Home Security Moving to the Cloud

Posted on : May 22, 2013

Through the first four months of 2013, there have been a small number of regional alarm and security system trade shows around the country. There will be plenty more before the year ends. One of the central themes of this year’s industry shows is that of integrating home and business security with cloud computing, enabling customers to enjoy a full range of interactive features.

Devcon is one of those companies currently offering interactive features to customers in Florida. These features give customers several added opportunities not available to those without interactive features. They include:

– remote system programming
– remote monitoring of video feeds
– remote arming and disarming
– home automation features for lights, thermostats, etc.

At the heart of these interactive features is the cloud. In IT terminology, the “cloud” is an Internet server that acts as a central point for data, applications, and operating systems accessed by remote terminals. You can think of the cloud as the central communications hub used by NASA for space missions.

That hub acts as the central location for all communications between NASA officials, system computers, and any ongoing missions currently underway. Everyone physically located outside the hub accesses computer systems remotely, while those located within the hub’s facilities have direct access. The cloud works virtually the same way.

The Cloud and Home Security

Cloud computing enhances home security by giving customers access to security systems via Internet connections. In other words, with Devcon’s interactive features you can monitor your home’s surveillance cameras anywhere in the world with an Internet connection and a mobile device.

That means you could see video feeds using your smartphone even if you are in Tokyo. You could access your home’s automation system to adjust your thermostat while you were on vacation in the Caribbean. With interactive features, you can control lights, mechanized window shades, and anything else connected to the system. You can even arm and disarm your system with just the click of a button.

All of this sounds fascinating, but what is it folks are talking about at this year’s trade shows? Keeping the cloud itself secure. If interactive features are to continue to evolve, new technologies also have to be applied to the cloud to keep it secure from would-be intruders from cyberspace. A cloud that is not secure would not be very effective for home or business security systems.

To date, cloud computing and home security have worked very well together. At Devcon, we aim to keep it that way. We offer our customers a full range of interactive features and home automation along with basic alarm functions like burglary monitoring, fire and carbon monoxide monitoring, and even medical monitoring for the chronically ill. And we offer it all at a very affordable price.

Currently Devcon is offering $99 installation for all new customers. We have systems and monitoring packages to fit every need and budget as well. We know your security is important to you; important enough that you do not want to be squeezed out by prices you cannot fit into your budget. If you don’t yet have a home security system, we encourage you to contact us today to see how affordable it is.

Police Use Facebook to Catch Burglary Suspect

Posted on : May 16, 2013

We are hearing all the time how America’s criminals are becoming more resourceful with their use of technology. Nevertheless, police agencies are keeping up as well. Such was the case recently in Port St. John, a Brevard County town considered part of the Palm Bay Metropolitan area.

According to news reports, police were able to use video surveillance feeds to procure images of a burglary suspect, which they then posted on Facebook and asked for the public’s help in locating the individual. Many Facebook users shared the photos on their own pages, resulting in several citizens coming forward to identify 26-year-old Russell Bissett. He has since been charged with multiple counts.

This story is a great example of what can be accomplished when you combine technology, good police work, and residents willing to get involved. When all three work together, communities are better able to fight all sorts of crimes including burglary, theft, vandalism, and so on.

Video Surveillance Cameras for Your Home

Video surveillance cameras are a great tool for homeowners who already have a security system installed. They can be mounted inside your home, at strategic locations that allow for continual monitoring of likely entry points like front doors and large windows. They are great inside garages too.

Cameras can also be installed on the exterior of a home to help keep an eye on those same points of entry. Not only do the cameras provide evidence, as was the case in Port St. John, but they also act as a deterrent in cases where burglars spot them prior to entering the home. If a burglar knows cameras are watching him then he is less likely to hang around.

In addition to helping provide protection against burglary and other unauthorized home entries, surveillance cameras also give both you and your children peace of mind knowing that a home is being monitored even when mom and dad are away. Parents can monitor feeds to make sure children are okay, while the kids can know someone is keeping an eye on them until parents get home.

Designing a System for You

At Devcon, we know that video surveillance cameras are not for everyone. Each of our customers has unique needs requiring a system right for them. That’s why we work with each of our customers to come up with appropriate solutions that fit their circumstances and budgets.

Our basic systems start with sensors on first floor entry points along a control panel connected to our state-of-the-art monitoring center. To those basic systems, we can add extra sensors, motion detectors, video cameras, fire and carbon monoxide monitoring, medical monitoring, and interactive features that allow for all sorts of remote system access.

If you are a Florida resident, we would love the opportunity to protect your home with one of our top-of-the-line systems. To help make them more affordable we are now offering a $99 installation package when you purchase and install a system through us. That’s a great price considering you are getting the best equipment, service, and monitoring in the business.

We encourage you to take the steps necessary to protect your home and family. At Devcon security, we understand that the safety and security of your loved ones is of utmost importance and we offer very affordable and extremely reliable security packages for the protection of homes of any size in your Florida neighborhood.

Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Some Buildings

Posted on : May 13, 2013

In 2008, Florida state law was amended to require certain types of buildings to have carbon monoxide detectors installed. The law was designed to protect against loss of life due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Since the law went into effect, numerous lives have been saved thanks to alarms alerting them to the presence of carbon monoxide.

The law in Florida is as follows:

- Any existing public building containing both lodging space and equipment that can produce carbon monoxide (boilers, heaters, etc.) is required to be equipped with approved carbon monoxide detectors integrated into the building’s fire alarm system. Detectors can be waived if building owners can demonstrate other approved carbon monoxide mitigation techniques are being employed.

- Any new building constructed after July 1, 2008 must include carbon monoxide detectors if the building contains both lodging space and equipment that can produce carbon monoxide. This includes residential homes with garages. Carbon monoxide alarms must be placed within 10 feet of all lodging spaces.

The Importance of CO Detectors

Although the law does impose a small financial burden on building owners and construction companies, it is well worth the cost. An understanding of how deadly carbon monoxide can be underscores the importance of CO detectors in homes, businesses, and public buildings.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas produced as a result of combustion. In a residential home setting, it occurs as the result of the normal operation of gas and oil-fired furnaces and water tanks. The biggest problem with carbon monoxide is that it can be deadly in a very short amount of time.

In the case of carbon monoxide poisoning, the CO molecules interfere with the human body’s normal process of carrying oxygen through the cardiovascular system. As a result, an internal asphyxiation of sorts can easily cause serious injury or death. The fact that the gas is both colorless and odorless just adds to its deadly potential.

Add CO Monitoring to Your System

Devcon Security encourages all of our customers to add CO monitoring if it’s not already part of your system. It only costs a little more, yet its lifesaving potential is well worth the additional investment. When you add CO monitoring we will install the appropriate sensors and program your system accordingly. Should carbon monoxide be detected an alarm will sound, warning you to get out of your house immediately. We will contact the fire department for you.

If you do not yet have a home security system, we encourage you to get one today. Include burglary, fire, and carbon monoxide monitoring for maximum benefits. Between all three, your home will be as safe as it can be, whether you are there or not. If you would like interactive features like remote access and home automation, we can provide those too.

To make a home alarm system as affordable as it can be Devcon is now offering $99 installation. All of our equipment is both top-of-the-line and a state-of-the-art, ensuring your system will be reliable for years to come. Please contact us today and let us help make your home safe and secure. You’ll be protecting your family and property while also increasing the value of your home.

Gun Related Crimes in Florida Dropped Significantly

Posted on : May 7, 2013

In January of this year (2013), ABC News reported that gun-related violent crimes in the state of Florida fell more than 30% between 2007 and 2011. This is a welcome trend in a state that was predicted to be ground zero for gun violence when Florida’s “shall issue” law went into effect in 1987.

We know this is a sensitive topic in light of the highly publicized mass shootings of the last couple of years, but we believe it is worth talking about. Since 2007, the number of concealed carry permits in Florida has increased by about 90%. Not only has that resulted in a 33% drop in gun-related crimes, but we have also seen an overall reduction in total violent crimes of about 26%.

We know not every Florida resident is comfortable with owning or carrying a weapon. That’s why we encourage the use of home alarm systems with 24/7 monitoring. A home alarm system acts as a deterrent when intruders are prowling the neighborhood looking for victims.

Why Alarm Systems Are Effective

The vast majority of property crimes in the United States are perpetrated by burglars and thieves looking for items they can steal very quickly. These individuals prefer to make quick work of a burglary to reduce the likelihood of being caught. Anything or anyone that causes undue commotion is not good for business.

An alarm system presents a threat to the common criminal because it will, at the very least, make some noise. If an alarm company is also monitoring a home, a forced entry will also result in the monitoring center notifying the police. These are risks the burglar cannot afford to take.

Over the years, statistics have shown homes with alarm systems are less likely to be burglarized than those without. Furthermore, when an alarm company places placards in a yard and stickers on the windows, burglars are inclined to move on down the street for other targets.

Alarm Systems Are Affordable

Devcon Security wants you to know that you can protect your home and family without breaking the bank. Alarm systems are very affordable as is the typical monitoring service. A basic system from Devcon includes sensors on first-floor doors and windows along with a control pad that communicates with our monitoring center through either your existing telephone line or a wireless cellular connection.

If you would like greater protection, we can include additional sensors on windows, motion detectors both inside and outside, and closed-circuit video surveillance cameras. For maximum protection, we can include remote monitoring and home automation that will enable you to protect your property even when you are away for an extended amount of time.

At Devcon Security, we understand your need to protect both your family and your property. We also know that some homeowners are just not comfortable having weapons around. A home alarm system with monitoring can be just the protection you need if you’re opposed to arming yourself.

As for homeowners who do decide guns are right for them, a home alarm system is still a great idea. Better to thwart a forced entry before it occurs then to have to use your weapon to defend yourself. Please consider a Devcon home security system today.

Don’t Count on Careless Criminals

Posted on : May 1, 2013

Wouldn’t it be great if every criminal returned to the scene of his or her crime only to be arrested by the waiting police? That’s exactly what happened in Palm Bay this past March. According to news reports, two burglars returned to a home they had hit earlier in the day and were promptly apprehended.

What was the impetus for the odd decision to return to the home? Apparently, the 19-year-old female burglar left behind a backpack containing, among other things, her cell phone. It was obvious that she needed to retrieve the backpack in order to maintain secrecy. Unfortunately, by the time she returned to the scene of the crime it was already too late.

Carelessness No Security Strategy

Careless criminals are always a source of amusement when we read their stories in the newspaper. Nevertheless, we cannot count on their carelessness as our only line of protection against burglary and other property crimes. More often than not, such crimes go unsolved because very few helpful clues are left behind.

If you’re depending on the carelessness of criminals as your only home security strategy, you need to rethink your plans. Cases like the one in Palm Bay are rare in comparison to the total number of property crimes that occur across the Sunshine State. In order to protect yourself and your family you need to be proactive. Devcon Security is here to help you do just that.

We provide Florida residents with state-of-the-art alarm equipment and reliable monitoring 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We pride ourselves in making sure your home is as well protected as it can be against a variety of threats. Our basic system starts by protecting you against home burglary.

Knowing that most intruders enter homes using a first-floor door or window, a basic Devcon system includes sensors at those points; sensors that will detect a forced entry. When a sensor is activated it sends a signal to the system control panel that will sound the alarm and send an additional signal to our monitoring center. We then contact the authorities right away.

Interactive Features

If you’re interested in more than just basic protection, Devcon offers a full range of interactive features. For example, our home automation package allows you to automate certain functions within your home for those times when you are away for an extended period. You can automate your lighting, video surveillance cameras, thermostat, etc.

Remote monitoring is another interactive feature you might find useful. For example, imagine you have surveillance cameras strategically positioned to allow you to monitor your front entry and one or two key rooms in your home. With remote monitoring, you can monitor your video feeds as long as you have a computer and Internet access. Home monitoring gives you added protection against forced entry as well as allowing you to check on children, pets, babysitters, etc.

Carelessness may have enabled the Palm Bay homeowners to retrieve their property and see justice done against the burglars who entered their home. However, carelessness will never prevent a burglar from plying his or her trade. We encourage Florida residents to make an alarm system and home monitoring part of their overall security strategy. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to get a lot of protection.

Don’t Be Caught off Guard by Burglar

Posted on : April 25, 2013

On April 11 (2013) Florida Today reported a story regarding a Brevard County girl who returned home to find an armed burglar in her house. The 17-year-old stumbled upon the man who, when confronted, escaped out a back door. Things could have been worse given the fact that the man was armed with a handgun.

We are thankful the young lady was not harmed as a result of the incident. We also sincerely hope the Brevard County Sheriff’s office succeeds in catching the perpetrator. At the same time, we want to encourage our readers to be vigilant about their security so as not to be caught off guard by an intruder in your home.

In this case, the burglar escaped the scene rather than panicking and causing harm to the resident. However, that is not always the case. A panicked burglar can overreact, making an already terrible situation that much worse. Homeowners need to be proactive by taking whatever security precautions they can, including having an alarm system with monitoring installed.

Benefits of Home Alarm Systems

The most obvious benefit of a home alarm system is that it acts as a deterrent to burglars. When burglars target homes they do so based on how easy it will be for them to get in and out without drawing any attention to themselves. An alarm system is too big a risk for most burglars to take.

That said, there are other things you can add to a basic alarm system for beefed-up protection. The first is an interactive feature that sends alert messages to your e-mail or mobile device in the event that your alarm system is triggered. This feature is very helpful in preventing confrontations.

For example, let’s say you receive a text message indicating your burglar alarm has been triggered. You’ll know to return home, but wait for the police if they have not already arrived. There’s no need to call the police yourself because our monitoring center has already taken care of that.

Video Surveillance Cameras

Video surveillance cameras are another good addition to your home security system. Video surveillance often gives police agencies the evidence they need to track down and arrest burglars. Knowing this, burglars tend to avoid homes if they know cameras are present.

With remote monitoring, you can monitor your video surveillance feeds using your mobile device or computer. In the event a burglar is not deterred from entering your home by your alarm system, remote monitoring allows you to keep track of his or her movements to some extent. By the same token, remote monitoring can also be used to make sure your kids arrive home safely, your pets are doing okay, and so on.

Coming home to find a burglar inside your house can be a very frightening experience. Please do not take any chances. Devcon has security packages and equipment in a variety of price ranges to suit every need and budget. There’s no need for you to leave your home unprotected when home security is so affordable.

Currently we are offering $99 installation on our new systems. If you would like more than just burglary protection, we can set up your system to include fire, carbon monoxide, flood, and medical monitoring as well. Contact us today to find out what type of system is right for you.

A Reminder to Test Alarm System

Posted on : April 22, 2013

An unfortunate turn of events in Valrico, Florida has brought to light the need for homeowners with alarm systems to test their systems regularly. The circumstances surrounding the event involved a destructive house fire and alarm system that did not function properly. Fortunately, no one was injured or killed.

On the night of the blaze in question, the family who lived in the house in Hillsboro County was not home. Yet as the blaze produced plenty of smoke that should have sent a signal to the alarm company’s monitoring center, no sensor was activated and no signal sent. The resulting fire extensively damaged the home and most of the owner’s possessions.

An investigation revealed that the alarm system was last tested in 2010. Apparently, the alarm company attempted to get into the home to test and work on the system but were unable to work out arrangements with the homeowner. Reports show the alarm system was working properly at the time of its last test.

Representatives from the Florida Alarm Association told a local television station the problem with the alarm could have been program related. However, there are other possibilities including a power failure. The fact is, no alarm system is perfect — thus the need for regular testing.

Monthly Testing Suggested

Devcon Security agrees with the Florida Alarm Association and other industry professionals in encouraging homeowners to test their systems on a regular basis. We recommend a monthly test whenever possible. Testing your system simply requires you to contact us and let us know what you plan to do. We will put your system in test mode and walk you through the process.

We also suggest that new customers consider a wireless system as opposed to a traditional hardwired one. A wireless system depends on batteries and cellular signals, so it is more dependable. It will not be knocked out in the event of a power failure or a loss of phone lines. What’s more, wireless systems can be installed quickly and easily without cutting into your walls or requiring any extensive construction or remodeling.

Fire Alarm and Monitoring a Good Idea

Despite the unfortunate event in Valrico, having fire monitoring added to your alarm package is still a good idea. Fire monitoring gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that our monitoring center will be instantly alerted in the event of a fire in your home. We can then contact local authorities, decreasing response times, and increasing the chances of the fire department limiting damage to your home.

Right now Devcon is offering a $99 installation special along with state-of-the-art equipment and the best customer service in the business. As soon as you contact us, we’ll assist you in determining what the best type of system is right for you. Then we’ll arrange for a highly trained and experienced installation crew to visit your home and get you set up.

We have multiple plans and hardware options to meet every budget and need. We can provide a basic burglar alarm with monitoring, or offer you more advanced packages that include everything from fire and carbon monoxide monitoring to close circuit video surveillance to remote system access.

Fire Monitoring Better Than the Family Dog

Posted on : April 15, 2013

Last November a homeowner in Debary, Florida woke in the middle night to the barking of her Chihuahua. Much to the woman’s surprise, the dog was barking due to a house fire that eventually did significant damage to the home. Local firefighters credited the family dog for saving the woman and her family from severe injuries or possible death.

It is great to know that the family dog saved this particular family in Debary. And while we’re all in favor of man’s best friend as a family pet, we couldn’t recommend a dog as your only protection against fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Dogs can just as easily be overcome by smoke and fumes as humans; they do not make for reliable monitoring in every situation.

Add Fire Monitoring to Your Alarm System

A much better option for protecting yourself against the risk of fires is to add fire monitoring to your already existing alarm system. If you don’t already have a home alarm system with monitoring, that’s the first thing to take care of. If you do, adding fire monitoring gives you the best protection possible at the most reasonable cost.

Adding fire monitoring to your Devcon package means that you’ll get smoke detectors installed in strategic places around your home; detectors that are tied directly to your security system and control center. When smoke is detected in your home, it will immediately trigger a loud alarm to alert you while at the same time connecting your system to a trained professional in our monitoring center.

Fire monitoring gives you the greatest chance of being alerted as quickly as possible. In the case of a genuine emergency, it also means your local fire department will be notified as quickly as possible so that they can respond right away. A fast response time could mean the difference between a slightly damaged home and one that ends up being a total loss.

Carbon Monoxide Monitoring Just As Important

When you add fire monitoring to your security system, consider that carbon monoxide monitoring is equally important. Maybe even more so. Why? Because carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that could cause severe illness or death without anyone in the home realizing what happened. Even the family dog can be overcome very easily.

With carbon monoxide monitoring, we install CO sensors in appropriate places throughout your home. If carbon monoxide is detected, the alarm will sound and our monitoring center will be alerted. Anyone inside the home will have the opportunity to escape before being overcome.

A home security system from Devcon is a great way to protect yourself from the consequences of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, and burglary. If you do not yet have a system, we offer hardware and monitoring packages suitable for just about any budget. If you already have burglary monitoring, we urge you to consider fire and carbon monoxide monitoring as well. Adding the extra protection could be the most important decision you have ever made.

Home Security: Go Interactive and Wireless

Posted on : April 3, 2013

Home security systems have certainly come a long way since the early days of a few sensors and a noise making alarm. Today, home and business owners can add closed-circuit cameras, fire and carbon monoxide monitoring, and even interactive services like remote monitoring and home automation.

The secret to interactive services is today’s wireless technology. By going wireless, home security systems can be operated via cellular signals and the Internet rather than tied to electrical systems and phone lines. This type of technology opens wide doors of opportunity that were not possible just 10 years ago.

How Wireless Works

The principle of wireless alarm systems actually involves two components: how the system is powered and how it interacts with the monitoring company. Let’s take a minute to look at these components separately.

System Power – With a conventional security system, a home’s electrical wiring is utilized to provide power. In other words, technicians will wire the control center and sensors directly to currently existing wiring. Batteries are still used to power the units during outages, but otherwise they rely on the home’s built-in electrical system. A wireless security system is completely battery-operated so there is no need to tap into existing wiring.

Interaction with Monitoring Centers – A wireless system also has no need of existing telephone lines in order to interact with a monitoring center. It utilizes the same cellular technology used to connect today’s smart phones and tablet computers. This is an ideal option for those who do not currently have traditional telephone service but still want home security.

In terms of installation, a wireless system means installers will not be cutting into walls and creating a mess. They simply mount each individual unit in place, install the batteries, and program the system. It’s quick, easy, and very cost-effective.

Taking Advantage of Interactive Features

From the standpoint of the consumer, one of the greatest benefits of a wireless system is that it gives you access to interactive features. One of the most appreciated of those features is something known as remote monitoring. When you include remote monitoring you can access, control, and monitor your security system from anywhere in the world as long as you have a mobile device and access to the Internet. That means, for example, you could view your video feeds while on vacation.

Another great advantage of a wireless system is that allows you to receive remote notifications according to the parameters you set up. One such parameter might call for you to be notified if a carbon monoxide alarm goes off. When you receive a notification alert on your smart phone or in your e-mail inbox, you can immediately address the situation appropriately. In the meantime, we will notify local authorities so they can respond quickly.

Wireless technology might be the best thing to have come along for home security systems in a long time. If you are thinking of installing a system for the first time then you should consider going wireless.

Spring a Good Time to Think of Medical Monitoring

Posted on : March 29, 2013

Florida residents know that spring brings with it more than just higher temperatures and blooming flowers. It also brings millions of visitors descending on the state in the form of both college spring breakers and families looking to escape the final weeks of winter. Unfortunately, the sudden influx of tourists heavily taxes EMS services all over the state.

That makes spring a great time to start thinking about adding medical emergency monitoring to your existing basic home security system which is installed on your property. Medical emergency monitoring is ideal if you have elderly parents residing with you or a family member suffering from a chronic and/or potentially dangerous health condition.

Medical monitoring from Devcon provides you with a pendant that can be worn around the neck of the individual in need. In the event of a medical emergency, that individual only need press the button to activate the alarm and alert the monitoring center. One of our professionally trained technicians will attempt to communicate with the individual to determine the extent of emergency. If appropriate, we will also immediately notify the authorities.

Response Times Are Important

The benefit of medical monitoring comes by way of response times. In any medical emergency, response times could mean the difference between only minor consequences and ones that are more serious. And in the springtime, when EMS services are taxed to the limit, it is important that no time be wasted in calling for help during an emergency.

By including medical monitoring with your security package, there is no need to get on the telephone and call during a medical emergency. That’s important given the fact that many medical emergencies incapacitate the victim to the extent that he or she cannot get to a telephone. Simply pressing the emergency button on the medical pendant automatically gets the victim in touch with our monitoring center for immediate help.

Avoid Assisted Living Scenarios

If you’re considering moving your parents out of their home and into some sort of assisted living facility because they’re unable to fully care for themselves, medical monitoring from Devcon may make it possible for them to stay in their home or live with you. It is considerably less expensive than managed care while also sparing your parents the discomfort and embarrassment of having to live at a facility.

Obviously, the physical condition of elderly person plays a large part in whether or not a healthcare facility can be avoided. Therefore, if medical monitoring sounds like a possible solution for your aging parents, you should definitely talk with their physician first. As long as medical monitoring would alleviate concerns over health and safety, it is a great way to allow them to continue enjoying the freedom they deserve.

Medical monitoring is a great idea for a variety of reasons and circumstances. If you are interested in learning more then please contact Devcon Security at your earliest convenience. We would be happy to give you all the details including pricing, how the system works, and how it can benefit you.