Here are some helpful articles on how to keep your business and home safe and protected. We offer custom-designed, security systems for New Jersey businesses and residential homes. With the most cutting edge security solutions in the industry, you can trust GCSI Security Group’s highly qualified experts.

Winter Safety Tips

winter safety

As winter settles in, it’s crucial to prioritize safety amidst the challenging weather conditions, particularly in the Northeast. Take the necessary steps to ensure a safe and secure environment during the upcoming months by following these Winter Safety Tips:

  1. Regularly Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Make it a monthly routine to inspect your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensure that the batteries have been replaced within the last six months and confirm that the devices are within their expected life expectancy. Typically, fire alarms last for about 10 years, while CO detectors are effective for 5-7 years.
  2. Professional Chimney and Vent Inspection: Engage the services of a qualified professional to clean and inspect your chimney and vents if you haven’t done so already. Safely store cooled ash from your fireplace or wood-burning stove in a sealed metal container placed outside, at least 10 feet away from any structure.
  3. Proper Placement of Portable Generators: Keep portable generators outside your home and away from windows. It’s crucial to position the generator as far away from your house as possible to prevent any potential risks.
  4. Accessible Fire Extinguisher: Ensure you have a fire extinguisher readily accessible in case of emergencies. Educate every family member on how to use it correctly and efficiently.
  5. Maintain Safe Distance from Heat Sources: Keep anything flammable at least 3 feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, and space heaters. Avoid plugging multiple heat sources into a single electrical outlet simultaneously.
  6. Trim Tree Branches and Clear Power Lines: Trim tree branches that are close to your house and ensure they don’t interfere with power lines. By doing so, you minimize the risk of falling branches causing damage or disrupting power supply.
  7. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit that includes essential supplies in case of power outages or when you’re unable to leave your home due to severe weather conditions. Be prepared to sustain yourself and your family for several days if necessary.

If you require assistance with evaluating, maintaining, or replacing your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, reach out to GCSI at (877) 589-6111 to schedule an appointment. Prioritize safety and stay prepared throughout the winter season.

Security Industry Scam: Nothing Is Ever 100% Free

scam

Security Industry Scam: Nothing Is Ever 100% Free

The other day, while sifting through my mail, I came upon a mailer from an alarm company offering me a “free” home security system. This isn’t the first time I have received such an offer (I get at least one a week), but it got me thinking…. When is free really free?

We all know for a business to be successful, it needs to make money. So, how are these security company’s making their money on these seemingly, too good to be true offers? I decided to look further into it and here is what I found:

It’s not exactly “free”!
Some of those “free” packages come with a hidden “installation fee”.

It is all in the packaging!
Most companies offering these deals have prepackaged alarm systems. If you delve deeper into what these packages consist of, you quickly realize the equipment offered will not fully secure your home. In addition to your free package, you then must purchase the additional items needed to make your system complete.

My contract says what?
Always remember to read the fine print. A lot of companies are luring consumers in with a low monthly monitoring rate. They sometimes fail to mention that this rate is only an introductory rate and will expire before the contract ends. Once the introductory rate expires your monthly rate can go up significantly.

Other companies have secretly built the equipment cost into your monthly “monitoring” payment. If they don’t offer you a full breakout of exactly what you are paying for monthly, this should raise a red flag. Another issue I found with some contracts is it is a long term agreement with major penalties and fees if you want to cancel.

Do they even make that anymore?
These types of deals are a great ways for companies to get rid of old inventory. While some older equipment is fine to use, you need to make sure it offers the latest in security technologies.

If you decide going with an older model will work for you at the moment, with plans to eventually upgrade, make sure there isn’t any hidden upgrade fees. I also found that an upgrade could extend the time of your contract with some companies.

What if I want to break up with you?
Many companies use exclusive or proprietary equipment. If this is the case, you are “stuck” with company for as long as you own the equipment. No other company can maintain or monitor the equipment. If you want to switch companies due to poor service or for any other reason, you will need to install all new equipment.

In conclusion, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. If you are interested in a fully customized, no hidden gimmicks, security system quote, call GCSI Security Group at (877) 589-6111. We make sure to treat all our clients like part of our family.