How to Protect Your Business from Social Engineering

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

What is social engineering? Social engineering is the act of psychological manipulation of people into performing specific acts (breaking normal security procedures). It is used in over sixty-six percent of all attacks by hackers whether it’s warranty exploitation or attempting to breach company data. According to the FBI, social engineering scams have cost U.S. businesses 1.6 billion since 2013. A couple types of social engineering attacks are called phishing and pretexting. Read more →

How to Protect Your Home or Condo Complex from Holiday Package Thieves

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

This year in the 25 days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, UPS says it will deliver over 750 million packages to its customers. In fact, UPS says this record-breaking seasonal global delivery volume is approximately 5 percent above last year’s holiday peak shipping season volume.

FedEx, which also anticipates another record peak holiday shipping season, estimates it will deliver between 380-400 million packages. In the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the U.S. Postal Service also expects to deliver 850 million packages, which is more than a 10 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Read more →

How Stores Can Mitigate Organized Retail Crime this Thanksgiving Shopping Weekend

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Thanksgiving shopping weekend can be a hectic experience for everyone involved but for your business, it’s one of the most profitable. All told, 20 to 30 percent of your 2017 retail sales will likely happen this holiday season with a large portion will occur this weekend.

Of those considering shopping the long holiday weekend, the survey found that 20 percent plan to shop on Thanksgiving Day (32 million). Black Friday will remain the busiest day, with 70 percent planning to shop (115 million).

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Business Security: 7 Common Security Measures Too Often Overlooked

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

As a business owner or manager, you know that security is critical to protecting your building and its occupants as well as maintaining your peace of mind.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, security can be compromised, especially if you overlook important elements of your risk mitigation plan.

We’ve put together a list of seven common security oversights commercial property owners and managers often make to help you avoid them. Read more →

The 3 Emergency Shut Off Switches You Should Know

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

As we enter the more treacherous months for New England weather, it is important to plan ahead for an emergency. While it is important to have an evacuation plan and an emergency preparedness kit, it is also essential to know how to shut off the utilities before a disaster. If these utilities are not shut off they may cause damage to your home and possibly endanger your family.

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Beat the Heat: Tips for Staying Cool this Summer

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

We spend all winter in New England dreaming of the warm summer months, but when they finally arrive many of us miss cooler temperatures. Whether you love or hate the heat it is important to take precautions, especially during heat waves.

Here are our tips to keep you and your family safe.

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Tips on Booking a Safe Vacation Rental Property

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Choosing to rent a vacation property is fun and can come with a lot of perks! Typically they are less expensive than hotels, offer more living space, and often come with more amenities (such as a full kitchen or private pool). However, these properties may not offer the same physical and financial securities that a traditional hotel can provide. Here are some tips on how to choose a safe vacation rental:

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Top 5 Questions to Ask About Medical Alert Systems

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Learn the top 5 questions that everyone should ask, when searching for the right Medical Alert System for their loved ones.


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Tips to Improve the Physical Security of Credit Unions

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

closeup on security CCTV camera or surveillance system in local cash dispenser

Cyberattacks against credit unions are on the rise. As such, protecting their networks is top of mind for security managers.

It’s just as critical for credit union facility managers and/or security managers to pay attention to the physical security of their buildings.

Here are some tips to help you protect your employees, your members and your assets:

  • Install a burglar alarm system that includes perimeter alarms to detect an attempted intrusion into your facility, vault, safe, night depository and ATM.
  • Install IP video surveillance as it is one of main tools a credit union can employ to help detect internal fraud as well as help police investigate a robbery. Internet Protocol (IP) cameras offer resolutions many times higher than analog cameras, enabling you to get clearer images from wider angles. IP cameras also cover more ground in one shot, which means you can save money because you can install fewer cameras to monitor your facility. Install the cameras in strategic locations, including lobbies to monitor people entering and exiting your building as well as moving around inside; behind the teller area to better capture people’s faces; and outside the building. You should also install a purpose-built ATM surveillance camera.

    • Read more →

Fire Safety Strategies for Nursing Homes

/by American Alarm Blogging Team

Enjoying their card gameIn the event of fire, most nursing home residents are unable to protect themselves. Therefore, it’s up to you as facility manager and/or owner to have the proper fire safety procedures in place to provide for the well-being of residents as well as staff.

It’s also important that the staff members understand that the safety of your residents is their number one priority.

Here are some fire safety strategies to help you prepare for a fire emergency: Read more →