SECUR-U wants to say … THANK YOU!

Thank you for your support this year and for voting for us in the Champion Canadian Milton Choice Awards. We were voted #1 by you for the SIXTH time as the “Best Security Systems”. The team at SECUR-U Inc would like to thank all who voted for taking time to participate and recognize us, as well as the Canadian Champion for being so gracious to host these awards again and present us with such a prestigious honour. We are proud to be a part of this city and look forward to continuing to be a GREAT part of this community. SECUR-U hopes that you will all join us in “Working together for a Safer Community”.

Should I Install a Hardwired Security System Myself?

Are you a Do-it-Yourself person and are thinking of installing a security system to protect your family? If so, then it’s important to understand what is required. Here are a few steps to consider prior to taking on this project:

First, choose a quality system. Do your due-diligence to ensure you are purchasing dependable products for your home. It’s always best to compare systems before making a decision.

Second, read the instructions that are included with the product in detail prior to starting the work to ensure you understand how to correctly install the alarm system components and devices. Search online for do-it-yourself steps or contact the product manufacturer if you require further assistance, please note that some manufacturers will only support security professionals.

The next step is to confirm that there is accessibility to run wires to all of the areas within your home that you are planning to install security alarm devices such as motion detectors, window or door contacts, keypads, glass break detectors and smoke detectors. If you are required to remove any trim or casement around windows and doors to run cable; ensure it is removable and not permanently attached like ceramic baseboard in the foyer or bathroom.

Now you need to confirm that you have the correct tools such as fish tapes, multi-meters, drills, ladder, screwdrivers, flash light and drill bits to properly install the hardware.

Lastly, do you have the time to correctly install this residential security system? With all the wiring and other things involved in installing this type of system, it takes time. You don’t want to rush through the installation or you will end up with a security alarm that doesn’t operate effectively.

Having a properly installed security system is a great idea, so ensure you follow the steps above and complete your research prior to starting. Now that you know what it takes to install a hardwired security system you must decide if it’s a Do-it-yourself project or something you want to hire a professional company like SECUR-U Inc.

Security alarms monitor your home twenty-four hours a day. Whether armed or disarmed, your security system also protects you from tragedies such as a fire, water damage, and high temperature or carbon monoxide levels. Imagine the devastation when you arrive home to your basement ruined from water damage because your sump pump failed; our system can prevent that.

Let’s talk about the security alarm keypad; this device has many functions in addition to the four digit code to disarm your system. The first useful function on your DSC keypads is the convenient quick arm buttons that quickly arm your home in the stay or away mode for ease of use. When you’re walking out the door press the away key and off you go! It’s that easy. DSC Keypads also have a built-in door chime mode. This feature is a bell chime that sounds every time the door is opened and closed. Many don’t understand the value of this feature; however, quite possibly this feature could save the life of a child or elderly. This chime could make you aware that your child has gone out to the backyard where you have a pool, or it could signal you that your two-year old has escaped from the house and is heading towards the road. Or, if you have an elderly person with Alzheimer’s living with you, this chime can make you aware that someone has left the house and prevent a serious tragedy. Your keypad also has ‘Life safety buttons’. These are the Medical, Fire and Duress buttons on your keypad. Pressing these buttons will send an emergency signal to central station, and will provide immediate assistance. When you are in the midst of a medical emergency, if you are scared, or in trouble these buttons are invaluable.

Most insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners that install a monitored security system. It is a well- known fact that houses with visible window decals or lawn sign can deter an intruder. Houses with alarms are more likely to have a thief spend less time in their home, as they know that the alarm will signal a police dispatch. It’s all about convenience and arming your system must be simple. To accomplish this, our system will allow you to add a variety of wireless remote controls that will tailor to your specific needs. Again for a family with young children, remotes are extremely handy. In my case I have a status module in my garage that allows me to verify that the alarm is set. So I help my young children into the car then arm our alarm with the remote while backing out of my garage. With a system like the one I have, it’s nearly impossible to forget to arm the system. For anyone that currently has an alarm, I’m sure you can relate to this…. You’re snuggled in your bed, cozy and warm and you forgot to arm your alarm. So rather than go all the way downstairs, you simply decide that tonight you won’t arm you system. Instead of playing the odds, you can install an wireless wall plate inside your bedroom closet or beside your night table that will allow you to arm or disarm the system and call for help. In addition to this wall mount, you can also add a single button remote that can be worn around the neck for those requiring medical assistance or panic assistance.

We would love to help make your alarm more user friendly and convenient.

Contact SECUR-U to speak with our qualified sales staff. Remember, always arm your alarm.

Kantech Helm

Mobile Security Platform

For iPhone, iPod Touch and Android Powered Phones. Kantech Helm puts you in control of your security. It enables you to interact with the EntraPass† security management software using only a few taps on your mobile device. The easy-to-use mobile app gives you anytime, anywhere real-time management of over 20 security tasks. Manage/create cards, lock/unlock doors, request reports and much more. Our state-of-the-art smartphone apps are designed specifically for each operating system.

Download Kantech Helm from the App Store or the Android Market to get security on the go!

Executive Problem - SECUR-U Simple Solution

Imagine that your company President brings an important client to the office on the weekend. He just came from a golf game and does not have his access card with him. Though the security system administrator is at the beach, it is easy to open the office door and grant the President access. It’s simply a matter of starting the Kantech Helm application and unlocking the front door. Just long enough for the President and client to get inside and get down to business. While the administrator gets back to the beach. It’s that easy and that fast

 Contact SECUR-U today

 DSC the manufacturer that supplies our security system hardware recently released the new PowerSeries Touch Screen keypad which delivers an easy interactive way to manage and control your security system - with the touch of a finger. The Touch Screen keypad – the nerve center of the alarm system – combines the keypad functionality users have come to expect with an intuitive interface. Seamlessly integrated with PowerSeries security systems, the sleek, contemporary and modern look is valued by homeowners.

 The Touch Screen display can be easily customized for the user. For example if the user doesn’t want to see separate partition areas such as the basement in-law suite or the outside garage,  but wants to turn the chimes on and off, simply hide /display the appropriate icons. The clutter-free home screen can be easily modified later by SECUR-U through password-protected setting menus. The background of the home screen can be easily customized by our team to display contact information, pictures, etc.

Easy for Users - The PowerSeries Touch Screen keypad has been designed with the user at ‘top of mind’. Large, clearly recognizable on-screen buttons and intuitive menu-driven screens facilitate ease of use and programming. For example, to access the Fire, Auxiliary, Panic (FAP) keys, users simply press the EMERGENCY button on the sidebar. LED status lights on the bottom of the frame provide a quick visual check on the security system. The integrated digital picture frame gives homeowners the flexibility to display photos as a single photo or a timed slideshow or default background screen.

Just insert an updated standard SD card into the SD slot and follow the on-screen prompts, similar to other ‘off-the shelf’ digital picture frames. In addition, the sleek profile and contemporary design adds a modern touch and comes in either white or silver to seamlessly blend into any décor.

This new sleek keypad can be retrofitted into your existing DSC PowerSeries home alarm system or it can be installed with your new security alarm installation.

Please call SECUR-U today for more details.

Residential Video Surveillance

I am proudly a fourth generation Miltonian. When I first ventured into the security business my grandparents thought I was crazy. ‘Why would anyone in Milton ever need a security system?’ A lot has changed in the 18 years that I have been a business owner in Milton. Just look around, the growth although amazing, has changed the ‘small’ town of Milton that my grandparents knew. They would be speechless to know that I am writing an article that video surveillance is becoming a necessary fixture in home security.

There are a variety of reasons that a homeowner would consider investing in video surveillance. Here are some of my reasons for having video around my home: My wife likes to be able to see who is at the door before opening. I can pull up video footage to see if someone was in my yard while I was not home. I am able to confirm that my kids got home from school safely even while I’m travelling. I like the comfort of knowing that my family is safe and at any time, I can log on to my DVR and see what is happening real-time… and the list goes on.

Keeping up with today’s technology is not easy but here is a quick summary of the everyday camera system that SECUR-U would install into a home. For starters, choosing the size of digital video recorder (DVR) is most important so that your overall needs can be met. DVR’s are sold in four, eight and sixteen camera inputs and you can add one camera at a time. Recorders can be purchased in both a computer based configuration or a stand-alone model similar to your cable TV box which is our most popular selling item for homeowners. Digital video recorders capture an image based on pixel or image change and store the video image onto a hard drive that can be played back within a specified period, the variables are based on the rate of motion, the hard drive capacity and the size of the compressed image. MPEG4 compression has been the compression leader for many years and is now being replaced with H.264 a compression which makes a significant difference to the storage capacity.

Here is the cool part, our more recent recorders also provide remote viewing on your iPhone, Android or Blackberry Smartphone or you can view your home remotely with a computer while at work, home or play.

As for camera options, our best seller is a rugged dome camera that can handle the outdoor elements and provides a color image during the day and automatically converts to black and white at night with infrared illumination to assist with image clarity in darker environments. These cameras can be purchased in a fixed view wide angle or adjustable view lens to suit your needs. Depending on the specific camera location our knowledgeable staff can offer a wide variety of camera products to suit every need and location.

When it comes to installation, I would highly recommend consulting a professional as the camera location and the methods used by our trained staff will make your installation seamless, tidy and professional. The town is changing. Security is changing. Don’t let other companies use scare tactics to sell you on to security or surveillance. Trust SECUR-U, the company that has been Working Together for a Safer Community for over 18 years.

For further information please "click here" contact our office, we are happy to assist you.

How do I change the clock on my DSC alarm keypad?

It's that time of year again when you may need to adjust the time on your DSC alarm keypad.   If you have had your security alarm installed within the last few years your system time may automatically adjust if the installer enabled the "Daylight Saving Time" option in the programming.  

If not follow these steps to change the time:

At your keypad, Press (star)*6 then your Master Code (4 digit code), then press "1" for the time & date option, then enter the 24 hour time, then the current MM/DD/YR in two digit increments.   Once you have followed these step sequentially your keypad will beep.   Press "#" (pound) twice to exit to the main menu.   if you leave the keypad alone for a minute or two the system will timeout and return to the regular screen.

Note: if you are pressing (star) *6 and entering a four digit code but are receiving a long beep, you are NOT entering the master code.  You cannot change the time with a general user code.

Here is a link to the DSC website if you would like to download a user manual: (click here)

Here is a live YouTube video link on how to change the time: (click here)

Any further questions please contact us directly: (click here)

Lastly if you have an existing security system that is being montored by SECUR-U (click here) to see how you can receive two free months of service.

Avoiding False Alarms - Tips from your local Security Professional.

Having a security system can certainly provide the peace of mind that many homeowners count on but your alarm system must be a reliable solution that you can trust.   Here are a few simple things that you can do this winter to help prevent a false alarm.    

Your security system uses contacts on windows and doors which activate the alarm when separated.  In our cold climate some door and window frames have the tendency to contract.  This contracting increases the spacing between the door, window and the frame so check that all contacts are spaced correctly. 

To check for proper spacing of the contacts, enable the chime feature on the keypad (if not already on). Once the chime is enabled, close and lock the protected window or doors.  Then try opening the door or window by pulling or pushing on it.  If you do not hear the chime then the spacing alignment is correct.  However, if you can hear the chime then you should consult your security company for an adjustment to the spacing of the contacts.  

The interior of most homes are protected with motion detectors.  You can reduce false alarms by ensuring that the motion detector is mounted at the correct location.  A professional installer is well versed at where to mount the devices so that they are at the right height with the correct settings as recommended by the manufacturer. 

Yet, homeowners can avoid false detection by simply being aware that the motion is sensitive to movement and heat.   For example, moving a table to within six feet of a motion detector could offer your cat or small animal the perfect resting spot.  This new resting spot can activate your motion detector and trigger an alarm.  If you have a pet, you may want to consider one with intelligent signal analysis (ie. LC-100 from DSC) these motions detect pets up to 55 lbs. without triggering an alarm.

Similarly to avoid triggering motion detectors, consider where you hang decorations.  A balloon or streamer offers the perfect sway to set off a motion.  It would be really frustrating to rush home or worse have the police dispatched because your alarm is going off only to find that your party decorations from the night before have come undone and are blowing around your foyer!!

Lastly after 18 years in the business, I always recommend providing each key holder with their own four digit code.  This code should be specific to the key holder and EASY to remember but not generic (i.e. Avoid using 1234 or the year of your birth etc.) By having a code that is easy for you to remember when in a stressful situation such as the alarm going off, you are less likely panic and forget the code.  And please, if you don’t remember any of my tips just remember this one… don’t write your alarm code on or above the DSC Keypad!     

If you have an alarm, use it.  You may never need it, but are you prepared to take that chance?

SECUR-U Inc. has been a local leader of security systems in Milton for over 18 years.  We would be happy to assist you with any questions that you may have.

What you need to know when purchasing a security system. With so many security system providers out there and with each one offering different solutions at completely different pricing, deciding on the right provider can be a bit daunting.

The most important thing when investing in a security system is to understand what level of protection you are receiving.   The right level of protection for your needs should be decided first.  Our recommendation is to secure all doors as they are the most common entry point for an intruder.  Secondly; if you are looking for the utmost amount of coverage while you are home, protect accessible windows so that when arming your security system in the stay mode you have the full perimeter secured. 

In addition to protecting the perimeter, motion detectors when properly placed are the most effective way to secure the interior space.  Motion detectors do just that – detect motion.   It is important to understand that if you arm your alarm while you are in the house in the ‘stay’ mode, you have bypassed the motion detectors which allow you to walk around in your home while the system is armed, so effectively you are only protecting the perimeter and not the interior.  But, if you have a keypad in your bedroom or a wireless remote control you can arm your alarm system in the away mode before you head to bed which will enable the motions.  However, you must be aware that, as soon as you walk within range of your motion detectors by heading to the fridge for a late night snack, you may trip your alarm.
  
Your security system must be convenient and simple to use.  Keypads should be placed at common entry areas to easily arm and disarm as you enter and exit your home.  We also carry wireless remotes that attach to your keychain so that you can arm and disarm your system as you are pulling out of your driveway, or coming into your house with arms full of groceries. 

This is where we need to pay attention; let’s talk about the costs. Most providers will provide you with a basic package at no cost or with a small activation or installation fee plus a monthly monitoring service with a term of three to five years.   In addition to the basic components, it is common that alarm system companies will charge for additional material over and above the basic package.   Some companies offer these additional components for ‘free’ to sweeten the deal.  But be aware that they often build these costs into your monitoring fee by increasing your monitoring rate.  It doesn’t seem like much but if you are paying $7.00 per month more than the average rate of $24.95 over a ten years term you have spent $840.00 for those few additional components.

Here are some Questions to ask your potential provider: What are the monthly fees? What is my term? Will the monthly fees increase over the duration or following the initial agreement? Do I own my system after the term is complete or am I renting the system? Lastly, I would suggest that you always read the ‘fine print’ and get a quote with details of the equipment in writing.

For more information contact me directly at info@securu.com

Be safe, and always arm your alarm. 

Doug Penson
President
SECUR-U Inc.

Fire Prevention Week 2010

SECUR-U will be offering $25.00 OFF any monitored hardwired or wireless smoke detectors during the week of October 3rd - 9th, 2010.

Accross Ontario, Fire Prevention Week will be organized during the week of October 3 - 9th, 2010.  The theme this year is " SMOKE ALARMS - A SOUND YOU CAN LIVE WITH"  Milton Fire Department will be hosting its annual Open House extravaganza on Sunday, October 3rd from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Central Fire Station, 405 Steeles Avenue, Milton.

For further information go to www.milton.ca/fire

Our new lineup of DSC alarm panels provide the opportunity to utilize wired or wireless smoke detectors.  Adding the proper fire safety devices in your home or business can save lives and save help you pocket book also as many insurance companies offer additional rebates once monitored fire protection is added.   Your monthly monitoring charge will NOT increase to monitor fire in additon to your standard burglary plan, but will add further peace of mind with your SECUR-U Security System.

Contact SECUR-U Inc. today and lets remember...." SMOKE ALARMS - ARE A SOUND YOU CAN LIVE WITH"

Security Systems are generally programmed to send an automatic weekly test to the central station to verify regular communication at a random hour selected by the technician,

If the weekly test or any signal does not transmit to the station your security alarm keypad should indicate a trouble signal that will bring the awareness to the home or business owner that a problem has occurred on their alarm system.    A trouble light can symbolize several issues with your security system from a power failure, low battery, zone fault, clock error or failure to communicate.   All of these issues should be addressed in a timely fashion so that the integrity of the system is not affected. 

All Homeowners are Susceptible to Break-ins

Over the past week 2 local clients have been victims of a home break in. Unfortunately neither had an alarm system installed prior to the event but now see the importance of securing their homes and protecting their families.

These 2 occurances happened in 2 completely different locations; one in the Thompson and McCuaig area (a subdivision) and one in the Campbellville area (a country home). The similarity however between the two events was that both invasions took place during the day. Statistics show that most break-in's occur between the hours of 2pm and 4pm and these 2 events followed suit. At SECUR-U we encourage our existing and potential clients to be proactive instead of reactive. Theives will be detered by the presence of a security alarm so both of these occurances could possibly have been avoided. If you have an existing alarm system that you would like to ensure is functioning properly or if you would like information on having one installed in your home/business please contact us.

Residential Alarm Companies in Milton

SECUR-U Inc provides FREE hardwired security systems for only $24.95 per month with an initial term agreement of thirty-six months.  Click here to see what's included in our basic protection package.

Secur-U has been providing efficient residential and commercial security alarms and medical alarms to residences in Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Georgetown, Acton, and Halton Hills since 1994. Request a quote for our alarm monitoring service and download a coupon that will help you get started.

SECUR-U Inc is NOW hiring summer students

to work only four hours a day from 4-8 PM Monday to Friday to sell door to door residential security systems in the Milton area

Milton is the the largest growing community in Canada.   Reward youself with $75.00 for the sale of a FREE security system installation, sell two a day for $150.00...that works out to $37.50 per hour

No previous sales background required, successful canidates must be motivated, enhusiastic, trustworthy and well spoken, send resume to: info@securu.com or fax: 905-878-4983 no phone calls please.

On Tuesday April 20, 2010 SECUR-U Inc will take part in the Annual Milton Chamber of Commerce Biz-2-Biz Trade Show being held at Country Heritage Park from 1pm-7pm.

We will be there to show off some of our exciting new products such as the fully wireless Alexor security system and our Personal Emergency Reporting System. We will have Kantech and Cansec access control demo product available and representatives on-site to answer questions.

Incorporated into the same show is the Business After Hours networking event. This event will take place from 5pm-7pm.

      We look forward to seeing you at the show!

The change of season usually signals the need for a tune up on your car but when was the last time you had your security alarm tested and tuned up? In one of my earlier blog posts I touched on the fact that winter can lead to window/door contacts requiring an adjustment to operate properly; the same is true once the cold weather is behind us and warmer temperatures are on the rise. Ensure that when your doors are in the closed/locked position and you push or pull on them the contact remains closed. If you hear your chime being activated you will know that an adjustment is needed to ensure false alarms do not occur.

It is also a good idea to review your call list and be sure that all contact names and phone numbers are current. In the event of an alarm, the monitoring station will call based on the contact list they have on file so to ensure they reach the proper individuals in a timely manner it is important to have up-to-date information on file.

Our technicians can be scheduled to attend your site and do a thorough test on your home or business security alarm system. This will ensure that the central station is receiving all signals from your panel and you can rest assured that your alarm operating properly. If there is a problem they will be able to identify and rectify the issue for you.

To book your service call with a SECUR-U technician or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

An exciting new product available at SECUR-U - The ALEXOR 2-Way Wireless Suite

Alexor is the centre component of DSC’s 2-Way Wireless Security Suite. It operates as a completely wireless control panel and communicates wirelessly to the other DSC wireless security devices.

Because it is a distributed system, the panel is not attached to the keypad physically, but rather wirelessly. Designed for flexible, secure installation locations within the home, as long as there is access to AC power, Alexor operates via up to four wire-free keypads. DSC’s 2-Way Wireless Security Suite offers wireless and continuously supervised communication between devices. The signals between the 2-way wireless devices and the Alexor Panel are fully encrypted, prohibiting unauthorized interruption of communication between them. If the security system changes its armed state or any of the 2-way devices are tampered with, Alexor will immediately be signaled and the appropriate transmission will be instantly be transmitted to the monitoring station. Alexor offers all the reliability of traditional wired/hybrid control panels but with all the convenience that wireless delivers.

For more information or to schedule your installation, please contact us.

Security System Installation Question?

Potential SECUR-U Security System Client Question:

Hello, I recently moved to Hamilton and am interested in an alarm system. You came highly recommend by our State Farm and Mortgage Architects in Milton. I am looking to cover at least 6 windows and 2 doors and possible video surveillance. However my only concern is after living here for a couple months we have realized that the area is not the greatest and are not looking to stay for very long most likely a year, maximum two years. Do you have any monthly programs for those lengths of times?

How much would I be looking at spending with this reduced amount of time on a contract? We will be keeping it as a rental unit however so there is a possibility of future tenants wanting to continue with the service, would that be possible? Thank you, Michelle

SECUR-U Reply:

Check out what's new in the SECUR-U product line-up!

The NEW Alexor 2-way wireless alarm system is designed for flexible, secure installation locations within the home. It is a completely wire-free system which can operate with up to 4 wire-free keypads.

This product offers all the reliability of traditional wired control panels but with convenience that wireless delivers. The Alexor security system can be armed/disarmed in one motion with the Prox Tag. This additional component is simply swiped across the front of the keypad and either activates or deactivates your system without any security codes.

Another useful tool is the 2-way wireless key fob. You are able to arm/disarm the system easily as you approach your home or call for help via the panic button. The indicator screen also alerts you if the residence is in alarm or has recently been in alarm before entering your home.

For more information on this product and others offered by SECUR-U please contact us.

At SECUR-U our job is to ensure that your security system is functioning properly at all times. There are times when environment changes can affect this and components on your alarm system may require a small adjustment.

The winter months bring cold temperatures causing windows and doors to contract. Because of this, the transmitter on your door that signals to your panel when the contact is opened or closed can appear open even when it is not and cause a false alarm. A good way to test this is to enable the chime feature on your keypad, lock your door and then push and pull on it. If your chime doesn’t sound then your transmitter is positioned correctly. If you do hear a chime it means your door transmitter needs to be adjusted to ensure proper function throughout the cold weather.

For more information or to book a service call with one of our technicians, please contact us.

SECUR-U can help protect your home or business from fire and flood

We all know that a security system is a great way to help keep your home or business safe from burglary. With a few added components your system can also give you 24hr protection from other elements.

SECUR-U can install smoke detectors and water sensors directly into your system to be monitored 24hrs a day and further protect your home or business from fire and flood. For more information on these products, contact our office at 905-878-4634.

Home Security Systems 

Top qualities of SECUR-U Inc.: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity

“Doug Penson from SECUR-U has provided great home security systems for our family in over the past 5 years . We found SECUR-U to be well priced with very flexible choices to meet your personal needs . I would recomend SECUR-U for any of your residential and commercial needs” December 11, 2009

As your local leader in security solutions, Secur-U wants to ensure that you are aware of some additional components to help make your system more convenient for you and your family.

The DSC 4-Button Wall Plate has a slim, attractive design that can be fastened to inside walls or other accessible locations and will allow you to arm/disarm as well as put your system into panic all at the touch of a button. This unit has all of the same functions as the 4-button wireless key fob; the difference is that it can be mounted right on a wall or to a piece of furniture. Some of our customers install this device in their master bedroom to ensure they arm their system each night before going to sleep.

To order and schedule the installation of this device or for more information please contact us; we are happy to help!

SECUR-U Inc. for the fifth time has received the 2009 Canadian Champion Milton Choice Award in the category of “Best Security Systems”.

I would like to thank all of our voters for taking the time out of their busy schedules for nominating SECUR-U Inc. again for the this prestigious award for 2009.

Monitored Alarm vs Non-Monitored Alarm

We have had numerous requests for non-monitored alarms.   This type of product is available and SECUR-U can certainly supply this option to our customers.   

SECUR-U can offer both monitored and non-monitored options to assist our clients in making an educated decision.   When purchasing a non-monitored security system for residential applications we have identified that the monitored option is most commonly selected due to its upfront affordability. In addition to affordability; customers receive a full turn-key solution providing installation and the monitoring service. At Secur-U we always encourage the monitored system for the highest level of protection. As similar to purchasing a car, you would never buy a new car without the engine.

As with a cell phone, you have the option of purchasing the phone upfront for the full retail value or you can agree to a service plan and the material is free or at a much lower cost. This is the case with a non-monitored system. You will be buying all of the hardware upfront therefore your initial cost will be substantially increased.

Awareness is critical. The purpose of having a security system is to feel safe and protected. Everyone reacts differently in times of panic; therefore if someone is breaking into your home, other than the alarm sounding which will hopefully deter intruders, you want to be ensured that the appropriate services are dispatched to your aid. Again, SECUR-U will assist you with options so that you can make the right choice for your comfort level.

Call SECUR-U Inc. today and GET PROTECTED!!

Will my pet set off my Alarm System?

Pets are safe from false alarms with SECUR-U in Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Georgetown 

You can have pets with our SECUR-U security alarms, our DSC wireless motion detector (model #WS4904PW) and hardwired motion detector (model # BV-300DP) feature pet immunity up to 60 lbs which is a combined weight of all animals.

Being an animal lover myself, our family includes a sturdy chocolate Lab that weights more than 60 lbs and I have installed many motion detectors protecting the interior of our home, but saying that because of the size of our four legged friend we must remember to arm our security system in the stay mode whenever our dog is home to bypass the motion detectors in our residential security alarm or a false alarm will occur.   We chose to install the motion detectors so that we would have added protection to our house when our dog or family members are not there.

Specifications from the DSC manufacturer:

The Digital Bravo3P PIR detector is specifically designed to provide optimum catch performance

and enhanced false alarm prevention in environments containing pets. It utilizes digital technology, a microprocessor, Multi Level Signal Processing (MLSP)*, dual operating parameters, automatic temperature compensation and a unique pet rejection lens to provide effective and reliable detection of human motion and good protection against nuisance alarm associated with pets weighing up to 60lbs (27.3kg).

The detector also provides excellent immunity to such false alarm producing influences as RF, static and electrical transient. This technology, plus exceptional design care and careful factory testing, ensure years of trouble free performance.

Where should I locate the motion detector for best coverage?

Select a detector location that will provide the coverage required and will allow the detector to be mounted a minimum of 6.5ft high and not higher than 10ft (7.5ft recommended). Consider the following to avoid false alarms:

• Do not aim the detector at a stairway which a pet has access to. Do not place furniture or objects higher than 3 ft, which a pet can climb onto (e.g. a cat on a couch), closer than 6 ft to the detector.

• Mount the detector flat on a wall or in a corner. Do not angle it downwards or use mounting brackets with this detector.

• Do not aim the detector at reflective surfaces such as mirrors or windows as this may distort the coverage pattern or reflect sunlight directly onto the detector.

• Avoid locations that are subject to direct high air flow such as near an air duct outlet.

• Do not locate the detector near sources of moisture such as steam or oil.

• Do not locate the detector in the path of direct or reflected (mirror) sunlight.

• Do not limit the coverage by having large obstructions in the detection area, such as plants or cabinets.

What is the best security system?

I hear this question over and over again, so here is a little explanation.  In my opinion the best security system is a product like DSC that will handle the majority of end user requirements with ease of use.    The first question I ask my prospective residential clients is how do you plan on using your system? Are you're looking to arm your system while you’re at home, work or a combination of both?  If you are looking for greater security while your home then consider protecting all opening perimeter windows and doors as when you are home the motions are bypassed in the stay mode and will add no enhanced protection to you.  If you are looking for protection while you are at work, consider protecting all the perimeter doors then add one or more motion detectors to cover the interior if an intruder was to enter through a broken window and travel throughout your home.

The keypad that gets installed with our security alarms is really simple.  When arming you have three options, simply press the button with the empty house to arm in the “away” mode, press the button with the person in the house for the “stay” mode or simply enter your code.  Our SECUR-U security system is smart, after entering the code if the system does not detect a door opening during the delay period it knows that you haven’t left and it will bypass the motion detectors for you so that you can walk around without tripping the alarm.   If you open the door during the exit delay the system knows you left the property and will turn on the motions for added security.

To disarm your system enter your four digit code, once the red armed indicator goes out the system is effectively disarmed.

Want to make your security alarms easier?  Consider purchasing a remote control, then with the simple push of a button while pulling out of the driveway you can arm your system.  We sell a significant amount of remotes because your system must be easy and if easy is what you are looking for then do yourself a favor and get the remote installed.

Click here to view our online videos for further assistance.

SECUR-U Security Systems

Your Local Leader in Home Security

SECUR-U Inc. is dedicated to security and safety, and has been since 1994.

System Protection - Our SECUR-U Security System will help protect you from burglary, flood, fire and carbon monoxide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Pricing  - Our SECUR-U monitoring is just $24.95/month, click this link for our residential security system installation pricing.

SECUR-U "Working Together for a Safer Community" - Contact us today

Security Systems Milton

As your local leader installing security systems Milton, Oakville, Georgetown, Burlington and surrounding areas SECUR-U Inc strives to provide a professional and seamless installation for your security system solutions.  It is critical that your residential security systems be installed in a timely and clean manner with both convenience and functionality.

Our competitors such as ADT, Alarmforce, Chubb, Voxcom and SafeTech do offer similar products and solutions but where the homeowner benefits is with our quality DSC products, installations and professional customer service both pre and post installation.

We recommend checking out the competition as you will find that our products are priced accordingly to market but without the politics of dealing with a larger corporation.

SECUR-U Inc. "Working Together for a Safer Community”, contacts us now for your security system installation.

Security Systems must be convenient so please keep this in mind when making a decision to install your monitored home security system.   Our new DSC six zone hardwired security system is expandable to sixteen zones with both hardwired and wireless capabilities.   To make your system more user friendly consider adding a wireless receiver to your hardwired security system that will give you the flexibility to tie in remote controls to arm and disarm your system.   Wireless remotes are great for those customers that like the bells and whistles but remotes will also allow you the convenience to arm with the press of a button from your car or bedside.  

Your monitored home security system should have a keypad at every entry, this way your system will be easy for you and other key holders to arm and disarm.  Most residential alarms will provide you with an audible entry and exit delay so that you can hear a reminder of the time to disarm or exit the home.

All accessible doors should be protected but consider the pros and cons of protecting the second level windows in bedrooms if you like fresh air while sleeping.  If you wish to have your system on while a protected window is open you will need to bypass this device each time before arming.  Bypassing is simple but not always convenient and may prevent you from arming your system.

Remember, we are all living busy lives with somewhere to be at a certain time, whether you're running out the door to a business meeting our loading the kids in the car to go shopping your system must be simple and easy to use. 

Have one of our sales representatives call you today for your free quotation.

Our wireless DSC smoke detectors are ideal for residential or commercial alarm clients with applications where running wire to a smoke detector location is either difficult or impossible. With no wires to run, our installers are able to provide you with a clean and professional installation.

False Alarm Reduction

Our manufacturer DSC is committed to reducing false alarms and has integrated a number of features into the wireless smoke detector to provide reliable detection. One important feature is drift compensation. It provides a constant level of sensitivity performance for extended operation. As dust accumulates in a detector it adjusts to maintain the original factory-set sensitivity, thereby minimizing the potential for false alarms. If the detector reaches its limit of compensation, it will Indicate a trouble condition well before the sensitivity increases to a level where false alarms will be generated.

If you wish to have a wireless smoke detector added to your monitored security alarm, please call our office today.

• Your insurance provider may provide further discounts to your insurance policy if you have alarm monitoring with fire protection.