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Archive for July, 2010

26
Jul 2010
Posted by Leah
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Storm season can mean false alarms

Summer storm season is here and so are our efforts to prevent false alarms based on those storms.

Every summer, we field numerous preventable false alarm calls during storms. Be sure to check all batteries in your system to keep your alarm from tripping during a thunderstorm. Another tip: make sure all doors and windows close and lock securely so that they don’t blow open in high winds. Finally, pick up tarps and trash if you have outside motion detectors.

Help us meet our goal of lowering false alarms this summer. If you have questions, call Monitronics at 800-447-9239.

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Posted in: Business Security, Home Security, Industry Happenings

21
Jul 2010
Posted by Jason
17 comments

Awesome Home Security Technology

As a brief diversion we thought it’d be worthwhile to suggest some best-practices for building your home which could negate or reduce the need for an electronic security system altogether. For instance, simply building a moat around your house could reduce chances of break-ins by a factor of about 85%, according to our scientists’ estimates, and it could also be used for swimming. Introducing the “Swimming Moat” (Est. cost $275,000 to $650,000, depending on size of home):

Swimming Moat - a home security barrier keeping intruders out, while adding enjoyment for the family!
"Swimming Moat" - Copyright © Steven M. Johnson. Used by permission.

For a more protective home-surround-system which includes aggressive, autonomous-agents (canines) which could fight off potential intruders, we recommend this feature –

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Posted in: Home Security

15
Jul 2010
Posted by Leah
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Customer feedback: Kudos Monitronics

We heart our customers! And we really love it when they give us constructive feedback. Our customer Roy Spencer sent in this description of his recent experience.

“I want to express my deep appreciation for your wonderful services as an alarm company. I have to admit that when I signed up with Monitronics, I was leery; however, when a heating company was sawing an opening for a cold air return on my wall, the sawdust made the fire alarm go off. Because Monitronics couldn’t get through to my cell phone, they called my brother and a fire truck was there in minutes.

“An unfortunate but very real emergency occurred Thursday, July 8, 2010, after 11 p.m. when three men were attempting to break into my home because they thought I was not there. Thanks to my panic button on my remote, the alarm scared them off! I called 911 on my own, but Monitronics was on the ball.

“Thanks for being such an outstanding alarm company, giving us not only fantastic service, but also providing a vast amount of security for a reasonable cost during these difficult economic times. I have been telling my friends and acquaintances about your wonderful company. It is a pleasure to be part of the Monitronics family. Thank you once again.”

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Posted in: Home Security

14
Jul 2010
Posted by Leah
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Monitronics says ‘fork it over’ to Salvation Army

About 20 Monitronics Monitoring Center employees made a trip to the Carr P. Collins Social Service Center in Dallas to serve food and make an important donation: about 500 pieces of knives, forks, and spoons. The donation was the result of a month-long drive at Moni and served a vital need at the Center.

“I’ve heard the phrase ‘fork it over’ before, but this gave it a whole new meaning,” said Nancy Kerley, Volunteer Coordinator, (who also happens to be a Monitronics customer!). “This is one of the best and most practical donations we have ever received–it sure makes eating soup easier!”

Director Mary Jensby explained that the Monitoring Center visited the Salvation Army in February and noticed the shortage of silverware.

“We had to wash forks before we could serve the next group of people–we recognized the shortage,” she said. “Wanting to follow our goal to give back to the community, the Central Station employees and other departments at Monitronics came through for this big donation.”

For more photos from the day, click “read more” to the right.

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Posted in: Behind Our Doors

13
Jul 2010
Posted by Jason
1 comment

Tuesday tips: Beat the heat this summer

It’s sweltering across the U.S., which is pretty much on par for July. But as temperatures get over 90 degrees, heat-related illnesses soar. It’s no joke: about 400 Americans die annually from the heat. That more people than the combined deaths from floods, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms, and extreme cold from 1994 to 2003.

Elderly people, small children, those with weight or alcohol problems, people on certain medications or drugs need to practice extra precaution. Here are some tips for everyone to follow.

Stay cool in the heat

  • Drink up: Down lots of water–two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) each hour, whether you’re thirsty or not. And skip the booze; it dehydrates.
  • Replace salt and minerals: If you’re sweating up a storm, drink a sports beverage or some juice.
  • Wear a hat: Protect your face from sunburn and stay cooler overall with a wide-brim hat.
  • Dress for success: Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Slather on the sunscreen: There’s more than the “ouch” factor at play here: sunburn screws up your body’s cooling mechanisms and dehydrates you.
  • Slow down, buckaroo: Why don’t you reconsider that midday run or gardening until it cools off a few degrees? And pace yourself. If you’re gasping or feeling dizzy, get indoors and drink liquids right away.
  • Know when to get help: Learn the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and help others who might be confused because of their condition.
  • Use common sense: Your brain is there for a reason–take care of yourself!

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Posted in: Tuesday tip