Watch over 2,000 out-of-market games this season! Experience Major League Baseball in a new way with the MLB EXTRA INNINGS package. Follow your favorite teams with up to 80 out-of-market regular season MLB® games each week. Your MLB EXTRA INNINGS subscription also includes MLB.TV so you can watch every out-of-market game on over 400 supported devices. Get your satellite TV system installed today and subscribe to MLB EXTRA INNINGS. Our office will be closed in observation of Memorial Day. Celebrate, Honor and Remember. Happy Memorial Day! Smart Home Security helps you protect and control the entire perimeter of your home – including the garage. From protecting your car and guarding your tools, to securing a common but easily overlooked entry point to your home, a Smart Home Security system powered by Alarm.com has you covered. Here's what it will give you: Smart Access 70% of Americans use their garage door as the primary entrance to their home. That's a lot of opportunity to leave it open by accident. A connected garage door powered by Alarm.com helps eliminate this problem. Using your location as a trigger, our exclusive Geo-Services feature alerts you if you leave home without securing the garage. You'll get a pop-up smartphone alert that lets you close the door right away, from wherever you are. You can also create an alert to tell you if the door is left open for a certain amount of time. Most garage doors made after 1998 can be retrofitted to integrate them into a Smart Home system. Monitored Security From lawnmowers to tools, you probably have thousands of dollars' worth of contents in your garage. If you're a car enthusiast or dedicated DIY-er, multiply that figure by ten. A wireless Smart Home Security system protects your property and is easy to extend into an attached garage. You'll always know when the garage door is opened, and our exclusive image sensor will detect movement and send you a picture of what caused it. If you add a video camera to your system, you can record a clip automatically every time the door opens. You can view your images and clips anytime, anywhere, from your smartphone (or Apple Watch). Our systems are also professionally monitored. That means that if there's a break-in, trained security professionals will respond and dispatch emergency services. Smart Fire Safety With power tools and gasoline on hand, your garage is one of the most fire-prone places in your home after the kitchen. A connected smoke detector powered by Alarm.com will instantly alert the professionals in the event of a fire. Your smart home security system will also keep you safe by shutting down your HVAC system to keep smoke from spreading, turning on your smart lights, and alerting you via your smartphone. No Weak Spots It's tempting to leave the door that connects your garage to your home unlocked, especially when you know the garage door is closed behind you. However, this door should be secured day and night as a potential entryway to your home. A smart lock with a keypad is perfect for this role. A simple four-digit code lets you back into the house, eliminating the need to carry your keys around with you. As a bonus, if you have an older teenager who's started driving, you can give them their own user code which triggers a smartphone alert, letting you know they're home safe. Want a Smarter Garage? Professionally installed, configured and monitored, a Smart Home Security system is the smartest upgrade you can make to your garage and home this year. If you have a big home improvement project lined up this summer, you'll likely be working with a contractor for at least part of the job. A Smart Home Security system—a great home feature in its own right—is incredibly useful for helping this part of your project run more smoothly. It makes things more convenient for you and your contractor, helps you stay aware of what's happening on the project, and maintains the security of your property, even while there's a lot of activity in your home. Here's how. Smart Access – Convenience and Security Your contractor needs easy access to your home, whether you're there or not. A "smart access" solution combines smart locks, user codes and real-time alerts on your smartphone so you can let a contractor in, no matter where you are. You get the convenience of letting the contractor come and go, with the security of controlling access and knowing when they're there or not. No more waiting by the door to let the contractor in when you have a busy day ahead of you, and no more leaving keys under the mat. You can use your smartphone app to let a contractor in remotely, or you can give them a unique user code that lets them open your smart lock and disarm your security panel when they arrive. You can set up user codes to only work when you expect the contractor, so you get convenience without sacrificing security. Alerts Let You Know Everything's On Schedule User codes help you keep track of when contractors arrive and leave, providing a useful ‘log' of time spent in your home. It's easy to set up a smartphone alert that lets you know instantly when your contractor uses their door code. You can also set up visual alerts with an image sensor, giving you a visual update of who's on the job and when. If your Smart Home includes video monitoring, you can even view a live feed of your project as it takes shape. If you're planning a major renovation that will have you living elsewhere for a while, you can also save on your broadband costs. Alarm.com-powered systems use a cellular connection, so you can cancel broadband and still manage access to your home and use our image sensor. Smart Home Security Provides Peace of Mind A Smart Home gives you the ability to lock your front door (and garage door) and arm your security system remotely when a contractor leaves, restoring your house to its secure state instantly. And, when the job is complete, you can simply delete your contractor's user code from your system, with no keys to hand back. Happy remodeling!
Your home has a lot to tell you. Now, thanks to smart home security, it also has a voice.
From fire alarms to teen parties, an Alarm.com-powered Smart Home keeps you aware of everything that matters, no matter where you are, through real-time text and video alerts. In extreme cases, like a fire, tornado or potential break-in, knowing what's going on can literally save your life. The rest of the time, you'll enjoy enhanced peace of mind, comfort, protection, and the ability to address problems before they get worse. It can really change your life for the better. Smart Home awareness is simple to manage. You opt into the type of alerts that are meaningful to you, and your alarm system filters out the events that don't matter to you. Thanks to the wealth of data that your smart home security system has from its sensors and devices, it knows the difference. So, what's good to know? Know when something's wrong In an alarm event at your property, you'll be the first to know, even if you're not there, via a smartphone alert. Your 24/7 professional monitoring service will also be alerted immediately; they'll assess the situation and dispatch emergency personnel to your home if necessary. Even if your security panel or phone line is damaged, Alarm.com will still alert everyone who needs to know thanks to our Crash and Smash protection and secure cellular connection. Know when something's right Awareness also gives you confirmation that things are going right. For example, you can set up an alert that lets you know your children are home from school every day, based on them entering their user code into your alarm panel. It's not just for kids – you can use these alerts to keep track of contractors, dog walkers and even out-of-town guests. Know when there's danger When integrated into an Alarm.com Smart Home, your smoke and C02 sensors will instantly alert you and the professionals if your property is in danger. This gives you valuable time to get home and tackle the problem if it's safe to do so. One Alarm.com user was able to save his dogs from a house fire after receiving an alert. Another user was able to get his family to safety with minutes to spare before a tornado struck his house, thanks to an Alarm.com severe weather alert. If you're out of town regularly, you can even set up an alert for a trusted neighbor – a great option for peace of mind when travelling. Know when you forgot It's easy to forget to arm your security system when you're on your way to work in the morning. Alarm.com's Geo-Services feature will alert you if you forgot. You won't need to return home either: simply use your smartphone app to arm your Smart Home security system remotely. Know when you need to act Emergencies aside, many minor home events can cause problems if you're unaware of them. Toddlers open freezers… and leave them open. Teens let other teens into the house when you're out. Guests change the temperature on your thermostat without telling you. All of these problems can be detected with different Smart Home sensors, generating alerts that let you know there's a problem. And know when you don't How can you tell if an intruder or a squirrel set off your porch's motion detector? It's easy when you use an image sensor. This small device combines motion detection with the ability to send you a snapshot of whatever caused the motion, giving you instant insight on what's going on. If you have a video solution on your porch, meanwhile, you can create smart rules that filter your video alerts according to specific event triggers. For example, you can rule out video alerts from your hallway camera if the alarm system is disarmed.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.-- DISH Network L.L.C. has launched WeatherNation®, a leading multi-format, local, regional and national television weather news service. The multi-year agreement includes a channel focused on national weather information as well as an interactive app that allows customers to quickly view their local weather. "DISH customers asked for more weather coverage around the clock," said Warren Schlichting, DISH senior vice president of programming. "With the addition of WeatherNation's offerings, our customers have even greater access to weather news and information when it matters most." WeatherNation's interactive app is available on DISH's award-winning Hopper® Whole-Home HD DVR and select other set-top boxes. The app offers DISH customers instant access to the local weather in up to 10 different locations. "24 hours a day, seven days a week, our certified meteorologists deliver the latest weather news and forecasts," said Michael Norton, president of WeatherNation. "Moreover, our great relationships with trusted local weather experts across the nation allow us to provide focused weather information at DISH customers' fingertips on a regional and local basis." WeatherNation (Channel 215) will be available to DISH customers nationwide during a six-week free preview and will join the lineup of DISH's America's Top 120 programming package and above. About Weather Nation TV, Inc. WeatherNation TV, Inc., headquartered in Denver, produces a suite of services including the WeatherNation TV network, which provides 24/7 coverage of current and severe weather news and information in a compelling, meteorologist-hosted format, available in both HD and standard definition. WeatherNation® supports the weather-related needs of a variety of clients ranging from local broadcasters, to cable/satellite operators, to publishers and original equipment manufacturers. WeatherNation's award-winning digital platform includes over-the-top services with the industry's most robust degree of interactivity, complemented by an easy-to-navigate website with the most relevant weather information. WeatherNation was recently recognized by CableFax as the best in the industry in the area of Connected TV/Smart TV. For more information about WeatherNation, please contact [email protected] or (800) 343-9516. Visit www.weathernationtv.com. DISH Network L.L.C. and Outside Television announced Outside Television will join DISH's Multi-Sport Pack of premium sports entertainment immediately, giving millions of active outside enthusiasts across the nation the opportunity to enjoy the popular action channel based on Outside Magazine and its acclaimed adventurist brand. This new multi-year agreement provides DISH Multi-Sport subscribers access to the people, places, sports and adventures that make the outside world an inspiration and experience like no other as told by iconic trailblazers willing to challenge themselves against the world's most spectacular landscapes and natural elements. "We've partnered with Outside Television to take our customers directly into the action of extreme outdoor sports," said Josh Clark, DISH vice president of programming. "We are expanding our lineup of active outdoor lifestyle programming and unconventional sports coverage from mountaineering to BASE jumping and kitesurfing." Outside Television is available to all DISH customers now through May 6 during a month-long free preview. The preview arrives just in time to include several of the most grueling trans-oceanic legs of the annual 38,739-nautical mile Volvo Ocean Race in "Life at the Extreme" and new season premieres of Outside Television's acclaimed series "Locals" and "Outlook: Icons Revealed" to feature Amazonian and Arctic explorer Mike Horn, renowned half-pipe snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler and freestyle ski champion Julian Carr, among others. "Outside strives to inspire people to get outside and participate in the world beyond their living rooms, and DISH is finding new ways to attract just the kinds of people who would rather make their own adventures rather than follow a more conventional path," said Dennis Gillespie, senior vice president of distribution for Outside Television. "We're pleased to partner with DISH to enable every one of the more than 140 million active outside enthusiasts living across the U.S. to now find their own way into Outside Television." With more than 35 channels of America's top sports services, DISH's Multi-Sport Pack offers fans and enthusiasts the very best in live games, expert analysis, in-depth coverage and direct immersion into one-of-a-kind experiences at an unbeatable value. Outside Television joins the Multi-Sport Pack on Channel 390 in the DISH programming lineup. NEW YORK & ENGLEWOOD, Colo. DISH Network L.L.C., Major League Baseball (MLB) and MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM) have reached a wide-ranging multi-year agreement that includes the launch of MLB EXTRA INNINGS on DISH, including authenticated access to the #1 LIVE streaming sports service, MLB.TV. The deal also sets the stage for in-market streaming of MLB games in the future. DISH and MLB Network also reached a multi-year renewal agreement for continued carriage of MLB Network and MLB Network Strike Zone, including digital rights for those channels on DISHAnywhere.com and via the DISH AnywhereTM app. “We’re pleased to expand our relationship with MLB Network” “We’re excited that DISH customers will continue to have access to exclusive games and the latest news and analysis with MLB Network and MLB Network Strike Zone,” said Rob McGlarry, MLB Network president. “We’re pleased to expand our relationship with MLB Network,” said Warren Schlichting, DISH senior vice president of programming. “MLB EXTRA INNINGS is a must-have for displaced fans, and we’re excited to offer it in time for the season to begin.” The agreement provides a path for consumers to have authenticated access to stream live in-market games on digital properties from MLB, local programmers and pay-TV providers. In-market live streaming would require additional agreements between the parties including DISH, MLBAM and programmers with local TV rights of MLB games. MLB Network (channel 152) will continue to be available starting in DISH’s America’s Top 200 programming package as well as in Multi-Sport Pack. MLB Network Strike Zone (channel 153) will continue to be available in Multi-Sport Pack. MLB EXTRA INNINGS (channel 476 on DISH’s Hopper® Whole-Home HD DVR, starting on channel 900 for customers with other set-top-boxes) will be in free preview for all DISH customers starting Opening Day, April 6-12. MLB EXTRA INNINGS is available for the 2015 season for $195, and subscribers to the package will soon have access to the Technology & Engineering Emmy Award winning MLB.TV. This enables authenticated subscribers to watch every out-of-market game LIVE or on-demand on more than 400 supported devices. Financial terms were not disclosed.
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Home security is extremely important, but sometimes homeowners don’t recognize their need for it until their home has been broken into. Once a break-in has occurred, installing a home security system may seem like a measure taken too late, but it’s a smart step to take, because properties that have suffered a burglary are four times more likely to be targeted again. It’s important to take steps to prevent future incidents and bolster your family’s state of mind. Unfortunately, during the chaotic aftermath of a burglary, it’s easy for homeowners to become overwhelmed and not know the right steps to take. Here, we offer a timeline of actions to take after a break-in.
Sources: http://lifehacker.com/what-should-i-do-if-i-get-robbed-1251681893 http://www.safewise.com/blog/what-to-do-when-your-house-is-broken-into http://www.ackermansecurity.com/resources/blog/weve-been-robbed-6-point-checklist-of-what-to-do-after-a-home-break-in http://www.safewise.com/blog/how-your-family-can-recover-after-a-burglary/ http://www.theguardian.com/money/blog/2013/may/18/what-do-after-burglary http://www.itstactical.com/intellicom/mindset/what-to-do-in-the-crucial-three-hours-after-a-burglary/ The Consumer Electronics Show has come and gone, leaving behind it a picture of the changes to come to the world of home automation. Coming close on the heels of Christmas, the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is like a second holiday for technology buffs. The coolest new products were spread across 2 million square feet of showroom space, and 170,000 attendees ate it up like candy. Here are five takeaways from this year’s event: Home automation remains in the spotlightAs expected, home automation was one of the show’s biggest stars. There were new offerings from established manufacturers and providers like Honeywell, Interlogix, Alarm.com and Nortek. Google and Samsung each revealed more about their strategies, while Apple was conspicuous with its absence. And newer DIY players with names like MyFox, Smanos and Chuango joined existing offerings from iSmartAlarm, iControl and Canary. Right now, it’s a land of confusion. But sooner or later, the market will shake out and the best solutions will bubble to the surface. In the meantime, no one could blame consumers for waiting to see who survives the competition before opening their wallets. Stuck on self-monitoringHome security is acknowledged to be the centerpiece of home automation, but it’s surprising to see how many solutions still depend on self-monitoring rather than central monitoring. That always brings us back to the same issues. How many consumers understand the responsibility of having to react quickly and correctly every time the smartphone signals an alarm? How many are ready to hand that responsibility off to a neighbor or family member instead of a trained professional? And how often will a homeowner have to sweat when they’re without cellular coverage, or stuck in a situation where they can’t instantly react? Being able to monitor your house remotely sounds like a great idea, but it’s hard not to recognize the value of professionally monitored systems. The camera will be kingWired magazine noted that some of the most useful smart-home solutions are variations of good old video cameras. They’re becoming smarter as they begin to incorporate technology for facial recognition, threat assessment, environmental control, or even health monitoring. As video gets more affordable, practical and versatile, it may become very appealing to consumers who have already come to accept the fact that cameras practically watch our every move. It would be a small leap to being comfortable with having one in your home, particularly when it offers powerful functionality. Sexy vs. practical - The media tends to sell a smart-home image of a fantasy world where all your household devices work together like a symphony. Wired offers a different vision: a relatively limited number of practical devices – not just video, but locks, thermostats, light bulbs and other devices you use each day – that will be useful, reliable and easy to control with your smartphone. But hey, how can a remote-controlled front door compete with a flower pot that tells you whenever a houseplant needs to be watered? Wonderful world of wearablesWearables were also big at CES this year. The emphasis was on not only expanding and improving functionality, but also making them a little more attractive. The technology also went beyond what you can wear on your wrist:
Sources: http://www.achrnews.com/articles/128464-jan-5-2015-home-automation-and-control-market-worth-1281-billion-by-2020 http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/home-automation-market-to-surge-to-us164-billion-by-2019-transparency-market-research-279917242.html http://www.wired.com/2015/01/home-security-internet-things/ http://gadgets.ndtv.com/wearables/features/ces-2015-wearables-roundup-646523 http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/technology/ces-2015-top-10-wearable-4949652 If you made a New Year’s resolution list, you might want to consider putting a home security system on it. But even if you’ve got a home security system that has all the bells and whistles, there are other things you can do that will not only make your home safer, but also help you get the New Year off to a great start. Beyond a home security system, here are some ideas for your list of resolutions.
Sources: http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-home http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/6-new-years-resolutions-homeowners-2.aspx https://www.statefarm.com/insurance/home-and-property/homeowners/discounts/home-monitoring-offer http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/holidays/christmas-tree-fires http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/home-diy/safety/10-ways-to-secure-your-home.htm Exede tops FCC ranking for delivering advertised speeds, and ViaSat-1 Guinness World Records title make Exede attractive choice for area residents December 19, 2014 – Central Pennsylvania residents now have access to Exede® by ViaSat, a high-speed satellite Internet service earning awards and recognition nationwide. The 12 Mbps baseline download speed offered by Exede Internet is eight times faster than previous generation satellite services – and often significantly faster than average DSL service. Powered by ViaSat-1 – officially recognized as the World’s Highest Capacity Communications Satellite with a Guinness World Records title – Exede service has moved into the mainstream of Internet options. A February 2013 FCC study based on performance tests reported that Exede Internet outperforms all other ISPs in delivering promised speeds to subscribers, with 90 percent of Exede subscribers receiving 140 percent or better of the advertised 12 Mbps download speed during peak periods. Popular Science also named the innovative satellite system and Exede Internet as a Best of What’s New award winner for 2012. One-Stop Communications provides the award-winning service for Central Pennsylvania. “As a local dealer serving this community for many years, I’m pleased to provide super-fast Internet to households that have never been able to get speeds like this in the past,”said Michael Buffington, President, of One-Stop Communications. “My customers are very pleased with the speed and reliability of Exede Internet, and we look forward to providing service to many more customers here in Central Pennsylvania.” The consistently fast performance of the Exede satellite Internet service has helped ViaSat reach more than 285,000 subscribers on ViaSat-1 in its first year of operation. The total subscriber count across all ViaSat satellites has surpassed 500,000 for the first time. Subscribers also enjoy 100 percent U.S.-based customer support. Approximately 40 percent of new Exede Internet subscribers are choosing the satellite service over other alternatives available to them, such as DSL, cable, and mobile wireless for fixed home use – a major shift from the previous generations of satellite Internet service, often considered a “last resort” for those with no other alternative. About Exede (www.exede.com) Exede® Internet by ViaSat, Inc. delivers high-speed Internet to more than 285,000 subscribers across the U.S. Powered by ViaSat-1, the world’s highest-capacity satellite uses spot-beam technology to cover approximately 80 percent of the U.S. population. With download speeds up to 12 Mbps, Exede has transformed satellite Internet for households that previously had slow, inadequate Internet service. It is also proving to be a popular, competitive alternative to residential DSL and wireless Internet. In the FCC’s annual benchmarking report, Measuring Broadband America 2013, Exede led all Internet service providers in surpassing advertised speeds. ViaSat-1 earned a Guinness World Records® achievement as the highest-capacity communications satellite in the world at the time of its launch in October 2011. Popular Science also named the innovative satellite system and Exede Internet as a Best of What’s New Award Winner for 2012. About ViaSat (www.viasat.com) ViaSat delivers fast, secure communications, Internet, and network access to virtually any location for consumers, governments, enterprise, and the military. The company offers fixed and mobile satellite network services including Exede® by ViaSat, which features ViaSat-1, the world’s highest capacity satellite; service to more than 1,750 mobile platforms, including Yonder® Ku-band mobile Internet; satellite broadband networking systems; and network-centric military communication systems and cybersecurity products for the U.S. and allied governments. ViaSat also offers communication system design and a number of complementary products and technologies. Based in Carlsbad, California, ViaSat employs over 2,500 people in a number of locations worldwide for technology development, customer service, and network operations. DISH First Major US Pay-TV Provider to Integrate Netflix
"Pairing Netflix with Hopper represents the consolidation of two incredible video experiences," said Vivek Khemka, DISH senior vice president of product management. "This app integration eliminates the need to switch television inputs to access content on varying devices. It gives our customers easy access to their favorite shows and movies, on both DISH and Netflix, without ever having to leave their Hopper." "As the first major pay-TV provider in the U.S. to add the Netflix app to its set-top box, DISH strengthens an already robust video entertainment experience for its customers," said Bill Holmes, global head of business development at Netflix. "Many households subscribe to both Netflix and a traditional pay-TV service. Our vast library of TV shows and movies, combined with DISH's lineup of live television content, gives customers easy access to a wide variety of complementary programming." Hopper customers will find the same Netflix user interface found on most other platforms. The app is easily accessible from any channel by clicking the blue button on the DISH remote and selecting the Netflix icon, or from the Netflix icon on the Hopper main menu. Those new to Netflix can create an account in the app or by visiting www.netflix.com/dish. The Netflix app is currently available on all broadband-connected second-generation Hopper set-top boxes. In the coming months, DISH expects the app to rollout to Joey, Super Joey and Wireless Joey clients. Additionally, in the future, titles available on Netflix could be integrated into the search functionality across live, recorded and Video On Demand programs for both the Hopper as well as DISH's forthcoming OTT service. In keeping your family safe, you’ll do whatever it takes, from installing home security to insisting on seat belts and bike helmets. At Christmas time, there are plenty of opportunities for joyous get-togethers, festive decorations and overall merrymaking. Unfortunately, all that festivity can also lead to an increase in danger. Here are some tips on keeping your family safe and protected over the holidays.
During the holidays, as throughout the year, keeping your family safe is your priority. One-Stop Communications can help, offering home security in configurations perfect for every family, with home monitoring options to help you keep an eye on things, even when you can’t be there. For more information about home security systems, visit our website.. Sources: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/holidays/christmas-tree-fires/christmas-tree-safety-tips http://www.rd.com/home/christmas-safety-checklist/ http://www.parents.com/holiday/christmas/safety/12-tips-for-holiday-home-safety/ http://www.parents.com/holiday/christmas/safety/ https://ntsi.com/quick-links/safety-articles/christmas-safety/ A fire in the home can create a level of panic that is unmatched by virtually any other event. Unfortunately, what starts out as a very small fire can quickly become an inferno that can cause serious injury and death. It’s important to understand that trying to fight a small fire on your own could actually make the problem worse if it’s not done correctly. We want to help you be safe by explaining how to put out different types of fires. Before we get to firefighting techniques, remember that it’s never wise to put yourself in danger just to put out a fire. Your home and possessions can be replaced; you cannot. If a fire in your home causes you to feel threatened – whether or not you can fight the fire by yourself – protect yourself by calling 911. Cooking Fires: Next to fires caused by careless smoking, cooking fires are the second most common in the United States. These kinds of fires can occur in the oven or on top of the stove. Here's what you need to know:
Electrical Fires: Electrical fires can be caused by overloaded sockets, frayed wires, or equipment malfunction. As with grease fires, do not attempt to put out an electrical fire using water. Water conducts electricity, exposing you to the risk of electrical shock. To put out an electrical fire, unplug the device if possible. Then smother the flames using a blanket or piece of heavy clothing. If you have a fire extinguisher in the house, it offers you another option. As with kitchen fires, it’s easier to stop electrical fires before they get started. Routinely check cords for fraying or breaks. Also, avoid using extension cords for anything other than temporary power. Storage Area Fires: A fire in a storage area can be caused by any number of things. For example, oil soaked rags can easily combust if exposed to even the smallest of sparks. Other causes can include improperly stored gasoline, charcoal lighter fluid, and household solvents. Type B fire extinguishers are your best bet for putting out fires related to petroleum products and solvents. Type A fire extinguishers work well for paper and similar items. In the absence of a fire extinguisher, smother the flames with a blanket or a heavy piece of clothing. Natural Gas Fires: The most dangerous source of a house fire is natural gas. Turn off the gas supply and call the fire department immediately. If you cannot get to the shutoff, try to smother the flames with a heavy carpet or blanket. Even if you are successful in putting out the flames however, exit the home immediately. Leaking gas always poses a risk of explosion. Chimney Fires: Any home with a fireplace or wood-burning stove can be susceptible to chimney fires caused by creosote buildup. Once a fire erupts in the chimney, it is already too late to fight it on your own. Get out of the house and call 911. Do not attempt to go up on your roof and douse the flames with a garden hose. Chimney fires can grow very quickly to engulf the entire structure. A fire in your home is likely to be a major crisis, but you can reduce the chances of injury and property loss by installing a home security system with fire monitoring from One-Stop Communications. We would welcome the chance to tell you more about how to make your home safer in the event of a fire. Source: Home security has matured significantly over the years. Today's home security systems are capable of monitoring not only for burglary, but also for fire, carbon monoxide, flood, and medical emergencies. In fact, modern equipment and software now make it possible to add home automation features to any home security system. With the installation of this additional equipment, homeowners can save money by making their homes more efficient. According to data collected by Monitronics and published in a recent infographic, more than 12 million home automation systems will be installed throughout the U.S. by 2016. The home automation market in this country will exceed $5.5 billion during that same period. Furthermore, more than 44 percent of U.S. adults say they are open to the idea of utilizing home automation equipment themselves. So why all of the interest in home automation? It comes down to efficiency. Our busy schedules make it more difficult than ever to properly manage lighting and thermostats for maximum savings. Home automation changes the game by giving homeowners the tools needed to control lighting as well as heating and cooling systems at any time of day. Manage Your Lighting When you were growing up, did your parents constantly remind you to turn off lights when leaving a room? You might even have to remind your own children of the same thing. However, what about managing lighting when no one is home? That’s where home automation comes in. Home automation allows you to turn lights off and on at various times throughout the day. For example, set up a schedule so that the lights in the entrance turn on just about the time you are scheduled to return from work. If you are going to be late one night, just access your system using a smart phone or tablet to make the necessary adjustments. Managing lighting also allows you to turn lights on and off for security purposes when you are away for extended periods. The obvious benefit is not leaving lights on 24 hours a day. Turn them on remotely for a few hours at night in several rooms within your house. It not only looks like someone is home, but it also saves electricity. Manage Heating and Cooling Heating and cooling are among the most costly parts of owning a home. You can purchase a programmable thermostat that lets you set the temperature of your home on a seven-day cycle, but a programmable thermostat only works well if you have a fairly simple schedule. A more complex schedule requires something different. Home automation lets you set your thermostat according to your normal routine, but it also allows you to change your settings on-the-fly. For example, let us say you are taking an extended vacation to get out of the winter weather for two weeks. With a programmable thermostat, you would have to change your existing program or set the thermostat to hold a specific temperature. With home automation, it is a lot easier. Home automation lets you set a specific temperature to hold as you leave the house. When you are within an hour of returning, just access your system with your smart phone and resume your established program. You will save money while you're away without coming home to a cold house. Save with Home AutomationUsing a home automation system to control lighting and thermostats can reduce your energy bills by as much as 15 percent each year. For the average American household, that amounts to nearly $200. When you combine home automation with home security and 24-hour monitoring, it is an incredible value that is well worth the investment. One-Stop Communications offers this functionality by way of HomeTouch home automation. Please contact us for all of the details regarding equipment, pricing, and installation. Don't let snow and ice stop you from watching your favorite TV shows. The low voltage HotShot dish heater kit will keep your satellite dish clear of ice and snow. It has a built-in sensor that turns on the heater in freezing conditions by a self adhesive heating element and will help prevent service outages due to signal loss caused by the buildup of snow or ice on the dish. It can also reduce rain fade by up to 75 percent. By simply attaching the self-adhesive vinyl pad to the satellite antenna. For more information call 717-248-4996. A special greeting to express to you our sincere appreciation for your business, your confidence and loyalty. We are deeply thankful and extend to you our best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day. The world's futurists have always painted fanciful pictures of what they imagined the future would be 25, 50, or even 100 years down the road. And since the 1970s, our media-saturated culture has been exposed to images of all sorts of future inventions ranging from flying cars to high-tech clothing. The fun thing is to see how much of what the futurists predicted decades ago actually comes true over time. For example, consider remote home automation. Fans of the Back to the Future films series might recall the two main characters traveling into the future to prevent a family disaster. They encountered a home with keyless entry, voice-activated appliances, remote lighting, and so on. It turns out that many of the remote home management features imagined by authors and screenwriters during the 1970s and 80s are now reality. Yes, the future of remote home management is here. Home security companies in the 21st century have begun integrating security alarms with remote home management. The combined systems not only improve home security, they also make it possible for consumers to manage quite a number of home-related functions from anywhere in the world. All you need is a mobile device and either a cellular or Internet connection. Here are just a few examples of some of things we can now manage remotely:
How Home Automation Works: Remote home automation and management relies on three important components: wireless communications, the Internet, and new hardware and software. All of them work together to provide management features that are expanding every day. Wireless communication makes it possible to install and maintain a complete security and remote home management system without having to tap into your existing electrical or phone system. Not only does this help you avoid a lot of unnecessary repair work, it also means your system will continue working even if the power is out. The multiple components in your system communicate wirelessly while the main control panel communicates with the monitoring center via cellular signals. The system also allows access from anywhere in the world through an account from your service provider that you can access online. Their servers and computer systems have access to your home management equipment through cellular signals. By logging on to your account via the Internet, your home becomes immediately accessible. None this would be possible without the modern equipment being manufactured today. Between the state-of-the-art hardware and advanced software, designers and developers are putting the power of technology into the hands of consumers who wish to manage their homes from remote locations. Remote home automation and management is available from One-Stop Communications, with competitive prices on equipment and services. If you would like more information, please contact us so we can schedule one of our representatives to come to your home. We would be happy to design a system uniquely customized for your needs and budget. Home security has come a long way in recent years. What were once alarm systems operating via a landline connection have now become wireless systems capable of fully fortifying your home with CCTV, motion-sensing technology, lighting and heating control, and round-the-clock monitoring. If you’ve ever worried about your home when your are away, whether you’re at the office or out of the country; or if you’ve ever wondered if your kids got home safely from school; if you’ve forgotten to lock the door on your way out – there is new type of home security system designed to provide total peace of mind. Home automation is home security for the smartphone generation, created to allow homeowners full control over their home and lifestyle. Covering every aspect of home management and leaving no stone unturned as a security solution, this technology is fast becoming commonplace in homes across the United States. If this is the first time you are hearing of home automation, let this infographic serve as an introduction. DISH believes everyone should experience TV in the best quality possible. That's why they are offering FREE HD for life*. Thay believe HD is a right, not a privilege. *Restrictions apply. HD Take You Further Pick out the stitches on that football spinning towards the end zone with our High-Definition programming. Our programming guide leads you straight to over 200 HD channels featured on DISH®. Plus, DISH Cinema offers new releases on Video On Demand in 1080p full HD resolution. Get FREE HD for LIFE Get it now and watch your favorite shows in HD. Make sure you're experiencing true HD satellite with DISH HD programming and receivers. Get FREE HD for Life – a $120/yr value – when you choose a 24-Month Agreement and enroll in AutoPay with Paperless Billing. Available with minimum America's Top 120 or DishLATINO Plus packages. To get FREE HD for LIFE on your TV call One-Stop Communications at 717-248-4996. Switch to DISH today and receive a $100 DISH prepaid card. Just mention offer code GET100 when ordering. Offer expires 12/5/14. For more details call One-Stop Communications at 717-248-4997 We know that protecting your family goes beyond installing a home security system. As Halloween approaches, having a safe, fun holiday is probably at the forefront of your mind. Fortunately, whether you’re out trick-or-treating, or on the other side of the door, following a few simple safety tips can help make this a fun and safe holiday for everyone. Halloween is a favorite holiday for many children, which is why it would be a particularly terrible time for an accident to occur. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when accidents and injuries are more likely to occur than on a regular evening. The combination of overexcited children hyped up on sugar, people who might not have their best interest at heart, and the inherent risk of being out after dark can lead to unfortunate consequences. Fortunately, the stories of poisoned candy handed out by sinister people on Halloween are, for the most part, the stuff of urban legend. On the other hand, there are some very real dangers of which parents and children should be aware.
Sources: http://www.halloween-safety.com/, http://www.snopes.com/horrors/poison/halloween.asp, http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Halloween-Safety-Tips.aspx |
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