seeking further ways you can protect your home that goes beyond relying solely on one single system, follow these simple tips:

• Moving into a home? Change the locks. If you're moving into a new home that has been previously occupied by other tenants, it may be wise to change the locks. Previous tenants may have copies of keys that correspond to the locks on your new house, and it's always best to, just in case, swap out the locks on all doors for new ones. This also goes for garage doors, if not electric.
• If you must have a spare key, use a Knox Box. A Knox Box is a locked enclosure that requires a code to open. This ensures that only the people you have authorized have access to your key.
• Secure garage doors. The garage is an area of the home that is prone to intrusive entrance of strangers, as many people fail to secure their garage doors during the day. Even when homeowners are at home, leaving the car garage open or unlocked can help intruders gain access to the home that will otherwise bypass the security system.
• Unique codes. Systems that allow customers to have unique codes for each individual eliminate the need to periodically change codes. That way you will also never be sharing codes with anyone. To learn more about our systems which allow for unique codes, visit our website.

SOURCES:
http://www.cityofalhambra.org/page/156/home_security_tips/
http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-safety/security/home-security-tips.htm

Home automation seems to be all the buzz amongst the younger generations, allowing them to manage their household’s lights, heating, cooling, locks, and security systems through connected devices. It is an easy and affordable way to manage home security and energy consumption. For others, such as the elderly and disabled, home automation can be the answer to greater independence and peace-of-mind for them and their loved ones.

When mobility is limited, taking care of simple tasks around the house becomes difficult. Home automation integrated with the security system provide assistance in maintaining the home and keeping safe. The following technologies allow the children and caregivers of the elderly and disabled to do the following:

• Access Control: Program your system to include names and unique codes for the people you’d like to have access to your home. This could be your family members, nurse or neighbor(s).
• Temperature Control: Monitor the temperature within the home. This means if your parents have forgotten to adjust their thermostat on a particularly hot or cold day, you are able to make the change for them. This can also help decrease the energy bills.
• Lighting Control: Set timers for outside lighting. The exterior lights will turn on and off when you want them to, helping to deter crime.
• Keep Doors Locked or Unlocked. You have the ability to lock the doors of the home should they forget upon returning. You can also unlock their doors should they misplace or forget their keys.
• Remote Access: If the doorbell rings, view a video feed to see who is at the door. If it is someone you know, you can unlock it right from wherever you are.
• Automated Timers: Set up your system to automatically turn on/off lights, heat, air conditioning, and your alarm system, or to lock/unlock doors.

These solutions make caring for the elderly or disabled an easier and more convenient process. With a home automation system, the elderly are able to continue to live on their own while their children and caregivers are given the peace-of-mind.

Tasco offers a number of solutions for home automation integration such as the Napco i-Bridge App that links your home security system and Z-Wave home devices with one convenient management and messenger service.

Contact Tasco today at 800-546-5552 for your free consultation and start enjoying Peace-Of-Mind Security for you and your loved ones.

According to the 2014 U.S. Census, 28% of Americans live alone and that number is increasing annually. Whether you are renting or owning, the same safety measures apply to every individual and household, but people who live alone should take some extra precautions to help ensure their safety at home.

1. Invest in a monitored home security system.
The most important measure you can take is to have a monitored home security system that will alert you, as well as, your security company, fire and police in the event of an incident. There are many options available based on your lifestyle, needs, and budget. A monitored home security system can greatly increase peace of mind for those who live alone.

2. Install exterior lighting over doorways, driveways and parking lots.
It's no secret that burglars prefer to go unseen, therefore it is extremely important to have proper lighting around the exterior of your home. Motion-sensor floodlights around the vulnerable area’s of your home such as entrances, driveway, and backyard can scare off intruders and are convenient for you when you arrive home after dark.

3. Additional window security.
In addition to high quality window locks, drapes and/or blinds prevent people from seeing in. Consider planting thorny vegetation, like rose bushes, under windows to discourage anyone from getting close to windows.

4. Keep your yard and lawn looking nice.
Burglars are always on the look-out for unoccupied homes and nothing says you’re away, like an unplowed driveway, unshoveled walkways, or an overgrown lawn in the summer months. Find time or hire someone to plow and shovel, and cut the grass and trim the hedges when you are away.

5. Get to know your neighbors.
Neighbors can act as an extra set of eyes. They can help you keep your home secure when you travel, by helping with tasks like picking up mail, newspapers, and keeping an eye out for suspicious activity around your home.

6. Use care on social media websites.
In addition to avoiding posting travel plans on social media sites, don't post messages indicating you're home alone. Avoid posting pictures of valuable new purchases, such as a laptop, tablet or HD television.

7. Consider adopting a dog or a cat.
A dog should never be used to replace a security system but a four-legged friend can be an effective addition to your security if you are frequently home alone. Small dogs with loud barks will be able to alert you when they sense suspicious activity around your home. Having a cat can even help, as burglars tend to avoid homes with pets because they often get in the way and are unpredictable.

Living alone can be scary at times but with the right precautions you should have nothing to worry about. Trust your instincts and use your common sense. If you don’t feel comfortable or fear you might be in danger, get help! Implementing the above tips will bring you greater peace of mind.

Contact Tasco today at 800-546-5552 to schedule a free assessment of your current security system to ensure it’s properly protecting you. Or, if you are in need of a new system, Tasco will happily work with you to design the perfect system to fit your unique lifestyle and needs.

Tasco Security has been providing peace-of-mind security solutions to the Upper Valley of New Hampshire and Vermont for over 59 years.

Today is the age of extra long work days, and that could mean that your kids are getting home from camp or school, before you can escape from the office. While this may not be your ideal family situation, Tasco Security is here to make you feel a little more comfortable about it.

Even if you already trust Tasco with your alarm system and security, maybe it is time for an update to ensure extra security for your kids when you can’t be home.

At Tasco Security, we customize our systems to fit your family’s specific needs. If you have kids who will be home an hour or two before you get home from work, there are a few features you may want to consider adding to your security system.

Cameras
Security cameras may seem like something you only have in offices and businesses, but there are camera systems specifically designed for residential use. These residential camera systems help you to keep an eye on kids, pets, elderly relatives, and give you peace of mind when you cannot be with them. Some of these systems, depending on your price point and compatibility with your existing security system, can be made to be interactive.

Keypad Entry
Even if you have the most responsible kids on the block, accidents happen and keys can get lost. To make you and your family safe and secure, you may consider adding a keypad entry to your security system. The majority of these systems allow multiple personal entry codes, so each member of the family can have their own code rather than just a key.

24/7 Monitoring
No matter what kind of security system you decide on, you will always have the Tasco 24/7 guarantee! All of our customers can feel secure knowing that Tasco Security offers 24/7 monitoring of your security system and routine weekly tests to make sure your system’s call out features are working properly.

Call Tasco Security today and talk to one of our dedicated team members about how we can make your home a little safer for your kids, pets, and/or elderly relatives, when they are home alone.

With the holiday season upon us, we must remember that the most important part of holiday decorating is not picking out a lighting color scheme or choosing between a natural or artificial tree; it is rather, ensuring that whatever the decorations chosen, they are safe! Here are some helpful strategies for making your holiday season a secure and joyful one.

Outside lighting is one way many bring holiday spirit to their homes and following a few simple guidelines can make it a safer experience for you, your family, and your neighbors. The CSPC has an excellent online pamphlet with suggestions, including: whether you choose lights for "indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety. Identify these by the label from an independent testing laboratory."

They also suggest that light strands be firmly secured to the house, trees, walls, or other sturdy support to guard against wind damage. Checking light strands for damaged sockets or broken bulbs can also protect against fire. The Electrical Safety Foundation International, ESFI also remind us not to overload extension cord sockets or to string more than three strands of incandescent bulbs together.

Trees are often at the center of holiday decorations and by taking a few precautions they can be a safe addition to your home. Making the decision between a natural tree and an artificial one comes down to personal preference but each comes with its own set of care requirements. Choose an artificial tree only if it is identified as "fire resistant."

When choosing a cut tree, keeping it watered is by far the most important step in making it safe for your home. CSPC suggests: "Cut off about two inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. Trim away branches as necessary to set tree trunk in the base of a sturdy, water-holding stand with wide spread feet. Keep the stand filled with water while the tree is indoors."

The U.S. Fire Administration provides information on choosing a healthy tree for your home: "Needles...should be green and hard to pull back from the branches and...should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch." The USFA states that trees which have been sitting too long can be identified simply by bouncing the trunk off the ground. If a large number of needles fall, the tree is most likely dried out and is already a fire hazard.

Keeping yourself and your family safe around the holidays is a matter of common sense. Read directions, look for quality guarantees, follow safety guidelines, and maintain your decorations throughout the season. Add sparkle to your season safely.

SOURCES:
https://www.cpsc.gov//PageFiles/121347/611.pdf
http://esfi.org/index.cfm/page/Holiday-Decorating-Safety/cdid/12192/pid/10272
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/holiday.shtm

Whether you’re traveling for a two-day business conference or a two-week vacation, you’re going to want to be sure your home is secure and safe from vandalism, break-ins, and property disasters while you are gone.

According to the experts, the key is to make your home look lived in, even when you’re not there. Below are some excellent tips to give you peace-of-mind so you can thoroughly enjoy your time away.

Expert Tips from Security Professionals

• Install an alarm system. Law enforcement experts report that homes without security systems are three times more likely to be burglarized as those without a security system.
• Notify your local police department that you will be away. They can easily adjust their drive-by routes to keep an eye on your home.
• Have motion detectors installed on your outside lights. This is an excellent security measure because the lights are triggered when someone is inside the range of the sensor.
• Install exterior cameras that are triggered by motion and send instant notifications to you through your phone. Learn More about our Camera Systems.
• Place a hold on mail, newspaper, and other deliveries while you’re gone. Nothing says ‘Rob Me’ like an overstuffed mailbox or a litter of newspapers across your front step.
• Park a car in the driveway each night. Often a neighbor won’t mind parking in your spot and the occasional shift of position makes your home look occupied.
• Set your home automation system to have various lights within your home go on and off at different intervals so it looks like someone is there.
• Arrange for your driveway to be plowed and snow to be shoveled on your walkways, even if you’ll be away all winter. Not only will it appear you are home, but fire and police will have easier access in case of a fire, break-in, or emergency.

Expert Tips from Law Enforcement Experts

• Join or start a neighborhood watch group. These are folks uniquely positioned and interested in watching your home when you’re gone and you can do the same for them.
• Keep your valuables secured in a safe deposit box. These include your will, expensive jewelry, cash, and other things that can be easily stolen and sold.
• Never give parking lot attendants and others who may temporarily drive your car your keyring. Your house key should never be handed to potential thieves.
• Never leave a ‘hidden’ or ‘emergency’ key outside your home. Those are too easy to find and give a would-be thief very easy access. If you need an alternate way to get in, try a lock box or leave a key with someone you trust.

Expert Tips from Property Management Professionals


• Install an automatic thermostat. This will keep the temperature in your home regulated. You can also set the temperatures appropriately to save money while you are gone, but still prevent disasters like frozen pipes.
• Unplug everything but the freezer, refrigerators, and items you have put on timers. This will not only save money on your electric bill, but it will help avoid electrical problems.
• If you’ll be gone for more than a week, turn off the internal water valve. Too many homeowners have come home to find an old pipe broke or the washing machine hose failed and their home is flooded.
• Secure all the doors and windows by locking them before you leave. Sliding glass doors should have devices as simple as an appropriately sized rod dropped into the track to prevent an intruder from forcing the lock and opening the door.
• Disable your garage door opener. Tech-savvy burglars can work out the code to trigger the door to open and gain access to your home.
• Consider setting your water heater on the lowest possible setting when you travel – this will keep it functional while saving you money on your energy bills. Just remember to turn it back up before your first shower!

Going away can always be a bit stressful but now you can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing time away with one of Tasco’s newer products – Napco i-Bridge App. By combining a trio of devices, it brings home security to a whole new level. The i-Bridge App, linked with Z-Wave home devices and your alarm system, give you complete control over your home security. Learn More

Tasco Security has been provided Peace-Of-Mind Security solutions for over 47 years in the greater Upper Valley region of NH & VT. Check out our other Newest Technology Offerings, designed to make your next trip a walk on the beach.

Contact Tasco at 800-546-5552 to setup your FREE security consultation.

scattered on someone’s desktop. There are ways to prevent these potential attacks that we all must be aware of.

If you are dealing with confidential data, it is always recommended to never leave it unattended on your desk for any period of time, even it if is just a quick run to the rest room. At a minimum, put it out of sight if it cannot be locked up. Whenever possible utilize password protection on critical business documents, in addition to having log-in information that is not easily guessed. Simple 3 and 4 character passwords are not strong enough. Try using 8 to 10 passwords that contain an assortment of letters, numeric, and special characters. Even phrases like “ILikep1zz@” are great passwords that are easy to remember.

Viruses can be a computer user’s worst nightmare. From having information stolen from your hard drive to even having it wiped completely clean, malicious software viruses can literally ruin your day. There are a plethora of virus protection software applications on the market, but they do not always do a good job protecting your assets if they are not installed properly, or their protection algorithms are out of date.

It is important to monitor your virus software to ensure that you have downloaded and properly updated it whenever the manufacturer makes them available. Virus Protection companies are constantly updating their software to ensure that they are protecting you against the latest threats that are lurking on the internet.

The weather is something that not many folks would consider as a potential danger to computer systems. Heat and humidity can have a negative effect on your system, in fact if a computer system gets too hot it can actually shut down with what are called “thermal checks”. It is also critical to have all your computing equipment plugged into good surge protectors. Power spikes caused by lightning, or even spikes from the power company themselves, can do permanent damage to the electronics within a computer. It is never a good idea to plug a computer directly into a wall socket. Furthermore if you do know a thunderstorm is approaching and you do not need to use your computer, do the safe thing and completely unplug it from the wall.

Keep an eye on your computer’s security and visit http://www.tascosecurity.com for more tips.

Carbon monoxide, radon, and smoke are three factors that every homeowner needs to be aware of. The biggest difference between the three is the fact that you can actually see and smell smoke, whereas carbon monoxide and radon are both odorless and colorless. There are a few simple ways how you can work to keep your family safe from these problems.

Install or replace your detection systems for carbon monoxide. This tip is the easiest one to do. Make sure that you have installed a carbon monoxide detector in your home. As mentioned above, this gas is odorless and colorless, so you will not be able to detect it using your nose or eyes. Anytime you are running your heating system, generator, or even starting your car in the garage, be sure to check for leaks in your pipes, and that you have proper ventilation in the area you are working with. Be sure to test your detectors often as well, and whenever you hear your alarm going off, crack some windows and let the house air out, while you step outside for a stroll.

Test for radon. This one is something that many people overlook. Specifically in older homes, you might run into a situation where radon is present. Once again, similar to carbon monoxide, radon is odorless and colorless, so the only true way to tell if your home is affected, is to hire a professional company to detect for radon, or purchase a radon detection kit from your local hardware store. You always want to be sure your home is radon free, and if you do detect any problems, consult a professional for proper maintenance.

Check the batteries in your smoke detector. This is something that everyone in the family should pay attention to. Yes, your smoke alarm is very loud and it hurts your ears. GOOD! That is what it is supposed to do, so in order to make it work properly and continue to work properly, be sure to check the batteries and test the alarm monthly. There should be a test button on all smoke detectors, so it is as simple as that to determine if you need to change the batteries.

For more tips, visit us at http://www.tascosecurity.com