The HAWK Home Security Blog

Motion sensors can trigger alarms and direct the home security feed to wherever the alarm was triggered. Take the time to plan out motion sensor placement for your home based off these helpful tips.

The Most Effective Placements:

1. Corner Spaces
   Put a motion sensor in the corner of each room, aimed toward the doorway. That way no one can get in without setting off the alarm.
2. Near Valuables
   Place motion sensors directly at your most valuable items. No one will be able to get close to them without you knowing.
3. Outside Patios
   If you have a patio outside your home, it is a great idea to place a motion sensor there. Wrap it in plastic wrap so it will stay dry and install it perpendicularly to your doors and windows. If someone is close to the back door, you’ll immediately know about it.
4. Second Floor Bedrooms
   Even if you feel as though a burglar couldn’t enter the house through the second floor, it is a good idea to keep a motion sensor near the bedrooms in your home. This way you’ll be alerted if anyone approaches while you’re asleep.
5. Basements
   Having several sensors down in that area is a great idea. If you have lots of clutter, make sure they’re placed in an area where they won’t be blocked. Consider installing one near the staircase leading upstairs.
6. Ceilings
   When an intruder enters the home, they may already be looking for motion detectors. A great place they wouldn’t immediately look is the ceiling. Sensors work on any angle, so this is a great way to keep a thief from easily avoiding detectors.
7. Within Decorations
   A great way to hide motion sensors is by making them part of your household decor. Hide them amongst photos and knickknacks so they aren’t easily spotted by intruders.

The Least Effective Placements:

1. Near Windows
   This is a bad location for two reasons. The first is that heat activated motion sensors can be confused by direct sunlight. The second is that the sensor works best when a burglar walks parallel to them rather than straight ahead.
2. Near Heat Sources
   A heat source could potentially create a false alarm, so it is a good idea to keep motion sensors away from hot air vents and radiators. Any change in infrared heat could trigger the alarm.

Ensure that your security system is working to its full potential by strategically installing the motion sensors that are included with it.

Many people think that once they throw something away in the trash, it is gone. But this is not always necessarily the case. Your trash can reveal a lot about you, your family, and your home. It could tell a potential burglar what kind of income you make and what valuable items can be found inside of your house. It is important to be discreet with your trash and to always consider what you are throwing away before you do so.

Do not leave boxes at the curb.

It is easy for a burglar to identify when you have just purchased expensive equipment if you leave the empty box sitting at the curb. Break down empty boxes so no one can identify what your recent purchases have been. This will help keep you from becoming a target.

Use home security to keep an eye on things outside.

With motion sensors, you will be alerted anytime someone is outside of your home. You can then use the exterior security cameras to make sure no one is snooping through your garbage.

Do not throw away hardware.

You need to be extra careful when throwing away electronics and other hardware. Hackers can recover information from these devices, even information that was deleted. Make sure to wipe all data and consider taking a hammer or drill to a hard drive. Even something as simple as paper should be shredded before being tossed in the trash.

Be aware of what you are throwing out and how it could potentially affect you. Anything with personal information on it needs to be dealt with properly. Before disposing of hardware or electronics, make sure that it is impossible for information to be accessed. Many never even consider what can happen if their trash is not disposed of correctly.

When it comes to home security, it’s important to routinely lock every door leading into your home. This includes your garage door, one that many people tend to overlook. Once a burglar gets into your garage, entering the home is easy! There are many ways to improve the security of your garage. Here are just a few steps you can take to secure your garage and help keep intruders out.

1. Don’t Leave The Garage Door Opener In Your Vehicle

Even if you lock your car doors when your car is parked in your driveway, it’s not too challenging for many thieves to break into your car. From there, it only takes the press of a button to enter your home.

2. Invest In A Keychain Remote

Instead of having to remember to remove and secure the opener, consider getting a keychain opener that fits in your pocket along with the rest of your keys.

3. Keep It Locked

If you have a connected garage, make sure the entry way from the garage into your household is always locked. That way if someone were able to enter your garage, they wouldn’t have access to the rest of your home. It’s recommended to install a deadbolt lock on this door and be sure it is made from solid wood or reinforced steel.

4. Don’t Leave The Garage Door Open

Many people think it’s okay to leave their garage door open when they are only leaving for a few minutes. Not so! The open door acts like an open invitation for someone to walk right into your home, especially if they happen to see you drive away.

5. Install A Peephole

Install a wide-angle peephole on the door from the house to the garage. This is a great way to see into the garage when you hear a noise or something suspicious. You’ll have the ability to look inside before opening.

6. Cover Your Garage Windows

Thieves like to scope out a house before deciding to enter, and one of the first places they look is the garage. Most break-ins occur during the day between 10am and 3pm, so an empty garage can signal an empty house. Not knowing if cars are in the garage may be enough of a deterrent to move to the next house.

7. Don’t Neglect Maintenance

Always ensure your garage door is working properly. Make sure there is no corrosion or rust forming on the door itself or the automatic closer. A neglected garage door is much easier to bust open than a working one.

8. Install A Home Security System

The best way to ensure that your house is always safe is to install a wireless home security system. Hawk Security will alert you if you leave your garage door open and, most importantly, with home automation you’ll be able to close your garage door remotely. If any thief ever attempts to break in, Hawk Security will sound the alarm and alert the police all while the surveillance cameras record everything. With Hawk Security you can rest assured that your garage is as secure as the rest of your home.

Summertime means longer days, vacations to the beach, and lots of time spent outdoors. All this fun and activity also brings an increased risk of home burglaries. There are several steps you can take to help prevent your home from becoming a target.

Windows & Doors

Often, windows are left open because of the heat. This is an easy way for burglars to enter your house. In fact, 23% of burglars simply climb in through a first-floor window. Keep your windows locked and secured, especially when you aren’t home. The same concept applies to the doors in your home. An overwhelming 52% of burglars walk right in the front door. Doors should remain locked at all times. It’s also recommended that your doors be made of solid wood or reinforced steel so that they cannot easily be tampered with. Door hinges should also be applied from the interior side of the door to keep any clever burglars from popping the entire door off its frame.

Vacations

Summer is the most common time for vacations, so this is when burglars typically go to work! If the house seems empty, it’s just become a preferred target. When planning a vacation, avoid posting your expected absence on social media as that would be broadcasting to strangers that your home will be unoccupied. Don’t post anything while on vacation either. Save the vacation pictures and only post on social media once you’ve safely arrived home. Set lights on various timers inside your home so it appears as if someone is always there. Have a friend or neighbor retrieve newspapers and mail (or ask your post office to hold delivery) because a full mailbox is the most obvious clue that you’re away.

Home Security

Protect your home by installing a home security system. It will guard you from intruders as well as threats of fire or flood. Hawk Alarm Monitoring will keep your home safe, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even when you aren’t there.

Hawk security provides leading alarm monitoring services in Texas and wants to help you stay safe this summer. Take the time to protect your home this summer season.

28% of all insurance claims are water-related. Whether the damage is due to a natural disaster or a burst pipe, acting within the first 24 hours is paramount to preventing further damage and ensuring coverage from your flood insurance.

1. Prevent Further Damage

Once a flood occurs, inspect the extent of the damage to your entire home. In addition to areas directly affected by water damage, check for residual damage throughout your property. This could include warping, loosened or cracked foundation, cracks, and holes. Most importantly, make sure you are safe. It’s also important to try to minimize the likelihood of further damage. If you suspect your water, gas, electric, or sewer lines have been compromised, immediately contact the proper authorities.

2. Take Pictures

Before repairing damages, it’s important to photograph everything! Every item damaged needs to be documented for your insurance company. Having proof of damage will enhance your ability to receive compensation. If you fix any of the damage before reporting it, you could potentially decrease the amount of coverage you receive—or eliminate it altogether.

3. Alert the Insurance Company

Alert your insurance company as soon as possible. Groundwater flooding is not normally covered in flood insurance so it is important to determine the cause of the flood and discuss your coverage. Keep your carrier informed and communicate plans to prevent further damage to your home before actually taking action.

4. Protect Yourself

Be cautious when working in an area of your home that is flooded, as water can be contaminated with bacteria and other disease-carrying toxins caused by compromised sewage systems. Wearing plastic gloves, rubber pants, and boots are highly recommended to minimize contact with any potential hazards.

5. Remove The Water

After consulting with your insurance company, remove the water. You can purchase or rent a sump pump to drain the majority of the water, and then use a wet vac for any remaining water. Open the windows to help air out your home and hasten evaporation. But first be sure this won’t cause additional damage.

6. Mitigate Mold Damage

Mold damage can begin within 24 to 48 hours of a flood. Remove standing water as soon as possible to prevent mold from causing more damage to your home. Also remove any items that are wet, such as carpeting, bedding, or mattresses. If something is wet for less than 48 hours, it may be salvageable, but use discretion for those items that are especially meaningful or costly. Photograph any items that have been removed from the home so they can be submitted to your home insurance carrier. Some mold growth can be controlled on surfaces by cleaning with a non-ammonia detergent or pine oil cleanser in combination with a 10% bleach solution. Never mix bleach and ammonia products because they produce toxic fumes.

7. Secure The Property

This includes covering any broken windows and putting a tarp over any roof damage. Take pictures of your efforts to prove to the insurance company that you are doing all you can to prevent further damage to the property.

8. Install Flood Protection

Hawk Security provides home alarm systems that will potentially prevent flood damage to your home. The flood alarm will even turn off your water supply if a leak is detected. Install flood protection before a flood occurs to prevent potential damage.

When a flood occurs, it is instantly a stressful situation. Remember to stay calm and begin documenting the damage. Contact your insurance company to ensure maximum coverage. If you are in a region that frequently floods, take the time to get flood protection and flood insurance before it is too late.

Your dad has done a lot for you. You literally would not be here if it weren’t for him. Doesn’t he deserve the perfect gift for Father’s Day? Try out some of these home automation toys sure to make your father feel like a kid again.

1. Amazon Echo Spot

Your dad will love the Amazon Echo Spot! This portable device provides 360-degree audio and is controlled by voice command. He can play music simply by talking or get answers to any question he has. The Echo Spot can even be integrated into your home automation system to control lights, temperature, and many other household devices.

2. Viper Smart System VSS4000

If your dad loves his car, there’s no better gift than the Viper Smart System. This device is controlled by an app on your phone and is like home automation for your car, allowing the user to control their car from their smart device. Your dad can turn the car on, blast the heat, ramp up the air conditioning, and even unlock the car from a further distance than with the average key fob.

3. Harmony Ultimate Home Remote

No longer will you have to find the sound system remote to turn down the volume and then find the TV remote to change the channel. This universal remote control controls anything and everything on your entertainment system. It will even work through a closed door.

4. Foobot Air Quality Monitor

Your dad’s home is his luxury hideaway, but maybe the air quality is not as good as he’d like. Often, indoor air quality is eight times worse than outdoors. This great gift will help him monitor the air quality in the house. It can identify air pollution in the home and helps everyone staying there live healthier lives. This device can also be controlled by a smartphone and reminds you when you need to replace your air filters.

This Father’s Day make sure you get your dad the perfect gift. Something he can show off to your siblings.

Before moving into a new area, it is recommended that you investigate the crime rates in that area. There are many ways to obtain this important information, a few of which we have listed below.

1. AreaVibes

AreaVibes is a website that allows you to find the best place to live based on the factors that are most important to you. It has a unique feature that allows you to sort locations by crimes committed, local amenities, education quality, and housing availability. This website breaks down crimes committed by type and informs you how many reported incidents there are in that area. The site shares statistics about crime trends and how they compare to the state and the national crime statistics.

2. NeighborhoodScout

This website provides crime statistics and other data from your local area. Compare neighborhoods by overall crime rate, violent crime rate, and property crime rate. NeighborhoodScout also tells you what chances you have of being a victim to any of these types of crime.

3. Family Watchdog

This website alerts you of sex offenders in your neighborhood. The offenders are divided and categorized depending on the crimes they committed. It is also a great resource for personal safety tips.

4. CrimeReports

CrimeReports allows you to research specific people and circumstances and receive the police reports of the crimes committed.

5. SpotCrime

This site maps crimes and delivers crime alerts through social media, including Facebook and Twitter. SpotCrime gathers data from law enforcement agencies, news reports, and user tips. This is a very user-friendly website that clearly explains the crimes committed in your neighborhood.

Though you may feel safe in your current neighborhood with your home security system and security cameras, it is a good idea to check out your neighborhood anyway. Being aware of potential threats will help you to prevent a break-in.

April is tax season! Time to get that refund. But it’s also the most common time for cyber criminals to trick people into sharing personal or financial information. There are several things you can do to keep yourself safe during tax season. Safeguard your data before attempting to fill out your taxes online.

1. Don’t give out personal info unless it is a trusted and secured website.

Be aware of phony websites and messages claiming to be from the IRS. Scammers who are attempting to access your personal information may attempt to use the IRS name or logo. The IRS never initiates contact with taxpayers through email, text messages, or social media. If anyone is attempting to contact you through these forums, make sure not to give out any personal information. Be cautious when opening suspicious emails or clicking pop-up ads. If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, do not open it. Delete it from your inbox immediately.

2. “Free Money” does not exist.

Any ads claiming to give you “free money” are not real. This is a ploy some scammers use, especially during tax season. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

3. Back up your data and store your electronic tax files securely.

Most Americans opt to file their taxes online. When preparing your tax return for electronic filing, make sure you use a strong username and password to protect your files.

4. Only share your personal information on a secured network.

If you are at home using your personal wi-fi network, make sure you are using a protected network. This would require a password to use your internet connection. Do not attempt to file your taxes in a public area with public wifi access.

Security companies do a great job of protecting your home from intruders, but it’s important for you to remember to protect yourself online. Only use protected and verified websites to file your taxes. Cyber criminals are aware people are attempting to file their taxes and will try many different methods to obtain your protected information. Always be cautious and store your personal information in a protected file.

There are many things in your home you can upgrade and use with home automation and your home security system. Here are a few ideas to simplify your home life with home automation:

1. Lights

Upgrading to smart lights is as easy as replacing standard light bulbs with app based smart bulbs. This will allow you to control the lights in your home from your cell phone. You can put your lights on a schedule, turn them on and off, and even create intricate lighting designs.

2. Appliances

Many home appliances can be upgraded to work with home automation. You can send a text to your oven, telling it to preheat. Refrigerators can keep an inventory and show you a picture of what is left inside. You’ll never have to wonder if you need more milk again!  Some fridges even suggest recipes based on what ingredients you have. Automating appliances in your home can save you a lot of time!

3. Thermostats

Control your heating and cooling with your smart phone. You can leave utilities off when no one is home and then turn on the air or heat so by the time you get home it’s at the perfect temperature.

4. Sprinklers

Spring is just around the corner. Time to start feeding your lawn. A smart sprinkler can help you save money and conserve water by using real time weather data to determine when the sprinklers need to turn on.

5. Pet Feeders

You already have a hundred things to do in the morning. Get the kids ready for school, get ready for work. Now you no longer have to worry about your pets. With an automated pet feeder, you’ll be able to set food to be dispensed on a schedule based on your pets age, weight, and lifestyle. Your pet feeder can even order more pet food for you before you run out.

Home automation offers pure convenience within your home. There are so many different things that can be automated, these are just a few examples of how home automation can change your life.

It’s hard for a parent to feel comfortable leaving their children home alone. But you can rest assured knowing your home surveillance system and security cameras are there to keep them safe. You can even monitor them while you’re away.

Not sure if your child is old enough to stay home alone? Here are some handy age guidelines to keep in mind:

• 7 Years Old And Younger: These children are too young to be left alone for any period of time. They should never be left unattended in cars, playgrounds, backyards, or even inside your home.
• 8 To 10 Years Old: These children should not be left alone for more than an hour, especially at night. If you plan to leave your 8 to 10-year-old home alone, make sure it is during the day.
• 11 To 12 Years Old: These children are capable of being left alone but should not be left home alone at night. It is recommended to leave them only for around 3 hours at a time.
• 13 To 15 Years Old: These teens are safe to leave unsupervised but probably not for an entire night.
• 16 To 17 Years Old: This is the age where they can be left at home alone for longer periods of time. They are old enough to take care of themselves and capable of taking care of any issues that may occur. Additionally, they likely have a cell phone and can get in contact with you if need be.

Here are some safety tips to go over with your kid whenever the time does come to leave them by themselves:

1. Tell Them To Lock The Doors

Even if you have a home security system, you should always remind your children to lock the door as soon as they’re in the house.

2. Never Open The Door To Strangers

This rule applies even when you’re at home. Your child should never open the door for anyone that they do not know. Remind them to always look through the peep hole or window before opening the door for anyone, even if they are expecting someone. This includes anyone with a delivery as well.

3. Talk About Telephone Rules

It’s important to teach your children how to communicate on the phone. Most importantly, they must never tell anyone that they are home alone. Teach your children to tell whomever is on the phone that you are busy and to take a message, even if you aren’t there.

4. Use Social Media Responsibly

Social Media is becoming more and more common among younger children. It is important they never post about being home alone. Teach your children to be cautious with what they are sharing online.

5. If They Leave The House, They Need To Tell You Where They’re Going

Many parents are okay with their children heading over to a neighbor’s or playing in the neighborhood. However, you need to teach your children to call you when they reach their destination and whenever they plan to leave where they are. This is important because if something were to happen, you would have an idea of what your child was doing and where they were.

6. Teach Them About Fire Safety

If you plan to leave your child home alone, make sure they are old enough to understand fire safety. Let them know that if they see or smell smoke, to immediately leave the house and call the fire department. Find a trusted neighbor that they can go to in case of an emergency such as this.

Talk to your kids about staying safe in your home. Make sure they know what to do in case an emergency does happen. The more you teach them about safety, the better off they’ll be when left home alone.