Do It Yourself Home Security

Security Tips and Information for the DIY Crowd

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Homeowners Insurance Discount


Receiving a discount on your homeowners insurance policy is actually easier than you think.  And you can protect your home and family in the process.  How?  By purchasing UL listed central station alarm monitoring.  Having alarm monitoring for your home security system is a simple way to get a discount on your monthly insurance premiums.

Insurance companies "reward" their customers when the policy is covering less risk.  So, people in better health may pay less for their life insurance policy because they aren't as much of a risk to the insurance company.  The same idea applies to your homeowners insurance.  Companies are willing and eager to give you a discount if your home is at less risk.  Alarm monitoring takes care of that for you.  It gives confidence that in the event of a fire or other event, emergency personnel will be dispatched to your home, increasing the likelihood that less damage will ensue.

So how much of a discount can you receive on your homeowners insurance?  Well, it all depends on the insurance company, but it can be up to 20%!  And considering that UL listed alarm monitoring costs as little as $9 a month, its a no-brainer to secure your home with central station monitoring.

If you don't already have alarm monitoring, then your system isn't working to its fullest capabilities; and you're not getting a homeowners insurance discount.  Purchase UL listed alarm monitoring today.  Your wallet will thank you.

Labels: , ,

Monday, November 3, 2008

Key Digital Home Theater

For a while now, SafeMart has expanded its market into different low-voltage home applications.  We've always kept our central focus on home safety and security, but with so many customers wanting other low voltage systems, like home automation or intercom systems, we've continued to expand into those markets.

In this light, SafeMart has, for a while, carried home theater components, such as JBL in-wall speakers.  We've now decided to take that to the next level.  As of last week, SafeMart is an official reseller of Key Digital's full product line.  Key Digital is a leader in creating the video and audio solutions needed for high quality home theater and audio.  

Their product line is not comprised of tv screens, projectors or speakers.  They supply all of the unseen items that you need to operate these.  Key Digital has a full product line in the following categories:














- Digital Video Processors
- Cat 5 Balun Devices
- Video Audio Switchers
- Video and Control Adapters
- Video/Audio Distribution Amplifiers
- HDMI Cables
- Home Theater Accessories

These are truly top of the line products that will give your home theater system value for years to come.  Stop by and see what we can do for you.



Labels: , , ,

Friday, October 31, 2008

FAQ: Central Station Alarm Monitoring

One of the questions we frequently get asked at SafeMart is about our central station monitoring coverage.  Can we cover every state?  

The answer is yes.  SafeMart's Central Station Alarm Monitoring can cover all 50 states, plus Guam and Puerto Rico.  Our UL listed monitoring service is proven and reliable, and very affordable.  Once the necessary paperwork is completed and your system is installed, we can have you online and monitored in no time.  If you don't have monitoring, or if you're paying more than $9 per month for it, then stop by SafeMart and see what we can do for you.

Labels: ,

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Fake TV: A Burglary Deterrent?

We often have people ask us about burglary deterrents.  "Are there items that I can use to prevent people from breaking into my home even if I don't actually have a security system?"  This is not the preferred method of preventing a break-in, but sometimes, circumstances dictate this as the only option.  On the other hand, you may already have a home security system but want to add an additional deterrent.  In either case, the Fake TV meets that need.

The Fake TV is a small light that changes colors, motion time, etc. to mimic the light emitted from a real television.  Its incredibly affordable (just over $30) and doesn't take any installation beyond plugging it in.  

Since most burglaries are crimes of opportunity, and since most burlgars are interested in robbing homes without running into homeowners, the Fake TV goes a long way to scaring off potential intruders.  And, as always, SafeMart's low price guarantee applies.

Labels: , ,

Monday, October 27, 2008

Freeze Alarms

As the weather turns from early to late fall, many homeowners are merely waiting for the inevitable: Winter.  Winter means cold temperatures, and for many regions, snow and/or ice.  So what does this have to do with home security?  It doesn't.  But it does have a lot to do with SafeMart's other primary concern: Home Safety.

Frozen pipes can lead to damaged pipes which invariably lead to damaged wallets.  A freezing problem in the basement may take hours or days to get noticed and by then, you may have burst pipes.  It happens every winter to thousands of homeowners just like you.  

So, whats the solution?  Well, the smart solution is to invest in a freeze sensor.  This sensor can notify you immediately when the temperature drops drastically, or if it drops below a certain degree.  Many can also be programmed to call a pre-set number, so that you can take action even at work.  The investment is minimal, but the cost savings in prevention is enormous.  Stop by today and take a look at this and other state of the art environmental sensors.  Its worth it.

Labels: , ,

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Home Security in a Recession

Stocks are down, people are feeling a pinch, and the overall economy is in a recession.  This is the time when many homeowners begin cutting back on unneccesary consumer products.  Now, I have no interest in discussing the general state of the economy or even plans to help reduce exposure to the recesison.  What I do want to talk about is how to handle home security in a recession.

I mentioned that now is the time when many homeowners cut back on consumer purchases.  However, this should not be the time when homeowners cut back on home security systems and products.  This is the case for two reasons.

1. Home Security is always a high level priority.  You don't need video games, new cars or the latest big screen tv.  These are nice things to purchase when you have the money and the economic security to buy them.  You do, however, always need to protect your home and loved ones.  Thats why, even in a recession, home security systems shouldn't count as "extras" that you don't really need, but may want.

2. Economic turmoil often means increased crime.  Its sad to say, but there is often a direct correlation between crimes of opportunity (like burglaries) and economic hardship.  A recession means alot of things, but it doesn't mean a decrease in crime.  Thats why its all the more important during a financial crunch to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones.

Ok, so you know that you ought to have a security system, but you don't have tons of money to spend.  That's why SafeMart has made it a hallmark of its business to guarantee the lowest possible prices on the best home security devices.  Stop by today.  I think you'll be suprised at how affordable a solution we can find for you.

Labels: , ,

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

FAQ: Security System Wire

One of the questions we are asked frequently at SafeMart concerns the best type of alarm wire to use when wiring a security system.  There are different options available and many types may work on a given system, but the simple answer is 22 gauge, 4 conductor wire.  4 conductor wire allows you to wire most devices (which can usually use 2 conductor) but also certain smoke detectors which require 4 conductor.  As always, alarm wire can be purchased at the lowest possible prices at SafeMart.com.

Labels: ,