Here is how.

Receive a Discount on Insurance Premiums

Many insurance companies provide a discount on insurance premiums if the property has a security system in place. In a way, they are providing an incentive for theft protection and the possibility of reducing the number of claims. This is a win-win situation for a property owner. Not only will you get an initial discount but if your claims decrease, you will also keep premiums from rising.

If you are unsure about the requirements needed to get a discount, talk to your insurance provider to find more information. Many require a certificate of installation to verify that a security system has been installed in your property. If this is the case, the company that installed your system can provide this for you. Currently, VinTech Systems provides certificates of installation for burglar alarms only. Our clients for which we have installed alarm systems and have a current monitoring service can request a certificate.

Resolve a Slip and Fall Claim

According to the National Safety Council, falls accounted for more than 8 million injuries in 2019. To put it into perspective, 8 million is a lot when the City of Chicago reported to have 2.7 million residents in that same year. Moreover, more than 39,000 of these incidents resulted in deaths. This is why the possibility of an incident like this happening in your property should be taken seriously.

A slip and fall claim cannot only cost you thousands of dollars but it can also mean serious legal problems. This is where a high definition security camera can be helpful. Footage from a camera can help you dispute a false slip and fall claim. It can clear you from liability and even save you from receiving a fine or sentence.

Reduce or Replace Security Personnel

A security system might seem like a high investment at the beginning. Especially when you are trying to decide which system(s) are best for your property. However, if you already have security personnel in your building, those two or three salaries a year will probably add to a much larger sum after a couple of years. Additionally, unlike security guards, a security system can monitor 24hr/7.

A Security Camera System is Always Recording

For example, a high-definition security camera records motion and automatically stores footage. In case of an incident, this footage can be used for evidence. Nonetheless, some camera systems might have a storage limit. One of the factors that affect video storage is whether the camera is focused on high or low traffic areas.  This is why it’s important to download and save footage as soon as an incident happens. VinTech Systems takes pride in designing systems that work with the needs of our clients to make sure their footage requirements are met.

A second example is access control. This system can help you restrict who has access to your property and at which times. For example, office employees can be set up to have access to the front entrance of the building from 6 a.m. to  6 p.m., cleaning personnel from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and overnight security guards from 11 p.m. – 6 a.m. As precise as you want it to be, access control allows you to control who accesses your property. You will hold the “key” to your success in reducing incidents and losses in your property which in return will save you money. And although security systems cannot completely replace security personnel, they can effectively monitor activity and provide time stamped evidence.

Reduce Wear and Tear on Smart Devices and Cost of Energy Bills

The latest technology in security systems allows you to connect smart devices to remotely control lights, thermostats, and other appliances from an app. Turning off these appliances when not in use, can certainly reduce the cost of your electric bill. Furthermore, this capability can also extend the life of your devices. This means that more time will pass before you have to replace them.

The most important thing about having a security system in your property is to give you peace of mind but that doesn’t mean you won’t appreciate the additional perks. From saving time and resources to preventing losses, the right security system can save you money in more than one way. With these simple steps, you also make sure that you are getting the best return for your investment and help preserve valuable resources for future generations.

The post 4 Ways Security Systems Can Save you Money appeared first on VinTech Systems.

In part 1 of this blog we discussed helpful steps to avoid a confrontation during a home invasion. But what happens when confronting an intruder is the only option?  Practice these 7 tips to help yo confront an intruder in case of a break-in.

Remain calm.

If you have a panic button, press it to alert the monitoring station you need help. They will dispatch police immediately.While you wait for the police to arrive, make no sudden moves. Additionally, avoid looking at the subject’s eyes. Direct eye contact can cause a violent reaction from the criminal. They don’t want you to identify them if they get caught!

Hold your hands up to shoulder level.

Have you ever heard of the Hands Up Robbery exercise? It looks like an act of submission but you can use it in your favor when it’s time to defend yourself.

Natural Form of Speech.

Try to speak as normal as possible and relay your compliance. A criminal wants to feel in control, do your best to make them believe they are.

Protecting your possessions is a second priority.

As distressed or angry as you might be, its crucial to look after your well-being rather than your possessions. Agree to give the subject the items he requests. Not all things can be replaced, especially those with sentimental value but when your life is in danger, they come second.

Don’t get caught up in a weapon dilemma.

Truth is, if you are not comfortable using a gun, it will only work against you.  This is the case with any self-defense item. How so? Simply put, if you are overpowered, any weapon you have can be used against you.

Pepper Spray.

The use of pepper spray is legal in all 50 states but in the city of Chicago some security devices have restrictions.  Find more information for the state of Illinois. Proper training to use pepper spray is recommended.

Fight Back.

If you feel your life is in danger and you need to fight back, show no fear, and use anything to defend yourself.

We cannot be certain of what happened to the family mentioned at the beginning of this blog. We can only be sure that they did what they could to save their lives and so should we. A monitored security system and panic button are excellent tools to protect yourself in a perilous situation.

The post How to Safely Escape a Home Invasion Part 2 appeared first on VinTech Systems.

You wake up to the sound of an intruder in your home. The alarm wasn’t triggered so you are unsure if you enable it.  Did the intruder enter through the main door where the motion detectors are installed or did they managed to disable it? These following tips can help you take action to control the situation.

Don’t panic.

Remember they decided to enter your personal space. You are familiar with your home and therefore in control.

Remain quiet.

Do not bring attention to yourself. Making noise will give away your location. Don’t yell out “I have a gun or I called the police.” Even if both are true.

Lock your room.

Secure your room by locking and using furniture to block the door .

Press the panic button.

Press the panic button. This button works even when your alarm system is disarmed. However, you should know you a stress code. This is a 3-digit number that is used to secretly convey the presence of an intruder.

Dial 911 and follow their instructions.

If you don’t have a panic button, call 911 and keep them on the line while you execute the next step.

Escape through a window.

Mainly if you find yourself on the first floor. If you are not able to leave the house, your first thought might be to confront the intruder. This is not the smartest move. The intruder didn’t hesitate breaking into you home when they knew there was a possibility you were there. If he injures you, who will protect your family? If possible, find a place to hide and remain on the line with the operator until the police arrives.

Remote viewing.

If you possess a camera system and can view the cameras remotely, log in, and give a description of the subjects to police.

Even though we highly discourage confrontation, our next blog How to Safely Escape a Home Invasion Part 2 will discuss what to do when confronting an intruder is inevitable.

The post How to Safely Escape a Home Invasion Part 1 appeared first on VinTech Systems.