Posts Tagged ‘safety’

Saving Lives and Property: Laura Robledo

On a recent morning, first shift Emergency Dispatcher Operator Laura Robledo hadn’t been at work long when she received a fire alarm from the Arzadon residence.

She called the home and no one answered. But, she knew something triggered that fire alarm so she immediately called the fire department. Laura then tried to notify the customer’s contacts but she got no response.

AFTER THE EMERGENCY

Later we tried to reach the homeowners once more. We got a hold of Mrs. Arzadon. She said, “I’m so thankful, my home was saved by Monitronics’ fast response. I had left eggs cooking on the stove and we went to church”. Both Mr. and Mrs. Arzadon said “were very glad to have Monitronics looking after us. You saved our home. Thank you”

Saving Lives and Property: Tara Taylor

On a recent afternoon, Ms. Gauthier was home and getting chores done. Around 4:30 she heard the washer stop and she moved the clothes to the dryer. She started the cycle then went back to the kitchen to mop the floors.

At Monitronics, Emergency Dispatch Operator Tara Taylor received a hallway fire alarm from the Gauthier residence. She quickly accessed the intercom and an out of breath Ms. Gauthier answered. She said, “My dryer is on fire!” Tara instructed, “Leave the house and I’ll send the fire department!” Ms. Gauthier, who began to cough and choke from the smoke, hesitated because she wanted to check out the fire. But Tara again instructed her to leave the house. At that point, Ms. Gauthier took the advice and fled the house.

In just minutes the fire department and an ambulance met Ms. Gauthier on the front lawn. She told them where the fire was. What the firemen found was a porch totally engulfed in flames. As thick, black smoke was filling the house the firemen battled the blaze and thankfully they were successful in keeping the fire from spreading any further.

AFTER THE EMERGENCY

We called Ms. Gauthier after the fire. She told us, “The fire started at the back wall of the porch in the dryer. The room was gutted and it has to be rebuilt. There’s also a lot of smoke damage to all the rooms of the house and I lost a lot of clothes but I’m so grateful my house was saved.” She also said “The operator that called me on my fire alarm treated me wonderfully. She convinced me I needed to get out of the house. I’m very satisfied with my alarm and the service I received. Thank you and great job!”

A BIG THANK YOU TO:

Tara Taylor, Central Station Operator since January 14, 2011

Maximum Security, installed Ms Gauthier alarm on September 26, 2008

Saving Lives and Property: Steve Millhorn

Steve Millhorn

Steve Millhorn had just started his shift when he received a medical alarm from the S. Coe residence. He called over the intercom system and learned that Ms. Coe had fallen from her wheelchair and injured her head and back. Without delay, Steve recruited a nearby coworker to dispatch help for him while he stayed on the intercom with our frightened customer.

Within just a few minutes the paramedics arrived and Steve ended the call knowing Ms. Coe was in good hands. After her evaluation was complete, the paramedics concluded that Ms. Coe needed to be transported to the nearest hospital.

After the Emergency

We spoke to Ms. Coe a couple days later. She said “I’m 71 years old and I live alone. I had decided it was time to get dressed so when I stood up from my wheelchair to take my pajamas off, I lost my balance. I fell hard and hurt my back and hit my head. Thank goodness I was wearing my medical pendant as a bracelet because all I could do is move one finger to press the button. I was so relieved when, seconds later, I heard a voice asking me if I needed help.

Ms. Coe went on to say “I was in the emergency room for about six hours and after I had an MRI and several tests, I was released. Thankfully I had no serious injuries and nothing is broken.”  She continued to say “I’m so glad to have Monitronics. I always say good things about your company to my friends—especially the ones around my age.” She told us that she’s on a fixed income and in the next month she’ll have to choose between her alarm being monitored and cable. She said “of course I will choose Monitronics because there are days before anyone comes by my home. The thought of needing help and not being able to get to a phone is a very scary. Thank you, Monitronics, for being there for me.”

The truth is life’s unexpected moments can unsettle our lives but thanks to Monitronics’ awarding winning Central Station and its Diamond Certified Operators Ms. Coe’s harrowing experience had a great outcome.

Steve has been serving and protecting Monitronics customers over eleven years.  His service excellence and dedication for providing our customers the best possible care is evident on a daily basis.

A BIG THANK YOU TO:

Steve Millhorn, Central Station Operator since January 03, 2000

American Defense Systems installed Ms. Coe’s alarm on January 11, 2011

Swim Safely

Our greatest protection from tragedy, while playing in the surf, is prevention. We could all benefit from adopting and practicing as many safety steps as possible. Here are a few tips to begin now for anytime you decide to splash around.

 
 Stay close, be alert, and watch. 
  • Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings 
  •  Always watch your children and never leave them unattended
  •  Have a phone close by at all times
  • If a child is missing, check the pool first

 Learn and Practice Water Safety Skills

  • Learn to swim
  • Know how to perform CPR on children and adults

Have the Appropriate Equipment

  • Install a fence around the perimeter of the pool and spa of at least four feet in height
  • Use self-closing and self-latching gates
  • Ensure all pools and spas have compliant drain covers
  • Install a door alarm from the house to the pool area
  • Maintain pool and spa covers in working order
  • Have life-saving equipment such as life rings or reaching poles available for use           

A Word About Summer Alarm Scams

This summer, beware of door-to-door home security scams. Alarm system salespeople may visit your home, offering to replace or upgrade your alarm system for free. Don’t do it! We’ve seen customers deceived by these pitches.

The offers are not legitimate and you might end up with some unpleasant consequences: double bills, a broken security system, and a real headache. Never change your security provider without calling Monitronics first.

Look for the signs of a scam:

1. Offering free upgrades or equipment
If it sounds too good to be true, it is! These systems are anything but free—they could cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

2. Claiming that Monitronics is out of business.
Monitronics provides the award-winning protection you trust, 24/7.

3. Using high pressure sales talk, trying to make you switch security companies.
Red flag: honest salespeople don’t need to be pushy.

Report suspicious activity right away to Monitronics. These salespeople are often friendly, neatly dressed, and college-aged. They’re usually unassuming and perceived as helpful and informative.

If a security salesperson show up at your door, get his or her name and company and call Monitronics at 800.396.9815. Your safety is our first priority.