Have you ever wondered if there was an easier way to manage them?
Commonly, businesses (big and small) provide each staff member with a unique code that they use to arm/disarm their alarm system.
Despite the commonality of this approach, it leaves stores and businesses susceptible to a number of security breaches.
Imagine this… you’ve provided a staff member with a code at the start of their employment. They leave under disgruntled circumstances and you can’t remember or didn’t record what code they used to arm/disarm your alarm system. This leaves your business vulnerable to the unlikely but very real possibility of unauthorised access.
Not ideal…
Another approach businesses take is by providing everyone with the same code.
It’s not hard to understand why this can be an issue. Not knowing who is arming or disarming your system at different hours throughout the day can lead to difficult conversations and possible mistrust within your organisation in the case of any intrusion.
The code might even be irresponsibly shared to associates which could result in further security breaches.
Either of these methods sound familiar?
Each method has its own pros and cons, but what if there was a unique solution that remedies the issues above?
We’ve got the answer for you.
It’s called Pocketsecure.
Pocketsecure is a phone app (available on both iOS and Android) that pairs with our back to base monitoring service, allowing users to arm and disarm their businesses through their mobile phones.
Given that it’s 2021 and almost everyone has a mobile phone, it’s a clear solution.
But how is it better than ‘old-school’ methods?
Remote Arming
Well for starters, it enables you to remotely arm and disarm your alarm system through your mobile phone from wherever you are (as long as you have internet connection on your phone of course!).
Can’t remember if you armed the store after leaving for the night? Check your phone.
If it’s not, simply arm your business from the train, bus, the couch or wherever else you are during your busy schedule.
Easier Staff Management
As mentioned earlier, traditional methods of managing alarm systems and their individual codes can cause a number of problems and introduce a number of vulnerabilities to a business.
Keeping track of staff member user codes is often an arduous and manual task that is very prone to human error and mismanagement.
The introduction of Pocketsecure allows you to view users who have access to the system and when they are arming/disarming the system.
This makes it easy to manage staff in high-turnover retail environments where access needs to be given or revoked at the click of a finger – provides managers with a clear list of who has access and who doesn’t.
Multi-Site Capabilities
Have multiple business sites? Multiple stores? Perhaps multiple warehouses?
All with their individual alarm systems?
Well from the one app, and the one account, you’ll be able to easily manage all your sites efficiently and effectively.
Our team will be able to help integrate all your systems to avoid confusion when it comes to arming and disarming multiple sites with different systems. This saves you from having to remember a number of different codes or arming methods.
More Secure
The ultimate goal of a security system is to keep yourself, your employees and your business safe and secure.
With an integrated arming app such as Pocketsecure, you will only be making your system more secure.
How?
Referring back to our initial point, codes can often get mismanaged or irresponsibly shared, resulting in system and business vulnerabilities.
By allocating each person an account, you’ll have complete visibility over your whole business, who uses the alarm, and/or when.
Have a disgruntled ex-employee? Simply delete their Pocketsecure access without having to worry about what codes they might have access to or may perhaps know.
Security shouldn’t be at the forefront of your mind, nor should it be a hassle.
As a business owner or manager, there’s no doubt that you have more important things to attend to.
In today’s age, alarm codes can almost be considered outdated because of the vulnerabilities they can introduce into a business environment.
That’s why as a security company, our goal has been to make things as easy as possible for you.
Pocketsecure is one of the features that we provide with all our back to base monitoring plans, and is beneficial for not only operational but security reasons too.
If you’d like to learn more about this, visit here OR give our monitoring specialists a call on 1300 73 83 93
While lots of things have changed in the past 14 months — with Covid-19, tragic bushfires, Gamestop stocks, job redundancies, job employment declines — there’s one thing that definitely hasn’t.
Everyone’s basic needs.
Physiological needs such as water, food, warmth, rest.
And of course…
The need to be safe and secure.
Source: Simple Psychology
Working within the security industry and in particular, one of Australia’s highest-rated security providers, we’ve been keeping a keen eye on security trends and new solutions that can help Australian homeowners, business owners and residents.
Alarm systems that can be armed and disarmed from a mobile phone.
Security integrations that can allow companies to manage all their sites from a single computer.
Consumer cameras that allow you to zoom in and capture very specific details such as number plates and facial details.
Being able to view and save the footage to our phones.
It’s incredible!
And these advances have been necessary over the years to help avoid incidents or even help to gather evidence to put these cases to a resolution.
We’re all living in a time where companies are providing the tools so that we can meet our safety needs in life. Although the need for security and safety is shared, how people achieve this can be subjective. Some people feel great with electronic security in place. Some without.
But what’s important is that these tools are here, effective, and ready for us all to use when we need them most. It’s these things that help us to shift our attention on what we deem most important in life – whether it’s your family, your job, or that round-Australia trip you’ve always wanted to pencil into your diary.
While the above is all good and great, it is almost common-knowledge that they aim to protect you, your family, your business, or your home WHILE you’re at home.
As a society, we are becoming more and more transient, spending less time at any one location including our homes and more time out and about – Working, exercising, catching up with friends… Living!
When we turn to the statistics, we realise that we’ve made big strides in protecting homes, businesses and assets… but what we’re failing to protect, our most precious possession, is… OURSELVES!
A recent survey conducted by women’s safety tech company, Safely, reveals the shocking reality that 2 in 3 women feel unsafe outside of their homes and 2 in 3 are victims of bullying or sexual harassment.
Source: Safely.io
Crazy right?
Looking at these stats, the chances of your mother, sister, wife, or friend, fitting into one of these categories is unfortunately quite high.
Perhaps you’ve even felt this way?
We’re big believers in providing peace of mind and are proud to see others in Australia developing solutions to help keep more people safe — both inside and outside of homes.
Safely is one of these companies that we recommend to check out.
“
Without going into too much detail, they have developed a personal safety app for women within our communities to help them ‘feel safe and live without fear’.
Aiming to go live in March 2021, we would highly suggest you to check out Safely’s website to learn more and be the first to know when they go live.
Our priorities have probably changed.
What we want to do probably has.
Where we can go DEFINITELY has.
But what hasn’t changed are our core needs – security in particular.
The year ahead will present challenges to you, your family, the state, and the country, but one thing we can’t stress enough is to ensure that you’re keeping an eye on loved ones and making sure that they’re feeling safe in whatever they set out to do.
Technology is evolving and with new apps like Safely, the year of 2021 is looking better for the safety and security of both individuals and families.
Stay healthy. Stay safe.
If you want assistance or need to speak to someone about your security needs, feel free to reach out to our friendly Customer Experience Team on 1300 73 83 93 and we’ll be happy to help!
Security alarm systems have been the most effective way of protecting homes against
intruders by way of a deterrent.
However… criminals today have become much more cunning and sophisticated leaving both occupants and their valuables at serious risk.
So simply triggering a siren onsite is no longer a satisfactory solution.
This is where alarm monitoring comes into effect.
Now the question is… should you choose a self-monitoring option or a professional monitoring service?
The connection of a security alarm system to a professional monitoring service can transform any alarm from a noise maker into a potential life saver.
How you ask?
By giving the system the ability to instantly communicate with an emergency response team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Emergency responses
Immediate responses can include dispatching the Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade and/or local security guards to ensure homeowners get help when they need it most.
Similar to a home insurance policy, the benefits of the service often aren’t seen until they’re required… but when they are, a monitoring service is most definitely worth the investment.
Remote arming
With a professional monitoring service, you get access to a phone application which provides you with a number of different perks:
Insurance discounts
While professional back-to-base monitoring involves a monthly investment, the burden may be a lot less than what you may think!
With most home insurance providers, you will be able to get a discount if you have a professionally monitored alarm system, so you may be paying next to nothing for a more secure home or business!
Identification of system faults or difficulties
Keeping your alarm free of faults is much easier when you have someone else looking at your system 24/7. With a monitoring service, a security provider will be able to identify any abnormalities whenever they arise and will be able to contact you to discuss what the next steps are.
There’s nothing worse than your system faulting at the time you need it most!
Another alternative is to monitor your alarm system using a self-monitoring service. Often requiring an additional part for the system to function, it allows you to view alarm signals from your phone. Rather than leaving it to a security company to manage your system for you, it relies on you to take immediate action as there are no emergency support actions that can be acted upon.
Phone application
Like a back-to-base monitoring service, self-monitoring is solely dependent on the phone app, and unlike the former, relies on a constant internet connection.
Because of this, it is unfortunately much more susceptible to down time and security breaches due to events such as power outages.
The most common functions amongst most systems include being a remote arming/disarming functionality and being able to receive alarm events as push notifications (similar to a professional monitoring option).
Your safety, your family’s safety, and the protection of your home is nothing to take lightly. It goes without saying that we have a favourite when it comes to achieving the lot.
Professional monitoring is by far the most appropriate solution when it comes to monitoring your alarm system and keeping you safe, sound and secure.
The benefits speak for themselves and self-monitoring doesn’t quite provide the same peace-of-mind that a fully serviced and professionally monitored system can do for you.
If you’re after a simple app that allows you to arm/disarm your system self-monitoring could be the way to go, but if your end goal is to secure your home and the people you most care about, back-to-base has you covered.
Our monitoring plans can be implemented for less than a coffee a day! Speak to our security specialists today on 1300 73 83 93 to get your professional recommendations.
Start the new year off right…
Start exercising.
Get back into routine.
Eat healthy.
But most importantly… keep your home, family, and/or business safe, sound and secure!
We may not be the experts in providing a 2021 fitness program, but what we can provide are specialist tips on keeping the things important to you safe!
You may have an alarm system, camera system or maybe even both which is fantastic (if you have neither, give us a call on 1300 73 83 93 to get personalised advice!). And while they should be something you set and forget, there are some simple things you should do to ensure you’re getting the most out of your system each year.
This is a simple one, and one that you can do all by yourself. Regardless of whether you’ve had tradesmen working on your property, or shared it with a friend or ex-employee, changing your alarm system code regularly is heavily advised.
(Similar to occasionally updating your email password)
By doing this, you’re ensuring that your system is less susceptible to being broken into or falsely activated/deactivated.
See our new resources page to find your user manual.
Picture this…
Your property has been broken into. The alarm has gone off. The intruder has been scared off. They haven’t managed to take anything of real value because of your preventative alarm measures, but you want to try and identify who broke in.
So you access your camera system, but can’t seem to retrieve any footage! Looks like your camera system hasn’t been recording for a while, and you can’t find any footage of the intruder.
Believe it or not, this can happen, and there have been numerous occasions where homeowners and businesses have called us asking for help. While this mostly occurs with cheaper DIY camera systems, we recommend checking even the best CCTV security systems to see if they are recording as they should be, ensuring that they are going to be working in times of need.
Similar to a car, an alarm system is only in its best condition if it is regularly serviced. We advise having a professional service (or what we like to call a maintenance check) once per year to ensure that your alarm system will work in times of need.
An annual maintenance check will usually involve a range of different procedures and include tasks such as checking your system’s battery health and ensuring detectors are working to their full ability.
Call our friendly Customer Experience team on 1300 73 83 93 to organise your annual maintenance check today!
Homes and businesses with wireless alarm systems will have wireless sensors and devices. This means that these devices are battery powered, and despite the extended life that these tend to have, it is always important to get the batteries replaced every few years – similar to a smoke alarm.
This can be done yourself or included in your annual maintenance check.
Why do you need to change them?
Like with an annual system service, it makes sure that your system and its components are all going to be operational in times of need. Making sure that your system is going to give you every chance to deter theft and harm is essential.
We like to think that your security should be something you can set and forget, however there is always going to be the element of maintenance.
Simple yet effective, our professional advice and tips are here for you to be able to get the most out of your system.
If you have any questions, feel free to visit our new resources page or call our Technical team on 1300 73 83 93.
After months of mastering Zoom calls, discovering a newfound love for finish-at-home meals, and binging on Netflix series – everything from Tiger King to The Last Dance – Melbournians have finally made it out to the other side.
We’re easing back to what life was like before lockdown, and more of us making the most out of the relaxed restrictions. Seeing friends and family, dining out, travelling out of town and even returning back to the office.
As we start spending more time away from home – whether it’s during the day or weekend away – it’s worth reminding ourselves that our homes will be vacant more often. Meaning more opportunities for break-ins, burglary and property security offences to occur.
In September 2020, Crime Statistics Agency released new data reporting Victoria recorded its largest yearly spike in crime, with incidents risen by 5.6 per cent — an increase of 21,805 incidents to 407,768 — in 12 months. Theft and security offences were among the common crime incidents that increased during this time.
Combining this information with historical trends showing increased crime rates during economic downturns and increased burglaries over the summer months, Signal Security advises homeowners to assess their security measures to continue to keep their families and home safe.
Did you know that crime rates increase during economic downturns?
Downturns such as recessions come with a large increase in unemployment rates in youths, which have historically led to increased petty crime and theft.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), unemployment in our country has increased by just over 45% – the large majority being youths and young people. This is not only a huge upset regarding the unemployment rates but also the potential increase of crime within our communities.
Before we delve into the advice, it’s worth understanding the most common reasons burglars target a premise.
In 2015, a study was conducted of police detainees, who were found guilty of committing breaking and entering offences, to gain insight on burglary in Australia. Although years have passed since the study, there are lessons and learnings that are still highly relevant — especially, as we spend more time outside and away from home.
There are two main areas of focus for targeting premises, as reported from the study, a lack of activity around the property and the visibility/attractiveness of the property.
Lack of activity was indicated by:
And visibility/attraction came down to:
Our advice for keeping your home and family safe.
Improved security and electronic security is reported as one of the most effective ways to deter burglars from attempting to enter a property. And most importantly, an effective way to ensure the safety of you and your family. After all, the most precious possession —that is irreplaceable—is … OURSELVES.
Achieving peace of mind is not simply about installing a CCTV camera outside of your premise. At Signal Security, we take a logical approach to determining which systems and services should be considered to deliver maximum impact and return on investment.
You can download our FREE booklet on How To Achieve True Peace of Mind with Electronic Security Here
In short, there are three key steps in achieving peace of mind and our recommendation in approaching electronic security for your home:
There is nothing more effective in preventing harm and loss than a professionally installed intrusion detection system (burglar alarm) with fixed or portable panic buttons. Depending on the size, shape and layout of a property, coupled with its level of risk, an intrusion detection system can come in all shapes and sizes with various types of detection devices i.e. motion detectors, door/window switches and glass breakage detectors.
In its raw form, an intrusion detection system is a powerful tool that drives intruders away with its loud sirens and flashing lights but relies heavily on neighbours and passers-by to act swiftly in the case of an emergency. Unfortunately, in today’s day and age sounding alarm sirens will more often than not be ignored.
The only way to guarantee a response is to connect your intrusion detection system to a professional security monitoring centre. With highly trained security monitoring professionals available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure that every alarm signal received is dealt with in the shortest amount of time possible and that help can be sent in times that you need it most.
If a professionally installed intrusion detection system will aid in the prevention of harm and loss, and the addition of a professional monitoring service to the system will initiate an emergency response. Then what next? We need to find a way to assist with the real-time verification of events as well as being able to retrospectively go back in time and review any events of interest which leads us to integrate surveillance cameras (CCTV system) into the fold.
The thought of our homes not being a safe space can be jarring and a break-in is the last thing we want after the year we’ve had.
While we can’t predict when or what’s going to happen, we can put the right measures in place to keep our homes and family safe.
As always, our friendly, knowledgeable team of security specialists can assist you with any questions or security challenges you may be experiencing.
You can organise a free, no-obligation on-site security risk assessment by contact our team on 1300 73 83 93 or sending an enquiry from our contact page.
Wow…
It’s hard to believe it’s already the end of the year.
So much has happened.
You may have forgotten about the crazy, hazy start to the year with the raging bushfires across Australia.
And as if it wasn’t enough hurt for our country, the next big thing hit.
A global pandemic. International flights cancelled. Borders closed. Home quarantine. The list goes on.
But look where we are now!
We can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel for Australians (particularly all of us in Melbourne), and it is SO important for us all to recognise how far we have all come.
It’s also important to celebrate with a bit of time away from home… and there has been no better time than now to explore what our own backyard has to offer us!
A number of our Signal Security team members have been asked to share their recommendations and suggestions for a getaway this Christmas. Maybe take one of these suggestions and go for it! Or even use them to inspire your next summer holiday.
Portland
“For me, exploring our own country is just as exciting as any overseas trip! I don’t think we realise how much our country really has to offer and how truly beautiful it is.
Not a lot of people know about this one, however if you don’t mind a drive like me, I would highly suggest Portland for your Christmas getaway this year. It’s a quiet beachside town about a 5-hour drive from Melbourne and is absolutely beautiful. While you’re there, check out Shelly Beach. One of the best beaches I can say I’ve been to. Just make sure to bring your sunscreen because you won’t want to leave!”
– Tim
Wilsons Promontory
“Ever since I moved here, my favourite getaway has been Wilsons Promontory. It is a bit of a drive, however the rewards are amazing once you get there! I’m a cabin person, however I know you can camp there too if that’s your preference.
The hikes are incredible (something you wouldn’t generally get in St Kilda) and the beaches are second-to-none in my opinion. Squeaky Beach is a popular one and for good reason… The sand is so soft and the water crystal blue. If you’re to go on a little getaway, I’d definitely recommend Wilsons Prom!”
– Laura
Kakadu National Park
“That’s an interesting one… I’ve always wanted to go to the Northern Territory and explore the beautiful Kakadu National Park they have there. It’s been on the bucket list for a long time, and although I haven’t seen it personally, I’ve only seen amazing photos and heard great things about it!”
– Ebony
No matter where you go or whose recommendation you take, get out of town, soak up some sun, and remember to keep safe while doing so!
If you want to secure your home before you head away this holiday season, give our security specialists a call on 1300 73 83 93 for a free quote on a home security system!
Congratulations Melbourne.
We’re out of lockdown!
This year has been a rollercoaster to say the least, and while most of us have been able to enjoy the new found freedom that we seem to have, many businesses haven’t fared as well.
It’s been a tough year for nearly all Australian businesses and many have been forced to close for good. It’s a sad reality, however there’s something we can all do to help.
As a security company, we’re doing our best to keep businesses safe, sound and secure, but there’s something we can all do individually to help them.
If you’re like us and love food, you’ve already enjoyed a brunch at your favourite cafe, but there’s so much more to explore! We’ve listed our 4 favourite eateries to support out of lockdown and we highly encourage you to check them out. See below:
Instagram: @thegeorgeoncollins
Website: thegeorgeoncollins.com.au
Our good friends at The George On Collins are a New York style basement bar in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD (right opposite our office!), and offer breakfast all the way to late night dinner and cocktails. Often housing late-night DJs, they are the perfect destination for a Friday night knock-offs.
With their doors open again, we encourage you if you haven’t already to book a table at The George on Collins to experience their incredibly unique bar and restaurant.
You may even catch a glimpse of their chef Khanh Ong who you may have seen on Masterchef a few years ago!
Instagram: @thedeckbrighton
Website: thedeckbrighton.com.au
With summer well and truly on its way, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the lovely local beaches Melbourne has to offer.
Why not head down to Brighton beach and while you’re there, drop by The Deck Brighton for your morning coffee or a delightful lunch?
These guys have an incredible all-day breakfast menu and an extensive lunch menu that anyone will enjoy, plus if you’re in need of those Christmas party celebrations, they even have private function rooms available.
Their food is not the only thing that’s great… As the name suggests, their outdoor dining deck is just beautiful; allowing you to enjoy your eggs benedict and strong soy latte all while getting a few rays of sunshine.
Instagram: @fancyhanksbbq
Website: fancyhanks.com
Imagine this… a well-seasoned, slow-cooked and juicy American BBQ in the heart of Melbourne. Well… you don’t necessarily need to imagine because Fancy Hanks (smack bang in the middle of Bourke Street) has you covered!
Their slow-cooked free-range meats (which they locally source from Gippsland) take you on a journey to the southern states of the USA and are so tender that they almost melt in your mouth! Cooked in their custom smokers for up to 22 hours, they offer an American experience in Australia.
It doesn’t just stop at the food either. Their bar-style restaurant always has a positive atmosphere and often has live music or a DJ playing on their rooftop which is great for after-work drinks or a Saturday night with friends.
Instagram: @middletowncafe
Website: middletown.com.au
Last on our list is a boutique cafe located south of the city in the trendy suburb of Prahran.
Specialising in fine food, speciality coffee, and a range of great brunches, Middletown in Prahran is where they claim that their spectacular food and classic flavours meet modern technique.
They pay attention to every detail in their food and beverages (particularly their coffee) and if you don’t believe us, we recommend trying them out yourself (or even just check their Instagram page)!
With an emphasis on fine seasonal produce, Middletown brings you a pleasant dining experience with sophistication.
With so many amazing cafes and restaurants opening their doors back up, it was hard to pick our favourites, however these 4 eateries are amongst the best. Even if it’s not one of our top picks, enjoy the summer, get out of the house and reward yourself for enduring everything 2020 has thrown at us!
A home alarm system can come in many shapes and sizes. With something as important as your own security, it’s essential to understand the process, things to look out for, and what to expect when trying to achieve TRUE peace of mind.
Home security systems should not be treated as a one-size-fits-all solution which is why we recommend that if you’re being referred to an “alarm package” – which unfortunately happens often within the electronic security industry, you should start to look elsewhere.
Like a home, not all security systems are the same. Factors such as the size and design of your home, your existing equipment, whether you have pets or not, and many more, can all affect the final recommended solution.
Therefore, we’ve listed several important points which help to answer the question, “What makes the best home alarm system?”
Motion detectors are by no means the be-all and end-all of a home alarm system however they are the most common for good reason. They assist in covering a large area and as the name suggests, can detect any motion occurring within the space that the device is occupying. We know what you’re thinking… What about my dogs and/or cats? Luckily, nowadays most high-quality detectors have a form of pet-immunity allowing your furry friends to roam free whilst going unnoticed – it’s worth checking with a security specialist to determine whether the system you are looking for is pet-friendly.
The aim of a security system is to mitigate harm and/or loss, which is only as effective as the solution itself. This is why the best home alarm systems also have a form of perimeter protection through the use and integration of reed switches on doors and windows, and glass break detectors in areas with lots of glazing or windows with intricate framing. Adding these devices helps to expand your protected area by alerting you before any actual “intrusion” occurs, minimising the chance of “smash and grabs”.
In its raw form, an intrusion detection system is a powerful tool that drives intruders away with its loud sirens and flashing lights but relies heavily on neighbours and passers-by to act swiftly in the case of an emergency. Unfortunately, in today’s day and age sounding alarm sirens will more often than not be ignored.
Adding a professional monitoring service to your system is an easy way to transform your “noisemaker” into a potential lifesaver and contrary to what you may think a lifesaving service such as this could cost, it’s actually really affordable with your investment being less than half a cup of coffee a day.
Summary
When looking for the best home alarm system, it’s important to look at the whole solution rather than brands or product. Make sure that you steer clear of “set packages” and speak to a qualified security specialist who would be able to provide professional advice to ensure that you are getting the most appropriate set-up for your home and family.
If you would like to speak to one of our security specialists about your tailored home intrusion protection, simply contact us here or call our Customer Care Centre on 1300 73 83 93.
“How much should I pay for a security system?”
Let’s start with a simpler question.
Why are you getting a security system?
More than likely it’s to do with the protection of your family members and your home. This comes down to the foundation of security and the reasoning behind each type of system – see our Hierarchy of Security to learn more.
To beg the question, why would you only look at the price tag when there are so many other factors to consider when choosing a device that could potentially save your loved ones or your hard-earned belongings?
We understand that price comes into consideration, however we’ve compiled a list of an additional 3 factors to consider when it comes to choosing a security provider. See below:
At the risk of sounding egotistical, the reputation of a company is one of the most valuable factors to consider when looking at different security providers.
In an industry where saving lives is a consideration, it is important to know that the company you choose is trustworthy and can also deliver on your expectations.
Hearing from friends or family from whom you trust is a primary source of information and one that you should definitely acknowledge. Another way, which is the most popular and trusted ways to hear the stories of other people’s dealings with the company, is through online reviews – in particular Google Reviews. These are real ratings and real comments from real people (for the most part). There are also other websites such as Word of Mouth or Three Best Rated that can provide insights into past experiences with the company.
Again, dealing with something as incredibly important as safety and security, you want to make sure that the people you’re entrusting it with are licensed and accredited to do so.
This doesn’t simply mean a business card.
You need to ensure that:
In any industry, the amount of time any business has been around can be a telling sign as to how trusted the company is and if they will be able to support your queries down the road. Sole traders are often culprits of leaving you to voicemail and never returning your calls, however larger businesses with more staff usually have a better structure around after-installation support.
Although rare, some businesses slip through the cracks and are able to continue business despite unsatisfactory service, so it is important to consider tenure alongside other contributing factors!
Like mentioned at the beginning, we encourage you to think from the ground up. Why are you getting a security system? Why take a risk which will more than likely backfire?
Take a step of confidence. When researching your next security provider, ensure that you are taking all factors into consideration while decision making, so that you can take the next step towards achieving true peace of mind!
Well…
Who would have predicted that the majority of 2020 would involve fights over rolls of toilet-paper, chatting with friends and family over Zoom, home-schooling your kids, and worrying that the small sniffle you had this morning might be a deadly virus?
I know I definitely didn’t, and although I’m not a betting man, I would bet good money that you didn’t either!
Many of us would not have expected this to happen within our lifetime, let alone this year and with routines forced into change, anxiety and stress is on the rise. How much longer will I still be working? Will I lose touch with friends and family without cafes, restaurants & bars to go to? How can I home-school my kids if I’ve got my own work to do?
With so many questions and unknowns, what can YOU do to help ease the worry and stress that COVID-19 is inflicting upon all of us?
Get outside & exercise
It can be easy to sit inside and watch Netflix all day but let’s be honest… there’s only so many episodes of Peaky Blinders or other binge-worthy shows that you can watch.
Social-distancing laws don’t mean that you can’t go outdoors and soak in the rays, so take the opportunity to go for a walk around the neighbourhood or your local park. You might even be able to help a local business by picking up a barista-made coffee along the way (I know some of you are craving for one)!
In moderation, sunlight has been proven to encourage your brain to release melatonin – a chemical that helps you feel better and relieve stress. On top of that, physical activity releases endorphins which trigger a positive feeling in the body, so why not use the extra time you have to finally go for the run that you’ve been telling yourself to do for months!
Keep to your routines (as much as you can)
Thinking of sleeping in till 8:50am when you’ve got your morning meeting at 9?
Thinking of making an unhealthy lunch instead of doing your meal prep on a Sunday?
Finding yourself falling down the rabbit hole of watching endless Youtube videos late at night?
Think again.
With all the changes happening during this time, your standard routine might’ve gone straight out the window, however developing a new one should definitely be on the to-do list. Routine has been proven to aid our mental health and developing one can help you feel more in control of your live, and further help to make room for things that matter most.
Try and wake up the same time you would’ve before the lockdown. So the pool is closed… instead of going for your morning swims, supplement it with a run instead! Do meal prep as you usually would! Set a bedtime pretending you’re your own parent.
Doing these things and creating routine has been proven to reduce stress, anchor us, and leave us mentally strong for the unforeseen tasks ahead.
Stay in contact with friends/family
Technology is something many of us take for granted. 10 years ago, we wouldn’t have had the technological capabilities that we do today… let alone 20 years ago when Signal Security was founded. “Isolation” has a negative connotation to it as it refers to keeping to yourself, however that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case.
With technology such as Facebook, Zoom, Skype and many more, it is possible to stay in touch with friends and loved ones at the touch of a button. As social creatures, us humans gain positive mental stimulus from interacting with others and just because you can’t physically go out and see them doesn’t mean your relationships have to falter.
Perhaps take the time to reach out to a friend or family member who you haven’t spoken to in a while?
Do things you haven’t had time to do – Create a project
2 hours saved from travelling to and from work every day. Fewer social obligations to catch up with friends on the weekend. Reduced working hours.
The questions is… what do you do with all this extra time?
Turn your negatives into a positive and take this opportunity (that will most likely never present itself again) to do the things you haven’t previously had the time to do so.
Do some home improvements and do some gardening. Start that online course that you’ve been meaning to start. Learn that new banana bread recipe. Create a mini project for yourself. Improve your Zen and start that morning yoga routine. There’s endless opportunities!
All we can do to stay sane during quarantine is stay positive and look at the opportunities that present themselves to us during this time. Understandably many of us are going through tough times at the moment, whether it’d be health, financial or business, however life’s too short to be worrying about your health and safety during a time that is out of your control.
Stay strong. Stay safe. Stay sane.
