While researching to get an alarm that suits your home, you are probably thinking what the best fit for your family is. Security systems have come a long way in recent years, it’s now not just about protecting your home, you can also protect yourself wherever you are. Whether that is at home, if an intruder was to enter or even if you are on a jog and feel unsafe or injured.

HomeSecure offer an App that not only allows you to keep your home protected while on the go, but can protect you and your family in cases of emergency! Something you probably wouldn’t think of when checking out alarm providers, but something that can help provide that peace of mind.

Once you become a HomeSecure customer you get free use of the APP that not only will allow you to set your alarm from anywhere, one of the most essential features of this app is the Panic Button. Once pressed, the emergency services will be alerted by the monitoring station. The panic button on the can almost act as a GPS locator as it will send your location to other App users when used.

Unlike other alarm security providers, this feature is unique to HomeSecure. Recently, the panic button was used after a woman fell at home, she could not make it to her keypad and was severely injured. By using the panic alert function, it allowed emergency services to respond in record time. Another situation where it could be helpful is if you are ever in danger and can’t talk on the phone. The App allows you press down on the button, which will then connect you to the Monitoring station who will alert the emergency services.

If you needed another reason to choose HomeSecure for protection, bar the low monitoring fee this could be it! Not only will you be protected while at home but now on the go. Say you are on a jog and injured yourself, or on a hike and got lost, the App sends your GPS location to other App users, giving you that extra peace of mind! Handy right? To set this feature up on your App, you will need to contact our customer service team on 01 495 7070, they will enable this feature for you!

Once this is set up by a member of the HomeSecure Team, to use this feature, simply follow these simple steps,

• Open the HomeSecure App.
• Check if you are on the Control Tab.
• On the bottom left of the panel, press down on the ‘panic’ icon.
• Once this icon is pressed it will send an alert to other App users with a siren sound while also sending your location.
• The monitoring station will be in touch, but it will be up to you in the case of an emergency to get in touch with the relevant emergency services.

If you have any other questions on the panic feature or would like to hear more about protecting your Home with HomeSecure, contact us for a quote on 01 920 3787.

If you are already a HomeSecure customer and do not have the App,  You can download it from the Google Play Store for Android and on the App Store for Apple, just click the link below.

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Moving into a new home? One of the many things you’ll need to tick off your to do list, will be to get home insurance. Another thing on your to-do list is to protect your home with an alarm system. With a monitored alarm system, you can knock two things off your list and save some money at the same time.

I know I look for savings everywhere, especially with the rising cost of living. What if we told you investing in a monitored home alarm system could save you up to 20% on your home insurance, while also protecting your home! Handy right?

By making your home safe and secure, the less you may pay for your home insurance premium, as insurance will see you as a safer bet compared to an unsecured home, which could be a premium risk for them.

Monitored vs Unmonitored Systems

While searching for an alarm system, you’ll quickly learn there’s two types on the Irish market, monitored alarms and non/self-monitored systems. A monitored alarm is connected to a 24/7 alarm receiving centre and can dispatch the Gardaí if there is an attempted break-in in your home. A non-monitored system will just ring if someone trips one of your sensors and you may get a text/notification, but you will have to return home to assess the situation and call the Gardai yourself.

As a monitored alarm offers the best level of protection, it makes sense to not only have this system to protect your home, it also increases your chances of getting a bigger discount from your home insurance provider. At HomeSecure, we specialise in home monitoring to over 28,000 homes across Ireland.

How do I get my discount?

Once you sign up with HomeSecure and protect your home with a monitored alarm, you’ll be issued with an EQA certificate that you can present to your home insurer. This will show your insurance provider that you are fully protected. They’ll then apply a discount of up to 20%. After calling around investigating this ourselves, we know the level of discount they offer do vary and will depend on what other discounts you’re already availing of. You can get further discounts by letting them know how many smoke and carbon monoxide alarms you have. Most insurers will require at least one of each. At HomeSecure, we offer a monitored Smoke CO detector that you can include with your home security pack. You can also add a leak detector, so you’re covered for every eventuality, that will hopefully never be needed.

Am I always covered?

After you get your monitored alarm in, you’ve benefited from your home insurance discount and made the smart choice to protect your home. We encourage you to get in the habit to always set your alarm every time you leave your home and arm the stay mode when you’ve in for the evening. Just in case your home is targeted, the system will only activate if you remember to arm it.

If you’re looking to secure your home and save on your home insurance costs, call HomeSecure on 01 920 3787 today for a personalised quote.

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However, what is the best alarm system for you? There are wired, wireless, monitored and non-monitored alarms. We breakdown the benefits of each to help find the best alarm for you.

Alarm panels

You may think that all alarm panels on the Irish market are the same, but be sure to ask what features the panel has. With HomeSecure’s latest alarm KeyPad, you get a Stay and Away function. The Away mode is your standard, arm all sensors setting, which is ideal when your home is empty.

Our Stay function is extremely useful, for home’s set up with perimeter protection. This function solely arms your perimeter sensors. With the majority of Irish break-ins actually occurring between 5pm – 11pm, the Stay button is vital to any home’s security and can deter someone from trying to gain access to your home.

Our alarm system also comes with emergency panic buttons, which can be used if you require the Fire Brigade, Gardaí or an Ambulance, so you’re getting the fastest response in any urgent situation.  Once again though, not all alarm panels will have the same features, so make sure to investigate.

How do I choose what sensors I need?

There are many ways to secure your home. As your doors are the most common entry points for burglars, you should always put a sensor on your perimeter doors.  Over half of all burglars will enter through a front, back or side door; so securing these is critical.

The Gardaí do require at least one motion / internal sensor to help verify break-ins, but after that, it’s really up to you on how you want to secure your home.

You can choose to add a sensor to all of your windows, some of your windows or none at all. It’s recommended to protect vulnerable windows, such as ones at the back of your home and ones that can be easily accessed from a slanted roof or garage. Not all companies offer the same level of flexibility, a lot will offer a ‘one-size fits all’ pack. Make sure you get the home security that gives you and your family peace of mind.

Remember that burglars don’t carry ladders, so you don’t have to put a sensor on every window, you can always use a motion sensor to cover a whole room and a series of windows.

It does depend on what type of house you do have. If you have a bungalow, it’s recommend to go for a more motion-based burglar alarm setup.

You can always get guidance over the phone from the sales team and on the day of an installation, the engineer will give his professional recommendation on what needs to be covered. HomeSecure engineers will ask you a series of questions to help set up the sensors in a way that works for you and your family.

Monitored vs non-monitored alarms

An age-old question when it comes to home alarms, is whether or not to get it monitored. If an alarm isn’t monitored, the external bell will ring for up to 15 minutes once the alarm has been activated. A non-monitored alarm system will have a bigger upfront fee, usually €800 – €1,000 for a good standard one.

A monitored alarm that has a verified break-in can alert the Gardaí and with HomeSecure, the nearest mobile unit will be dispatched to your home. The upfront cost on monitored alarms is usually lower and the fee is spread out over a number of years with your monitoring costs.

Burglars are savvy to monitored alarm companies and know not to even approach these houses, as they have the best protection. A monitored home is proven to be three more safer than a non-monitored home.

Self-monitored vs monitoring station

There are options to have a self-monitored alarm or have your alarm monitored by a monitoring station. Let us explain the main differences.

A self-monitored alarm works as a text service. This means when your alarm has been activation you can get a text message. One benefit of this is, it’s a cheaper way to monitor your home. The main disadvantage here, is you are don’t have a guaranteed Garda response. As of January 2008, the Gardaí can only guarantee to respond to houses when there has been a verified break-in. Receiving a text isn’t a verified break-in, as you have no way of knowing if it is a false alarm or not. Another disadvantage is, it requires you to respond. If you are at work and not looking at your phone, a text is pretty much useless.

When your alarm is monitored by a monitoring station, is it generally a more expensive option, but you do receive round the clock protection. Here if your alarm is activated, the monitoring station will call your designated keyholders to confirm if you are okay. If your keyholders don’t answer, if you confirm nobody is home or if a perimeter and internal sensor are triggered, the monitoring station can dispatch the Gardaí immediately, as this is treated as a verified break-in. Unlike the text service, you’ll have full-time staff dedicated to your home’s security. 

Conclusion

With your home being the biggest asset you will ever own, it is critical to give it the protection it deserves, so although there are cheaper options, we recommend getting a monitored alarm.

With most self-monitored systems, you may have to pay for call out fees, if you are getting your alarm serviced or repaired, so although it may seem like a cheaper option, there are more hidden costs here. With many monitored companies including HomeSecure, your maintenance fees are included in your monthly fee.

Here at HomeSecure we have made house alarms more affordable, by offering monitored alarms from just €49! With our monthly fee, you will receive 24/7 monitoring, an annual service and you’re covered for unlimited call-outs, if you have any technical issues with the alarm.

For more information call 01 920 3787

Independent Research carried out by Accuracy Research on behalf of HomeSecure. Results based on 1,008 respondents and are nationally representative. Additional security stats taken from on Garda Siochana website site and other industry sources

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Are you planning a trip this Summer? Whether it’s a trip down the country or a beach holiday, getting away is always one of the highlights for Irish people this time of the year. It’s always good to get away, but it’s also nice to return to your home comforts.

The last thing you want to see when you open the door to your home is to see you’ve been burgled when you were away! That is why investing in a Home Security system before you head away might be something worth thinking about!

Deciding on a home alarm is a big decision, especially in a market with so many options. One of the many questions you are probably asking yourself is if you want a monitored or non-monitored alarm.

If it is peace of mind you are after, knowing your home is protected when you are travelling this summer; a monitored alarm is probably your best bet! Having a monitored home security system means that a triggered alarm will send an alert to a monitoring station, who will then send the relevant emergency department to your home, not only taking the responsibility out of your hands, but giving you that extra peace of mind.

Deters Intruders

A monitored home alarm system can provide numerous benefits for homeowners. First and foremost, it can help deter burglars and intruders from attempting to enter the home which is probably the number one reason you are in the market for a security system.

When a burglar clocks the flashing light of the HomeSecure monitored system, they are more likely to move on to an easier target.

24/7 Monitoring

If a break-in does occur, the alarm system will immediately notify the monitoring company who can then alert the authorities. The monitoring team is active 24/7, looking after your home when you are not at home. This can significantly reduce the response time and increase the chances of catching the intruders. It also takes the worry off your back, knowing the monitoring team will send the Gardai if an intruder was to enter your home.

Cost

Now the big question and the one you’re probably most worried about is the cost. Nobody wants to fork out an arm and a leg for an alarm system, especially when you have a few holidays planned this summer.  You also want to ensure your family is fully protected, along with your home and belongings when you are away. A monitored alarm may seem more expensive than an unmonitored alarm, however you may be surprised to know there is usually a hefty price to buy and install an unmonitored alarm. That doesn’t account for any service issues you may have. With a monitored alarm, they offer a monthly subscription to cover the monitoring service and an upfront installation fee. But a main thing to note here is, most monitored alarms are wireless. This means if you do have a problem with your alarm, the problem can be solved remotely, eliminating a call out fee.

Additional Support

Monitored companies like HomeSecure offer additional support and come with additional technology such as an App, which is all covered in the monthly fee. So, paying that little bit extra, allows you to check in on your home from abroad using the App while also giving you that peace of mind knowing that if your alarm was to trigger the monitoring team is on it!

Less False Alarms

Ever heard an alarm go off and ignored it? Haven’t we all! The Irish Journal found that 87% of people admitted that they would ignore a ringing alarm altogether, passing the affected home or business without a second glance. That is worrying, but with a monitored alarm your alarm will only ring if a sensor was triggered. A monitored alarm makes you less self-reliant or less reliant on your neighbour! With our notifications, APP and our monitoring team, you will never have to worry about a false alert and will always know if someone was to break into your home, the monitoring team will contact you or a keyholder.

Extra Security

I know when I go away, I usually ask a neighbour to check in on my home. I overthink that I left the oven on, or a tap running. What if we told you HomeSecure can alert you if there is a leak or fire!

When you decide to go with a monitored alarm, you can protect your home by adding extra products such as a leak detector, this can send a warning when water is detected and even when the water has dried up, saving you time and money!

You can also avail of a smoke alarm, this product scans your home and will alert you to sudden rises of temperature.

HomeSecure specialise in monitored alarms and offer a monthly subscription package which includes a minimum of six sensors, a smartphone app and best of all it is fitted in just 90 minutes. HomeSecure is offering installation for only €49, this June!

The post Why you should invest in a Monitored Alarm this Summer appeared first on House Alarms Systems | Monitored Alarm Systems | HomeSecure.

When spring begins, cleaning is a great opportunity to not only declutter and organize your home but also to think about ways to enhance your home and its features. While you’re already in the mindset of improving your living space, why not think about upgrading your home’s security features. With furniture being moved and windows cleaned, now is the perfect time to uncover easy entry points for potential burglars. With the brighter days you’re probably thinking now is the least likely time a burglar would break into a premises, but did you know there was a 2.8% increase in burglaries in the summer of 2022, compared to the winter (journal.ie, 2023). Let us tell you how you can get prepared in spring to stay ahead in summer and have peace of mind knowing your home is being looked after by our team of professionals.

• Declutter

We naturally accumulate things we don’t need throughout our home, have you still got your old iPhone box or what about the drawer full of cables? By having a yearly spring clean, you can deep dive into your drawers and cupboards where unwanted or unnecessary items are taking up valuable space. A spring clean may make you think twice about where you place your possessions, we advise not leaving keys close to the front door as this gives easy access through your letterbox. Decluttering your home will not only make you feel better but cleaning areas that are on view allows you to not have your valuables on show to a potential threat.

• Tidying up your Garden

With the winter months behind us, your garden is probably not in the best shape. I know my garden, the grass is overgrown, and furniture is all over the place. Cleaning the garden isn’t as easy as cleaning the house, it is something that needs dedicated time and is never an easy task! Trust us though, it is always worth it. Maintaining a tidy garden will not only make your life easier, especially coming into the longer evenings and summer months, but it will also deter burglars. Keeping your garden in top shape will let potential thieves know that someone is living in the home, an overgrown, unkept garden is used as a sign a house is vacant and can be seen as a potential target.

• Check your Fire and Carbon Monoxide alarms

When was the last time you checked how your smoke alarm is functioning? The Irish government recommends testing your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms once a week and to change the battery once a year. A spring clean could be the perfect time to check if your alarm is working as it can take as little as 3 minutes for damage to be caused by smoke inhalation. I know I only notice mine if it was to beep, what if we told you you’re your HomeSecure alarm can come with sensors that detect fire and rising temperatures, but best yet, we will monitor the alarm. So, if your batteries need replaced or the alarm was to sound, our monitoring team will let you know. This means, if a fire was to breakout in the home and you are not around, our monitoring team will not only call you to check if you are aware, but they will also dispatch the Fire Brigade to our home as soon as possible.

• Check your locks

Do you have a wonky window handle? Is your door a bit too easy to open? These are the jobs we usually put off and tell ourselves we will get around to doing. Now is the perfect time to get around to it. A spring clean usually entails wiping all your windows and cleaning down your doors, we are here to simply remind you that this is the perfect time to also check the security risks of your entry points. If you find these points are easily accessible, maybe it is time to replace them? If replacing them won’t do, the HomeSecure system comes with motion and shock sensors. These sensors are set to alert our monitoring team if a door was to open or even if a window was knocked. We do advise replacing any faulty locks, however if this is something you can’t fit into your spring clean, the HomeSecure sensors can give you this extra peace of mind!

• Invest in a Home Security System

A smart home alarm system offers a range of benefits that can provide peace of mind for you and your family, especially going into the longer evenings when you will be spending more time outdoors. The HomeSecure system comes with features like remote monitoring, motion sensors, and smartphone alerts, you can keep an eye on your home even when you’re away. The HomeSecure systems comes with other smart home devices, such as cameras and doorbell cameras, to provide extensive security coverage.

By incorporating a smart home alarm system into your spring-cleaning routine, you’re not only investing in the safety of your home but also creating a more convenient and modern home. The HomeSecure system is a practical and valuable addition that can help you feel more secure and in control of your home’s security. So, as you tackle your spring cleaning tasks, call 01 920 3787 to get a security quote for your home.

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Buying a home in Ireland can be an exciting yet daunting process. Especially in 2024 when the housing market is evolving and the high interest rates don’t seem to be going anywhere, any time soon. If you have bought a home, we hope the stress of saving for the deposit and securing the mortgage is over! Now the fun part of decorating your new home begins! But what if we told you, newly bought homes are vulnerable to burglars as you are most likely coming and going as you move your belongings in. Leaving your new home vacant, with new appliances can increase your risk of getting targeted, so home security should be something to think about. To help you get back to the fun stuff, here are some simple things you can do to secure your home.

• Secure your doors

Don’t help a burglar stroll in through the front door. Inspect all of your entry points to make sure the doors have locks or if it has a post slot, that someone can’t reach through it to unlock the door. If you’re moving into a home that someone else used to call home, change the door locks. That way you won’t have strangers out there with a key to your house. A simple add on to your entry point would be a doorbell camera. The HomeSecure doorbell camera can be added onto your system and even comes with night vision and two-way audio, to give you peace of mind 24/7.

• Light up

A phrase we like to use here at HomeSecure is ‘lock up and light up’. Even if you aren’t at home, we advise to leave a light on to deter would be burglars. If you are leaving the house vacant for a number of days while you prepare to move in, a lamp with a smart plug could be a good option. Nobody wants to leave a light on for too long, especially with the soring cost of the electricity bills. With a smart plug, you can set a timer for a light to come on at certain times, keeping a burglar at bay making the house look occupied.

• Add some security cameras

Investing in home security cameras early on can help you keep an eye on your new home as you move in. Not only can they be handy for keeping an eye on the house as you are busy packing boxes, but they can also be used to keep track of deliveries. If you are expecting deliveries for your new home, it could be handy to invest in an external camera to keep an eye of the coming and goings in your new home. The HomeSecure external cameras come with an app, so you can see the footage in real time.

• Invest in a security system

Now for the most important item, you probably are in the process of moving in to your new home and a security system would be the last thing on your mind. There are many different systems on the market from an unmonitored system to monitored alarm like HomeSecure’s. In our unbiased opinion, we believe investing in a monitored system will give you that peace of mind knowing our new home is protected at all times. Owning a monitored alarm can significantly reduce the amount of false alarms. Our team will ring you immediately if your alarm was to sound, allowing you to confirm if it was a false alarm or even let them know if a pet triggered it. After all, if you have moved into a new home in a new estate an alarm constantly ringing could annoy your new neighbours, not a great start to moving into a new area!

The HomeSecure system is not only wireless, so no drilling into your freshly painted walls, but they are modern blending in with the new home look. There are two main modes of the system, The Stay Mode, this arms all perimeter sensors, so you’re secured against break-in attempts. This lets you walk around your house and be protected, without worrying about false alarms. The Away Mode, protects your home when you are not around, probably the main reason people get an alarm. The HomeSecure system comes with a free app allowing you to not only set the system but also check the status of the alarm.

We hope we helped bring some peace of mind to you as you move into your home this year. Taking a pro-active approach to home security as you move in to a new home will benefit you in the long run. There are many ways to keep your home secured, if you would like to talk to a sales agent about getting the HomeSecure monitored alarm contact us on 01 920 3787.

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