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How to Use Your Fire Extinguisher
Every Moment Counts. Especially when there’s a fire. Criminals are selective about what they take, but a fire takes it all. It’s important to have the proper equipment in your home to protect yourself and your loved once should a fire occur.The independent review site, Safewise.com, interviewed fire-fighters to determine which fire extinguisher they’d recommend.
Their pick: Amerex B402.
Amerex B402 is one of the most recommended fire extinguishers on the market, and its steel casing and aluminum valves make it durable enough to withstand a fire and be recharged for future use.
Other top contenders:
- First Alert Standard Home Fire Extinguisher: Best for Budget
- The Fireman Fire Extinguishing Spray: Best for Convenience
- First Alert Tundra Spray: Portable Pick
- Kidde ABC Multipurpose Fire Extinguisher: Disposable Pick
Types of Fires Extinguishers & Ratings
Before you purchase a fire extinguisher, it’s important to understand the different types of fires. Chemical fire extinguishers are filled with different fire suppressants, and choosing a type of extinguisher with the wrong contents could actually make a fire worse (like throwing water on a grease fire).
Household fires fall under three classifications, depending on the type of fuel burning. The most common fire extinguisher classifications are A, B, C, and K. Class A-B-C fire extinguishers will handle most household fires, but just to be on the safe side, it’s smart to also have a K-rated fire extinguisher on hand for your kitchen.
- Class A: Solid combustible materials that are not metals, like wood, paper, cloth, plastics, and rubber.
- Class B: Flammable liquids, like gasoline, oil, grease, and paints.
- Class C: Electrical equipment, like appliances and outlets.
- Class K: Cooking oils and greases, animal fats, and vegetable fats.
Where to Store Your Fire Extinguisher
It is best to store your extinguisher in your kitchen, 5–8 feet from potential fire sources like deep fat fryers, fireplaces, or clothes dryers. This way you can access them quickly and safely in case of a fire.
Make sure that there is always a fire extinguisher no farther than 40 feet away from any location in your home.
While it’s very important to have a fire extinguisher readily available in your home, it’s equally important to have smoke detectors installed. EMC Security recommends installing at least one monitored smoke detector outside the bedrooms. This way, if there’s a fire, we’ll work to get you the help you need, while you can concentrate on getting your loved ones to safety.
EMC Security monitors for fire at no additional monthly cost.
Home Fire Safety Tips
The room was fully ablaze in 3 minutes.
A recent Good Morning America investigation demonstrated how much more vulnerable today’s modern home is to fire than its older counterparts.
A group of researchers set a fully furnished 12×16 foot room (similar to one found in a modern, open floor plan) on fire to see how long it took for the room to reach a “flash point,” or the moment in a room where everything is engaged in a fire. The result? The room was fully ablaze in 3 minutes.
Read below for tips on how you can prevent this from happening in your home.
1. The first safety tip is a simple one that many homeowners forget—close the interior doors. When each room is compartmentalized, fire has less room and oxygen and grows more slowly, giving the family more time to get out safely. Get into the habit of closing doors (especially bedroom doors) at bedtime.
2. Get fire resistant clothing and furniture. When you’re shopping for new furniture or appliances, check the manufacturer’s label to see if the item has been tested for its resistance to fire.
3. Dense, heavy, solid materials will burn more slowly, so consider the heft of building materials if you’re building or remodeling a home. Heavier doors, handles, and non-synthetic construction materials will slow the spread of flames.
4. Create a fire escape plan. As the safety window for escaping a home fire shrinks, it’s more important that ever to create a fire escape plan for your family that includes two exit points for every room, and a plan for meeting up outside. An escape ladder is a must for 2nd floor bedrooms.
5. The NUMBER ONE thing you can do to protect your home: install a fire monitoring system. EMC Security monitoring includes fire monitoring, starting at $16.95 per month. With the purchase of a monitored smoke detector (from $79) you can help save your home and everyone inside.
Call 770-963-0305 and schedule a free consultation to find the fire monitoring and intrusion alarm system that fits your home and your family.
No Contract Required
What’s the big deal about a security contract?
Think about this scenario:
You hired a company to provide you service on a monthly basis. You have technology in your home that needs to work, and you are placing your trust in fellow human beings to do what they are paid to do in an emergency situation.
What if you get bad service? What if your system fails and you weren’t notified? What if the company is unresponsive, or slow to help you when you need it?
Unlike other monthly home services like trash service, or pest control, home security service could be extremely costly if something goes wrong (and I’m not just talking about monetary costs). It is really important to understand WHO you hire to provide monitoring service – especially if they lock you into a contract.
The fact is, you can’t purchase most professionally installed security systems on the market without agreeing to at least a 36-month contract. This practice has been the standard for years so the providers can offer low up-front installation and equipment fees. The problem with this is once the equipment costs would be paid off, the high monthly fee (absorbing the equipment costs) does not reduce.
Since our inception in 1998, EMC Security has offered no-contract monitoring service. You pay for your equipment upfront with monitoring and communication charges paid on a month to month basis, with the option to cancel any time.
EMC Security puts customer satisfaction above everything else because we know that happy customers are key to maintaining a successful business. By endorsing highly ethical business practices, both within our organization and across our customer and potential customer base, we send our message as a standard, not as a fallback.
This is very important when the lives of our customers are at stake.
Prices are Rising Everywhere so EMC Security is the Better Choice
The reality of the world-wide microchip shortage, global labor shortage and other supply chain disruptions has manufacturers – from consumer electronics and appliances to automobiles and industrial capabilities – in a bind trying to fulfill demand. Simple economics proves that when demand is high and supply is low, prices go up. It’s happening in every aspect of our lives.
Security technology manufacturers have announced at least one, but in some cases, two prices increases in 2021. Home security companies all over the U.S. are facing price increases and are passing the cost to consumers.
EMC Security has a plan to protect our low prices.
- Internally, our team is negotiating exemption and/or lower percentage increases with our manufacturing partners.
- Our famous “no contract” option provides more value to consumers than ever before. We give our customers control to decide if they want to do business with us. Because customers can cancel any time, we work hard to ensure our level of customer service is at its highest for each and every interaction.
- EMC Security protects our customers and gives back to the community we serve.
- As a local company, we hire local people to service local families and businesses – we are part of this community and we do all we can to buy local and support the community.
- Every employee passes background checks, drug screens, and driving records.
- We notify customers if we don’t receive a test signal in more than 30 days. Customer security systems are tested for signals to confirm the system is properly functioning. Other companies don’t provide regular testing like this.
- We employee a team of 7 in-house technical support representatives. Trained security technicians are available at no cost to our customers to provide telephone technical support. This could save our customers time and money associated with a site visit to trouble-shoot or repair their system.
- Free EMC Text-Alert is a service no other company offers at no cost. This service allows customers to make a decision quickly with those on their contact list whether to dispatch or cancel an alarm – speeding up the process.
How to Prevent a False Alarm
Statistics show that home alarms have been proven to reduce the likelihood of home intrusions.
Savvy burglars know to choose homes with the course of least resistance, thereby avoiding homes with security measures such as outdoor cameras, motion activated security lights, and burglar alarms — all of which, work in unison to keep your property safe. Home security alarms alert you and your security monitoring company that your home has been breached, reducing the risk of further damage. Despite all of the good things alarms do for us as homeowners, it can be annoying when your security system is set off accidentally.
There are many reasons why false alarms. For instance, a large proportion can be blamed on homeowners forgetting to disarm the system prior to letting the dog out or empty the trash. Another aspect could be entering the wrong passcode.
So, how can we minimize these occurrences and prevent the frustration which usually accompanies falsely activated alarms?
Residential False Alarm Prevention Guide
Before you activate your system:
- Lock all protected doors and windows.
- Educate family members on
alarm system and usage. - Contact EMC Security if you have any concerns about the proper
functionality your system. - Notify EMC Security if you plan any renovating or remodeling your home.
- Educate family members on what to do if your alarm is accidentally triggered.
- Use the EMC Text Alert app to chat with your emergency contacts when your alarm is triggered and respond appropriately from your phone.
- First, don’t panic, there is time. Enter your disarm code (carefully) to reset your system. Remember, if there were a burglar, he or she would not know your code. Do not write it on your keypad.
- Call EMC Security at 1-888-745-4733 or wait for us to call you. Give your password — this is different from your disarm code.
Make sure that anyone who has keys to your home KNOWS how to operate the alarm.
Commercial False Alarm Prevention Guide
Tips for Commercial Businesses
- Be sure all employees are thoroughly trained before attempting to use the alarm system. Hold monthly training sessions.
- Look for items that can move within the “view” of your motion detectors, causing false alarms fans, heaters, hanging signs, seasonal decorations, balloons, curtains, plants, etc.).
- Confirm that special consideration has been given to the installation of motion detectors in high traffic areas with overhead doors, large exhaust fans or ceiling vents which allow the entry of birds.
- Ensure all doors and windows are secure and locked before arming your system.
- Don’t change pass-codes without advising EMC Security.
- Train new users thoroughly, notifying EMC Security of new users.
- Service and maintain your system (including batteries) regularly before false alarms occur.
- Upgrade old alarm systems to current equipment conforming to Security Industry Association (SIA) false alarm prevention standards, further reducing false alarms.
Every municipality in Georgia has alarm registration requirements. Some have false alarm ordinances as well. Make sure you understand your ordinance and fee guidelines before installing a security system in your home or business.
September, 2021
One of the most convenient features of modern security systems is the mobile app.
Since the app has the ability to arm and disarm your system, view camera video, and control other home functions, it’s important to keep it secure with protection from hackers.
Learn ways to protect your privacy while using a home security app here >>
In 1980, the University of Georgia had 2 epic moments in one:
The Georgia Bulldogs won the College Football National Championship game – The Sugar Bowl, versus Notre Dame...and at that event – Hairy Dawg, the now beloved mascot, made his 1st appearance. Many think he brought the team good luck to bring home their victory.
40 years later, Hairy’s Dawg House was built, in appreciation of 40 years of loyalty and service alongside his brother, Uga – the English Bulldog fans also know and love.
The House is provided by the Official Home Service Team of the Georgia Bulldogs – 4 local home service companies. This year, EMC Security is updating Hairy Dawg’s home security system – with top of the line security including interactive cameras and our convenient mobile app – to keep Hairy, his furry friends, and his home safe, at all times.
Visit Hairy’s Dawg House just outside the stadium on the Dawg Walk on game day!
Safe away at school with EMC Security
College towns, apartments in particular, are ripe for burglary during holidays and weekends. That’s why we strongly urge students living in apartments to get security a system.
Protect Your Rural Property
A few years ago a friend told me, “I don’t need security, I don’t even have to lock my doors way out here.” Fast forward to 2021, their large barn with thousands of dollars of equipment and family valuables was broken into, and my friend is now installing a professional security system with cameras. Unfortunately, there are desperate people everywhere that will stop at nothing to claim what’s yours.
It’s time to be prepared. Below is a list of solutions to keep you and your valuables safe:
- Video surveillance—a must have!
Many rural properties are situated on acres of land with additional structures such as barns and sheds. A security system with video surveillance is the best defense against potential threats since you can keep an eye on your entire property, prepare yourself for whatever the cameras may see, and notify the proper authorities before things escalate.
If a thief is successful, the video could come in handy in identifying and catching the culprit.
Rural property owners use video cameras to view everything else that lives on the property. For example, you can quickly act on weather damage to property or unwelcome wild animals bothering your livestock or getting into the vegetation.
- Shine a light on intruders
Burglars can’t stand lights, so when it comes to keeping your rural property safe, auto-lighting came make a huge difference between keeping your house, equipment, or even livestock safe. When looking for a motion-sensor lighting system for your rural property, look for one that can be accessed remotely from anywhere.
- Lock it up
The more layers of security you add to your property, the safer you and your family will be. Smart door locks are smart decision because they go far beyond remotely locking and unlocking your doors. For example, you can create an emergency automation that immediately unlocks your doors in case of a fire.
July, 2021
Enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card by following 3 simple steps:
1) Follow us on Instagram (@emcsecurity)
2) Like the contest post on our page
3) Tag a friend (or a few)
(Put this on your Instagram story for a bonus entry)
THE FIVE WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED VIA DIRECT MESSAGE ON INSTAGRAM ON AUGUST 3RD.
(Chosen at random)
ENTER TODAY TO WIN!
Moving to a new home?
Are you taking our DIY System with you when you move? Be sure to call us first!
On the call we’ll:
- Cancel service at your existing home.
- Transfer service to your new home.
- Program your system components for your new home.
- Add any components needed (additional doors, etc).
- Upgrade to cellular or add cameras, etc.
770-963-0305
June, 2021
Get Answers…When You Need Them Most
Our website support page, emcsecurity.com/support is a great resource for a variety of customer concerns. Such as:
Storm Outages. If a big storm hits, we’ll post trouble shooting information in the top banner of the website. You’ll find instructions to silence beeps, notifications, and more.
Insurance Certificate Request Form. Submit the request and receive your certificate the next business day.
Maintenance Request Form. Have an issue? Let us know what’s going on and a technician will contact you back.
Update Your Contact List. Submit the form and we’ll take care of it for you.
Frequently Asked Questions. Including a variety of topics.
Moving resources, mobile app details, how to test your alarm, system manuals, and more.
Visit EMC Security Support now>>
Are You Enrolled in EMC Text-Alert?
It’s Free!
SIgn up for EMC Text-Alert here >>
Gwinnett County has partnered with CryWolf Technologies to administer a new false alarm reduction program. Residents may have received a letter from CryWolf regarding this program, and can consider it a legitimate correspondence.
EMC Security monitoring service will not be interrupted by this change
Do you have missing or damaged yard signs?
Complete this form to request replacement signs.
Request Yard Signs Now
Control Your Security With Google Home and Alexa
EMC Security’s newest wireless systems, Connect+, give customers the convenience to arm and disarm the system using Alexa or Google Home.
How to use Amazon Alexa with Connect+
The Alula Alexa Security Skill allows users to operate theConnect+ securitysystem with voice commands through their Alexa-enabled devices.
To get started first add Alula to your Alexa by installing the Alula Skill.
1. Download and Open the Alexa application on your smartphone.
2. Select “Skills & Games” from the slide out menu on the left of the screen (tap the 3 parallel lines on the top left corner to expose menu)
3. Search for “alula” without quotes. Tap the Alula app from the list that appear then tap “Enable” to add the Alula Skill to your Alexa.
4. Sign in with your Username and Password that you use with the Alula app.
Once Skill is added Alexa will now be able to react to the “My Security System” command. The basic pattern is to say “Alexa, ask/tell My Security System to…” Some specific example as are as follows.
-
- Alexa, ask My Security System to arm to stay.
- Alexa, tell My Security System to arm to away.
- Alexa, tell My Security System to arm to night.
- Alexa, ask My Security System for status.
- Alexa, ask My Security System to disarm using 1,2,3,4 (you may use any valid code for your panel).
How to use Google Home with Connect+
Install the Google Home app for iPhone or Android
Press the “+” symbol in the upper left
Click “Set up a device”
Choose “Set up new device”
Choose “Have something already set up?”
Scroll down to “Alula Security” and click it
Sign into your Alula account with your Username and Password
You’ll see a list of all your Smart Home devices.
Click on all of the Smart Home devices you want to add.
Navigate back to the home screen and find the microphone button in the bottom middle of the screen.
Press the microphone button and speak to enter Google Home commands for your Smart Home devices.
You can say phrases such as:
- “Set my Connect Plus to stay”
- “Set my security system to stay”
- “Set my security system to away”
- “Set my security system to night”
- “Disarm my security system” (Google will ask you for the pin)
- “Disarm my Connect Plus” (Google will ask you for the pin)
- “Is my system armed?”
- “Is my Connect Plus armed?”
- “Is my front door open?”
- “Are my doors open?”
You can give other household members access to the connect plus in two steps
- Make sure connect plus and sensors are added to a “home” in the Google Home App
- Use the Google Home App toinvite home member to the “home”
-