Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

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Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas. It’s also known as the invisible killer because it’s almost impossible to detect without proper equipment. Annually, on average, over 400 Americans die accidentally at the hands of this invisible killer. According to the CDC, over 50,000 more people visit the E.R or are hospitalized from exposure. Here are some pointers to keep you and your loved ones protected from carbon monoxide poisoning this winter.

 

CO Exposure

Winter is here and one of the many things that come with this season is increased risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Anything that uses gas or coal to operate releases CO. So this includes our cars, water heaters, and furnaces. For instance, heating up your car in an enclosed area, like a garage, where the CO can accumulate with nowhere to go can be very dangerous. This is dangerous because if you or even your pets breathe in too much, you could be poisoned. 

CO Prevention

Now that you know where CO comes from and how you’re exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning, how do we prevent it? The first thing you can do is get reliable CO detectors for your home. Placing one sensor on each floor, near a sleeping area, would be a good start. Testing the alarm sound strength is important because the alarm needs to be loud enough to wake you up! Check the batteries in your CO detectors every six months and replace your detectors every five years. 

CO Detection

Move outside to get to fresh air as soon as possible if you have been exposed to CO or your CO detector alarm sounds. Some common carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms to look out for are: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.* So, if you or anyone around is experiencing these symptoms, contact emergency services immediately.

 

 

Remember that CO poisoning is preventable if you take the proper steps to protect yourself and your family. If you are in need of some CO protection this winter, call WISE at 1-844-904-9473 today!

*If you believe you have been exposed to carbon monoxide, call 911 and/or speak to a doctor. These statements are not meant to diagnose or treat any illness.

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Best Home Security Starter Plan

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Ever consider getting home security but not sure where to start? We know that the world of home security can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be that way. We took the liberty of compiling what we think is the best home security plan starter pack so you don’t have to. This setup covers your bases and can grow with you when you’re ready to add to your plan.

 

Motion Sensor

Motions sensors are small wireless sensors that use infrared technology to alert you when there is any unusual movement happening in your home.  They have a 30 ft by 50 ft range and wide-angle detection. For those of you who have four-legged friends running around, not to worry, the motion sensors have a pet immune feature that can be set for pets 33-55lbs.

 

Door & Window Sensor

Door and window sensors are staples in your home security plan. They are small and inconspicuous but serve a great purpose in your safety. They alert when any door is opening, which can be especially helpful when you aren’t home. 

 

The Control Panel

The control panel is the home base for all of the home security and home automation devices in your home.  It gets all the alerts and can control all the devices in a compact wireless device you can mount on your wall. It has a user- friendly, touchscreen display that makes optimizing your home security that much easier. 

 

WISE Home Solutions App

If the control panel is the home base then consider the WISE app the mothership because it is portable. Because you can download it on your smartphone, it goes where you go. This means, you basically have a control panel on your pocket that gives you alerts like the control panel and gives you access to your home while you’re on the go.

 

All these basic necessities in home security come together to form the WISE Choice security plan. Of course, you can add more devices at any time but if you’re confused about where to start with your home security plan, consider getting the WISE Choice plan. Call 1-844-904-9473!

 

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How to Prevent Break-Ins: Common Home Security Mistakes

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Of the many things we are constantly adding to our to-do lists, dealing with the aftermath of a break-in is the absolute last thing we want to add on as well. At the end of the day, we all just want things to move as smoothly as possible.  However, sometimes the things we do to make our lives more convenient can end up hurting us in the long-run. Find out what mistakes may be putting you at risk and what you can be doing instead to prevent break-ins.

Hiding a Key

Whether you’re hiding it under a doormat, in your bushes, or you “strategically” use a hideaway key tool, this is never a good idea. There are many more efficient and secure ways to do this. Consider using smart locks instead of hiding a key to your home where anyone could find it. Smart locks are easy to use and you can program up to 30 custom access codes so the only people getting inside are the ones who are supposed to be there. Whether it’s your sister who wants to drop off dinner while you’re stuck at work or your highschooler who forgets his homework at home, smart locks make it easy for only the right people to have access to your home, whenever. This keeps your home more secure and is an easy way to prevent break-ins! 

 

Leaving the Garage Door Open or Unlocked

How many times have you left your house in a hurry and asked yourself, “Did I close the garage door?” An embarrassing amount, right? Garage door openers do make it easier on us but even then we just forget sometimes. Good thing there is such a thing as a Smart Garage that gives you the status of your garage door open and can open and close it all from your smartphone!  Your garage can be easier to access than you may think. Of the 9% of burglaries that start from the garage, a majority of them or due to owner negligence and not force entry. 

 

Open Windows

As a general rule, we would recommend not leaving any door unlocked intentionally. It’s understandable, though, that keeping windows open can be much more tempting, especially during the summer months. Hopefully knowing that a shocking 23% of all home burglars use a first-floor window to gain access to your home will be enough to deter you from leaving them open. A simple way you can prevent a break-in can be just shutting your windows when you leave home.

 

Ready to make your to-do list a little more manageable? Call WISE today at 1-844-904-9473

 

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Home Security vs. Home Automation

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If you’re new to the world of home security, you may have heard these terms thrown around interchangeably. What you might not realize is that home automation and home security are two different things. They do work well when used together but ultimately their purposes are different. So, what is the difference? In short, home security is everything to do with protecting your home while automation is everything to do with running your home. 

 

Home Automation

Home automation products are most commonly referred to as “smart home” products. This would include smart locks, smart lightbulbs, Nest Learning Thermostat, etc. These products help regulate your home and make controlling them much easier. All of them can be accessed remotely and typically you can control them right from your smartphone. Automation products make controlling your home more convenient and regulating it helps keep your utility bills down.

 

Home Security

Security products help protect your home. These products are things like indoor and outdoor cameras, door and window sensors, and motion sensors, etc. With home security products you can get alerted who is at your house and where. In the event of an emergency, your home security system will alert you and the proper authorities, all in a timely manner. Home security products give you peace of mind.

 

Working Together

There are some products that have elements of both automation and security. Like smart locks, for example. Traditionally, locks are a common household necessity. The smart lock is convenient and automated so you can control it remotely. A lock’s purpose is to keep unwanted visitors out and your valuables safe inside. So, they also fall under the security category. Both automation and security products work well together and all just help keep your peace of mind. Know that even in your absence, your home is being protected.

Take advantage of what both home security and automation have to offer and call WISE today at 1-844-904-9473.

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Is Your Home Winter-Ready?

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Winter always seems to sneak up on us and before we know it, we’re pulling out the snowblower and cranking up the heat. Just like we have to bundle up and prepare for the cold this winter, we have to make sure our homes are ready for it, too. Here are some things you can do to help prepare and maintain your home all winter long.

Winter-Ready the Inside of Your Home

According to the American Red Cross, home fires occur most during December and January. The cause is mostly from either leaving your stove on or heating malfunctions. Trying to heat your home through unconventional methods can be very dangerous, it’s best to leave that job to your thermostat. Never try to heat your home using your oven. When using a space heater, it is safer to plug it directly into the wall without using an extension cord. When you are finished using it, don’t forget to unplug it from the wall. If a power outage does happen, it’s safer to use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns rather than using candles.

Another challenge homeowners face during the colder months is the possibility of freezing pipes. Leaving water faucets dripping slightly at night can help prevent pipes from freezing. You can also keep cabinets beneath sinks open so the pipes are exposed to heated air. If your pipes do freeze, you can defrost your pipes with warm air from a small hairdryer; do not use a blow torch. 

 

 

Winter-Ready the Outside of Your Home

Don’t pour warm water on your windshield to remove snow or ice. This could potentially shatter your entire windshield.  And to avoid going viral for having a not so graceful fall captured on your Ring Doorbell, consider salting all the walkways around your home. Even if there isn’t much snow, it can melt and refreeze into slick ice which makes for dangerous situations.  Lastly, don’t forget to clean out the rain gutters before the weather gets too bad to do it. A clogged gutter can cause ice build-up that can allow unwanted water back into your home. 

 

If you’re ready to get your home even better prepared this winter with a home security system, call WISE today at 1-844-904-9473!

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4 Ways to Save With Home Security

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Have you ever wondered if getting a home security system is worth it? If you are internally nodding right now, then these next four perks are for you. Here are some ways you can save on home security that you may or may not have thought about before.

 

1. Protection From Theft

Having a home security system equipped with cameras to deter burglars is a given. Obviously, the presence of cameras and other security devices on the premises will make it less likely that your home will be burglarized. We all want to keep the things we order and protect our purchases from porch pirates. 

 

2. Save On Utility Bills

Home automation and home security go hand in hand. One of the great home automation tools you can add to your home is a smart thermostat. You can control the temp from anywhere and they will learn patterns in your preferred temperatures and will begin to adjust themselves accordingly. This increases efficiency and ultimately saves you money on every utility bill.

 

3. Decrease Homeowners Insurance

Did you know that some insurance companies offer lower rates of homeowners insurance if you have a home security system? On average, installing home monitoring equipment can save you up to 20% on home insurance. A home without security systems is three times more likely to be burglarized. In addition, smart home devices can automatically alert emergency responders in case of emergencies such as a fire. Because your home is better protected, it is less of a risk, and insurance companies reward this by offering discounts that help you save on home security.

4. Reduce Wear & Tear

Replacing small tools in your home, such as lightbulbs and door locks with more energy-efficient, long-lasting products can really reduce wear and tear on your home. Standard lightbulbs last up to 2000 hours on average while smart lightbulbs each last up to 25000 hours. That’s up to three years! With smart locks, you never have to worry about making copies for, losing, or replacing your keys ever again. Instead, you can come and go as you please with a simple numeric code. These replacements may seem small but the savings are big.

 

 

Want to take advantage of these opportunities to save? Give WISE a call at 1-844-904-9473!

 

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Home Security For Seniors

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According to AARP, 87% of seniors age 65+ want to stay in their own homes rather than be moved to a senior living facility. They would prefer to age in their own space. Smart home automation devices make senior home security easier. They make daily tasks more convenient and can help keep them comfortable for as long as possible.

Devices That Can Help

There are many home automation and home security products that can optimize your seniors’ home security. Our top recommendations would be the Nest Learning Thermostat, Smart Lightbulbs, and a Ring Doorbell. The Nest Learning Thermostat is an ingenious piece of technology. You adjust it from anywhere! It also recognizes the patterns of your preferred temperature settings at your preferred times. Over time, it will begin to adjust itself accordingly, so you won’t have to. Smart Light Bulbs are a simple way to make your life easier. You have complete control of your lights from anywhere. Even upgrading something as small as turning lights on and off can minimize fall risks for your loved one.

 

Connection

We are living in strange times when the most vulnerable of us are our elderly loved ones. For their safety, friends, and family have been asked to keep their distance. This can be understandably hard for some seniors. The Ring video doorbell is a simple way of keeping connecting during times like these. You can visit while still maintaining social distancing with the two-way audio feature. It helps keep us connected without any risk. 

 

Panic Pendant

The Panic Pendant is a senior home security staple. It will send an emergency notification to all necessary contacts for help, even when the system is disarmed. This lightweight piece of smart technology is completely waterproof incredibly versatile. It can be kept as a necklace, a lanyard, a belt clip, etc. Having their own personal Panic Pendant the seniors can have with them at all times can actually save lives.

 

Home security doesn’t have to be difficult. If you want to make life more convenient for one of your elderly loved ones call 1-844-904-9473

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Pet-Friendly Home Security

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How do you navigate the world of home protection with pets and find pet-friendly home security? If you really think about it, your pets are home more often than you are. Your home is their home, too! We need to keep them safe because they are a part of our families. Find how you can better protect your furry friends this holiday season. 

 

Adjusting Temperature

The weather is unpredictable and we never know when we’ll have an unexpected spike or drop in temperature. Just like us, our pets want to stay at a comfortable temperature. The Nest Learning Thermostat is a smart home product that conveniently allows you to adjust the temperature of your house all from your smartphone. This home automation feature allows you to adjust the temperature for your fur children while you’re out on the go. It makes a great addition to your home security set up.

 

Video Surveillance 

While we’re gone during the day, our pets really have free reign over what they get up to. Unfortunately, that’s not always a good thing. Often they get into things that they shouldn’t and sometimes it can even make them sick. Knowing what your pets are up to can help keep them healthy, safe, and out of trouble.

No one likes coming home to a mess that your pet is obviously responsible for, but for some reason won’t fess up to. Indoor cameras monitor what your pets are up to while you’re gone, and may give you an answer to which one of your pets broke that vase last week.

 

Wireless

Pets chew on things, it’s inevitable. Normally, they’re so adorable when they’re doing it too—until you find out they’ve chewed up all your charging wires. Pet-friendly home security is the best way to keep them chewing on their own toys and not your valuables. Go wireless with your home security and give yourself peace of mind.

 

For the 67 million of us that have pets at home, let’s keep them in mind when we’re purchasing home security. If you’re ready to keep your pets better-protected, call 1-844-904-9473

 

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Is Your Dallas Home an Easy Target?

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Dallas is a busy hub if there ever was one. Home to so many restaurants, shopping centers, the Cowboys, and you! With the hustle that comes with city living, it’s important to protect your home as well as Demarcus Lawrence protects Dak Prescott. With a 49.35 on the crime index, homeowners could use some extra help with their Dallas home security. Here are a few tips to make sure your home isn’t an easy target. 

 

Exterior Cameras

Did you know home burglars are less likely to break into your home if there is a visible security camera present? According to this news source’s interview, inmates admitted to being discouraged from burglarizing if they noticed a security camera. Exterior cameras add an extra layer of prevention for your Dallas home security set up. 

 

Motion Sensors 

Motions sensors are a cost-effective way of getting more of your home secured for a great price. In the same inmate interview, they revealed that they would normally to hit homes between 12:30 p.m.- 2:20 p.m. because no one would be home. Motion sensors alert you if there is any unusual movement happening inside or outside your home. 

 

Ring Doorbells 

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could see who’s at your door before you open it? That way you would know to not answer the door when anyone wearing Eagles gear comes to it. You can actually do that with Ring Doorbells. With the two way audio feature, you can even tell those rival fans they aren’t welcome.

 

Get Prepared

These products are just the tip of the iceberg. It can seem daunting so try a system that allows you to customize your own plan. No matter where you live, there are many ways to ensure that your home is secure and protected. 

 

If you’re ready to set up your Dallas home security plan, call 1-844-904-9473 for a free, no-obligation quote!

 

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Mesa Home Security: What You Should Know

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Whether you just recently moved to Mesa, or you’ve lived there your entire life, you might be wondering: do you need home security in Mesa, Arizona? Well, we’re here to help! Read on to learn everything you need to know before buying home security in Mesa, Arizona.

Mesa Crime Statistics

According to Neighborhood Scout’s crime rate index, Mesa, Arizona ranks as a 23 out of 100 on safety. This means that Mesa, Arizona is only safer than 23% of US cities – making it less safe than 77% of U.S. cities. The city of Mesa has an average of 10,000 annual property crimes, and 11,000 total crimes annually.

In Mesa, AZ, you have a roughly 1 in 51 chance of becoming a victim of a property crime. The city also has an average of 87 crimes per square mile – over double the national average of 30.1 crimes per square mile.

Is Mesa Home Security Really Worth It?

The value of home security to you depends on a number of factors. However, it’s important to remember that crimes don’t just put your home at risk, but your finances as well. In 2018, the FBI reports that property crime in the US cost an estimated 16.4 billion dollars in damage and theft. This comes out to an average of $2,300 per property crime committed. When you consider how much it costs to be the victim of a property crime, home security becomes the considerably cheaper option.

Does Mesa Home Security Deter Burglars?

While some homeowners are aware of the risks, they aren’t sure if home security systems are actually effective in minimizing those risks. Are there really fewer break-ins, thefts, and home intrusions in areas with security systems?

One news source interviewed current inmates who’d been arrested for break-ins. These former burglars were all in agreement that if a home alarm went off, they’d get out of the home as quickly as possible.

Some of the inmates said they wouldn’t think to target a home with visible cameras or signs of a professionally monitored security system. This seems to support the findings of this survey, which found that burglars did consider whether a home might have a home security system before entering the home.

The Final Verdict

If you’re still on the fence as to whether or not a security system is right for you, try looking at all the options in your area. If you prefer to pick and choose the home security features that work for you, you might want to consider a company that allows you to customize your package. Ultimately, the most important thing is for you to feel safe in your home and in your neighborhood.

And, if you think you’re ready to get Mesa home security, call WISE Home Solutions today at (844) 904-9473 for a free, no-obligation quote.  

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