Emergency signals from your home security system can now be sent via a small cellular radio that your alarm company installs in your home.

It operates independently from your personal cell phone service and should also not be confused with Wi-Fi. Cellular is a far more reliable form of alarm system monitoring than Wi-Fi. It can operate in the event of a temporary power outage since it is not dependent upon your Wi-Fi modem having power. Likewise, if your cable line is cut the cellular monitoring of your home security system is not compromised as it remains in constant communication with the central station.

Another feature is that you can remotely arm and disarm your home security system with your smart phone. In addition, you can receive text alerts. Text notifications include a text alert when there is a power failure in your home, a text alert when your alarm system is either armed or disarmed and a text alert when you alarm system batteries are low among many other customizable text alerts.

Wireless cellular central station monitoring is by far the most secure and reliable form of home security system monitoring. It does come with a higher monthly cost of approximately $10 more per month than landline or Wi-Fi monitoring, but most homeowners believe it is well worth it.

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But first you must make sure that you are not currently under a contract with your existing alarm company. Read your contract. If you cannot find it, call your alarm company and request a copy. Look at the expiration date. See if that contract contains an automatic renewal clause. If so, check to see how long it automatically renews for. In many states, the law prohibits automatic renewal contracts longer than on a month to month basis without written authorization.

In some cases the prior alarm company may have put their own ‘dealer code’ in the panel to make it difficult to switch your Honeywell alarm system to another company. The dealer code essentially locks out another alarm company from using that Honeywell alarm panel. As long as you have fulfilled your obligations under the contract, you are entitled to have that dealer code put back to the factory default code. Alternatively, if the previous alarm company is uncooperative, we can simply replace the control panel with a new Honeywell alarm panel, at no cost to you.

To switch alarm companies, the process is simple. All Island Security has been in business for over 30 years and we have installed thousands of alarm systems all across Long Island. Simply give us a call at 516-747-0233 and we would be glad to walk you through the process. At All Island Security customer service is our top priority.

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However there are instances when the answer can be no. For example, if you are under a contract with ADT you would not be able to have another company monitor your ADT alarm system. But once you have satisfied the terms of that contract you can then switch alarm monitoring companies. Another example would be if you ‘leased’ your ADT alarm system from them, in which case you are ‘married’ to them and you cannot have another company monitor your ADT alarm system.

If you have an ADT alarm system and are not locked into monitoring with them, reach out to one of the many alarm companies on Long Island to see if they offer monitoring services that are competitively priced. Most likely, you will find a company that can use your existing ADT equipment and wiring. Most security companies can reprogram your control panel to work with their own monitoring center, even if ADT has locked the panel.

You may also be interested in upgrading the existing equipment, or perhaps exploring the latest technological advancements available in home security. Also available are smart phone apps that include text message notifications such as when the power in your home fails, or when your back up battery is low in addition to many other optional notifications.

So if you are paying too much for monitoring with ADT right now, contact some local security alarm companies to not only see if they will monitor your existing ADT equipment, but also see what deals they have for switching over from ADT.

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Begin by accessing the Fire Marshal website by clicking this link.

1. At the bottom of the page please find and click on the ‘Online Fire Alarm Permit Renewal’ button.
2. You must enter your current Nassau County Fire Alarm Permit number (P/L number), as listed on the bottom of your renewal letter, opposite your address.
3. For your security, you will be required to enter the words listed in the ‘security challenge’.
4. When your Fire Alarm Permit information appears, please check and make any changes if necessary. For any questions contact them directly at 516-573-9870.
5. When completed, enter your contact and credit card information. This does not have to be the name of the permit holder.
6. After your payment is processed, you will be able to print a temporary permit that will serve as your receipt. You will receive your official permit by US Mail within 60 days.

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In addition, the police as well as your home insurance company will advise you to have an acceptable level of home security. Make sure you have appropriate locks on your doors and windows, and then have a burglar alarm system installed. Be sure to test is monthly to make sure it is in communicating properly with the central monitoring center.

Most insurance companies will even give you a discount on your homeowners insurance if you invest in an burglar alarm system. Adding fire protection will even get you a larger discount, and more importantly it can save a life.

It’s important that you feel safe and secure in your own home, so all things being considered a burglar alarm system is a good investment.

A burglar alarm system is an effective way of protecting your home. But before you decide on the best alarm system for your home, consider the overall safety of your property. Do you have suitable locks on your doors and windows? Do you have shrubs blocking your windows and giving a burglar a place to hide? Have you invested in outdoor lighting?

Also consider investing in timers for your lights indoors, so that they will turn on and off at the appropriate times and give the impression there’s someone at home when you’re away.

There are two types of alarm systems. Hardwired and wireless. A wired system comprises several electronic sensors connected to a control panel by low-voltage wiring. A wireless system uses battery-powered transmitters connected to the control panel by RF radio signals.

Wireless systems are now very reliable, and they are quick and easy to install. The equipment for wired systems is less expensive. However, they can be more expensive to install, as they will require a professional installer to route the wires around your home. 

A burglar alarm system is part of an overall plan to protect your home and family. Always seek the advice of a professional when evaluating the security of your home.

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Prevention

There are several ways to prevent choking. For babies or small children, first, be vigilant to see that they do not put objects in their mouths. Second, make sure their food is cut into small enough pieces for the child to chew adequately. Third, it is not advisable for babies or small children to have hard candy, which might slip down their throat or windpipe and cause them to choke.

For older adults, excessive consumption of alcohol may cause them to not chew food adequately, or to lose consciousness before food is completely swallowed. Some senior citizens may also need their food cut up adequately, depending upon whether they have dentures or difficulty chewing.

Recognize Choking

Sometimes, a choking incident is signaled by coughing—but not always. Babies or small children may exhibit difficulty breathing or make a high pitched noise when they inhale if they have an object lodged in their throat. Children with a weak cry or cough should immediately be checked for choking.

Older adults may gag or wheeze in addition to cough.

Any person of any age who is not making any sound, whose skin is blue, or who has lost consciousness may be choking. They need medical attention immediately. Call 911. If someone in the household knows the Heimlich maneuver or CPR, it should be performed immediately.

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Real Live Humans answer the phone. The line is answered by a trained nurse or pharmacist. They can take in the age of the person afflicted, the weight, the type of poison and the amount of poison taken. It would take many searches to determine all of this on the internet. Time is of the essence in any poisoning situation. This is often a stressful time for the person that is calling poison control. Talking to a trained person helps take the error out of determining if the internet is actually accurate.

Calling the Poison Control Hotline can be very helpful. Per their website: website: 68% of poisonings can be handled without medical intervention. At home treatment in two out of three calls made to the Poison Control Hotline.

Overdosing on prescription medications is very common. This is the leading cause of death in 25-64 year olds. More people in this age range die from abusing prescription drugs than from motor vehicle accidents, illegal drugs or firearms.

Poison control can help with carbon monoxide poisoning. They are experienced with intentional overdosing by a person attempting suicide. They can give advice on what to do if a person swallows a battery. They handle more than just the chemicals that might be found under a kitchen sink.

The Poison Control Hotline handles about four calls a minute, if you think they might be able to help they probably can. Almost half of the calls are for children under six years old. Be safe. Have this number programmed in your mobile phone, and posted near your land line phone. You can reach the Poison Control Hotline 1-800-222-1222.

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First, know that asbestos in good condition—not damaged or worn—is not a hazard. There is no reason for alarm if asbestos is simply in your home. The risk comes from damaged asbestos, which can release fibers into the air. It is the fibers that are harmful.

Second, the safest thing you can do with asbestos is to leave it alone. Examining it or poking it might damage it, release fibers, and end up causing the very harm you are trying to avoid.

Third, know where to look for asbestos. Asbestos is found in multiple places in the home. Some are in places where consumers don’t know to expect it; many products sold for gas-powered fireplaces, such as artificial ashes, might contain asbestos. Others are in the home itself. Asbestos cement is used in some shingles and siding.

Fourth, avoid damaging asbestos if you find it. That includes dusting or vacuuming material that might contain asbestos or sawing, sanding or scraping it. Remember that activities that seem like simple work can damage the delicate fibers—and send them into the air.

Fifth, if you find damaged asbestos or damage existing asbestos in your home, you must call an experienced, certified professional to remove it.

Contact us for your safety and security needs.

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Common Situations of Carjackings

It is important to understand the most likely places and situations where carjackings occur. By educating yourself, you know when your awareness should be higher. See details below:

*The Bureau of Justice Statistics states that 93% of carjackings occur in cities or suburbs.
*Gas stations and car washes are a common place of the crime.
*Drive thru ATMs make a convenient location for the carjackers to watch.
*Shoppers loading and unloading groceries or other items are good targets.
*Elderly and mothers with children are an increase risk.
*Carjackings are more frequent during the weekends.

Tips to Prevent Being a Victim

There are several things you can do to decrease the likelihood of a carjacking. See the tips below:

*Park in well lit areas and visible to the public.
*When walking to your vehicle, have your keys ready. In addition, be aware of your   surroundings and look inside your vehicle before entering. Be wary of people asking for directions. Trust your instincts, if something doesn’t feel right quickly leave the area.
*Do not leave valuables or wallets on the seats. Instead, leave these items in your trunk.
*When paying for gas, always lock your doors while in the store.
*Do not stop to assist a car on the side of the street. You should call for help instead.
*Drive in the center lane when possible to avoid being “bumped.” Sometimes carjackers    will bump you from behind, then take your vehicle once you exit.

Carjacking is a scary situation. However, knowing the statistics and common situations you can decrease the chances of being a victim.

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1) One of the chief ways to ensure household safety and prevent poisoning is to make sure that the exposure is only what is needed to eliminate pests, and that it does not affect any humans or pets. To that end, avoid applying pesticides more often than recommended. You do not need preventive, repeat uses. A better preventive way to get rid of pests is to eliminate conditions where they breed or to which they are attracted.

2) The person applying the pesticide should also limit exposure as much as possible. Wear gloves always, masks or goggles if necessary to prevent poisoning.

3) Ventilate the area that needs to be sprayed. Open doors and windows during the process.

4) Prevent poisoning by keeping any pesticide residues, bait, or traps where children and pets cannot reach them.

5) Remember that household safety includes environmental safety. Don’t pour leftover pesticides down the drain, empty on the lawn, or leave in the garbage. It may contaminate the municipal drinking water or the earth. Your town can tell you the procedures for dealing with hazardous waste.

There are also ways to avoid using pesticides with harsh chemicals. If your pest problem is cockroaches, ants, or silverfish, for example, boric acid will work. If sprinkled along the floor molding, cracks, and crevices, the insects will crawl across it, and boric acid will slowly poison them. Boric acid is not toxic to humans, so is safer than many pesticides.

Several organizations are involved in transitioning to nontoxic pesticides. See www.beyondpesticides.org for details.

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