VoIP, Touchscreens, Smart Phone Access & More: The Modern Security System

Like most technology, security systems technology rapidly changes and improves. In some cases, consumers adjust their lifestyles to incorporate new technology. However, in most cases technology adapts to meet the changing needs of consumers. Alarm systems and security technology is no different. Read more about modern security system.

SafeTech Alarm Systems has been protecting people and property for over 20 years and we pride ourselves on offering new technology that clients want. Lifestyles have changed over the last few years and more and more consumers are looking for alarm systems and security services that meet today’s modern lifestyles. The modern security system has adapted to these needs and your next alarm system could likely include a touchscreen keypad, smartphone access and VoIP communication.

Modern Security System Benefits

There are many benefits of modern security system. More and more customers are dropping traditional landlines and using only mobile phones. Consumers are also switching to VoIP (voice over IP) services and therefore they looking for alarm systems that communicate through VoIP rather than through traditional phone lines. Touchscreen smartphones such as those from Apple, Google and Microsoft have also influenced security technology. Touchscreen keypads are incredibly popular today. Rather than having a static keypad with a series of buttons, more and more alarm systems are using multi-function touchscreen keypads. Not only do these keypads look more aesthetically-pleasing than ever before, but they are also more intuitive, more powerful and easier to use.

Customers are used to using touchscreens on smart phones, bank ATMs, self-serve check out lines, gas stations and in a number of other places. It simply makes sense to have touchscreens on alarm systems as well. The graphical interface makes it easier than ever to use your alarm system and this puts more power in the hands of the user, where it belongs. Touchscreens make it easy to perform a variety of functions and this gives you more control over exactly how you alarm system functions. Everything from setting the alarm to changing your security code can now be done in an easy, intuitive and accessible manner. That’s the importance of modern security system.

And you don’t have to be at home to control and monitor your alarm system any longer. Smartphones, laptops and mobile Internet access now make it possible for you to arm your modern security system, view images and video from your security cameras, turn off lights and other devices and be alerted when your alarm or motion detectors are activated no matter where you are. For more information on alarm systems and security technology, please contact SafeTech Alarm Systems today.

Securing Your Electronics

Electronics are becoming more and more sophisticated and expensive. They’re also becoming smaller, lighter and more mobile. This combination makes them a frequent target of thieves. Not only are electronics expensive, but they also contain valuable data. A thief who steals your laptop or smartphone could access your email, your social networking sites, your banking information, your private contact list and more. There is enough valuable information on a laptop or smartphone to steal your identity. Criminals also use the information they obtain from stolen electronics to plan break ins based on their new-found knowledge of your life.

Your first step in your defense of your electronics and your information is to keep them nearby at all times. Don’t leave your laptop, tablet or smartphone on the table while you go get a coffee refill, go outside for a smoke or use the restroom. Keep your electronics on your person whenever possible. Cell phones should be in your pocket or inside your bag when you are not using them. Laptops and tablets should be placed inside your bag as well and you should wear this bag close to your body so it cannot be easily grabbed. You may want to consider placing a lock on your bag as well. If you’re seated, don’t place your electronics on the floor beside you. Keep them on the table where you can see them at all times.

There are also alarm systems for electronics that sound once they are a certain distance away from you. Some are even motion-activated. You can keep your devices safe by adding modern security system such as this one.

It’s also important that you keep your information safe. Always lock your devices when you’re not using them and use a password to secure them. When choosing a password, make sure that it is something that is difficult to guess. Common dictionary words and personal information such as your middle name or postal code should not be used as passwords. These are two easy to guess. “123456,” “Password” and “Qwerty” should also not be used as they are very common. Be sure to include a mix of letters and numbers in your password. Some laptops and phones allow you to use a fingerprint or facial recognition software to add extra security. Be sure that your virus scanner, spyware scanner and firewall are all up-to-date to prevent hackers from stealing your information without coming anywhere near your computer.

You can also install a GPS tracker program onto your device that will allow you to track it if it is stolen. Most smartphone manufacturers offer a “find my phone” service that will let you track your phone and even lock, deactivate or delete it if it is stolen.

Monitor Your Home From Anywhere

How would you like to double check that your door is locked while you’re traveling to work?How about checking your security cameras and making sure everything is okay at home while you’re on vacation? Would you like to receive a text message when your children arrive home from school and deactivate the alarm? Modern technology lets you keep tabs on exactly what is taking place in your home from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection. You can use your laptop, smartphone or tablet to verify that everything is going well at home or to take action if there’s a problem.

If your video surveillance cameras are Internet-enabled, you can log in and view them using any Internet-connected device. This gives you peace of mind as you’ll never have to guess about what’s happening at home. You’ll know exactly what’s taking place in real time. You can even set up your system to send you a text message whenever a motion sensor is tipped. You can then log into your cameras directly and see if the sensor was activated by a burglar or by your cat knocking over a chair. If there’s a problem, you’ll be able to contact the police immediately from wherever you are and give them video evidence that a break-in is in progress.

Whether you have an iPad or iPhone, an Android device, a Windows Phone or a Blackberry, you’ll be able to find a variety of different apps that will help you keep your home secure. Each phone operating system has a selection of security camera monitoring applications that you can use along with your security system. You can also use your laptop. Monitoring your alarm system with your cell phone isn’t just useful for trouble conditions either. You can use this technology to ensure that your children arrived home from school safely, to make sure that your contractor or housekeeper is working the right hours, to check on your pets or elderly relatives or for a variety of other reasons. You’ll be able to relax no matter where you know when you know that you’re only a click away from home.

How To Prepare For An Emergency

Unfortunately, disaster can strike at any time. Power outages, floods, ice storms, hurricanes and other natural disasters often happen with little-to-no warning. This doesn’t give you much time to prepare. However, putting together an emergency preparedness kit and having a plan for an emergency will go a long way to keeping you safe. Your emergency kit is incredibly important and every home should have one. You kit should contain a number of essentials that will keep you safe should an emergency occur. Here are a few things that should go inside your emergency kit:
  • A first aid kit including adhesive bandages, bandage wrap, gauze, tweezers, antiseptic, scissors, a thermometer, a blanket and a number of other items
  • If you take any medications, you should have an emergency supply on hand. Make sure that you check this supply regularly and replace any expired medications.
  • Candles, matches and a lighter.
  • A flashlight and batteries.
  • Water and canned food. You should make sure to replace these items before they expire.
  • Toiletries, warm clothing, pillows and sleeping bags.
  • An emergency whistle to attract attention.
  • Copies of all important identification along with some extra cash. Keep these items securely locked up.


You’ll also want to ensure that you have a home evacuation plan and that every member of your family has read and understood the plan in detail. The plan should include a written escape route from your home as well as details on where household members should meet up in the event of an emergency. A good meeting place is a shopping mall, parking lot or other landmark. This will prevent you from getting separated from your loved ones for an extended period of time and frantically searching for them should you be split up.

Having a detailed plan will keep you and your family from panicking or losing one another during an emergency. While natural disasters and other emergencies can occur without warning, if you prepare yourself in advance you have a much better chance of surviving.