ATP Alarms

New Home, New Family: Complete Security & Life Safety

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:51:00 GMT

Home Security, Fire Protection, Water Monitoring

Recently, a client purchased his first home in Norwalk, Connecticut with his growing family and immediately began an extensive renovation. Homeowners choose to install an alarm system for various reasons—security while home, security while traveling, fire protection, or environmental concerns such as water and freeze damage.

Location

Norwalk, Connecticut

Client Need

Beau and his pregnant wife purchased their first home together and immediately began an extensive renovation. As the project's completion date neared—along with their baby's due date—home security and life safety became top priorities.

The homeowners had four key requirements:

A local, family-owned security company in Connecticut with a strong reputation
Comprehensive entry-point protection for the newly renovated home
Supplemental monitored fire and carbon monoxide protection (unlike standard local smoke detectors that only make noise, a monitored system automatically notifies the fire department)
Environmental protection including water sensors and flood sensors to guard against water damage and
freezing

Their search for a trusted local provider led them directly to American Total Protection.

Security System Solution

Since the home was close to completion and there was a tight timeline, it made sense to propose and install the Resideo ProSeries control panel and devices. This system is primarily wireless (the keypad/controller is wired but every other devices is wireless). This allowed ATP Alarms to install quickly and efficiently. With a new security sensors protecting entry points and smokes and carbon monoxides providing backup coverage to the primary smokes, we hope this new family and their future child sleep well!

The complete solution included:

New security sensors protecting all entry points of the home
Monitored smoke detectors providing backup fire protection beyond the home's primary smoke alarms
Monitored carbon monoxide detectors for whole-home life safety coverage
Water and flood sensors to detect and mitigate potential water and freeze damage

With this system in place, Beau, his wife, and their new child can rest easy knowing their home is protected around the clock.

Your security is serious business. American Total Protection is here to help. We are a commercial and residential electronic security and fire safety company with offices in Connecticut and Florida.

We specialize in security alarms, electronic access control, video surveillance systems, fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems. While using best-in-class technology partners, we also offer unparalleled customer support and service. We employ only highly qualified technicians and staff to ensure your system’s stability and the best possible customer experience.

How an Alarm System Affects Your Homeowner’s Insurance in Connecticut

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 22:16:18 GMT

Weston, Connecticut has recently experienced an uptick in home break-ins, surprising many residents in what is typically one of Fairfield County’s quietest towns. According to local reports, multiple burglaries involved windows being broken to gain access.

- Source: Weston Patch – Two Weekend Home Burglaries Involving Broken First-Floor Windows.

While break-ins are often associated with larger towns or areas near major highways, the recent incidents in Weston highlight how criminals are becoming more brazen and increasingly willing to target quiet suburban neighborhoods. Below are several steps you can take to better protect your Weston home.

�� 1. Lock Doors and Windows

It sounds simple, but it’s often overlooked.

Did you open a door while cooking and forget to lock it?
Did you crack a window to let smoke out after a fire?

Take a moment before bedtime or leaving the house to ensure all doors and windows are locked, including basement and second-floor windows.

�� 2. Improve Outdoor Lighting

It sounds simple, but it’s often overlooked:

Did you open a door while cooking and forget to lock it?
Did you crack a window to let smoke out after a fire?

�� 3. Install or Upgrade Your Alarm System

The recent break-ins occurred through windows—yet many alarm systems in Fairfield County only have door contacts and one or two motion detectors. This leaves major vulnerabilities.

American Total Protection (ATP) can:

Take over your existing alarm system and equipment
Add window sensors, glass-break detectors, and motion sensors
Provide professional 24/7 monitoring
Offer app-based control and remote access

Whether you have an older system or need a new installation, ATP can customize protection for every entry point of your home.

��️ 4. Use a Professional Camera System

Camera systems act both as a deterrent and a proactive alerting tool. ATP installs commercial-grade, hardwired camera systems for any budget. These systems do not rely on batteries and offer:

High-resolution video
Person and vehicle detection
Mobile alerts when someone is on your property
Reliable coverage day and night

While DIY cameras like Blink or Ring are common, homeowners often struggle to maintain batteries or connectivity. A hardwired system offers far more reliability—especially in towns experiencing increased criminal activity.

�� 5. Add Security Signage

Simple video surveillance signs or home security yard signs can make a criminal think twice and move on to another property. Visual deterrents truly matter.

�� 6. Change Your Routine Periodically

Burglars often “scope out” homes to learn:

When you leave for work
School drop-off schedules
Travel patterns
When lights are typically on or off

Small changes—such as varying light patterns, altering parking habits, or using smart lighting—create uncertainty for criminals and reduce risk.

Protect What Matters Most with American Total Protection

At American Total Protection, we proudly serve Weston, Fairfield, and all of Fairfield County, Connecticut. Our expert team provides free security consultations to assess your home’s vulnerabilities and recommend effective solutions — from smart alarms to camera systems and lighting.

Already have an alarm or camera system? We can service and monitor most existing systems with fair, transparent pricing. Contact ATP Alarms today to schedule your free consultation and take the next step toward safer living.

�� Serving Weston & Fairfield County
Security Alarms • Smart Locks • Cameras • 24/7 Monitoring

Access control • Lighting upgrades • Smart home integrations

�� Call (203) 479-6000 or visit www.ATPalarms.com to learn more.

Statewide Security & Fire Alarm Upgrade: Executive Auto Group

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:18:56 GMT

Auto Dealership Security

Executive Auto Group (“EAG”) is one of the premier automotive groups in Connecticut. With more than 10 dealerships across the state, EAG has been serving Connecticut residents since the 1970s. For over five years, EAG has trusted American Total Protection (ATP) to design, install, and service its Avigilon camera systems.

Recently, EAG expanded its partnership with ATP by transitioning all security alarm and fire alarm services to our team.

Location

Connecticut - all dealerships

Security System Objectives

Executive Auto Group places a strong emphasis on the safety of its employees, customers, and facilities. Each dealership is equipped with monitored security alarms and fire alarm systems. However, before switching to ATP, EAG faced several operational challenges:

No remote management: Their previous security alarm systems could not be managed remotely. Adjusting user codes, schedules, or settings required on-site service calls.
High service costs: Reprogramming systems across multiple locations was expensive and inefficient.
Lack of centralized control: Each dealership was managed individually, making consistent oversight difficult.
Need for a local partner: EAG wanted a reliable, locally owned security provider capable of delivering faster response times and personalized service.

Security System Solution

ATP provided a streamlined, cost-effective upgrade across all Executive Auto Group locations. The previous systems—primarily Bosch panels—did not offer modern remote-management capabilities. ATP proposed upgrading the head end (control panel) at each dealership while keeping the existing field devices in place to control costs.

Key Components of the Upgrade:

New Control Panels with Total Connect: ATP installed modern panels compatible with Total Connect, a remote management platform developed by Resideo/First Alert.
Reuse of Existing Equipment: Existing security devices were integrated into the new system whenever possible, minimizing disruption and expense.
Unified Alarm Management: EAG can now oversee all locations from a single dashboard.
Fire Alarm Monitoring Takeover: At the same time, ATP inspected, tested, and took over the fire alarm monitoring for each facility, consolidating all services under one provider.

Results

With Total Connect and ATP’s centralized service model, Executive Auto Group now benefits from:

Full remote control of security systems across all dealerships
Ability to add/delete user codes, adjust schedules, and monitor activity
Real-time alerts showing who armed or disarmed a system and when
Simplified operations with one service provider for both security and fire alarms
Reduced operating costs and fewer on-site service dispatches
Improved security, visibility, and compliance across every location

Total Connect’s easy-to-use app and web portal allow EAG’s management team to control their systems anytime, anywhere—bringing modern efficiency to a statewide dealership network.

Your security is serious business. American Total Protection is here to help. We are a commercial and residential electronic security and fire safety company with offices in Connecticut and Florida.

How to Help Prevent Home Burglaries in Weston, Connecticut

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 17:53:46 GMT

- Source: Weston Patch – Two Weekend Home Burglaries Involving Broken First-Floor Windows.

�� 1. Lock Doors and Windows

It sounds simple, but it’s often overlooked.

Did you open a door while cooking and forget to lock it?
Did you crack a window to let smoke out after a fire?

Take a moment before bedtime or leaving the house to ensure all doors and windows are locked, including basement and second-floor windows.

�� 2. Improve Outdoor Lighting

It sounds simple, but it’s often overlooked:

Did you open a door while cooking and forget to lock it?
Did you crack a window to let smoke out after a fire?

�� 3. Install or Upgrade Your Alarm System

The recent break-ins occurred through windows—yet many alarm systems in Fairfield County only have door contacts and one or two motion detectors. This leaves major vulnerabilities.

American Total Protection (ATP) can:

Take over your existing alarm system and equipment
Add window sensors, glass-break detectors, and motion sensors
Provide professional 24/7 monitoring
Offer app-based control and remote access

Whether you have an older system or need a new installation, ATP can customize protection for every entry point of your home.

��️ 4. Use a Professional Camera System

Camera systems act both as a deterrent and a proactive alerting tool. ATP installs commercial-grade, hardwired camera systems for any budget. These systems do not rely on batteries and offer:

High-resolution video
Person and vehicle detection
Mobile alerts when someone is on your property
Reliable coverage day and night

�� 5. Add Security Signage

Simple video surveillance signs or home security yard signs can make a criminal think twice and move on to another property. Visual deterrents truly matter.

�� 6. Change Your Routine Periodically

Burglars often “scope out” homes to learn:

When you leave for work
School drop-off schedules
Travel patterns
When lights are typically on or off

Small changes—such as varying light patterns, altering parking habits, or using smart lighting—create uncertainty for criminals and reduce risk.

Protect What Matters Most with American Total Protection

�� Serving Weston & Fairfield County
Security Alarms • Smart Locks • Cameras • 24/7 Monitoring

Access control • Lighting upgrades • Smart home integrations

�� Call (203) 479-6000 or visit www.ATPalarms.com to learn more.

How to Protect Your Westport Home During Renovations

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:44:53 GMT

Home renovations bring new contractors, subcontractors, and workers into your house—and with that comes new risks. A recent break-in on Beachside Avenue in Westport is a reminder that criminals often take advantage of construction projects and increased foot traffic around the home.

Whether you hire a general contractor or manage the trades yourself, here’s how to keep your home safe during a renovation:

�� 1. Use Trusted Referrals

Work with licensed contractors who come recommended by people you know in the Westport area. Warm referrals reduce the risk of unknown workers entering your home.

�� 2. Ask Security-Focused Questions

You have every right to know who is entering your home. Ask:
✔ Are you or your company doing the work?
✔ Do you use subcontractors? Who are they?
✔ Do you run background checks on all workers?

�� 3. Request Insurance & Licensing

Even if a permit isn’t required, insist on:
�� Proof of insurance
�� Being listed as an additional insured
�� Valid CT licensing

�� 4. Protect Your Alarm & Access

Never give out your personal alarm code. If needed, provide a temporary or contractor-specific code and delete it after the job. With interactive alarm apps like Total Connect or Alarm.com, you can arm/disarm remotely without sharing any codes.

�� 5. Avoid Handing Out Keys

Unless you plan on replacing your locks afterward, avoid distributing physical keys. Whenever possible, use smart locks or supervised access.

�� 6. Install Cameras to Monitor Job Sites

Security cameras deter crime and help verify who was on your property. If you spot a worker you don’t recognize, demand clarification from your contractor. American Total Protection offers budget-friendly options for Westport homeowners.

�� Don’t Make Your Home an Easy Target

Break-ins are often crimes of opportunity. By adding layers of security, you make your home a far less appealing target.

Protect What Matters Most with American Total Protection

At American Total Protection, we proudly serve Fairfield, Westport, and all of Fairfield County, Connecticut. Our expert team provides free security consultations to assess your home’s vulnerabilities and recommend effective solutions — from smart alarms to camera systems and lighting.

�� Serving Westport & Fairfield County
�� Security Alarms • Smart Locks • Cameras • 24/7 Monitoring

�� Call (844) 287-2576 or visit www.ATPalarms.com to learn more.

5 Home Security Tips to Prevent Car Theft in Westport and Fairfield, CT

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:14:18 GMT

Learn 5 proven home security tips to reduce car theft in Fairfield and Westport, Connecticut — from lighting upgrades to smart cameras and alarm monitoring by American Total Protection.

1. Always Lock Your Car — Even at Home

It sounds simple, but many car thefts occur because doors are left unlocked. Whether you’re rushing inside with groceries or kids, take an extra moment to hit the lock button. As the weather gets colder in Fairfield County, many residents start their cars and return inside while the vehicle warms up. If you do this, keep your keys with you and make sure the car is locked. An unlocked, running vehicle is an easy target.

2. Improve Lighting Around Your Driveway and Home

Good lighting is one of the best deterrents against property crime. Criminals prefer dark areas where they can’t be seen. Consider installing motion-activated floodlights or LED perimeter lighting to keep your property visible at all times. Visit www.ATP-Electric.com to learn more about upgrading your outdoor and security lighting.

3. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Car thefts and home invasions can happen quickly — even in quiet neighborhoods like Westport and Fairfield.
In 2023, there was a home invasion and carjacking on Bayberry Lane in Westport ( read more here ). The homeowner was followed home and attacked inside their garage. When pulling into your driveway, check your mirrors and make sure no one is following you. For added protection, American Total Protection (ATP) offers wireless panic buttons that connect directly to our 24/7 monitoring center. When pressed, our central station will contact you and dispatch local authorities immediately.

4. Use Visible Security Cameras and Signage

Sometimes, just the sight of a camera can stop a thief in their tracks. ATP’s camera systems come with advanced AI analytics that send instant alerts if a person or vehicle is detected on your property.
Make sure to display “24-Hour Video Surveillance” signs in visible areas — near your driveway, garage, or mailbox — to let intruders know your home is protected.

5. Maintain Landscaping for Clear Visibility

Overgrown trees and shrubs can create perfect hiding spots for thieves. Keep your property’s sightlines open so you or your neighbors can see your vehicles clearly.
If your yard needs professional trimming or removal, reach out to our trusted Fairfield County partner, K&J Tree Service , for expert help.

Protect What Matters Most with American Total Protection

�� Call (844) 287-2576 or visit www.ATPalarms.com to learn more.

Peace of mind when home alone

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 21:39:48 GMT

Home Security, Fire Protection, Water Monitoring

Homeowners choose to install an alarm system for various reasons—security while home, security while traveling, fire protection, or environmental fears (Water, freezing, etc.). Recently, a client purchased her first home in Wallingford, Connecticut.

Location

Wallingford, Connecticut

Client Need

Living in a home by herself, Sam wanted more peace of mind when home alone. In the past, she either lived in an apartment or with roommates. Although a new home brings a lot of excitement, there are typically a whole new set of worries. Recently, Wallingford has had several vehicle break-ins, which has created angst in the community.

Security System Solution

The client’s home was a perfect candidate for Resideo’s ProSeries Touch Panel. The client wanted the system installed quickly and chose to use the Desk Mount for the ProSeries Controller. This allows not only for fast and efficient installation, but also for the client to move the system should she ever move. She chose to protect her entry doors with supplemental motion detectors and fire alarms for extra peace of mind.

Your security is serious business. American Total Protection is here to help. We are a commercial and residential electronic security and fire safety company with offices in Connecticut and Florida.

5 Winter Home Safety Tips | Fairfield, CT Home Security – ATP Alarms

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 02:41:47 GMT

As temperatures drop in Fairfield, Connecticut, and families spend more time indoors, home safety becomes especially important. From heating systems to lighting and alarm monitoring, a few simple precautions can make all the difference.

Here are five essential ways to keep your Fairfield home or business safe this winter:

1. Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Colder weather means heating systems, fireplaces, and generators are used more often. These are common sources of carbon monoxide (CO) — a colorless, odorless gas known as the silent killer. CO is produced when fuels containing carbon (such as gasoline, natural gas, propane, coal, or wood) are burned incompletely.

Be sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly and not expired. Most units have a manufacture date printed on the inside — if it’s more than five to seven years old, it’s time to replace it. Check the batteries and test the device monthly.

If your CO detector is part of your monitored alarm system, call your local alarm company to confirm it’s online and reporting correctly. American Total Protection (ATP) offers a complimentary safety assessment by one of our security consultants.

�� Learn more about monitored carbon monoxide detectors

2. Smoke Detectors

Every home should have interconnected smoke detectors — meaning if one sounds, they all sound. This ensures you’ll hear an alarm no matter where you are in the home. Building codes require at least one smoke detector per floor, one in each bedroom, and one in every hallway leading to a bedroom.

In many newer homes, these detectors are 120-volt local units, which only make noise and do not automatically alert the fire department. Seconds matter during a fire, so we strongly recommend monitored smoke detectors that dispatch emergency services even when you’re away.

Winters in Fairfield often bring increased fireplace and space heater use, which raises fire risks. Monitored detectors can save lives and property.

�� Upgrade your fire monitoring system

3. Lighting

The first line of defense against intruders is proper exterior lighting. In Fairfield’s short winter days, darkness comes early, so well-placed lighting helps deter potential break-ins and improves safety.

Consider installing motion-activated lights or programmable fixtures that illuminate your property’s perimeter during dark hours. ATP’s electrical division, ATP-Electric.com, can design and install energy-efficient lighting systems to enhance both security and curb appeal.

4. Camera Systems

With the holidays approaching, package theft and porch deliveries increase. A video doorbell or outdoor surveillance camera provides real-time visibility and evidence in case of suspicious activity.

Best practice: cover all main entry points — front, side, and back doors, as well as garage areas. American Total Protection can visit your property at no cost to recommend tailored camera solutions for your home or business, from video doorbells to cloud-based CCTV systems.

5. Environmental Alarms

Winter weather brings an uptick in frozen pipes and water leaks. ATP offers monitored water sensors and low-temperature detectors that alert you — and the monitoring center — before damage becomes catastrophic.

Water sensors trigger when moisture is detected, while temperature sensors alert you when the home drops below a preset threshold. Many insurance carriers even provide premium discounts for monitored environmental devices.

Stay Safe with American Total Protection

American Total Protection is proud to serve our Fairfield, Connecticut neighbors. We offer no-cost consultations to assess your security and propose customized solutions for your home or business.

Already have an alarm system? ATP can often reuse your existing equipment and provide a more competitive monitoring rate — saving you money while enhancing your protection.

Stay safe, stay warm, and protect what matters most.

�� Schedule your complimentary consultation today

Amistad High School: Security System Upgrade

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:58:35 GMT

School Security Systems

Schools have a variety of electronic security systems, ranging from security alarms to camera systems to intercoms. Schools have a unique set of needs as they are demand prompt service and are constantly renovating and working on their facilities.

ATP Alarms is experienced in providing security services to schools throughout Connecticut and Florida.

Location

Achievement First Amistad High School, New Haven, Connecticut

Security System Objectives

Achievement First Amistad High School had a Honeywell alarm system installed by Johnson Controls (formerly ADT). The system was experiencing faults on specific zones and communication issues due to phone line changes. The school administration was finding it difficult to get prompt service.

Security System Solution

ATP Alarms is well versed in a variety of alarm systems. This allows us to service and “takeover” existing alarm systems in place. When taking over an existing system, ATP needs to test and inspect the previous company’s work. If there are deficiencies or faults on the system, ATP will give the end user to a proposal to get the system fully operational.

Achievement First Amistad High School takes the security of its facility and students seriously. Prior to engaging ATP, the administration vetted the company’s service capabilities. The school proactively requested semi-annual inspections of the security system to ensure it functionalities. ATP was able to seamlessly takeover the existing security alarm and also added a cellular communicator to eliminate the reliance on phonelines.

By having semi-annual inspections, ATP can attempt to identify potential issues before a system failure .

Your security is serious business. American Total Protection is here to help. We are a commercial and residential electronic security and fire safety company with offices in Connecticut and Florida.

Alarm System Service & Support: Lyme, CT

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 13:46:05 GMT

Customer Service Matters

Customer service matters. When choosing a service provider for your home or business, it is important to understand the providers’ customer service capabilities. Does the company have a support team? Do they have an on-call technician if there is an emergency? Does the company make paying the bill easy? How hard is it to schedule service? We all want to support local and small companies. However, it is important that your local business can service your account in an efficient manner.

Homeowner Objectives

The homeowner, Brad, had an existing monitored ADT system in place at his home. The system had a combination of new devices and older devices that were “translated” to work with the new system. The homeowner had several issues with the system (constant low batteries, devices failing, etc.).

Brad had several conversations with ADT’s customer service trying to troubleshoot over the phone. After exhausting all options remotely, the customer and the provider scheduled an onsite service call for the following week. On the day of the service call, the homeowner got an alert that his “Virtual” service call was about to begin.

Security Solution

The Upgrade:

ATP Alarms and ATP Fire are family-owned with a full customer support team and licensed technicians in the field. Brad was told about ATP while venting to a local neighbor in Old Lyme Connecticut about his experience with a national provider. Brad reached out for a consultation and assistance regarding his home security.

System Options:

Brad had the option to continue to use the existing devices in his home that were causing issues. Instead, he chose to do a full system overhaul as he did not have confidence in the previous provider’s equipment. The homeowner found comfort knowing that ATP had a local office and a dedicated customer support team. Furthermore, he would continue to have the cell phone of his Security Consultant in case he needed to have assistance.

Tailored Solution:

Brad decided to have ATP install a brand new alarm system. The ATP Alarm team provided clear instructions on how to communicate future service needs.

Important Considerations:

When choosing a professional service company, here are some questions to consider:

How long have you been in business?
How many people are on your customer service team?
If you (the person selling you the service) is away, how is my account serviced?
Do you offer autopay?
Do you offer remote support so I can limit on site service and the expense?
If I needed a technician to come to my home, how much does it cost?
How many licensed technicians do you have?

Your security is serious business. American Total Protection is here to help. We are a commercial and residential electronic security and fire safety company with offices in Connecticut and Florida.

Home Alarm System Upgrade: A Modern Retrofit

Fri, 09 May 2025 15:25:31 GMT

Residential Alarm System Upgrade

Homeowners choose to buy an alarm system for a variety of reasons—theft, robbery, life safety (Smokes and Carbons, etc.). Depending on the wants, circumstances, and the needs of the customer, ATP designs a custom solution. If a homeowner or business has an existing alarm, American Total Protection does its best to utilize the working devices and infrastructure. In many cases, we can use everything. However, sometimes the devices are too old (smoke detectors and CO’s have a recommended replacement date) or wireless devices can be encrypted. ATP has the knowledge and experience to design systems that utilize existing components where applicable in order to control cost.

Overview

Homeowner’s top objectives

Consolidate multiple, outdated security and fire alarm systems in the home
Utilize existing infrastructure if possible
Modern equipment and a smartphone app controller

The resolution

Utilized all the existing hardwired devices that were in good working order
Installed new keypad, slim style door contacts, and smoke detectors throughout the home
Complete installation and monitoring services by American Total Protection

The key benefits

Total confidence among occupants that state-of-the-art security measures have been implemented
A custom-tailored, retrofitted solution that is code-compliant with industry standards
Future-ready security and fire safety system that protects family and guests

Homeowner Objectives

With a new job requiring more travel, this young Fairfield family wanted a functioning alarm system in the home. Ethan and Kesley’s home had three independent alarm systems from previous owners, all of which were not working properly.

One of the alarm systems at the home had hardwired doors and smoke detectors on it. The other two alarm systems were completely wireless. American Total Protection was tasked with designing a system that would cover ever entry point (doors and window) and also fire protection.

Security Solution

The Retrofit:

With a hardwired system in place, American Total Protection can reuse all the existing hardwired working devices. For example, if the doors and smoke detectors (low voltage) are hardwired, they can easily be tied into a new alarm panel that has hardwired capabilities. In this instance, we utilized all the wiring for the new keypad, door contacts, and the smoke detectors.

Modern Equipment:

We replaced the physical smoke detectors as they were beyond the recommended age of ten years. By utilizing the existing wiring, ATP is able to keep the labor cost down for the customer. The existing windows had antiquated wireless sensors that could not be used so ATP used slim wireless contacts for each entry point to cover every entry point.

Tailored Solution:

Many alarm companies refuse to takeover or utilize existing equipment in place. If it is in the best interest of the client and if the previous installation was done properly, ATP will utilize the existing equipment and infrastructure in order to propose a solution that best fits the clients’ needs a budget. There is no need for the client to spent money twice if the existing infrastructure and equipment satisfies industry codes and standards. Whether it is a new installation or taking over an existing alarm system, American Total Protection is the company for you.

Your security is serious business. American Total Protection is here to help. We are a commercial and residential electronic security and fire safety company with offices in Connecticut and Florida.

Keyless Entry Security: Remote Management Control

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 11:15:00 GMT

Keyless Security System Upgrade

Why Legacy Law Partners in North Haven, CT upgraded their access control security system.

Executive Overview

Legacy Law’s top objectives

Upgrade old, computer-based keyless entry system to a modern remote access system.
Gain remote access capabilities for ease of management
Ensure active monitoring and support from a professional alarm company.

The resolution

Install modern access control system that can be controlled remotely.
Implement a smartphone app-enabled security system for secure remote access.
Engage American Total Protection to professionally monitor and notify authorities about critical activity.

The key benefits

Peace of mind that comes with a modern, professionally installed and monitored keyless entry system.
Full control of system status and arming through a smartphone app.
Future-ready security system for business owners.

Security System Objectives

Our client moved there offices in April 2023 to a new location in North Haven, CT. The landlord installed a keyless entry system and a security alarm system. The team at Legacy was never properly trained and the system was not being used.

Furthermore, a previous employee-managed the system from a local PC so when that employee departed, the system could not be managed properly. The client found AmericanTotal Protection via Google and requested proposals for both the security alarm fire alarm.

Security Solution

ATP discovered an antiquated and non-supported access control system was installed and that the security alarm could not be managed remotely. ATP proposed reusing all the existing door hardware and readers in place but to upgrade the “head-end” of the access control system.

ATP also proposed a brand new alarm system that could be remotely managed. The team at Legacy Law Partners is very busy with the day to day of running a business and wanted a system that could be supported remotely by its security vendor. By installing a cloud-hosted access system and an alarm system that can be remotely controlled, Legacy is able to lean on ATP for remote support.

The new access control system can be managed from any PC or smartphone. Meaning, if the law firm wants to unlock a door, adjust a schedule, or add/erase a user, ATP can assist with the changes if needed.

Our clients expect reliable, user-friendly, and supported systems. Whenever designing systems, we highlight how the system will be serviced and controlled in the future. If customers do not find a system user-friendly, the system will not be used as frequently.

Modern Residential Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector System

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 19:26:00 GMT

Monitored Security, Smoke & Fire Alarm System

Homeowners often have hardwired high-voltage local smoke detectors in their home. These smoke detectors are not monitored but are “local”. Meaning, if the smoke detector goes off, it will make noise but not call anyone. American Total Protection provides monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Meaning, if they go off, the homeowner and authorities will get a phone call.

Executive Overview

Fairfield Residence owner’s top objectives

Upgrade old, high-voltage smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to modern, low-voltage detectors.
Reduce false alarms associated with the out-of-date system.
Ensure active monitoring and support from a professional alarm company.

The resolution

Install modern, low-voltage smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that can be professional monitored.
Implement a smartphone app-enabled security system allowing remote access.
Engage American Total Protection to professionally monitor and notify authorities about critical activity.
Utilize American Total Protection for annual inspection of system.

The key benefits

Peace of mind that comes with a modern, professionally installed and monitored smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors.
Full control of system status and arming through a smartphone app.
Future-ready security system for homeowners.

Security System Objectives

Our client had a system installed by a local competitor that recently sold to a National firm. The homeowner had a hardwired security alarm system with monitored security devices. In addition, he had local high-voltage (110) smoke detectors tied into the system using a relay. “High Voltage” smoke detectors must be installed and replaced by a licensed electrician and cannot be replaced or repaired by a low-voltage alarm company.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, the homeowner experienced several false fire alarms due to the smoke detectors installed by an electrician 10 years ago. When the client called his previous alarm company, he was told to find a local electrician to look at his unmonitored smoke detectors and that the alarm company could not help.

The homeowner lost faith in his alarm company because of the false alarms and lack of support from his provider.

Security Solution

American Total Protection LLC was introduced to the homeowner by a neighbor that has been an ATP Alarms customer for 5+ years. Through a preliminary phone call with the homeowner’s daughter, ATP explained clearly how although the smoke detectors are tied into the alarm through a relay, a low-voltage alarm company should not service them.

American Total Protection owns a full service electrical business, ATP Electric (www.ATP-Electric.com) and could offer a solution. After meeting with ATP onsite at his Fairfield home, the homeowner decided to engage American Total Protection to take over the existing system (and add the smartphone application) and ATP-Electric to replace all the “high voltage” smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide detectors in the home.

The homeowner also enrolled in ATP’s annual inspection plan where a licensed ATP technician will inspect the system annually and change batteries as needed.

Most alarm companies in Connecticut do not employee electricians but rather technicians holding a low-voltage license. Although very capable in installing and maintaining alarm and security systems, these technicians cannot perform electrical work. American Total Protection distinguishes itself from competitors by owning a full service electrical business. Whether it is installing or changing high voltage smokes or installing a whole house generator, American Total Protection and ATP-Electric can assist.

Comprehensive Security Plan: Friends Center for Children

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 12:00:03 GMT

CCTV, Keyless Entry, and Alarms

Friends Center for Children provides early childhood case and education for children three months to five years, providing a community of care that includes skilled and dedicated educators, family participation, and a comprehensive emotional well-being program. American Total Protection LLC was introduced to the management team at Friend Center for Children to discuss various security solutions for its new facility in New Haven, Connecticut.

Executive Overview

Friends Center for Children’s top objectives

Deter unlawful actors from access to the facility
Protect all occupants with a fully monitored security system
Demonstrate a comprehensive security plan and solution

The resolution

Development of a comprehensive, needs-based security solution
Implementation of CCTV, Intercom, Keyless Entry, and Security/Panic Alarms
Complete installation and monitoring services provide by American Total Protection

The key benefits

Total confidence among occupants that state-of-the-art security measures have been implemented
Full compliance with all laws and regulations
Future-ready security system for staff and visitors

Security System Objectives

The Friends Center for Children takes the safety of its children, parents, and employees extremely seriously. Through partnership with the general contractor and the Friends Center staff, ATP developed a security plan that considered unique building challenges and budget.

This process usually begins with an introductory phone call to understand expectations, budget, and past experiences. From that initial phone call or meeting, ATP develops an initial plan and budget for review. There are thousands of security solutions on the market and it is important that that the end-user and security integrator are aligned from the beginning.

When implementing security measures for childcare facilities, it is important to install systems that deter unlawful actors . By showing distinct security systems to visitors, such as visible cameras and intercoms, it demonstrates that their security has been taken seriously.

Security Solution

CCTV:

Friends Center for Children ultimately chose a hardwired IP camera system with an on premises server. The system also allows for cloud backup on all cameras. Furthermore, the system has the capability to develop distinct rules and alerts based on a variety of factors (Specific people, vehicles, times, etc.). With over 20 cameras installed, staff and security personnel have overview coverage of the entire facility.

Intercom:

Being a childcare facility, unauthorized access is prohibited. All visitors must enter through a set of doors that has a video intercom. When a visitor rings the intercom, master station rings and also the phones of designated staff members. Staff members can speak with and view whoever is at the door and choose whether to grant access.

Keyless Entry:

Entry doors and other designated doors are electronically managed through the cloud. ATP often recommends cloud hosted solutions unless you have a dedicated IT or Access Control administrator. Each staff member has a designated fob (or mobile credential) that can unlock certain doors at specific times. This system is managed via the cloud through an easy to navigate web portal. If a staff member ever leaves or is terminated, the administrator can quickly erase access. ATP provides all the door hardware and wiring required for a turn-key system (no external locksmith needed for door hardware).

Security Alarm / Panic Alarm:

ATP installed a hybrid hardwired / wireless security alarm system. The system consists of protecting every entry point with supplemental motion detectors. Designated staff and desks have panic buttons that communicate with designated authorities through our monitoring station. The entire alarm system can be managed through the web or a mobile app.

Your security is serious business. American Total Protection is here to help. We are a commercial and residential electronic security and fire safety company with offices in Connecticut and Florida.

Should I Have Monitored Carbon Monoxide Detectors on My Home Security System?

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 17:45:00 GMT

Provide additional protection for your family and home.

Like many industries, home security has undergone significant changes over the years. In the past, systems were fairly basic, typically consisting of devices such as doors, windows, and motion sensors. Over time, as technology evolved, more devices were incorporated into these systems to enhance the safety of loved ones and homes. While home automation packages have been a popular topic recently, life safety devices, particularly monitored carbon monoxide detectors, have been the products most frequently inquired about by our customers.

As monitored carbon detectors are becoming increasingly popular devices for installation in customers' homes, we thought we would assist by discussing the pros and cons of these devices while addressing some of the more commonly asked questions, such as:

Do I need a monitored carbon detector if I already have local sounding devices?
How many monitored carbon detectors do I need to install in order to be properly protected?

At ATP, we believe monitored carbon detectors are vital to any system to ensure you are protected, but ultimately, it's all about what makes you feel safest. Instead of us telling you that you should install these products, we will educate you on monitored carbon detectors, outline the benefits and downsides, so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not the product is right for you.

Quick Facts on Carbon Monoxide:

The following excerpt was found on the National Conference of State Legislatures:

Carbon monoxide, or CO, poisoning is the second most common cause of non-medicinal poisoning death. According to the CDC, over 100,000 people seek emergency treatment for accidental CO poisoning each year, and more than 420 people in the U.S. die from it.

Carbon monoxide is found in fumes produced by furnaces, kerosene heaters, vehicles running in garages, stoves, lanterns, gas ranges, portable generators, or by burning charcoal and wood. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces are vulnerable to illness and even death from elevated exposure. According to the NCSL, CO poisoning is the second most common cause of non-medicinal poisoning death. Additionally, CO detectors are required for new homes built in both Connecticut and Florida .

How Many Carbon Detectors Do I Need to Be Up to Code?

The international association of fire chiefs recommends the following carbon protection for homes:

A carbon detector on every level of a home, including basements.*
A detector should be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door.
There should be one near or over any attached garage.
Each detector should be replaced every five to six years.

* Additional carbon detectors are required for larger homes. These devices can be local sounding products as code does not require monitored smoke detectors.

What Is a Monitored Carbon Detector?

A monitored carbon detector is a device that can be installed on an alarm system to alert your security provider and you if a carbon leak occurred in your home. Your monitoring station would then contact your local fire department and then reach out to you to see if it is, in fact, an emergency. The number of monitored carbon detectors on a system varies for each home, as it is typically dependent on the size of the home, budget, and current protection level. These products can be wirelessly connected to a control panel or hardwired if it is a new building or if there are preexisting wires in place.

Now that we have touched on some of the basics of carbon detectors let’s go over the pros and cons so you can see if monitored units are something you should have installed in your home.

Pros of Monitored Carbon Detectors:

1. Safety.

2. Peace of mind when you are not home.

3. Increased discount on your home insurance rate.

Safety:

This concept should be pretty easy to grasp, the more protection you have in your home, the better. Also, monitored carbon detectors are connected to a security system and are active at all times so even if you forgot to arm your system they will still call out to your monitoring station. This can come in handy as your local fire department will be notified while you are making sure all family members (pets included) are outside of the home as soon as you hear a detector sound which can make a world of difference.

Peace of mind when you are not home:

The most common response from customers when monitored carbon detectors are brought up in conversation is “we have detectors all over our house”. That is great for when you are home, but what about when you are away for the weekend or out running errands? Without monitored carbon detectors, you would not know something was wrong until you returned home to devices sounding. Families with pets should also take into consideration the safety of their family members that are oftentimes left home alone and are at a higher risk of being affected by a terrible situation.

Increased discount on your home insurance rate:

When you have a monitored security system you receive a discount on your homeowners’ insurance. Typically, when you add life safety devices, like carbon detectors, that discount will increase. Adding protection to your home while saving money annually sounds like a win-win!

Cons of Monitored Carbon Detectors:

1. Price.

2. Possible service calls.

Price:

The price point of monitored carbon detectors is the biggest drawback to the device. Most of the time you can find a three or four-pack of local sounding carbon units for the price of one monitored device. The reason for this is quite simple, monitored carbon detectors cost manufacturers more to make so they are going to cost the customers more to buy. This is the part where customers need to weigh the importance of safety and cost to see what they are most comfortable with.

Possible Service Calls:

In most situations, if there is something wrong with a carbon detector we will find out during the initial installation. With that said, just like any other product out there that you might purchase, there are cases in which devices will fail before the expected lifespan of a carbon detector (5-6 years). The downside to this is that if the device does not fall under warranty replacement you would need to purchase a new detector and schedule a service call with one of our technicians as you would not be able to replace the product yourself.

Based on this article, you most likely came to the conclusion that we feel monitored carbon detectors are an important device for homeowners, and you are right. With that said, we understand the product is not for all customers whether that is because of price or they believe they are properly protected without the device. Either way, we hope this write-up was helpful in you learning more about what you should be doing in order to create a safer home!

Should I Have Monitored Smoke Detectors on My Home Security System?

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 12:15:00 GMT

Provide additional protection for your family and home.

Close to thirty years ago, the quiet and quaint area where my childhood home is located was unfortunately targeted by numerous break-ins. Within days, email chains were created, neighborhood watches were formed, and, as you might have guessed, home security systems were installed. After assisting in taking over a good number of the originally installed systems, I always found one thing confusing—none of the systems had monitored smoke detectors on them (my family included).

When I ask customers why they do not have monitored smoke detectors, the most common answer is, “I did not know it was an option.” There could be a few reasons for this: #1 - the original company did not feel comfortable installing these devices, #2 - the company did not have a license to install the products, or #3 - the representative did not take the time to go over all aspects of a security system.

Having worked in the industry for over 10 years now, my gut tells me it was #3. This, in my opinion, is a significant disservice to the customer, as I believe monitored smoke detectors are one of, if not the most important devices on a security system. With that said, I want to go over the pros and cons of having monitored smoke detectors on your alarm system so that you can decide if the device is right for you, but first let’s go over the basics.

How Many Smoke Detectors Do I Need to Be Up to Code?

NFPA 72 states it has a required minimum that smoke detectors be installed as follows:

One inside every sleeping room
Outside each sleeping area
One on every level of the home
*Additional smoke alarms are required for larger homes. These devices can be local sounding products as code does not require monitored smoke detectors.

What Is a Monitored Smoke Detector?

A monitored smoke detector is a device that can be installed on a system to alert your security provider and you if a fire were to occur. Your security provider would then reach out to your local fire department and then contact you to see if it is in fact an emergency. The number of monitored detectors on a system varies for each home, as it is typically dependent on the size of the home, budget, and current protection level. These products can be wirelessly connected to a control panel or hardwired if it is a new building or if there are preexisting wires in place.

Now that we have touched on the basics of required smoke detector coverage and how monitored smoke detectors work, let's go over the pros and cons.

Pros of Monitored Smoke Detectors:

Safety.
Peace of mind when you are not home.
Easy to disable.
Increased discount on your home insurance rate.

Safety

This one is pretty straightforward, the more protection you have, the better. Additionally, monitored smoke detectors are connected to a security system and are active at all times so even if you forgot to arm your system they will still call out to your monitoring station. This can come in handy during an emergency seeing as how most people's first reaction is to try and put out a fire rather than calling your local fire department which can make a world of difference.

Peace of mind when you are not home

The most common response from customers when monitored smoke detectors are brought up in conversation is “we have detectors all over our house”. That is great for when you are home, but what about when you are away for the weekend or out running errands? Without monitored smoke detectors, you would not know something was wrong until a neighbor spotted it and at that point severe damage would be done. Families with pets should also take into consideration the safety of their family members that are oftentimes left home alone.

Easy to disable

Hate dealing with a smoke detector that will not stop beeping? We have all been there before, trying to disable them by reaching up and using the end of a pen or pencil to hit the button and silence the device. Well, disabling monitored smoke detectors is a lot easier! If a device trips and you need to turn them off, you simply go to your keypad and type a four-digit code.

Increased discount on your home insurance rate

When you have a monitored security system you receive a discount on your homeowners’ insurance. Typically, when you add life safety devices to your system that discount will increase. Adding protection to your home while saving money annually sounds like a win-win!

Cons of Monitored Smoke Detectors

Price.
Possible service calls.

Price

The price point of monitored smoke detectors is the biggest drawback to the device. Most of the time you can find a four or five-pack of local sounding smokes for the price of one monitored device. The reason for this is quite simple, monitored smokes cost manufacturers more to make so they are going to cost the customers more to buy. This is the part where customers need to weigh the importance of safety and cost to see what they are most comfortable with.

Possible Service Calls

In most situations, if there is something wrong with a smoke detector we will find out during the initial installation. With that said, just like any other product out there that you might purchase, there are cases in which devices will fail before the expected lifespan of a smoke detector (7-10 years). The downside to this is that if the device does not fall under warranty replacement you would need to purchase a new device and schedule a service call with one of our technicians as you would not be able to replace the detector yourself.

While we believe monitored smoke detectors are vital to any security system, what is most important to us is that you find a security system layout that you love and will utilize. If monitored smoke protection is not right for you we completely understand, we just hope this article was helpful in educating you on the topic.

Thank you for your time and do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or feedback!

How much does it cost to install a new security system in Connecticut?

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 12:00:19 GMT

With news of theft and vandalism being reported almost daily across the state, more than ever, residents in Connecticut are starting to take measures to ensure the safety of their loved ones and assets.

One means of protection that homeowners typically gravitate towards is a security system. When searching online for information you will eventually notice that you cannot find answers to your questions, only company names and numbers to call. Over the course of time, we will attempt to educate you on all thing’s security, but to start why not touch on the most frequently asked question:

How much does it cost to install a new security system in Connecticut?

The elephant in the room that no security company would dare put in writing (at least accurately) or discuss prior to an in-home consultation. Is ATP going to cross that line? Yes, and we will be as transparent as possible too in order to save you the hassle of searching all across Google for the answer no one can find.

The Deceptive Mail Flier

So, let’s start this off by going over a common misconception. Nine times out of ten there is an upfront cost associated with the products and installation of a home security system. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that flier you received in the mail, it is extremely misleading. The bold lettering that states, 10 door or window sensors and 1 motion sensor for no money down, $31.99 a month, and you also receive $100.00 gift card sounds enticing, but did you read the fine print? If not, then I hope you have a landline otherwise there will be an upfront price and that monthly fee that looks awfully attractive will increase. Also, the national company listed on the brochure…. yeah, that is not who you are dealing with during the installation process. You are speaking with a dealer that is going to sell your account to the national provider after a few months and once again your monthly rate is going to increase. A security company that is dishonest and that you will never hear from or see again, seems backwards, right?

Now let’s pull back the curtain to give you an idea of what the upfront cost might actually be. The answer is more straightforward than most think. The price is dependent on two factors: how you will be using the system and what types of products you want installed. A customer that wants a basic security system is going to pay less than someone turning their home into Fort Knox. Groundbreaking, I know.

Smaller Systems

In most cases, a basic security system price range will be anywhere between $300.00-$500.00 for products and installation. This setup is for customers that are more so concerned about having their home protected when they are not there or need a temporary solution. A layout like this will typically consist of sensors on your doors along with motion sensors in hot spots of your home in order to create an interior trap.

Additional Coverage

A step up from that price range will typically have an upfront cost around $500.00-$900.00 for products and installation, but it could be more depending on the size of your home and products needed. This system layout is geared towards homeowners that are looking for peace of mind and protection when they are both home and not home. In this scenario, you would be using the same products mentioned above while also installing either glass break or window sensors. Including these products on a system will give you additional coverage when you are home so that you can walk around freely without possibly tripping any of your motion sensors.

Full Coverage

The last price range customers might find themselves in for a new security system is $900.00 and up for products and installation. While this is the most expensive option, it is also the most safe. A system that falls under this category would include the devices mentioned in the previous two paragraphs in addition to life safety products such as smoke and carbon detectors. Over the years, the inclusion of monitored detectors on systems has only grown because of the value they provide. Sure, local detectors are great when you’re home but what about if you’re away for the weekend? Monitored detectors give customers the extra sense of security when they are not home that they are completely covered. Also, it does not hurt that including these types of products on a system should also increase your homeowners discount.

I hope this blog was helpful in providing an idea of cost for a new security system as you begin your search for a company and system that suits you best. As I mentioned throughout the blog we are trying to be as open and honest about pricing as possible. The price ranges mentioned are what we have seen over the course of several years and what we consider fair. With that said, there are companies in our industry that might charge significantly more for the same type of systems so be on the lookout.

If you are interested in a security system the first step in the process should be scheduling an appointment with a company so they can take a look at your home. From there an industry expert will meet with you and explain how systems work and provide different options. Just remember that at the end of the day the best option is always whatever makes you feel most comfortable.

Thank you for reading our blog and do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments!

4 FAQs About Home Automation Systems

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 14:34:59 GMT

A Guide to Home Automation Systems

Home automation systems are becoming popular upgrades for many homeowners. Not only do they offer a level of convenience, but they also increase the functionality of the property. You can even connect them directly to a security camera and monitor your residence from a mobile device. If you're interested in home automation, here's what you should know about this technology and how it can benefit your home.

What does it mean to have smart home automation?

Smart home technology allows you to control multiple items with a single app. These could include the lamps in the living room or the thermostat in the kitchen. All you have to do is prioritize the areas that would benefit from automation and secure the connectors.

After downloading the app, it becomes fairly easy to operate. The system supplies on/off functions, temperature adjustments for your HVAC system, and a live feed from any security cameras on your property.

Are there benefits to automating a home?

Home automation boosts convenience in several ways. For example, you won’t have to walk through the house before bed to ensure that the lights are off. Simply check the app and cut the power with the touch of a button.

Home automation also increases the ease of raising and lowering the temperature. This technology is helpful for those who forget to lower the thermostat before leaving for work or vacation. You can access the controls through the app and make the necessary adjustments from any location.

Is my information secure with home automation?

The app will require you to set up a password to prevent unauthorized users from hacking into the system. Make sure that it doesn’t contain anything personal and change it often. You should also install any updates as soon as they're available. Companies are always working to improve security and will include their changes in the latest version.

Can I upgrade an older home with smart home technology?

It's fairly easy for an experienced contractor to install smart home technology. They’ll perform an in-depth inspection of the current electrical systems to determine the best approach. Point out which items should go on the app so that they can pinpoint the areas that will require an upgrade.

If you’re interested in a home automation system, reach out to American Total Protection in Hamden, CT. We have provided security technology like cameras and alarms to homeowners in Connecticut and Florida for over 10 years. Our technicians have undergone rigorous training and are fully certified and licensed to perform the necessary upgrades. Call (844) 287-2576 to schedule an appointment, or explore our website to learn more about our home automation services.

4 Components of a Commercial Fire Alarm System

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 14:49:29 GMT

What Are the Key Elements of Commercial Fire Alarm Installations?

Fires in commercial spaces can spark without warning and spread quickly throughout the area. Ensuring the safety of your employees and customers is paramount, and proper evacuation requires a comprehensive fire alarm installation . With proper alarms and signals, you can help everyone get to safety and prevent injuries. Below are several parts of this system to help you familiarize yourself with it:

1. Detection Devices

Detection devices are the first line of defense, and there are several varieties. The most common are smoke detectors, and they activate when they detect carbon dioxide, which is a byproduct of fire. Your system may also include sensors that detect extreme heat changes. The fire alarm installation will also have manual alarms, which a person can pull to activate the entire system and begin the evacuation process. These devices are placed in each room of the building, as well as hallways, lobbies, and storage areas.

2. Notification Devices

When a detection device notices a fire, it triggers the notification devices. These include loud horns and chimes that alert everyone of a fire. They also use stroking, wall-mounted lights to alert people who may have hearing issues, letting them know that they should leave the building. Some systems may include built-in WiFi alerts that send a notification to smart devices alerting the user of a fire.

3. Control Systems

Control systems are usually panels mounted throughout the building. Here, authorized personnel can monitor the system's activity and receive alerts whenever the system needs maintenance. This helps you stay on top of regular inspections and repairs, ensuring the system works properly. Users can also activate each alarm component throughout the building, which is helpful when testing the system.

4. Backup Power

Severe weather and other events can disrupt the building's electrical system. Fires are common during large storms, and to ensure the fire alarms remain active, many systems include a backup power supply. This alternative source activates when it detects an electrical outage, preventing any downtime. The control panel will then run on this battery source. The runtime depends on the battery your system uses.

When you need a reliable, comprehensive fire alarm installation, contact American Total Protection in Hamden, CT. We handle everything from security camera installation to commercial alarm systems. For more information, call 844-287-2576 to speak with a team member.

3 Ideal Locations for Business Security Cameras

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 19:00:03 GMT

Security cameras keep your employees, customers, and property safe while protecting your business from significant financial losses.

However, it's important to place the cameras correctly to ensure the clearest vantage points and the most comprehensive security. Here are three ideal spots to install them at your business.

Where Should You Install Security Cameras at a Business?

1. Entrances & Exits

When installed at all entry and exit points, cameras let you monitor who's coming and going from your business. These locations should include front, back, and side doors, loading docks, and service entrances. To guarantee the clearest view with the least risk of glare and obstruction, position the camera so that it's directed inside the building, away from exterior light.

2. Parking Lots

Most people who enter a business do so through the parking lot, so this is a perfect location to track the traffic in and out of your building. Install cameras at high positions with wide enough angle settings that they can take in as much of the area as possible. Bear in mind that with most models, you'll be able to zoom in on specific individuals, vehicles, and license plates when viewing or reviewing security footage, allowing you to capture important identifying details.

3. Reception Areas

If you have a reception area or similar lobby space, most of the foot traffic in your business likely moves through this area. When selecting cameras for this site, choose smaller or more easily concealed models. Not only will this help maintain the visual appeal and comfort of the space, but it will also make it less likely that intruders will notice the camera, increasing the chances of successful monitoring and apprehension.

If you're interested in security cameras to protect your business, contact American Total Protection in Hamden, CT. Having served commercial clients in Connecticut and Florida since 2011, we offer customizable systems from the industry's leading brands to ensure your property remains safe. We can also evaluate your current setup and determine the best upgrades to optimize your security.

Call (844) 287-2576 to request a quote, or visit them online to learn more about our commercial services.

3 Benefits of a Home Security Alarm System

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 13:47:05 GMT

Reasons to Install a Home Security Alarm System

A security alarm system monitors your property and alerts you to the presence of intruders. Installing one of these systems is an investment that will protect your home and family and simplify your household management in several ways. The following guide highlights some reasons you may want to install this system.

What Are Some Reasons to Install a Home Security Alarm System?

Streamline Your Home Automation

Many modern security systems can be connected to your other automated home features, including fire alarms, locks, thermostats, and lighting. This update allows you to remotely monitor your home from smartphones or other electronic devices. It is easy to engage/disengage the system and utilize its various features wherever you are, whether at home or on the other side of the world.
Have Greater Peace of Mind

A security system will help you feel safer in your home. Knowing that there are enhanced safeguards in place to protect your home and family will almost certainly provide greater peace of mind. You can feel more confident and comfortable being at home alone or venturing out and leaving the house unoccupied. As long as you engage the system, your home, family, and belongings will be more secure.
Enjoy Financial Incentives

Insurance companies are all about reducing risk wherever possible. And a home with a security system is better protected and, so, less of a risk. As a result, many carriers offer discounts on homeowner's insurance rates when installing a security system, sometimes as much as 20 percent off the regular premium price. Also, a security system can be an attractive feature for a home-buyer, so if you're thinking about selling the house soon, the system could add value and make the property even more desirable.

Prevent Water Damage with your Alarm System

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 14:43:21 GMT

Reduce the risk of water damage to your home

Did you know that monitored alarm systems can help mitigate water damage? When people think of an alarm system, many think of just security or fire protection. While a robbery or fire can be devastating to your property, water damage can be equally catastrophic. What are some proactive things you can do to reduce the risk of water damage to your home?

Low Temperature Detectors:

A low temperature detector is a monitored device that we can add to your alarm system. When the temperature reaches a certain temperature (either fixed or programmable), the sensor signals the alarm system. When the alarm goes off, we will also notify those on the call list. The purpose is to provide notification of a low temperature wherever the low temperature device is located. This allows property managers to address problems before pipes freeze and potentially explode. We see homeowners putting these devices in parts of the home that are not well insulated or business owners placing them in sprinkler rooms. These devices are very practical and they may also reduce your insurance premium.

Water Bugs:

Water bugs detect moisture. Property owners usually place these by water heaters, washers, or under sinks. When the water bug detects moisture, the alarm sounds and the call list is notified. These devices allow you to immediately address leaks, floods, or burst pipes before the damage worsens.

Annual Inspections of Appliances:

Some property owners hire professional companies to inspect plumbing, utilities, and appliances annually to ensure proper functionality. By having your furnace inspected periodically, it may reduce the possibility of failure in the cold winter months.

We encourage all of our customers to have water bugs and a low temperature detector. There is a one time fee (the monthly monitoring does not change) and you often save money one your property insurance. Additionally, it helps reduce the possibility of a very expensive disruption in your day to day routine.

ATP Alarms and ATP Fire are here to help you navigate how to best protect your home or business. Want to learn more? Reach out to ATP Alarms Today.

How Do Alarms Communicate?

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 20:01:30 GMT

Modern Communication Methods

Over time, alarm systems communication methods have evolved. Depending on the type of alarm, various codes and regulations may apply. For example, security alarms have much more flexibility in how they can communicate versus commercial fire alarms.

Security Alarms:

Security alarms can communicate via internet (hardwired or WiFi depending on the system), phone line, or cellular. Often security alarms have two communication paths—one that is primary and one that is backup. ATP Alarms encourages all customers to have a back up form of communication in the event the primary fails. We believe that the best is setup for fast and reliable communication is internet/WiFi primary with cellular backup. We feel that the internet communication is the fastest while the cellular is most reliable. Traditional alarms relied on phone lines to communicate. Back in the day, these were copper phone lines that could be cut or disrupted. As time progressed, these “phone line” alarms transitioned to VOIP (voice over IP) communication. As a result, if there is an internet failure (power outage, network issue, or tampering wit your modem), the alarm communication would be affected. We view phone line communication as a last resort. If you are interested in exploring different ways your existing alarm can communicate, call us for a free over the phone consultation.

Fire Alarms:

Fire code dictates how a fire alarm can communicate. Fire alarms require a dedicated communication path and a backup communication path. Traditionally, this meant a dedicated phone line and a backup phone line. A dedicated phone line means nothing else can utilize this line—fax, elevator, etc. The backup line can be any other line that is in the building. New technology has allowed fire-rated cellular units to replace the need for a dedicated phone line. Although there is an upfront cost for the cellular communicator, there is often a large savings over the course of the agreement because the customer can eliminate the dedicated line expense. Before entertaining a change, we always advise you reach out to your alarm company so they can reach out to the Authority Having Jurisdiction to confirm that they are comfortable with the communication chosen.

ATP Alarms and ATP Fire are here to help you navigate how to best protect your home or business. Questions about how to have a safer communication path? Or if there is a possibility to eliminate a phone line expense? Call or email us today.

4 Steps You Can Take to Better Secure Your Property

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 14:32:47 GMT

Low-cost, proactive steps you can take today

There are several steps you can take to better secure your property. When assessing the vulnerability of your home or business, there are some preliminary questions that you should ask yourself:

Am I a target?
Are my easy entry points visible from the street?
Is my property well lit?
Do I have any visible deterrents?

What makes your property a “target” for a home or business break in?

This can refer to many things. Do you leave packages on your front step? Do you leave that new TV box at the curb? Do you have public social media accounts where you may broadcast your lifestyle and belongings? All these things can encourage criminals to target your property. We encourage clients to mitigate their risk by consciously managing what they share with the public, whether that be taking a social media account private or breaking down that new SONOS box before you put it on the curb.

Are your easy entry points visible from the street?

If your property has low or ground level windows, are they visible to the street or neighbors? Do you have a glass door that is visible to others? We inform our clients to maintain their landscaping to make sure that easy access points remain visible. Thieves will be deterred from entering through a window or through a glass door if it is not protected with overgrown shrubs. If these entry points are not visible, we encourage alarm sensors for those entry points.

Is your property well lit?

Proper lighting and motion lights deter nighttime break ins from happening. Criminals (at least the good ones) prefer anonymity. If you have motion lights on your property, you better the chances of a car thief moving on to the next driveway.

Do I have visible deterrents?

While proper lighting and well-maintained landscaping may deter criminals from targeting your property, there are other very visible deterrents that better your chances of avoiding a break-in. These could be an electric fence sign or a dog sign, visible cameras, or an alarm/video surveillance sign.

When assessing your property’s security, it starts with mitigating the chances that your location will be broken into. The simple low-cost solutions above are proactive steps to take.

Would you like a free consultation to assess the vulnerability of your property?

Managed Access Control Systems

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 11:35:48 GMT

Ensuring Safe, Controlled, and Monitored Access to Your Building

Controlling who can enter your building and how people behave once within your building is the first step to protecting your employees and your assets. At ATP, we refer to this as “Managed Access Control” or “Keyless Entry”.

The first step to controlling access to your facility is the door(s) employees or visitors may enter through. In the morning, do you unlock these doors for the day? Do you leave it locked throughout the day? Who is responsible for these tasks?

American Total Protection’s front door unlocks automatically at 8 AM and locks at 5 PM. We have a vestibule door that has an intercom, requiring a visitor to ring a bell in order to be allowed in. This not only better protects our employees from unwanted visitors, but it also leads to a more efficient work place as employee’s can release that vestibule door from their desks (they do not need to get up every-time someone is at the door). By having the doors on a schedule, we do not need to worry about who is opening in the morning and who is closing at night. What if the office is closed due to weather? Easy, we can adjust the schedule from a smartphone or computer.

It is extremely important to regulate who enters your building. Now more than ever, organizations want to make sure that access to their building is secure. By implementing specific security measures, employees may feel safer returning to work and customers may feel more comfortable visiting.

The next step of keyless entry is interior doors. Should all employees be able to enter every sector of your building? For example, should someone on the production floor be able to walk right into the Human Resource Office? Should someone in customer service be able to open the stock room after hours? Should every employee have access to the lunchroom during a pandemic? By putting electronic access control on interior doors, you not only prevent potential uncomfortable confrontations or scenarios, but you also have a better handle on how employees may interact throughout the day.

During this COVID-19 pandemic, businesses have been trying to find ways to better protect their employees and people. Controlling who can access your building and influencing interactions are key components of a safer workplace.

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4 Steps to Planning Your Commercial Building Security Systems

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Smarter Home Automation in the Bedroom

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Venue Security Tips | Keeping Your Event Venue Secure

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Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

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Security Systems for your Home Office

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Security Systems for New Businesses. What You Need to Know.

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Renting a Summer Home? Smart Solutions to Protect your Property

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How to Deter Shoplifting in Your Retail Business

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The Top 3 Benefits of a Small Business Security System

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The post The Top 3 Benefits of a Small Business Security System appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Our Summer Security Prep Tips for a Safe Home

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6 things to get your father this Father’s Day

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Is your business ready for the Father’s Day holiday rush?

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Memorial Day Safety Tips for Your Home

Thu, 24 May 2018 14:00:00 GMT

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3 Signs That You Should Upgrade Your Business Access Control System

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Integrating Security & Automation in your Home

Fri, 04 May 2018 17:00:00 GMT

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The Top 3 Reasons to Invest in Home Security Monitoring

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 15:00:00 GMT

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Making a Change this International Earth Day

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 14:30:00 GMT

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When was the last time you checked your gas lines?

Mon, 09 Apr 2018 20:30:00 GMT

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What are the Essential Layers for Quality Home Security?

Fri, 30 Mar 2018 15:00:00 GMT

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Home Automation and Keeping Your Pets Safe

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 14:00:00 GMT

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How to Place Security Cameras for Maximum Impact

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Is Your Business Security Up to Par?

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Increase your Home’s Value with Smart Automation

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 13:00:00 GMT

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Designing an Alarm System That Suits Your Needs

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 15:00:00 GMT

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Save a Life with Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 22:00:00 GMT

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Winter Savings Tip: Save Money on Heating Costs

Wed, 07 Feb 2018 19:00:00 GMT

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The Top 4 Benefits of Professional Security Prewiring

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 15:30:00 GMT

The post The Top 4 Benefits of Professional Security Prewiring appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Amazon Home Deliveries

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Increase Your Property Value

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 21:30:00 GMT

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New Year’s Resolution to Protect Your Home & Property

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 07:00:00 GMT

The post New Year’s Resolution to Protect Your Home & Property appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Ringing in the New Year

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 14:00:00 GMT

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DIY Home Security Systems

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 15:00:00 GMT

The post DIY Home Security Systems appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Know When It’s Time to Upgrade Your Home Security System

Tue, 12 Dec 2017 16:55:00 GMT

The post Know When It’s Time to Upgrade Your Home Security System appeared first on ATP Alarms .

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Home Security and Automation Gift Ideas

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Tue, 21 Nov 2017 21:30:00 GMT

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Home Security Systems for New Home Constructions

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 13:00:00 GMT

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Security Solutions for New Businesses

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The post Securing Your Front Door. What’s in a Lock? appeared first on ATP Alarms .

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Tue, 05 Sep 2017 15:00:00 GMT

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5 Reasons Why You Should Get a Video Surveillance System for Your Restaurant

Mon, 21 Aug 2017 15:00:00 GMT

The post 5 Reasons Why You Should Get a Video Surveillance System for Your Restaurant appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Business Burglary Prevention

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Home Energy Saving Tips

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How to Protect Your Business While You Go on Vacation

Tue, 01 Aug 2017 13:30:00 GMT

The post How to Protect Your Business While You Go on Vacation appeared first on ATP Alarms .

3 More Ways to Protect Your Pets This Summer

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 12:00:00 GMT

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Home Safety Checks for Summer

Thu, 06 Jul 2017 14:30:00 GMT

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How Will You Celebrate Independence Day 2017?

Sat, 01 Jul 2017 20:00:00 GMT

The post How Will You Celebrate Independence Day 2017? appeared first on ATP Alarms .

5 Security Tips For Landlords To Protect Their Property

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 13:30:00 GMT

The post 5 Security Tips For Landlords To Protect Their Property appeared first on ATP Alarms .

4 Solutions to Prevent Appliance Safety Hazards in the Home

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 15:00:00 GMT

The post 4 Solutions to Prevent Appliance Safety Hazards in the Home appeared first on ATP Alarms .

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Mon, 12 Jun 2017 14:30:00 GMT

The post Celebrating Father’s Day with Security appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Are You A New Mom?

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Grandpa Bail Scam

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Mon, 22 May 2017 21:00:00 GMT

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5 Reasons Why Your Business Should Focus On Security

Mon, 15 May 2017 13:00:00 GMT

The post 5 Reasons Why Your Business Should Focus On Security appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Home Security for Pet Owners

Mon, 08 May 2017 14:00:00 GMT

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Airbnb Home Security

Tue, 02 May 2017 15:00:00 GMT

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4 Security Mistakes That Can Endanger Your Home

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 15:00:00 GMT

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How Integrated Security Solutions Can Benefit your Business

Mon, 03 Apr 2017 15:00:00 GMT

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The Worst Advice We’ve Ever Heard About Home Security

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 14:00:00 GMT

The post The Worst Advice We’ve Ever Heard About Home Security appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Make Spring Break Fun and Safe

Fri, 24 Mar 2017 13:00:00 GMT

Tips to get you ready for Springtime

If you are leaving home for spring break
Springtime is an exciting time to go on vacation. But before you pack up and head off to enjoy yourself, make sure to protect your valuables back home . By installing automated safety/security features that will notify you of any issues if you are not at home, you can protect your property from little mishaps like water leaks or potentially major ones such as fire.

If there is an influx of people to your city
Spring breakers can get a little rowdy, especially when alcohol gets in the mix. If you want to protect your property from drunken vandalism arrange for 24/7 alarm monitoring with a trusted security company. When your alarm is triggered, a notification will be sent to a UL Monitoring station that will enable them to notify you about potential problems at your home and quickly contact law enforcement officials.

If you plan on a little Safety Spring Cleaning
Ensure to check and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Also, make sure that your moisture/leak detectors are in working order. Coming off winter you want to ensure there are no leaking or burst pipes around.

Planning your springtime party
A little home automation goes a long way to making your springtime party fun and keeping you safe. Installing a Skybell Video Doorbell allows you to see who is at the door and to let your guests in even if you are in your backyard. Working smoke alarms will let you know if the food is burning. And automatically adjusting your thermostat and shades throughout the day helps you to keep energy efficient no matter where you are.

So, to make springtime safe while you’re having fun:
1. Install security features in and around your home. These can include:
a. Motion sensor lights
b. Security cameras
c. Skybell video doorbell
2. Engage the services of a security firm for 24-hour monitoring
3. Spring clean by checking all the sensors throughout your home and ensuring that they are in working order
4. Install home automation devices for efficiency and of course convenience.

You can make spring break fun and safe by engaging the services of American Total Protection . We are here to help protect what matters to you. We will show you how best to make your home safe so that you can enjoy your springtime. This is real life . You need a real security company . ATP Alarms is American Total Protection .

The post Make Spring Break Fun and Safe appeared first on ATP Alarms .

What’s more important, the yard sign or the company behind the sign?

Tue, 21 Mar 2017 16:30:00 GMT

Who’s the Company Behind the Sign?

Can you rely on a yard sign to protect you?

There is a trend whereby homeowners purchase fake security signs, or even the signs of a reputable company, and place them in their yard. Their hope is that the sign will act as a deterrent to criminals.

The yard sign is only the first line in the defense of your property and you. It can deter some petty criminals because it implies that your home is monitored. It also leaves a lasting impression based on the company behind the sign.

But what if the sign doesn’t deter criminal elements? What happens if you were faking it and you do not have a security system in place or a security company standing with you to protect your property?

A yard sign alone should never be the main option to protect your property. It’s the company behind it that matters.

What’s in the Name of a Security Company?

Certain names are synonymous with the level and quality of the service or product they provide. Some security companies, such as ATP Alarms , are synonymous with superior security services that help to protect you, your family, and your property’s contents.

Why the company matters more than the sign in your front yard? Because of what it provides and what it will deliver. Your security company should:

Which Company Do You Have Behind Your Security Sign?

When life happens, you need a real security company standing right there shielding you. You cannot rely on the yard sign only. It is the company behind the sign that matters most. Secure your property the right way. Protect what matters to you most.

Contact ATP Alarms and feel the difference of the company behind the sign.

The post What’s more important, the yard sign or the company behind the sign? appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Energy Savings With Home Automation

Fri, 17 Mar 2017 12:00:00 GMT

Go Green on St. Patrick’s Day

How Energy Efficiency Equals Going Green
One way to get your home ‘green’ is by reducing your carbon output. And one of the easiest methods is by reducing your energy use. Reducing energy use will also translate to savings in your pocket from lower electricity bills.

From a young age, we’ve all been told how to practice basic energy conservation. Turn off the lights when not in a room or turn the heat down when going out for the day. But, of course, remembering to do so is not always that easy. Manually managing your energy conservation efforts requires developing a routine that unfortunately, will take a back seat with the chaos of life. What happens when you are rushing to leave for vacation and forget to turn the heat down?

We just would like to say – leave the manual ways behind and head on into the 21st century with automation. Home automation devices are designed to address those issues of manual energy conservation.

Energy Efficiency and Home Automation
Heating, cooling, and lighting are the main contributors to your electricity costs. By automating these areas for efficiency, you can ‘go green’ and significantly increase your savings. Here are just a few of the home automation devices that can help you go green :

Go Green with ATP
So, when planning your green parties and fun for St. Patrick’s Day, remember that you can have long-term benefits from doing your little part in going green. Reduce your carbon output through energy efficiency by home automation.

If you are ready to enjoy the benefits of green in your home and greens in your pocket, give ATP Alarms a call today. We’ll be happy to inspect your home and show you all the ways you could be saving by going energy efficient today.

The post Energy Savings With Home Automation appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Mobile Apps: Improved Technology for A Safer You

Mon, 27 Feb 2017 15:30:00 GMT

What Do You Want From Your Security Provider’s Mobile App?

The rapid advances in technology now puts safety and security at your fingertips. With the Internet of Things (IoT), we are moving to a time where anything that can be connected, will be connected. Wireless technology, security devices, and mobile apps are therefore increasingly making security more easily accessible and manageable.

Mobile apps are the latest in home security technology. Whether through Android, iOS, or Windows, these apps put our family and property’s safety and security within our reach. Because of this, and to keep pace with the changing times and the improvements across the industry, all security companies have to evolve and grow.

AT ATP , we keep abreast of all the newest technology that can benefit our customers. And once we are satisfied with the advances they’ve made, then we recommend or offer them to our customers, for example, when we decided to begin offering Skybell HD Video Doorbell . We are constantly upgrading to improve our service delivery to ensure that our customers are always satisfied. The next step in our growth as a company is to offer increasing accessibility through a mobile app.

What do you enjoy most about mobile apps?
But, before we get down the road with developing our app, we would like your input. After all, it is being designed to meet your needs. And, not all mobile apps are created equal. Some offer more than others. We want to understand what you like about mobile apps so that ours will meet your needs and wants.

Do you enjoy accessibility across multiple devices? Do you like the feeling of exclusivity and the idea that a proprietary app was made specifically to meet your needs? Proprietary apps are generally designed to meet a system’s specific needs and tailor-made for a specific reason. Would this be a factor that affects your use of an app? So, tell us in the comments below, what do you expect from a mobile app ?

What would you like to see in your security company’s mobile app?
ATP continually strives to improve our service delivery and technological options for you, our valued clients. Our next move to make your life easier is a well-developed mobile app. But, before we do, we want to hear from you. How can we improve our services to you via a mobile app? What would you want from an ATP Mobile App? Give us your thoughts and suggestions below.

The post Mobile Apps: Improved Technology for A Safer You appeared first on ATP Alarms .

4 Essential Devices to Protect Your Home During Cold Weather

Fri, 24 Feb 2017 14:00:00 GMT

How do you protect your home during the winter?

A lot of home winterization tips focus on you physically cleaning and preparing your home for the cold season. They speak of cleaning your gutters and drains, disconnecting hoses, insulation, the works. We say prepare, but also protect. Did you know that in addition to these tasks, you can get help to monitor and control your winterization process? Did you know these 4 devices could protect your home, and you, from cold weather?

2. Water Sensors
Water or moisture sensors are essential tools to letting you know if you there are any leaks at your home. Leaks left undetected can lead to mold growth and eventual health problems. In addition to this, is the extensive property damage that could occur. So, when the cold wears off, make sure that none of your pipes have ruptured and silently doing damage by installing a water sensor.

3. Cold Temperature Sensors
Can you imagine being asleep and not realizing that the furnace has gone out until your house is too cold? With a cold temperature sensor, you can be notified if the temperature in your home is dropping too low. A temperature detector ensures safety and comfort for you and your family. It also gives you control of your thermostat whether you are at home or away.

4. Carbon Monoxide Monitor
You may be wondering why a CO monitor is being discussed on a post about cold weather. But during cold weather is one of the most important times for it. Home is where the heart is. And protecting your home also means protecting the lives of you and your family. Too often we hear of families dying in their sleep because they are bundled up inside from the cold, a heating device is on, and it generates a deadly build-up of carbon monoxide.

You should invest in a carbon monoxide monitor that sounds an alarm as soon as the CO levels are approaching dangerous levels. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. But a simple device can save your life during cold weather.

Protect Who You Love
This is one of the values that ATP operates by. To protect those that mean the most to us. So, whenever you are ready to take advantage of the many benefits that technology has to offer in protecting your home during cold weather, give us a call . We will be happy to help you understand the technology and how it can improve your home, save you money, and possibly save your life.

The post 4 Essential Devices to Protect Your Home During Cold Weather appeared first on ATP Alarms .

The Importance of Trusting Your Security Company

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 18:00:00 GMT

Trusting Your Security Company

Who are you trusting to protect your family and property?

Security is very serious business . You have to be able to trust your security company on every level. What better way to grow trust than working with a local security provider that gets to know you and your home or business? That’s the benefit of choosing a family owned and locally operated company versus a national chain. The trust you learn to have in them.

With a national company, it is generally business-as-usual every day. You may not know who will be assigned to you for each project. And you have to constantly be going over the same issues with different people. You become just another client with an impersonal relationship with a company that you expect to help protect your life and property.

Compare this to the benefits of working with a family-owned business. One that values its employees, who in turn do their best for our customers so that we can deliver exceptional service. One where employees express that value in better relationships with you, our clients. Three of those areas in which we always deliver are personalized service , quick response time/responsiveness , and customer service .

Personalized Response
You should never be just another client, a faceless number in a system. You should matter. As a local company, you get a personalized response from our technicians. They know you by name, engage you in conversation, and explain all that needs to be done to secure you and your family. You would be just like Beau Couden and Bryan Etter who have developed great working relationships with our very own Rence.

Further, you benefit from expert technicians and staff. As Melissa Keating said, our technicians are knowledgeable and our office staff helpful.

Quick Response Times
Locally operated businesses tend to have a quicker response time than large corporate security companies. National companies can take days to respond to your concerns or requests. With ATP , you can get a response in 24 hours, less depending on the urgency of the matter. Like the experience of Vinny Prunotto, we will be there promptly once you call us.

We always strive to be professional and responsive to our clients’ needs. That’s how we engender trust in our services and the products we offer.

Exceptional Customer Service
As a locally owned and operated company, you have to pride yourself on delivering exceptional customer service. Our clients have consistently over the years continue to speak highly of our dedication to customer service .

American Total Protection is a family-owned and operated security company. Local businesses and individuals have been switching from national chains to ATP . And it’s for those three reasons and more. With ATP , you can enjoy the many advantages of our services that others have enjoyed.

In choosing the right security company to protect the ones you love, choose a locally operated, family owned business that understands the value of family, and the importance of protecting a business. Choose ATP Alarms to secure and protect what matters to you .

The post The Importance of Trusting Your Security Company appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Enjoy Valentine’s Night Out Without Worrying About The Kids

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 13:30:00 GMT

How Home Automation and Virtual Monitoring Can Help You Have Great Time

This year, you can go out, have fun, and enjoy yourself. With home automation and remotely accessible cameras, you can keep track of your family at home at anytime from anywhere. Let us show you how you can secure your kids at home and have a great night out.

Monitor inside and outside : Cameras inside and outside the home help you keep an eye on everything that is happening. With real-time video monitoring, you will always be able to see what is happening at your home 24/7. Motion sensors can also alert you to any unexpected movements inside or out.

See who is at the door : Install a doorbell that acts as a camera to see who is at the door as well as answer persons at your door. It will seem as if you are at home and you can monitor who is visiting your house.
Lock the doors: Worried that the doors aren’t closed? You can remotely secure your property. You can easily lock the doors and monitor whether any of the kids are opening it from your smartphone.

Put the kids to bed : By automating the lights, you can put your kids to bed and shut down the lights throughout the home. The bonus is that it helps with energy conservation as well.

Increase Home Safety Measures : By installing monitored fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors you have peace of mind knowing that you are not alone in monitoring your kids’ health at home. Including temperature monitors will ensure the right level of internal comfort for your children.

Finally, you can enjoy a special Valentine’s night out without having to worry too much about the kids at home. There are so many ways to make sure that your children are safe, protected and comfortable while you are away. Contact ATP Alarms and let us help you go out and celebrate with the one you love.

The post Enjoy Valentine’s Night Out Without Worrying About The Kids appeared first on ATP Alarms .

What’s most important about home security to you?

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 13:00:00 GMT

Choosing a home security system is an important investment and should not be approached lightly. At ATP Alarms , we would like to hear from you about what you consider most important about home security to you. Which of the aspects below are most crucial to you in choosing a home security solution ? If what is considered an important factor to you is not listed, please feel free to add it in the comments section below.

Smartphone Access
Being able to have access to your home security and safety systems on the go no matter where you are in the world is most important to some people. Is this one of your most important reasons for home security? If yes, tell us why in the comments below.

Set-up Cost
Some people feel that the costs are too daunting to warrant the investment in the safety and security of their family. But, how much is too much? Tell us what you think.

24/7 Monitoring
24/7 monitoring means that eyes and ears are on your premises all day and night. Do you consider the benefits of 24/7 monitoring crucial to your choice of a home security system? What makes this factor important for home security to you?

Recurring (monthly) Costs
There are monthly fees for ongoing monitoring of residential and commercial security systems. Are these fees an important factor in your choice of a home security system?

Warranty on Equipment
All systems come with equipment that carries either warranty on the equipment itself, parts or labor. Do you factor this into your choice for a security system? What do you expect to receive?

Response Time for Managed Services
Do you consider the average response time for managed services in your security decisions? When considering what to look for in the choice of a residential or commercial security firm, is this a big factor that influences your choice?

We want to hear from you. Let us know your concerns and provide your feedback below. We are always open to listening to your concerns and responding to your queries.

Leave a comment below and let us know which of these factors are most important to you for home security and why.

So, what’s most important about home security to you?

The post What’s most important about home security to you? appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Government Building Security

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 14:00:00 GMT

The Importance of Government Building Security

Government Building Security – A Necessity
Ranging from offices, courthouses to city halls and educational institutions, all government buildings require layers of security solutions to help minimize the risks faced to life and property. Starting from the entry point, all these security issues puts not just employees, but the public who use these facilities at risk.

Security solutions for government entities are, therefore, necessary to:

Ways to Protect Government Buildings

ATP Works with Government Buildings
There are many state and local government buildings in need of protection. There needs to be a comprehensive solution to provide security solutions inside and out. It takes a unique understanding of our varied government institutions and their complex requirements to be able to offer expert security solutions to protect government buildings.

The team at ATP has years of delivering dedicated government services and project management to get government building security right. Our professional and certified technicians provide the expertise necessary to protect life and property.

At ATP , we work to minimize the threats government buildings face from various sources. We are experienced at helping government officials secure their buildings and protect public property.

Protect life. Secure property. Contact ATP Alarms and safeguard our government buildings .

The post Government Building Security appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Advantages of a Skybell HD Video Doorbell

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:00:00 GMT

ATP is now offering the Skybell HD Video Doorbell

Yes, we know that Skybell has been on the market for a while. But, as we only offer value to our customers, we waited for improvements to their system, especially with video quality. Therefore, we feel confident in recommending it to our customers.

Disadvantages of Traditional Doorbell Systems
Traditional doorbells have several disadvantages that leave you and your homes vulnerable to security risks. Two of the more serious ones include:

How the Skybell HD Video Doorbell Works
The Skybell HD Video Doorbell features a high-definition camera of 1080 pixels in your doorbell that is connected to your phone or another smart device. Once someone presses your door buzzer, it sends a live video feed directly to your smartphone so that you can see who is at the door. It also allows you to have a two-way conversation with the person at the door without having to physically go to the door.

Benefits of the Skybell HD Video Doorbell

Skybell can connect to your Honeywell Total Connect
You do not have to worry about the integration of the Skybell Video Doorbell. If you are a Honeywell Total Connect customer through ATP , Skybell is easily integrated with your current system.

With the two-way audio system , you can speak with the person outside whether or not you are home. When a thieve comes by to canvass your home you can pretend to be home by speaking with him/her through the two-way audio, even when you are out of the country.

You can live stream the video at your door at any time anywhere whether anyone is at the door or not. You can also:

iOS and Android Compatible
The Skybell app works with both iOS and Android smartphones (the latter in effect 2017) so that you have access to your doorbell no matter your operating system. It also accommodates multiple users so that additional members of your family have access to the system.

The app also offers the ultimate in convenience. You can turn off the ringer from the app so that the household, or a sleeping baby, is not disturbed if someone rings the doorbell.

Aesthetically pleasing
You have a choice of color to match your existing door accessories. Choose between silver or bronze for your Skybell Video Doorbell.

Ready to take your safety and security to the next level? Contact ATP and we’ll gladly install your Skybell Wi-Fi Video Doorbell for you.

The post Advantages of a Skybell HD Video Doorbell appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Taking Control of Safety and Security

Thu, 12 Jan 2017 20:00:00 GMT

ATP Customers are Taking Control of Safety and Security

With the recent spate of crimes in our local communities, it is imperative that we protect life and property. This is a brief snapshot of some of the residential and commercial safety and security solutions that ATP Alarms has been delivering in your communities and beyond.

Some are business owners who have already installed commercial systems and are now ready to upgrade their homes. The most popular solutions for families over the past two months have been home security systems. Adding smart home features as you go just makes sense .

Similarly, you do not have to go full swoop at the outset, you can start with the most needed and work the others in as you go.

Commercial Security Solutions
ATP is helping a variety of businesses protect their premises and employees. Our clients include insurance providers, property management firms, distribution companies and restaurants, to name a few. For our business clients, we have implemented safety and security systems that will protect life and property .

Some of our systems for which businesses have been engaging ATP to assist them in securing their premises include:

Non-profits too (such as New Life Church) have chosen ATP as their security solutions provider .

As can be seen from our recent projects, ATP has a variety of solutions. We are also a trusted name in your communities for helping families and business owners protect what matters to them. We offer peace of mind with our solutions.

With solutions and systems from ATP , you can deter acts of vandalism, prevent burglaries and theft. For more details on our long list of client projects check out our Facebook page .

We take the stress out of protecting your home or business. If you are interested in protecting your home or business as others in your community are doing contact ATP Alarms . This is real life . You need a real security company . ATP Alarms is American Total Protection .

The post Taking Control of Safety and Security appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Comcast outage throughout Connecticut

Mon, 09 Jan 2017 19:00:00 GMT

Widespread Comcast outage, were you affected?

What happens to your alarm system when you do not have phone or internet capabilities? If your alarm relies on Comcast to communicate with the central station, what happens when Comcast no longer provides the service that it is supposed to? The answer is very simple— your alarm will not communicate with the central station in the event of an emergency if your alarm relies on Comcast internet or phone and there is a Comcast outage.

We suggest that our customers have multiple paths of communication for their alarm systems. Ideally, these multiple paths should rely on two different providers. This is based on the very basic concept that diversifying reduces risk . If your alarm system has two paths of communication that rely on the same provider, like Comcast phone and Comcast internet, your alarm will still fail to communicate during a Comcast outage. However, if you have an alarm that relies on CDMA cellular communication and Comcast internet for communication, your alarm will continue to operate during an internet/phone outage.

American Total Protection is here to help you protect your family and or your investments. With over 100 years of combined experience, ATP Alarms has the solution that fits your needs. Call us TODAY to schedule a free consultation to assess your current security situation.

The post Comcast outage throughout Connecticut appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Happy New Year!

Sun, 01 Jan 2017 17:00:00 GMT

New Year’s Greetings from ATP Alarms

Resolutions for the new year can be personal or business related. Personal commitments to self are generally to get healthy, exercise more, eat right. Business related resolutions are often to improve profits, expand offerings or increase customer satisfaction. Then there are promises to family that we make at the start of the year – to be more engaging, have more family time. It doesn’t matter what the resolution, but it’s the time for them. But do we ever resolve to improve our safety and security ?

Your 2017 New Year’s Resolutions List
We look to start the year off on the right foot. In so doing we should make our New Year’s resolutions to protect our family and friends . This is one resolution which we wholeheartedly support. After all, we are in the business of security. And we know it is often impossible to predict which safety and security threat or vulnerability will affect us on a daily basis much less in 2017. The good news is that we can prepare for them. Show your family that you love them and care for them in 2017. Make the note at the top of your 2017 New Year’s Resolutions List to contact a security firm to improve your home security .

Your Neighbor’s Keeper in 2017
Another resolution that we at ATP is happy to make is to continue supporting local businesses and looking out for each other. Resolve to continue being a good neighbor in 2017. Look out for each other. And for family and friends who are successful, wish them continued success. For those who aren’t doing as well or facing unfavorable circumstances, reach out a helping hand. It could be just to listen, but be there.

Our New Year’s Greetings from ATP Alarms
The American Total Protection family wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support over the years. As a family-owned business that loves to give back to our communities, we are proud to have served you in 2016. We too at ATP are committed to continuously improving and delivering quality services.

It was our pleasure helping you, your family, and customers feel safe and secure in 2016. We look forward to working with you in 2017 and beyond.

All the best for 2017. We wish for you and your family a happy, safe, and secure New Year.

The post Happy New Year! appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Snowbirds

Thu, 29 Dec 2016 17:15:00 GMT

Did any pipes burst ? Did anyone break in and steal my valuables ? Am I going to come home to a bunch of squatters living in my home ? While some people may think that is crazy and could never happen to them, these are all serious issues that could happen to you if you leave your home unprotected.

Imagine coming home from your nice relaxing vacation in Naples, Florida to a basement that is filled with water? Probably not how you want to spend your first day or two back in your home, am I right?

Many snow birds hire property managers to check up on the home once a week to make sure everything is okay. While this is better than nothing, I have seen cases where property managers are being paid a couple of hundred dollars per week just to make a routine fifteen minute check in. Of course if you have a property manager they will find out eventually if something occurred, but what if you had something that could alert you ahead of time so you didn’t have to spend a fortune fixing and replacing items?

It’s actually mind boggling to me that people who travel for extended periods of time do not have any type of protection in their home. You can protect your home in every way imaginable just by putting a security system in your residence. Whether its temperature detectors, intrusion, smoke, carbon , the possibilities are endless and by installing a system you will have that peace of mind that you probably crave when you’re away.

“Confessions of a Snowbird”

The post Snowbirds appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Protecting Those You Love

Tue, 27 Dec 2016 14:05:00 GMT

Are You Proactive in Protecting Those You Love?

Prevent Burglaries
With a professionally monitored home alarm system , your home is less likely to be burglarized, and your family injured or killed as a result. As part of an alarm package, you have options for motion detection cameras, door and window sensors. Through ATP Alarms , you also have the added benefit of 24/7 monitoring of your alarm systems through a UL certified Central Monitoring Station. Trained monitors will notify you and the relevant local emergency services based on the situation and have emergency responders on their way.

Fire and Carbon monoxide protection for your loved ones
A monitored home security system can also be paired with 24-hour monitoring of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide. You will be notified when a fire starts and your alarm monitoring company will send the emergency services to your home while you focus on getting your family out to safety.

Carbon monoxide is the silent killer. Odorless and colorless, this gas is not easily detected without a sensor. Your monitored system by a reputable company will notify you before the carbon monoxide in your home gets to a deadly level.

Look out for the Safety of Family Members and Pets
With a professionally installed alarm system, you have access to real-time video of your home which you can view online using your phone, tablet or computer. You also benefit from instant alerts to your smartphone. With technology such as this at your fingertips, you can monitor your children when they get home from school, your pets during the day as well as elderly members of your family. With your coverage and 24-hour monitoring from a UL certified facility, you can rest easy knowing that there is someone monitoring your home for anything that can harm your loved ones.

We love our family and friends. And we are thankful to have been blessed with them as a part of our lives. Let us show that we care and truly take their safety and security important. From access alarms for your doors, windows, or even liquor cabinets, to fire and carbon monoxide detectors, you can protect your loved ones. You can keep track of all that is happening in your home while your professional monitoring station gives you the added peace of mind of being there when you can’t be.

Have you done all you can to protect your loved ones? If not, now is the time to take the necessary steps to protect your family in the coming new year. With a combination of superior security experience and cutting edge technology at its fingertips, ATP Alarms stands apart from other security providers. Contact ATP Alarms today for your free consultation to begin the process of protecting your family and friends in your home.

The post Protecting Those You Love appeared first on ATP Alarms .

How To Avoid A Holiday Fire

Fri, 23 Dec 2016 16:09:00 GMT

Christmas Fire Safety Tips – How To Avoid A Holiday Fire

Christmas is a time of joy and enjoying family . It is also the time of year that some families can experience the greatest tragedies if they are not careful. Unfortunately, December is a peak period for house fires . With the cold temperatures, and everyone staying indoors to keep warm, this can lead to a higher potential for fires in the home. To help you get ready for the holiday season and protect you and your family from fires, here are some fire safety tips from American Total Protection .

MAIN CAUSES OF CHRISTMAS FIRES

Christmas Tree Fires
A dry Christmas tree, electrical lights and a ready fuel supply of multiple gifts under the tree is a dangerous combination that can lead to a fire. Also, placing the tree too close to candles, fireplaces and wooden stoves is a fire hazard. Ensure that your tree is fresh and that it is continuously watered. Turn off decorative lights when not in use. And, as soon as the season is over dispose of the tree and ensure all dried pine needles have been removed from the home.

Heating Equipment Fires
The NFPA has stated that December is one of three peak months for fires caused by heating apparatus. Heaters are the second leading cause of house fires in the December to February period. Space heaters are number one followed by the fireplace/chimney. One of the primary reasons was the failure to clean the heating equipment, especially chimneys where soot hardens into creosote leading to a fire hazard. The other major reason was placing things that can easily burn close to space heaters.

Cooking
Christmas, like Thanksgiving, is a time for large family meals. Overall, cooking equipment is a foremost cause of fire deaths in the USA. Frying and leaving items on the stove or in the oven unattended can cause fires. If a grease fire does start, do not throw water on it. Use baking soda or cover the pot with a lid. If it is in the oven, turn off the oven and leave the door closed until the fire is smothered.

CHRISTMAS FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES
We recommend that you clean and check your fireplaces and heating equipment before winter season starts. If you will be using a space heater, put it on a level surface at least 3 feet away from anything that is flammable. This includes papers, draperies, rugs and furniture. Do not place these items too close to your fireplace, furnace, or wood stove either.

Do not overload the sockets especially those to which the lights for your Christmas tree are plugged in. It may overload and cause an electrical fire. Or the decorative lights malfunction and your tree catches on fire.

THE RIGHT FIRE FIGHTING SOLUTIONS
Having a smoke detector and fire alarm system installed can be the difference between life and death. A monitored fire alarm system will keep your house monitored 24/7 and give you extra peace of mind that you are not the only one watching out for your home.

ATP Fire can get you Christmas ready with fire protection solutions . Smoke detectors and monitored fire alarms are sensible options for a family that wishes to protect life and property. Contact us today for a free fire safety consultation. – (844) 287-3473

The post How To Avoid A Holiday Fire appeared first on ATP Alarms .

ATP Fire Gains Ground

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 17:52:00 GMT

“ATP Fire gains ground in the Hispanic population market.”

ATP is proud to have been recognized by the Al Dia Today for being a positive influence in the Hispanic community.
(Read the full article below or download the PDF here .)

We would like to thank the Al Dia Today newspaper and its readers for their interest in fire safety throughout the Hispanic community and beyond. If you have questions regarding home or business fire systems, contact us today for a Free Fire Safety Assessment & Consultation .

The post ATP Fire Gains Ground appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Going Away For The Holidays?

Sat, 10 Dec 2016 18:00:00 GMT

How do you plan to protect your home?

If you are planning to leave home for the Christmas and even New Year’s holiday you need to have a system at home to protect the items in your home. Why? Because, homes without a security system are up to 300% more likely to be broken into.

Why Total Connect Home Security?
Total Connect, as the name suggests, is a comprehensive system that connects all the relevant security features in your home for maximum safety and protection. It means virtual access to monitor your premises at your fingertips giving you total control from anywhere in the world.

A Total Connect Home Security System comes with affordable video security packages for indoor and outdoor monitoring. With live camera feeds you can stay up-to-date on all that is happening in and around your home. You can remotely access your property to arm, disarm or check the status of your security system.

The video monitoring functions of Total Connect can be paired with other safety features. These include:

Wireless Sensors for Lighting and Alarms

Benefits of a Total Connect Home Security System

With Total Connect , security is in your hands and accessible from any laptop, tablet or smartphone. You will always be in the know. The flexibility this system provides is second to none. Now you will always be watching and in control especially when you are not there. You control and command this virtual security service.

Don’t let a Grinch ruin your holidays. Enjoy total connection. Check on your home and keep an eye on those presents from anywhere in the world. Contact ATP Alarms for your free consultation and get on your way to having a wonderful holiday with a Total Connect Home Security System.

The post Going Away For The Holidays? appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Do you share a wall or ceiling with your neighbor?

Wed, 30 Nov 2016 21:44:00 GMT

Do you share a wall or ceiling with your neighbor? How much do you trust them?—with your life?

Do you live in an apartment building? If so, does each unit have a smoke detector? Are they monitored? Just because your apartment building has smoke detectors, it does not mean they are connected to a central alarm system that communicates to the fire department or a central monitoring station. If you are unsure if your smoke detectors are centrally monitored, ask your property manager or take a picture and send it to ATP for an answer— info@ATPalarms.com .

Remember, although you may be responsible and turn off the lights when you leave , blow out the candles , and not leave a kitchen unattended , it does not mean that your neighbors are equally responsible. If a fire erupts next door, you and the fire department needs to be notified immediately— every second counts.

Do not fall victim of your neighbors irresponsible actions!
As always, feel free to reach out to ATP Alarms for a free site assessment . It is our job to make sure that you and your family are informed of the risks of your environment.

Your ATP Family
Info@ATPalarms.com
844-ATP-ALRM

The post Do you share a wall or ceiling with your neighbor? appeared first on ATP Alarms .

A Veterans Day Thank You!

Fri, 11 Nov 2016 13:20:00 GMT

Veterans Day: ATP Alarms Says Thank You

Freedom is not free and the privileges we enjoy we have our troops to thank. They placed their lives on hold, left their families and friends behind and went to serve their country, oftentimes in untenable and life-threatening situations. They have been willing and courageous. They risked their lives to serve this beautiful country we call home and protect the freedoms and liberty we enjoy.

Whether overseas or locally, our veterans have encountered danger in the pursuit to protect the freedom and security we take for granted today. Unlike being drafted in the past, today’s veterans have voluntarily enlisted to serve our country. Whether here in our homeland or overseas in a war-torn area, they have done their honorably best to maintain the freedoms we hold dear.

Every year we come together to salute our Veterans , those heroes of our society as we should do every year, and not just on Veterans Day. We salute the men and women who have served to defend our rights and the rights of others around the world. They are our heroes who fought hard to defend those unalienable rights outlined at the birth of our nation.

A lot of us will never be in their shoes. We do not understand the training that they have had to go through to make it in our armed forces. Neither do we understand the situations that they face across the world where they are stationed. But we do know that they have done the American people a great service. And so, expressing our appreciation is only right since we know that with the brave men and women of our armed forces many will think twice about infringing on the rights of the American people.

It is with gratitude and humility that we salute our troops and say thank you to our veterans. We truly appreciate the work that our veterans have done and continue to do to support America. We should all be doing something to help and honor our veterans and not just on Veterans Day. We can all say thanks by volunteering at a VA hospital , offering a helping hand to our local veterans’ groups , as well as donating money or time to worthy causes serving our veterans.

At ATP , we are trying to continue the tradition of great work by doing the little that we can by offering home security and safety devices for families in America. To all our American veterans, those brave men and women, the ATP Alarms family salutes you and says thank you for your service to our country .

The post A Veterans Day Thank You! appeared first on ATP Alarms .

8 Tips to Stay Safe on Halloween

Fri, 28 Oct 2016 18:30:00 GMT

8 Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Halloween

Stay Alert
Distracted driving can lead to accidents. There are many accidents that happen on Halloween night and kids are the most vulnerable. To prevent death to a pedestrian and possible manslaughter charges, do not drive drunk or distracted. And with so many persons young and old out trick-or-treating you have to ensure that you are even more vigilant on the road.

Trick-or-Treat Safely
To reduce risks to children, ensure that their clothing has something reflective to allow others, especially drivers, to clearly see them. Also, ensure that you use flashlights to prevent any mishaps in the dark as well as to illuminate their position to oncoming drivers.

Prevent Injuries
Before Halloween, ensure that you inspect your yard for any problems that could lead to injuries and possible suits. It may be tempting to leave the place dark to add to the atmosphere of your decorations but remember the little ones. If you will be handing out candies, ensure that the walkway to the door is properly lit to prevent any mishaps.

Prevent Fire
It is traditional to light your jack-o-lanterns with candles. Unfortunately, this is a fire hazard should the jack-o-lantern tip over whether by your pets or a trick-or-treater. Using a battery powered light will eliminate the risk of fire from a candle.

Protect Your Property
Home security is an important point to remember this Halloween. With intrusion/burglar alarms, you can prevent theft on a night when you might be out partying. If you will not be home, make sure that you set your alarm system. A remotely accessible system like Total Connect will remove the worries of trying to remember if you had set the alarm and one with remote monitoring will allow to you to always double-check that your property is armed. Also, ensure that your motion sensor lights are working.

Protect Your Pets
On a night as Halloween, it is not safe to leave the pets outdoors. They may be frightened by weirdly dressed trick-or-treaters or they may scare the children. Keep them inside and if you have to leave, ensure that you have a camera monitoring system that you can use to periodical check in on your pets.

Safeguard Your Home
With candles and sometimes decorative lights, accidents can happen which could lead to a fire. A smoke detector and fire alarm system will help to keep your home safe and protected in the event of such a situation. It is even better if you have a fire sprinkler system attached to the alarm.

Check the Candy
Finally, inspect all candy before you allow the kids to eat them and explain to them the reasons why they must wait before starting to eat.
At ATP Alarms we wish you a fun-filled Halloween. And if you need any assistance with getting safety or security ready, give us a call. We would be happy to help.

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6 Types of Business Security Systems

Wed, 19 Oct 2016 13:00:00 GMT

The 6 Different Types of Business Security Systems You Need to Invest In

Losing your business or valuables should never be your fault. And it should never be because of a preventable incident. This is why business security systems are important as they put the power in your hands to protect your business. Here we share with you 6 types of security systems you need for your business.

Fire Alarm Systems
Systems that detect smoke and alert occupants of a potential problem are necessary for any business. Automated fire suppression systems and alarms prevent the problem of total loss of business in the event of a fire. Ensure that your fire system is installed by a competent company who will ensure that your business meets all the necessary state and federal fire code standards.

Security Alarm Systems
These deter and protect businesses against theft and general intruders. With glass break detectors, motion sensors and doors and window sensors it is easy to monitor and prevent break-ins. Externally monitored alarms systems by an efficient and effective company carry the added benefit of 24/7 coverage.

Access Control Systems
Enter the 21st century generation of access controls which puts you in charge and in control. Regulation of access to and from your business ensures the safety and security of staff and the premises.

Wireless Sensors
Protect employees, customers and clients with sensors that are available in both hardwired or wireless configurations now for protection against various gases including carbon monoxide and other toxic gases. Remember, you are protecting the welfare of those who your business needs the most.

Remote Monitoring
You should have the ability to remotely monitor your business. Security systems connected with intelligent alarm keypads allow you to get instant notifications of any issues at your business. This is convenience at its finest and efficiency at its best. You can also benefit from the services of a 24/7 monitoring station which keeps watch when you can’t.

When considering a commercial business security system , you must take into account:

ATP Alarms is your local Authorized Honeywell Home Security company. We specialize in the security needs of small business, large corporations and even government organizations. We are your eyes and ears. With the latest and best technology on the market, we help you secure your business for your peace of mind. Contact ATP today for the best business security solutions for your business and get started on protecting your business the right way.

The post 6 Types of Business Security Systems appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Fire Safety: The Importance of Being Prepared

Mon, 03 Oct 2016 20:00:00 GMT

How Important is Fire Safety?

To help you prepare here is a short checklist of things that you must have or do:

Working smoke detectors – the first line of defense is to have working smoke detectors. According to the Red Cross, at least 60 percent of fires occur in homes without working smoke detectors . This leaves you, your family and property at risk when a fire breaks out. Because smoke and heat can be more dangerous than the fire itself, causing you to lose consciousness and lessening the chance of you escaping, you should invest in a proper smoke detector. In security alarm or fire alarm applications, you can add smoke detectors that are monitored. Different than the type smoke detectors that come standard in most homes, these monitored smoke detector is another layer of security and should one of them alert, they will sound and the monitoring station will be calling the fire department.

Location of Smoke Detectors – fire does not only occur in the kitchen. Smoke detectors should, therefore, be placed throughout the home or business to detect any form of fire throughout the building and to give everyone a chance to receive a notification of a possible fire.

Fire suppression systems – whether through automatic fire sprinkler systems or fire extinguishers , your home or business should have the necessary fire suppression equipment installed. These can make a difference in total loss of property and life.

Monitored fire alarms – if the alarm goes off and you are not there to call the fire brigade, what will happen to your home or business? With a monitored system, the Monitoring station will be notified immediately of an alarm and if they cannot reach you they will immediately contact the relevant authorities to arrange for the blaze to be put out.

Develop an Escape Plan – whether at home or at work, ensure that you have a feasible escape plan which you have tested on multiple occasions. In businesses, ensure the exits are clearly marked and that all staff knows where the assembly points are. In homes, everyone should know the nearest exits, the alternatives, and the meet-up points afterward.

Review potential hazards – electrical appliances with frayed wires can lead to a fire. Ensure that you check your appliance and have them repaired as needed. Potential risk factors that can also lead to hazardous and potentially life-threatening situations include your cooking practices and leaving children unattended. If you use a wooden fireplace, inspect it to ensure that the chimney, for example, is not blocked. If you smoke, do it outside.

Proper fire safety planning will make the difference between life and death. It is, therefore, essential that whether at home or at work, you are prepared in the event of a fire. You can help your preparation with automated fire detection , fire alarm and fire suppression systems . If you need assistance in putting together your fire safety precautions, then contact ATP Alarms . We will help you identify the risk areas and install the appropriate fire systems to protect life and property. Give us a call today!

The post Fire Safety: The Importance of Being Prepared appeared first on ATP Alarms .

How Do I Certify My Fire Extinguisher?

Wed, 28 Sep 2016 15:30:00 GMT

Ever wondered, “How Do I Certify My Fire Extinguisher?”

Fire equipment such as extinguishers is about protecting life and property . Businesses and residences must ensure that they are in possession of certified and up-to-date fire extinguishers . Apart from meeting national regulations, this is crucial preparation for a potential fire.

Why do I need to certify my fire extinguisher?
1. Safety : The number one reason for certifying your fire extinguisher is for safety. In the event of a fire, it is your first line of defense. It will aid in you, your family or employees being able to get out of a building by clearing a path to an exit.

2. Compliance : Certified fire extinguishers means that you and your business are in compliance with the state’s fire code. It also means that that you are meeting the federal requirements as set out by the National Fire Protection Agency in NFPA : Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers as well as other standards as dictated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

3. Preparedness : Fire extinguishers are an invaluable fire equipment to have in your home or business. Having a certified fire extinguisher means being prepared in all eventualities of a fire. These life-saving devices truly make a difference between life and death.

4. Insurance : Fire equipment is generally a requirement for certain insurance policies. If you violate the terms of your insurance by not having certified fire extinguishers on the property, then you will be setting yourself up for business losses and lawsuits.

Fire Extinguisher Inspection and Certification Process by ATP Fire

Once everything is in order, the unit is tagged and therefore certified. If all is not well, we can service the fire extinguisher to bring it up to the required standards to ensure compliance with both federal and state safety codes and regulations.

If you have any questions or are in need of certification for your fire extinguishers, contact ATP alarms today to help protect your business or residence. Remember, this is real life . You need a real security company . ATP Alarms and ATP Fire is American Total Protection .

The post How Do I Certify My Fire Extinguisher? appeared first on ATP Alarms .

6 Reasons Why Small Businesses Need a Security System

Mon, 19 Sep 2016 15:05:00 GMT

Under Surveillance: Why Businesses Need a Security System

As a small business owner, you may believe that you do not need to invest in a security system . You might even have bought into the notion that installing dummy cameras would deter crime and be of benefit to your business. But we have been in the security business for a long time and we can tell you, no matter how small your business, one of the best investments you can make is in a security system.

Camera surveillance systems :
These are proven to act a deterrent to crime, especially when installed properly. They can also protect you against legal action from unsubstantiated liability suits that customers may bring against you and your business. They are also proven to work as management tools in pushing employees to perform since they are being monitored.

Access Control :
Electronic access control systems/remote monitoring allows you to identify and monitor access within your premises, authorized and unauthorized. This system gives you the option for levels of access throughout your business whether for staff or visitors. Access control systems provide you with another management tool with its ability to generate records of access.

Intrusion alarm :
Access control and intrusion detection systems, though similar in many ways, are so significantly different that you would need to invest in both. While access control is geared towards mostly internal matters, intrusion alarms allow you to detect any unauthorized access to your premises whether through windows or doors. You can also connect your intrusion alarm system with your security camera for an added layer of monitoring.

Managed security :
Installation and maintenance of your security system should be done by a reliable company that can be counted on to deliver quality service. It is also a bonus if that company can offer 24/7 monitored security of your premises. The knowledge of active oversight of your business when you are not able to do so you means peace of mind for you knowing that your investment is being taken care of.

Cost Savings :
Outfitting your business with an integrated security system may seem expensive in the initial phase. However, the savings make the capital outlay a wise investment. From lower insurance premiums to building and content protection , and reduction/prevention of theft , there are so many ways to benefit financially from a security system .

Choose a Company with an Integrated Approach
Now that you understand the importance of a security system, you need a company that can evaluate your needs and recommend the best solution for you. Contact American Total Protection . We can help you install a small business security system that caters to your unique needs. With ATP Alarms , you will get a cohesive solution that works together for the protection of your business.

Remember, this is real life . You need a real security company . ATP Alarms is American Total Protection .

The post 6 Reasons Why Small Businesses Need a Security System appeared first on ATP Alarms .

4 Ways a Security Camera Can Protect You

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 20:30:00 GMT

Discover 4 Ways a Security Camera Can Protect You and Your Home Today

Who can forget the UPS truck driver who stole an iPad that should have been delivered? Or delivery men who carelessly handle goods which could now be returned because there was proof? Or burglars being caught in the act by the homeowners who notified police?

Security cameras are not just valuable for public spaces such as banks, malls, and other businesses. They are important for the home too. Home security starts with knowing what is happening . This is easily done with a home camera surveillance system. Unfortunately, most people only choose to get cameras after something negative has happened, when it is too late for that incident. You shouldn’t wait until it’s too late .

Here are just a few of the reasons why you should invest in security cameras for your home .

1. Protection from Suits
With the use of security cameras, you have protection from false liability claims that could be brought against you. Unfortunately, there will be people, even those you consider friends, who may make false claims against you. In the event that an incident should take place at your home, and you are not responsible, then the video evidence captured by your security camera can protect you from a suit.

3. Monitor entrance and perimeter of your property
Your security camera watches your home when you are unable to do so and can provide a detailed account through video storage. And even if you are home, the added protection of being able to identify who is at your door before answering or opening could save your life or your property. As you are able to monitor the premises at any time, you can contact the authorities with ample notice if you have a problem.

4. Cost savings
You can qualify for lower home insurance premiums if you have a security camera surveillance system installed at your home. And who doesn’t enjoy savings?

Security cameras should be professionally installed
There are multiple DIY options for security cameras offered on the market. Unfortunately, attempting to go that route will pose its own challenges for you and your security. In light of this, the best option is to have them professionally installed. This is recommended as the various issues associated with camera placement, lighting, types of cameras, warranty, etc ., are not easily identifiable to someone who is not trained. At American Total Protection , you get professional service from knowledgeable technicians who take all the necessary requirements into account before recommending a camera surveillance system for you. Contact us today for a Free Home Security Assessment !

The post 4 Ways a Security Camera Can Protect You appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Home Security This Labor Day Weekend

Fri, 02 Sep 2016 16:02:00 GMT

Tips and Tricks for Home Automation and Home Security This Labor Day Weekend

You may be wondering what does home automation and security have to do with you enjoying your Labor Day weekend. Well, it is twofold depending on how you plan to spend the weekend. Here are some tips and tricks to make use of home security and home automation if you are enjoying the weekend at home or away.

Enjoying the Long Weekend at Home
As you make the most of this unofficial last day of summer with the fun stuff like barbecues, remember to be safe. Whether you are spending the weekend relaxing or working, do so with automated systems designed to make life easier. Automate your energy saving devices such as lights, thermostat, and blinds. Automate your access points with remote controls that you can let in guests without having to leave the backyard. Now, doesn’t that make for a more relaxing weekend?

Going Out of Town
Road trip!! As you head out of town this Labor Day, here are a few tips to make sure that your home is protected. During this period, personal property becomes a target to unscrupulous characters bent on seizing what they have not worked for. You have worked hard to afford the simple and exclusive things in life. A home automated security system will protect the things you love.

Automated curtains/blinds : Open and close your blinds at pre-set times, to again give the appearance of being home.

Smoke detection & fire alarm : In the event of any untoward occurrences that might lead to a fire, with a smoke detection system and fire alarm, you can be notified in an instant. Or, if it is a managed system, the company can have firefighters there in no time.

Access controls : Just in case you forgot to close a door or window, home automation is there to save the day (and the trip) so that you can enjoy your time away from home. Coupled with an intrusion alarm system, you can keep track of access in and out of your home.

Security camera : With a home security camera which you can view remotely, you can monitor your home whether you are near or far. If you leave the pet at home, you can keep up with what and how he/she is doing.

This Labor Day, you can :
Leave your home secure with a home security solution designed for peace of mind
Enjoy your day with home automation solutions that will make relaxing so much easier.

Contact American Total Protection for these and more options to keep your home safe while you are away and to help you enjoy the long weekend you more than deserve.

The post Home Security This Labor Day Weekend appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Break In

Fri, 19 Aug 2016 18:00:00 GMT

“I don’t have to worry about a break in.”

Now this blog is in no way shape or form meant to be a scare tactic so that you all go grab your phones and call us at ATP , but just to change your way of thinking that a break in could never happen to me . My parents have lived in the same quiet town in the middle of Connecticut for over 30 years. Not once was there reported theft in their neighborhood until about 10 years ago (before I started working for ATP). One afternoon, our neighbors were robbed of anything that was of great value to them: jewelry, electronics, etc. When I say anything, I mean the entire house was swept clean and there was basically only furniture and clothes left in there. When the police did a search of the house they found out that the robbers took a van backed it into their garage, shut the garage, and had their way with the home because it was a work day and no one was home. Guess what. Before that day not a single person had an alarm system , but by the next week the street was flooded with systems.

Just because you live in a nice area does not mean you’re safe from being a potential victim, if anything I personally think it puts you more at risk. Think about it, if you’re a thief would you rather risk getting caught going into a home without a security system and a few valuables or a home without a security system with a plethora of valuables? If a robber walks up to your home and sees a big black and red ATP yard sign they aren’t going to be targeting your home, but they will probably target your neighbor who is showing no signs of home security . Protect yourself, before you and your family are a victim not after the fact. Remember this is real life and you need a real security company . ATP Alarms is American Total Protection .

The post Break In appeared first on ATP Alarms .

The Perfect Gift for Friendship Day

Fri, 29 Jul 2016 13:00:00 GMT

Celebrate International Friendship Day with the Gift that Keeps on Giving

A friend is a gift you give yourself. – Robert Louis Stevenson

ATP has always promoted friends and family. After all, our services are geared towards protecting family and loved ones and making life easier and simpler. As part of this appreciation of the value of friendship and family we have the best “ Refer a Friend ” program where you our customers can refer a friend or family member to ATP and once they sign with us you also benefit.

You have been a loyal and satisfied customer. Why not share the benefits you have received through American Total Protection with your friends and loved ones? While helping your family and friends to choose the best company to provide their safety , security and home automation solutions , you can also benefit from your referral. Starting with the referral of just one friend, you can save big.

What you get
If the friend(s)/family member(s) you refer sign up with ATP, you can qualify for one of the following:

Now this is what you call a win-win situation . Your friends and family will benefit from superior services through ATP while you benefit from free burglar alarm monitoring . Your friends and family will also appreciate that you love and care about their well-being, safety and security. Because, that is just what friends and family do – take care of each other.

How it works
Referring your family or friends is so easy to do. Only three very simple steps.

Yes, it really is that easy to do.

And what better time to show your friends and family that you care, than in time to celebrate International Day of Friendship?

Refer a friend today . They will thank you for it and you will be glad you did.

*See page for full details.

The post The Perfect Gift for Friendship Day appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Celebrate National Parents Day

Sun, 24 Jul 2016 15:30:00 GMT

Celebrate National Parents Day with a Home Automation System for Mom and Dad

Every fourth Sunday in July we celebrate the men and women who raised us. And this year is no different as we celebrate our parents this July 24.

Show you care
There are so many options available to show your parents that you care and that you appreciate all the work, the sacrifices and the love they have shown you. One of the best ways to do this is by looking after their safety and security while giving them a little luxury and comfort in their life, all at a very affordable price. A home automation system will give them, and you, more control over their homes and improve their lives. You won’t need to worry about your parents well-being on a daily basis, if they are managing, wondering if they are safe.

A home automation system from American Total Protection ( ATP ) will show your parents just how much you care about their safety and well-being.

Why a Home Automation System

And there are many more reasons to choose a home automation system for your parents from ATP.

These systems can also allow your parents to live longer in their own homes while still being able to connect and access emergency services should the need arise. ATP would be just a call away and will monitor their safety and security in your absence. But despite all the features and benefits of the system, the best thing is that you will be content knowing that your parents are happy, safe and connected.

Contact American Total Protection today to discuss the best solutions for your parents’ safety and comfort. This is real life. You need a real security company. ATP Alarms is American Total Protection .

The post Celebrate National Parents Day appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Did I Really Shut The Garage Door?

Tue, 12 Jul 2016 14:00:00 GMT

Did I Really Shut The Garage Door?

If my family had a Lynx series alarm system (impossible, because they were not out then) for home security , we could have eliminated any doubt that the garage door had shut through a unique device that is tied into the garage motor. The Lynx series consists of three panels, the Lynx 3000 , the Lynx 5200 , and the Lynx 7000 . The Lynx 3000 is the most basic of the three while the other models can be fully equipped with home automation and other unique functions, such as garage door control and weather reports.

The garage door technology is very basic and very easy. By tying in a module to the garage motor, we can control the garage door from the alarm panel and through the smartphone application, Total Connect . With that said, you would also be able to login to Total Connect at work to either shut your garage door or open it for a neighbor that wants to borrow a latter.

Some customers have created time triggers for their garage door . For example, the Lynx can be programmed to automatically shut the garage door at 9pm if it is open. We can also schedule a scene that for whenever the alarm is set for “away” mode, the garage door shuts 2 minutes later. This module is just another degree of the connected home that ATP Alarms offers.

The Lynx 5200 and the Lynx 7000 are very sophisticated alarm panels for the everyday consumer. The keypads boast a two in one solution, meaning the control panel and the keypad are compacted into one device. The Lynx also has a touch screen, video monitoring capabilities, and the ability to independently control the smart devices throughout your home. One of the most sophisticated alarm panels on the market, it also offers weather alerts.

The Lynx is the sophisticated solution for the everyday consumer. It has all the capabilities you can ask for through a very easy to use interface.
Interested in learning more ideas on how to make your life more efficient and care free? Please give ATP a call today for a free consultation .

This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

The post Did I Really Shut The Garage Door? appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Security in South Florida: 5 Reasons You Need a Home Security System

Sat, 09 Jul 2016 15:00:00 GMT

Security in South Florida 5 Reasons You Need a Home Security System

You may consider installing a home security system to be a costly venture. But what you can lose without one is so much more. Here are five reasons you need a home security system , especially in South Florida.

Rising Deaths from Fires
According to the South Florida Region ⁴ of the American Red Cross, on average, seven persons die per day from fire across the USA. One of the simplest methods to counteract what they have termed “ America’s biggest disaster threat ” is the installation of smoke detectors. One of your better options is for an interconnected smoke detector as part of a monitored security system which can notify you and the relevant state department when smoke is detected.

24/7 Monitoring of Your Home
A lot of crimes occur during the day when you are at work. Security systems can allow you to monitor your home remotely by accessing your security cameras over the internet. Further, a supervised security system will continue to monitor your property when you are unable to.

Peace of Mind
Home security systems can carry automated features that will provide you with the peace of mind of knowing that from anywhere in the world you can manage and monitor your home. Automated door locks for example provides the assurance that you can monitor entry and exit from your homes at all times, and if you have a monitored system, that is even added protection. You can sleep, work or travel knowing that your home is secured. Peace of mind is invaluable .

Reduced Home Insurance Costs
But what can be valued is the amount you can save on home insurance. You can save anywhere between 5% and 20% on your home insurance if you have a security system installed. Home security systems lower the risk of claims against the insurance company, especially if your system monitors for fire and smoke, toxic gas levels such as carbon monoxide, floods, and of course burglary. A professionally monitored system tends to guarantee a higher rate of reduction because of the guarantee for round the clock monitoring of the home whether currently occupied or not.

Most people only install a home security system after they have been a victim. Don’t wait until something happens to you . Contact American Total Protection for a free, no pressure consultation to determine how best to protect your family, home and property. Our professional and friendly staff are ready to help you protect the ones you love. Remember, this is real life . You need a real security company . ATP Alarms is American Total Protection .

Source :
1. http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/fl/crime/
2. https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2014/crime-in-the-u.s.-2014/tables/table-4
3. http://airef.org/the-impact-of-home-burglar-alarm-systems-on-residential-burglaries/
4. http://www.redcross.org/local/florida/south-florida/home-fire-campaign

The post Security in South Florida: 5 Reasons You Need a Home Security System appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Independence Day 2016: Family, Fireworks & Home Automation

Tue, 05 Jul 2016 22:30:00 GMT

Independence Day 2016 Family, Fireworks and Home Automation

July 4 was therefore a time for family and friends to gather to celebrate this great country that is our United States of America, a country second to none in all aspects of life. Like most countries, we have our issues, but most if not all want to either be us or join us. We celebrate what we have achieved while we look forward to the rest to come.

As we took part in the various festivities of the Independence weekend, it was in comfort and with the knowledge that our family and homes were safe . We had ‘ independence ’ in the palm of our hands as we could remotely monitor our homes and businesses for the weekend. With a home automation system from American Total Protection , there was less time devoted to worry and stress during the holiday weekend and more to family, friends and enjoyment.

Over the course of the weekend and especially on July 4th, we reaped the benefits of the various home automation services each family or friend had installed in their respective homes. We discussed the ease of using our:

Home automation provided luxury and comfort at our fingertips; security and peace of mind to relax and enjoy the day.

It was wonderful to have this much fun without having to worry about safety and security.

Apart from the excitement of the festivities, I am sure your home automation system made that day so much more enjoyable and hassle free. Leave your comments below and tell us how our services helped you this past Independence Day .

If you did not have access to all these great benefits during your Independence Day celebrations, then it is time for you to contact American Total Protection . You will see how easy it is to enjoy time with your family and friends in safety and comfort.

The post Independence Day 2016: Family, Fireworks & Home Automation appeared first on ATP Alarms .

How Do I Login to my ATP Home Security System’s Online Account?

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 12:00:00 GMT

Logging into my ATP Home Security System’s Online Account

To log into your American Total Protection Home Security System ’s Online Account:

1. Go to the American Total Protection homepage and click Login at the top right hand corner, or visit http://atpalarms.com/my-account/ .

2. Click the LOGIN icon under American Total Protection.

3. Enter one of the following:
Account ID : this would be the Account ID provided by American Total Protection at the set-up of your security system
Telephone number : this is the telephone number that you have confirmed on your security account

4. Enter your password

5. Click “ Sign In ”. This will take you to your account.

If you forgot your password
To reset your password, ensure that you have on hand your:

1. Click I Forgot My Password on the login page.

3. Enter the information requested.

4. Click Send Email .
A message will be sent to your email account with the instructions on how to reset your password.

If you are still having difficulties accessing your account, please feel free to contact one of our Customer Service Agents at (844) 287-2576 who would be more than happy to assist you.

The post How Do I Login to my ATP Home Security System’s Online Account? appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Extra Peace of Mind on International Day of Yoga

Tue, 21 Jun 2016 14:00:00 GMT

Extra Peace of Mind on International Day of Yoga

Your Root Chakra
Your root and first chakra, Muladhara, is located at the base of your spine. Just as your spine is the backbone of your physical anatomy, so is your first chakra the backbone of your spiritual self. Your root chakra is the instinctive part of your being, your fight or flight guide for survival rooted in feelings of safety, security and survival. All your other chakras are fed by the root chakra and if the energy of your root chakra is not balanced, it will be next to impossible to balance your other chakras. The root chakra is therefore responsible for stability through feelings of safety and security .

Balancing your root chakra through the physical
Meditation is one of the most recommended methods through which to balance your root chakra. However, if you cannot feel safe and are worried about security, achieving a balance for focused meditation will be unlikely. You cannot be centered if you are worried about your safety and security or that of your family. Affirming that you are safe in this world goes a long way towards balancing of self and self-preservation. Your root chakra connects you to the physical world and adopting Yoga as a lifestyle includes the security of self and property.

Safety and security in the physical can take the form of a security system that is monitored by a dedicated professional team that caters to your safety and well-being. It includes a Smart Home with home automation systems with intelligent alarm keypads that can electronically notify you and monitor your home. It is wireless sensors for flood, fire, smoke, toxic gas. It is the peace of mind of knowing that you are not alone if danger comes knocking.

International Day of Yoga is for harmony and peace, not just in mind and body, but your physical surroundings. Celebrate International Day of Yoga with full peace of mind. Improve your chakra with the outward manifestation of your inward security with a home security system that is trustworthy and reliable from ATP .

The post Extra Peace of Mind on International Day of Yoga appeared first on ATP Alarms .

The Cool Gift for Dad This Father’s Day

Sun, 19 Jun 2016 16:30:00 GMT

The Cool Gift for Dad This Father’s Day: Safety and Security

It is Father’s Day . You want to give dad something cool, the best present ever. As you know, our dads are the protectors of our families and what better way to help dad protect his family than through the gift of safety and security . This is the coolest gift you could give and American Total Protection (ATP) gives the best options that provide the ultimate in safety and security. Here are the coolest Father’s Day gift ideas for the dad:

For the Dad that you worry about
It is hard not to be worried about our parents, especially given our current security climate. With ATP’s Alarm Monitoring , you know that there is the added protection of having a reliable professional watching-out for your dad 24/7. This gives your dad the pleasure of not only knowing that he is safe and secure, but most of all that you care. Dad also has the option of a two-way voice monitoring system that will allow him to speak with an ATP professional at will, especially if he cannot get through to you.

For the Dad who hates technology
If dad is not interested in managing his own system, why not give him the gift of safety and security without him having to do anything? ATP can install a fully automated security system which we remotely manage. We will monitor this entire security system as well as detect smoke and carbon monoxide levels, providing the necessary timely response to save lives.

Show you care this Father’s Day
So, which is the coolest gift for your dad? You decide and give dad the gift that keeps on giving – safety, security and best of all, peace of mind. What’s a cool gift if it’s not built to last, affordable, provides convenience and fully supported? Choose the right gift, the best gift. Contacting American Total Protection will make you dad’s favorite while giving you the opportunity to show dad how much you care.

The post The Cool Gift for Dad This Father’s Day appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Five Reasons Why You Should Upgrade to A Smart Home

Mon, 23 May 2016 20:20:00 GMT

Five Reasons Why You Should Upgrade to A Smart Home

Do you ever leave home with a feeling that you forgot something? Maybe you didn’t turn down the thermostat, turn off your air conditioning unit, or the lights. Or worse, were the doors closed. Well, the beauty about the technology available today is that you are able to verify all this and more. Today’s home automation technologies allow you to easily monitor and secure your family , home and valuable possessions, as well as automate your systems for comfort . From doors, windows, locks to lights, a smart home can automate all these functions with ease.

1. Security
A smart home can facilitate automatic and remote locking of your doors should you rush out without closing them. Automated door locks also offer the feature of alerting you each time someone accesses your home. Together with an integrated security camera system that allows you to monitor your home remotely, you will be in control of home access.

2. Safety
Another smart home technology that benefits the home owner is the use of wireless sensors to monitor your home for smoke, toxic gas, flood, fire, and of course, motion. This wireless system can also be monitored by a life protection company that will alert the relevant emergency units, especially if you are unreachable due to being out of the state or country.

3. Energy Efficiency
Automated systems are optimized for energy efficiency . By automating the adjustment of your thermostat, turning on/off your air conditioning units and lights, closing/opening your blinds and shades, your home system will achieve maximum efficiency, and inevitably, savings.

4. Savings
Speaking of savings, automated home systems help you to reduce your utility bills whether they be electric or gas, especially through energy conservation. In addition, utilizing smart home technologies can also help in the reduction of your home insurance costs due to reduced risks associated with smart homes.

5. Comfort
An automated home system allows you to monitor and control your home not just from a central point in your house, but also from your smart phone or computer anywhere in the world. Comfort also means being greeted at home with your preferred settings for lighting and temperature.

Beware…..
These systems should not be installed in isolation. You need an integrated control system to ensure maximum protection and reap all the benefits of a smart home . American Total Protection ( ATP ) provides home automation that makes a difference and the smart home technologies to suit your needs.

Are you ready to take your home to the next level?

Protect who you love with an ATP installed home automation system . Contact ATP today for a comprehensive quote on upgrading your house to a smart home and take advantage of our 10% discount for all new smart home customers . This is a special offer that will expire by June 1st, 2016. Mention this blog for the discount. This is real life, you need a real security company. ATP Alarms is American Total Protection.

The post Five Reasons Why You Should Upgrade to A Smart Home appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Mоthеr’ѕ Dау Rеаѕоns for Home Security

Tue, 17 May 2016 17:34:00 GMT

Mоthеr’ѕ Dау Rеаѕоns to Prоtесt Your Family wіth Home Security

Fortunately, thеrе are many wауѕ оf mіnіmіzіng thе lіkеlіhооd of bеіng a victim – and оwnіng a security ѕуѕtеm tops thе list . There аrе mаnу other аdvаntаgеѕ associated with hаvіng a ѕесurіtу ѕуѕtеm аѕ thе fоllоwіng lіѕt роіntѕ out.

Prоtесt уоur family аnd hоmе tоdау. This is real life. You need a real security company . American Total Protection is ATP Alarms !

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Churches in America Face Perilous Times

Mon, 09 May 2016 14:30:00 GMT

Why Churches in America Face Perilous Times Ahead

Sadly, those days are a thing of the past. As a matter of fact, we have seen amazing spikes of violence and murder in churches. In today’s world, criminals view churches as easy targets because they have very little or no security to protect their property which may include expensive items such as high-end sound equipment, an assortment of musical instruments, and multiple televisions. Robbery is not the only crime plaguing churches. Criminals are now walking into churches and committing violent crimes such as physical assault, sexual assault, and even murder. Churches in America today are also becoming targets for protesters , predators , and often terrorists . It is imperative for church leadership to realize that times have changed, and the risk of not having security in place could place people’s lives in jeopardy.

The leadership team has to make preparations for the possible threats that could come from any area of the church. Next, the leaders must be aware of the weekly church activities and have dedicated trained staff and volunteers ready to assist if needed. It would be foolish to believe all churches have the same safety concerns. The majority of churches have less than 500 members in attendance at a time. Therefore, leadership might know everyone in the congregation. Megachurches, however, are now on the rise and have 20,000, 30,000 and even 40,000 plus in weekly attendance. Thus, leaders must be pro-active and have security protocols already established before a threat against the church building, or even worse, a member occurs.

There are some churches that have security alarms to protect against burglaries and thefts; and some take the threat one step further and install surveillance cameras to see all activity both inside and outside the building. Some people might find it hard to believe that some churches even hire their own members who are current or former police officers; they also hire former military trained officers as security guards who carry guns to protect the people.

Here is a list of possible criminal activities in the church;

When leaders’ eyes are open to the possible threats against the church, changes will occur. The leadership team will seek guidance from security alarm companies to protect both the people and property . Take heed churches because we are living in perilous times!! At ATP many of our clients are churches , temples , synagogues and mosques . We can provide fire alarms , security , fire sprinklers and security cameras . Call now and take advantage of our complimentary security survey . This is real life; you need a real security company. ATP Alarms is American Total Protection.

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Commercial Security Systems Are Worth Their Weight In Gold

Thu, 05 May 2016 11:12:00 GMT

Why Are Commercial Security Systems Worth Their Weight In Gold?

Anyone that owns a business should consider installing a professional security system to monitor the activity that is occurring in their business. This is especially important for a business that is open to the public. The fact is that a number of businesses that are open to the public are targeted by thieves that are out to scam the store owner. Owners that are constantly taken advantage of might lose property and money whilst they watch their business insurance rate rise dramatically. The fact is that commercial security systems are worth their weight in gold to the business owner. Here is how a commercial security system can help save on business insurance.

Employee Thefts

Most business owners fail to have enough business insurance theft coverage which leads to more financial loss as the owner has to pay out of their own pocket. It has been proven that commercial security systems installed in full view of the employees, allows the supervisors or business owner to monitor all activity in the building from a remote post. This one step leads to a tremendous drop in employee thefts. Furthermore, the company saves on business insurance too because some business insurance companies reduce theft insurance rates for a business with security cameras installed.

Fraudulent Slips & Falls

It is a fact that slip and falls are a billion dollar industry in the country. Statistics show that the number of slip and fall claims are rising. This leads to higher business liability insurance rates for the average business that serves the public. This could be very devastating for a small business owner. Reports suggest that there are groups of people that like to target a business that does not have commercial security systems in place. They stage a fraudulent slip and fall in the store. They file the fake claim and get an easy payoff from the store. However, a business with a security camera in place is fully protected. They could easily display evidence that showed the slip and fall was staged. It is also important to understand that commercial security systems play a major factor in reducing business liability insurance rates.

Shoplifting

Stores that are open to the public are very vulnerable. Even small retailers have to buy adequate amounts of business insurance to cover customer thefts. However, the best protection against one shoplifter or a group of shoplifters working together is commercial security systems that are fully in view of the customers. A professionally installed security system will make a shoplifter or group of shoplifters think twice about stealing goods in the store because they are in full view of surveillance cameras . Statistics prove that shoplifting drops in stores with a security system .

The fact is that a security system will help the business owner in numerous ways. For example, reduce employee thefts, fraudulent slips and falls, and shoplifting attempts. Any business that ignores this step is leaving themselves open for the criminal elements that are sadly a part of today’s society.

This is real life , you need a real security company . ATP Alarms is American Total Protection .

Special thanks to John Moran / Minerva Security in the UK for writing this for ATP.

The post Commercial Security Systems Are Worth Their Weight In Gold appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Outdated Alarm Systems

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 14:00:00 GMT

Wondering If You Have Outdated Alarm Systems in Your House?

After making a few jokes about the situation and explaining that if they never had an issue before, then they should not have any now, we get into the details of their system. Most houses that I have come across from the 90’s or 2000’s have been hardwired , which in our industry is a dream come true . The great thing about hardwired products is that you never have to worry about changing batteries and you can always use the products installed in the home unless the wires have been damaged. Most people are shocked to hear this, and I don’t blame them because they have never been educated on this.

The next step of the process is explaining that all we have to do is swap out a few different products such as the control panel (brains of the system) and keypad . Do not worry; this is not going to cost you an arm and a leg . Seeing as how you have all of the equipment already hardwired in your home and we are just replacing one or two products it is an extremely reasonable price to have this done. After having replaced the keypad(s) and control panel we will do a thorough test of the system to make sure everything is working correctly. Once the work is completed our technician would should you how to properly work the new keypad that you have put in and you’re good to go.

If you’re thinking to yourself “ well I want all of the latest technology ” that is not an issue, by changing the control panel and keypads you will now have the ability to add onto your system and get all of the latest industry trends. The next time you think you have an “ outdated ” system think back to this article and realize that your system can actually be just as good as or better than your neighbor who just had a system installed yesterday. Would you like to know more, call ATP now and we will set up a no cost security review . This is real life; you need a real security company. ATP Alarms is American Total Protection .

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If your eyes and thoughts are not on the…

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 17:30:00 GMT

If your eyes and thoughts are not on the road a fatality could be around the bend!

According to AAA , the most common forms of distractions leading up to a crash by a teen driver included:

My grandmother would say no parent should have to bury his or her child. Sadly, parents in every state are losing their kids to distracted drivers at an alarming rate. I heard a report last week in which three college teenage girls lost their lives due to the distracted driver. The four friends, who had been on spring break, were returning home to Houston, TX. The driver was distracted because she was looking at the GPS on her phone; unfortunately, she collided into a tractor trailer. She lived; however, the three passengers died. Two of the four girls were sisters, and they were their parents’ only children. This horrific crash which resulted in three deaths could have been avoided.

So what can we do? Motor Vehicle, AAA and, other agencies are highly suggesting that parents should discuss all distractions with their teenagers . Parents must be positive role models and keep their phones tucked away while driving. Caution must also be used while utilizing hands- free devices because they are still a source of distractions. To reinforce good driving habits The National Safety Council has designated April for National Distracted Driving Awareness month . Furthermore, AAA has created a driver education program so teens can learn that being distracted highly increases your crash risk. Currently eleven states ban the use of hand held electronics while driving, and thirty- three states have laws preventing cell phones usage for teens. Parents need to ask their teens to abstain from using their phone while driving. So teens follow the rules so both you and others can enjoy tomorrow. This is real life, you need a real security company. ATP Alarms is American Total Protection.

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Re: Home Security, is Bigger Better?

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 15:30:00 GMT

Re: Home Security, is Bigger Better?

I remember seeing a commercial for a Subshop recently. They showed a picture of their original store, one that I had purchased subs from many times as a child. I thought to myself wow, I didn’t know they were the same place. I never put it together because they were so different. I don’t think I’ve ever had a sub like the ones I used to get from the original Subshop , not from anywhere. Their attention to detail, the quality of product and competitive price is what likely made them the giant they are today. In my opinion with that growth at some point they lost something though.

Back to Home Security , and the giants in that field. To me I appreciate the special attention that I receive from a smaller company. Of course they need to be competitive but can I find both in a small company? A better question is can I find both in a large company, or will I become just a number? When I did a google search and included the company name and the word complaints I was astonished by the multitude of web pages for complaints there were for those big companies. Sure, I suppose you cannot please everyone but I believe you would be astonished when you see for yourself just how many complaints there are.

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Brevard County Home Alarm, What You Need To Know

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 21:00:00 GMT

What You Need To Know About a Brevard County Home Alarm

The term home security paints with a wide paintbrush. There are layers upon layers of types of security you could have incorporated in your home security system , but it’s debatable whether you need them all. Speaking about Brevard County and home alarm systems , here is what you need to know.

At ATP Alarms our quotes are always free , so take advantage of our free security survey of your home. You will discover the vulnerabilities it has and the security solutions for them.

Of course some common sense can go a really long way on this topic;

Popular options include Total Connect , which is a virtual keypad that allows remote access to your home security from your smart phone . Then there is home automation which besides allowing the user to turn lights on and off can actually give you options like unlocking doors to controlling your thermostat , which can save you money on your energy bill , and all from your smart phone.

Does this interest you; do you want to know more? Call the ATP Alarms office at 844-ATP-ALRM and get your free security survey .

This is real life ; you need a real security company . ATP Alarms is American Total Protection .

The post Brevard County Home Alarm, What You Need To Know appeared first on ATP Alarms .

What Are Home Security Systems Used For?

Tue, 12 Apr 2016 17:30:00 GMT

Home Security Systems Used For More Than Security

Do you enjoy a nice bottle of wine from time to time? I know I love having a nice bottle(s) (don’t judge) at the end of a tiring work week. If you’re like me sometimes you will spend an extra couple of pennies to get a few more expensive bottles and put them away for a rainy day. With that being said, we were all teenagers at one point and snuck some of that alcohol that our parents stored away for their own pleasure. Well, what if I told you that you now had the ability to see which closet, cabinet, or safe door was opened in your home . Would that be something that interests you? Thru the smart phone application, you can actually see when certain doors or safes are opened or closed. Say you’re out for the night or away for the weekend, with this application you can actually see if you’re teenagers opened or closed a liquor cabinet, a gun safe, or any other specific drawer or cabinet that you would want alarmed.

If you can’t relate to the scenario above, are you interested in preventing serious damage to your home? Most people think security systems are strictly for burglaries and fire. A lot of customers in New England are unaware of is the ability to add low temperature detectors to their system. Although this winter has been nowhere near as cold as it usually is here, low temperatures have the ability to alert you to let you know when the temperature of your home gets to a specific degree. Wouldn’t you want to be alerted when your house was freezing cold and your pipes were going to burst? Well, for a couple extra dollars on installation you can have this sensor added to your system. By adding this sensor you will no longer have the anxiety over whether your pipes are going to burst or not. Did I mention it also saves you money on your home owners insurance ? So, the next time you speak to an ATP consultant be sure to ask, what I can add to my system to better myself, your home, and your loved ones. You don’t have to wait, call ATP today. This is real life ; you need a real security company . A TP Alarms is American Total Protection .

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Temperature Control with Home Automation

Wed, 06 Apr 2016 14:30:00 GMT

The Importance of Temperature Control with Home Automation

Many of our systems are designed to work with your own devices, allowing you to operate them remotely from anywhere in the world. Our home automation systems send real time alert notifications to your PC, tablet or smartphone. This remote control capability could be particularly useful if you end up getting stuck at work or in traffic, or if you have a change of plans. You could change your heating or air conditioning system activation for as long as you need to. You can monitor not just the temperature, but many other conditions such as CO levels, moisture and motion. You can also have your lights switch on and off at certain times, which could further help to reduce unnecessary energy use and help deter criminals who may think your home. The possibility of having real control over your home or office is now a reality with our state of the art home automation systems , and you certainly won’t have to worry about coming home to stuffy or uncomfortable conditions as it starts to get hotter and hotter as summer approaches.

If you have any questions about our home automation or security systems, don’t hesitate to contact us . This is real life. You need a real security company. ATP Alarms is American Total Protection .

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The Mood of the Victim after a Burglary

Fri, 25 Mar 2016 15:45:00 GMT

What is The Mood of the Victim after a Burglary?

When I was a kid, my father often told me that when he grew up people didn’t have to lock their doors . He would even say that his childhood neighborhood was the safest place on Earth. He described his community as a place in which neighbors were concerned about each other and their personal property. I am not sure if my dad remembered the past with rose – colored glasses, or if he simply was not aware of the danger that was lurking around the corner. The danger that I am referring to is home burglary .

Since so many people have experienced such a life changing event, I wanted to see what the post effects of a burglary are. In an article in the L.A Times, Sigfredo A. Cabrera, research director of the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation in Sacramento, reports that upon the discovery that their home has been broken into, people tend to feel anger, disgust, fear, and a sense of being violated . Cabrera notes, that some victims experienced panic attacks, shock, and even uncontrollable bouts of crying . Most people do not cope well after they have been a victim, and the ill effects could last years.

Victims have reported that it’s not the loss of material possessions that haunt them the most, but the fact that their home and personal space have been violated causes much pain and heartache. This causes an array of emotional issues and lack of peace and security in the home which should be the safest place in the world. Often they are gripped by fear which can paralyze even the strongest individual. The continual stress occurs both at home and away from home. If the burglar is not caught, fear causes the victim to see anybody as a possible suspect.

Anger is another strong emotion that will drain an individual. Usually an angry person focuses on the unfair act of someone breaking into his/her domain and wants swift justice. Anger causes the victim to want the perpetrator to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Sadly, police report that only 13% of all reported burglaries are cleared due to the lack of witnesses or physical evidence .

People do a variety of things after a burglary has occurred:

There are certain safety precautions that we should all follow:

ATP Alarms is always available to help you discuss home security . Call us today for a free consultation . This is real life . You need a real security company , we are American Total Protection .

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Spring Cleaning and Home Security & Automation

Wed, 23 Mar 2016 21:00:00 GMT

Are Spring Cleaning and Home Security & Automation Related?

Automation and smart technology is rapidly improving home & business security systems, and the use of motion detectors and door / window contacts can be linked with SmartPhone apps to alert you wherever you are. Imagine waking up to a signal that someone has entered your property through your locked front gate at 3am. If you’re in bed then you could be ready to call the police if necessary. If you’re out of town then you will be grateful to be informed that something unusual is going on. The beauty of modern technology is how well personalized it can be to your situation and individual security needs.

As the weather improves and people are outdoors away from home more often, this is just another reason why now is a good time to check the reliability of your home security system . People sometimes become more care-free about leaving doors and windows open when the weather is hot, and criminals are well aware of this. With up-to-date and technologically smart home security systems to help, you can finally have peace of mind at this time of year and ensure that you remain safe and secure while also enjoying the warmer weather. Incorporating a smart thermostat into your security system will save energy use and save you money not to mention give you a smaller carbon footprint.

If you have any questions about home automation or home security, contact us today for a Free Security Consultation . This is real life ; you need a real security company . ATP Alarms is American Total Protection .

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New Homeowners Choose a Monitored Security System

Mon, 21 Mar 2016 22:00:00 GMT

Why do New Homeowners Choose a Monitored Security System?

As an authorized Honeywell security dealer American Total Protection installs lots and lots of alarm systems per month between our New England and Florida locations . Although our new customers call in for a variety of reasons, there are often common themes of why new homeowners choose to purchase a monitored home security system .

Having a child is a very exciting time and American Total Protection is here to help protect you and your new family member.

New Home Purchase in a New Area
Just moved from the West coast to Connecticut or Florida? Not familiar with the area? Often times, new homeowners type into Google “ Best Security Company EVER ” and contact ATP Alarms to better understand area crime trends and how to protect his or her new investment. When living in a new environment, it is very common for homeowners to feel nervous. Purchasing a monitored security alarm from ATP Alarms gives an added sense of security when going to be in an unfamiliar neighborhood.

American Total Protection often walks properties prior to the deal actually being finalized. This way, a homeowner can schedule a custom installation for the day they move in. Call ATP today for a free assessment of your new home and new neighborhood.

Insurance Discount or Insurance Requirements
Having a monitored alarm system may lower your insurance premium . In fact, some customers have purchased a monitored alarm to lower monthly insurance premiums so they can get approved for a mortgage (fixed monthly expenses like an insurance premium are part of the formula when looking mortgage rates and mortgage approvals). Some insurance underwriters mandate that homes have a monitored alarm with security and fire. For example, Chubb Insurance and Fireman’s Fund mandate that homes appraised over a certain amount must have an alarm system in order to have an insurance policy.

Interested in seeing how a monitored system affects your insurance policy? Feel free to reach out to gather some more information .

Actual Break-in or Neighborhood Break In
We encourage people to be proactive; however, there are always procrastinators that put things off until it is too late. We often get phone calls from residents that were victims of a burglary or an attempted burglary. With their peace of mind in jeopardy, these customers often want an alarm and want it fast in order to restore a sense of calm in their home for their families. ATP has the ability to act very quickly since we boast our own licensed technicians. This is real life , you need a real security company . ATP Alarms is American Total Protection . Want an alarm and want it fast? Call ATP Alarms today !

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Make Money with ATP Alarms

Fri, 18 Mar 2016 15:00:00 GMT

How Can You Make Money with ATP Alarms?

Of course, we need to verify that the referral is from yourself. If you contact your friends to tell them about us, and they in turn contact us and mention it was you who told them about us, then you will make your $150. On top of this, your friend will be grateful to have a top quality alarm system which runs smoothly and gives them the same peace of mind that you enjoy yourself. It’s a truly win-win situation, so why not go ahead and spread the good news about our service? You already know we offer a great service , and are pleased to do so to many happy customers . You might have personal friends with unprotected houses, or outdated alarm systems. Perhaps you know someone who runs a business that hasn’t got their security updated for some time.

When you really think about it, you might be surprised by how many people you know who still need to make some changes and updates in their home or business. As we approach a warmer time of year, people are often less security conscious, and windows and doors are obviously left open much more frequently. This makes it the perfect time of year to think seriously about security , and to make sure that your friends, family and associates will all have the same peace of mind that you enjoy yourself. Once they have completed the purchase and installation of the alarm system, then you will receive $150 for each one . This offer cannot be combined with any other offer. If you manage to find a few, then you could end up with quite a nice family vacation or extra treat this year!

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Go Green on St. Patrick’s Day

Wed, 16 Mar 2016 14:30:00 GMT

Why Should You Go Green on St. Patrick’s Day?

Quite simply, it’s only laziness which stops people from ‘ going green ’. If we look at the benefits and seriously think about it, then there’s no reason to do anything else (unless we really want to give more money to oil & energy companies for no reason!) It’s what we could now refer to as a ‘no-brainer’, as the technology and systems are very much available and very affordable to house and business owners. You don’t necessarily have to install giant solar panels or wind turbines in your back garden – there are plenty of other smart technologies available which can make a big difference over time.

Going green could be something as simple as taking more control over your home or workplace . Are you wasting fuel and money by having heating or cooling systems which run when nobody’s there? Perhaps the sunlight is overheating your home when the shades are left open. With automatic, timed or remotely operated shades and heating/cooling systems, all of these scenarios are a thing of the past. You can optimize your home or workplace to minimize the use of heating and cooling depending on your own lifestyle and daily patterns. Once you are saving money in this green way, you’ll have a little more to help you enjoy St. Patrick’s Day for years to come ! Remember, this is real life ; you need a real security company . ATP Alarms is American Total Protection .

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Google Reviews for Home Security

Mon, 14 Mar 2016 13:00:00 GMT

The Importance of Google Reviews for Home Security

When you buy a new appliance for your home do you oftentimes look up customer feedback for the product? Think about it, it would not be the smartest purchase in your move if you went into a store and said “I’ll take it” and point at the cheapest priced washer or dryer or even the most expensive one for that matter. If you are a smart consumer you most likely go online and Google that specific appliance or service to try and get some reviews on that certain product or service. From there you look at different Google reviews and pricing and come to a conclusion based on the best bang for your buck.

The one thing that I am starting to realize about this industry is that many consumers are starting to buy based off of pressure from sales people. They move into their new home and they get bombarded with all of these flyers and different literature. Promises of “Free alarm installs, plus you get paid $50 or more”, are you kidding me? Do people actually believe that this company is going to install a free system and pay them to have the work done ? A lot of things in this world have changed over the years but the expression “ nothing in this life is for free ” is still true to this day. Customers are just agreeing to terms with these companies because they see a name they have seen before and seeing what they are told is a “a great deal” and most don’t even bother to look up anything on that company. Who knows if they will ever see that salesperson or installer again, but its fine right, just as long as they got that $50 Visa gift card.

So for those of you that currently have an alarm system , or those who are looking for a new alarm system do us both a favor and take the time to see what you’re getting into. Look up the company’s google reviews, search them on Facebook, check out the BBB , and use all the great tools that you have around you in order to find out what type of company and what kind of products they truly are. You would be surprised what you will find on companies with a simple search that takes 10 seconds. I appreciate you reading this, and remember- This is real life , you need a real security company . ATP Alarms is American Total Protection .

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So You Already Have One

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 15:00:00 GMT

“So You Already Have One?”

As a sales professional the most common phrase I hear throughout a work week is “ already have one ”. Hearing those three simple words actually makes me cringe sometimes. The reason why it annoys me so much is because I usually get that response just by mentioning my company’s name. Wait, you don’t want to talk to me because you know what my profession is and you already have security ? That seems a little rude don’t you think? The funny thing is that nine out of ten times I can probably help you out in some way, shape, or form .

Out of habit, every time I go to a store I take a look at their current security system . More often than not it a system that is five years or older and it looks like it has seen some things over the years. The thing that surprises me the most is that a lot of the times the systems that are currently in place are missing protection in some crucial points . I do not know if it is because their original sales person was lackadaisical or if they just did not want to put that much money into the system when they first put it in. My point here is that it is always good to have someone take a second look at your system after a few years .

I believe it is always good to get someone else’s perspective on how they would protect a home or business because there is a decent chance they might find something that someone else did not. Heck, I even go over layouts of clients with my own team members to make sure I crossed my T’s and dotted my I’s. At ATP Alarms , we offer free consultations to come look at your current system to see that you are being properly protected. While we are on site we can also tell you about all of the latest and greatest features that have surfaced in the security industry since you had your system installed.

So the next time someone tells you they work for American Total Protection , take a second to listen to them. That five minute conversation can actually be extremely beneficial. This is real life , you need a real security company . ATP Alarms is American Total Protection .

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Protecting Your Home in Cold Weather

Wed, 02 Mar 2016 14:30:00 GMT

Protecting Your Home in Cold Weather: Freeze Sensors and Home Security

With this in mind, the more tools and effective systems you have at your disposal, the better. Freeze sensors keep track of the temperature wherever they are placed (vulnerable spots in the home such as basements or attics are recommended). They will then report back to you and warn you if the temperature is approaching dangerous levels , allowing you to take action before it’s too late. Imagine if your heating system failed at the worst possible time (which is more common than we might think), or if you were out of town and didn’t realize you needed to get someone to sort out the problem. With real-time warnings sent to your smartphone , you have the chance of saving a lot more headaches and expense with well-placed freeze sensors. Another example could be for outdoor water features or pools which you want to keep running in the cold weather. Automatic sensors could simply alert you when necessary, or even be set to trigger the activation of another system such as filtration or heating, thereby preventing the freeze. If you think and plan ahead for these situations, with the help of our protective systems then you’ll have a lot less to worry about in the cold weather.

If you have questions or are interested in protecting your home with automated sensors and more, contact us to for a free consultation . This is real life ; you need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

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When you hear a smoke alarm, what do you think?

Mon, 29 Feb 2016 17:30:00 GMT

When you hear a smoke alarm, what do you think?

When you hear a smoke alarm , what do you think? For many of us, if we don’t see any smoke or flames we automatically think it’s a false alarm. We usually don’t even leave the area to inquire if the fire is actually real. This laid back thinking is highly dangerous and can lead to serious bodily injury or even worse death, because fires destroy homes in every town and city across the country.

A tragic event occurred 15 years ago at a prestigious New Jersey college, in which a fire ripped through the dormitory. At 4:30 A.M. smoke detectors were going off; however, the students just assumed it was a false alarm. They had heard the alarm sounding off countless times before in the fall semester, and this time they had become apathetic. By the time the young freshmen population realized that the building was truly on fire, it was too late because the blinding black smoke and fire had engulfed the dorm. In this horrific event dozens were injured, and three male students lost their lives. In this case smoke alarms weren’t the problem; the false alarm assumption was the issue .

Smoke alarm data from the National Fire Protection Association

Escape Plan Tips from the National Fire Protection Association

That is why no matter how old we are I believe people of all ages should listen carefully to fire safety tips whether it is at work, at school, and even at home. Parents need to teach their children that fires can kill; therefore, we must utilize fire prevention tips.

If you would like to learn more ATP is happy to be of assistance, call the office now to arrange a free consult . This is real life ; you need a real security company . ATP Alarms is American Total Protection .

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Home Security in Port St. Lucie, Florida

Fri, 26 Feb 2016 15:00:00 GMT

Crime Rates & Home Security in Port St. Lucie, Florida

Put yourself in the position of the burglar for a moment. Would you choose to target a house with an alarm system when there are plenty of other houses which don’t have one? Or if there are houses with alarm systems everywhere you look, then surely you would first seek out the one without decent security. As the statistics show, St. Lucie is far from immune when it comes to crime. It’s a beautiful place to live, but you need to make sure you’re safe, and effective, up-to-date home security is one of the fundamental things that should be on your shopping list. Nobody wants to be the victim of a break-in , and it’s wise to make that necessary investment which brings peace of mind and protection for many years to come. Because crime doesn’t sleep, you need a security system which doesn’t either. Let us advise you on the best home security systems available today, and we will ensure you are free from the worry of crime in Port St. Lucie, Florida . We make it our mission to protect the health and well being of our customers by providing the best service and systems at the most reasonable cost. This is real life , you need a real security company . ATP Alarms is American Total Protection .

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How to Protect Your Loved Ones

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 16:33:00 GMT

How to Protect Your Loved Ones with Security & Automation

It’s always tempting to imagine that nothing bad could happen, but the reality is we never know what’s around the corner. If we ignore the potential threats then we are certainly more of a target to those with criminal intent. Some kinds of security we take for granted, such as car locks and alarms. You wouldn’t ever leave your car unlocked in a public place, for example. Most people are now mindful of smoke alarms and gas safety, but there remains a lot of work to do in terms of home safety for many families.

When it comes to health threats, we can install and maintain systems for the detection of fire, floods, gas, smoke and more . We know it’s not something people naturally think about, which makes paying attention to the amazing tools available even more important. Once installed and set up, our systems will run quietly in the background of your life, allowing you to relax in the knowledge that you’ve done all you can to protect and care for the health and safety of your loved ones. This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

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Cold Weather Protection Device

Tue, 16 Feb 2016 14:00:00 GMT

What is a Cold Weather Protection Device?

A monitored low temperature sensor is not only for the tech savvy individual, but also for anybody who is interested in protecting his or her home while saving money. As people we always want to have peace of mind about our various areas of life, a monitored low temperature cold weather protection device provides that extra sense of security during the cold winter season . It will greatly reduce the fear and worry about water pipes freezing, which can result in substantial water damage.

A low temperature sensor is a device that can measures its own temperature inside the home . It’s designed to alert the homeowner when there is a significant dip in the specific pre- set temperature range . These sensors can be added to an existing or new home security system fairly easily. A technician installs it by using a wireless system or hardwires it. The sensor is capable of sending an audible alert inside the home, as well as notifying the monitoring station. The central station will then send you a real time notification either by text or email 24/7 whenever the temperature drops below the pre-set temperature range. Some low temperature sensors can be adjusted to each individual desired temperature preference. Additionally, some models are able to shut off the water valve when the pre-set temperature range is detected. Some are able to store dates reminding the homeowner of past dates when the alert was triggered.

Why should you purchase a low temperature sensor?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, severe winter weather ranks only third (behind tornadoes and hurricanes) as a cause of insured catastrophic losses . It is reported the average claim from a frozen burst pipe is about $18,000, although costs can vary widely. These costs have sky rocked in the past 15 years because of the commonality. In 2003, the same repairs cost around $3,000-$7,000. Replacing damaged floors and drywall can be the most expensive items on the repair list. Furnaces, electronics, and other valuables might have to be replaced as well. The repairs must be conducted in a timely manner or mold and mildew can set in. This could be a monumental expense that can be avoided at a modest price. Anyone who has experienced these events can attest to hassle and expensive repair bills to follow.

The monitored low-temperature sensor greatly enhances protection for property, elderly, pet owners, wine cellars, and even pool houses. It also provides protection when there are prolonged power outages or heating systems failures. Many insurance companies offer discounts to policies holders after installing a low temperature sensor of 2-5% annually. Many people also use this device as a cost savings measure to insure lower heating bills at their primary and/ or secondary homes.

The low temperature sensor is an answer to peace of mind during the winter season. Any homeowner can benefit from having these capabilities but they are most rewarding to an individual at work or away on vacation. Low temperature sensors should be a part of everybody’s security system . You will have peace in knowing that both the inhabitants and property are safe and secure. This is real life, you need a real security company. ATP Alarms is American Total Protection.

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Valentine’s Day Home Security

Fri, 12 Feb 2016 15:00:00 GMT

How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day?

Home security is progressing fast, as technology can detect and prevent breaches in security like never before. We want to feel safe at home, and we certainly want the same for the one we love. This is natural, perfectly normal and the right thing to strive for. With a state-of-the-art security system then you’re giving them that peace of mind which they deserve, and it won’t be difficult to set everything up. All you need is to listen to the voice of reason – the same one which tells you how important spending time with your loved one truly is. If you protect the one you love properly then you’ve done everything you can to prevent disaster. We all have the choice and we are wise to do everything in our power to keep undesirable events from our door. The state of your home security might not be the first thing which Valentine’s Day makes you think of, but if you’re thinking in the right way then you’ll realize there’s a strong connection between security and love . Ask yourself – who can feel truly loved if they don’t feel safe? This is real life . You need a real security company ! ATP Alarms is American Total Protection.

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Home Security, What Is The One Product You Need?

Fri, 05 Feb 2016 16:34:00 GMT

During free home security consultations with perspective clients of ATP , I always get asked the simple question, “ what is the one product that you think I need to have? ” My response is always the same. This leads to every single customer giving me the same high pitched “ really?! ” after hearing my opinion. If you were brainstorming and did not come up with a yard sign from a local security company then you are wrong, but do not worry I do not think one customer has ever guessed correctly.

The reason why my clients are in shock that I say a yard sign is because they feel it does not protect their home in any way. Oftentimes I hear that people do not want a sign because they do not want anything taking away from their landscaping or that they do not want our marketing on their front lawn. To me, this is mind blowing because they are declining an additional piece of protection for their home. Let’s step into the mind of a burglar for a second . You are in a nice middle class neighborhood doing some scouting of the area to see who is home and who is not home. You start to walk up to the first home and just as you are about the reach the front door, you notice a yard sign sitting to the right of the steps. If you were a criminal with any common sense, you would think to yourself, this is not worth the risk, walk back down the driveway and walk to their neighbors house to see if they have the same protection. The reason I mention a local alarm company sign is that they are much harder to obtain. Meaning, people cannot go on eBay or Craigslist and buy an American Total Protection (search on eBay ADT Yard Sign). Burglars suspect that a home with a yard sign from a national company may in fact not be protected. Homes that have a local reputable alarm company sign may lead a potential theft to think that the house does in fact have a monitored home security system .

The reason why I bring this scenario up is not to scare people, but to let them know the importance of having a yard sign . Of course your alarm will sound if they attempt to come into your home while the alarm is set, but do you really want to deal with that terrifying moment where you realize someone tried to invade your home? We all like to think criminals are unintelligent and would do anything to make a quick buck. It would be idiotic of us as homeowners not to realize that burglars would target homes without security systems first rather than a home with one. So the next time someone offers you a yard sign, think to yourself, what is more important? Having the overgrown Japanese maple tree stand out or having the ATP shield in your front lawn deterring a possible home invasion. This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

The post Home Security, What Is The One Product You Need? appeared first on ATP Alarms .

What Time Do Your Employees Open Your Business?

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 15:00:00 GMT

This morning I woke up at 5am to go to my gym in North Haven, Connecticut (not a common accomplishment for me). Arriving to the front door of the facility at 5:30am, the door was locked . Written clearly on the glass door shows:

Hours of Operation
Monday – Thursday: 5:00a.m. – 10:00p.m.
Friday: 5:00a.m. – 9:00p.m.
Saturday: 7:00a.m. – 6:00p.m.
Sunday: 7:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.

Someone did not do his or her job this morning. Often times business owners entrust their employees with opening and closing their places of businesses. It takes a lot for business owners to give up control and any employee’s failure to complete rudimentary tasks results in business owners hesitating to give up more control in the future. Here at ATP , we try to provide our commercial clients with checks and balances that allow them to feel more comfortable about giving up some control on running their businesses. Please see below for two possible solutions.

Total Connect
Honeywell’s Total Connect is an application that provides you real time updates about when your system is armed or disarmed and by what user. It also allows you to check the status of your alarm from anywhere in the world on your smartphone or tablet. In addition to seeing the status of the alarm system, you can arm or disarm the system remotely. Did a employee forget her code? No problem, just disarm the system from you iPad.

Hypothetical : Imagine receiving a text at 10pm on a Saturday night that your system was disarmed by one of your employees. Although the employee has an alarm password, it does not mean she should come into your office whenever she pleases. Total Connect is a great application that helps you run your business more effectively and efficiently.

Electronic Access Control
Electronic Access Control allows authorized users to unlock a door with a fob, card, or keypad. Depending on the system, authorized users can also unlock the door remotely. It also provides an activity log indicating what user and at what time the door was unlocked. This allows owners to have an audit trail indicating what time the business was open and by whom.

Hypothetical : An employee arrives to open a retail store at 9am to find a line of customers at the door. He goes to open the door with his key only to find that he left it at home. He now needs to go home to retrieve the key, delaying the opening of the store and potential revenue. If the store had electronic access control, the employee could have called the owner to unlock the door.

If the gym this morning had access control or Total Connect , the manager would have been able to see that the facility was never opened. He could have then made alternative plans to get it open for his paying membership. In order to be successful, business must earn and maintain the trust of its membership and patrons. Once that trust is lost, it is very difficult to get back.

American Total Protection encourages businesses to take advantage of the free security assessment that we offer. We will assist business owners. This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

What Happens When Employees Open Your Business?

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Flipping a House? You Need Home Security Too

Fri, 22 Jan 2016 18:15:00 GMT

Flipping a House with Home Security

Do you know anyone who flipped a home in 2015 ? If your answer is no then keep asking around and I am sure you can find someone in your social circle who took part in one. In all seriousness, I feel like everyone was getting involved in the house flipping industry this past year. I personally know three people who were involved in projects and just driving down streets and seeing work done on homes I can tell you it’s a trend that is going to continue to grow as profits from house flipping are on the rise.

Think about it, what is a better place to rob then a home that you know no one will be in . All you have to do is show up, act like you’re part of the working crew, take whatever you want, and then leave. It seems crazy, but it has been happening quite often recently. In speaking with my referral partner she stated that one of the neighbors saw a van pull up to the home they were working on around 7 PM sit there for five minutes and then pull away. The main reason the neighbors found the van suspicious was because it did not have my friend’s company name on the van like their entire fleet does.

Being in the security industry seeing this had my attention and I did a little bit more digging on the topic of home break-ins on house flips. When I started to asking around about other scenarios like this I was not surprised to hear a plethora of horror stories just like the previous one. What I found out was that people were breaking into homes to vandalize, take copper, and steal appliances .

My resolution to the project owners is extremely easy. Install an alarm system that includes motion sensors to better protect the property and hard work that you have done thus far while no one is on site. Imagine showing up to your project at 9 AM Monday morning and the AC, washer, dryer, and stove have all been removed from the house and someone broke three of the windows. Sounds like an expensive headache to deal with if you ask me. So the next time you get involved with a home project and don’t want to spend countless hours worrying about if your investment is safe, think of American Total Protection . This is real life . You need a real security company .

The post Flipping a House? You Need Home Security Too appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Protect Who You Are Thankful For

Mon, 30 Nov 2015 16:37:00 GMT

What is the Best Way to Protect Who You Are Thankful For?

So when making decisions about security , of course there are many things to consider such as affordability and necessity, but remember we all can get lazy and ignore things to our cost. It’s actually very difficult to put a cost on peace of mind, and when it comes to protecting the family and friends you love then it’s probably impossible to put a price on it. How can we ignore the need for security when we consider those close to us, who do so much for us? It’s not just an emotive issue, but also a practical one. A good and up-to-date security system will cost something to set up but could potentially save a fortune in the future. Should the worst happen in terms of burglary, then apart from the loss of items, the inconvenience of cleaning everything up and sorting things out is a headache that can affect everyone involved.

This is real life. You need a real security company! At ATP Alarms we are American Total Protection. Call us now to schedule a complimentary security review on your home or business 844-ATP-ALRM

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The Importance of Business Fire Alarms

Tue, 06 Oct 2015 20:03:00 GMT

Why are Business Fire Alarms so Important?

Imagine for a moment that the worst did happen, and your restaurant or engineering department had a small fire which went unnoticed for a few minutes. Very quickly this becomes out of control, and without the use of good quality fire alarms you are at the mercy of nature’s most deadly weapon. Furthermore, should anyone be seriously injured or even killed from the flames or even smoke inhalation, then you can be sure that what follows will be liability lawsuits. Professional negligence is not taken lightly in the modern world. This is not to mention the loss of your business infrastructure and potentially irreplaceable contents, which almost goes without saying. This is a truly awful thing to contemplate, and yet it can all be prevented with the proper use of modern business fire alarm systems . The technology which we now have is better than ever.

The use of a high quality fire alarm system in your business , regularly inspected and maintained, must be one of the most important investments to make. Nobody knows what’s around the corner, and the more seriously and responsibly we consider this important safety issue then the more likely we are to have, and continue having, the thriving and successful businesses we want. We cannot ignore the many implications of danger, loss of infrastructure and lawsuits which a potential workplace fire represents . The proper installation and use of business fire alarm systems is therefore of paramount importance in the modern workplace, and will continue to be so for the duration of any business.

For a Free Fire Alarm Quote , call ATP Fire – (844) 287-3473

The post The Importance of Business Fire Alarms appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Adult in a Security Store is Like a Kid in a Candy Shop

Fri, 14 Aug 2015 13:21:00 GMT

A Client Testimonial

Wow, did you know that you can automate just about anything in your home nowadays? I had the pleasure of doing business with ATP Alarms this past week and it amazed me when it came to equipping my new home with the latest and greatest security , cameras , and home automation devices that there were some many options. I can tell you that an adult in a security store is like a kid in a candy shop .

After searching online I found this company and I called the ATP office. We set an appointment and the next day they had their sales manager at our front door for a complementary security survey and proposal. I probably kept him longer at my house than he wanted to be there but I was very intrigued about the different things one can do now to a home and how the technology has become so user friendly. He was not short on answers.

My wife and I buying our first home thought it was important to have a security system and maybe a camera or two as we get settled into the new area and begin to grow our family. As the ATP representative began explaining all our options with the current Honeywell security and home automation systems I was amazed. From air temperature controls , lights , cameras , to even our garage door , we were blown away at how it all was controlled by our security system . Even better than that, we found that all of these options were able to be controlled by our smartphone and other smart devices . He was very knowledgeable as he explained how the new z-wave technology, and how all of the devices available talked to each other and were networked.

My wife and I now have the peace of mind knowing that if we are out of our home we can monitor if our system is on or off , we can set the air temperatures to either save money or make the temp just right for our return. We can even open and close our garage door all from our phone. When my parents stayed with us the other night and we had left early in the morning for work it was great as once they informed me they left, I was able to close up the house and set the alarm. ATP Alarms installing the latest Honeywell products has left us feeling safe and secure with the convenience of remote access.

Happy Customer,

CT, Boca Raton

“Why an Adult in a Security Store is Like a Kid in a Candy Shop!”

The post Adult in a Security Store is Like a Kid in a Candy Shop appeared first on ATP Alarms .

A New Horizon for Business & Customers

Tue, 11 Aug 2015 14:50:00 GMT

Why is Customer Appreciation so Important for Businesses?

Keeping our home and business security customers safe in time of need is how we succeed. We give back to the community through charitable events and monitor the alarms of some of your local fire departments , police stations and schools . We have a strong interest in customer appreciation, and show it in many ways.

One way we give back to our customers is by offering them the chance to receive free burglar alarm monitoring for life ! ATP’s new program is simple and can allow you to keep your loved ones safe free without any monthly charges.*

With ATP Alarms our Security Systems are more than just a home upgrade, it’s a lifestyle upgrade !

It’s simple…

*Your referrals must sign our 3 year monitoring contract and remain in good standing. Promotion starts 3/1/2015 and in effect until canceled.

If you have questions about our FREE Burglar Alarm Monitoring for Life Program , contact us today for more details or call now – (844) 287-2576 . Remember, this is real life , you need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

The post A New Horizon for Business & Customers appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Total Connect Home Security & Automation System

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 13:13:00 GMT

Why Choose Total Connect Home Security & Automation System?

Remote Access : By utilizing the virtual keypad, you can easily and conveniently connect to the security system to see if your house is armed or not.

Alerts &Notifications : The system sends you alerts and notifications via emails or text messages to inform you about not only emergencies but details of your child arriving from school, someone opening restricted cabinets or about your AC temperatures, and even if a flood occurs.

Wireless sensors : The sensitive sensors installed in the Total Connect Security System detects signs of smoke, gas, flood, motion, fire, and more at an early stage to minimize the damage.

24-hour monitoring : The Security system is monitored 24/7 by trained professionals who are ready to help you in case of any emergency and unfortunate events.

With Total Connect, you can even monitor…

Locks : many times we forget keys inside the home. By using the total connect home automation system, you can lock and unlock your home doors from anywhere using your mobile phone.

Lights and shades : with Total Connect, you can control your lights to be turned on and off at the times of your choice. Automated shades can also make it easier for you to close them at certain times to protect the privacy and ambiance of your home.

And much more….

An ATP Alarms / Honeywell security system is available to suit every budget and requirement. By ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones, it not only gives you peace of mind but keeps you connected to your home wherever you are around the world. The Total Connect home security system is easy to install and can be accessed by all members of the family. Contact us for a free quote on the Total Connect Home Security System by Honeywell – A smart home equals a safe home!

The post Total Connect Home Security & Automation System appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Energy Savings and Home Automation

Wed, 22 Jul 2015 15:51:00 GMT

A Connection Between Energy Savings and Home Automation?

With the rising prices of common utilities such as electricity, most homeowners are looking for ways to cut down on monthly costs , such as heating and air conditioning bills. One way to do this is to make sure that their home energy consumption is optimized. Another reason that residents look for energy efficient features in home automation systems is that it helps reduce the environmental impact of high energy consumption. When every little bit counts, home automation systems can help in a big way .

How can you save on utility costs with home automation?

Light sensors , automatic window shades , thermostat profiles , window and door monitors are just a few of the ways to make your home into a smart home . Automation of devices not only saves you money, but can save you time. Not having to open and close window shades, adjust the thermostat, turning on and off lights all saves you time, which is very important to most people. Because that is more time you can spend with your loved ones.

With a home automation system , everything can be programmed to make your home as energy efficient as possible . Coming home from work to an ideal environment not only saves you time and money, but makes your return even more comfortable. By connecting your home appliances and devices with an app on your smartphone, you can have your house temperature set to the exact degree that is right for you, when coming home from a long day at work

Don’t sacrifice your comfort or time waiting for your house to heat up or cool down after you have arrived. Set it up to adjust right before your arrival or if you’re running late, you can simply adjust the timing from your smartphone.

What is the potential for home automation and energy savings?

It is estimated that in the year 2015, the home automation industry will grow to a $6 billion industry in the United States alone. People are becoming more aware of these little comforts and the potential of huge long-run savings . If you have questions about how to make your home into a smart home. Call ATP Alarms (844) 287-2576 now for a free home consultation and demonstration .

This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

The post Energy Savings and Home Automation appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Crime Rates and Home Security in New Hampshire

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 13:30:00 GMT

Crime Rates related to Home Security in New Hampshire?

In order to get the right estimate of the crimes committed, at ATP Alarms we have found that the FBI has proposed the Index method to calculate offenses. This method will help overcome the differences among the states and also provides for a standardized metric for crime classification. The method covers 8 different kinds of offenses.

The population of New Hampshire in 2013 was 1,323,459. The crime rate index calculated for per 100,000 in New Hampshire has been estimated as 1052. Let’s also take a look at the actual number of crimes registered in the city. There were 22 murders , 479 rapes , 4936 burglaries and an alarming number of 23,164 thefts reported . Clearly the state is not safe as it is believed to be.

While we might not be directly contributing to these numbers, but it’s possible indirectly by compromising with our security. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Thankfully, today, there are a number of home security options available that go a long way in keeping us safe. This will also contribute immensely in bringing down the number of burglaries and thefts in New Hampshire.

A highly sought after security system is one based around an Access Control System . Here, you get to increase security a great deal as only the people who have access can enter the premises. Tampering with a good access control system will immediately send a signal to ATP’s response team and authorities. Key-less entry, smart cards and biometrics are just a few of the ways to ensure proper property entry.

CCTV Systems are also very effective in assuring maximum security for residents and employees alike. You get to monitor entry and exit points remotely, review & record video footage and even control the camera angle itself remotely. This way, you’ll always know who’s around and how best to address safety concerns, if you notice any.

A combination of alarm systems such motion sensors , toxic gas detectors , fire alarms and more all pave the way for a safe and secure environment.

Do your bit to make New Hampshire a safe place . Get a home security service for your home or business today. This will be one investment that you’ll never regret. Which home security company you choose can make a BIG difference. Be sure to choose one with a good track record and a history in the industry. Remember, this is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

The post Crime Rates and Home Security in New Hampshire appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Health Emergency Alarms

Fri, 10 Jul 2015 15:07:00 GMT

Why are Health Emergency Alarms so Important?

Health emergency alarms help save lives and they come in different colors and styles. We offer personal alarms in the form of a small wristband, necklace pendants with two-way voice monitoring and much more.

Furthermore, ATP’s two-way voice alarm systems allows homeowners to speak with our emergency response team with the touch of a button discuss in more detail the particular situation.

The personal medical alarm industry is more important than ever! Ensuring that seniors can live independently in their own homes with the assurance that in case of an accident or a medical emergency, help is there when you need it.

For seniors or as a personal expense for someone you love, it’s a small price to pay to know your family member is always safe and connected with a professional emergency team.

This is Real Life . You need a Real Security Company . We are American Total Protection .

The post Health Emergency Alarms appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Security Outside vs. Security Inside

Tue, 07 Jul 2015 14:05:00 GMT

A home security system will be your eyes and ears when you are not at home. It can help protect your home and property from criminal elements. Sometimes video cameras alone are deterrents enough to keep unsavory characters from entering your home if they know that the home is fully covered with a surveillance system. More importantly, in the event of a break-in, if you have a monitored security system, your local law enforcement agency is notified immediately, keeping you, your family and belongings safe from harm’s way.

At ATP Alarms we can help you decide what is needed, and our consultation is free. When deciding where to install your home security system , outside or inside, it is wise to remember that the more area of your home and property that is covered, the safer it will be for you and your family. Having security cameras that cover the yard or entire property outside will be a signal to potential troublemakers that your home is being watched and in most cases will even prevent burglars from targeting your residence in the first place.

What are the different types of cameras available for home surveillance and security purposes?

When choosing security cameras for home surveillance , both inside and outside, it is smart to choose cameras that work in a wide range of light conditions. There are cameras that work in both daytime and night-time as well as cameras that are sensitive to brightness in a really broad spectrum. If you want night-time activities detected and monitored, then infra-red cameras are your best choice.

Should you choose a visible camera or a hidden one?

You will also need to decide between choosing cameras that are visible versus those that are hidden. When choosing cameras for the yard or property, it may be smarter to install ones which are clearly visible to passersby. This will impact the decision of most burglars, helping to preventing them from attempting a break-in when security cameras are obvious from the yard or street. They will most likely assume that if there are cameras outside, there would be cameras inside too, and decide that the risk is not worth it!

If you have any questions about Security Outside vs Security Inside your home, don’t hesitate to call – Call (844) 287-2576 for a Free Consultation . This is Real Life . You need a Real Security Company . We are American Total Protection .

The post Security Outside vs. Security Inside appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Crime Rates & Home Security in Connecticut

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 14:30:00 GMT

Protect Your Loved Ones from Crime in Connecticut

Know the Risks

There are a number of crimes that can put you and your family in serious danger. Regarding home incidents…thefts, home burglaries, and unwanted intruders are just a few of the crimes that can be a serious threat. Those crimes can lead to other more serious and life impacting crimes; like assault, rape, manslaughter, and even murder. Here are some estimated statistics for the crime rate in Connecticut (2012):

In general, homeowners have no control what happens when they are not there and sometimes, even when they are home. You do not want to become another violent crime statistic, so it is important that your home is equipped with the best state-of-the-art security equipment . You may not be able to stop an intruder from entering your home on your own, but ATP Alarms has everything that you need to help protect you, your loved ones and your home from small crimes becoming serious, life altering tragedies.

What We Offer

Don’t wait until after a burglary or other more serious incident to occur before you decide to purchase a home security system . Home Security yard signs alone help deter criminals from selecting your home as their next target, but imagine the safety & peace of mind you will feel with a complete home security system from ATP . Contact us today for a Free Quote and Home Security Review !

The post Crime Rates & Home Security in Connecticut appeared first on ATP Alarms .

What’s Needed to Be Safe in a Car

Tue, 16 Jun 2015 13:00:00 GMT

Be Safe in a Car…Important Safety Tips by ATP

Today I’m inspired to write about what is needed to be safe while traveling in your car . You never know what life’s twists and turns will throw at you; this is why people buy insurance, home security , guns, dogs and other things to make them feel safe. What’s needed to be safe in a car ? I’ll tell you how I know… it was a dark summer night, my car broke down in the middle of nowhere and I wasn’t prepared. This was in the days pre cellphone, but cell phones alone should not be what you solely depend on.

It was a rural part of Florida, when I pulled to the side of the road my battery died and the only light I could see was the stars. No cars, no houses, no nothing… just stars. I could hear the mosquitoes coming before they got to me, and when they got to me the group of them could only be described as a swarm. I started to run, but had no flashlight and as I slipped I realized this situation would be even worse if I fell. I only had the clothes on my back and my wallet. I knew which direction the town was and I started in that direction. That whole time I was hard on myself. My wish list was simple;

Whether you live in warmer climates or colder ones these items could save your life . Water is imperative to survival. A flash light has many practical uses. Mosquito repellent and its need is self-explanatory and the blanket in my case would have helped keep those mosquitoes off of me, or warmed me up if I needed. A fire extinguisher is irreplaceable when you are involved in an emergency that includes fire. A cell phone could save your life, and their batteries only last so long. Carry a car charger with you in your vehicle.

All of the cars in my family have these basic essentials, and it took my personal bad experience to make sure of that. Being in the home security industry I hear stories from regular people daily about how they want to feel more secure. People worry about their homes when they aren’t there and take preventive measures to insure they have no surprises. While these measures are never full proof, what they add to peace of mind is priceless. I keep all of the above in a small milk crate in my trunk.

As an authorized Honeywell security dealer , ATP Alarms is here to serve you 24/7/365 . This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

The post What’s Needed to Be Safe in a Car appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Home Security in Melbourne, Florida

Thu, 11 Jun 2015 15:00:00 GMT

Home Security for Extra Protection in Melbourne, Florida

Statistics You Should Know

Melbourne, Florida is a beautiful place to live but it can be dangerous if you are not equipped with the proper security system to protect you, your family, and your home. American Total Protection has all of the security devices that you need for your safety.

Let ATP Protect You

Criminals can do more than just come inside of your home and put you and your family in danger. Crimes that occur in Melbourne range from the less harmful petty theft to the most harmful murder. Our security systems can equip you with the ability to protect you, your family, and your home. Do not hesitate to get the protection that you need for your home and your family. Contact ATP now for a free quote and consultation . This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total protection .

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Peace of Mind while Traveling

Tue, 09 Jun 2015 12:30:00 GMT

Peace of Mind while Traveling with ATP Alarms Home Automation

There is nothing more peaceful about traveling than coming back to your home and it being exactly the way you left it. While traveling, it is difficult to protect your home unless your house is equipped with top-notch security devices. Not only while traveling, but when you sleep too! You want your home and your family to be protected, always! Before, it was impossible to stop a fire , flood , intruder , toxic poisoning , and many other dangers while you sleep or are away from home. Today on the other hand, ATP Alarms has cutting-edge technology to keep you, your family, and your home safe from dangers that you could not prevent on your own. For true peace of mind while traveling, consider adding a home automation system.

ATP Alarms vows to keep you and your family safe and out of harm’s way. With our state-of-the-art technology, you will have access real-time footage of what is taking place in your home when you are not there.

Contact us now for a free quote and consultation to learn more about ATP’s customizable automation systems built for your home’s specific needs. And remember, this is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

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House Fires – Statistics & Prevention

Tue, 02 Jun 2015 11:30:00 GMT

House Fire Statistics

According to the National Fire Protection Association , you can expect your home to experience some type of house fire on an average of five times throughout the lifetime of occupying the home . Out of those house fires, only one of them will be reported to the proper authorities to prevent any damage from occurring. The chances of someone residing in the home being injured from an unexpected house fire are one in ten. On average, a household can unfortunately expect a house fire about every 15 years in accordance to an expected 78 years of living in the home. Typically, house fires involve small incidences like electrical fires, paper fires, or fires caused by unattended cigarettes . However, whether big or small, you want your home to be protected from fires.

According to the Carbon Monoxide Information Center , the United States sees over 150 individuals succumb to the dangerous toxin. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that has no odor and is considered the invisible killer because humans cannot detect harmful levels of the gas without the help of a carbon monoxide detector . Most carbon monoxide poisoning takes place because of faulty furnaces, fire places, stoves, or water heaters .

Protect Your Home

Not only are smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors a great way to protect your home, but having a safety evacuation plan will help you and your family to survive in case smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide were to threaten your home. Make sure to create and review with your family a safety plan just in case. If you need help preparing a plan, one of our professionals will be willing to assist you with that as well.

For more information regarding fire safety in your home, call ATP Fire – (844) 287-3473. This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection !

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Honeywell Lynx Touch 5200

Thu, 14 May 2015 17:30:00 GMT

All of these functions will only be available if you choose to activate them, of course; while there is the support for it in the device itself, users still have the option of not connecting it to the Internet or even their iOS or Android device. This does not lessen the LYNX Touch 5200 security capacity, but it does help maximize what it can do and what the users can get out of it. So while it is not a requirement to fully enjoy and benefit from what the device can do, it is a good option that is available whenever it may be needed. And that is the beauty of the LYNX Touch 5200: the myriad of options that will help make home security more accessible, more intuitive, and much more reliable.

If you are interested in the Honeywell Lynx Touch 5200 or any other home security product, call ATP Alarms – (844) 287-2576 . This is real life. You need a real security company. We are American Total Protection .

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In Melbourne We Don’t Need Home Security

Wed, 06 May 2015 14:30:00 GMT

“We Don’t Need Home Security in Melbourne, Florida!”

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I Have a Home Alarm

Fri, 10 Apr 2015 16:26:00 GMT

Why do I Have a Home Alarm System?

I have a home alarm in my house , but I don’t have all the features that they can come with. Nowadays, you can have thermostats, lighting, locks, cameras, and garage door openers all attached to your system through our Total Connect application . Recently, I have found out the hard way that I should probably be a product of what I am selling, home alarms.

This is the first time it really dawned on me that the garage door aspect of an alarm can be extremely beneficial serving multipurpose needs . Do you know how many times I’ve left to go to a party and thought to myself “ did I really leave the garage door open again? ” I will just tell you it’s about three times a week. That means that almost half of my week I am filled with anxiety and stress trying to figure out if I left the stupid door open again. It finally hit me that I would not only feel better about my safety, but it just makes my life that much more stress free and convenient .

It’s 2015, having the ability to look on your smart phone from anywhere and being able to tell if your door open is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Both of my parents grew up in the heart of New York and all the talk about is how they used to leave the front door unlocked. Nowadays, 10 minutes into a car ride she asking my father for the fifteenth time if the garage door is closed because she’s afraid of a potential break in.

Let’s face it the world isn’t as safe as it used to be. That’s why when deciding on a security company , choose one you can trust . This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American total Protection . Call us now at 844-ATP-ALRM

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Honeywell’s Lynx Touch 7000

Wed, 08 Apr 2015 17:52:00 GMT

What is the Honeywell’s Lynx Touch 7000 Control System?

LYNX Touch 7000 is designed for broadband cellular communications. The Wi-Fi® module offers the lowest cost alarm communications (including two-way voice) and remote services solution – saving installation time and reducing monthly operating costs.

Honeywell’s LYNX Connect app provides consumers with the ability to use an iOS or Android™ device to view video and operate the system on premises.

The Z-Wave connectivity module lets installers integrate security, lighting, thermostats, water valves and more – for local and remote control. With Honeywell Tota l Connect™ Remote Services, users can control security, thermostats, lighting, locks, receive alerts and more from most smartphones, tablets and computers.

Read the complete user manual here .

Always remember. This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

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Always Watching Out For You

Wed, 01 Apr 2015 14:49:00 GMT

American Total Protection is Always Watching Out For You

If you have our security and fire systems installed in your home or business then you can rest assured that American Total Protection is on constant guard for you. Day or night, rain or shine, 24/7/ 365, with our monitoring and surveillance systems we are keeping a constant eye on you, your family, and your belongings. American Total Protection is always watching out for you.

This we can say two about our United States Military. A trained, dedicated staff are always on guard for us as a country. A good example of this is the Blue Angels Navy Jets Group. “A total of 16 officers voluntarily serve with the Blue Angels. Each year the team typically selects three tactical (fighter or fighter/attack) jet pilots, two support officers and one Marine Corps C-130 pilot to relieve departing members. The Chief of Naval Air Training selects the “Boss”, the Blue Angels Commanding Officer. A Boss must have at least 3,000 tactical jet flight-hours and have commanded a tactical jet squadron. The Commanding Officer flies the Number 1 jet.” ( http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/team/ )

As I write I am inspired as The Blue Angels team is currently in Melbourne Florida where our Florida office is located. They were seen (and heard) flying right over our office and warehouse. American Total Protection strives to be like these leaders in our security and fire protection discipline’s. Experienced workers, a supporting staff, and a willingness to protect and serve. Our many product lines can help achieve this protection with our home security, access control, security cameras, fire detection, protection, and suppression. Our staff has well over 100 years of combined experience and individuals with twenty plus years in their particular disciplines.

If you’re not yet protected by American Total Protection then there’s no time like the present. Our friendly and knowledgeable sales staff are happy to come out to your home or business at no charge to give you a thorough walk through to discuss your options. This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

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A lot of Action in Melbourne, Florida

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 13:27:00 GMT

There was a lot of action in Melbourne, Florida and American Total Protection was there…

The Runaway Country Concert is a three day event out at the Wickham Park featuring top rated country music acts. They have the talent weaved together in the afternoon and evenings mixed with local bands, vendors of all sorts and a collection of different foods. With an event of this size, safety for the attendees is the cities first most concern. The event coordinator asked American Total Protection’s ATP FIRE to be their sole provider for first response fire protection around the perimeter of the event. ATP Fire has strategically placed fire extinguishers around and throughout the grounds. Along with free standing fire extinguishers , ATP FIRE is in most vendor’s tents and booths. ATP Fire also supplied equipment for kitchen fire suppression systems found in the cooking trailers and tents. Along with fire suppression systems, a Class K fire extinguisher will be found anywhere the cooking vendors are using hot grease. ATP’s fire extinguisher could be right next to the stage where the stars will be performing.

Another longtime client is the Melbourne International Airport itself . From the ticket counters, security checkpoints, checking gates, and on the grounds outside with the service crew you will see fire protection with our certifications on it . Take a look at the big fire extinguishers called Wheel Units placed by all stopping areas of the airplanes. These can hold up to 300 pounds of firefighting chemical.

The photo above was taken at our FL location, near the Melbourne airport where The Blue Angels practiced all week long. The author of this blog was thinking quick as he took this pic. As F-16s flew by in formation the noise would take you breath away.

Would you like a quote for security or fire protection? Call us now at 844-ATP-ALRM or 844-ATP-FIRE

At ATP Fire , we take the subjects of Life Safety and Fire protection very seriously. This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

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Fire Protection is Worldwide

Thu, 19 Mar 2015 14:30:00 GMT

Fire Protection is Worldwide, and Other Worlds Now…

Some sort of fire protection is found in every part of the world. All humans are subject to fires everywhere in the world. Fire protection in fact is worldwide and in other worlds now . That is not something that can be said about too many things. Fire is a double edge sword, without control it can be dangerous. On one side it can continue your life and on the other it can take it away. Everyone on earth should be least knowledgeable about fire. If we were stripped of all belongings, no electricity, we would have to know how to use fire to most of its benefits. To understand how to control it and how to gain the max benefits from it without crossing the line and being burnt causing serious injury or deaths to ourselves.

With everyone in the world being introduced to fire or some aspect of fire, fire protection is of utmost importance . Now with humans on this plant of Earth building transportation vehicles to take us to other plants and world, it’s only natural that we take fire protection. One we are conscious about controlling a fire in our vehicles (ie space ships) and two we need to be conscious about the other worlds fire. Some pictures below are what fire looks like in space and how we plan on protecting ourselves in space.

While the ISS hasn’t experienced a fire, a significant blaze did take place in 1997 on the Russian Space Station Mir. The fire came from an oxygen generator, where the oxygen supplied a ready source of fuel. Tests showed that the generator had to run out of oxygen for the fire to burn out. If a fire were to occur on the ISS, the astronauts would become firemen and follow a three-step response system.

First, they would turn off the ventilation system to slow the spread of fire. Next they would shut off power to the effected unit. Finally astronauts would use fire extinguishers to put out the flames. Learn more about it from NASA .

Fire detection and prevention is what we do at ATP Fire . Let our experts come up with a solution to your fire detection and prevention needs . Call 844-ATP-Fire (844-287-3473) This is real life. You need a real security company. We are American Total Protection. This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

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Fire is a Necessary Disaster

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 16:00:00 GMT

Why Fire is a Necessary Disaster?

“U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,240,000 _______. These _____ resulted in 3,240 civilian fire fatalities, 15,925 civilian ____ injuries and an estimated $11.5 billion in direct property loss. There was a civilian **** death every 2 hours and 42 minutes and a civilian ____ injury every 33 minutes in 2013. Home _____ caused 2,755, or 85%, of the civilian____ deaths. _____ accounted for four percent of the 31,644,500 total calls. Seven percent of the calls were false alarms; sixty-eight percent of the calls were for aid such as EMS.” (Fire Loss in the United States. NFPA Karter, Michael J. Sept 2014) Just reading those stats, you may think that the person or things behind those devastating events are monsters of sorts that should be eradicated. The culprits should be wiped out and there’s no need for that kind of action in our world, but what happens when you hear the culprit is FIRE . Still some say fire is a necessary disaster.

Fire … a reaction of oxygen in the air and some types of fuel. With the right fuel, temperature, and ignition, you have fire. Fire being one of 5 natural elements. These elements have been around the world for as longer than man has been walking and theories of before. This element is the reason behind all this property damage, injuries, and death but is the reason for so much more necessities in our life. The fire that causes death of wildlife is also contributed to the rebirth of next generation life forms that continues to give us oxygen which everyone in this world depends on.

“Fire ecology is concerned with the processes linking the natural incidence of fire in an ecosystem and the ecological effects of this fire. Many ecosystems, particularly prairie, savanna, chaparral and coniferous forests, have evolved with fire as a necessary contributor to habitat vitality and renewal. Many plant species in naturally fire-affected environments require fire to germinate, establish, or to reproduce. Wildfire suppression not only eliminates these species, but also the animals that depend upon them. Finally, fire suppression can lead to the build-up of flammable debris and the creation of less frequent but much larger and more destructive wildfires.” ( see Fire Ecology. Wikipedia )

If someone just heard of the results and not the culprit they would say who or what ever did that we do not need. But when you hear the culprit is fire , you start to question. This necessary element in nature causes some much devastation but brings us so much more. Fire will continue to be around until the worlds end and hence could be the worlds’ end as its powered by oxygen which is all around us. So yes, like bumble bees, the world needs fire.

With all of this fire, natural or otherwise, we need to be prepared should fire be used in the same sentence as our property or loved ones . At ATP Fire , we can help you be prepared. As experts in the field of fire detection and prevention we can prepare a solution for your business and home. This is real life. You need a real security company. We are American Total Protection . Call 844-ATP-Fire (844-287-3473) for a free estimate for your facility.

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Home Security and Children

Thu, 12 Mar 2015 14:05:00 GMT

What You Need to Know About Home Security and Children

Do you have an alarm? Do you also have children? It is important that your child understands the alarm and what to do when the alarm is “activated”.

Young children should never be left home alone. However, there are instances where parents feel that at a certain age, their child is responsible enough to be left alone while they run out to the store. If you ran down the street to pick up milk from the store, does your 12 year old boy know how your alarm system works? If he or she does not, this is a good start.

When the time comes that your child can be left at home without an adult, he or she should be well versed in how to use the alarm system. ATP is more than happy to walk you and your child through the basics so you feel even more comfortable leaving them home alone. You can always visit our home security section or video resource section to learn more about security systems and their devices.

This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

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Burglars and Social Media

Tue, 10 Mar 2015 14:30:00 GMT

How are Burglars using Social Media in 2015?

The whole point of this blog is to let people know there are different ways to lower your chances of being targeted for a home invasion. Whether you have a security system or are looking for one there are always little pointers to keep you more safe than the next person. In this day and age you can never be too safe. At ATP Alarms we specialize in home security . We can come to your home, evaluate your specific needs and give you a free estimate . Call our office now and we will take care of the rest.

This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

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Free Burglar Alarm Monitoring in Florida & New England

Fri, 06 Mar 2015 17:00:00 GMT

Want Free Burglar Alarm Monitoring in Florida and New England?

At ATP we have rolled out a referral program for our existing clients. Effective now, all clients of American Total Protection are eligible to receive their burglar alarm monitoring free . Here is how the program works.

This program is structured to start on the first referral of yours starting March 1st, 2015 . As a client of ATP , you will receive 3 months of free monitoring for each of the first 4 referrals of yours that sign up for home security burglar monitoring. When you get to 5 referrals that we sign up with ATP we will increase the reward to a full 5 years of free monitoring . When you get to 7 referrals that we sign up you will receive your burglar alarm monitoring free for life.

We want to deliver the best of products and services to our clients. Whether your needs are for home security, or security for your business, you can depend on ATP to deliver . We also specialize in security cameras and home automation . Our commercial division ATP Fire specializes in Fire alarm installation and monitoring , fire suppression , fire extinguishers . We sell and service pre-engineered fire suppression systems , commercial kitchen hood systems , emergency lighting and a full array of access control .

Here at ATP Alarms and ATP Fire we have grown over the last few years and we are your turnkey solution to security and fire protection . Licensed since 1989, our experienced team can find a solution for all of your security and fire protection needs. If you are interested in a quote for your home or business call our office now and we will schedule a free estimate at your home or jobsite .

This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

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Home Security Cameras

Fri, 27 Feb 2015 22:14:00 GMT

Why Home Security Cameras Are A Smart Choice . . .

Working in a home security company ; you see and hear about bad situations every day that were averted by layers of home security. It could be the smoke detector that saved the garage or the CO detector that saved a family’s lives. Then there are those people who have those layers of security configured into their home alarm and want more. Enter the home security cameras option.

Home security cameras have been around for a while, but very expensive. Technology has grown in leaps and bounds and with these advances the pricing has come way down. Whether you want a 4 or 8 cameras DVR ( Digital Video Recorder ) or something more or a bit simpler, the options nowadays are endless.

Everyone when they think about it has their reasons for wanting security cameras or CCTV as some call it. Perhaps you want to see who is picking up your newspaper on Fridays, so you get a security camera pointed out to the end of the driveway. Others like to cover the 4 corners of their home, capturing video of someone who would dare to break in your domicile. Then there are those who like to see who’s at the door, and have a video record of it.

We have clients who like to know what’s going on at home and have found that the product Total Connect from Honeywell is very convenient. Not only can you operate your home security system from anywhere with your smartphone or PC, but Total Connect cameras configured you can see when they home by receiving a motion or system activated text with a short video clip. Then if you like you can view the house in real time, its very space age and super easy to use at the same time. Total Connect cameras are wireless and are easily added to your home network/ internet. They can be used outside too.

Megapixel technology in cameras and NVRs now delivers previously unsurpassed quality for the home and is the choice of those who need very detailed images after the fact. The short story is that comparing images from megapixel to regular HD quality is night and day quality wise. The smallest of details can be zoomed up on and doing so reminded me of when I use Google Earth and zoomed down on my house.

At ATP Alarms we strive to meet your needs and budget. If you have been considering a security camera for your home or business give us a call now at 844-ATP-ALRM (844-287-2576) . This is real life . You need a real security company . ATP Alarms is American Total Protection .

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Security at Home, Car or Boat in Melbourne or Hamden

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 19:50:00 GMT

Types of Security at Home, Car or Boat in Melbourne or Hamden

As a boy scout I learned early to be prepared, this was our motto. Whether you are at home, in your car or your boat in Melbourne, Hamden or anywhere in between having security can make the difference between a good or bad time. As I have come to learn, things happen and never when you expect. If we knew when, we’d know when to buy insurance. The reality is you don’t know and that’s why you need insurance, and in that you need some other things too, which I will outline below.

Smartphone ; nearly everyone has their smartphone with them but are you prepared if your battery drops out? Having a charger with you when you travel in your car or boat will make the difference of a good situation or a bad one if you need you cell phone for an emergency.

A Fire Extinguisher ; I now have one in my home, car and boat. The only time I ever used it was I saw another person’s car on fire and I was able to put out the fire that somehow started in their trunk, probably electric. I like the ABC type fire extinguisher, the 10# kind. They are less than 2’ tall and weigh about 17 pounds which may seem a little bulky but during a fire you’ll appreciate that little bit of extra to put out a fire, I know I did.

A First Aid kit ; I have had a first aid kit in my car for years. I purchased one of the pre made kind but used up some of the items and I then re stocked with items I knew I’d use. Things like assorted butterfly and regular bandages, peroxide, tape, gauze, triple sporran, aspirin and gloves are what I keep. Whether at home, in my car or in the boat… I have used them all over the years.

Swiss Army Knife ; Perhaps the greatest invention ever, this pocket knife has come in quite handy and I recommend one to be kept in the first aid kit.

Duct Tape ; Another fabulous invention, this stuff can repair a broken window in a storm along with thousands of other uses. Having some duct tape in your home, car and boat will save the day at some point you just watch.

Home Security System ; We have a Honeywell system with Total Connect. I can use my smartphone to turn it on or off. I receive a text when there is any kind of alert and I recently added their home automation feature which not only adds many little conveniences but saves me a little bit because its smart and adjusts my thermostat at home to an economical level when the security system is in the away mode.

Having all of the above will add to your being secure and your peace of mind, which has its own value. At ATP Alarms , we can help you with security and fire systems for your home or business. We specialize in fire detection, protection and life safety . ATP Alarms and ATP Fire are subsidiaries of American Total Protection where we say- This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

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Security Cameras at my Melbourne Business

Wed, 18 Feb 2015 14:30:00 GMT

Why do I need Security Cameras at my Melbourne Business?

After a mishap between a couple patrons at our restaurant I realized that security cameras could really help at our business in Melbourne, FL . So I purchased a 4 camera DVR system from ATP Alarms. I soon realized that I really needed more than just 4 cameras and was pleasantly surprised when I had them price out a 16 camera system.

I chose a DVR with 3 terabytes of hard drive storage. With cameras being affordable now at HD resolution levels, they use up a lot of space on the hard drive on a DVR, still with the 3 TB option I have weeks of 24/ 7 surveillance to review at my leisure. Another feature I particularly like is the being able to access the DVR from the internet. I can even use my smart phone to watch the business while I’m not there and actually search the DVRs calendar for a particular event time and watch the event. Most importantly its super easy to use. If I want to see what happened last night at 11:45PM in the kitchen I simply go to the calendar of the DVR, select the date and time and push the play button on my smart phone and watch the video play in HD.

As for the cameras they have HD resolution , vandal resistant , they are outdoor rated and capable of seeing in the dark and they are the standard at ATP Alarms . Adding security cameras to our business made sense and were a great addition to the layers of security one needs for peace of mind. If you are in the market for security cameras or any type of security for your business or home I recommend ATP Alarms, where they say, this is real life ; you need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

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I Own a Gun!

Fri, 13 Feb 2015 15:00:00 GMT

I own a Gun, Why Do I Need a Home Security System?

As I discussed in my last blog, as a home security consultant , I’ve heard it all as to the reasons homeowners may not want an alarm system. My all-time favorite may be, “ what do I need a home security system for? I own a gun! ”

While it might be an exciting idea to confront the intruder, leave that stuff for the movies. There’s no way to predict the outcome. So first and foremost, our ATP lawn sign and sticker is usually enough to deter 99% of would be intruders . The reason you own the gun in the first place, should be for the remaining 1%. Those that are criminal minded enough to totally disregard the lawn signs and stickers and break in. I like to call those folks “ on purpose ” and with a mission to harm, steal or create general chaos. They are aggressively determined, physically powerful and possibly armed themselves. The bad guys have three reasons why they broke into your house:

1. Steal your money
2. Steal your drugs
3. Steal your guns

Now these people may be the specific reason you took the initiative to purchase a weapon, get proper training and now feel more secure in protecting your loved ones . The power of owning a weapon comes with great responsibility. One way to prove you’re responsible enough for gun ownership is taking it seriously enough to protect the perimeter of your house. Go the shooting range, practice your skill, enjoy it as a serious hobby, but pray you’ll never need to use it for anything else.

Depending on what research you’re looking at, having a gun in your home may or may not be decreasing the possibility of a break in . Take into consideration the number of possible outcomes for a gun owner once a burglar has found their way into your home; my money is on a home alarm system from American Total Protection as the better solution to protect you and your loved ones. At ATP Alarms we say, This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection . Call us today and we will help you with layers of security custom tailored to what you need and what you can afford.

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Does a Second Home in Hamden Need Security?

Wed, 11 Feb 2015 15:00:00 GMT

A friend posed this question recently; Living primarily in Melbourne Florida , I know I need home security because of the energy features and monitored smoke detectors but I have a home in Hamden, CT which I visit a few times a year, does the second home in Hamden need home security too?

My initial thought was if the property had value, then yes but if it wasn’t worth much I wasn’t too sure. As I delved into the subject more I realized that my friend was taking advantage of the feature in the system he purchased last year. He at first wanted just security , which I was happy to accommodate. As he came to read about all of the features his Lynx 7000 had he decided to hook up a thermostat to the system. With the security system configured to be a certain temperatures when he was home and away he started to see how it would save him on his energy.

He added more z wave modules after, first it was lighting and later he had to have the z wave enabled garage door opener . My friend also liked the weather and traffic report he would see on his screen as he left the home after arming the system . He was one of the people who enjoyed technology.

Getting back to his question, does his second home in Hamden need security, I think yes and here’s why ;

Insurance discount ; because the home has a monitored security system with monitored smoke and CO detectors he will receive an insurance discount.
Energy savings ; Incorporating home automation into the heating and cooling will save even more money and add convenience.
Peace of Mind ; One of the rewards of a home security system is peace of mind.

Most people think about the investment when thinking about home security , but as you can see based on the above it’s pretty much a wash because when you add it all up home security pays for itself . People have many reasons for getting home security systems these days. Some enjoy the fact they can see what’s going on at home when they aren’t there . While others say they like to be able to lock and unlock their doors remotely , along with their security… this way they don’t have to give out a key . Total Connect text messages of issues on sight keep you in the know should there be a problem.

At ATP our motto is; this is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

Now You Know Why a Second Home in Hamden Needs Security

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Being a Security Consultant for ATP

Thu, 05 Feb 2015 15:00:00 GMT

Being a Security Consultant for ATP

Now don’t get me wrong, I appreciate and enjoyed my time at my previous position, but being at ATP is completely different. Everyday going to work you realize you have the ability to keep a home or business out of harms way . Whether its installing an elaborate camera system at someones house, a basic security system at a mom and pop shop , or fire system at a school, I know what I am doing is something that can truly help someone. With my expertise I know that I can help change the outcome of otherwise certain terrible situations by offering one of the various security related solutions available at ATP . It could be catching a robber on camera and then being able to retrieve your great grandmother’s wedding ring that’s been passed down thru generations; or a fire alarm sounding properly and being able to get all of the nursery school kids out of the building. At the end of the day I know what I am doing is bigger than me. That is why I take such pride in working for ATP , where we say, this is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

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3 Ways to Limit Home Invasions

Tue, 03 Feb 2015 17:43:00 GMT

When you think of burglars, you think of low lifers who have no common sense, which is why they are criminals. For the most part you’re correct, but there are some burglars whom are very intelligent, thinking everything thru while looking for their next spot to plunder. That is why I am here, to tell you about three different home security tips to help you lower your chances of being broken into .

The first one is easy, TRIM YOUR SHRUBS . Not only do you want your residence to look nice, but it also makes your windows in plain sight. If you have large bushes covering your windows it makes it easier for an intruder to come in due to the fact that they are hiding. Simple and easy solution—no money needed just a little elbow grease. The second idea might involves a little bit of money and effort, but motion activated flood lights are essential. If you’re home and your back yard is pitch black, do you think a robber is really going to continue to scope out your house when they are lit up like the sky on the fourth of July? I am going to take an educated guess and say they will be moving out of there in no time. Last, stop having packages delivered to your residence when you’re not there . Is there a better tell all sign that you are not home than having a big fat package laying on your front door steps? Think about it, if you had the package shipped to the delivery center and picked it up after work you may never have been in this terrible situation.

These may seem like very small measures to take in regards to your home security, but trust me, they are essential. We’re well into the New Year and it already seems like we are on pace to surpass last year’s number of home invasions. Do the right thing and take the necessary steps to protect your home, belongings, and loved ones this New Year. I work at ATP Alarms , we are American Total Protection . Our motto is “This is real life . You need a real security company .” Should you need anything, or simply have a question do not hesitate to call 844-ATP-ALRM

3 Ways to Limit Home Invasions

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Security Industry Break Though

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 14:00:00 GMT

When Did The Security Industry Break Though Happen?

Having worked in the security industry for a few years now, it is always fun to look back and see some of the major changes that have taken place . In the security industry switching from hardwired contacts to wireless contacts was a revolutionary security industry break through. The fact that customers no longer needing to have technicians making holes in their houses to run wires is huge, so I can see why many people in the industry see that as the biggest change. For me the biggest transition is people using cellular monitoring for their systems .

There are a lot of benefits to having cellular monitoring that people don’t even think about. The most common thought is that if someone cuts your phone line it won’t matter because you’re actually running of the cell unit which will still send a signal. While this is definitely the best reasoning as to why you should be switching over to cellular, here are a few other reasons as to why people are starting to make the transition. Home phones are old and outdated. I don’t mean to come off in a rude manner, but seriously, who uses a landline anymore. Most people are paying for a landline and never even use it because their cellphones are glued to their hands.

Seeing as how everyone carries around their cellphones with them most calls that come into your home phone are someone trying to sell you a knife set or something random from a telemarketer.

When you have cellular monitoring it is something that we will be installing and monitoring so if something goes wrong with your system, you know who to call. No more phone tag with three different companies to try and figure out the situation.

When it is all said it done is landline an option that should be totally dismissed? Perhaps not, but the way I see it is if there are way too many benefits from cellular monitoring that you should not even think twice about it. In order to give your family the safest state of mind , why not go with the best technology out on the market. Then tell your wife how much you saved by losing the landline. It has definitely great seeing our customer base take advantage of this technology and I can’t wait to see what other kind of goodies our industry will come up with in the near future. Please if you have any questions call our office at 844-ATP-ALRM . This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

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Nor’easter Precautions

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 14:25:00 GMT

Important Nor’easter Precautions and Tips

The benefit of living in New England is getting to experience all four seasons. The negative of living in New England is getting to experience all four seasons. With our first “ Nor’easter ” among us, please take the necessary safety precautions.

Preparing for a winter storm can help protect your valuables and more importantly, your family. Prior to the storm, be sure to:

Also, it is not a bad idea to put together a supply kit . We are a life safety company and we always like being prepared, even if that means being over prepared. Here are some suggestions for your supply kit:

These are only some basic items that will make you and your family much more prepared for inclement weather. We encourage everyone to keep an eye on elderly friends and family —be sure to call and check in during the storm.

For future storms, you may consider purchasing a panic unit for elderly family members . If something happens during these cold months, it is important that emergency authorities are notified immediately. These panic/emergency pendants are very inexpensive and provide a great piece of mind during storms .

As always, if you have any questions about life safety , please give ATP a call today . Stay warm!

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Travel Tips from ATP

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 13:30:00 GMT

Helpful Travel Tips to Protect Your Home and More

While away on business or vacation , homes and personal property are susceptible to various threats . A home can suffer from:

– Burglary
– Smoke damage
– Fire damage
– Lower temperature damage
– Water damage
– Vandalism

ATP helps mitigate the above risks. Additionally, you have the ability to check your home in real time to see its status. Let me explain how this is possible.

American Total Protection has various home security devices that help homeowners achieve peace of mind.

Worried about increased crime in your area and a burglar breaking into your home? ATP offers state of the art security systems that provide complete perimeter protection of your home. If someone attempts to break in, you will immediately receive a phone call from our UL listed monitoring station. You can’t answer? The authorities will be dispatched.

Is your home in the North East and you travel during the winter? ATP offers low temperature detectors that will notify you if the temperature in your home falls to a certain degree . If you ever run out of oil or your furnace fails, your home may drop to below freezing temperatures resulting in frozen pipes and serious damage. These low temperature detectors can save your home!

Do you live on the shore? Having a water bug installed by American Total Protection can alert you if your home ever floods . This can help reduce water damage.

Are you constantly worried the neighborhood kids may vandalize your beautiful mailbox? ATP can install affordable and non-invasive surveillance cameras to help keep an eye on your property .

American Total Protection is a full service life safety company. We offer a variety of solutions for those that worry about the status of their home. Please call ATP today for a no cost solution .

This is real life . You need a real security company .

The post Travel Tips from ATP appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Security Decision

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 14:00:00 GMT

Making a Security Decision?

The amount of business I receive at American Total Protection due to homeowners or businesses not being happy with their current system is mind blowing. Everyone wants to save money , we at American Total Protection get that, but there are ways to secure you belongings while not breaking the bank on the system. You are making an investment and protection your family or business . If all you are worried about is getting a security system for free then you most likely don’t have the right reason for wanting a system.

Like I said earlier in the blog, pricing isn’t the only thing though. People these days do not ask enough questions, they only see dollar signs. As a salesman it’s my job tell you everything about our company, but I often times wonder if other salesman from other companies do that. Here are a few things that make us a little different from our competition:

Like I said, these are just a few of the benefits that we offer that make our company so unique. One thing I can tell you for sure is that most companies will not have qualities like the four I mentioned above. So whether you’re looking for a new system or looking to switch companies , do your due diligence before making a decision , otherwise you might be going thru the same process within the next year.

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A Strategy for Success

Sat, 17 Jan 2015 16:00:00 GMT

The Connected Home – A Strategy for Success

This past November, for 3 days Honeywell’s elite group of security dealers, The First Alert Professionals gathered in Orlando, FL for the Connect 2014 convention. In that time, special sessions were set for all of the attendees with a special focus on quality , service , new technology and other facets of the security industry. American Total Protection’s Rence Coassin was on hand as a keynote speaker at the convention on the topic of the strengths of the Connected Home- A Strategy for Success .

Life Safety

Community Service

At American Total Protection we consider ourselves fortunate to be able to be recognized as a life safety solution and to be in the position to also give back to the community. Receiving an award for such things is quite humbling and gratifying.

While we install smoke and CO detectors on a daily basis here at ATP, this story was especially rewarding when a person called the office earlier in the year thinking they needed service because of the beeping on their keypad, our kick thinking employee quickly identified this was a CO alarm and told the caller to evacuate everyone. Later the fire department confirmed that CO levels in the home were too high and a horrific accident was averted. Read more about this story here .

Organizations big and small can all make a difference . As a family owned business , American Total Protection has a vested interest in our community and its well-being. We encourage everyone to get involved, and to make a difference.

The post A Strategy for Success appeared first on ATP Alarms .

I Have a Dog

Thu, 15 Jan 2015 16:15:00 GMT

“I don’t need a security system, I have a dog.”

When you’re in sales, you hear it all. One of my favorite responses when presenting the idea of providing security for someone’s home is, “ I don’t need a security system, I have a dog ”. My response is usually, “ great, I’m sure you love your dog, so all the more reason to get a security system ”.

The idea of home security is to provide security for the entire family . Most people I know consider their dog as a member of the family . Actually, the dog may be their favorite family member in many instances. Being in the “dog house” usually refers to a family member of the human nature.

A barking dog, we’ll call him Sparky can certainly deter a burglar at times. But a professional will hit a home when nobody is there and Sparky may be nothing more than a two minute nuisance. There are stories of teams of two burglarizing a home at when nobody is home. One person will break a bathroom window getting the undivided attention of Sparky. He then throws in some meat with poison on it and burglar number two enters from the back door, makes his way through the house and slams the bathroom door shut, locking Sparky in the bathroom.

As awful as this story sounds, it happens. The other scenario is a fire. What if the homeowners are not home and a fire starts. The smoke detectors go off. Sparky, our favorite four legged guy is alone and has no way to get out. With a monitored smoke detector, the call center is alerted immediately. They then dispatch the fire department. Sparky is saved, thanks to a monitored smoke detector .

Many people think having a dog is reason to not get a security system for their home, when in reality it’s just another reason to get a home security system . Save Sparky, get a Honeywell Home Security System from American Total Protection .

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Smash and Grab

Thu, 08 Jan 2015 16:00:00 GMT

How Do You Detect a Smash and Grab Robbery?

For home security , there was once a time when elite security companies frowned upon using a “ one box ” solution. A one box solution refers to when the control panel (the brains) and the keypad are together in one unit . Most alarm systems are “ two box ” solutions. Meaning, the control panel is located in a basement or utility room and has a wire running to the keypad(s). These systems can accommodate hardwired and wireless devices. Additionally, the control panel is often in a metal “can” and out of sight, making it difficult for burglars to locate. This provides an added layer of security as a burglar could not rip the control panel off the wall before it communicated with the monitoring center. These systems are still very popular, but the security professionals at American Total Protection feel comfortable recommending another solution . One box solutions now have “ smash and grab ” technologies. Since the keypad/ control panel is typically located by a door, it is very accessible and visible to a potential robber. This allows potential intruders to rip the unit off the wall. With the new technology in Honeywell’s Lynx Series , the homeowner is protected . This is how it works in a hypothetical break in:

1. The door is opened , which results in the panel sending a “ ping ” through Alarmnet, Honeywell’s secure communication path.
2. The robber locates the Lynx 5200 on the wall and smashes it off the wall with a baseball bat.
3. Seconds pass and our monitoring station attempts to send a ping back to the Lynx 5200 , which is not received.
4. The monitoring station calls local authorities to make them aware of a possible break in.
5. The monitoring station calls the secure call list .

With this “ Advanced Protection Logic ” offered by Honeywell , the one box solution is now extremely secure. Although the Lynx Series cannot accommodate hardwired devices, the wireless technology has developed significantly over time, resulting in reliable transmissions and prolonged battery life.

The Lynx Series is ideal for :
Homes , both new and old, that are difficult to wire
Homes without basement or utility rooms
Homeowners that may be moving shortly and want to bring the Lynx with them

For more information regarding the Lynx 3000 , 5200 , and 7000 , please reach out to an ATP professional today . (844) ATP-ALRM/ (844) -287-2576

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American Total Protection is a Family Owned Company

Tue, 06 Jan 2015 14:30:00 GMT

American Total Protection is a family owned home security company with offices in Melbourne, FL; Hamden, CT and Salem, NH. We have customers all over the Florida and New England areas. We are often asked by our customers: how do you typically meet potential clients?

1. Existing customer base
First and foremost, ATP owes its success to existing customers. By far and away, our customers are the leading lead source for our new business. For that, we thank you! Whether it is a customer referring us to a new neighbor, leaving our company literature at their old home, or suggesting to a friend to call us, a referral from an existing customer is treated as gold at American Total Protection.

2. Cold-Calling
Our sales team is constantly trying to educate friends, families, and peers on the need for life safety products. In other words, they cold-call! Whether it is Michael visiting a BNI group or Dillon leaving a flier with a new home buyer, our sales team works very hard to educate potential customers. If you happen to see an ATP team member our on the road or in your neighborhood, do not hesitate to say hello!

3. Internet and Social Media
As you may have noticed over the past year, we are increased our internet and social media presence. This has allowed American Total Protection to increase brand awareness and ultimately lead to more sales. We try to keep existing and potential customers up to date on security trends and technology through our website and social media outlets. If you ever come across an interesting article pertaining to life safety, please pass it along! We would love to share it with our other clients.

As Honeywell authorized security dealers we have the backing of a Fortune 100 company, yet ATP is still a family owned company and we always will be . Our clients sometimes are intimidated by our growth. We hear their concerns but we believe that the larger we get, the more our existing customers will benefit.

As we onboard new customers, it allows us to better service our existing customer base. For example, if we used to have 10 customers in Lakeville, CT and we now have 20, it allows our service department to more efficiently services that location, resulting in faster service times for our existing customer base.

In addition, as we grow, we receive better equipment pricing from our suppliers . This allows us to offer more competitive pricing to our existing customers on new equipment !

We value your business and want your help in growing! Please provide us feedback on how we can be better! Call, email or visit our website.

American Total Protection is a Family Owned Company and Always Will Be!

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Home Security, Don’t Leave Home Without It

Thu, 01 Jan 2015 17:30:00 GMT

It may sound cliché, but we live in a time where it should be your mantra; home security , don’t leave home without it. Really, nowadays you need home security while at home too. We live in a time where we see burglaries , home invasions , and other even worse type assaults regularly in the news. What is the cause of this? The answer will be different depending on who you talk to, and I’m not searching for an answer of ‘ why ’ here. You need home security because of this.

I’m sure everyone would agree that technology across the board has become more intelligent, even our TVs are now smart, and who doesn’t have a smart TV? I love mine, and I’ve had a smart phone for years. Like the whole smart wave, home security technology has jumped leaps and bounds in the last 10 years. A few years ago now Honeywell introduced Total Connect to the general public and suddenly controlling your security from your smartphone became reality, but to some smartphones and the like technology was a bit out of their price range. Well, those days are gone too. My smart phone bill is half of what it used to be, and the time has never been more affordable to combine these smart services.

Home security just makes sense these days, add in the smart phone interface and you can achieve peace of mind remotely knowing your home and family are safe. Video cameras from Total Connect are a great option. Now add in home automation, which is the next generation option from Total Connect . Imagine your smart phone talking to your smart home and you ends up saving money. How you may ask, because you can now integrate your home security with the items that cost you the most energy wise in the home ie: AC, heat, your lights and much more. Say you have a leak; there is now a device that when configured into your home security system could inform you via text. It’s the same with other devices like monitored smoke and or CO detectors . When you have those configured into your home security system, the monitoring station sends help immediately, how’s that for peace of mind!

Would you leave home without your smart phone? Home security , don’t leave home without it or home security… your worth it, or home security, now that’s smart. Either way, the reasons for having home security have added up to the point where it’s a must have. If you would like to learn more about Total Connect and what it can do to change your lifestyle, give us a call now at ATP Alarms and remember, this is real life . You need a real security company , we are American Total Protection .

Home Security, Don’t Leave Home Without It

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Holiday Security Tips

Tue, 30 Dec 2014 15:30:00 GMT

Holiday Security Tips to Help Keep Your Family Safe

– Protect those presents ! This time of year, homes typically have more presents than usual in the house. Whether it is dump truck for your child, a watch for your wife, or a beautiful new tie for your partner, these things all have sentimental and monetary value. Protect that value!

– Do not put all your boxes on the curb ! Bad guys love this! You become an easy mark when you put your Samsung 52” TV box outside next to your Xbox box. Be cautious. Take the extra second to break down the boxes.

– Cooking ! People are often behind the stove more frequently around the holiday. Be cautious! Never leave the kitchen unattended when the stove is on. Also, follow these tips for kitchen grease fires:

Elderly family! This time of year there is a lot commotion. Give those elderly parents and relative extra attention. Walk them into the house. Carry their food platters. All the extra hustle and bustle may make Nana more tired than usual.

As always, if you need any extra advice, please reach out to an ATP Security Consultant today !

The post Holiday Security Tips appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Code and Smoke Detector Options

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 14:00:00 GMT

What Are Your Local Code and Smoke Detector Options?

Current residential fire code requires a hardwired smoke detector on each floor, each bedroom, and every hallway to every bedroom . Although this may seem excessive, the code was created to save lives. There are deadly fires every day and by having the proper amount of smoke detectors, it may make the difference between life and death . Depending on where you reside, the code and smoke detector options many vary.

The best way to go about protecting your house from fire is to install monitored smoke detectors from the beginning. However, this is not always the case. Often times, the homeowner does not know the difference between a “ 110 smoke ” and a “ monitored smoke ” and the homeowner is under the impression that the smokes will tie directly into the alarm system. If you happen to have 110 smokes in your new home, ATP Alarms has two solutions.

The first solution is what we call a “ relay ”. Your Honeywell certified ATP technician would connect the circuit your 110 smokes are on to this relay. When one of the smokes is tripped, the relay will be trigged and American Total Protection ’s monitoring station will be called. There are pros and cons of this solution. The pro with this solution is that your unmonitored smokes are now monitored. One of the cons is that the relay cannot identify which smoke is actually triggered—making the homeowner unaware of where the potential fire is. Also, anytime there is a power surge or low battery, the relay may be triggered. Needless to say, having your house protected with a monitored fire system outweighs any possible con.

The second solution is relatively new to the market. This device is a wireless module that detects the pitch of an unmonitored smoke (and also carbon) alarm. By placing it next to one of your 110 smokes, it immediately makes that smoke, and every other smoke (if they are tied into one another, which they most often are) monitored. The pro of this solution is that your smokes are monitored. Also, unlike when you have a relay, a power surge or low battery should not trigger an alarm. The con is that the device is not hardwired and is wireless. To date, we have not had an issue with this module.

American Total Protection recommends installing monitored smokes from the beginning as it is the only way to have point identification of which smoke detector is triggered. However, if you have 110 smokes and want to better protect your family, home, and belongings, we offer alternative solutions. Here at ATP we understand that every home we offer to protect is unique. Sometimes we need to think outside the box in order to make a family feel safe and secure.

This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

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UL Listed Central Monitoring Stations

Tue, 16 Dec 2014 16:00:00 GMT

What are UL Listed Central Monitoring Stations?

Redundancy is extremely important when considering an alarm company . With the recent storms our country has experienced, ATP Alarms is very fortunate to have a central station that takes such pride in providing consistent and redundant monitoring services. For example, when the North East was affected by Hurricane Sandy, we were able to consciously streamline the calls to the monitoring station in Arizona. In doing so, our customers experienced the same fast response time that they are accustomed to.

Equally important as redundancy is the quality of the employees . COPS management is constantly training and certifying its operators and staff. Utilizing a certification for operators from 1-6, this department is constantly striving to improve. On site, COPS has a room dedicated just to training.

After my tour of the COPS monitoring facility, it is clear that the company has invested heavily in the infrastructure. Boasting more than 40,000 square feet, the building is extremely organized and security. Over the years, COPS has called Williamstown, New Jersey, home and the company has become a staple in the community. After speaking with various managers, it became evident that each employee was trained and promoted internally. This allows American Total Protection to have access to a staff that truly knows the business inside and out.

The American Total Protection and COPS relationship is constantly evolving. Our teams are in contact on a daily basis in order to service our customers effectively. By having a very transparent and involved relationship, ATP is constantly discovering ways to better services that meet our customers’ needs. After visiting COPS facility, I am even more confident that our customers are in the right hands.

Are you a current customer and have a question or comment on how we can better service you? Please feel free to leave a comment on our website and we will address it immediately.

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Connecticut Home Security Must Haves

Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:15:00 GMT

What are the Connecticut Home Security Must Haves?

First , you need a low temperature detector . A temperature detector will alert you when the temperature in your home drops to a certain degree . You will receive a phone call from our UL listed central station explaining that your detector went off and if you would like anyone else to be notified. If you are hours away from home (in my current situation, being on the other side of the country in Utah), this allows you to call a friend or family member to head over to your phone to turn off your water and help fix the problem. This has prevented thousands of dollars in damages to homes. In fact, my uncle’s home was saved this past winter as a result of ATP Alarms alerting him that his temperature detector was going off . By the time my aunt arrived at the home, the temperature was 40 degrees.

At ATP Alarms , we strive to be proactive in protecting our customers and their livelihood. By adding the above devices to your current system, your home’s infrastructure will be better protected. Combine that with an ATP Alarms security system with our well known yard signs and decals and you will experience the peace of mind that comes with having an ATP Alarms security system .

The post Connecticut Home Security Must Haves appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Security Makeover

Fri, 05 Dec 2014 15:30:00 GMT

Do You Need a Security Makeover?

Many of our customers have analog camera systems with a DVR (Digital Video Recorder). We encourage all new customers do invest in megapixel cameras with an NVR (Network Video Recorder). What’s the difference? In simplest terms, think standard TV vs. HD TV. With an analog system, you will be able to recognize a person if you have met them before—you will see prominent features. With a megapixel system, you will be able to see whether the person on the screened shaved that morning. Also, the playback features with an NVR are much more advanced, allowing you to zoom in and expand video clips with ease. So, what happens when a customer has 11 analog cameras but what wants to add three megapixel cameras and upgrade to an NVR?

ATP offers a hybrid NVR —it can handle analog cameras and megapixel cameras. It will not enhance the quality of the analog cameras or have new playback features; however, the hybrid NVR will allow the customer to add new megapixel cameras that will have better picture and enhanced playback options. In many instances, a customer chooses to replace some the analog cameras in the areas that require the best surveillance. This is a great option for customers that want to update their camera systems but are restricted by a limited budget.

Since some of our customers have been with us since the early 90’s, they happen to have very old equipment. The positive of having a system that was installed 25 years ago is that it is most likely hardwired. We can tie in any hardwired system into a more advanced control panel. Meaning, in order to upgrade the communication path and user interface (keypads), all the customer needs to do is change control panels and keypads— the rest of the devices can be utilized ! Many times, customers do not call to upgrade because they feel that in order to upgrade they must replace every window and door, which may cost thousands of dollars. Instead, a customer can invest in a new control panel and new keypads for only a few hundred dollars !

Interested in upgrading your surveillance or security system? Please give American Total Protection a call today .

This is real life . You need a real security company .

The post Security Makeover appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Monitored Smoke Detector

Wed, 03 Dec 2014 15:00:00 GMT

Why Choose Monitored Smoke Detectors?

How does that old aged expression go? “ If a tree in the woods falls, does anyone actually hear it? ”. The same can be said when talking about standard battery powered smoke detectors . If you are not home, and the smoke detectors are going off, are you going to hear them from the grocery store or wherever you may be? This is why having monitored smoke alarms come in handy. Wouldn’t you want someone to show up at your house to put out a fire if you were not home and had no clue what was going on? For you readers thinking “that’s what I have insurance for”, think about your possessions or your pets. For a small sum of money protecting your prized belongings and animals is worth it, don’t you think?

When comparing a basic smoke detector to a monitored smoke detector one can say it’s like bringing a squirt gun to an old western duel. Is it a gun? Does it work? Will it get you out of this predicament that you are in? Now I can’t sit here and tell you that a battery powered smoke detector serves zero purposes because that would be a lie. If you are at home and sleeping sure it will probably do its job, (assuming they have been tested and are still working properly). If you had a monitored smoke detector configured in with your monitored security system the central station would be calling your home, your cell phone and the fire department. The main concern of course is life safety and when you are away from home, and the potential stress and tragedy you would have to deal with if your house were to catch on fire. I suggest you seriously consider adding monitored smoke detectors to your layers of security . I also suggest you read these stats from the US Fire Administration

This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

The post Monitored Smoke Detector appeared first on ATP Alarms .

You Need a Real Security Company

Fri, 14 Nov 2014 14:30:00 GMT

This is real life. You need a real security company.

This is real life. You need a real security company… What does that mean? As one of my associates recently said, “ Can you recommend a Japanese restaurant that serves good pizza? ” His point? It is the same as asking “ Do you know a cable company that offers good home security? ”

With that said, my experiences with cable companies have not been customer service oriented. In fact, last time I had to deal with a cable provider, the company missed three “windows” . In the alarm industry, that is unacceptable. When a customer’s alarm is going off in the middle of the night, service is expected to be prompt and professional. When there is an actual alarm, it is even more important that a trusted company responds immediately and professionally. ATP ’s owners see every complaint and suggestion that comes in through our website. If we are not performing up to your standards, we would like to know about it, it’s the ATP family way.

When designing a security system , ATP does not offer a cookie cutter solution. Each home is unique and each family unique, resulting in a uniquely designed security system that meets a family’s needs and budget. Our installers are all licensed and trained accordingly. Each week we hold training sessions on the latest equipment and code in order to ensure that all of our employees are well versed in the security field. We are constantly monitoring crime trends to ensure that homeowners in those regions are given the opportunity to learn about better protecting their families.

Next time you see or hear a fancy advertisement come across the television or radio , do your research and ask yourself— is this a real security company ?

This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

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Partitioned Alarm Systems

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 18:30:00 GMT

What are “partitioned” alarm systems?

American Total Protection offers “ partitioned ” alarm systems for residential settings. A partitioned alarm system means that one part of the system can be armed while the other side can be disarmed . A system like this is very beneficial and effective for the below scenarios.

By placing contacts on specific cabinets, gates, or doors, ATP Alarms can make your system more secure and more effective. When your system is configured with our Total Connect option, events can be pushed to your smart device and you know in real time what’s going on and where. We can either place those points on a separate partition or simply notify the customer via Total Connect.

It is our goal to design a system that meets your lifestyle needs and budget. Whether it is to protect your family from intrusion or fire or to protect your little ones from the hazards within your home, call us now for a free security assessment .

This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

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Security Advisor

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 16:30:00 GMT

Why Do I Love Being a Security Advisor?

We know each person has a reason for installing a security system. Whether it’s protecting loved ones, ensuring the safety of valuables, or having the simple ability to access state of the art technology through their smartphone or tablet, it still comes down a feeling….and that’s ‘ peace of mind ’. Home Security makes our lives more efficient, and in the busy world we live in, allows us to go through the day knowing ‘ what we love ’ is protected.

We know we can’t be in more than one place at a time. Whether it’s an inquiry about a simple home alarm, motion sensors, window or door contacts, keyless entry, infrared sensors, surveillance cameras, personal panic button, smoke or carbon detector etc. it all boils down to one thing….. security allows us to rest a bit easier .

Here’s the best part about what I do; people are truly happy to see me when I arrive at their home! The fact that I can be a part of something bigger than myself, and help families with what they treasure most, means the world to me. There are also instances where I visit with a new family, and they aren’t exactly sure what they want but at the very least, they know they want to feel safe. In that case…I’m even more thankful I’m there! My goal is to provide that person ‘peace of mind’ through my vast knowledge, great service and customer care; exceeding needs is what I do best.

In fact, I had a recent follow-up appointment with a client who stated….’I was lying in bed last night, arming the new security system, using my phone, and for the very first time since buying the house I felt at peace knowing me and my son were safe. Up until then, I was always anxious at night….thank you.’

I love what I do.
Every day there is another reason, and another family like you.

This is real life. You need a real security company .
We are American Total Protection .

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Design Your Fire System with ATP Fire

Tue, 28 Oct 2014 16:30:00 GMT

Why Should You Design Your Fire System with ATP Fire?

Do you own commercial property ? Are you considering building your own space? ATP Fire can assist with the design and installation of your fire system . American Total Protection boasts thousands of commercial customers, each with unique needs occupying a unique space. Each municipality and building requires a specific fire alarm system. Through working with the owner, engineer, fire marshal, and our supplier, ATP Fire can hold your hand through the process of installing a fire system that meets your safety and insurance carrier’s needs.

For example, do you know the difference between a conventional and addressable fire system? A conventional system does not show “ point verification ” while an addressable system will indicate exactly what devices was triggered. An addressable system, although more expensive, is certainly worth the investment as it help fire fighters efficiently and most importantly, safely, navigate a building with a fire alarm . ATP Fire can help explain and navigate to prospective customers questions like these.

As a result of being in business for over 25 years, we tend to know what each municipality requests of its property owners. For example, if there is a “ bonus room ” above the garage, the town of Hamden requests that a heat detector be placed in the garage and in the bonus room. These are little tidbits that our technicians, sales people, and managers have learned over the years that allow us to provide our customers with clear and concrete information. This allows customers to stick to their budgets as they know upfront what is expected of them.

ATP Fire can also assist you with the purchase of fire extinguishers . Unsure of what type you require for a particular setting? ATP has the experience to guide you in the right direction. Per national fire code, each type of facility requires a specific type of fire extinguisher. Having the wrong type of fire extinguisher can result in damaging the type of machinery and product in your facility and also lack of effectiveness.

Municipalities and insurance carriers require different types of fire protection. By having a clear plan from the beginning stages of construction, you will be able to accurately stick to your budget and time line. ATP Fire offers free consultation and welcomes the opportunity to walk you and your business through the intricacies of designing a fire system that meets specific requirements.

This is real life . You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

The post Design Your Fire System with ATP Fire appeared first on ATP Alarms .

It Seems Like A Great Deal

Thu, 16 Oct 2014 16:20:00 GMT

It Seems Like A Great Deal Until. . .

Flash forward a couple of months to December. The bag that you bought your other half is completely trashed. This supposedly high end dealer you bought from sold you a knock off, and seeing as how you have no clue who he is you have no way on contacting him. Now, this is just a $300.00 handbag we are talking about. What if I told you the same thing occurs in the life safety industry ? Sixteen windows, three doors, one motion, one key fob, one keypad, install and equipment for FREE . Oh, I forgot to mention that they are paying you $150.00 if you sign up today? If you’re thinking to yourself “ wait something is fishy here ”, then you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. Do you think you are going to be getting the best product and service from a company that is giving away an abundance of equipment and then giving you money to have it installed? We aren’t talking about knock off designer bags anymore. We are talking about the safety of your family , pets and the new handbag you had to buy here.

Don’t be one of those people who fall into a security trap. Take the time to get to know the ins and outs of the system, the company, and its products. Do you really want the headache of having to spend more money on another system because you tried to cut corners originally? If you answered no, then do your research on American Total Protection , a family owned , Honeywell authorized security dealer , fully licensed , insured and trained company . We use the highest rated equipment in the industry, and we promise our sales representatives won’t fall off the face of the earth like some of these other companies. At ATP, we specialize in security and fire protection . If you’re going to put in the time and effort why not find the right company? Contact ATP today and protect who you love .

This is real life . You need a real security company .

We are American Total Protection .

The post It Seems Like A Great Deal appeared first on ATP Alarms .

What Is Managed Access Control?

Wed, 08 Oct 2014 17:00:00 GMT

What Is Managed Access Control & How Does it Work?

Are you a business owner ? Do many of your employees have keys ? If you are a business owner that issues keys to your employees, you understand the struggle that occurs when an employee leaves your company. What if the employee left unexpectedly and did not return the key? What if he or she made copies prior to leaving the company? You may need to change every lock and issue brand new keys, which is often a hassle and a large expense. ATP offers a solution through its managed access control systems .

Access control is very literal term; it allows you to control access to your building . By having a managed access system, authorized individuals can actively manage who can enter which door and at what time. The first step of purchasing an access control system is to schedule a security consultation with an ATP security professional . One of our associates will assess your needs and preferences. Afterwards, ATP will install “ door strikes ” and card readers for every door that will be part of the system. A business owner can compile a list of which users will be issued fobs or cards, what doors they may access, and during what times . These cards that are issued can act as photo ID’s and also payroll cards.

By issuing each employee a card, management can now better control access to their building. Please picture the below scenarios.

– Your maintenance person says they went to the office on Saturday to clean but it is a mess on Monday. You can check the event log to see if he or she actually went to work.

– You are on a beach in the Bahamas and your administrative assistant notifies you that one of your sales people just left to work for a competitor. You can log on through web based software and deactivate the employee’s card.

– One of your employees notifies you that she misplaced her card. You can immediately erase her old one and activate a new one.

The above scenarios are very common and are often very stressful, time consuming, and expensive, but they do not have to be. Being proactive by making an investment upfront to install an access control system , you can eliminate stress in the future. Allow ATP Alarms to help you better manage your business’s security today, you will not regret it.

This is real life. You need a real security company . We are American Total Protection .

The post What Is Managed Access Control? appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Is My Home as Smart as My Phone?

Wed, 01 Oct 2014 16:30:00 GMT

Can My Home Really Be as Smart as My Phone?

As technology re invents itself from season to season I see the term “ smart ” used on many devices. Cars are smart, TVs are smart, cellphones are smart and now homes are smart . This term may mean your smart device anticipates what you want and serves it up on a platter, although I have yet to see the cellphone that I can pour tequila on and a margarita pops out. I wonder, is my home as smart as my phone? Things that make you say hmmm.

My child showed me how our smart TV could talk to my smart phone. She was showing me her You Tube video on our smart TV, and somehow it knew we wanted to see that. My day job has me in the security industry, and I’ll tell you, it’s hard to keep up with all of the things these home security systems can do. For instance, The Honeywell Lynx 7000 can control the security on 80 individual zones. That’s your doors , windows , smoke and CO detectors , flood sensors , temperature sensors and motion detectors . Then there’s you’re 6- IP cameras which all communicate through this Lynx 7000 to you. Add in all of your z-wave devices like lights , shades , dead bolts and thermostats and you start to scratch the surface. The thing is that combined with the Total Connect software and it’s app for your smartphone there is a world of information available to you via your smart phone, but how and why?

How… because all of these devices are configured with a smart device, in this case the Lynx 7000, and through Total Connect, which makes them all virtually available to your smart phone, tablet or PC from anywhere there is internet. So now, not only do you receive reports from your home security, but actually control the many z-wave ( z-wave is the way the devices talk to the Lynx 7000) devices you have at home. Imagine the possibilities! You can also view your IP cameras, look into your home in real time and receive video clips of activity.

Add into the mix that you can configure multiple scenes into the Lynx 7000. This means you could enable your lights to come on and off based on the day and/ or time. Then, there are your shades and your thermostats. You can experience real energy savings because your smart home security system knows when you are home, and when you are away. With the sunrise / sunset feature you can have your outside lights turn on automatically at dusk and off at dawn.

Why… need you ask? Because I can! Until now, this is the stuff they only had in secret agent movies Characters like James Bond, Austin Powers and Matt Helm have nothing on these smart devices now. You can too, call ATP Alarms 844-ATP-ALRM and ask about how you can make your house a smart home .

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Monitored Smoke Alarms

Fri, 19 Sep 2014 16:15:00 GMT

Do Monitored Smoke Alarms Really Save Lives?

With so many layers of security available , I was wondering what could be the most important. For me, if I had to pick one I think it’s the monitored smoke alarm , actually a monitored smoke / heat detector , the keyword- monitored . Statistically, most people who have monitored home security don’t have this priceless option configured into their home alarm system. When a monitored system is configured with smoke and heat detectors, it can save the response time of the fire department not to mention the lives of your family and pets. Regular smoke alarms are code now for all new construction, and they work great when you are home, but your neighbor won’t hear them if they go off and you’re not there. This is the big advantage to the monitored smoke detector , they work whether you are home or not , if there is an alert with that device, seconds later the monitoring station will be calling the fire department. Seconds save lives !

The NFPA estimates are staggering .

No, you don’t want to be a stat on their website, yet the sad truth is accidents take no holiday. As a Honeywell authorized security dealer and licensed since 1989 , Life Safety has always been our biggest concern at ATP. Whether you have a home security system that needs some devices added, a business that needs a fire alarm or fire sprinklers we can facilitate your every need. We also sell and service fire extinguishers in all shapes and sizes. We can come to your home and business and evaluate your needs and offer you affordable options that make sense and fit into your budget.

Big enough to handle the largest commercial job, still small enough to care. At ATP Alarms and ATP Fire , we are American Total Protection . This is real life, you need a real security company .

The post Monitored Smoke Alarms appeared first on ATP Alarms .

CO is Extremely Dangerous

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 17:30:00 GMT

Always Remember CO is Extremely Dangerous!

The companies that were merged together to form ATP Alarms have been around for over 20 years . With that said, there are tens of thousands of homes that have an ATP Alarm system in the house. However, not every homeowner has activated his or her alarm for one reason or another. Recently, we had a homeowner call in from an address that we used to monitor (they just moved in and had not activated the alarm yet). They called because of a beeping coming from somewhere in the house. The man on the phone thought that it was something to do with his ATP Alarms system. However, after speaking with Anna, one of our associates in customer service, the homeowner realized that it had nothing to do with our system. Anna, as a result of many years in the life safety business, began to ask the homeowner various questions in order to determine what this annoying beeping could be. Anna, by asking the homeowners if they had unmonitored CO detectors , discovered the issue at hand. Once we determined that it was in fact the CO detector making the noise, Anna instructed the homeowner to remain calm and move to fresh air immediately. She also instructed the homeowner to not open any windows, as it would prohibit the fire department from detecting an accurate CO reading.

After the fire department performed its analysis, there was in fact a CO leak . We are so proud of Anna and her quick thinking and instructions. She even went the extra mile and called the homeowners an hour later to see if everything was okay.

We recommend all homeowners have monitored CO detectors, as CO can disorient you to the point where you are unable to think or act rationally. By having a monitored CO detector, someone from our UL listed central station will reach out to you to determine if there is in fact a real emergency. Never assume that it is a faulty battery or dirty filter. CO is deadly and you must act accordingly.

Whether you are an existing customer or a citizen in need of answers, ATP Alarms is American Total Protection and we will go the extra mile to help.

This is real life and you need a real security company.

The post CO is Extremely Dangerous appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Fires, Security and Pest Control

Wed, 03 Sep 2014 16:30:00 GMT

Fire Extinguishers, Fires, Security and Pest Control Tips

American Total Protection is your single source for both your fire and security needs . At ATP Fire , one of the products they sell and service is fire extinguishers . Fire extinguishers single handily serve purposes of fire protection , security protection , and pest control . As mentioned in previous blogs, fire extinguishers are a handy tool in fighting crime . “I have heard stories of fire extinguishers being used to back off invaders or break up fights . The cloud of powder that is projected from the hose of the fire extinguishers causes irritation to the eyes and throat and makes it difficult for one to see or breathe.”

Fire Extinguishers are comprised of multiple types of chemical , sizes , and exerting pressure . The chemical types can be either a dry based powder chemical, a wet liquid chemical, or a gaseous chemical. All types are made of formulas of products that mixed together give it an element of fire elimination. These chemicals can be in agent cylinders ranging in sizes of 2.5, 5, 6, 9, 10, 15.5, 20, 125, 150, and 350 lb units. The agent cylinders will be pressurized with a type of gas (usually nitrogen or argon). These cylinders depending on the size and type of chemical storing will have a variety of pressure inside them to allow the power of exerting the chemical up the pickup tub and out the discharge hose of the extinguisher.

Fire extinguishers are a multi-use tool that can be used for much more than just fires. ATP Fire has a wide variety of sizes and types for sale. If you have never used one, feel free to swing by their offices for a free demonstration and our home fire extinguisher special.

The post Fires, Security and Pest Control appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Sponsor Habitat For Humanity

Fri, 29 Aug 2014 16:35:00 GMT

American Total Protection Sponsors Habitat For Humanity

ATP Alarms / ATP Fire is the team that is American Total Protection . This family owned and run company has been sponsor for Habitat for Humanity starting 2014. Wanting to be good stewards of the community and looking for meaningful partnerships just seemed like the right thing to do. At Habitat for Humanity, it’s really the gathering of an entire village all doing their part. “Recognizing the real impact that this organization can make for needy families is quite overwhelming” said Lena McAneney , security consultant in the alarm division at American Total Protection .

All through the community and the nation, homes created by this group Habitat for Humanity are popping up. Real contributions both financially and from the sweat of volunteers make it all happen. On their website , I went to their history tab to see when it all started. This is an excerpt from that page-

“The desire to make a difference … the goal to change lives, and make sure that all of God’s people in need had a simple, decent, place to live lead a small group of six people (Willie Colbert, Kathleen Dryden, Arden Johnson, Ginny Johnson, Jim Moore, and Louise Moore) to host a meeting on September 23, 1985, at First Church of Christ in Palm Bay. The purpose of this meeting was to set up the formal organization of a Habitat for Humanity affiliate. Six standing committees were formed, and in November, 1985, South Brevard Habitat for Humanity was officially registered as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International.”

Besides their efforts building homes in the community , There is a store run by Habitat for Humanity called ReStore , check out this video to find out what its all about – and how you can help.

There is an event coming, The Hard Hats and High Heels Gala which is sure to lure plenty of like-minded philanthropy styled people who want to participate in this type of giving something back to the Brevard County community and points beyond. American Total Protection is a sponsor of this event and will continue to support Habitat for Humanity keep their homes safe providing fire extinguishers and home security systems . We encourage our friends and like-minded contractors to do what they can, when they can. Helping families is what they do, and at ATP Alarms and ATP Fire we have found a commonality with their goals and efforts. We express our sincere thank you to this organization for organizing these noble efforts.

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Old Phone Lines Soon To Be History

Wed, 20 Aug 2014 16:30:00 GMT

Why Are Old Phone Lines Soon To Be History?

There are a couple of distinct advantages to having cellular monitoring on your ATP system too. Number one is it eliminates the possibility of a burglar defeating the alarm system by cutting the phone line . The second advantage is the communication via the cellular to Honeywell’s secure alarm net . This allows the end user remote accesses to the alarm panel through an added feature called TOTAL CONNECT. An app on your smartphone will allow you to arm/ disarm your system remotely and much more. TOTAL CONNECT can also send an email and text alerts to home/ business owners when their alarm has been armed or disarmed. If you wanted to upgrade your system to ATP alarms home automation, TOTAL CONNECT would allow for the end user to control individual devices in their home through z wave technology. Through our home automation suite, a homeowner could turn operate Z-wave enabled lights, control thermostats and locks all through this single app enabled through your home alarm system.

Many security systems today are still communicating through copper lines. As this technology is phased out it is important to consider your options for ensuring that your security system is upgraded to today’s technology. I have laid out in this blog some of the exciting features cellular communication can offer the owner of a home security system. At ATP Alarms , we take your security very seriously and we want our customers and future customers to be aware of their options in choosing which system works best for them. If you have any questions please give us a call to set up a free consultation . This is real life and you need a real security company, ATP Alarms – ATP Fire – American Total Protection .

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What Do I Need for Basic Security?

Wed, 13 Aug 2014 16:30:00 GMT

What Do I Really Need for Basic Security and Safety?

The answer is more complex than the question. Here are some facts as reported by Bureau of Justice Statistics; FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program;

Where a thief gains entry:

34% enter through the front door.
23% enter via a first floor window.
22% use the back door.
9% enter through the garage.
6% use unlocked entrances or storage areas.
4% use the basement to gain access to the home.
2% use the second floor.
65% of burglaries are residential.
-> Homes without security are 3x likely to be burglarized.
-> A favorite target of a thief is the master bedroom.
-> Favorite items include; cash, drugs, jewelry, electronics and your guns.

So which entrance should you protect? Let’s hold onto that question while I post some more statistics;

Let’s talk more about burglaries:

-> When Do Most Burglaries occur? Between 10:AM and 3:PM
-> How often do burglaries occur in the USA? Every 14.6 seconds a burglary takes place 24/7/365
-> How long does the average burglary take? An average of 8-12 minutes
-> Who is the typical burglar? A male teenager who typically lives within a couple miles of your home is. Yup, those darn kids. The chances of being hit by a pro are statistically low, still its best to plan for the best and prepare for the worst.

Full perimeter protection means having a contact on all of the entrances and windows, and that’s what I recommend for starters.

Motion detectors are great second layers of protection along with glass break detectors . A home armed with these layers and a monitored security system stand a fighting chance against thieves.

Security cameras are a very proactive way to protect who you love. Should your domicile be violated, you’ll be glad you have video of the culprits. Money well invested.

Other layers of security for your home or business include monitored CO and smoke detectors . Every year people die from exposure to CO, smoke and fires. At ATP, our central station monitors for these devices and in the event of an alert, whether you’re there or not, ATP will send the authorities will be sent immediately. In situations like these, seconds saves will save lives.

Speaking of fire , ATP is American Total Protection , and while the core of our business has been security, we are fire protection specialists. We have a full line of fire extinguishers which we sell, service test and inspect. Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher per floor in my opinion, and we have all kinds. The ABC extinguisher is what is recommended for residential applications.

Besides fire, water can wreak havoc on a home or business. Special sensors can warn you of a leak saving you a ton of money. Also available are temperature sensors. These can be used in many ways, warnings if it’s too hot, or too cold, in a freezer a temp sensor would warn you and avert a disaster, especially in a commercial application. All layers of security and by now you get the picture.

Total Connect ; If there’s an alert, the central station could warn you and your security system configured with Total Connect could send you a text warning.

This is real life, and you need a real security company.
You can count on ATP Alarms and ATP Fire , the team that is American Total Protection .

The post What Do I Need for Basic Security? appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Can Snowbirds Really Fly?

Thu, 07 Aug 2014 17:00:00 GMT

Can Snowbirds really fly? Let’s take a birds-eye view….

Wikipedia defines them as the following:

These extended periods of travel back and forth for Snowbirds mean managing multiple houses, and very different lifestyles. Streamlining the effort has been made easier with the world of advanced technology, especially in Home Security . American Total Protection understands you can’t be in both places at once.

ATP Alarms has offices in New England and Florida and that means one stop shopping to protect your home or business , and what matters most to you. It’s the best of both worlds (literally) for ‘Snowbirds!’ Also, American Total Protection ’s state of the art ‘ Total Connect ’ products from Honeywell allow you to have a birds-eye view of what’s going on at home base, even when you can’t be there. Centralized control of locks, gates, smoke and CO2 detectors, thermostat, appliances and lighting, via PC, tablet or smartphone has made security more efficient for today’s world, and your busy lifestyle . So, go fly, go! We’re here when you’re away, 24/7/365.

This is real life. You need a real security company. American Total Protection .

The post Can Snowbirds Really Fly? appeared first on ATP Alarms .

Home Security Evaluations

Wed, 30 Jul 2014 19:00:00 GMT

Telemarketing Home Security Evaluations by Who?

If the safety of your family, home, and possessions is so important why are you just going to buy something over the phone like that? This is your lively hood we are taking about, not some piece of plastic to make you sweat out the Big Mac and shake you had the night before. Sadly though, this is becoming a trend in the industry, and it is certainly one that I do not agree with. How would someone be able to construct a security system personalized for your house or give you security tips when they don’t even know the layout of the land? That is why here at American Total Protection , we feel it is invaluable to set up an appointment because it does not just start and finish with a security system.

When an ATP consultant comes to your residence he or she will not only talk to you about the products we have to offer, but also other tips to make sure your premises protection is perfect. Has anyone ever asked you over the phone if you have flood lights in your back yard or if you have considered trimming bushes that obstruct a certain window? If you said yes, you are probably a fibber. Although telemarketers are annoying, they are not creepy, and realize if a random stranger said that over the phone the cops would be called within 2 seconds of the conversation ending. All kidding aside, these are just a few tips that can help improve your home safety and they are things we are constantly examining when meeting with a potential client. Seeing as how American Total Protection is a family owned, Honeywell authorized security dealer and Fasa / Basa trained company, we take pride in doing things the right way. We have collectively been in the life safety industry for over one hundred years, and there is a reason why our customers are so loyal. To end this blog I would just like to mention although I may give you an opinion to trim a bush I would suggest you hire someone else to do that job, as I do not have the sturdiest of hands.

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American Total Protection

Wed, 23 Jul 2014 14:30:00 GMT

American Total Protection is ATP Alarms / ATP Fire

ATP Alarms and ATP Fire is American Total Protection . More specifically, ATP Alarms and ATP Fire represent the two divisions of American Total Protection, LLC . This team provides a complete turnkey solution for all of your security and fire protection needs. At ATP , there is a real emphasis on life safety, and all of the tools you would expect to achieve that goal of keeping people safe, hence the “ Total Protection ” part of the company name.

Whether you are in New England or Florida , should you need monitored home security, monitored business security, security cameras, access control, tele-entry or security gates, the team at ATP Alarms can get accommodate you. Should your business need a monitored fire alarm, monitored fire suppression items like sprinklers, a pre-engineered fire suppression system, kitchen hood fire suppression, fire extinguishers or emergency lights, ATP Fire is the answer. Need service for all of the above? This team that makes up American Total Protection has you covered, it’s one call- fix all .

Recently, ATP was recognized as one of the top 3 dealers of the year for Honeywell , building the business over 71% from the previous year. Lots of companies sell the Honeywell products, if a business has qualified with a great record with the BBB and other criteria they may be selected by Honeywell to be an authorized security dealer , and few of those security dealers whom qualify, could become part of the highly coveted elite group of First Alert authorized Security Dealers, another division of Honeywell .

At American Total Protection , we take your security and life safety seriously. We pride ourselves as being on the cutting edge of technology while at the same time being the type of company that can be reached when you need something. You will always reach a person when you call us, even after hours and you won’t feel like a circus poodle jumping through hoops in an effort to speak with whom you need to speak with. We’re real people and we run a real security company. We’re large enough to handle any commercial project, small enough to keep you as our job number one .

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Did I Lock The Door?

Fri, 18 Jul 2014 15:30:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered, “Did I Lock The Door?”

It is time for another quick brain exercise for all of you regular readers out there. Envision this scenario because I am sure it is one that most of you have experienced before. It’s your typical overcast day in June; you’re sitting in an airport terminal waiting for your bird to arrive to bring you to your destination. What’s on your mind? If you said sitting on the beach, under the sun, sipping on a white Russian, then you’re lying. The reason why I know you’re lying is easy, never trust someone who mixes vodka with 2% milk. But in all seriousness, you are probably thinking, “I wish my spouse would stop nagging me, “ Did you lock the doors, and is the garage door is closed? ” Did I lock the door I asked myself? Do you really want to be leaving for a family vacation with that on the back of your mind? I am going to go out on a limb and say probably not.

Now I know that the American Total Protection blog spot has talked about the ‘ Total Connect ” application on numerous occasions, but I am here to tell you about the latest feature we offer. When you are in a rush you tend to forget to do some of the simplest things. In my family’s house, it tends to be closing the garage door . It has gotten to be so bad that my mom actually had to put a picture of Albert Einstein on the door to remind my brother to close it (if you’re reading this Evan, I apologize). Instead of continually worrying about your garage doors being open or closed, it would make sense to add remote controls for the garage door to your “ Total Connect ” application, don’t you think? If you’re starting to think “gee this is going to be pricy, I have to get these brand new garage doors” do not worry, that’s not the case. All you have to purchase is the 5877GDPK door sensor kit to tie into your system. Once you have purchased the sensor you can control your garage doors anywhere in the world that you have cellular service or wireless internet connection.

By adding this product to your ‘ Total Connect ’ repertoire, you can now control every possible way to get into your residence with one click of a button. Let’s go back to the earlier scenario. You’re sitting in the airport terminal, ready to go to your destination. What is the one thing that is on your mind ? If your answer is “ it’s a good thing I decided to purchase garage door sensors for my Total Connect application from ATP Alarms ”, then you’ve passed the exercise. So travel and go about your daily activities with the peace of mind that American Total Protection and the Total Connect application have you covered. More importantly, don’t forget to protect who you love. Remember ATP Alarms / ATP Fire is American Total Protection . Call us today and we will gladly try to answer all of your questions.

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8 Ways to Improve your Home Security

Tue, 15 Jul 2014 16:30:00 GMT

Discover 8 Ways to Improve your Home Security Today!

There are many layers of security for the home . In this blog I will touch on some of the simpler ways to improve on your security there. Most burglars enjoy the cloak of darkness, but some will strike in broad daylight. Implementing these strategies will make a difference to you and your family. Try these 8 ways to improve your home security .

Lock your doors ; This may seem like a no brainer but many people believe their neighborhood is safe, but when you think about it burglars want to go to the “Nice” neighborhoods. The unlocked door is an invitation to a thief. A deadbolt with a longer throw will make for a more fortified door. Check this link for more info.

Lock your windows ; Again, I’m not trying to insult your intelligence but open windows are an invitation to a burglar, when you leave the home, please lock your windows.

Trim your bushes ; keeping the shrubbery trimmed and off the home will not only make it more difficult for a burglar to hide, it will also keep the bugs out too.

Close your garage door ; an open garage door is very inviting to burglars and can give them an idea on what to expect once inside. Even if the rest of your doors and windows are locked that open garage door may give them just enough cover to break in.

Reinforce your doors and glass sliders ; there are many aftermarket products designed to help your doors to be more secure. First access your doors vulnerability. Is the frame strong? Is there a window in the door? Glass doors can be lifted of their tracks easily if not pinned properly. Luckily there are solutions for all of these and as simple as a wooden dowel jammed into the track to prevent the door from opening could slow a burglar and maybe they will pass on your house opting for something with a bit less hassle.

Get floodlights with motion detectors ; not only will you surprise a burglar while they’re sneaking up to your house with some nice bright flood lights, but because you have them set for motion, you won’t use much electricity. Get the motion detectors with the photo cell on there so they know when it’s light out.

Get security yard signs and stickers ; These are great deterrents, and burglars will usually pass by a home with these. Make sure to put them on your front and back doors along with all of the windows.

Get a monitored security system and use it ; It would surprise you how many people have a security system but never use it. Nowadays with items like Honeywell’s Total Connect , you can operate your security system from anywhere. Have you ever wondered if the system at your house was turned on? Incorporating a monitored security system into a plan like I just explained here will help you protect who you love. AT ATP Alarms , we help people every day, from entry level security systems to security systems for police stations. We want to make you our job number one, call us now and we will come to your home and give you a free no obligation security evaluation .

The post 8 Ways to Improve your Home Security appeared first on ATP Alarms .

An Alarm is Like Insurance

Thu, 10 Jul 2014 16:30:00 GMT

Learn How an Alarm is Like Insurance

You would be surprised how many of my alarm customers have never had an alarm before now. With all of the crimes today I wonder, why is that? To me an alarm is like insurance, when you have it, you don’t need it. Actually, you should have insurance and you should have an alarm, because you really need both.

Dogs ; your dog could get hurt or worse during a break in. Make no mistake, burglars are bad guys. I have read horror stories on the internet about oven cleaner being sprayed on the dogs face, this is done to incapacitate a dog, but it could kill it. I’ve heard of dogs even being kid napped. At my house our dog is part of the family. Pictured are Layla and her visiting brother Bear.

Guns ; Then there is that arsenal of guns that could get stolen while no one was home. Guess where those guns end up, yup… on the street. Guns are a favorite target of burglars.

Nothing of value ; usually, burglars don’t know what is in the house. They’re looking for jewelry, guns, money and drugs. Many people assume that because they don’t have much, somehow the thieves know this too. When a burglar selects a target, part of the reason is that they think nobody’s home.

If your home is burglarized it can change your life, but there are more reasons to have a home security system- Life Safety. At ATP Alarms, I am a security consultant and as such I see and hear it all. The one thing I don’t like is when after something happens, the customer calls me and wants an alarm tomorrow. I would have rather protected them by installing an alarm system before they need it.

Did you know heat, smoke and CO detectors are some of the major life safety concerns in your home? A monitored detector for fire/ smoke or CO can save your life and the lives of your pets too. We cannot forget your home investment and everything that’s important to you. This is why I talk about Fire/Smoke and CO detection. I want you to develop a family plan to where all of you meet outside if there is a fire for instance. This way everyone is safely out of the home and can quickly determine who is missing. So please do yourself a favor and have a fire escape plan for your family.

As a security consultant, I know that when I visit your home, I can educate you on how easy the alarm works, and teach you about the other equipment options that can enhance your system and your peace of mind. At ATP Alarms, our motto is “Protect Who You Love” and as an authorized Honeywell security dealer we have everything you need to keep you safe. Give us a call now at 844-ATP-ALRM

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When choosing an alarm company?

Tue, 08 Jul 2014 16:30:00 GMT

When choosing an alarm company for home security?

That is a very complex question, What should you look for when choosing an alarm company? Whenever a consumer purchases a product, he or she typically has three things in mind: quality of product , customer service , and price . It is the consumer’s goal to maximize each criterion. However, it is often IMPOSSIBLE to have all three. At ATP Alarms , we try our hardest to maximize these key elements as much as possible. Below I will rank the criteria in order of what I find most important.

1. The Product ; We are talking about life safety —not a dishwasher or a boat. An alarm system can save your life. It protects you and your family from theft , home invasion , fire , carbon monoxide , water damage , and even low temperature damage . You NEED it to work. With that said, the quality of product is the most important criteria to purchase on. Anyone can go to Lowes or Amazon and order home security equipment and install it himself. American Total Protection is a Honeywell Authorized dealer —we are appropriately licensed and we are trained by the manufacturer. When you purchase a monitored security system from ATP Alarms you can rest assured that it will function.

2. Customer Service ; Similar to criteria number 1—this is life safety ! When your system is not working properly, you need a company that will respond in a timely and ethical manner. Going on vacation and need to add someone to the call list? Call ATP Alarms and we will satisfy that request promptly. Did lightning strike your home and cause damage to your alarm system? ATP Alarms will work tirelessly with your adjuster or insurance company to make sure that you are compensated fairly. When it comes to you and your family’s safety, customer service is critical.

3. The Price ; Price is often the driving factor in people’s decisions. However, when it comes to security, you “get what you pay for”. With that said, you should be weary of the company that charges new customers $20.00 a month. You should also be weary of companies that “ bait and switch ” their customers. Some companies will sign up homeowners to an introductory rate and raise their monthly bill throughout the course of the contract. With that said, ATP Alarms has solutions for ALL budgets ! We understand that people have financial restraints and we will do the best we can to protect your family with the budget that you have.

When buying a product, one must always consider the above three criteria and remember that you can never have each criteria maximized. However, you can hope to have a company that does its best to maximize all three. If I was selling you an alarm and you could only have two of the above criteria, what would you choose to leave out? This is of course, a redundant question. ATP Alarms is American Total Protection , where we bring value and peace of mind .

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Giant Corporate or Family Run?

Wed, 02 Jul 2014 16:30:00 GMT

Giant Corporate or Family Run Security Company?

Do you want your home or business security systems monitored and serviced by a giant corporate entity or a family run operation? This is a conundrum. To be objective, there should be strengths in a giant corporation by comparison, but are there? Certainly their sheer size of marketing campaigns would speak of such financial muscle, but how does this equate when it comes to the end user? To me there are certain features that I want in selecting who I want to do business with.

Do You Want a Giant Corporate or Family Run Security Company?

ATP Alarms is a Family Run Security Company Serving Florida and New England - (888) 903-8803

Phone Calls : When I have an issue, is it reasonable of me to think that when I call their office, I would reach a human? When you call a corporate giant, one of the BIG guys, typically you don’t reach anyone at first, you have to push a sequence of buttons. While I enjoy automation in other circumstances, when I want to speak to someone, I don’t want to have to push all of those buttons. I like it when I call that number and someone in the company answers, a luxury not usually found with the BIG companies. At ATP there are no automated answer machines, and during business hours you can expect a person the actual office you called to answer and route your call. After hours our calls are routed direct to our central monitoring stations, six on the east coast. At the time of the call the operator either takes a message or live transfers the call to our emergency tech, with whom you will speak with and is available 24 / 7 to handle your emergency.

E-mails : Now when I send an e-mail to a company, what should I expect? Those big corporations have thousands of people there. Surely they should get right back to me right? Wrong, more times than not, these type correspondences fall into a vast void, you’re better of calling – see above, but wait a minute, “they’re always there” isn’t that what they say? Well they’re somewhere I suppose.

Having an A+ rating with the BBB and a short list of disgruntled clients is something that the Giant simply cannot boast about.

The equipment : There are many recognizable brands, why Honeywell? The answer is simple, affordable cutting edge quality. Honeywell is a Fortune 500 company and the spec’d equipment in most of the government buildings in North America too. But doesn’t the BIG guy sell Honeywell too? Sure, but to be an authorized Honeywell security dealer you have to meet certain criteria. Having an A+ rating with the BBB and a short list of disgruntled clients is something that the Giant simply cannot boast about. Don’t take my word, do a google search with their name and the word complaints after it. Honeywell will sell their equipment to any buyer, but they will authorize only those companies whom have met the above criteria in a positive light.

Honeywell is a Fortune 500 company and the spec’d equipment in most of the government buildings in North America too.

Price : Let’s face it, everyone wants a great price, and even more they want great value and if you’re like me you want it all. I want the quality of equipment, the expert service, the highly rated customer satisfaction, the ease of communication and a company with all of that wrapped into one .

ATP Alarms / ATP Fire = American Total Protection, and we specialize in all facets of security and fire protection. While our company is bigger than two guys with a truck, we’re no corporate giant either. Licensed since 1989, we proudly serve 5 states (soon to be more) and we’re still family owned and operated. We’re big enough to handle all of your security needs, yet still small enough to care.

Monitored Alarm Systems Are Great

Fri, 27 Jun 2014 17:30:00 GMT

Monitored Alarm Systems are Great

Monitored alarm systems are great —that’s why we sell them. They protect property owners from theft, invasion, fire, poisonous gases, and several other dangers. If there is ever a threat, American Total Protection’s UL listed monitoring station will contact the proper authorities. These are the benefits that are associated with a monitored alarm from ATP Alarms . There are also several other functions that help protect home and business owners that are not necessarily related to the monitoring station, but help you and those that you care about live a safer and more efficient life.

With our most recent smart home technology, Total Connect , we have many offerings to the modern day home and business owner. Below are some practical ideas that can be added onto your current alarm system or new installation.

Medicine/ liquor cabinets . We can now attach a slim contact to your Madison or liquor cabinet. If this cabinet is ever opened, it will not call the police (unless you want it to), but it will send you an immediate notification via text or email to make you aware

Gun Safes . If you are a responsible gun owner, you most likely have a safe. To add another layer of protection, attach a contact to the gun safe. With our Vista 20 control panel, we can partition your alarm to have your gun safe armed at all times, while the rest of your house is disarmed. Want to disarm your gun safe? Simply disarm that partition from the keypad.

Doors to your backyard . We can program these doors to “chime” whenever they are opened. This is a necessity for homeowners with a pool and children. Hearing that door chime can prevent potential swimming pool tragedies.

Lifestyle management . This does not go through the central monitoring station but rather through your smart phone or tablet Total Connect application (download this app at no cost!). This will allow you to unlock doors, adjust lights, and even adjust your thermostats from anywhere in the world.

The technology in the alarm space has evolved drastically over the years. Although this technology has existed, it has always been cost prohibitive. ATP Alarms offers various packages to make systems affordable for any budget . Want to pay more upfront and less monthly? Not a problem—you can speak directly with upper management to find a solution that works. Just purchased a new home and strapped for cash to pay for the equipment up front? No worries—we can break down your payments over the duration of your contract.

ATP Alarms is your family owned alarm and home automation company. We understand that our customers are in various financial situations and we do our best to adapt accordingly. We are small enough to care and big enough to make a difference.

As always, if you ever have questions about life safety, please do not hesitate to call American Total Protection today .

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FREE – Fire Retardant Effectively Exerted

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 16:30:00 GMT

FREE – Fire Retardant Effectively Exerted

ATP Fire sells: Inspecta-Shield™ Fire Retardant

Inspecta-Shield™ FIRE RETARDANT , by N.Y. Fire Shield, is a Class A fire retardant for fibers, lumber, and wood materials. Premixed, easy to apply, non-toxic, non-allergenic, colorless, odorless (when dried), durable, and UV stable. UL classified and approved by the CA State Fire Marshal. The product works by slowing horizontal and vertical flame from spreading. Does not prevent charring, but treated items will not support ignition. Directions are included. Not recommended for outdoor use .

Sizes :1 qt , 1 gal, 5 gallon
Application method: Quart Spray Bottle

Fire retardant has been purchased by clients of ATP Fire for many different reasons. Some of these reasons have been to apply on Tiki huts , indoor drapes , clothes around flammable equipment , and certain covers used for covering supplies , equipment , and/or machinery . Large scale applications have also included large event spaces like auditoriums or stage venues . The large mezzanine drapes to the curtains hanging on the stage require certain application methods. ATP Fire helped orchestrate a solution for a college auditorium in these procedures. Certain methods of cleaning had to take place before applying the chemicals.

Tiki huts are a popular item in our Florida territories. From our residential clients to our commercial clients, the Tiki huts have a high potential for fires . Tiki huts are usually made with a wood frame and a roof consisting of layer palm tree branches. These branches once dried and layered makes a great cover for shad and protection from rain. But when the branches are dried out and are not wet from the rain, they become a fire hazard as the braches have the ability to catch fire quickly if introduced to a heat source. As you go to build your first or next Tiki hut, be aware of the surroundings and placement of the Tiki hut. Remember to use ATP Fire’s recommended fire retardant and apply the recommended amount. The application methods and recommended quantities are listed on the chemical bottles. Also be cautious to think if even with the fire retardant applied to the Tiki hut and it still caught on fire, what’s around the Tiki hut that could also catch on fire . It’s a good idea to try and keep a safe distance from your home or business if building a Tiki hut to prevent the spread of fire. Should you have any questions about your fire protection needs please give us a call and we will set up a no obligation appointment to go over the many solutions ATP can offer you, call toll free 844-ATP-FIRE

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Salem NH, ATP Alarms Smart Home App

Fri, 20 Jun 2014 17:30:00 GMT

What is the ATP Alarms Smart Home App for Salem, NH?

Are you new to Salem, New Hampshire ? Do you have people coming and going out of your house? Dog Walkers? A cleaning person? Routine maintenance? Do you want to know when people are coming into my home and just as important, leaving? Now in Salem as well as most of New England ATP Alarms offers a solution for those with a similar wants. Through Honeywell’s and Salem NH ATP Alarms smart home app , Total Connect , we offer our customers text, video, and email alerts. Imagine the below scenario.

You and your partner live a very busy life—work, kids, extracurricular, etc. and you just do not have time to clean your home. As a result, after several interviews, you hire a cleaning person/company to come once a week. After their first visit, you come home to a spotless home. However, you also have a bill for 5 hours of service on your kitchen counter. How do you know it took five hours ?

If you have a Total Connect , you can receive 10 second video clips every time someone walks by your front door! This is ideal for holding those performing home services accountable. You will be notified when your alarm is disarmed and when it is armed. You will be able to see when someone leaves your home and also enters your home. By having this service, it does not mean that you do not trust someone—it simply eliminates the question, “am I getting what I paid for?”

These alerts serve several purposes—not just holding those accountable. For those with young children who take the bus home from school or walk home, our Total Connect cameras can send a 10 second clip when they arrive at home. By receiving such a clip, parents will be able to confirm with certainty that their child arrived home safely and that he or she arrived alone. We can also add contacts to specific cabinets and safes in your home. Would you like to receive a text when your liquor cabinet is opened? If you had a gun safe, would you want to know if it was unlocked without your permission? By purchasing a home security system through ATP Alarms , you will have a greater peace of mind .

If you have any questions about home security or life safety, please give ATP Alarms a call for a free consultation .

Thank you for reading.

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Affordable Wireless Security

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 17:30:00 GMT

Do Affordable Wireless Security Systems Exist?

Installing a home alarm system 25 years ago was luxury afforded only to people with considerable means. This involved the wiring of each individual sensor through the walls and back to the control panel. As you can imagine the labor costs involved in a hardwired system pushed the cost of a security system out of reach for most Americans, with average installation prices in the thousands of dollars . Over the past few years the technology and reliability of wireless alarm sensors have drastically decreased labor costs and security systems have become very affordable. No longer does a homeowner have to deal with long and often times messy installations. A licensed alarm technician can install an affordable wireless security system in a couple of hours providing peace of mind to the home owner without the large installation price tag .

A problem with many wireless alarm systems is that they can easily be defeated by a “smash and grab” technique . The idea of smash and grab is that the intruder is able to destroy the wireless alarm system during the delay time for disarming the system before the alarm can communicate to the central monitoring station . This problem has plagued wireless technology for years . However, Honeywell has employed a new technology in its Lynx 5100 wireless system which puts the problem to rest . The technology is called Advanced Protection Logic and it comes built into all Lynx 5100 systems that Honeywell has created and ATP Alarms installs . The technology is made possible through Honeywell ’s secure alarm transmission network called AlarmNet . With APL / Advanced Protection Logic turned on, as soon as an entry delay zone is breached , AlarmNet’s Network Control Center receives a signal and if an alarm or a disarm signal is not received by the end of the programmed entry delay time (because the security system has been destroyed), an alarm will still be sent to the central station . Simply put even though your security system is not able to communicate to the monitoring station AlarmNet knows that your system has been compromised because it did not receive a signal at the end of the delay time (either an alarm or that the system has been disarmed) and the monitoring station is notified.

This innovative technology has made wireless alarm systems every bit as effective as traditional wired ones. At ATP Alarms we work hard to embrace and deploy all the latest technology that comes to market. Advances such as this allow us at ATP to better protect our customers which is our goal every single day. With lower installation costs, and the wireless “smash and grab” problem solved, ATP can continue to provide top quality service at prices everyone can afford. At ATP alarms we believe security is a necessity not a luxury. Call now to arrange a free no hassle security review of your home or business .

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FAQs on Home Security

Fri, 13 Jun 2014 17:30:00 GMT

Learn Common FAQs on Home Security

Are you interested in a home security system ? Have you been visiting various companies’ websites? Maybe you have even have had some in home consultations. If so, you have probably read or heard words like “ control panel ”, “ keypad ”, “ contact ”, “ glass break ”, “ motion detector ”, “key fob”, etc. This blog will provide a brief overview of some common devices and FAQs on home security .

Control Panel : A control panel is the “brains of the system”. There is something called a two box solution and a one box solution. A two-box solution is when the control panel is separate from the keypad. The panel is often located in a basement or a utility closet and has a wire running to the keypad. A one-box solution is when the control panel and the keypad are in the same unit. Curious about which is best for your property? Simply submit a form on our website http://atpalarms.com/free-security-review/ and a representative would be glad to assist you.

Keypad : The keypad is often confused for the control panel. The keypad is what you see and use everyday—it is where you arm and disarm your system.

Contacts : contacts are intended for doors or windows. We can also put them on liquor cabinets, medicine drawers, gun safes, etc. The contact has two parts—a contact and a magnet. When the magnet is not next to the contact, an alert is triggered. We can program this to trigger the alarm or simply send you a text or email alert. They can be hardwired or wireless.

Glass break : A glass break is exactly what it sounds like—it detects the sound of glass. One glass break can often protect an average sized room, making it an affordable solution to contacting every window. However, if you having a dog with a high pitched bark or a bird, having a glass break may lead to false alarms. They can be hardwired or wireless.

Motion detector : A motion detector or a PIR (passive infrared sensor) detects motion in your home. To be more specific, it detects heat. There are motion detectors that are pet immune—pet friend up to 60 or even 100 pounds. Motion detectors are the best type of protection for when you are away from home as they cover large areas (180 degrees). They can be hardwired or wireless.

Key fob : A key fob is very similar to your car keychain. On a key fob, you will most likely see 4 buttons. One to arm your system for “Stay”, one to arm you system for “away”, one to disarm your system, and a panic button (which can be programmed to be a silent alarm or audible).

The devices listed above are your most common home security devices . If you would like to learn more about how to protect your home and loved ones, an ATP Alarms representative is a phone call or email away. Home consultations are complimentary and our team would be glad to explain these devices further after assessing your home security needs. You can also reference our resource page where you will find manuals, videos and an FAQ section.

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The Keyfob is a Great Tool

Tue, 10 Jun 2014 16:05:00 GMT

The Keyfob is a Great Tool For Homes and Businesses

In today’s society people have the mindset of “ cut to the chase ”. Oftentimes, when meeting with a potential client, they are so consummated in knowing exactly how many door or window contacts come in a basic package that they overlook other key components of that basic system . In my eyes, the most notable instance is with the “ keyfob ” that a customer would receive. To many, the keyfob is viewed as the little brother who is the last pick in a neighborhood kickball game. I’m sure you’ve all been in one of those situations before where a dialogue would soon follow going something along the lines of: Do we have to take him?! Why is he even here?! Luckily, for those of you who are reading this, I am here to tell you the benefits of this “throw in” and why a keyfob is more important than one would think . The Keyfob is a Great Tool .

From a residential standpoint, it can be extremely useful in numerous ways. How often do you wake up in the middle of the night , hear a weird noise outside and begin to think, what’s that? Now, seeing as how you have (or soon will have) an alarm system from ATP Alarms (American Total Protection) you shouldn’t be concerned because our system will take care of you, but say this is one of those cases where you have a gut feeling that something isn’t quite right. You simply reach over to your night stand and hit the panic button on the keyfob to scare off the possible intruder . Another great cause for a keyfob is the third function that you can program on it. Picture yourself in the middle of the summer not being able to sleep because it is so hot and humid out and your significant other won’t let you turn the house into an igloo. I bet you’re feeling like Tom Hanks in “ Castaway ” right now aren’t you? Wouldn’t you love to go downstairs and quench your thirst without waking up the entire house by walking past the motion sensor that comes in the basic package? Well that’s what the third function on the keyfob is for. You will be able to leave all of your other sensors on while turning off motion sensors so you can walk around worry free . Seeing as how it has the basic capabilities of arm and disarm on it as well, if you have it hooked to your keychain you can simply hit disarm when arriving to your house and not have to worry about entering your code . The Keyfob is a Great Tool .

When looking at the keyfob from a commercial view , one would think it cannot be that much different than how you would use it in a residence. This is the one (and only) time where I will admit that you are right. The one thing that store owners generally overlook though is having a panic button behind the counter for their employee . Wouldn’t you want your employee and store to safe if they felt threatened by a customer? Your system is not going to be armed because your employee is still in the store, so how do you resolve this situation? It’s simple, place the keyfob behind the counter where they would be able to reach it, and they now have a panic button to let us know they are in distress.

So the next time you meet or speak with an ATP Alarms representative do not overlook the keyfob and the contributions it can make to your security system . American Total Protection includes it in our package because of its versatility. We as a company want you and your loved ones to leave the worrying to us. Protect who you love with ATP Alarms . Call us now and set up a free no hassle security review of your home or place of business.

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Summer, Babies and Home Security

Fri, 06 Jun 2014 18:30:00 GMT

Why Summer, Babies and Home Security Go Together?

Window contacts in the bedroom . I cannot emphasize enough the importance of contacting these windows for two main reasons.
1. Especially if the bedroom is on a second floor, we can program it to alert you whenever this window opens . This notifies you if your young child ever opens the window, thus allowing you to act before the possibility of disaster.
2. If the bedroom is on the ground level, it protects your child from the possibility of confronting a burglar or a kidnapper. I hate discussing this topic as it is terrifying to any parent but it is comforting to know that there is a solution to reduce this fear.

Smoke detector in the bedroom . Current code requires this; however, many old home are “grandfathered” in and have not made the proper safety enhancements. We can install a hardwired smoke detector or a wireless detector. If there is a fire in your infant’s bedroom, you need to act quickly. ATP Alarm ’s smoke detectors allow you to do just that and they will also notify the fire department in case you need help.

Automated thermostats . When a newborn joins a home, heating costs go up. In order to save money long term, look into our Z-wave thermostats. These thermostats allow you to control the individual devices from your smart phone. Sitting on the couch with your partner and want to know if your child’s room is warm enough? No need to get up, just check on your phone. We can also sync your thermostat with your alarm so that every time you activate the system, your heating/cooling system goes into energy saving mode.

A Total Connect camera . This allows you to check in on your child in real time . We can also set it up for motion alerts. Meaning, if your child gets up or out of his or her crib, you will be alerted by text or email.

The above products and services will better protect your family , give you a better peace of mind , save $$$, and help you to live a more efficient lifestyle. If you already have a security or home automation system, there is a high likelihood that we can use many if not all of the existing devices.

Please give ATP Alarms a call today to schedule your free consultation —we have solutions for any budget. Thank you for reading.

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Fire Water

Tue, 03 Jun 2014 17:30:00 GMT

Fire Water? Yes, Fires Can Happen Anywhere!

Who says so ? The coast guard , sheriff , insurance companies , and some states organizations for instance the Florida Wildlife Conservation ( FWC ) have the authority to check your boat and request to see certain safety requirements. One of those items is a fire extinguisher . A fire extinguisher can be the single most important piece of equipment on your boat during certain circumstances. Not having one can lead to fines or worse case prohibit one in operating the boat depending on the circumstances?

Fire on the water ? Yes: Fires can happen anywhere.

Growing up in Florida and playing on the ponds, lakes, creeks, rivers and ocean, I have seen many cases where a fire extinguisher was required or needed. Hunting, fishing, or joy riding on the public waters you are subject to a vessel inspection by the AHJ or authority having jurisdiction. The authority officers are verifying certain safety items and one being the fire extinguisher. They request to see it and verify that it’s in working condition. A quick visual check of the operating gauge will indicate if its working order . There are different rules and regulations depending on the quantity, types, and sizes that each particular vessel may require. My experiences of actual fires have taken place both on the boat and near the boat. On the boat I have seen fires start on the engine and within the electrical system . The engine fires I have seen were a result of a gas line or carburetor issues and the fuel being exposed to spark or extreme heat to ignite the fire. Electrical issues have mostly occurred at the circuit boards where either damage or overload caused sparks . Near the boat the fires have ranged to bonfires on the banks getting out of control to fueling stations becoming in contact with an igniter source or existing fire. Cigarettes are a popular existing fire that if placed in the wrong spot can be a quick source of igniting a fuel source.

If you’re in New England, Florida, or anywhere in the world and operating a vessel, you should be aware of the potential areas where you could have a fire. A fire extinguisher is designed to put out small incipient stage fires. If you’re prepared and cautious, a fire extinguisher should be all you need to stop the fire in its small stage from getting out of control.

All the rules and regulations that the United States Coast Guard have produced you can find on the below website. I encourage all boat owners or boat riders to be aware of these rules and regulations as they are designed to keep all passengers safe on the waterways.

ATP Fire has a wide variety of fire extinguishers that will meet all USCG regulations . ATP Fire also sells and services automated engine room fire extinguishers. We work closely with the manufactures like Fire Boy and Sea Fire . These automated fire extinguishers have options to work automatically if there’s a fire to manually with a pull station from the upper or external towers. Also a variety of brackets, covers, and cabinets can be purchased through our catalog. The larger vessels that require these automated fire extinguishers may be subject to annual certification requirements depending on the use of the vessel and the AHJ. Our trained technicians will go out to your boat or dock space in our service territories to test , inspect , and certify these fire extinguishers . Call today to see our service territories and rates.

Thanks and Be Safe Out There!

Sources

A BOATER’S GUIDE TO THE FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RECREATIONAL BOATS AND SAFETY TIPS
Fire Extinguishers (46 CFR 25)
http://www.uscgboating.org/
www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/workflow_staging/Publications/420.PDF

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Driving in Rainy Conditions

Fri, 30 May 2014 18:55:00 GMT

The Dangers of Driving in Rainy Conditions

Hydroplaning occurs when the amount of water on the road builds up very quickly to the point that the weight of your car cannot push it out of the way . As a result, your car rises up and glides on top of the water , making it much more difficult to control your vehicle . In fact, it may even feel like your vehicle is gliding. No matter how big or small, expensive or inexpensive, all cars are susceptible to hydroplaning. In order to reduce your risk of hydroplaning , follow these steps:

1. Drive slowly
2. Make sure that your tires are inflated to the recommend level
3. Change your tires regularly . If you are not sure of the condition of your tires, many tire or auto shop shops will offer a free assessment
4. Avoid puddles (roads are pitched for draining purposes and puddles often accumulate on outside lanes)
5. Limit quick and sharp turns
6. Do not have your car set for cruise control

Should you do find yourself in a situation where your car is hydroplaning, taking following steps may help.

1. Do not accelerate . Hydroplaning can occur with very light rain. To best mitigate your risk, drive slower than 35 miles per hour.
2. If you begin to hydroplane, remain calm— do not slam on the brake and ease off the gas . Slowly ease on the brakes (if you have ABS) and steer the car in the direction that you want to go.

I hope that the previous advice was helpful. If you ever feel uncomfortable while driving, pull off to the road to safe place and wait for the storm to pass—nothing is more important than your safety.

Remember, the best offense is a good defense—be proactive and not reactive. If you ever have any questions regarding life safety , please do not hesitate to call ATP Alarms . If we do not have the answer, we will do our best to point you in the right direction. At ATP Alarms , we determine our success by the safety of our customers and those in our community.

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CCTV Do It Yourself

Tue, 27 May 2014 17:30:00 GMT

Saving Money with CCTV Do It Yourself Systems?

1. First , before you purchase the system confirm that self-installation will not void the warranty on the system. Many manufacturers require professional installation because it lowers the risk of accidental damage to the system.
2. Second , you should have some experience with wiring as each camera will need to have an independent Coax wire run to it for power and to transmit the video feed back to the DVR. Be sure to have a good idea of where existing electrical wires are run to avoid dangerous mistakes. Take the time to read the manual to make sure it gives clearly outlined steps which you can easily follow. Remember that all adjustments to the cameras to capture the desired shots will need to be done by the self-installer, after install which can add plenty of dangerous ladder time depending on the placement of the cameras.

At ATP Alarms we have worked hard to lower the cost of professional installation of CCTV camera packages . Our highly trained techs can install high resolution cameras at prices just a little north of those lower quality camera packages the big box stores are selling. Not only will you not have to do the taxing physical labor of snaking the wires to the cameras , but you will have the full technical support of ATP . Our tech’s will also give you a tutorial of how the system works with all of its features.

It is also important to keep in mind that video footage captured from a DVR that is not digitally water marked is not admissible in court . Every DVR that ATP installs comes with the digitally water marked feature to prove that the video has not been edited. Scheduling a free consultation with ATP is a great place to start when considering an investment in a CCTV system. Our sales staff can go over several different camera options from analog to IP to tailor a system to meet your surveillance needs and budget concerns. I cannot tell you how many professional CCTV systems we have installed after customers have called us complaining about the quality and (non) functionality of Do it your self-systems that they saved so much money on. The upfront cost of having cameras professionally installed may seem high to some, but it will lower your cost of ownership drastically and your own peace of mind .

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Carbon Monoxide Dangers

Fri, 23 May 2014 18:40:00 GMT

Learn Carbon Monoxide Dangers Safety Tips

With all of that said– The best offense is a good defense — buy a carbon monoxide detector ! ATP Alarms emphasizes the importance of having a carbon monoxide detector. In many instances, home owners already have detectors installed or placed in their homes. In fact, it is now code to have hardwired carbon monoxide detectors on every floor . Some people believe having a detector next to the furnace. This is not sufficient because the heat from the furnace circulates through every vent in your home and therefore goes to each floor.

Winter months have the most Carbon Monoxide leaks . This is a result of gas heat being used with more frequency. However, if you have any gas appliances in your home, such as a gas stove, there is a constant risk of a CO leak.

If your carbon monoxide detector goes off , you should follow these guidelines :

1. Do not assume that it is a faulty battery or a dirty filter (all CO and smoke detectors have filters and should be vacuumed or sprayed with compressed air frequently).
2. Immediately gather everyone in the home and proceed outside (do not open any windows)
3. Call the fire department . It is important that you do not open any windows if you evacuate the home. This allows the fire department to actually test for the presence of CO. If you open every window and door, it is possible fresh air will fill the house thus preventing the fire department to correct the leak.

Carbon Monoxide is dangerous and it should be treated as such. There have been several instances of leaks this winter. Please be proactive and go purchase a CO detector or even better—purchase on from ATP Alarms . We offer both wireless and hardwired carbon monoxide detectors . By installing a CO detector, your monthly monitoring will not change .

As always, if you have any questions regarding home security, please give ATP Alarms a call today .

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Off The Grid

Thu, 15 May 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Why Is ‘Off The Grid’ Living Becoming So Popular?

This is certainly one of the major issues of our time. With most adults having read George Orwell’s “ 1984 ”, the fear of “ big brother ” seems more real than ever. With companies like Google fighting to learn more and more about its users in order to more accurately reach advertisers’ targets. As many of you may have read, Google recently purchased the company Nest for 3.2 Billion (Billion with a B). Nest is a manufacturer of smart thermostats and unmonitored smoke detectors. Initially, it was surprising to see Google enter the hardware and retail space. I asked myself, why is Google getting into the home automation space ? I would be lying if there was not a little concern over competing against Google and their massive war chest. However, as I did more research it became clearer that Google was not interested in retail sales, it wants information .

Google wants to know when you are walking past your thermostat (it has a motion detector), it wants to know when you are leaving your home, and when you are going to bed. By aggregating all of this data, Google can offer its advertisers real time information on homeowners ’ daily routines and habits. With that in mind, the 3.2 Billion dollar purchase price for Nest might be appropriate.

However, how does the consumer feel about this? For those that are uncomfortable by having their daily habits recorded by a third party , they are choosing to turn off the data reporting on their thermostats (I am told there is a way to do that).

So I leave you with the question—in 2014, what is invasive? We now share our lives through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Is having our web activity tracked or our movements tracked different than posting a picture of your morning coffee?

Personally, I would rather go “ off the grid ” than have my activity monitored. On the other hand, I find myself not caring enough to learn how to actually do that. If you have any comments or suggestions on how to increase privacy on the web and in daily routines, please feel free to let us know at ATP Alarms!

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The Art of Air Travelling

Fri, 02 May 2014 13:30:00 GMT

Are you familiar with, “The Art of Air Travelling”?

With all of that said, you do not need to be Ryan Bingham to navigate an airport efficiently. Traveling has become more prevalent and more affordable. With discount airlines becoming more and more prevalent, everyday American families have the opportunity to travel more frequently. With that said, the team at ATP Alarms did some brainstorming and research on the most efficient way to navigate an airport and security .

Traveling from point A to point B can often be a drag. However, by following the above tips, you will be able to move from the check in counter to your gate more efficiently.

ATP Alarms is committed to helping you live a more efficient lifestyle, whether it is navigating an airport or automating your home. Give your local ATP Alarms office a call today .

Thanks for reading

Rence Coassin.

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Security Technology Has Progressed

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 15:30:00 GMT

How Technology in the Security Industry Has Progressed

It is amazing to see how technology in the security industry has progressed over the past twenty years. We have shifted from hardwired alarms to wireless alarms to home automation . What was the most interesting thing about all of these new technologies? It was the affordability and the ease of installation. This past fall, ATP Alarms installed a very unique alarm and surveillance system at a customer’s home that illustrates the current technology.

The scenario, a prospective customer purchased a home next to a day / boarding school in Connecticut. It was the parents’ intention to have the students go to the school as day students but live in this off campus home as it was more affordable than paying for room and board. Needless to say, the father was very security conscious and wanted to make sure that his kids were safe and sound. He also wanted to be able to monitor the home from afar in case he was not staying with them. With that said, he had the following goals in mind.

ATP Alarms was able to install a Total Connect enabled 3-camera home surveillance system with a camera over the front door, the back door, and in the front hallway. Whenever someone entered the view of the camera, the parents were emailed a 10 second clip. This allowed the parents to monitor their home while away and I am sure deterred the children from having too many guests over. If there was an alert of the system, they would receive a text or e-mail too. This system also had a DVR, which we configured with one Honeywell ACU per camera. This gave our client the benefits of Total Connect and at the same time means the customer has the ability to rewind and see what had transpired over the past few days.

What’s the most interesting thing about the above installation? I never even met the parents! Through detailed email correspondence and phone conversations, ATP Alarms was able to handle the entire installation and activation of the home security and video surveillance system . In the old days, installations would have been intrusive and disturbing—not anymore.

Give ATP Alarms a call today and allow us to manage your security goals. We will handle every step of the process and make sure that you can protect whom you love .

Thanks for reading.

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What is Going On at Your House?

Mon, 28 Apr 2014 16:30:00 GMT

Do you know what’s going on at your house?

Now, through our smart home products and services, customers have the opportunity to check in on their fuzzy little friends from anywhere in the world. Even better, they can do so efficiently and at an affordable price .

ATP Alarms offers Total Connect cameras . These cameras are IP cameras that transmit the video stream via your in home wifi. In a sense, these cameras are wireless ; however, they do need to be plugged into a power a source. Please remember that when talking about cameras, there is really no such thing as a “wireless camera”—all cameras need Power.

These Total Connect cameras are small and do not require an invasive installation . They can be mounted in the corner of your kitchen or family room, often blending in with the décor of the room. These cameras allow you to tune in through your Total Connect App and watch in real time what is going on in your home. The app can be downloaded for free through various app stores (iPhone, Android, and Blackberry compatible).

Although these cameras are most effective for real time checkups, they also have the ability to send you ten second clips whenever it detects motion . This is ideal if you have a dog walker as it can send you a clip when he or she arrives, or when he or she leaves. We should always trust our dog walkers, but it is always nice knowing for a fact that Sparky got the hour walk he deserved (and that you paid for!).

This Total Connect camera system can function independently from or in conjunction with your security system. Meaning, if you do not want to update your current home security system, we can still install your Total Connect cameras. However, we always recommend that customers upgrade their alarm panels to the latest technology, as it is more reliable and efficient.

Next time you are curious if your pet is safe or if you return home and notice a pastry missing that was left on the counter—give ATP Alarms a call. Whether you have a current system or if you are just curious about the latest technology, a representative can speak with you on the phone, via email, or even free consultation in your home .

ATP Alarms is your local full service life safety and life efficiency company . If you have seen a technology online or on TV, chances are is we can do it. Give us a call yesterday. I mean, today.

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Is Privacy an Antiquated Notion?!

Sat, 26 Apr 2014 17:00:00 GMT

Is Privacy an Antiquated Notion?!

At work I decided to take a little break and search online for the next topic for this blog. I found an interesting article in a Kansas City newspaper about a young woman who worked in a tattoo parlor. This had me pondering the question, is privacy an antiquated notion ?

She rented the apartment right above where she worked ; the owner of the tattoo parlor, her boss, also owned the apartment. She lived there for a couple of months when she decided to take a little vacation . While she was gone, the landlord / her boss decided that would be a great time to upgrade her bathroom . When she returned, she was presently surprised to find a nice, new bathroom , and also some new smoke detectors in her bedroom and throughout the apartment. A couple of days later, she invited a friend from work over to her apartment, and the friend noticed that the new smoke detectors looked like some of the empty boxes he found in the basement of the tattoo parlor. On those boxes, it said “ hidden camera .” Needless to say, the young woman called police, and after an investigation, they found there were hidden cameras all over her apartment recording her EVERY move!

Here are some security tips from ATP Alarms , ways to detect hidden cameras:

1. Use your eyes – while the camera may be hidden, the lens won’t be. Look for small perfect holes in wallpaper, dry wall, etc. Cameras may also be hidden in plants, teddy bears, tissue boxes, and books, as well as smoke detectors! Open up those items and look for small cameras.
2. Use your Cellphone – you can use your cellphone to place a call and wave it around an item you suspect. If you hear clicking and buzzing noises, it may be due to the electromagnetic field produced by the camera.
3. Purchase a Hidden Camera Detector – you can get them on the internet, and use them to sweep the room for hidden cameras.
4. Be Vigilant – Be on guard for anything out of the ordinary, kind of like the story above. Usually if something is too good to be true (like a bathroom upgrade and smoke detectors you didn’t ask for) then you should be suspicious.
5. Maybe You Should Be Watching Them – putting a camera in your home that YOU can monitor via your cellphone when you aren’t home is a great option. Having the ability to know when someone enters your home, no matter where you live, could prevent these things from happening in the first place. Cameras tied into an alarm system are even better .

Keeping your eyes and ears open can prevent someone from invading your privacy. Owning a home security system where only you or trusted ones have a PIN will be a lot of protection against anyone entering your home. At ATP Alarms we can help you with your specific needs as they pertain to home security, and survey your home for vulnerabilities. Our quotes are always free , call today.

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Skills That Make Me a Nightmare

Thu, 24 Apr 2014 20:00:00 GMT

Skills That Make Me a Nightmare (and Liam Neeson)

“ I do have are a very particular set of skills ; skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you.”

The above quotation is from Liam Neeson in the film “ Taken ”. I believe that whoever wrote the movie’s script was inspired by home security systems , sound farfetched? Am I forcing it? Feel me out.

Home security systems are proactive . They protect things and people . They have a unique set of skills . For a thief or burglar, a home security system is a nightmare . First, the mere possibility of an alarm system puts stresses on a burglar. When a burglar sees an ATP Alarms yard sign accompanied by window decals, he or she will think twice about breaking into that home.

For those stupid enough to try to penetrate an ATP Alarms ’ security system , they are in for a rude awakening. The security system has skills.

1. It has a door contact, preventing a robber from making an easy entrance.
2. The basement windows have barrier bars, preventing a robber from kicking through the basement windows
3. The first floor has a motion detector, making it nearly impossible to move around if they find access through an non contacted window
4. The keypads have panic buttons in case the homeowners feel threatened or suspect danger. This gives the homeowners a direct line to the police department.
5. It has cellular transmission in case the burglar tries to get creative and cut the phone line.
6. It has a 24 hour backup battery in case there is a power outage or if the intruder cuts the power intentionally.

As I always tell our customers, thieves are lazy, that is why they are thieves. If you have a security system , it means a burglar will need to work that much harder to try to gain entrance into your home. Thieves do not like hard work, which is why they are not working at a real job.

If you have any interest in better protecting your belongings and families, call ATP Alarms today. After initiating a phone call, you can expect the following:

1. You will speak with a company representative who will gather basic information and schedule a free consultation and risk assessment.
2. At your scheduled appointment (we work evenings and weekends as well) an ATP Alarms’ employee will go over our various offerings and systems that fit your specific situation needs and budget.
3. After choosing a system that offers you and your family a better piece of mind, your company representative will schedule an installation that meets your schedule. This is an extremely efficient and convenient process.
4. Experience a better piece of mind after your installation is complete.

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Experience is Your Best Security

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 17:30:00 GMT

Experience is Your Best Security – Safety Tips by ATP

The surf was already pretty big, and I knew if I got caught inside I may lose my board, get bonked on the head or worse. My best case scenario would be that I could make it out before the wave broke, otherwise I had my surf leash if I couldn’t hold on to my board as I got swamped. When you’re out surfing, you run the risk of getting hurt or even killed. It is best not to put yourself in a situation that you aren’t experienced at or prepared for , just like anything in life. For the same reason I have a spare tire in my trunk and have insurance on my car, house and body because you never know. Be prepared is what they taught us in Boy Scouts, and my experiences agree with that code!

In the home there are also many perils, CO (carbon monoxide) , smoke (fire) , and flood (water) to name a few. Should you be faced with any of these issues you’ll feel like you have a problem of biblical proportion, heaven forbid an actual burglar. Thankfully we have easy ways to combat these types of threats and my experience tells me there is no time like the present.

ATP Alarms / ATP Fire is a Honeywell security dealer. They specialize in inexpensive solutions to the perils described above. You can have a monitored security system that is accessible remotely using your smartphone or PC from anywhere. If something happens and whether you are at home or not , may it be an alert from a CO or smoke detector or someone just broke in to your home, not only will the alarm go off, but the police and fire departments will be dispatched to your home. With Total Connect , you would also receive a text or e-mail in real time. This ultimately equates to peace of mind, which to me is a highly valued state to be in.

What do you need? Start with an Essential System from ATP Alarms , when you add sensors for CO and smoke , there is no extra monitoring charge at ATP . If you like the idea of remote access and receiving alerts to your smartphone then you’ll want Total Connect . Technology has really advanced in the security industry, and home automation has become quite affordable. Saving money on energy because your security system adjusts your AC / Heat as well as your lighting even adds to the savings. There are myriads of options, but the security quote is always free. And remember, Experience is Your Best Security! Call now to set up an appointment.

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Protect Your Pets!

Fri, 18 Apr 2014 16:00:00 GMT

From One Pet Lover to Another, Protect your Pets!

If you have a pet, you MUST have monitored smoke detectors. I have a dog. He is a Siberian husky named Shiloh and he is 75 pounds. He is crazy, fast, strong, intimidating, and smarter than the average American. Do you know the one of the things he cannot do? Open the drawer below my kitchen sink, pick up a fire extinguisher, spray it at the base of the fire, and thus mitigate the amount of damage. He also cannot unlock the back door to escape to his back yard (he is smart enough to open doors with his nose but he has not mastered locks—that day will come). The point— he cannot fight fire by himself —he needs help. I have monitored smoke detectors to protect my house , my belongings , and most importantly, my dog .

Enough with my attempt to be funny— if you have a pet, buy a monitored smoke detector . When I say monitored, I am referring to a smoke detector that is connected to ATP Alarms’ central station. Having a “local” smoke detector is not sufficient. This is because if no one is home, no one can hear the alarm and thus no one can save your pets.

Recently, there was a tragedy in Cheshire, Connecticut. A home was completely destroyed due to a house fire. In addition, the family’s beloved pet was unable to escape the flames. The journalist describing the scene explains the child crying in her mother’s arms. The family had no idea that the house was engulfed in flames until they returned. At that point, it was too late.

I do not sell with fear tactics, I sell with facts. The bottom line is if you have a pet and leave your pet home alone at times, you are doing your pet a disservice . If you have a pet, please call American Total Protection about monitored smoke detectors. I truly believe the investment will be worth knowing that your pet is safer.

As always, all consultations with an ATP Alarm’s representative are free. If you are a current customer and would like to add monitored smoke detectors to your home security system, please call our office to schedule a convenient time to discuss your options.

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CO Detectors

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Why are monitored CO detectors so important?

Seeing as how I have worked in the security industry for an extended period of time, I am always noticing new tendencies. One of these growing trends that I have been seeing is people wanting to have monitored carbon monoxide detectors installed into their security systems. If you know anything about carbon monoxide you will not blame them for their concern. Known as the “ silent killer ”, carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that can kill you within minutes , and is the cause of nearly 400 American fatalities per year. Having a monitored carbon monoxide detector as part of your security system is something that every home owner should consider, considering how difficult it is to detect.

One issue that I tend to face when discussing the topic of carbon monoxide detectors with customers is “Why would I pay for your detectors when I can just get them for a cheaper price at a home improvement store?”. My response to that question… what is more important to you, the health and well-being of you and your loved ones or saving a couple extra dollars? If you are a modern day Rip Van Winkle like myself, and can sleep thru just about anything then there are numerous reasons as to why monitored carbons are something you should consider. Contrary to popular belief, the basic battery operated carbon detectors and our carbon detectors do not work in the same way. A basic battery detector that you get from a home improvement store is not as loud as our sensors and will only go off in that one area that is exposed to the carbon; which can be terrible if you are not near a sensor and are asleep. With a monitored sensor you will without a doubt be awakened. This is because if one of your sensors detects the carbon, and the high pitched alarm will sound within your residence and you will receive a call from our monitoring station .

Another thing that I have noticed lately is that people who have been living in a house for a long time have never actually had their carbons detectors (if they even have them) switched. If you were thinking about buying new detectors there is no reason why you should not add monitored carbons to your home security system . For the few extra dollars you will not only get the best product but you would also be receiving some of the best service in the industry. Exposure to carbon monoxide can be life threatening , having monitored sensors that will let you know as soon as there is exposure would definitely help you sleep better at night, don’t you think? ATP Alarms is your local Honeywell authorized security dealer , call us… we’re at your service.

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Camp Security

Mon, 14 Apr 2014 15:00:00 GMT

How Important is Camp Security?

Security detection devices while we are at our campsite could alert us of people or animals sharing the same space in the woods. We can worry about things like malicious behavior and them stumbling on a device that could alert us campers, yes that would be nice. This makes me think of the movie Congo, camping deep into the Congo Forests, the explorers set up signaling devices that alerted if killer gorillas entered the camp site. Some triggered defense mechanisms and some triggered lights to shine the breached area.

Wouldn’t it be nice to be away and know if someone is messing with your belongings at home? Your home alarm system by ATP Alarms can do just that. A home security system with Total Connec t is something that will notify you if intruders are in your home or have attempted to gain access. Nowadays it can inform you in real time via your smart phone and even send video of the event.

Camping outside of our sturdy and securely built homes may lead people to be nervous about their health and belongings. Camping is a great way to fully experience Mother Nature and the outdoors. So to allow the camping experience to be one of enjoyment and confidence of your safety, leaving your home knowing there is a security system with Total Connect by ATP Alarms in place will allow you the peace of mind you deserve as you venture into the great outdoors knowing your domicile is safe and secure. Are these devices as seen in the movies on the market? Are the scenes from the movie Congo farfetched? Perhaps they are, but home security is one of many services that ATP Alarms specializes in. If you don’t have one, a free consultation is only a phone call away.

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Better Business of the Month

Tue, 08 Apr 2014 18:00:00 GMT

Melbourne Regional Chamber Awards ATP Alarms / ATP Fire April Better Business of the Month

Melbourne, FL : The Melbourne Regional Chamber and its Better Business Council recognized ATP Alarms / ATP Fire as the April recipient of its Better Business of the Month Award . The firm was awarded this recognition at the Chamber’s monthly Business Breakfast event held at the International Palms Resort in Cocoa Beach. The award, sponsored monthly by Chamber Trustee Member Courtyard by Marriott/Residence Inn Melbourne, was presented to ATP Alarms / ATP Fire, representatives Lena McAneney and CJ Townsend.

ATP Alarms / ATP Fire , this past January, merged with Frontline Protection Systems , Palm Bay Fire Extinguisher and All Florida Fire Protection . With the merging of these firms, American Total Protection , ATP has enjoyed explosive growth and now has a combined experience of well over 100 years of security expertise. ATP Alarms / ATP Fire will meet or beat any advertised price ; offer free installation on qualifying services; provide fast and free security system estimates ; life safety & health emergency systems ; fire alarms , suppression systems and alarm monitoring , all with a friendly sales and support staff. The company motto is“ Protect Who You Love ”.

The Chamber’s Better Business Council ( BBC ) serves its members and the buying public by offering a trusted referral source for a broad range of business types. BBC eligibility requires that members abide by a code of ethics, provide proof of annual licensing and insurance, and maintain a complaint-free record.

Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida, established in 1925, is a five-star accredited chamber from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber proudly serves the business communities of south Brevard County and East Central Florida. For more information, visit www.melbourneregionalchamber.com .

Photo: Jim Ridenour-Courtyard by Marriott & Residence Inn Melbourne – Left Lena McAneney and CJ Townsend – ATP Alarms /ATP Fire, Center and Right respectively

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Springtime Clean, Springtime Safe

Sat, 05 Apr 2014 15:00:00 GMT

Tips for Springtime Cleaning to be Springtime Safe

1. Some people still practice “ Spring Cleaning ”. Now that spring is here, people tend to perform an intense cleaning of their homes. Some even put “winter carpets” away in exchange for “spring carpets”. Through cleaning and moving rugs and furniture, there will be a lot of dust in your home. Be sure to clean your smoke , CO , and gas protectors . Vacuuming or using a can of compressed air can do this . If you would like it professionally done, please contact ATP Alarms .

2. Go over your safety plan with your family . A safety plan will cover what to do if there is a fire. If you have young children, it is important that they understand what to do in case of an emergency. This is also a good time to go over your home security system with your youngsters. You should explain: how to arm the alarm, how to disarm the alarm, the passwords, and also the necessary panic codes . If there are any questions regarding a proper safety plan or how to use your home security system, call ATP Alarms .

3. When spring arrives, homeowners tend to do more and more yard work. This is a common occurrence and thieves are ready to capitalize on expensive items being left outside. Be sure to lock up any yard equipment . If you have a shed, ATP Alarms can add a motion detector or door contact to further protect your home. Need a fire extinguisher; we’ve got all shapes and sizes.

4. With the nicer weather, shrubs and trees will begin to grow. Be sure to landscape around the back of your home . Thieves prefer homes that have overgrown bushes that offer some type of concealment. By keeping the bushes and trees trimmed and proper, thieves will have nowhere to hide.

5. If you have a pool, make sure that you have a proper notification system for your doors leading outside. Although your cover will still be on, it is still a danger to young children or those that do not know how to swim. Some states require this type of notification system. Regardless of your local rules and regulations, it is a good idea to have some type of notification system in place. This means a chime through your alarm system or an independent notification system.

These are only some life safety tips on how to prepare for the spring. If you have any questions or if you are interested any life safety services, please do call ATP Alarms for a free consultation .

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Life Safety in a Home

Thu, 03 Apr 2014 16:15:00 GMT

How Important is Life Safety in a Home?

As a Husband and a Father, I know I have to have a home security system . Systems by ATP Alarms are great for criminal acts such as Burglary and Robberies, and I can get alerts on my phone if anybody breaches my home. I have a Fire Extinguisher from them too, and they recertify my extinguisher every year so it works properly. However, a fire extinguisher is only good when you are awake and a fire is eminent. The real threat that I worry about is the silent killer, Smoke / Carbon Monoxide (C.O.)

The U.S. Fire Administration (U.S.F.A) has determined more than 3,400 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 17,500 are injured . An overwhelming number of fires occur in the home. Many of the causes are fires started from devices that are plugged in at night when you and your loved ones are sleeping. These same devices we depend on daily for other safety why we are awake but, can be a silent killer when we are sleeping. There are time-tested ways to prevent and survive a fire. It’s not a question of luck. It’s a matter of planning ahead. There are many ways to avoid this. Buy a smoke alarm at any hardware or discount store, never overload circuits or extension cords , when using appliances follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions just to name a few things. Plan an escape plan . Practice an escape plan from every room in the house. Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. I have a three year old which seems all this is hard to achieve but, if you teach your children that fire is a tool and not a toy and fire can be dangerous they will learn to take precaution and have respect for it. These are all good thing to protect and educate your family .

My first line of defense for my family is to get monitored smoke / carbon monoxide detectors installed to my professionally installed and monitored security system by ATP Alarms . Now, when my smoke/c.o. detector, go into siren mode I will have ambulance and fire department role to my house for my family’s safety. Second, is get a proper escape plan for the family . Third, is to get a fire extinguisher that is certified by ATP Alarms . These are the steps that I start with my family. Get in touch with an ATP Alarms / ATP Fire professional today!

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Name Shopping

Tue, 01 Apr 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Name Shopping vs Service Shopping

Although a lot has changed since I was a youngster, there is one tendency that has not wavered throughout the years. When shopping for merchandise, most people tend to gravitate towards brand names, hence the term name shopping . For instance, when it comes to the sunglass industry, most people do not know that a substantial portion of sunglasses on the market come from the same manufacturer. So more often than not, when you decide on a set of sunglasses, you’re most likely paying for the company name. I bring up this scenario up because the same can be said about a situation where you’re deciding between a “big name” company and ATP Alarms. That is why I am here, writing this blog, to stop the world from name shopping (at least in the security industry I hope).

Just like in any sales oriented industry, when you first start looking for potential clients, you tend to ask family and friends . I did not have much success because most of my parents’ friends had existing alarm systems, but that’s not what bothered me. It was the response I was getting of “ we went with company X because we recognized their name ” that took me by surprise. When purchasing a security system , I think a more adequate answer would be “they provide the best products, protection, and service”, don’t you think? If you answered yes, then there is no reason why ATP Alarms should not be your first option. Am I bias? You might think so, but here are some fun facts that will prove my point.

Point 1 : Honeywell produces the best products in the security industry , plain and simple. Seeing as how Honeywell is such a highly regarded company, they only allow a select group of companies to label themselves as authorized and trained dealers . ATP Alarms (American Total Protection) happens to be one of them. Many of the largest companies do not qualify due to their work ethic after the sale. (Insert “yeah, so, a lot of companies offer Honeywell products” here)

Point 2 : Seeing as how we are small family owned business , we are able to tend to all of our customers’ needs. Have you ever heard of those nightmare stories where people want to add a product or change their system and it takes a company two weeks to get out to their location? That does not occur at ATP because we have a technician on call 24 hours a day . We take pride in our customer service and make sure to take care of your needs in a timely manner.

Point 3 : If you are a business and want to consolidate your bills, don’t worry we monitor fire panels and run test and inspections for extinguishers, and sell and service security camera systems too.

Point 4 : Oh, you’ve seen these commercials where you can use your smart phone to arm your system , lock your doors , and control your thermostats ? Don’t worry, we’ve got that covered, in fact, we’ve teamed up with a real estate agency to protect an entire neighborhood with our “ smart house ” technology. (See blog titled: “ Richmond Glen: the smart project ”)

Point 5 : Did I mention we’re a family owned company who has taken pride in protecting our communities for over 15 collective years and a collective experience of over 100 years?

When it comes to a security system, please do yourself a favor and chose a service instead of a name . Testimonials speak louder than numbers in this industry. ATP Alarms is American Total Protection, protect who you love.

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Have You Heard of ‘Smash and Grab’?

Fri, 28 Mar 2014 16:30:00 GMT

Wondering how to prevent a “Smash and Grab”?

In the security alarm industry, there is a similar technique where a burglar can smash and destroy your alarm panel . What does this mean? If someone has a security system, one or two of their doors are often on a “ delay ”. This means that there is a gentle beep for 30-45 seconds (the delay) before the alarm’s siren goes off and communicates the alarm with the central station. This delay is to allow the user time to disarm his or her system. In the past and on older security systems, burglars could enter the home and use that 30-45 second delay to locate the alarm panel (typically located in the basement or utility closet) and smash the control panel before the siren sounds and the central station is notified. The newer systems have a mechanism in place to prevent this from happening.

Through monitoring your system with ATP Alarms and Honeywell’s Alarm Net , you can have “ Advanced Protection Logic ” technology. This is how the system would react to a smash and destroy attempt from a potential burglar.

1. The door is opened, triggering the delay and a “ping” to the central station.
2. The burglar locates the alarm panel and attempts to crash and destroy it.
3. The alarm panel is destroyed and the burglar thinks he successfully disarmed the system.
4. The central station does not receive a second ping.
5. The central station notifies the authorities and the homeowners.
6. Your life and your valuables are saved.

Without a panel that has Advanced Protection Logic technology, it is very easy for a burglar to dismantle an alarm system . The good news is that by sitting down with an ATP Alarms representative for a free consultation you can upgrade your current system. In many cases, there is no installation cost for an upgrade ! If you take your home security seriously, you should definitely call ATP Alarms today to inquire about Advanced Protection Logi c .

As always, ATP is here to answer any of your questions relating to life safety and home automation . Please give us a call today.

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IP vs Analog Camera Systems

Wed, 26 Mar 2014 16:15:00 GMT

What’s the difference between IP vs Analog Cameras?

Video surveillance technology has grown exponentially since ATP first started installing them over 20 years ago. In recent years IP camera technology has taken the industry by storm. IP cameras have revolutionized the industry’s whole concept of how to lay the groundwork for a proper video surveillance system.

For years our only option for surveillance was an analog CCTV system with an octopus set up. Meaning there was a head end ( the DVR ) and the tentacles the ( wires and cameras ). The main problem with this is it limited scalability. If you had 8 DVR ports and wanted to jump to 9 you would have to replace the head end. IP cameras come with a decentralized set up giving the end user greater flexibility to scale their project as their needs and budget change. Where we really get into the advantages of IP over analog is in resolution. Since IP cameras transmit their data over cat5 data wire as opposed to traditional COAX wire the resolution differences are remarkable. A low end IP camera at 1.3 megapixels has nearly 4 times the resolution of an analog camera . The end user is now able to see in far greater detail everything going on at their property. Their high resolution wide angle shots can often cover the same range as several traditional analog cameras potentially lowering cost of ownership. In our ever changing world of intelligent devices IP cameras are a shining star. Since the cameras are able to receive communication back it makes it extremely easy for an end user to remotely control camera functionality . This means a business owner would be able to remotely zoom in to see exactly what is going on his business. They also offer video motion detection and can alert the end user of any tampering with emails.

IP cameras clearly offer the end user far superior picture quality and increased functionality ; however they come with a much more bloated price tag. A typical IP camera can be 3-4 times as pricey as an analog camera . They may not be right for everyone, but in large commercial applications and businesses with multiple sites they are practically a no brainer. Traditional analog systems are still certainly viable security options. They are ideal for small business and residential applications , however if budget is not an option IP technology is clearly something to consider. If you would like to hear more about video surveillance please do not hesitate to call ATP Alarms . Your trusted partner in all things security .

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Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep

Mon, 24 Mar 2014 17:30:00 GMT

What is the Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep technique?

The truth is that a fire spreads quickly and there is no time to gather valuables or make a phone call. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames. These are the stats as gathered over time, but planning ahead for an accident can make a difference.

Used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small, contained fire or containing it sufficiently to allow escape. Fire extinguishers are considered first responder equipment for controlling and putting out small fires before they become large ones. However, they are no substitute for the fire department. Having the proper fire extinguisher, as well as knowing how to use it and how not to use it is important in protecting your family and you’re household.

Make sure when you select an extinguisher that can be easily handled by all family members . Purchase extinguishers listed by a nationally accepted testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories . A 5 pound Multi-purpose Dry Chemical fire extinguisher (Class 2-A, 10-B, C) is recommended for home use since it can be used on class A, B and C fires, which we may experience in our home.

Fire extinguishers should be installed where the potential fire risk is greatest in the home. Here are a few tips on locations for your fire extinguisher(s).

It’s easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher , just remember these 4 words- Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep . Most portable fire extinguishers work according to these directions, but not all of them so it’s important to read and follow the directions on your extinguisher . Always call the fire department first before attempting to extinguish a fire!

Have a question? Give us a call at ATP Alarms / ATP Fire , we’re happy to take questions and point you in the right direction, If you would like a visit to your site, we can do that too. We will advise you as to what your city code requires, and how we can help. Call today .

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Protect Who You Love

Sat, 22 Mar 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Protect Who You Love and We Love Dogs Too!

After hopping in my car at 7:45 this morning two things instantly came to mind on my drive to the office. For starters, its March 10th and snowing… enough said. Secondly, and more importantly, what issue should I bring up at our weekly Monday morning, “ Protect Who You Love ” Company meeting? Then it dawned on me, I have been hearing a rebuttal from people who I approach in regards to having a security system that has left me quite flabbergasted. I think the only thing that makes me cringe worse than nails on the chalkboard is when I hear someone say “ I don’t need a system, I have a dog ”. As a dog lover this is one thing that infuriates me to no end. The people who use this as an excuse definitely feel as though they have a close bond with their pet, which is why he or she will protect them or their belongings. If this is the case, then don’t you believe that your dog deserves the same type of protection that he or she provides you ?

Many people in today’s society refer to their dog as part of their family , which is why I think dog owners should be even more prone to getting a security system . Sure, when you’re home they can be the first line of defense by waking you up with a loud bark if an intruder tries to enter your residence. My main concern is what if you are not home. Who will be there to make sure your beloved companion is okay? If someone is going to break into your house do you necessarily believe that they are going to treat your dog with care ? Remember, we are talking about someone who is breaking into your house, so I do not think they are really going to take the time to sit down and pet your defenseless dog. After making that statement I get ready for the second most common response of, “well I live in a nice area, home invasions are not common in my town”. Well, what is going to happen if there is a fire or a carbon monoxide leak and no one is there to address the situation? I saw the movie “ Lassie ” when I was about five, but still have not come across a dog with the ability to handle a situation like her . You now have part of your family defenseless in a terrible situation. So the big question is who will call the fire department if one of these situations occurs? That is what American Total Protection is here for.

At ATP , our slogan is “ Protect who you love ”. To our company this does not stop with blood related family and it shouldn’t either for our current or potential customers. When you bring a dog into your family, you should show them the same love that they show you, it is part of the responsibility of being a pet owner. So call ATP alarms today and make sure you protect who you love .

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Save the Tails and Giving Back

Thu, 20 Mar 2014 17:30:00 GMT

What is Save the Tails and How Does it Give Back?

I’m writing about a wonderful story of a small yet growing fire alarm and fire protection business that not only serves their client with honest hard working individuals, they also help the community. I’m writing about the project called Save the Tails and Giving Back . I have been involved in a community project to help a small pet adoption organization called Pet Rescue by Judy . This pet adoption agency serves Seminole and Orange County in Florida. Judy is a woman who has committed her life to keeping unwanted animals alive and finding homes for these animals. She has spent the last twenty one years working through adversity that is unknown to most people. She has been living in warehouses, woods, and anywhere she can keep her animals. She has done without so many basic amenities, some of which we all take for granted, like a chair. The point being Judy has always puts the animals first, and the love she receives in return is how they give back.

I am happy to announce that on March 1st, 2014 Judy was given the certificate of occupancy for a 1.2 million dollar facility, paid in full. This was done by the generosity of many loving and caring individuals and their companies. This was phase one of two phases. The second phase is to build a veterinary facility next door to the adoption facility . The veterinary facility is intended to minimize the cost for spade and nurturing the animals before the adoption process.

We at ATP Alarms and ATP Fire with FrontLine Fire Protection systems were able to help by providing a fire suppression system and a fire alarm system . The fire suppression system was not required, yet Judy wanted one due to the unfortunate situation that happen many years ago , where she lost 20 plus animals due to a small fire . The requirement of fire suppression systems are required based on certain design parameters by our national codes which are enforced by the local authority having jurisdiction. They do allow some buildings to be built without a fire suppression system, which is a griseous issue. The fire suppression system is designed to allow enough time for the occupant to exit a burning building before something bad happens. The fire suppression system in many cases suppresses the fire before the fire department arrives on site . The installation of fire suppression systems adds a level of safety that is an asset to any building. The costs of these systems in many cases are minimal to the overall project’s budget. Fire suppression systems generally are only installed when required by the code, yet if a fire occurs we learn what a true asset they are. In addition, a fire suppression system installation requires a monitoring system, which will notify the local fire department within seconds of an alarm signal from the flow switch, which signals when we have water flowing from the fire suppression system. These seconds will only help in minimizing the catastrophic event, but they do save lives and buy the Fire Department time.

The commitment and sacrifice of these individuals that work at ATP Alarms / ATP Fire and FrontLine Fire Protection Systems who freely offered their service and resource to make this happen for the Save The Tails Project , the Pet Rescue by Judy was nothing short of a blessing for the community and all the future animals of Seminole and Orange county of Florida. I’m honored to work with a group of selfless individuals in a business setting.

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Flood Detection

Mon, 17 Mar 2014 17:00:00 GMT

“Water Bugs” Used In Home Flood Detection?

Upon occasion, people may use the argument— I have insurance ! This is one objection that I cannot understand. Have you ever tried to deal with an insurance company? I have and in my experience many will do anything possible to deny your claim , which really is the adjusters job. Also, you need to go through all the work of taking pictures and cataloguing at the damage to your items. In addition, when it comes to repairing your property, you may not even be able to use the contractor of your choice! Let’s say the insurance company accepts your entire claim, you still need to take the time to replace all of the items! All this in mind, isn’t it better to be proactive and catch the flood / leak before it gets out of control . For a one time equipment and installation cost, you might be able to save your property and items from a water damage nightmare !

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of the ATP Alarms or ATP Fire team . We are here not only to protect who you love , but what you love. We have many solutions that can help keep your family and your belongings more secure. Whether it is security , fire alarms , CCTV , water detection , temperature detection , or medical pendants , American Total Protection is your one stop shop !

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The Benefits of a Temperature Detector

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 16:15:00 GMT

What are the Benefits of a Temperature Detector?

ATP Alarms has offices in New Hampshire , Connecticut , and Florida . The employees here in New England are often jealous of the weather that our coworkers down in the balmy south get to experience on a regular basis. Being a retired hockey player, I happen to like the snow. However, I can say that I am the minority.

January is typically the slowest month for new sales in the security industry however, our service department could never be busier! With sub-freezing temperatures, many of our clients are experiencing frozen pipes and water damage. Want to know who does not have water damage? Those customers that made the initial investment in a temperature detector!

A temperature detector is an inexpensive device that communicates with your alarm panel when the temperature hits a certain degree , high or low. Meaning, if your furnace ever stopped working and your house was approaching dangerously low temperatures, you would immediately receive a phone call from our monitoring station to alert you of the situation ! This could potentially save you tens of thousands of dollars. Other applications include walk in coolers and freezers where if these units were to fail the situation could be horrendous. In addition, you will receive a discount on your homeowner’s insurance by having a temperature detector. Insurance companies love these devices as it prevents damages to your home!

Along with a temperature detector , we also have “ water bugs ”. Water bugs are great as they detect moisture in your home or business . If there were ever a pipe that burst, with a sensor like this you would immediately be notified and configured with Total Connect you could receive an e-mail and or text in real time. This allows you to take the necessary steps before the situation gets out of control.

These layers of security and through our monitoring station and Total Connect , homeowners will be one step ahead of a potential disaster this winter. If you have any questions about installing a new system or simply adding a temperature detector or water bug to your new system, please do not hesitate to get in touch with an ATP Alarms representative!

Stay Warm!

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UL Listing, and Why it is Important

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 16:35:00 GMT

Why is a UL Listing so Important?

I wanted to take the time to explain what UL is. According to the UL Website (UL.com) “UL is a global independent safety science company with more than a century of expertise innovating safety solutions from the public adoption of electricity to new breakthroughs in sustainability, renewable energy and nanotechnology. Dedicated to promoting safe living and working environments, UL helps to safeguard people, products and places in important ways, facilitating trade and providing peace of mind. In short, UL is an independent body that promotes safety in various industries. The fact that UL is an independent organization is very important as it helps in eliminating any bias. UL’s stamp of approval can be found on toasters, hair dryers, and life safety systems .

In American Total Protection’s world, providing its customers with a UL Listed Central Station is absolutely essential. As a company, the ATP Alarms employees would not be able to rest comfortably using a central monitoring station without this classification. A monitoring station can only be UL listed if UL audited the station . This audit includes and inspection of the “building structure, receiving and monitoring equipment, and staffing issues in addition to installation and ongoing services.” In addition, the above criteria must be met at ALL times. With that said, if a life safety company does not advertise that they use a UL listed monitoring station, they probably do not use one.

If a company does not utilize a UL station, it is possible that no one has inspected or verified that the station is up to par. What does up to par mean? The UL stations we utilize are heavily fortified structures . In addition, strict access identification is needed to enter the station. Also, we have multiple contingency measures in place. Meaning, if there were some type of attack or natural disaster affecting the primary monitoring station, we have plans in place for your system to be monitored at another location. With all this in mind, a station that is not UL listed may be in an unprotected location (weak infrastructure and no access control).

When choosing an alarm company, please ask the company that you are working with about their monitoring station. If the station that they are using is not UL listed, ask why. If it is not UL listed, please ask about the infrastructure and contingency plans that their monitoring station has. In addition, as our market becomes flooded with more competition, some companies are even straying away from UL listed equipment.

At ATP Alarms , we take your safety, the safety of your loved ones, the safety of your employees, the safety of your customers, and the safety of your valuables very seriously. That is why we demand a UL certification for the central monitoring stations that we use.

As always, if you have any questions regarding your future or current life safety system , please do not hesitate to contact a member of the American Total Protection team. We would be glad to provide a free consultation and answer any questions, no matter how small, that you may have. Protect who you love .

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Futuristic Smart Homes

Sat, 08 Mar 2014 17:00:00 GMT

Futuristic Smart Homes… Here Now

When I use the term smart home , what goes through your mind? Lighting control or Lock control? How about energy management, a security system or Cameras? A smart home is not only a home that can be controlled from anywhere in the world, but a home that allows you to live a happier and more efficient life style.

If you answered yes to any of these questions, a smart home can off you a better peace of mind. In conjunction with Honeywell and Total Connect , ATP Alarms is becoming a leader in home automation . We offer easy to use Honeywell Thermostats that are integrated with your alarm system. Imagine every time that you set your alarm, the temperature adjusts to an energy efficient away mode! You could save up to 20 percent on your energy bill. Did you forget to set your alarm? No problem… imagine a world where whenever you lock your door, the alarm is armed. Forget to do that too? You can now do it through a free application on your smartphone!

Homes already have thermostats, locks, and light switches; why not install devices with smart home capabilities for virtually the same price? ATP Alarms not only offers all of this hardware, but we also offer the monitoring service that connects it all. By sitting down with a representative for a FREE consultation , you can design a custom home where you can control your locks, lights, cameras, security system, and thermostat at very affordable prices! You no longer need to ask yourself the question “Did I lock the front door?” Just check your smartphone. ATP Alarms is very excited to become a leader in home automation and we look forward to allowing our customers to live a more efficient lifestyle.

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Smart Windows by Andersen / Honeywell

Thu, 06 Mar 2014 20:35:00 GMT

What are Smart Windows?

To give you a brief history on Andersen Windows , Inc, they are a privately owned window and door company , that is the largest manufacturer in North America , and have been in business since 1904. With Honeywell being the leader in home security , I don’t think it’s possible to dream up two better companies to partner. The reason why I feel as though this is great news for homeowners is because you can now knock off two birds with one stone, while getting some of the best products on the market.

The growing trend in the security industry is building “ smart systems ” in order to turn people’s residences into “ smart homes ”. We are beginning to see “smart homes” more often because homeowners pay a substantial amount of money to have this nice home and want to secure it while having something aesthetically pleasing. This is where the Andersen / Honeywell windows come into play. With the Andersen windows you will not only be purchasing a top of the line energy saving window, but you will also have the opportunity to buy it with a wireless sensor in it. Instead of having a sensor that is visible, the Honeywell contact would be located inside of the lock, that way no one would be able to see it. By investing in this product you would not only be saving money from an energy standpoint , but you would also be saving money from the security system side of it. One feature that I found incredibly useful to go along with this window set up, is the notifications that it can provide. If you have a window unlocked your system will be able to tell you right away which window it is to be sure your home security and energy saving aspects are being used to their full potential.

As I had stated earlier, this is an exciting time for ATP Alarms as we head into 2014. As one of the few family owned security companies in the area that offers “ smart system ” technology, this is just another asset to add to our already expanding repertoire. So next time you consider purchasing new windows for your home, think of these top of the line Andersen / Honeywell windows. ATP Alarms would be happy to answer any questions that you may have!

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ATP and Arbor Energy Partnership

Tue, 04 Mar 2014 18:28:00 GMT

ATP Alarms and Arbor Energy Announce Strategic Partnership

American Total Protection ( ATP Alarms ) and Arbor Energy are excited to announce a strategic partnership between the two companies. Over the past three months executives from ATP Alarms and Arbor Energy have been working on ways to better serve their existing and future customer bases. As Rence Coassin from ATP Alarms explains, “Arbor Energy is much like our company American Total Protection in the sense that we are both family owned and headquarters in New Haven County with clients throughout the state. In addition, each company strives to separate itself from their competitors through customer service and superior products.”

American Total Protection was formed in 2011 by merging three well established local companies, servicing the area since 1982. By doing so, ATP Alarms in now the largest family owned life Safety Company in the New Haven area. ATP Alarms specializes in residential and commercial security, fire prevention, fire suppression, CCTV, and Access Control. They are also leaders in smart homes and home automation technology. Coassin explains, “Homeowners want to be able to have complete control over their homes and lives—our smart homes make that possible. By partnering with Arbor Energy, ATP Alarms can now offer customers real time information about their heating systems and more. This allows homeowner’s to be made aware of problems before it is too late”.

Arbor Energy has been servicing residents of New Haven County since 1994. For 20 years and counting Arbor Energy served thousands of customers as they strive to provide the highest quality service. In continuing with this vision, Arbor Energy is moving forward into the digital age in order to go above and beyond for their customers. The opportunity for a partnership between ATP Alarms and Arbor Energy will provide additional convenience and reassurance to customers looking to keep their heating and cooling systems running safely and efficiently while having constant, whole house monitoring service.

Starting immediately, any customer currently using ATP Alarms and Arbor Energy will be able to have their heating system monitored 24 hours/7 days a week for emergency shutdowns! “The partnership we have begun with ATP Alarms will allow Arbor Energy to better service its current customers,” Kevin Donovan, President of Arbor Energy explains “We strive to offer our customers a combination of fast, affordable, and efficient service. By partnering with ATP Alarms, we will now be able to respond faster and more efficiently to our customers.”

In the coming months, Arbor Energy and ATP Alarms will be announcing continued opportunities for our customers in order to have a safe, reliable, and encouraging experience.

The teams at Arbor Energy and ATP Alarms are very excited about working together in the future. If you have any questions about the services either company can offer, please visit www.Arboroil.com or www.ATPalarms.com .

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Chinese Fire Drill

Mon, 03 Mar 2014 17:00:00 GMT

A Look Into Chinese Fire Drills and Escape Plans

In Florida, in the winter, our humidity can become very arid and dry. This is when drought begins here in our state. In 1998, we experienced one of the worst seasons for forest fires ever recorded. Entire counties were evacuated; the local news and even the weather channel had seemingly nonstop reports fanning the fire of paranoia.

Looking across the river, at night you could see the distant glow of the fires , which had started in the winter and were popping up just about everywhere. Ambers from the fire started to make their way across the river somehow and empty lots and small tracts that were designated preserves, dry from the drought were vulnerable to fire too. It did not take much before the reality we’d seen only on TV was in our neighborhoods beachside!

It was late and my entire family was fast asleep in our two story home. We live near the beach on a barrier island. We were usually not susceptible to changes such as drought, but in the summer of 1998 Florida was on fire . At around 2:30AM I jumped up in our bed smelling smoke. I ran upstairs checking on our two teenagers, then the babies room, everyone was fine. So I went back to bed, but the smell became stronger. The second time I got up, I ran upstairs waking the children as my wife grabbed the baby we made our way outside. Our teenagers laughed at me and my wife asked “where is the fire”; but the smoke was there.

I keep a fire extinguisher in our kitchen, and I went inside for it. I looked in our second floor attic, thinking our roof caught fire from an amber or something. Meanwhile, my family was at the edge of our driveway, which was our fire plan. I believe it is important for every family to have one.

Thank goodness there was no fire in our house or around it for that matter, my wife thought it was hysterical and my kids thought I was nuts. “Can we go back to bed now?” before I let them go to sleep I made sure again that they knew where the fire extinguisher was , and that they needed to make sure everyone was out of the house if we even think there is a fire.

We were lucky that evening, but several beachside areas did catch fire that week . I slept easier knowing our family had a plan , a fire extinguisher and now had a Chinese Fire Drill . Having a fire plan is no joke and this video from Honeywell is a great start to creating a fire plan for your family.

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Freedom Achieved

Thu, 27 Feb 2014 02:15:00 GMT

Freedom Achieved with Help from ATP

I own my own business and as an entrepreneur it can be very fulfilling, but it can also drive me nuts. I wonder if I’ll ever have any free time, I already feel guilty if I’m not there. When I am there I ask myself when am I going to get home and have family time, do the things I like and actually have time for myself? I know I’m not alone.

Sure, I had a security system at our business, but after seeing all of the new stuff available on TV, the internet and at my neighbor’s house, I thought, Hey, I’m worth the upgrade. I’m speaking of a feature our friend showed us on their cell phone, a smart phone actually (they explained the difference). Their smart phone was connected to their home security system, which also had home automation. The app was called Total Connect, and boy is it easy to use.

Freedom with energy management and home automation via a smartphone still sounds pretty space age, but I assure you it’s real.

So, I had to have it. Energy management and home automation via a smartphone still sounds pretty space age, but I assure you it’s real. At our business, a pub, we can check if the system is armed, un arm it if we like, bypass a zone and pretty much all of the things you would do on your business security systems keypad. There are even temp sensors we added in our walk in refrigerator which warns us if the temp is too warm. That system going down and me not knowing could make for a bad day. With Total Connect, I get a text if something’s wrong. Being paranoid that the system is not on, or isn’t working is no longer an issue for me as I can check it out on my iPhone. We did all of this with ATP Alarms, our local Honeywell authorized security dealer.

As a business owner, I have made the command decision to take control and to give myself freedom without the constant worry I used to have. Now we get to go out more, travel and simply put, relax.

For me this is a new found peace of mind, I love my new gadgets that are on my iPad, smartphone and PC.

The weather will be getting nicer soon, and I’m going to make sure to take time to smell the roses. For me this is a new found peace of mind, I love my new gadgets that are on my iPad, smartphone and PC. We’re free do and go where as we please, knowing that we can check on our lively business in a flash. How’s that for an upgrade? I would recommend Total Connect to everyone, you’re worth it!

Can Make and Receive Calls But …

Fri, 21 Feb 2014 17:00:00 GMT

Can make and receive calls but the phone won’t ring…

Having experienced the end of this era working in the telecommunications industry, I had an opportunity to learn the nature of electricity , as practically applied, from working on the public telephone network. Here I had a perspective to appreciate the incredible impact some relative simple innovations could have. One of the most dramatic examples in my opinion was the effect that twisting two wires together had on an alternating current signal (such as a modulated voice) and the distance that it would travel intact.

As a child in the 60’s, I remember traveling by car on a highway which ran along some distance next to a train track. From the back seat of the family’s Buick sedan, I noticed that every few hundred feet there were these strange little metal crosses suspended on the old telegraph wires which ran along the tracks. These little metal crosses, I later learned, were actually brackets that had glass insulators on the end of the four arms configured so that two adjacent wires were routed through it so that the two parallel wires switched positions with each other. The purpose, to take miles of parallel wires and approximate a slight twist between them in pairs and improve this infrastructure allowing it to carry a voice phone call where before only dots and dashed could make the distance.

I recall a service call once related to me by a phone installer tasked to address the complaint,”can make and receive calls but the phone won’t ring”. The installer knew this had to be some kind of mistake for how can you receive a call if the phone doesn’t ring? But upon arrival at the home in question, the lady of the house assured him that this was indeed true. As he was asking her how this could be true, he was interrupted by her politely excusing herself to…answer a phone call, although the phone had clearly not rang. Upon her return, the baffled phone man inquired as to exactly how she had known she had a phone call . Her reply, “why, because the dog was barking , sir.” Perplexed, the man went into the back yard to investigate and soon found a friendly collie in a dog run. This dog run, as it happened, had been hastily fashioned from a short length of chain looped over the phone cable into the house. Over time, the insulation had worn away from one of the wires and poor ole ‘Rover’ was lit up with 130 volts on every call. Now immensely popular, this was the advent of another innovation, the custom ’ Dark Barking Ringtone ’.

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Homeowners Need Alarms

Wed, 19 Feb 2014 17:00:00 GMT

Why Do Homeowners Need Alarms?

Guess what percentage of homeowners had alarm systems in the early 1990’s? 20 percent. Guess what percentage of homeowners had alarm systems in 2012? 20 percent. I work in the security industry and I try to be an optimist. The optimists say, “Wow, our market has never really been penetrated! There is a lot of opportunity!” The pessimists say, “Wow, we hit our plateau!” I’ll tell you this, homeowners need alarms .

Well, those pessimists now have a reason to be optimistic. Industry analysts say that in five years, 60-70% of homeowners will have some type of home automation or smart home. What is home automation ? Think about anything that you can control remotely or automatically . Think about a device that can allow you to live a more efficient or carefree life. For example, thermostats , lighting control , and locks are all products that can be considered part of a smart home.

This is very exciting for our industry as several security companies also offer home automation. That means home security companies may see a 50 percent increase in their market place! The advantage of getting a smart home through your security company is the ability to have everything on one smart phone application and to also have a monitored security system. All said, I have found that still, homeowners need alarms.

There are several do it yourself (DIY) home automation systems . For example, Iris is the home automation package offered by Lowes. The advantage of Iris is that it is inexpensive. How does the old saying go? You get what you pay for . This Iris system, which incorporates home security and smart devices, lacks on the life safety side. For example, if your smoke detector goes off you can receive a text or a phone call. But guess what? You then need to hang up, call your local fire department, tell them your address, and hope they get there in time. When your home automation system is installed by a Honeywell Authorized Dealer , like ATP Alarms, the fire department will be notified by our monitoring station, even if you are in the movies, on vacation or in the hospital. Lowes almost brags on its website, that Iris “lets you decide if emergency services are needed”. I’m sorry; I do not need to decide if I have a fire in my home. If my smoke detector is going off when I am away from home, I want the fire department to be called every time, but that’s me!

In addition, this Iris system is not considered a professionally monitored system by your insurance company . What does this mean? If you have spent all that money on a motion detector, smoke alarm, and water detector, your insurance company does not care—and they should not. Their logic is well if it is not connected to the police or fire department, how do we know that the professionals will get there in time to prevent a robbery or a two alarm fire? The answer is simply… They don’t.

The Iris is a great affordable system for those that like to do things themselves and that are not concerned about home security or fire prevention. The automation side of Iris is a positive and is almost comparable to a home automation installed by ATP Alarms. However, if you are concerned about home security and fire prevention , please consider your local Honeywell Dealer.

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A Security System That Pays For Itself

Mon, 17 Feb 2014 19:30:00 GMT

By LMc / ATP Alarms

Today my friend came to visit my injured daughter and I. Her first words were I need an security system. She said her friend across the street is saving $800 a year on insurance . We began to talk about the benefits of a home alarm because she knows we have one at our house, and its a security system that pays for itself.

As we talked, I remembered her kids had all moved out and she was home alone. My friend said she would come home and make noise to scare anyone off and sometimes she would hear something at night and now she sleeps on the couch. What a way to live, no peace of mind! I’m about to change that for her as I knew of a security system that pays for itself.

ATP Alarms has smartphone capability; the app is called Total Connect . My friend does not have a home phone, just her cellphone and with this app it will let her know if her security system is on or off, and the icons are very user friendly. It would also let her know if there is a break in, and where the alert was by telling her which window or door, via event text. Should the smoke sensor get an alert, it will call the fire dept right away but she will get an event text & email before she gets a phone call from the monitoring station. This is about life safety, home and memories. This simple app by Honeywell and Total Connect by design is managed by the clients, so it can be easy or more in depth of information, your choice. We went more into Home Automation thru Total Connect. This will help her turn her lights on, turn down her AC and unlock the door for quick entry, when she comes home via smartphone.

She now feeling the benefits of her fully secured home. Her children and friends are so happy to hear she is safe and now she has moved back into her bedroom and sleeping thru the night. They called and thanked me for helping her to save money, be secured and to have a peace of mind. Now, she has planned a trip to Hawaii and feels so much better leaving her home for weeks at a time.

Let us now talk about how this alarm system has saved her money, it’s icing on the cake. She now has a monitored security system that pays for itself because her home owners insurance offers a discount. We can’t forget the monies saved on cellular communication either allowing not having a home phone bill because the alarm communicates to the central station without a home phone. Now because of the home automation package, her electric bill has went down too. She is happy to save more money a month than it takes to even have the security system that pays for itself.

Thank you ATP Alarms for helping my friends and me to have a safer, less stressful life along with peace o of mind.

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Lynx Touch or Tuxedo

Fri, 31 Jan 2014 17:20:00 GMT

Lynx Touch vs Tuxedo, which is best?

Let’s start this blog off by doing something fun and exhilarating, a.k.a… a brain exercise. Okay, so clear your mind for a second. Done? Now I am going to write a term at the end of this sentence and as soon as you read it I bet I can tell the first thing that comes to your mind… Security system ; I am going to make a fairly educated guess and say that the first thing that came to your mind was an off white bulky keypad, right? I know, you are probably thinking “Wow that was impressive, I wonder what his hourly rates are?” well the good news for you is that it is actually free of charge when you schedule an appointment with me. All joking aside, the visual aspect of the keypad is the biggest concern of most new and current customers.

For some stranger reason people tend to think that the security industry has one keypad that is indestructible and will never change. This is where I put those thoughts to rest. Here at American Total Protection we offer an abundance of keypads for our customers to choose from. Seeing as how we are a Honeywell licensed and trained dealer we have numerous options as far as keypads go to fit whatever style you might want. Yes, we do still offer the basic keypads where you only have your numbers and the basic away and stay features. To the disbelief of many though, there actually are cool state of the art keypads out there that come fully loaded with awesome new features.

The two latest products that American Total Protection has to offer are the Honeywell “ Lynx Touch ” and the Honeywell “ Tuxedo ”. In their own right, both are extremely appealing. They are great because not only do they come programed with more features than a basic keypad, they are also a lot easier on the eyes. The comparison that I usually make so customers have an idea of the size and looks of the keypad is a smaller version of a kindle fire. Some of the cool features that come with the keypad are the ability to get your local weather , traffic , or leaving a note for someone else in the house and or business in which the keypads installed in. Although these features are great, the one function that I find most attractive is the ability to turn your keypad into a virtual photo frame . With a simple push of a button you can turn your boring keypad into great memories for you to see in order to get you in that great mode when heading off to work each morning.

Now I know these types of keypads are not for everyone, but this is a simple luxury that we offer to our customers because we as a company know it is important to stay up to date with technology. So if you are looking for that new state of the art technology while having your house secured, ATP Alarms has got you covered . And remember, ATP Alarms is American Total Protection!

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Richmond Glen: The Smart Project

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 01:50:00 GMT

American Total Protection is thrilled to announce that it will be partnering with Calcagni Real Estate and Brodach Richmond, LLC. to design one of the “smartest” developments in New Haven County. In December of 2013, Calcagni Real Estate and Brodach Richmond, LLC. approached American Total Protection to discuss their most recent development: Richmond Glen. The development, which is geared toward those 55 and older, is nestled in the heart of Cheshire. The community will consist of 41 private homes treated to perfection.

Lawrence Coassin Jr. (“Rence”) offered an explanation of how the partnership came to be, “In December of 2013, Steve Calcagni and Jay Brodach approached ATP Alarms about taking their most recent development to the next level. They envisioned ‘Richmond Glen: The Smart Project’.” After discussing the vision with Calcagni Real Estate’s project leaders, Marilyn Rock and Pat O’Neill, the “Smart Project” came to fruition.

The homes, which are settled in 32 acres of secluded, private and pristine nature, are already luxurious. ATP Alarms will be installing locks, lighting controls, temperature controls, home security and even a camera in model home on site 7. As Coassin explained, “With the community consisting of those 55 and older, Steve and Jay wanted to design a home where the residents could live efficiently and not worry about the small burdens of life. Residents of Richmond Glen will save up to 20 percent on future energy bills because of the equipment already inside of these homes. To my knowledge, there is not a development like this in the state of Connecticut.”

Future residents will be able to control their locks, lights, thermostats, and alarm system with a click of a button. The technology inside the homes at Richmond Glen will be cutting edge, but extremely easy to use.

To learn more about the “The Smart Project”, please visit http://richmondglenliving.com/ or http://ATPalarms.com/ . There will be an open house this Sunday, February 2nd, from 1-3pm. Project leaders, Marilyn Rock and Pat O’Neill, along with Rence Coassin of American Total Protection, will be showing prospective buyers all the features this smart home has to offer.

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The Importance of Alarm Communication

Thu, 23 Jan 2014 18:00:00 GMT

Alarm Communications and Their Importance

Communication paths in alarm technology have changed over the years . When I first started in this business it seemed that there was only one path of communication in the industry, POTS lines. (Plain Old Telephone Service) While at the time a wireless option was available, it was very expensive and out of the reach of most homeowners. Also the technology was in its infancy (was on a slow emergency band, did not do zone reporting, fault zone reporting versus the cellular GSM radios of today)

With the advent of the Internet, and GSM radios to more cellular networks (2G, 3G, 4G) we have more options on communication paths. I have my opinions, but which is best? That will be up to the customer and installing company. One good note is that most monitoring centers are ready for either Communication path.

Here are few Communication paths that are available to us currently;

POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service)
– PRO: been around a long time easy to maintain
– CON: the line is "Outside the Castle" and can still be tampered with.

Cable Phone – VOIP, (Voice over Internet Protocol)
– PRO: available everywhere you have cable service.
– CON: the line is "Outside the Castle" and can still be tampered with. Also this service is part of your internet and the internet still is not 100%, drop outs, slow service.

Fiber Optic Phone : Still VOIP phone but over copper to Fiber Optic service EX: AT&T U-verse, Verizon, FIOS, and Century Link Prism Phone.
– PRO: Latest Technology
– CON: same as the others: the line is "Outside the Castle" and can still be tampered with. Also this service is part of your internet, and the internet still is not 100%, drop outs, slow service.

Wireless Cellular Communication : Through Cellular device, GSM Module, GSM Radio Unit
– PRO: all alarm companies offer it, if you have one cell tower in your area, it should be an option. More stable than the Internet, easy to maintain and no phone line needed means you save money.
– CON: Additional equipment expense. Alarm still relies on cell phone tower signal strength.

In the end I think the wireless GSM makes sense. What’s best for the client and the installing company will be heavy determining factors. ATP Alarms can accommodate all of the above .

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How Secure is Your Building?

Tue, 21 Jan 2014 17:00:00 GMT

How Secure is Your Building, Apartment or Office?

Recently, ATP Alarms has been receiving more and more inquiries from property owners and property managers regarding the fire protection in their respective buildings. Many of these phone calls are a result of their insurance underwriter wanting more protection on the properties that they are insuring. In many instances, properties only have “local” fire alarms. Meaning, if the alarm were to go off, it would only work locally. Also, with these local alarms, individuals can easily disconnect them, leaving their dwelling without fire protection. More seriously, this puts the other occupants of the building at serious risk! With that said, these property managers and property owners are being urged by the insurance companies to install monitored smoke protection .

With monitored smoke protection, individuals cannot easily disable their smoke detectors. If they do, the Fire Panel, typically located in a utility closet or basement, will show a “trouble”. This will allow the owner of the property or the property manager to address the situation as soon as possible. Sadly, not all property owners and managers have these types of systems. Having monitored fire systems can be the difference between life and death . If you would feel more comfortable with a monitored complex, do not hesitate to bring it up at your building’s next meeting. If you would like a member from ATP Fire to attend the meeting to go over some possible solutions, a representative from the company would be glad to help. If you would simply like to talk about possible solutions, give one of our offices a call.

In addition to fire systems, many real estate owners / managers are choosing to install surveillance systems to help monitor parking lots, entryways, laundry rooms, etc. I am sure many people living in apartment buildings have had clothing taken out of the washing machine without them knowing … imagine being able to go to your building supervisor to catch the culprit? How about that dent in your door due to a careless visitor? A camera system can assist in holding those accountable. In addition, just the presence of cameras serves as a deterrent to disruptive behavior. The amount of inquiries for camera systems has increased immensely throughout recent years. I attribute this to owners finally wanting to better monitor their properties and also because the technology of cameras and DVR’s / NVR’s has increased immensely.

ATP Alarms / ATP Fire is always willing to attend building meetings to help address any life safety or surveillance concerns . Members of our team have been in the life safety business for over 25 years and can offer several solutions to make a building’s environment much safer to live in.

As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us here at ATP if you have any questions relating to your security, fire, or surveillance systems. We aim to offer the most competitive, cost-effective and highest quality level of service to all of our customers.

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5 Reasons For Monitored Home Security

Mon, 13 Jan 2014 20:15:00 GMT

Five Reasons Why You Should Have a Monitored Home Security System

1. Family ; like everyone with a family, we are concerned for our family when we are there, and especially when we are not. Is everything OK at home with your family?

2. You’re Possessions ; you have worked hard for what you have, and the more you have the bigger target it becomes and greater is the need to protect it. Are your belongings protected right now?

3. The House; for most people, the single largest investment they have is their home, which is one of the reasons the house is insured, but is that enough?

4. A Certificate of Alarm Protection ; many insurance companies offer a discount when provided with a certification that a property has a monitored security system in place. Even more when integrated with monitored smoke, heat and CO detectors. These devices are proven to save lives because they inform the authorities in real time when there is an alert on the system. When configured with Total Connect, you are kept in the loop too with texts, e-mails and even video clips. Would you like to be connected like this?

5. Peace of Mind ; this is one of the most difficult state on minds to achieve, and yet most whom have a monitored security system say they now have one less thing to worry about. Peace of Mind, are you worth it?

These are just five reasons, but they are very compelling. That’s why the security industry is booming. A security system for your home or business just makes sense. Alarms that are integrated with the internet and your home network can do a whole lot more than keep you safe; they allow you to be more efficient with your precious time and with a home automation package you can actually save energy while offering conveniences that were only seen in futuristic TV shows and movies a few years ago.

Our society has become technology driven and nearly every household now has the internet, a smart phone and people who know how to use them. Do you live in New England or Florida? ATP Alarms is your local Honeywell authorized security dealer is ready now to answer any questions you may have on making this lifestyle a reality for you. Specializing in hardwired or wireless security systems with home automation and Total Connect are available now. Protect who you love.

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Fire Extinguishers Used As Security?

Wed, 08 Jan 2014 18:45:00 GMT

Fire Extinguishers Used as Security in the Home and Office

Friends of ours that live in a two story house like keeping the fire extinguisher next to the bed. These people don’t have any training with hand guns, nor like the idea of a loaded gun in the house. But they told me that they feel better knowing that the fire extinguisher is nearby and has dual purpose . They explained to me that if the stairwell was on fire, the fire extinguisher could end up to be their only means of escape with knocking the flames down just enough to get by. Or the self-defense purpose with using it to shoot down at an invader and making it very difficult for one to go up the stairs or into their bed room.

I have also seen in movies where a fire extinguisher was used in assistance of “the good or bad guys” escaping from an area. I have seen scenes where someone has shot the fire extinguisher creating a small explosion of powder in the area. This was used as a decoy, cover screen, or startling method to assist in their doings.

So keep in mind, the household or office fire extinguisher could be used to put out the fire or put out the invader.

Be Safe Out There

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FEAR: You Have Yours, I Have Mine

Mon, 06 Jan 2014 15:00:00 GMT

FEARS – We All Have Them

Fear, we all experience it at some point in our lives. There a lots of things to fear, such as public speaking, big dogs, Brussels sprouts, or my personal favorite – tight spaces. The fear I’m talking about today hits closer to home, personal safety; for the purposes of this blog personal safety means you, your family, and your home.

Ask ten people you know if they have ever experienced a break-in at their home. Chances are at least one of those friends has experienced a break-in at some point in their life. If that one friend is male, he was and probably still is, REALLY angry about what happened. Someone came into HIS house and stole HIS stuff! How dare they! "Next time I’ll be ready" your friend says. However, if that friend is female, she is more than likely still very shaken-up over the incident. Women often say how they have felt violated, afraid to be in their own home and just generally creeped out. "I can’t believe a stranger was in my house, touching my things" your friend says.

Even worse, ask ten of your friends if they have ever been physically assaulted. The chances increase dramatically – probably at least half (or more) of them have. But think about this – one in four of your female friends may have been either physically or sexually assaulted, and this may have happened in her own home. Many women today have empowered themselves by becoming more aware of their surroundings, maybe carrying some pepper spray. But that does little to alleviate those fears that both men and women have about their personal safety and the safety of their family.

Today’s home alarm systems offer peace of mind to families when they are away from home. No strangers creeping around the house, touching your stuff, etc…, but consider this, what about when you ARE home? This is where most people don’t realize some of the built-in personal safety features a home security system offers;

– Panic Buttons – most alarm systems have panic buttons built right into the keypad. They typically have police, fire, and emergency buttons that can be pressed so that the monitoring company will dispatch the proper authority. This is all done in a matter of seconds.

– Duress Codes / Passwords – most alarm systems have a special duress code that is entered by the user to notify the Monitoring Company that they are under duress and need help immediately. Also, alternate passwords can be given to the Monitoring Company to let them know something is up and you need help.

– Cameras – Today’s state-of-the-art alarm systems also offer customers the ability to "watch" their home while they are at work, which for some parents of latch-key kids gives them notification from the monitoring company when their kids get home from school. Usually this includes a video from a small wireless camera showing the parent (or pet parent) that their child is home, safe and sound.

Fear does play a big part in our daily lives; just watch the news or one of the infinite crime dramas on TV! Knowing that you are doing all that you can to protect your loved ones is important. Having a professionally installed and monitored security system by ATP Alarms in your home will show your loved ones how much you love and respect them and want to lessen THEIR fears. If you travel for work, have latch-key kids, or worry about Fido when you are not there – peace of mind is just a phone call or click away. Protect who you love .

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Honeywell Awards ATP Alarms 3rd Place

Mon, 06 Jan 2014 15:00:00 GMT

Honeywell Awards American Total Protection "Dealer of the Year" 3rd Place

On a fun filled weekend during November 7th thru the 10th 2013, The Honeywell Authorized Security Dealer’s Development Group rolled out the red carpet, hosting their annual convention in Los Angeles, California. Over the past decade, this event has grown exponentially. There were close to 1000 dealer representatives in attendance for the 2013 event. American Total Protection d.b.a. ATP Alarms is a member of the elite security division titled First Alert Professional (FAP). Each company within FAP was automatically entered in the annual “Sales Frenzy” contest.

– All of the Honeywell and First Alert Security Dealers were automatically entered into this competition .
– Dealers were separated into seven groups according to their projected annual sales volume. This ensured that dealers competed in groups with companies of similar sizes .
– Dealers were measured by the greatest percentage growth in a year-over-year comparison .

The home security industry in general has been experiencing explosive growth in the past year and with innovations in all aspects of technology. ATP Alarms, whom is a subsidiary of American Total Protection, had a banner year in 2013 with over 71 percent growth from the previous year. Accepting the award on behalf of American Total Protection were principals Dominic Prete and Lawrence (“Rence”) Coassin Jr.

The entire team at ATP Alarms has been thrilled with the company’s growth as the corporate office explained, “The sales people have sold more, our service department has done a great job handling an increase in customers, our account managers have diffused situations quickly and efficiently, and our installers have done an amazing job handling the increased volume. We have grown 71 percent with the same amount of people from a year ago – this is a testament to everyone’s effort and dedication!”

American Total Protection would like to thank all of their loyal customers for their business over the years. ATP is extremely excited to announce its expansion into New Hampshire, opening an office in Salem. In collaboration with its offices in Connecticut, ATP Alarms is now servicing security clients in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire as well as Florida . With the industry headed towards home automation , ATP is now able to offer their existing customers as well as new found friends the latest in this technology.

ATP Alarms and ATP Fire are both trade names for American Total Protection, LLC providing turnkey solutions for Home Security, Business Security, Fire Alarms, Fire Suppression, CCTV, Access Control, Gates, Fire Extinguishers and Emergency Lighting throughout the New England and Florida markets. For more information contact (888) 903-8803 for the ATP Alarms Florida office and (888) 348-0050 for ATP’s New England office.

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Phone Line For My Security System?

Sat, 04 Jan 2014 15:30:00 GMT

Do I Need a Phone Line For My Security System?

One of the most common questions we receive is, “I am getting rid of my phone line. Is there anything ATP Alarms needs to do?” We always appreciate when customers give us notice before making a change to their home – it allows us to coordinate the best time for service (please call us prior to any renovations – electrical, painting, remodeling, etc.). In the above instance, the customer definitely needs to make some adjustments to their security system because without a phone line, the current system has no way of communicating with the central station. In fact, by getting rid of his or her phone line, the customer may have just created an opportunity to make the home more secure, let me explain.

Home security systems that are monitored through a phone line or VOIP are easier to bypass for an intruder as they only need to cut the phone line or the power. With a VOIP based phone system, your alarm will not work if you lose internet – think about how many times your internet goes down and restarts! Luckily, our industry has developed the technology that allows the alarm system to communicate with the central station through a GSM cellular radio. GSM monitoring is inexpensive and it can also save you money overall as you no longer need to pay for a phone line.

By adding our newest GSM radio, you have the option to sign up for Total Connect , Honeywell’s proprietary smartphone or tablet app that allows you to arm / disarm your system, control lights or thermostats, and even view cameras. My favorite thing about Total Connect is the ability to see if my system is armed. In the mornings I am often in a rush getting out the door and I sometimes forget if I armed my system. Being able to check my system on my smartphone provides a great peace of mind.

As a Honeywell authorized security dealer, this allows our company to focus on professional installations and customer service. We leave the development of our software and hardware to Honeywell, a Fortune 100 company trusted with our nation’s security. Honeywell relies on us to bring their product to the people.

If you would like to learn more about Total Connect, please visit us at ATP Alarms online. You may also learn more through navigating ATP Alarms’ website. I use the TC app for my home and it gives me great piece of mind knowing the status of my security system.

If you have any questions relating to updating or changing your system, please give our office a call to speak with a life safety specialist today – we would be glad to help you.

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Total Connect for your Second Home

Wed, 01 Jan 2014 20:00:00 GMT

A Total Connect for your Second Home or Vacation Home?

The first benefit to using Total Connect with your vacation home is of course security. Seasonal properties have long been the targets of home invaders looking for an easy score. Burglars will often stake out these properties to see if anyone is using it in the off season months. Additionally, if you rent the property you can disarm the system remotely without having to give out your personal security code to renters whom you know nothing about. If you paired Total Connect with a z wave keypad and lock you would have the ability to unlock the door and disarm the security system to allow a maintenance worker or cleaning lady into the property without ever compromising your security. Total Connect cameras would allow you to access live streams of what is going on in and around your house.

While security should be a concern for any owner of a vacation property, there are other everyday worries which can be solved with the remote access the Total Connect app provides. Owners of vacation homes in ski areas have the very legitimate concern of freezing pipes. Frozen and burst pipes can cost thousands in repairs and until now the owner had very few options for preventing such a catastrophe. First, they could leave their heat on a low level and heat an empty home as they watch their energy costs rise. Second, they could keep a close eye on the weather report and ask neighbors to adjust their thermostats. Neither of these options are practical.

Now with Total Connect and z wave you can adjust your thermostat from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. If you paired total connect with a low temperature sensor you could receive email and texts alerts that the home was approaching freezing and the temperature needs to be raised.

What makes Total Connect so convenient is its real time alerts and the seemingly countless things you could monitor while your away. “Water bugs” can alert you to flooding in the house before damage mounts. Sensors can alert you if a liquor or gun cabinet has been opened. Sensors can even tell you if a valuable item such as an expensive vase was moved while you were away. All of these features coupled with Z wave control of the thermostats, lights and locks allow a person thousands of miles away feel like they are sitting in their vacation home.

If you would like more information, give us a call at the office. ATP Alarms is a Honeywell authorized security dealer and would like to wish you a very Happy New Year in 2014 !

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The Dangers of DIY Alarm Systems

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 20:00:00 GMT

What are the Dangers of Do it Yourself (DIY) Systems?

Today there are many companies offering do it yourself home security systems at significantly lower prices than professional alarm companies, or so it would seem. There are however many important security measures to consider in purchasing and installing a DIY alarm system.

First, you are probably not a licensed security professional. If you program the system incorrectly, you are putting your family and property in danger.

Another important thing to consider is that unlike a professional security company which subsidizes the cost of equipment with a monitoring agreement, DIY companies are simply selling you the equipment and telling you to get it monitored by a 3rd party company. This means that if you ever want to add sensors to your system expect to pay a high premium and of course you would be doing all the programing of this by yourself.

Many DIY alarm companies will notify you that the alarm has been tripped, but do not contact the police or fire department and leave this task to YOU. This can waste precious and valuable time in the event of a burglary or other emergency. The bottom line is when it comes to protecting your family and property it is best to leave it to a well-respected professional alarm company, like ATP Alarms . Even though it might cost a little extra, the peace of mind of knowing it was done right will make you sleep better at night.

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How to Prevent Grease Fires

Mon, 23 Dec 2013 17:15:00 GMT

Grease Fires Happen, Unfortunately…

Being Italian, I love to eat! I also enjoy cooking. However, even the best of chefs make mistakes and these mistakes can sometime have extreme consequences. How does a grease fire happen and how do you contain the fire? Do you quickly move it off the stove and into the sink? Do you throw water over the stove? Continue reading below to find out the correct way to prevent or maintain a grease fire .

However, mistakes do happen and we must be prepared! When cooking, be sure keep a metal lid nearby. In addition, every kitchen should be equipped with an ABC fire extinguisher . If your grease does catch fire, the following recommendations may keep the damage to a minimum.

DO

1. Turn the heat off. When there are flames, people panic. With that said, leave the pot where it is—we cannot afford to spill burning oil as this would only cause the fire to spread more rapidly.
2. Cover the pot with the metal lid. This is fire 101. Take away oxygen and the fire cannot breath! Please note metal is necessary as glass cannot withstand the heat and pressure.
3. Ever see the scene in Gone in Sixty Seconds where Nicholas Cage uses baking powder to put out a grease fire—it works! This is not full proof as it only works for small fires.
4. Pick up your Class ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher and spray the base of the fire. This is a last resort as fire extinguishers have contaminants. Nevertheless, a contaminated kitchen is better than no kitchen!
5. Get to safety and call the Fire Department. Leave it to the professionals—kitchens can be replaced, you can’t.

DO NOT

1. Use water—this may cause the oil to spread!
2. Do not move the pot or pan. We do not want to risk spilling burning oil (see points 1 and 2 above.)
3. Do not use any other baking product to smother the fire (only baking powder).

Please remember these lessons the next time you are cooking your bacon and eggs. Taking very simple steps, such as not leaving the kitchen while cooking, can prevent fires. Keep this in mind, as a little extra effort may prevent a tragedy.

As always, if you ever have any questions regarding to life safety or home security in general, please contact a specialist at American Total Protection.

ATP Alarms would like to thank The Kitchn for the lesson!

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How to Prevent Electrical Fires

Sat, 21 Dec 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Electrical Fires and How to Deal with One

In this post, we will look at how to prevent electrical fires . We will also prepare for the worst and learn how to minimize the damage if we unfortunately encounter an electrical fire. Electrical fires are very dangerous, as the fire can “brew” in the walls before the inhabitants have any idea of what is going on. With this in mind, the necessary precautions are must be taken.

As I have said in other posts, the best defense is a good offense . Taking the following actions may be lifesaving.

Be aware and responsible for the potential electrical fire dangers in your home. Note and rectify hot outlets, flickering lights, burnt outlets, or fuses that frequently blow. All of these occurrences suggest an unsafe environment. If you are unsure if something is safe or not, ask your landlord or a licensed electrician.

DO NOT overload electrical outlets or extension cords. That RA who told you that extension cords weren’t allowed in your dorm room as they increase the risk of fire may have been right. Just because a plug may fit in an electrical outlet, does not mean that it is safe. I even take the extra step of unplugging appliances when not using them.

Electrical fires have many causes, such as fray or faulty wiring, faulty appliances, and overloaded outlets. Keep this in mind when plugging in your accessories. If you are unsure of your home or apartments wiring, consult with a licensed electrician and make the necessary adjustments—they could be lifesaving. GET A MONITORED HEAT DETECTOR . Electrical fires sometimes “brew” in your walls, producing hardly any smoke until the fire is extremely large and out of control. A heat detector will provide an early detection. Whenever consulting a customer, I highlight the importance of a heat detectors—it could be lifesaving.

In case a fire does break out … NEVER use water on an electrical fire . This could possibly cause electrocution! It will also not put the fire out. This is a lose, lose situation.

Use an ABC fire extinguisher. Never use just an A fire extinguisher on an electrical fire. Please contact ATP Alarms for a commercial grade fire extinguisher today if you do not already have one.

***As always, remember objects and material things can be replaced. Do not risk your life to save one of these objects. Leave it to the fire department as they are professionals. In addition, if you live in a secluded area, it is always a great idea to check in with your local fire department regularly to confirm that they know how to get to your home.

Stay safe!

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Remember Your First Day?

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Do you remember your first day on the job?

I distinctively remember mine at American Total Protection, home of ATP Alarms . Walking towards the meeting room to meet our authorized Honeywell trainer, the timeless saying was rattling through my head, “seen one, then you’ve seen them all”. Boy, was I mistaken. For all of you who still have your Nokia flip phones from 1999, don’t be alarmed (see what I did there), the standard basic security systems where you type “1,2,3,4, Alarm” still exist. However, within the first ten minutes I realized that home security systems have come a long way. After briefly learning about the new technology ATP Alarms had to offer, I knew my fellow Gen X & Y’s and I officially had a way to connect with a home security system.

Seeing as how I have a smart phone, I am incredibly tech-savvy. Don’t judge, you label yourself the same way. I am constantly looking at latest applications and trying to find something to relate to. This is where our Honeywell “Total Connect” app about comes into play. As a 25 year old, I can sometimes misplace the most important/basic things you can possibly think of; ie: my keys. Although, I may lock myself out of my apartment from time to time, there is one thing that I will never lose because it is glued to my hands, my smart phone. With the advancements made in the technology of security systems, all of our basic problems can be put to rest with Total Connect application.

Now for all of you impatient people out there saying “where does the losing your keys part come into play”, this is where I hit you with the good stuff. Seeing as how the Total Connect app is Z-Wave friendly, you have the option to attach smart locks to your system. Have you ever watched one of those James Bond movies where he pulls out some crazy gadget and somehow unlocks a door? Well, all you Gen X folks here is your chance to act like you’re Sir Sean Connery and impress your gal by using your smart phone. With the Z-Wave technology you can attach door locks to your system that you can control from anywhere that you have internet or cell service. When it is all said and done, whether you’re looking for a flashy high tech or a basic bell and whistle system, American Total Protection has got you covered.

I hope you enjoyed this segment, next week I will focus other home automation and cameras that can also be used in the Total Connect set up.

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Fire Safety as the Seasons Change

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Fire Safety Tips as the Seasons Change by ATP

With rising energy costs New Englanders have turned to alternative forms of heat to warm their homes. Whether this means simply using the fireplace or space heaters to installing a pellet burning stove, we are constantly searching for ways to save on our ballooning oil and gas costs. While all of these alternative methods of heat can certainly help your savings account, they also pose increased risk of fires. In fact, according to the CDC, the months of December, January and February are consistently the months that we see the most home fires.

Incorporating monitored smoke and heat detectors to your home security system can significantly reduce your risk of incurring physical harm or property loss due to an accidental fire. Installing one of these devices gives you the peace of mind that even if you are away from home, the fire department will be dispatched if smoke or rising heat levels are detected. Today, most of these devices are wireless and can connect to existing home security systems. If you don’t have a monitored security system, you should consider it as they are relatively inexpensive and local home security companies can tailor a system to fit almost any budget. Having a properly functioning fire extinguisher is also extremely important to fire safety, especially if you are using a wood or pellet stove to heat your home.

Take careful note that the pressure gauge is in the proper range. An over pressurized extinguisher is extremely dangerous and should be replaced immediately. You will want to confirm the fullness of the extinguisher by either weighing it or lifting it. Lastly, make sure the instructions are legible and facing outward. Keep in mind that while having these devices sit idle for years means you have not had a fire emergency, it does not guarantee its functionality. Remember that over time the device can depressurize slowly rendering it useless. It is recommended that you should replace your home fire extinguisher every ten years even if it has never been used. If you have a rechargeable model you should have it serviced every six years. Enjoy the fall season and keep fire safety in mind as you make your preparations for the winter months ahead.

As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch with an ATP Alarms life / fire safety specialist with any questions.

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Security Technology in Dog Years

Thu, 12 Dec 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Think of Dated Security Technology in Dog Years

My wife is a sales person at ATP Alarms . I heard her recently speaking with a person on the phone that had expressed some interest in a home security system . They had a security system installed in their home when they built it 12 years ago, and wanted to have it monitored again. As a security professional, she naturally wanted to number one make sure this client was safe, but when I heard her compare security technology to dog years…it got my attention.

“For every year a dog’s age is, figure its 7x to compare to the age of a human” she said. “It’s the same with your security system!” then she made her point…”So your home security system is like 84 years old!” When I thought about this, I realized how true it was.

Computers, cellphones and even cameras have come such a long way in such a short time. 10 years ago the flip phone was revolutionary and today it can be found on a shelf in the Smithsonian Institute. The laptop that was $3000 from 10 years ago is now far behind technology wise than a $300 laptop found in stores today.

Fast forward to now. How great is it that the subject of home automation is not just a theme in the futuristic cartoon, “The Jetsons”, now it’s a reality that many Americans enjoy today. Systems like The Lynx 5100 or The Lynx Touch can tell you the weather and traffic as you arm the system on your way out of the house, a pretty cool feature for those people on the go. Armed with standards like a smartphone, iPad or PC a person can not only arm or disarm their security system remotely; they can unlock the door, adjust the thermostat and even turn the lights on or off. The nifty product Total Connect by Honeywell can even send you a text, email and a video clip of the event happening at your place in real time. I didn’t see that on The Jetsons!

Innovations in communication between the home alarm system and the monitoring stations have also come along way. With the new GSM cellular radios, a security system no longer depends on that land line, which still costs upwards of $40 dollars a month. Wireless accessories are now available for nearly all layers of security, smoke detectors, heat detectors, CO detectors, leak detectors, outdoor motion detectors even outdoor cameras can all be purchased in the wireless version.

My wife would have been happy to monitor her clients existing system, but the client decided they deserved the upgrade and the result was another satisfied customer.

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Geese Used As Home Security?

Tue, 10 Dec 2013 18:15:00 GMT

Should You Use a Goose for Your Home’s Security?

Believe it or not, geese can make excellent “watchdogs” or guards . The fact is the use of geese to guard places has been in effect since ancient times. Businesses such as whiskey warehouses in Scotland still use geese and even with today’s technology, military facilities in Europe use geese as another layer of security. The Chinese government recently replaced their guard dogs with gaggles of geese in some areas, and a prison in Sao Paulo Brazil claims it is protected by geese! Geese can be loud and are quick to respond when they hear the slightest questionable noise. Geese naturally understand, without any training, that any people and animals living on the property are part of their flock. They tend to have no fear of challenging a human or animal that intrudes onto “their” property or that threatens “their” people or animal friends.

For centuries, scientists have noticed that before disasters like earth quakes, tsunamis and hurricanes…birds, animals and even elephants have some sort of early warning system built in, and head for higher ground and safer areas. Little dogs, called Shih Tzu or Lion Dogs originally bred in Imperial China and Tibet, during the Ming Dynasty were used by emperors as alert dogs because of their unique sensitivity to noises and people which didn’t belong. Besides dogs, and geese, there are other unusual animals like donkeys and llamas too. I have personally seen a territorial donkey stand its ground while I was on a vacation on Abaco, The Bahamas, a pretty funny site unless you are nipped by one like I was, and naturally my friends thought this incident was hysterical.

A flock of geese may be an unusual method of home security , and they can be effective without any special training, but be careful where you walk. Until you decide to get your own flock or gaggle, ATP Alarms will be here to fulfill your more conventional home security needs. ATP specializes in monitored burglar alarm systems, smoke alarms, home automation, security cameras, fire alarms, fire suppression and more.

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Welcome to the ATP Blog

Tue, 03 Dec 2013 15:55:00 GMT

ATP Alarms – Home and Business Security Blog

With the launch of a brand new website, ATP Alarms now has streaming content via the ATP Blog. We look forward to providing residents of New England and Florida the most relevant, up-to-date security information. Please feel free to add comments to our posts or contact us directly if you have any questions. Thanks for following ATP Alarms!

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