Laura Thurston

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April 21 2021

4 Things You Probably Didn’t Know Your Smart Home Security Cameras Can Do

Homeowners and businesses have used cameras to protect their property for decades. Security cameras are seen as an effective deterrent against crime and a useful tool. Sometimes, they just for grabbing a funny video of dad wiping out on an icy driveway. Today’s home security cameras can do a whole lot more though. New AI technology is making cameras smarter; protecting deliveries, reducing false alarms, and helping families connect. Here are 4 things you probably didn’t know security cameras can do.

1. Answer the Door, Even When You’re Not at Home

A video doorbell allows you to see who visits your home, even if they don’t ring the doorbell. You can also answer your door from anywhere with your phone. You’ll see a live feed of whoever has stopped by and be able to communicate with them via the two-way chat function.

Package delivery? Tell the driver where to leave it. Keep your deliveries safe from porch pirates with a touchless video doorbell and smart lock. Get an alert when a visitor approaches or rings your video doorbell. Open your app to see and talk to them.

2. Smarter Security

Unlike old-fashioned motion-triggered lighting, the AI technology in modern home security cameras custom activate your lights in different combinations for alternative objects.

Video Analytics

Say you want to startle deer away from your garden at night. An animal-triggered lighting rule that turns on every outdoor light is an effective solution. For human intruders, however, you can create a second person-triggered rule that also includes your upstairs lights, alerting you to the danger and sending a clear signal to the intruder that someone is home and awake.

3. Know What’s Going On

Home Security Cameras don’t just stand by and watch anymore. Your cameras can identify the difference between humans, vehicles, and animals and send you custom alerts. Our easy-to-use app lets you create notification rules so you know when the kids come home from school, if Fido has been on the couch, or if someone lingers in your driveway.

The real-time alerts are sent directly to your mobile device, so you never miss an important moment.

4. Check-in When It Matters

adc_iPhoneX_Dashboard_highlights_Wellcam Cameras like our Wellcam allow you to easily connect with whoever is at home through two-way voice and video. You can connect via the app and get a live feed from the Wellcam. You can hear and speak through the app in real-time. Help the kids with their homework or let the family know when you’ll be home.

The easy-to-use call-out button lets users in the home connect directly to your mobile device. Perfect for independent seniors. You can check in on your loved ones anytime and they can reach out as well with a single button press.

Adding smart home security cameras to your home provides security and peace of mind. You can check in on live video feeds from anywhere with the app while today’s smart cameras continue to make homes even safer. Speak to one of our security consultants to learn how easy it is to add peace of mind with new security cameras around your home.

April 8 2021

TMA Honours Alarm Systems, Shelley McQuigge, as Monitoring Center Manager of the Year Finalist

Laura Thurston Alarm Systems, News

Our very own Monitoring Center Operations Manager, Shelley McQuigge is one of 3 finalists for the 2021 TMA/SDM Excellence Award for Monitoring Center Manager of the Year. This is an exceptionally prestigious recognition as The Monitoring Association has hundreds of members across North America.

Shelley is an admirable leader, just ask her people! She operates a data-driven, customer-centric station, holds her team accountable and develops people to their full potential. She contributes to the industry by sharing her best practices to the degree that she is currently chairing a committee within CANASA, writing and updating Monitoring Station processes.

Her calm leadership style was critical during the initial onset of COVID-19, when so much uncertainty existed and the critical nature of the operation she manages is relied on by so many.

Shelley works so hard and we are exceptionally proud of her. The 2021 TMA Excellence Awards will be presented virtually on Thursday, April 15, 2021. Congratulations and best of luck Shelley!

Jonathon Makes a donation to the Care & SHare Foodbank on behalf of Alarm Systems

April 6 2021

Community Outreach: Care & Share Foodbank

Laura Thurston Community

Giving back to our communities is one of our core values at Alarm Systems. Every quarter we invite employees to nominate local not-for-profit organizations that could benefit from donations. Each individual on our team casts their vote to decide who we will support and the winner receives a $1,250 donation.

The Nomination

This Quarter, our team voted to donate to the Care and Share Foodbank of Trenton nominated by one of our Security Consultants, Jonathon Gardner. Independently owned and operated, the Care and Share Foodbank has been supporting its community since 1985. Their mission is to serve the people of Quinte West by providing food and assistive services to families during their time of need.

“The Care and Share Foodbank is such a vital part of our community. So many times, people are forced to decide to pay the rent or mortgage, heat, hydro or for food. The Foodbank is there to help out and make that decision a little easier. Even more now then ever, with people losing their jobs and the cost of everything skyrocketing, they are there to help. No one in our community should ever go hungry.”

– Jonathon Gardener, Security Consultant

We are pleased to be able to support The Care and Share Foodbank. This past year has been particularly difficult and organizations like theirs continue to be invaluable in helping our community deal with the pandemic.

Tammy Black, Customer Support Senior Specialist Alarm Systems

March 18 2021

Take 5 with Tammy Black

Laura Thurston Alarm Systems

“The most rewarding part is saving people’s homes and helping give our customers peace of mind.”

This month we are featuring Tammy Black who plays a vital role in our award-winning monitoring station. She has been with Alarm Systems since 2009 and takes great pride in delivering peace of mind for our customers.

What brought you to Alarm Systems – and when did you join?

Tammy has worked with TAS/Alarm Systems for almost 12 years. After returning to school for retraining, she was looking for new challenges. Originally drawn to a role in monitoring because of the parallels she saw to working reception for a company, it has proved more interesting than she ever could have imagined.

Like reception, Tammy sees monitoring as a front line for our business. The friendly voices you hear when you call handle everything from service requests to alarm response. Setting the tone for customers and ensuring someone is looking out for what’s important to them.

What is your role at Alarm Systems?

As our Customer Support Senior Specialist, Tammy is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day of the monitoring center. She considers herself a Jack of all trades. This includes managing updates to our customer database, daily service requests, and programming responses for every new customer.

This is a key role at Alarm Systems, every system we install is programmed individually. When our operators receive signals from systems, they assess the code and dispatch based on its programming. For instance, a response for one of our Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) may begin with a call to the home, then a registered caregiver, then emergency services. An intrusion signal may be programmed differently.

What is your favorite thing to spend money on?

“Right now, I’m into Scentsy,” Tammy tells me, referring to an air freshener company her sister-in-law turned her onto. Tammy enjoys the scented wax warmers and the adorable stuff scented Buddies. Overall, though “I’m more focused on saving for a home.”

If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be?

Without hesitation, Tammy began with her two stepsons. They are no longer local, and the pandemic has only made that separation worse. Even though they still chat regularly she can’t wait to see them in person again. “It’s different in person, you can see if they are really ok”.

Her next choice would be any member of her family who she lost too early. The death of any family is difficult, but it becomes harder to process the younger they are. Tammy would love the chance to reconnect with loved ones.
The last seat would be for Garth Brooks, “he’s my favourite musician.”

You wake up and discover you are now a character in the last movie/tv show you watched. Where are you?

“Hudson, Alberta, on the Heartland Ranch”, Tammy tells me. Heartland is one of her favourite shows, tuning in every Sunday. Tammy could see herself as a long-lost relation of Fleming family, working on the farm with them. Her affinity for the show stems from memories of her aunt, and Tammy would love to learn to ride so she could experience the freedom of a place like the Albertan wilderness.

Although she did say this question could have easily been Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle or Firehouse 51 in Chicago depending on when I had asked. “I like action, comedy, rom-com, anything except horror” she laughed.

Tammy is a fantastic member of our team and we are so happy to have her.

March 12 2021

Home Security Trends for 2021

Laura Thurston Smart Home Security

Home security has changed a lot in recent years. Systems are becoming more complex and at the same time easier to use. Modern home security systems are no longer about simple motion or intrusion sensors. In 2020 we saw a big surge in smart home technology. Today’s systems are capitalizing on the smart home movement to give users full control over their homes from smart locks to thermostats to lights.

All of this is propelled by new technologies that are making homes safer and more efficient and comfortable. Here are the trends that are driving smart home security adoption in 2021.

AI

Our devices are getting smarter. Smart thermostats can automatically adjust your home’s temperature when you leave. When it is hot outside, it can turn itself down or minimize waste if you have left a window or door open. A smart home saves you energy and money.

Your security system doesn’t simply react to unexpected motion or intrusion. It can now better assess the context of your home and notify you of a variety of things. It can recognize when you leave the house and alert you to unlocked doors or open garages.

Security Camera AI — Home Security Cameras can leverage AI to better identify people, animals, or vehicles and send you customer alerts about what is important to you.

Your home security cameras are even smarter. They can differentiate between people, vehicles, and pets. They will send you custom alerts when someone approaches your home or if Fido is on the couch when he shouldn’t be. AI is making your entire security system smarter.

Improved Networks

Faster, more reliable cellular services and wireless technology is allowing a growing number of people to cut the cord. Your security system is no longer constrained to your landline. Today’s systems leverage both cellular and wireless technology making them more reliable and secure than ever before.

Using your security system as the foundation of your smart home adds a layer of security. Today’s systems link to many smart devices via z-wave wireless technology. This makes them more secure than simple wifi-connected devices protecting your privacy.

Going Touchless

Touchless security is one of the biggest shifts over the past year and it continues to grow in 2021. 1 in 4 Canadians already owns a smart speaker, up 66% since 2019. These speakers are driving the development of voice-controlled features from voice search functionality on websites to your home’s lights and security features.

Newer home security systems can also leverage this technology allowing users to activate features without lifting a finger. Smart doorbells activate when approached and can send live video to your device. You’ll know when your deliveries arrive and can answer your door from anywhere.
In the office, biometric-driven access control allows us to go touchless.

Automations, Making Your Life Easier

Yes, our homes are full of smart devices, but many users are not fully utilizing them. Sure, it’s cool to be able to turn on the living room lights from your phone but you could be doing more. Many smart home devices can be automated to activate at certain times. With a smart home security system, you can also program your system to adapt your schedule. Now your living room lights don’t just come on at 6 pm, they turn on when you come home. Your system knows when you come and go and adapts. Smart Home Automation "Story time Scene"

We are seeing more and more users take advantage of these kinds of geofencing features. Many of them are also creating elaborate “scenes” to set the mood. Programming your smart home means being able to shift to romantic dinners or movie nights with the lights down with a single command.

Your security system can be the powerful and secure foundation for your smart home. Making homes more efficient and giving homeowners more power peace of mind.

March 2 2021

Falcon Security & Alarm Systems

Laura Thurston Alarm Systems, News

Falcon Security has proudly been part of the Brockville Community since 1979. We have provided innovative security solutions to homeowners and businesses in the Leeds-Grenville & 1000 Islands region for over 40 years. We continue to be the area’s leading security provider.

As you may remember in 2007 Falcon Security joined Alarm Systems, another industry leader in home and commercial security in Eastern Ontario. We have been a division of Alarm Systems ever since but remain locally focused.

Alarm Systems, with their head office in Belleville, have always shared Falcon’s community focus including supporting local businesses, hiring local, and working with community organizations, for instance, Cycling without Age Brockville. For over a decade our clients have benefited from Alarm Systems’ expertise and experience in our industry.

In the coming months, you may notice a change in our branding. We are excited to update our logo to better reflect our relationship with Alarm Systems. The transition to a new logo will not change anything about the quality of service or the commitment to our community. We look forward to this transition and the exciting times ahead as we continue to grow with your support.

We are and always will be committed to protecting lives and property. Thank you for being a Falcon Security & Alarm Systems client and allowing us to provide you with PEACE of MIND.

Sincerely,
Chris Izatt
General Manager, Falcon Security

Sincerely,
Kristin Crowe
President, Alarm Systems

February 23 2021

The Best Places to Install a Home Security Camera?

Laura Thurston Smart Home Security

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all rule. Everyone’s home, budget, and security priorities are different, but there are some things you may want to consider. Identifying your home’s vulnerabilities and the areas you’d like to have a better awareness of is the first step.

For instance, you may be concerned about package theft, in which case a video doorbell should be a priority. Alternatively, you may want to check in your kids from work, so a camera in the dining room or living room may be a solution. Today’s home security cameras are low profile and wireless, so they can be installed anywhere you need them, here are some of the most common places to consider.

Your Front Door

Alarm.com Wifi Doorbell Camera A security camera or video doorbell at your front door is a great way to deter thieves and keep an eye on deliveries. With video AI cameras can be programs to send alerts directly to your phone when someone approaches your home, whether they are a visitor, delivery driver, or stranger.

They are also good for notifying you when someone leaves or returns to your home.

Back or Side Entrances

Similarly, your front door, rear or side entrances are also good places for security cameras. They are often out of the line-of-site from the street which makes them particularly of interest to potential intruders.

Garage & Driveway

A camera monitoring your garage and/or driveway keeps a watchful eye on bikes, tools, grills, sports equipment, cars and everyone that handles them. It also provides an extra layer of security as garages are often another entry point for homes.

The Backyard

Backyard cameras are good for keeping an eye on kids playing, animal visitors, or trespassers.

Inside Common Areas

Installing cameras inside your home can also be very useful. Consider installing home security cameras in common areas such as your living room, dining room, or kitchen. These can help you keep an eye on kids or elderly relatives while you are at work as well as babysitters, house cleaners, and even pets.

Any room you want to keep an eye on

You should also consider security cameras for any room with valuables on display. Cameras can keep an eye on valuable art or collectibles. New parents may also want to consider a camera in the nursery as a visual baby monitor.

The Best Places to Install a Home Security Camera?

Tips for Installing your smart home security cameras

Use Corners

to maximize your vantage point and capture as much of a room as possible.

Indirect light.

Pointing cameras directly into a light source such as the sun will cause glare or high contrast that will impact the quality of your video.

Privacy

Avoid installing cameras anywhere that violates an expectation of privacy. Bedrooms and bathrooms for instance. Also, be mindful your cameras are not violating your neighbor’s privacy by inadvertently capturing footage of inside their home through windows.

Talk to a professional.

Our home security consultants have years of experience installing home security cameras. They can help you find the best places in your home to help you get the awareness you need. And our technicians can install your system professionally, so there is no need for creative DYI or troubleshooting.

If you already have a smart home security system contact us to add cameras or a smart doorbell camera to your system. If you are not already an Alarm Systems customer getting started is easy, just speak to one of our security consultants.

February 19 2021

Introducing the Alarm.com Touchless Video Doorbell

Laura Thurston News, Smart Home Security

We are proud to announce a new and improved touchless video doorbell. The sleek new device accents any home perfectly and it integrates with an easy-to-use app, allowing you to see live video, enjoy two-way communication from anywhere, receive real-time notifications about what is going on on your front porch.

Best of all it is touchless!

Enhanced Home Security

A doorbell camera gives you a safe, smart way to see who is at the door, no matter where you are. Your touchless doorbell camera is automatically activated when someone approaches your home, before they even ring your doorbell. You’ll be notified when it has been activated so you’ll know anything that happens on your front porch.

Know when your packages are delivered so you can ensure that your precious deliveries do not sit too long on your front porch where potential thieves can spot them. Adding a smart lock to your home security system you can go a step further and unlock your door remotely. This allows deliveries to be secured inside of your front door or remote access for visitors.

Live Video

When a visitor approaches the doorbell, you get a notification on your phone. Your touchless doorbell’s camera will transmit a live video feed of who’s at your front door. You’ll also be able to chat with them through the app. With the two-way voice function you will be able to chat with visitors or give instructions to delivery drivers even if you aren’t home.

As part of a smart home security system, your video doorbell becomes a full security camera, able to capture motion-triggered clips, alert you, and store your clips for later viewing. It’s a great way to keep an eye on activity around your porch, one of the busiest outdoor areas in your home. At night, the camera can even trigger your porch light to come on when there’s motion, giving you a well-lit video clip.

Introducing the Alarm.com Touchless Video Doorbell

Smart Video Analytics & Real Time Alerts

Our new touchless doorbell now leverages powerful video AI. This allows your doorbell to identify who is approaching your home. Video Analytics distinguishes people from animals or vehicles and enhances perimeter security and awareness. Get a video alert to your mobile device if someone lingers at your door.

Want to upgrade your door with the smart Doorbell Camera?

If you already have a smart home security system contact us to upgrade your system with a smart doorbell camera. If you are not already an Alarm Systems customer getting started is easy, just speak to one of our security consultants.

Lafferty's Crossing External Shot Feature

February 16 2021

Take 5 With Tom Lafferty of Lafferty’s Crossing, Downtown Belleville

Laura Thurston Community

At Alarm Systems, we love to take opportunities to highlight our clients and their contributions to this community. This week we sat down with Tom Lafferty of Lafferty’s Crossing. Tom has been in the menswear industry for decades since he and a partner started Carson’s Menswear in 1976 in the Quinte Mall. Eventually, Carson’s would evolve into Lafferty’s Crossing and moved to downtown Belleville.

Lafferty’s Crossing prides itself as a full-service menswear store that offers the full gamut of clothing from socks to suits. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff help their customers find the right fit. It has been a challenging year for many small businesses but Tom’s focus on building relationships with his customers and giving back to the community has continued to be the driving force behind Lafferty’s Crossing.

An Interview with Tom Lafferty

What does it mean to be a small business owner in Belleville?

Tom Lafferty & Team of Lafferty's Crossing here in Belleville For Tom, being a small business owner is “more than just selling clothes”. He has built his business on respect for his clients and puts building relationships at the forefront of his business strategy. “It’s all about building relationships and it’s how you treat your clients and having respect for them. You give them the best value that you can for the money and still be able to continue your business, but it’s really all about building relationships and letting people know we really do care.”

Tom’s customers even influence his purchasing as he recounts making choices because he knows a specific client will look great in that piece.

If a man wants to look classy and neat in the office but a suit is too much, what would you recommend?

Tom has seen a drastic change in the last year to how men are dressing for work. In the age of remote work and Zoom meetings and one where many special occasions have been canceled, he has sold very few suits or sport coats. That being said, it doesn’t mean you still can’t look good at work.

“When you’re at the office, whether it’s in your home, or in on Zoom, you still have to have a bit of a professional look to it. Get a nice crisp what we call, woven or a button-down sport shirt. And make sure it’s well pressed. It’s something that’s modern, you know, a little hip to a little fun.”

It should be noted Tom recommends you still wear pants to your Zoom meeting, although the style is up to you.

I see you’ve had some fun with the Bernie Sanders meme placing him in and around Lafferty’s Crossings – if Bernie came to you for some style advice what would you tell him?

“Let’s just start over Bernie” Tom jokes. Although he notes that he has always been a fan of the down-to-earth politician, Tom does not approve of the inauguration outfit. “US fashion in general is very much the old plaids and the khaki pants and plain blue shirt and the plain red tie. There’s not a lot of flamboyance to it, whereas in Canada, we have more of the Quebec influence which is a little higher fashion. Guys are more comfortable wearing some color and some patterns and stuff like that. So Bernie would just be a rebuild from the bottom up.”

Memes tend to be a young person’s game, but you were on top of it. How does online technology impact your business?

Tom Lafferty of Lafferty's Crossing here in Belleville Tom believes the internet is a valuable tool, and he has worked hard to learn how to leverage digital tools to connect with his customers. It is not always about selling a product, it is about getting his customer’s attention and engaging with them. From Bernie memes to instant sales, he is using online tools to build awareness.

In a way, it has become another way for Lafferty’s to build those customer relationships that are at the core of their business. “I think a lot of people see the online as a huge competitor that has a big advantage. I see it as the opposite way around and it all goes back to that building relationship sort of thing. The internet can do a lot of things but it can’t have a personal relationship with you.”

Who would you most like to be stuck in an elevator with?

“If it wasn’t my wife, it would be Michelle Pfeiffer. She has that glitter in her eye, I think she’d be a lot of fun.” Tom’s second choice would be comedy legend, John Candy. “He walks in a room and I laugh” Tom fondly recalled seeing the comedian once at a Montreal hotel years ago and how Candy’s laugh filled the room.

If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?

“I’m not sure there is anything I’d like to have every day for the rest of my life but we had four children and we both worked and life was crazy busy and the go-to dinner at home was Shake and Bake Chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn.” Even though his family’s diets have changed over the years, this go-to meal has become a family favourite. It is a meal that brings with it fond memories to this day.

Thanks to Tom for taking the time to chat with us and for being part of the Alarm Systems family. Lafferty’s Crossing is open for business and they are conducting a massive winter sale to make way for their spring collection. Stop by and show a little love for a local

February 10 2021

5 Tips to Promote Aging in Place

Laura Thurston Medical

90% of seniors want to age in place in their own home and community. Despite that one in three seniors over the age of 85 end up in some type of assisted living. Programs can cost between $1900-$6500 a month depending on the type of facility and services such as meals, cleaning services, nursing, memory care, and other amenities.

The Cost of Long Term Care in Ontario Table — The Cost of Long Term Care in Ontario

For caretakers, the costs make sense to protect loved ones. Many think aging in place makes elderly relatives more vulnerable. It is natural for us to worry that our elderly loved ones are more vulnerable but there are many advantages to aging in place.
Seniors who can stay in their homes and communities are more independent and more comfortable.
For many living at home is healthier, safer, and allows them to remain closer to family and friends. All of which contributes to a higher quality of life.

Planning for Aging in Place

active older woman out for a run wearing her Numera PERS device The earlier you start planning, the more prepared you will be to respond to changes that may occur as your loved one ages and faces changes in their health, mobility, or social connections. Safely aging in place means having the health and social supports and services necessary to live safely and independently.

Invest in safety and security early. Renovations such as walk-in tubs, accessible door handles, grab bars, and even ramps can improve a home’s accessibility. Simple modifications such as removing area rugs or adding no-slip strips can improve the home’s safety.

Security & Monitoring

One of the biggest concerns for caregivers is the possibility of an emergency: a sudden slip in the shower, a CO leak, or a smoke alarm for example. These can be serious even for active seniors. Installing a security system or personal monitoring device in your loved one’s home ensures they are protected 24/7. If there is an issue such as an unexpected fall, fire, or intruder help can be dispatched immediately. You will also be informed when emergency personnel respond.

Put Technology to Work for You

There are many great tools available to help seniors live at home without isolating themselves. Video conferencing and telemedicine allow them to reach out like never before. Easy-to-use tablets or cameras like the Well Cam let seniors chat with friends and family or consult medical professionals quickly and easily.

Smart Thermostats and home automation tools help control energy costs and make a home more comfortable. These systems also allow caretakers to check in on a home’s comfort remotely if needed.

Constant Awareness

Our new Wellness Program empowers your elderly loved ones to continue living independently. More than just an emergency button, the unintrusive devices provide insight into their life. You can check to see whether they have taken their medications or are spending more time than usual in their favourite chair.

This data allows you to have peace of mind that your loved one is safe and healthy.
You can set custom notifications to alert you of everything from alarms to unusual activity. The data can be shared with medical professionals to help provide better care for your loved one. The system also integrates with your security system, allowing you to check in and be aware of what is going on in your loved one’s life, without compromising their independence.

Review and Update

When you put an aging in place plan into place, it is important to revisit it every few years. Your loved ones’ situation can change and that means their needs may too. Regularly reviewing and revising the tools and strategies you have put in place will maintain your loved one’s independence as long as possible.

At Alarm Systems we provide several safety and security solutions designed to help seniors age in place. From our home monitoring and personal emergency response systems (PERS) to full home automation and Wellness Solutions. Speak to one of our security consultants and learn how to help your elderly loved one live independently.