As part of National Optimism Month in March, we’re blogging five reasons why our customers should be loving us in 2010. We see so many reasons to be optimistic about the coming months, from exciting new technologies to our efforts to make sure every alarm is a real alarm. We’re excited about this year and here’s why.
5 Reasons To Love Us in 2010
1. Business is good and we’re focusing on customer service. Even in this down economy, we’re growing and we are paying special attention to your needs. We want to hear from you on this blog, our Facebook page, or our Twitter account. How can we serve you better?
2. Speaking of social networking, we HEART our 344 fans on Facebook and our 470 followers on Twitter. We share safety tips, insider news, and fun facts on both, as well as responding to customer praise or complaints. Come join the online party.
3. New technologies are helping people feel more secure. We’re now offering customers the ability to stream live video of their homes to a BlackBerry or iPhone or watch video clips online. They can even arm and disarm remotely (and more!).
4. We’re providing better protection against unethical scammers. This summer will be a test of our efforts to stop what we call “summer slamming.” This is when unscrupulous door-to-door security sales people try to rip you off and trick you into “switching” service. We’re getting more assertive in stopping this practice. Learn more at www.monitronics.com/securityscam.
5. We’re saving lives. Our award-winning monitoring center had an average response time of just 22.1 seconds in 2009 and in an emergency, every second counts. You can trust Monitronics with your safety.
This is why WE think our customers will love us in 2010. What’s your opinion? Leave us a comment and let us know.
Posted in: Behind Our Doors, Industry Happenings
Most folks don’t realize it, but one of the most effective crime deterrents is a little piece of metal. A Monitronics yard sign let’s criminals know that your home or business is protected 24/7 by our award-winning central station.
Some people buy fake signs on the Internet, hoping for some protection that way, but bad guys visit the same sites you do and know which signs are real and which ones are pseudo. Monitronics has been around for 15 years and is a known player in the industry. Our signs mean business.
Criminals look for easy marks and your monitored alarm system let’s them know your place is off limits. You’re a harder target. To get the most out of your yard sign, remember these things:
If you need a new yard sign, call customer service at 800-447-9239 and we’ll send you one right away.
Posted in: Business Security, Home Security, Tuesday tip
There are loads of security companies out there clamoring for your business. How do you cut through the clutter and find the best fit and price? Obviously, we’re a little biased when we say this, but we think Monitronics is the way to go for residential or business security systems. Here’s a checklist for how to pick a security company and a bit about how Moni measures up.
Security
You want to know that your company is watching your premises at all times. Is the monitoring central station 24/7? Are they Five-Diamond Certified? We are both.
Response
How fast can the company respond to your alarm? Every second matters in an emergency. In 2009, our average response time was 22.1 seconds.
Trust
Who are you letting in your door? Are they well-trained and vetted? Our Monitronics authorized dealers go through background checks and are experts at security assessments and installations. They know how to customize a security system to fit your needs.
Guarantee
What happens if you have a problem with your system down the road? What’s the policy on fixing it? Monitronics’ lifetime service guarantee is great insurance. Generally speaking, it covers the parts and labor on your system with a reasonable deductible for any service request.
Convenience
With an online MyMonitronics account, you can pay your bill, update emergency contacts, test your system, and more.
Portability
Will your company relocate your home alarm system for free? We will!
Since 1994, we’ve been earning the trust of our customers through our proven performance and customer service. Let us prove ourselves to you. Visit us online and we’ll connect you with a Monitronics authorized dealer in your area. If you prefer to call, you can reach us by phone at 800-290-0709.
Posted in: Business Security, Home Security, Tuesday tip
It’s national Fire Prevention Week 2009 from October 4-10, a time to pay special attention to risks around our homes. According to the National Fire Protection Association, last year, fires caused more than $15.5 billion in directly property loss, with $8.6 billion of that being residential.
Many of those fires started in the bedroom, a place that’s designed for comfort and relaxation, but is no safe haven when it comes to home fires: Nearly 6,000 people die annually from bedroom fires, says the United States Fire Administration.
Sleep tight with these safety tips for the bedroom:
- Replace mattresses made before 2007 that don’t meet the new flammability standard.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Make sure that electric blankets, bed warmers, and space heaters are lab tested and do not have frayed electric cords.
- Operate space heaters at least three feet away from flammable objects, like curtains, clothes, bedspreads, sheets, and blankets.
- Keep matches, lighters and candles out of the reach of children. When children play with these items, they often do so in their bedrooms. This is especially critical during the holiday season when the number of house fires by children increases to a peak of 60 fires per day during mid-December.
- Routinely check under beds, in closets, and furniture in children’s rooms for lighters, burnt matches, or other signs that they might be playing with fire.
Posted in: Home Security
Got some tasty treats cooking up in the kitchen? Keep it safe with these fire prevention tips. Your safety and home alarm system needs aren’t limited to anti-theft protection. Statistics show that the No. 1 “home intruder” is fire. In fact, cooking is the number-one cause of all home fires: almost 40% start there and most start during the dinner hours, according to the National Fire Protection Association. The sooner a fire is detected and emergency responders are notified, the greater the chance that your loved ones and possessions will be safe
• Think prevention when you’re cooking. Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and have monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. According to the U.S. Home Safety Council, 97% of U.S. homes have at least one basic smoke detector – but an off-the-shelf smoke alarm may not be enough to protect your family and property. Monitored smoke detection and fire alarm systems work even when your alarm system isn’t armed – and early detection of smoke or fire is the key to faster response.
• Never leave the kitchen while cooking and avoid cooking when you’re tired.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing around burners or gas flames.
• Move flammables away from stove-tops—paper and plastic catch on fire easily.
• Smother grease fires with a lid, metal tray, or cookie sheet. Don’t spray with an extinguisher. You could spread the fire to the walls.
• Unplug small appliances when you aren’t using them.
Posted in: Home Security
