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Atronic Alarms Holiday Party for Employees

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Atronic Alarms Staff 2015

The annual Atronic Alarms, Inc. holiday party for employees was held Sunday, December 6 at Fiorrella’s Jack Stack BBQ in Martin City. As always, raffle tickets are given to each employee and throughout the afternoon, Vice President Neil Atha and Office Manager Alysia Bianco announce the winning numbers.

Prizes included gift cards to many merchants in the area, including Jack Stack, The Melting Pot, The Grille at Park Place, Pie Five Pizza and more, along with the opportunity to win iPad minis, Bluetooth Speakers, a Fitbit, a Kindle and a day of Paid Time Off (PTO).

Perry Atha, president, who co-hosted the event with Neil, immediately jumped up when the number for PTO was announced and yelled out, “That’s mine!”

He obviously didn’t have a ticket and the place erupted with laughter.

Perry Atha and Neil Atha

Alysia said that Perry and Neil work hard to make the event special each year.

“Since we are all so focused doing our jobs well every day, this is always a good time to show the staff how much they are appreciated,” she said.

President Perry Atha and Vice President Neil Atha, Atronic Alarms, Inc.

 

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Laura DeMoss, Employee of the Quarter

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Laura DeMoss, Employee of the QuarterLaura  DeMoss, Front Desk Coordinator at Atronic Alarms, Inc. in Lenexa, Kansas, was chosen as the Winter 2015 employee of the quarter. Laura came to Atronic Alarms in March of 2014 through the acquisition of Safeguard and moved to the front desk later that year.

Alysia Bianco, Office Supervisor, said that Laura was happy to accept the challenge of learning something new.

“She has done a great job working our phone system and distributing calls to where they need to go,” Alysia said. “She is helpful to everyone and extremely patient, a great strength in order to juggle all incoming calls and questions from our customers.”

Alysia said that customers comment about Laura’s phone etiquette all the time.

“They love her. She always has a smile on her face and is just a great person to be around,” Alysia said.

Laura was extremely flattered with the award, and said, “I’m still pinching myself to make sure it is real. It really made my day.  I am very thankful to be working for a company and with employees that genuinely care about you.”

Atronic Alarms, Inc. employees are chosen every 3 months by their peers after a company-wide vote.

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Seven Employees Celebrate Decade or More

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Seven Employees Celebrate Decade or More with Atronic Alarms, Inc.

Aside from President Perry Atha, who started the company in 1982, help us congratulate seven employees who have been with Atronic Alarms for 10 years or more in 2016.

Steve_Kort Tony_Queral
Steve Kort
Technical Support & Programming
28 YEARS
Tony Queral
Residential Installation
18 YEARS
Curtis_Mayes Shaunn_Jastrzembski
Curtis Mayes
Installation Manager
16 YEARS
Shaunn Jastrzembski
Sales & Design
16 YEARS
Dustin_Ditto Nathan_Pluff
Dustin Ditto
Residential Installation
16 YEARS
Nathan Pluff
Warehouse Coordinator
15 YEARS
Rick_Zink
Rick Zink
Sales & Design
13 YEARS

 

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Winter Safety Tips – Atronic Alarms, Inc.

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Winter Safety Tips

Whether you leave town for the winter or are simply a road warrior, below are a few winter safety tips to help keep you and your home safe.

Winter Safety Tips from Atronic Alarms, Inc.

  • Tell your neighbors you are leaving. Have someone pick up your mail and the newspaper, and pull flyers or doorhangers off of your door.
  • Pack your cars with emergency winter kits that include blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, shovel, and food and water for a week.
  • Contact us to update your emergency call list with correct contacts and phone numbers.
  • Automate your lights to turn on and off at certain times during the day to maintain that “lived in” look.
  • Install remote video surveillance cameras that watch your property, contact the monitoring station, or give you an alert on your mobile device if an area has been breached.
  • Invest in a high/low temperature sensor that will notify you if there is an extreme fluctuation in your home’s environment—saving you that expense from frozen pipes.

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Get to Know Us at Atronic Alarms, Inc.

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We recently started a “Get to Know Us” section in our Totally Wired quarterly newsletter so you can learn more about the people who work hard for you here at Atronic Alarms.

Spring 2016

gettoknowus-heather-meyer

left-quotationHeather, what is your favorite color?

All the colors of the rainbow.

What would be the best moment of your life so far?

I would have to say that having my Grampa at the dinner table for the first time ever, in his new powered wheelchair, smiling like a little kid and surrounded by my small family is quite possibly the best moment of my life. This might not seem like much to many people but my Grampa has been bedridden for almost 6 years. The best feeling in the world, for me, is giving back to someone who invested their time and energy to help me succeed in life.

Do you like fruit or veggies?

Fruit.

What is your favorite Kansas City sports team?

Royals and Chiefs, I’m a hometown kinda girl 😉

What is the best thing you like about your job?

I enjoy speaking with the customers and helping them to feel a bit safer.

What is your favorite month of the year?

May.

Do you like to talk or listen?

I feel like I fall into both categories. I like to talk with people and listen to them. Isn’t that what being a good friend and communicator is all about?

What are your hobbies?

I haven’t been able to do many of these since my husband passed away in 2013 and having to care for my Grampa but my hobbies include airbrushing, crocheting, cooking/baking, reading, traveling, gardening, hula hooping, singing and dancing. right-quotation

 


 

Leslie Tye

left-quotationLeslie, what is your favorite color?

Blue

What is one of the best moments you can remember of your life so far?

My greatest moments would have to be my kids being born.

Fruit or Veggies?

Fruit!

High School?

Center Senior High School

Chiefs, Royals, T-Bones or Sporting KC?

Royals!!

Best thing you like about your job?

Building rapport with our great customers. It’s nice when they call in and know my name. They know I will be able to help them and I’m not just another operator.

Your favorite month of the year?

August. I like the warm weather.

Do you like to talk or do you like to listen?

I am more of an introvert. I prefer to listen.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy reading and playing with my kids. right-quotation

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2016 Spring Safety Checklist

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Smiling Frog - Spring Safety
Have a stress-free break or vacation this year by completing our 2016 Spring Safety Checklist before you leave town.

checkboxSchedule an annual tune-up on your security system. Our technicians will test all your devices and alert you if any batteries or devices need replacing.

checkboxInstall a water detector in your basement near the sump pump to alert you if water seeps in.

checkboxChange batteries in all your electrician-installed smoke detectors.

checkboxUpdate your alarm call list – make sure people and phone numbers are correct and add any new people who may be coming in and out of the home.

checkboxMake sure your alarm permit is on file and up to date with the city. Some municipalities will not respond to an alarm if the proper paperwork and fees are not submitted and kept current.

checkboxTrim your shrubs around the home and replace all old or damaged outdoor light bulbs to minimize areas where burglars can hide.

checkboxClean outdoor motion sensors.

checkboxEven if you simply walk around back or down the street to speak with a neighbor, keep your garage doors closed at all times. People can slip in and out of open garage doors undetected in less than a minute and steal valuable items.

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2016 Spring Safety Tips

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Prepare for Spring Storms

Kansas and Missouri weather creates spring storms that sometimes roll in fast and with fury. Keep flashlights and extra batteries in the area you designate for shelter during storm warnings. Go over drills with your family members so that the safety protocol is fresh in their minds and everyone knows what to do.

Stay Aware When Out and About

As the weather turns nice, many people use it as an opportunity to shake the winter doldrums and get out of the house to shop, meet friends for lunch and attend citywide events. Remember to always keep your head up and move briskly when walking back alone to your car. Make eye contact with people and be aware of those around you. If someone asks for help in the parking lot, let them know you will find a security officer to assist them.

Don’t be a Walking Billboard

We know you love sharing things with your social media friends and followers, but remember that bad guys are online, too. Post your vacation photos and talk about your trip after you return, not before. You don’t want to announce to friends-of-friends-of-friends that your house will be empty for a week.

Watch the Road

Motorcyclists and bicyclists are out on the roads enjoying the nice weather and can easily be missed while you are in your car driving. Check twice before you turn either direction from a stop sign or across traffic, and do the same with your side and rearview mirrors when riding in traffic.

Don’t Fall Prey to Scams

We have alerted as many people as we can about the new phone scam hitting the area, targeting security alarm homeowners. But the bottom line is – scammers and unethical sales people have always been around. Just be aware that if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Do NOT provide personal information to callers, door-to-door sales people or emails asking to update your information, especially if you have doubt about the nature of the call.

Use Your Home Security System and Show Your Signs of Defense

Even when you leave for a short time, lock your doors and set your alarm.  Also, make sure your Atronic Alarms, Inc. signs and stickers are visible from the street. Need new ones? Give us a call at 913.362.0000 and we’ll drop them off when we are in your area on service calls.

 

 

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Leslie Tye, Employee of the Quarter

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Leslie Tye, Service CoordinatorLeslie Tye, Service Coordinator, was chosen as the Spring 2016 employee of the quarter.

“Leslie is very dedicated to taking care of the customers.  She has a great personality and faces each day with a wonderful attitude,” said Mike McMillin, Service Manager. “She is taking courses on her own to better her knowledge so she can perform at a higher level.”

Alysia Bianco, Office Supervisor, said Leslie does a great job in the service department, and it is evident by the compliments she gets from both customers and coworkers.

“Her attention to detail ensures customers get taken care of efficiently and have the best customer service experience possible,” Alysia said.

Leslie said she is very honored with the award. “There are so many people here who do such an amazing job, and I am pleased to work with all of them and pleased to know they appreciate me, as well!”

The employee of the quarter award is given to Atronic Alarms, Inc. employees after being chosen by peers during a company-wide vote. Some of the comments from those who voted for Leslie are below:

  • She has taken service by the horns and grown into her position like a boss!
  • Always willing to help and is amazing at her job 😃
  • She really wants to continue to grow. She gets compliments from customers on how she deals with them and the technicians.
  • Leslie is always willing to go above and beyond to help the service techs.
  • Always willing to help.
  • She takes care of any customer that I transfer over to her immediately, and works hard to get the job done.

Read more about Leslie Tye on our Get to Know Us page.

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Meet our New Team Members Summer 2016

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Our team has grown this summer by two so far, so please help us welcome Becky Brockway as one of our new Service Coordinators, and also welcome back to the company Jim Smith as a second shift technical support person and programmer.

Becky_Brockway

Jim_SmithBecky joined the office staff in March and will work alongside our other two Service Coordinators.

Jim joined the service department in June after having worked with Atronic Alarms, Inc. several years prior. He will be working the evening shift, providing technical support, working reports and programming security and fire panels.

 

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2016 Summer Safety Tips

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We have compiled our 2016 Summer Safety Tips below. Have any to add? Visit our Facebook page and let us know!

Going on Vacation?

  • Automate your lights to go on and off at different times of the day to give your home that “lived in” look.
  • Have someone mow your lawn and gather your mail.
  • Make sure your call list is up to date with us so we can reach you in the event of an emergency. We can also set a “temporary” call list for specific days.
  • Contact us to replace any old or faded Atronic Alarms, Inc. yard signs. Make sure they are seen easily from the street. Signs are a great way to let people know your home and your family are protected.

Summer Alarm Scams
Some alarm companies use unethical door-to-door sales tactics in the summer. If you have any questions, call us!  We don’t send people out to your home without contacting you first. Read more in this article in the SDM May 2016 magazine.

Summer Safety with Your Children

  • Keep track of your kids while they are home from school by installing cameras to check in on them through your smartphone or computer. Many systems we offer have the ability to add this feature easily.
  • Make sure they know how to use the alarm system. It is a good time to revisit with them what will happen in the event of a false alarm or a “real” emergency situation, and set your safety protocol for both fire and burglary.
  • Provide activities. Give them chores, create schedules to follow with plenty of “fun” time and “down” time. Kids are less likely to get into trouble if they are busy.
  • If they are old enough to have cell phones you can usually set up a GPS tracking service with your mobile phone carrier so you can track their phones at any time.
  • Own a pool? We can install sensors to alert you if someone opens the gate or enters the area.
  • Worried about liquor cabinets, gun safes or other valuables? We can also install asset protection which, like the pool gates, will alert you on your mobile device if someone opens the door.

Have a fun and safe Summer!

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Thank You for Helping Us Grow

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We recently finished remodeling our building and expanded our service department into the existing warehouse. The area was specifically designed to enhance and nurture team collaboration. We also touched up our old office space and added a training and ongoing-education room for our staff.

2016 SDM Top 100 Helping Us Grow

Atronic Alarms, Inc. is proud to announce ranking #79 on the 2016 SDM Top 100 security system installer list, which ranks firms in the nation by their recurring monthly revenue. Among the SDM 100, we were ranked #74 in total revenue and #38 in commercial revenue.

This is the 3rd consecutive year for Atronic Alarms, Inc. to rank in this prestigious report.

Atronic Alarms, Inc. is now 56 employees strong, and we wanted to say “Thank You” to all of our customers for being a part of our family. You have helped make our growth possible!

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Sean Coyan, Summer 2016 Employee of the Quarter

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Sean_CoyanSean Coyan, Installation Technician, was chosen as the Summer 2016 employee of the quarter.

Curtis Mayes, Installation Manager, said that even though Sean has been with the company for only a year, he has proven himself to be a great asset.

“He is great with the clients and his coworkers. He has fantastic attention to detail and always has a positive attitude. I am glad to have Sean on board and look forward to seeing what the future holds for him,” Mayes said.

One voter agreed with Mayes and added, “Sean is a very detail-oriented person who has learned and retained a lot in his time here. He see jobs through to the end and makes sure everything works when he is gone. Plus, he always has a great demeanor and is very professional. Great person to have at Atronic!”

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Laura DeMoss, Employee of the Quarter

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Laura DeMoss, Employee of the QuarterLaura DeMoss, Front Desk Coordinator at Atronic Alarms, Inc. in Lenexa, Kansas, was chosen as the Winter 2015 employee of the quarter. Laura came to Atronic Alarms in March of 2014 through the acquisition of Safeguard and moved to the front desk later that year.

Alysia Bianco, Office Supervisor, said that Laura was happy to accept the challenge of learning something new.

“She has done a great job working our phone system and distributing calls to where they need to go,” Alysia said. “She is helpful to everyone and extremely patient, a great strength in order to juggle all incoming calls and questions from our customers.”

Alysia said that customers comment about Laura’s phone etiquette all the time.

“They love her. She always has a smile on her face and is just a great person to be around,” Alysia said.

Laura was extremely flattered with the award, and said, “I’m still pinching myself to make sure it is real. It really made my day.  I am very thankful to be working for a company and with employees that genuinely care about you.”

Atronic Alarms, Inc. employees are chosen every 3 months by their peers after a company-wide vote.

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Fall [FUN]draisers

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This fall, Atronic Alarms, Inc. sponsored and participated in many fundraisers for non-profit organizations including the Domestic Violence Protection Service Agency’s (DVPSA) 5K Rivalry run, Kansas City Crime Stoppers 9th Annual Golf Classic, and the Kansas City Burglary and Fire Alarm Association (KCBFAA) Annual Golf Tournament.

Domestic Violence Protection Services Agency
5K Rivalry Run Fundraiser

The 2016 Rivalry Run participants from Atronic Alarms, Inc.

Participants included Atronic’s Alysia Bianco, April Davidson and Randy Helt and their 2 kids: Madison and Kyler (not pictured), Atronic’s Nick Hysom, Atronic’s Heather Meyer, her son Brendon (not pictured) her boyfriend, Aaron, her brother Wesley, Atronic’s George Echohawk and Wade Thomas.

This is the seventh year that Atronic Alarms, Inc. has sponsored and participated in the event which was held on August 13, 2016 in Downtown Kansas City. Proceeds from the Rivalry Run benefit the Domestic Violence Protection Services Agency which works with local shelters to protect domestic violence abuse victims in the Kansas City community.


Kansas City Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament

Perry Atha, Nick Hysom, Neil Atha and Crime Stopper’s President Kevin Boehm teamed up for the 9th Annual Kansas City Crime Stopper’s Golf Classic held on August 15 at the Oak Wood Country Club in Kansas City, Missouri. This is the seventh year that Atronic Alarms, Inc. has sponsored and participated in the event.


Kansas City Burglar and Fire Alarm Association Golf Tournament Fundraiser

2016 KCBFAA Golf Tournament

Wade Thomas, Nick Hysom, and Neil Atha (pictured) took 2nd place in the KCBFAA tournament. Nathan Pluff and Shaunn Jastrzembski (not pictured) also participated in the event. This is the third consecutive year that Atronic Alarms, Inc. has sponsored and coordinated the event.

“We make a living at what we get, but we make a LIFE out of what we GIVE.”
winston churchill

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Tanner Rauter, Employee of the Fall 2016 Quarter

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Tanner Rauter, Service Technician, was chosen as the Fall 2016 employee of the quarter.

Mike McMillin, Service Manager, said Tanner has become a valuable asset to the “fire” team after only two years with Atronic.

“Tanner just recently completed the grueling ESA National Training School FAIM exam,” McMillin said. “Out of 15 people, he was one of three who passed. He will now be preparing for his NICET certification.”

Each quarter, employees at the company vote for the person they feel goes beyond the call of duty in hard work and dedication towards customers and each other. This Fall, employees nominated 18 people from the company. Tanner pulled out the most votes.

Alysia Bianco, Office Supervisor, tally’s the votes and sends out an email congratulating the winner. Below are just a few comments fellow team members had to say about Tanner:

“He came to the company with little experience in this field and in two years has become a dependable, knowledgeable fire alarm technician. His value to the service department grows daily, mainly because he is willing and capable of taking on about any task put before him.”

“He is always willing to go above and beyond when it comes to getting the customers taken care of. If you call and ask him to go check something he will do it with no questions asked. He works weekends correcting fire issues without being asked to do it. He has learned the Potter 7706 panels and has figured out some issues that we got changed in programming.”

“Goes about and does his job and you don’t have to ask him twice.”

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Fall 2016 – Get to Know Us at Atronic Alarms

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alysia_biancoAlysia Bianco
Office Supervisor

What is your favorite color? Green
What is one of the best moments you have of your life so far? I don’t know what to pick! My top 3 are: marrying my husband, having my father be able to walk me down the aisle, and finding out in April I was pregnant with my first child.
Fruit or Veggies? Fruits for sure!
Pie or Cake? Cake – but only with cream cheese frosting!
High School?  I went to Camdenton HS and graduated in 2005
Chiefs, Royals, T-Bones or Sporting KC? I’m not a huge sports person but I love going to the Chief’s games and the atmosphere at the stadium. It is just so exciting!
Best thing you like about your job? I love being able to help people every day – both clients and employees. Whether it is with a problem they are having or just talking through a situation – I like to help solve their problems and make them happy. I also love the variety – I’m never doing the same thing every day which makes things interesting and exciting.
Favorite month of the year? November – Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
Would you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert? Why? I would say I’m a little bit of both it just depends on the situation. I can be the quiet one in the background or the first one to stand up and say something if I’m passionate about it.
What are your Hobbies? I love to swim and hang out with my husband and dogs.

Mike_McMillinMike McMillin
Service Manager

What is your favorite color?
Blue.
What is one of the best moments you have of your life so far? I have a lot. Retiring from the Navy, marrying my wife, the births of my girls and the births of my 11 grandchildren.
Fruit or Veggies? Both.
Pie or Cake? Pie.
High School? Too long ago! 40 Year Reunion.
Chiefs, Royals, T-Bones or Sporting KC? Royals.
Best thing you like about your job? Working with all the customers resolving their issues
Favorite month of the year? December
Would you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert? Extrovert
Why? I feel I’m assertive and a go-getter. Great at thinking on my feet.
What are your Hobbies? Playing pool, camping, and woodworking.

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2016 Fall Safety Tips

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Read our 2016 fall safety tips for the autumn season.

FIRE SAFETY Tips

Change the batteries in your electrician-installed smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and other life-saving devices each spring and fall. Best method to remember is on daylight savings start and end dates. This fall’s Daylight Saving time ends on November 6, 2016.

Did you know that failure to clean chimneys results in 30% of home heating fires? Hire a qualified professional to clean your chimney and check for creosote buildup before using your fireplace.

Don’t Wait. Check the Date. The annual NFPA Fire Prevention Week campaign this October recommends checking the date on your smoke detectors and replacing them every 10 years.

Put your system on “test,” and clean dust and spiderwebs out of all your devices to reduce the chance of false alarms. Better yet, call us at 913.362.0000 and set up a service call. We’ll test and clean your entire security system so you don’t have to worry about it.

If you have a security and fire alarm system with Atronic Alarms, Inc., your fire system is always ON, even if the system itself is disarmed.

BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY Tips

For teenagers and college students: Remind them again how important it is to use good judgement when posting pictures on social media. Many platforms, like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, have security features so you can either approve or ignore friend or follow requests.

Keep an open channel of communication, even if it is just through text messaging, to  know where your children are at all times. Many wireless communication companies provide you with options for family alerts and tracking on your phone for double layered security. “Smart Home” automation security systems also give you the ability to receive alerts when your children arm/disarm the security system.

For younger children: A good car seat and proper installation reduces the risk of injury or death. The Ultimate Car Seat Guide website provides information about what to buy, how to install, and when to change your car seat for your child.

nfpa-escape_plan-fall2016

Home Fire Escape Plan. Do you have one for your family? What should your children do if a fire breaks out? Download the NFPA’s home fire escape plan and talk with your family.

Don’t be a fire statistic!

 

MISCELLANEOUS Safety Tips

Continual reminders to keep your doors locked, and use your security system. Burglaries are at their highest during the summer and fall months.

Invest in carbon monoxide detectors and install them in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For the best protection, interconnect all CO detectors throughout the home, which is what you would receive with a security and fire alarm system. When one sounds, they all sound.

Want to save 25% on your energy bill? “Smart Home” automation systems with automated thermostats can do that for you. Call us to learn more! 913.362.0000.

Keep your alarm permit for your security system active and in good standing with your city. Some ordinances will NOT respond to an alarm if there is a question. See our list of permits and fees for the Kansas City and surrounding metro area.

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Prevent Crime at Home by Thinking Like a Burglar

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October is National Crime Prevention Month through the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC). It is a month-long commemoration to reinforce the fact that crime prevention pays off, and each week highlights a different theme to create more awareness. For the Neighborhood and Home Safety theme week of the 8th through the 14th we wanted to give tips on how to prevent a crime at your home.

Prevent Crime at Home by Thinking like a Burglar.

Studies show that most burglaries can be classified as random opportunistic acts — not planned events. You can help protect against a burglary by looking at your home from a burglar’s point of view. Here are a few questions a burglar might ask when deciding on a house to target.

Is Anyone Home?

The first thing a burglar will do is check to see if anyone is home. Sometimes the burglar will simply knock on the front door. If someone answers, the burglar will make up an excuse for the disturbance, such as being lost and asking for directions or needing to use a telephone. If no one answers, the burglar may do further research by looking into windows or listening for the sound of someone watching television. Other times, if the knock at the door goes unanswered, the burglar will try to turn the door knob and three out of ten times he or she will walk right in, so keep your door locked at all times.

Make it appear as though your home is occupied when you are away by setting timers on your lights and televisions. Also consider installing motion sensor lights in dark areas outside of your home such as near the garage or backdoor to scare away potential burglars.

Is the Home Equipped with an Alarm System?

A study found that nearly all convicted burglars interviewed (9 out of 10) admitted that they would avoid homes with alarm systems. If a potential burglar sees a security yard sign or window decal outside of a home, they may think twice about going through with an attack. Most criminals can also tell between “dummy” signs, stickers and cameras, and the real thing.

An alarm system is the best protection against a burglary, so it is important to have the right one installed in your home. It is also important to have the components of your alarm system in the right locations in your home. If a keypad is visible from the outside, perhaps through decorative glass on your front door, a burglar could sneak a peek to see if the alarm system is activated. Get into the habit of using your system, and activating your alarm every time you leave your home.

What is the Easiest Way to Break In?

A burglar will try his or her best to get into a home undetected. Most burglars enter through a door, and a skilled burglar can bypass a locked door in seconds. The next favored method of entry is through a window. Burglars prefer to go through an unlocked window rather than breaking one and leaving DNA behind. Burglars are also resourceful and can gain entry to the second story of a home by using a ladder found outside, so it’s important to keep the windows on each level of your home locked and your tools put away.

On average, burglars will spend no more than 60 seconds breaking into a home. A longer attempt may result in detection by a neighbor or passerby. Consider upgrading to deadbolt locks and reinforcing the frame of your front door to make a break in more strenuous on the burglar.

Will Anyone Notice?

Burglars target homes that they can get away from easily. A burglar’s ideal home would be located in a dark, lifeless neighborhood with good hiding places and escape paths, such as a home with overgrown bushes or trees in the yard.

Eliminate areas for a burglar to hide by regularly taking care of your lawn. Make sure the exterior of your home is well-lit at night including areas where someone could hide. If your community has a neighborhood watch program, be an active member. If it doesn’t, think about starting one in your area so you can cut down the risk of burglary for everyone in your community.

By thinking like a burglar, you can help protect your home and property.

Be Sure. Be Secure.
Atronic Alarms, Inc.

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Halloween Safety Tips 2016

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Safety Tips for Keeping Children Safe on Halloween:

  • Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers.
  • Choose face paint instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
  • Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen.
  • Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
  • Put electronic devices down and keep heads up.
  • Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
  • Walk, don’t run, across the street.
  • Always walk on sidewalks or paths.
  • If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
  • Watch for cars that are turning or backing up.

Safety Tips for Drivers:

  • Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
  • Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
  • Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
  • Eliminate any distractions inside your car and concentrate on the road.
  • Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and keep your headlights on.
  • Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

The post Halloween Safety Tips 2016 appeared first on Atronic Alarms, Inc..

Make Crime Prevention Your Business

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Crime is everywhere and unfortunately, no business or commercial establishment is guaranteed safety. However, everyone can do something to help. Here are a few tips to help reduce criminal activity in your business community.

Work Together

Retail establishments, particularly those located in shopping centers, can join together to watch for and report suspicious activity. Employees in business offices can work together to promote safety and security practices in the office environment. Fleet vehicles, such as delivery trucks, can be a great tool for crime prevention. As these vehicles travel throughout the community, the drivers can promptly notify police regarding any suspicious activity.

10 Ways to Make Crime Prevention Your Business

  1. Dial 911 immediately if you notice suspicious strangers loitering in or near your place of business. Take particular notice of people who loiter during the opening and closing times of your business.
  2. Employees in charge of making bank deposits should always be alert for strangers lingering at the bank. If in doubt, do not make the deposit while a suspicious person is in the area.
  3. Never block the view into your store by filling windows with multiple displays. Robbers don’t want to be seen, and they are less likely to attack your business if a passerby can see what’s going on inside.
  4. Minimize the amount of cash you keep on the premises.
  5. Make frequent pick-ups of money from registers and make regular bank deposits.
  6. Try not to work alone. Studies have indicated that the presence of more employees may reduce the incidence of an armed robbery.
  7. Install quality locks on doors and windows or invest in an access control system that allows you to quickly update entry/access restrictions over your mobile phone.
  8. Also invest in a monitored alarm system. Alarm systems are the best defense against property crime and knowing you have a system could be enough to deter criminals.
  9. Always use interior and exterior lighting. Lighting may prevent an intruder from concealing his illegal activities. Installing and using motion sensor lighting is an inexpensive way to deter crime at your business.
  10. Utilize video surveillance in your business to catch criminals. You can also deter criminal activity by placing the video surveillance cameras in plain view. Remember, you can only place video surveillance cameras in public areas. Places where surveillance is prohibited include bathrooms, locker rooms, dressing rooms, etc.

The post Make Crime Prevention Your Business appeared first on Atronic Alarms, Inc..

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