Author: Post Alarm

10 Community Halloween Safety Tips
arrow
IconBack to Articles

10 Community Halloween Safety Tips

October 29th, 2025
Share:
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon

Categories

Home Safety

It’s that time of year again! Long summer days lead to dark autumn evenings, and the cobwebs and jack-o-lanterns begin to emerge as anticipation for Halloween night grows. And what’s not to love? The season offers children and communities the chance to connect over fun scares, costumes, and, of course, candy!

 

Whether you’re planning to accompany the trick-or-treaters in your home or welcome costumed candy collectors at your front door, consider these Halloween safety tips from Post Alarm.

1. Carefully Supervise Young Children While Trick-or-Treating

While it may go without saying, keeping a close watch on younger children while trick-or-treating is especially important on Halloween. The perceived freedom of the night can bring you and your neighbors a sense of security. That’s not a bad thing; Halloween should be fun and safe for everyone.

 

But combine large crowds, costumes, and the excitement of running house to house, and it can get easy to lose track of your trick-or-treaters. However, close supervision doesn’t have to be overly intrusive. It can be as simple as adding a distinguishing marker on your child’s costume to help them stand out more.

2. Consider Reflective Tape or Flashlights

Pedestrian protection is a general Halloween safety concern (more on that later!), especially when combining an evening activity with dark costumes. While more people are walking in neighborhoods on Halloween, that doesn’t mean there’s a total absence of vehicles.

 

Just adding reflective tape to a costume or carrying a flashlight can make the difference in standing out to a driver and making your presence known. Depending on your costume, you might even have the opportunity to add a light-up accessory. Think light sabers for “Star Wars” characters or “magic” wands for princesses. A little creativity goes a long way towards Halloween safety.

3. Stay in Familiar Neighborhoods

You might consider setting some basic parameters for older children going trick-or-treating alone for the first time. Explain what streets and neighborhoods they should stick to and what to do if they get lost or separated from their group.

 

Before the festivities even begin, it may be wise to help them create a “buddy system” of at least one other friend or attendee whom they’re each responsible for to prevent walking alone and make sure everyone gets home safely.

4. Follow Community Guidelines

Depending on the day of the week, many communities choose a weekend day for Halloween festivities to generally take place. Often, there are set times for trick-or-treating. Do your research and make sure your Halloween plans align with any “officially” sanctioned days, times, and even designated trick-or-treat routes.

5. Prioritize Pedestrian Safety

As we mentioned earlier, an increase in pedestrian traffic doesn’t necessarily mean it’s automatically safer. Treat Halloween like you would any other day. That means following the rules of the road and obeying any traffic signs and signals. Stick to sidewalks when possible and try to cross streets at designated crosswalks and popular intersections.

 

Just because there may be fewer vehicles on the road, always be cautious of drivers in every direction.

6. For Drivers: Stay Vigilant on the Road

On the other hand, drivers need to be extra vigilant on a day like Halloween. Keep a watchful eye out for pedestrian groups in larger numbers and in dark costumes, as more foot traffic may spill onto the street in unexpected ways. Be extra alert for small children, who may be harder to spot.

 

Remember: Slower speeds save lives! Don’t be afraid to be late if it means arriving at your destination safely. And if you’re attending an adult Halloween party, never drink and drive.

7. Discuss Plans with Neighbors

Another great aspect of Halloween celebrations is the chance to connect with your community. Neighbors join each other in handing out candy or accompanying children while trick-or-treating, while generally keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity.

 

If you’re not going to be home for Halloween, let your neighbors know so they can help keep your house undisturbed. And if you decide to leave a “take one” candy bowl out, they can help any would-be greedy trick-or-treaters stick to the honor system!

8. Consider Your Home Security

While Halloween is generally a time for safe, spooky fun, it also traditionally inspires some mischief. What might seem like harmless pranks can quickly turn into a security risk. If nothing else, it is a good reminder to consider investing more in your layered security.

 

Proper lighting for driveways and walkways, doorbell cameras and video monitoring systems to keep track of activity while you’re out of the house, and of course, automatic locks and an active alarm system all add up to better safety and security well beyond Halloween night.

9. Inspect Treats Before Eating Them

The idea of nefarious criminals tampering with Halloween candy is generally considered a myth. But it doesn’t hurt to add an extra layer of safety when counting your Halloween spoils at the end of the night.

Here are some Halloween safety tips to consider regarding candy:

  • Signs of tampering might include tiny pinholes and tears in the wrapper or an unusual appearance or discoloration in the candy itself.
  • If it looks like a wrapper has already been opened, just throw it away. It’s not worth the risk!
  • Always check labels and ingredient lists for potential allergens.
  • Be aware of choking hazards with small, hard candies and anything with chewing gum.

10. Give Trunk-or-Treat Alternatives a Try

Over the decades, trick-or-treat alternatives like “trunk-or-treating” have grown in popularity as a safer, more controlled way to celebrate. As the name suggests, trunk-or-treating usually takes place in large, open areas, where parked vehicles serve as doorsteps.

 

And much like homes that go all-out in haunted house decorations, there’s a ton of creative potential in creating spooky scenes to keep the festivities active. Activities like trunk-or-treating are especially safe options for younger children and anyone living in an area where large-scale trick-or-treating doesn’t occur.

 

Keep a close eye on your local community events, as there may be a great trick-or-treating alternative near you. You might even consider organizing a similar event with friends and neighbors.

Protecting the Neighborhoods We Call Home Since 1956

Halloween Night should be a time to create memories that last a lifetime. And with the right approach to safety, you can ensure your only scares come from cavity worries!

 

For more than sixty years, Post Alarm has provided customers with the most advanced and reliable security solutions available. As a privately held, local, third-generation family business, Post has provided alarm and patrol services to Southern California communities, neighborhoods, and homeowners since 1956.

 

Our family founded Post Alarm with a passion for protecting people and the neighborhoods we call home. Now, we’re one of the few local, full-service security organizations in Southern California, providing professionally installed, fully integrated, and customized security solutions that enable earlier threat detection and a synchronized response, getting you help faster when it matters most.

 

Ready to start building your custom video monitoring and security package? Reach out and get a free security quote today!

Previous Article Icon
Next Article Icon
How to Protect Yourself Against Cell and WiFi Jammers
arrow
IconBack to Articles

How to Protect Yourself Against Cell and WiFi Jammers

September 23rd, 2025
Share:
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon

Categories

Commercial Security

As security systems grow more advanced and complex, so too do the tools designed to bypass them. New tools are constantly emerging to target and circumvent modern alarm systems and video surveillance. Recently, the rise of signal jammers, such as cell and WiFi jammers, has become an increasing concern for home and business owners.

 

As the name suggests, these devices intentionally create interference to disrupt or block cell and wireless signals within a targeted area. For home and business owners, it’s usually an attempt by burglars to disable security systems by blocking alarm signals and preventing outside communications.

 

Since 2021, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has seen a roughly 830% increase in signal jammer seizures. And locally, Los Angeles leaders, law enforcement, and other security experts warn of an increase in burglars using WiFi jammers to break into homes in the last year.

 

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce your system’s vulnerability and protect yourself from cell and WiFi jammers.

 

How Do Cell and WiFi Jammers Work?

Cell and WiFi jammers are illegal devices that disrupt a security system’s communications capabilities. With the security system effectively shut down, intruders can enter compromised facilities like jewelry stores, financial institutions, and even your home undetected.

 

Cell jammers emit electromagnetic signals on the same frequencies as mobile phones, disrupting communication to cell towers. Meaning any phones within its range are unable to make emergency calls while blocking any outside public safety communications.

 

Similarly, WiFi jammers transmit powerful radio frequency signals on the same bands as local networks – like 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz – creating enough digital noise to make it impossible for wireless devices to communicate with a router or internet access point.

 

This past summer saw two high-profile instances of WiFi jammers. In June, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported the use of jamming devices in several Vermont bank robberies. And again in California, jamming devices were recovered in an attempted jewelry store robbery in La Verne.

Are Cell and WiFi Jammers Legal?

No, both cell and WiFi jammers are illegal to own and operate. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), “federal law prohibits the operation, marketing, or sale of any type of jamming equipment that interferes with authorized radio communications, including cellular and Personal Communication Services (PCS), police radar, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).”:

The use of a phone jammer, GPS blocker, or other signal jamming device designed to intentionally block, jam, or interfere with authorized radio communications is a violation of federal law. There are no exemptions for use within a business, classroom, residence, or vehicle.

Even local law enforcement agencies don’t have the independent authority to use jamming equipment, though federal law enforcement agencies may be authorized in some instances.

How Do You Know If Someone Is Using a Jammer?

Obviously, losing cell or WiFi connection may be an initial sign that a jammer is in place nearby. However, a variety of factors cause signal interference. Faulty equipment, local network maintenance, and physical obstructions that aren’t nefarious could all be factors causing bad connections.

 

However, if you’ve confirmed multiple devices or phones are affected, and your residence or business is potentially at risk as a target, you may be in the vicinity of a jammer. And while both cell and WiFi jammers operate similarly, there are a few distinguishing factors to be aware of between them.

Signs Someone Is Using a WiFi Jammer

  • Bad signal quality and disconnections: Your Wi-Fi signal strength may significantly drop or disappear altogether, even when you are near your router. Additionally, any WiFi-enabled devices will repeatedly disconnect and attempt to reconnect to the network.
  • High latency/packet loss and reduced bandwidth: Even if you manage a connection, you’ll notice your speeds are noticeably slower, along with delays in data transmission. Data packets fail to reach their destination, again leading to interruptions and slow performance.
  • Wired connections work: Jammers only affect wireless devices. Any computers or smart devices connected directly to the router with an Ethernet cable (like a TV or gaming system) will continue to function normally.

Signs Someone Is Using a Cell Phone Jammer

  • Loss of service on multiple devices: If multiple phones suddenly lose service in an area where reception is typically good, a jammer may be present.
  • Signal fluctuations: Much like devices affected by WiFi jammers, your phone’s signal strength may jump erratically, rapidly changing between full bars and no service.
  • Relocation restores service: Most jammers have limited ranges in a designated area around their placement. Depending on its power, it can span from a few feet to a few hundred feet. But if your cellular service returns to normal once you move away from a specific location (like a potential target building), a jammer may be operating nearby.

In both cases, you may notice rapid battery drain in affected devices and phones. Trying to re-establish a connection consumes much more power than usual. And since jammer devices have a limited range, it’s important to keep an eye out for any suspicious-looking devices with antennas in the area. Jammers can be as small as a handheld device, though some are more complex.

Protect Yourself Against Cell and WiFi Jammers

When it comes to protecting your home or business, the most effective strategy is a layered approach to your home security. First, start with strong outer defenses. Perimeter lighting, fences or gates, and video surveillance deter threats before they reach your doors. Add intrusion alarms, sensors, and monitoring to create multiple points of protection. Combining these layers greatly reduces the chances of being singled out as a target. And if one layer fails, others are still in place to safeguard your property.

 

For the alarm system itself, many professional security providers will recommend hardwired connections. These systems don’t rely solely on cellular or WiFi signals, making them less vulnerable to interference. However, they do come with higher installation costs since hardwiring requires more labor and can be more complex.

 

That said, whether a system is wired or wireless, it can still be hard-lined to your internet. The advantage is that most modern alarm panels will immediately recognize when communication is lost and report that event as a potential intrusion to your central monitoring station. Instead of dismissing a simple outage, the loss of signal transmits to monitoring operators, who treat it with the same urgency as an active break-in.

 

As always, if you suspect a threat, contact the proper authorities. The use of cell phone and WiFi jammers is illegal, and anyone deploying them could pose an immediate danger.

Protecting the Neighborhoods We Call Home Since 1956

New technology, like cell and WiFi jammers, presents a growing threat to both homes and businesses. But even arming yourself with the knowledge of what to look for – and how to better protect yourself as a target – can make all the difference. And with the right security provider, you can trust your system is always up and running.

 

For more than sixty years, Post Alarm has provided customers with the most advanced and reliable security solutions available. As a privately held, local, third-generation family business, Post has provided alarm and patrol services to Southern California communities, neighborhoods, and homeowners since 1956.

 

Our family founded Post Alarm with a passion for protecting people and the neighborhoods we call home. Now, we’re one of the only local, full-service security organizations in the Southern California area, providing professionally installed, fully integrated, and customized security solutions that result in earlier threat detection and a synchronized response, getting you help faster when it matters most.

 

Ready to start building your custom video monitoring and security package? Reach out and get a free security quote today!

Previous Article Icon
Next Article Icon
Employee Spotlight: Mark Kennedy
arrow
IconBack to Articles

Employee Spotlight: Mark Kennedy

September 18th, 2025
Share:
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon

Categories

Employee Spotlights

At Post Alarm, we’ve provided protection for local communities for more than 60 years. And with that experience comes the knowledge that a security system is only as good as the people our customers trust to monitor it. We take that trust very seriously.

 

We believe our people make Post Alarm special, and it’s our pleasure to shine a light on the motivated, intelligent, compassionate team members that make up the Post Alarm Family and provide the best protection possible to our clients.

 

Our September Employee Spotlight is Mark Kennedy, Senior System Engineer. Mark has been with Post Alarm since 1985, proudly serving the community for over 40 years. What began as a simple job search turned into a lifelong career built on dedication, family values, and protecting others. Deeply rooted in his local community, Mark treats every client like family—helping multiple generations feel safe, secure, and cared for. Learn more about Mark’s story below!

How long have you worked for Post Alarm?

January 15th, 1985. 40 years plus.

What first brought you to the company?

I needed a job. I was desperate for work, and at the time, my roommate was dating Nancy Levy, who was the Post office manager. She said, “Come on down.”

 

But Bill Post, well, he wasn’t always there. I’d come down, and he wouldn’t show up. Finally, one night, I was literally standing outside in the dark on the sidewalk in front of the office when he pulled up in his truck.

 

I said, “You Bill Post?” He goes, “Yeah.” I said, “I’m Mark Kennedy. I need a job. I hear you might be hiring.”

 

He put together a little schematic on a piece of paper; it was like a closed circuit, open circuit schematic. I guessed right, or he liked me bugging the crap out of him, trying to get a job. So it worked. 40 years later, I’m still here. I tell people I don’t know if I love what I do or if I’m out of my mind. I haven’t figured it out yet.

What inspired you to stay in this industry and with Post for so many years?

I love what I do. I love the family I work for. And I like taking care of people. We’re a life safety company, and we believe in that wholeheartedly. And we’re a big family here at Post, and we keep growing.

How have you seen the company and the industry evolve over the years?

Oh, it’s gone crazy. From where I started to where we are today, I’m surprised I’m still surviving with my limited knowledge. I went to college for six months — that’s my college experience. I’m not a computer guy or a techie person.

 

But I’ve always learned by doing. I’ve surprised myself with how much I can do with computers, even without formal training. That’s only possible because Post is a team. We all help each other out, regardless of the problem, and that works really well. I’ve got years and years of knowledge around me from coworkers and industry experience, and that helps me every day.

How about dealing with threats like Wi-Fi jammers or organized crime?

We’re always trying to stay a step ahead of the bad guy. We’re putting together hybrid systems, where we’re including hard-wired protection as a backup to the wireless in case there is circumvention.

 

And just doing what we can to at least try to get a signal to us, regardless of what’s happened at the site. We’re doing all we can to protect our clients and provide them with the service that they’re paying for.

What is one thing you think people don’t realize when they’re choosing a security company?

One, who we are and what we do under one roof here in our office. Most people don’t have any conception of a central station and its operations. When we bring people in here and show them our central station, it blows them away. The facility we’re in, all the requirements we have to conform to and meet for UL requirements and licensing, that can be taken away in a heartbeat if we’re not doing what we’re required to do as a security company.

 

The other thing that we do here that is very unique and not typical is that you can come in and meet the family. You want to talk to Gina and Rob [Post] directly, or Anthony or Angie. Not many companies can offer you that, which definitely separates us from other companies.

 

How else do you build trust with customers and help them feel confident in their decision?

Well, I’m a rare breed in that case. Just like the Post family, I live in the community we’re trying to protect. I work five minutes away from my house. I grew up here. I went to kindergarten at Sierra Madre School. I’ve lived here 85% of my life. I’m in a company car. I’m in the community every day. I don’t go home at night and disappear.

 

My mentality with Post Alarm is I treat the company like it’s mine. If you treat the business as if it were your own, people appreciate that and know they’re going to be taken care of.

What has been the most rewarding moment in your career?

I might get emotional here, but there’s been a lot. I saved a woman’s life once. She was in the shower. She was hearing impaired. The house was on fire. The fire department got there and got her out of the house before she was taken over by the fire.

 

That’s pretty powerful. I’ve never forgotten that. And that just lets you know you’re doing the right thing for people. That makes it all worth it. There’s a reason we’re doing this.

 

I take my clients very seriously and personally. I care — we care for their family. You can get new things — if your TV gets stolen, you can replace it. But something happens to your family — if it’s a tragedy, a fire, or something, and you lose that — that’s something you can’t replace.

How do you maintain your long-term client relationships? Any stories that stand out?

I’ve been here so long, people are shocked. I’ve had people come in and say, “Mark Kennedy’s still there?” And I say, “Yeah, I sold your alarm in 1988.” It blows people away that I’m still here and still taking care of them.

 

I just did a job for a client of mine whose grandma and grandpa were my clients. I then did the son’s and his wife’s house. Now I just did his kid’s house. Three generations. They were kids when I put the alarm in their parents’ house. And the parents were kids when I put the alarm in the grandparents’.

 

That’s the advantage of being local. I’m not going anywhere. I’m in the community that we serve. My whole job now is referral-based. My clients refer family members and friends because they know I’m still here and I’ve always taken care of them. And they know they’re going to be taken care of even if I retire tomorrow, because they know the company is a customer service company.

What was the changeover like from one Post generation to the next?

It’s very interesting because I think historically, in business in general, a third-generation family business tends to fail. I think the reason is that often, the kids just don’t want to pick up the company and run with it.

 

I think Rob and Gina felt a commitment to their grandma and grandpa, as well as their mom and dad, to continue the tradition and the legacy of this company. And they’re doing a hell of a job.

 

They work very hard, and they love what they’re doing. They’re continuing the Post name and who we are. And I take a lot of pride in saying I’ve been here 40 years. I feel I’m a big part of what this company is, too. It might sound selfish to think that way, but when you start with such a small team and see how it’s grown, you feel like you’re a piece of that.

 

The Post family has done a lot for me — things we don’t even need to talk about. I consider myself part of the family, and they consider me part of it, too. I’ve had personal things in my life where they were there for me, and I’ve never forgotten it. The way I carry myself at work is a way of thanking them for that.

What about your ties to the community — how have they shaped your career?

For years, I coached baseball. Both my kids played Little League. I played Little League. I coached for 15 years. That was a big part of helping me in my sales career. I’ve got people I met through Little League who are still clients, along with their families and kids.

How have major events, like fires or other crises, impacted your work and community?

We’ve been impacted. COVID hit us really hard, and the fires we’ve had recently here in Altadena. I had a lot of clients who lost their homes. Kids I coached in Little League, their families lost everything.

 

I’ve driven by their homes. They were my clients, and everything was completely gone. The night of the fires, I was in the area watching from afar. There was nothing that could have been done that night — with the winds and the fires, it was unbelievable.

 

And you know, it hits home when you’ve got people you work with and friends and family who have been impacted.

Looking ahead, what do you see as the future for Post or the security industry as a whole?

In general, we’re dealing with a younger generation. They’re very educated. They’re very successful. And they’re very knowledgeable about technology. You now walk into someone’s house, and they’ve already researched every type of motion sensor and camera.

 

Service will always be the differentiator. I always tell people: anytime you make a big investment — a car, a new house, insurance — you’re going to ask your friends who they used. If you have a good experience, you might tell one or two people. If you have a bad experience, you’re going to tell everybody. And that’s the truth in this business, too.

How do you reflect on your career after all these years?

I get emotional sometimes. I take a lot of pride in saying I’ve been here 40 years. I feel I’ve played a part in the legacy of this company. I don’t look at graphs and charts or worry about being “number one.” What I do is simple: take care of the customer. If I weren’t doing that, I wouldn’t still be here.

 

And you know what? I don’t know when I’m going to retire. Maybe tomorrow, maybe not. But every day, I appreciate what I have here — the people, the clients, the family.

Any final thoughts you want people to know?

I think the biggest thing is this: Post Alarm is about people. The people we protect, the people who work here, and the family that built it.

 

I’ve lost people close to me. That shapes you. Life is short. You’ve got to laugh, you’ve got to appreciate people, and you’ve got to do the right thing.

 

That’s what Post has always stood for. That’s why I’m still here.

Protecting the Neighborhoods We Call Home Since 1956

At Post Alarm, we’ve always been a local, family-owned company, and we plan on staying that way. As a privately held, third-generation family business, Post has provided alarm and patrol services to Southern California communities, neighborhoods, and homeowners since 1956.

 

Our family founded Post Alarm with a passion for protecting people and the neighborhoods we call home. Now, we’re one of the only local, full-service security organizations in the Southern California area, providing professionally installed, fully integrated, and customized security solutions that result in earlier threat detection and a synchronized response, getting you help faster when it matters most.

 

Ready to start building your custom video monitoring and security package? Reach out and get a free security quote today!

Previous Article Icon
Next Article Icon
The Future of Home Security: 5 Home Security Technology Trends for 2025 and Beyond
arrow
IconBack to Articles

The Future of Home Security: 5 Home Security Technology Trends for 2025 and Beyond

August 20th, 2025
Share:
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon

Categories

Home Automation

Recently, each passing year can feel like there’s a never-ending cycle of new technology and software updates that affect day-to-day life. With such rapid development and integration, staying informed about new tech trends becomes increasingly important. And when it comes to home security tech trends, the steady advancement of technology and smart home security devices has consistently grown in exciting new ways.

 

As technology continues to advance and home security providers find creative, effective ways to build on existing systems, homeowners can take full advantage of new insights, convenience, and improved safety features.

 

From artificial intelligence (AI) analytics integration to improved smart sensor technology, here are the top home security tech trends to stay aware of in 2025 and beyond.

1. AI Software and Systems

These days, it’s difficult to turn anywhere without hearing about, seeing, or even interacting with some form of artificial intelligence. In just a few years since its release, ChatGPT has created new avenues of automation. Most simple computer programs now offer some form of an AI “helper,” and smartphone companies regularly advertise the everyday use of chatbots. Even a simple search engine query yields condensed, AI-driven results.

 

But what other ways is AI driving technological advances? In home security tech trends, AI is especially helpful to enhance surveillance capabilities, and in turn improve the ability for security systems to detect and respond effectively in the event of an emergency. Even basic, entry-level DIY security cameras offer advanced, AI-driven capabilities out of the box.

 

Benefits of AI in Home Security:

  • Enhanced surveillance and detection that analyzes video in real-time, identifying threats and notifying first responders while reducing false alarms.
  • Object detection via doorbell cameras for package deliveries.
  • Faster, more efficient Smart Home integration that automates system responses when triggered, activating alarms, locking doors, and notifying users and authorities.
  • Reduced notifications and false alarms with improved detection capabilities that only notify users during an emergency.

And in the hands of an experienced home security provider, AI is becoming a powerful tool for better home protection. For example, Post Alarm’s live video monitoring services utilize AI in surveillance cameras with advanced analytics capabilities.

 

These cameras provide better detection and proactive monitoring for identifying and addressing potential security threats. For instance, the software can distinguish whether the motion on your property was due to a potential intruder or simply the neighborhood cat making its rounds.

 

Generally, AI software is helping to elevate existing components of security systems and, in turn, enhancing their protection capabilities and efficiency for homeowners.

2. Advanced Access Control Systems

From helping to reduce incidents of theft and vandalism to limiting access to sensitive areas and materials, businesses, small and large, use access control systems to help mitigate risk and maintain the overall security of an organization.

As we generally think about them today, access control systems have been in use in some form since the mid-20th century. The earliest electronic IP door access control systems used punch cards and eventually magnetic stripe cards in the 1960s.

Modern access control systems utilize an array of remote and mobile control, with devices like:

  • Mobile access systems that allow for credentialed smartphones to replace traditional key cards or fobs for entry.
  • Visitor management systems that allow for fast and easy creation and deletion of credentialed users while cataloguing who went where, and when.
  • Voice-activated intercom and surveillance combinations for additional layers of control and protection.

Just like the magnetic stripe cards of the ‘60s, the future of access control lies in refining and improving on current capabilities. One tech trend that may be on the rise is the use of biometric authentication – utilizing fingerprints or facial recognition – more commonly to verify identities.

 

While existing technology utilizes the ability to control and manage access permissions for users in the database, advanced access control trends include creating even more efficiencies within those existing programs. Think mobile management for greater organizational flexibility, remote door access control for one-time use cases, and AI-enhanced analytical data that can provide key insights into daily operations and potential security risks.

3. Cloud-Based Security

Generally speaking, “hard-wired” home security systems offer greater protection and reliability. While cloud-based storage is increasingly used in home security, and wireless alarm systems are available, systems that rely on a wireless connection are more susceptible to interference from other devices, and are easier to hack since they don’t operate on a closed circuit like wired connections.

 

Additionally, wired systems draw power from your home’s electrical system, so you can trust that they’re always working. Even in the case of a power outage, most modern systems utilize a backup battery that keeps your security services online.

 

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways that wireless capabilities are being integrated into aspects of home security. The advancement of cloud-based storage across so many facets of technology has inevitably made security systems more efficient.

 

Rather than storing surveillance footage on a local device or hard drive in your home, cloud-based storage offers the opportunity to store recorded video on remote servers accessible from anywhere. That means it’s getting faster and easier than ever to access those live camera feeds to check in on your home – whether you’re just at the office or across the country.

4. Smart Sensor Technology

A cornerstone of any layered approach to home security should include the use of contact and motion sensors. Post Alarm suggests that every door and window is equipped with a contact sensor. These devices trigger an alert when a door or window is opened, indicating a potential intrusion into your home. And when your system is armed, they will trigger your alarm.

 

As technology advances, window, door, and other interior contact and motion sensors have much wider, more accurate coverage areas. Modern sensors also offer more custom alerts and system integration, meaning you can receive notifications of specific motion events and even video clips of any coordinated security camera set-ups.

 

Expanding home security tech trends in the realm of motion detectors include glass break detectors. These devices trigger your alarm at the first sign of a forced window or glass door entry, which is a great defense against second-story burglary attempts.

 

And to further protect larger properties, consider outdoor perimeter alarms. These systems include ground sensors, sirens, and automated lights that not only alert homeowners to potential trespassers, they also act as a deterrent to intruders who know they have been detected.

5. IoT (Internet of Things) Integration

When you see any reference to the Internet of Things (IoT), it’s simply referring to a network of devices (in this case, the “things”) that are able to connect with each other via an internet connection. In terms of home security and IoT, we typically think of Smart Home security.

 

While Smart Home security isn’t exactly new, it’s always changing and rapidly advancing. Modern home security systems allow you to customize, combine, and synchronize every aspect of your home defense, with total mobile control. That means devices like smart cameras, motion sensors, automatic door locks, and even thermostats are linked to a singular network that can be accessed remotely through a smartphone app.

 

But what does this mean for future home security tech trends?

Simply put, IoT (and advancing technology in the devices it comprises) enhances home security by:

  • Automating responses like locking doors, turning on lights, and triggering alarms at the first sign of motion sensor detecting activity.
  • Creating comprehensive systems that combine live video feeds with advanced access control devices.
  • Custom automation for specific situations, like setting the thermostat and turning on lights at your usual arrival time after work.
  • Personalized preferences that systems adapt to based on user habits, routines, and shared data between devices.

A smart home security system as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Much like AI advancing existing devices, as each component of a smart home makeup gets more efficient and dynamic, so will the total output of home protection from a single system.

Securing Southern California Since 1956.

Staying on top of home security tech trends requires the expert guidance of an experienced home security provider. For more than sixty years, Post Alarm has provided customers with the most advanced and reliable security solutions available.

 

As a privately held, local, third-generation family business, Post has provided alarm and patrol services to Southern California communities, neighborhoods, and homeowners since 1956.

 

Our family founded Post Alarm with a passion for protecting people and the neighborhoods we call home. Now, we’re one of the only local, full-service security organizations in the Southern California area, providing professionally installed, fully integrated, and customized security solutions that result in earlier threat detection and a synchronized response, getting you help faster when it matters most.

 

Ready to start building your custom video monitoring and security package? Reach out and get a free security quote today!

Previous Article Icon
Next Article Icon
Employee Spotlight: Sgt. Adrian Jackson
arrow
IconBack to Articles

Employee Spotlight: Sgt. Adrian Jackson

August 17th, 2025
Share:
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon

Categories

Employee Spotlights

At Post Alarm, we’ve provided protection for local communities for more than 60 years. And with that experience comes the knowledge that a security system is only as good as the people our customers trust to monitor it. We take that trust very seriously.

 

We believe our people make Post Alarm special, and it’s our pleasure to shine a light on the motivated, intelligent, compassionate team members that make up the Post Alarm Family and provide the best protection possible to our clients.

 

Our August Employee Spotlight is Sgt. Adrian Jackson, Patrol Supervisor for Cheviot Hills. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Jackson moved to Los Angeles at the age of thirteen and followed in his parents’ footsteps, pursuing a career that would help to protect his community. We’re proud to have Sgt. Jackson, as part of the Post Alarm family, and to highlight his amazing contributions to the Cheviot Hills team.

How long have you worked for Post Alarm?

I’ve worked for Post Alarm for three years, and before that, I was a driver for Brinks Security.

What inspired you to pursue a career in security and public safety?

My dad was a Marine, and my mother worked in public safety before she passed away. Growing up, seeing how my dad fought for our country and how my mom protected people inspired me – you could call it genetics.

What’s one thing most people don’t realize about private patrol services?

Many people don’t realize how much they need us until something happens– either to them or a neighbor. By then, it’s sometimes too late – we want to prevent this. The advantage of Patrol is that we are already either in your community or nearby, enabling us to respond to an emergency in just minutes. Once on your property, we can perform many of the same tasks that police officers can, helping to prevent crime and intervene if necessary.

What’s been your most rewarding moment on the job?

I strongly believe in preventing trespassers and transient activity. We had an incident in Montecito where someone was on a property and about to enter a home. Dispatch called, and I was able to respond in time, make contact with him, and escort him off the property. We received a call that our visibility, presence in the area, and intervention prevented a household with a family of four, including young children, from being broken into. It’s hard to imagine what could have happened had we not responded. I’m proud we were able to protect that family.

What is the craziest situation you have encountered?

In Arcadia, we received a call reporting that someone was in a client’s home. The client was outside of the home and wanted us to go in with them; this is a liability, so I went in alone. The garage and door were open, and inside, there were five men, all in black and wearing ski masks, on the second floor of the house. I announced myself, and at the same time (thankfully), the police arrived. The men ran out through the back, breaking a patio door. We were able to catch three out of the five men, who were detained and arrested. In that situation, one against five, making sure the homeowner and I were protected and providing reassurance was of the utmost importance. I always stay vigilant because you never know what will happen.

How do you build trust with the communities you patrol?

Communication is key. Some people are uncomfortable with private security. When I see people in the community, I slow down, wave hello, and ask them how they are doing. The more we interact with the community and engage, the more they trust us. My experience in Cheviot Hills has been that the people are very nice and welcoming. Of course, they are scared because of prior activity in the area, but since we’ve started our 24/7 Patrol Services, there has been no major activity, and you can tell they feel reassured.

What do you enjoy most about working at Post Alarm?

Most companies, when you are hired, say “Welcome to the Team”. When I was first hired by Post Alarm, they told me, “Welcome to the Family”. They don’t just say it, they show it. I genuinely love it here, and Rob Post and Gina Post-Franco make us feel like a part of the family. I was in a car accident last April, and they checked on me every other day, asking if I needed anything – that’s love. Some jobs are not like that. Post Alarm is a different story.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re off duty?

First and foremost, I love being a dad to my son and daughter. I also love going to the gym and sports. I’m also really proud to own my own gaming business and be a content creator. I vowed to my mother, when she passed away in 2018, that I would continue to work on my own business and passions.

Protecting the Neighborhoods We Call Home Since 1956

At Post Alarm, we’ve always been a local, family-owned company, and we plan on staying that way. As a privately held, third-generation family business, Post has provided alarm and patrol services to Southern California communities, neighborhoods, and homeowners since 1956.

 

Our family founded Post Alarm with a passion for protecting people and the neighborhoods we call home. Now, we’re one of the only local, full-service security organizations in the Southern California area, providing professionally installed, fully integrated, and customized security solutions that result in earlier threat detection and a synchronized response, getting you help faster when it matters most.

 

Ready to start building your custom video monitoring and security package? Reach out and get a free security quote today!

Previous Article Icon
Next Article Icon
Neighborhood Safety Tips: How to Build a Stronger Community
arrow
IconBack to Articles

Neighborhood Safety Tips: How to Build a Stronger Community

July 11th, 2025
Share:
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon

Categories

Home Security

Many homeowners seeking to protect their property and families invest in a quality home security system, and for good reason. But most concerns about crime and danger don’t end in individual houses. Taking the right steps to build a safer community ensures your home, and everyone else’s, stays protected.

 

California is the nation’s most populous state, with just over 39 million people according to July 2024 estimates from the Public Policy Institute of California. That means roughly one in eight U.S. residents live in California! With so many people and families living together in our beautiful state, understanding how to build a safer community with the right neighborhood safety tips is just as important as investing in your own personal home security.

Connect with Your Neighbors

The easiest first step to building safer communities is to simply become a more active member of your own community. In some ways, connecting and getting to know your neighbors can seem harder than it is. But finding ways to deliberately interact, especially with the shared goals of wanting to create a safer neighborhood, can help foster real, trusting relationships.

 

For instance, you might host a cook-out or organize a block party for your street to create opportunities for connection and getting to know one another. Even digital tools like Facebook groups and apps like Nextdoor can be utilized to share local, relevant information while making that first step of interaction a little bit easier.

Advantages of Neighborhood Connections

Generally, there’s always strength in numbers. With trusted neighborhood connections in place, you’ll likely see increases in safety advantages like:

 

  • More open communication about safety issues, goals, and current community events.
  • Vigilant neighbors looking out for one another can lead to a higher likelihood of reporting suspicious activity, which leads to faster incident response times.
  • A general increase in trust in your neighborhood – a positive community is contagious!
  • An increased risk perception for criminals who wouldn’t just be targeting an individual home, but an entire community.

When going on vacation, it’s not uncommon to ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home or package deliveries while you’re away. That simple knowledge of having an ally who can check in on your property adds to your peace of mind. Now, imagine that peace of mind on a much larger scale, every single day of the year!

Neighborhood Watch and Community Groups

Of course, there are additional steps you might take to add even more structure to the ways your neighborhood looks out for one another. Neighborhood Watch groups are community-based initiatives aimed specifically at reducing crime and promoting safety, working in a more “official” capacity than just neighborly connection.

 

In most cases, Neighborhood Watch groups work to foster collaboration directly between residents and local law enforcement. For law enforcement, these groups become an additional resource as a network of “eyes and ears.” Residents also learn about current crime trends, how to be vigilant and report suspicious activity, all while working together to improve and enhance community security.

 

You can check to see if a Neighborhood Watch group near you is already registered through the National Neighborhood Watch (NNW), and even start a new Watch if your community is organized and ready to take the next step together. Or you might reach out to your local police department, HOA board, or municipal leaders to see if a similar community group already exists in a different capacity.

Individual Action You Can Take

Even without the structure of an “official” Neighborhood Watch or community safety group, there are steps you can take to stay involved with what’s happening in your community:

 

  • Staying up-to-date on the latest local crime statistics and any community guidelines in your area.
  • Find and follow email newsletters or local law enforcement on social media.
  • Regularly attend any community events or meetings, especially when they involve safety or security.
  • Make your voice heard by communicating any troubling trends, and encourage working together to improve safety measures.
  • Become a voice in organizing an official Neighborhood Watch or similar group if no official organization exists.

There is always an opportunity to organize as a community, even when security isn’t the primary aim. For instance, many neighborhood “green” projects result in increased safety as a byproduct. Taking part in neighborhood clean-ups might just be the first step that leads to better organization around safety concerns.

Security Systems Throughout the Neighborhood

If you already have a security system installed at your home, congratulations! You’ve taken a major step in helping to build a safer community. Home security systems are a crucial deterrence to would-be criminals. Even just the visibility of front yard signs with your security provider and any exterior surveillance systems can be enough to ward off potential burglars and thieves.

 

Now, imagine if every resident on your street also had a home security system installed. It goes back to the idea of strength in numbers: more homes with security systems and surveillance helps create a safer area altogether.

 

So if you’ve made the choice to install a system at your home, be sure to share the benefits with your neighbors. Think of multiple security systems as an additional way neighbors can collaborate to create a safer community.

More Eyes = More Evidence

Aside from the general peace of mind and potential deterrence multiple security systems create, they can also be utilized to help law enforcement build evidence should a crime take place in your neighborhood.

 

For instance, many criminals operate by returning to the same neighborhoods multiple times. If your neighborhood has multiple video monitoring systems in place, you create not only a vital warning sign to share with neighbors, but provide important evidence to local law enforcement to prosecute a crime.

 

All of these safety measures add up to the interesting theory of crime prevention by environmental design. It supports the idea that environmental factors, like surveillance, visibility, and presence help reduce crime. A highly monitored neighborhood is naturally less attractive to opportunistic criminals.

Shields Up. Since 1956.

In terms of home security systems, Post Alarm aims to protect entire communities, not just individual houses. We believe that the more homes we protect, the stronger our presence becomes. So when you add a security system to your home, you’re not only adding a layer of protection to your property—but also to the community as a whole.

 

At Post Alarm, we’ve always been a local, family-owned company, and we plan on staying that way. As a privately held, third-generation family business, Post has provided alarm and patrol services to Southern California communities, neighborhoods, and homeowners since 1956.

 

Our family founded Post Alarm with a passion for protecting people and the neighborhoods we call home. Now, we’re one of the only local, full-service security organizations in the Southern California area, providing professionally installed, fully integrated, and customized security solutions that result in earlier threat detection and a synchronized response, getting you help faster when it matters most.

 

Ready to start building your custom video monitoring and security package? Reach out and get a free security quote today!

Previous Article Icon
Next Article Icon
Our Top 5 Home Security Tips for Summer
arrow
IconBack to Articles

Our Top 5 Home Security Tips for Summer

June 10th, 2025
Share:
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon

Categories

Home Security

Nothing says summer like the California sun in June. Beach days, community events, and vacation plans help ring in the season, but summer also brings unique home security challenges that all homeowners should be aware of. From seasonal upticks in crime to smart home security and video features that bring efficiency and peace of mind, here are our top five home security tips for summer.

1. Be Aware of Summer Crime Trends

Generally, across the United States, home burglaries and violence tend to surge in summer months. On average, burglaries rise about 10% between June and August.

 

Some factors that may point to why crime increases in the summer season include:

 

  • Longer daylight hours give burglars more daylight hours to operate, making it easy to scout targets and execute break-ins.
  • Vacation and travel plans often leave homes unoccupied for extended periods, making them vulnerable to burglary.
  • Summer schedules, which often involve more time spent outside the home, may cause homeowners and families to deviate from their usual routines of arming alarm systems and locking doors, creating opportunities for property crimes to occur.
  • More social events, such as concerts, festivals, and other large group gatherings, increase foot traffic and interactions, leading to a higher chance of a wider range of criminal activities from a statistical perspective.
  • There are even studies that suggest higher temperatures contribute to mood shifts that ultimately lead to more crime, like 2019 research from the University of Southern California that found violent crime rates increase by about 5.7% when the temperature rises above 85 degrees.

But staying aware of the potential risks of any situation doesn’t mean living in fear. After all, summer in Southern California is one of the best times of the year. And generally in California, both violent and property crime statistics show a downward trend in the last five years, with overall property crime down by 10.8% compared to 2019.

 

However, it’s most important to stay up-to-date with any crime trends directly affecting your neighborhood. Pay close attention to local news and use any information to make informed decisions about your summer activities and how best to protect your family and home.

2. Enhance Your Perimeter Protection

Since you’ll likely be spending more time outside, summer is the perfect opportunity to conduct a wider inspection of your home’s exterior security. Improved preparedness can be as simple as general property maintenance and testing outdoor security equipment.

 

There are a number of basic steps you should take to improve summer safety measures outdoors, including:

 

  • Trimming any shrubs or trees near doors and windows to improve visibility and eliminate potential hiding areas.
  • Repairing any fences or gates that surround your property.
  • Replacing light bulbs for any exterior lighting fixtures.
  • Cleaning the lenses of any surveillance cameras and double-checking their battery life, along with any other outdoor smart security devices.

Additionally, take a closer look at every entry point to your home. Are all doors and windows properly secured with functional locks? Do you have motion sensors installed near all entry points on both floors?

 

Glass break detectors, which trigger your alarm at the first sign of forced window or glass door entry, are another layer of security worth considering. Especially as second-story burglaries become increasingly common.

 

Finally, the right motion-activated exterior lighting provides an additional safeguard to your home’s exterior. Even though the summer sun means longer days, it’s important to maintain visibility on your property at night while deterring potential threats.

3. Check In On Your Home While Away

Is a vacation really a vacation if you keep wondering about your property’s safety? Luckily, with the advancement of security cameras and live video monitoring, relaxation is as simple as checking in on a video feed.

 

Professionally installed security camera systems that are customized for your home and property size give you full video coverage of your property while avoiding blindspots. And remote viewing options give you the ability to check-in on your home with live camera feeds, providing the peace of mind that everything is in order.

 

Other advantages of video monitoring systems include:

 

  • Real-time alerts sent to your device with the option to take immediate action.
  • Smart analytics that provide proactive detection of potential threats as they cross onto your property.
  • The mere presence of cameras on your property serves as a visual deterrent to potential trespassers.

And for an added layer of surveillance protection, consider live video monitoring. With live video monitoring, security experts review events from your property in real-time. From there, they are able to verify a crime in progress, communicate with any suspicious persons, and simultaneously dispatch private security or local law enforcement, often stopping a crime before it happens.

 

Post Alarm provides several live video monitoring options under our Shield Services solution, including Night Shield® for overnight monitoring, Vacation Shield for temporary activations, Construction Shield for new homes and renovation projects, and Post Shield 24 which can be tailored to your needs up to 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

4. Summer Smart Home Upgrades

While you’re tuning up your home’s exterior protection this summer, it might also be the right time to consider some additional smart home upgrades to turn up the dial on your smart home security. Two primary areas to focus on are smart locks and a smart thermostat.

 

Summer days likely mean your household is more active than usual, especially outside of the house. With so much coming and going, the convenience and safety of smart lock systems allow for easier home access without sacrificing protection:

 

  • Keyless entry eliminates the unnecessarily risky “spare key under the doormat.”
  • Remote locking and unlocking means no one is ever stuck on your front porch.
  • Temporary access codes for family members and guests make it easy to give house sitters or maintenance workers short-term entry.

And as the summer temperatures rise, adding a smart thermostat to your home brings comfort and savings, which means more resources to maximize fun all season! Real-time user input with smart controls brings a whole new layer of control to your thermostat settings:

 

  • Set rules and schedules like energy efficiency while at work, or cooler settings for bedtime.
  • Change thermostat settings from anywhere through a single app.
  • Get real-time feedback on your energy bills and identify where and when your usage may be spiking.

Generally, smart home integration allows for greater customization of your protection. And with total control and remote access to your system from any device, managing smart home devices doesn’t need to be complicated.

5. Build Community Safety

Finally, increasing summer safety can come down to the simple idea that there’s always safety in numbers. For instance, if you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time, tell a friend or trusted neighbor. While you should never widely advertise that your home will be empty for specific dates, having an ally who can check in on your property adds another physical layer of protection.

 

Along the same lines, it’s a good idea to communicate your travel dates with your home security provider. At Post Alarm, our Post Patrol subscribers enjoy the added benefit of Vacation Watch services, where officers physically check-in on residences, move mail/packages, and ensure homes stay undisturbed.

 

Additionally, growing and maintaining safer communities takes commitment and effort. On an individual level, that may include:

 

  • Staying up-to-date on the latest local crime statistics and any community guidelines in your area.
  • Regularly attending community events and meetings and communicating any troubling trends, and working together to improve safety measures.
  • Organizing and participating in “neighborhood watch” groups.
  • Get to know your neighbors and create opportunities for communication and connection.

In terms of home security systems, Post Alarm aims to protect entire communities, not just individuals. We believe that a safer home leads to a safer block, a safer block leads to a safer neighborhood, and so on. Because at the end of the day, we’re safer together.

Shields Up. Since 1956.

Summer should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment. While the season can bring its own unique security risks, taking the right approach to your home can ensure that summertime stays safe and stress-free.

 

At Post Alarm, we’ve always been a local, family-owned company, and we plan on staying that way. As a privately held, third-generation family business, Post has provided alarm and patrol services to Southern California communities, neighborhoods, and homeowners since 1956.

 

Our family founded Post Alarm with a passion for protecting people and the neighborhoods we call home. Now, we’re one of the only local, full-service security organizations in the Southern California area, providing professionally installed, fully integrated, and customized security solutions that result in earlier threat detection and a synchronized response, getting you help faster when it matters most.

 

Ready to start building your custom video monitoring and security package? Reach out and get a free security quote today!

Previous Article Icon
Next Article Icon
How to Choose the Right Security Company
arrow
IconBack to Articles

How to Choose the Right Security Company

April 25th, 2025
Share:
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon

Categories

Home Security, Uncategorized

If you’re thinking about installing a security system in your home or business, you’re not alone. According to SafeHome.org, 13 million households report that they may install an alarm system within a year. These households would join the 39 million that already have alarm systems installed. Likewise, for businesses, it’s more important than ever to invest in video surveillance and access control.

 

When it comes to protecting your home or business, the security company you choose matters. You’re not just investing in equipment—you’re placing your trust in a team that should be watching over what matters most to you, 24/7. Security companies have varying offerings and differ in reputation, costs, customization options, and more. This guide highlights the top seven factors to consider when choosing a security company. 

1. Local Presence & Reputation

National security companies may have name recognition, but local providers often offer more responsive, personalized service. The best security companies are not only within a reasonable distance from where you live; they are also familiar with the unique needs of your neighborhood and are better equipped to respond quickly in your neighborhood. Local security companies may also provide a more direct customer support experience. Streamlined communication is always a plus.

 

Questions to ask: 

  • Where is the company based?
  • How long have they been in business?
  • How well do they understand the security challenges in your community?
  • Are they well-connected with local law enforcement and other local organizations?
  • Can you meet with team members in person or at the company’s main office?
  • Is the company known and considered reliable by community members?

2. Range of Services

Are you looking to install one or two products to start, or a comprehensive security system? Check which services the company offers beyond traditional alarm monitoring and security features. The top security companies offer a wide range of services, such as Patrol, perimeter detection systems, and proactive video surveillance, that provide enhanced protection to homes and businesses. 

 

Make sure the security company you choose can accommodate all of the services you’re interested in. Along with a range of options, you’ll want to have a cooperative team that will work together to meet your unique security needs.

 

Questions to ask: 

  • Does the company offer all of the services you’re considering? 
  • How do the company’s services compare to competitors’ services? 

3. Technology and Equipment

The top security professionals stay on the cutting edge of the industry’s technology. They not only have access to the latest equipment, software, and other products; they’re also expertly knowledgeable and can verify which product is the best match for your situation.

 

Read up on the company’s technological offerings, including live video monitoring systems, smart home services, advanced security cameras, and seamless online account management.

 

Questions to ask:

  • Are their security systems hard-wired or do they communicate via cellular or wifi?
  • How do the company’s security products compare to those of their competitors? Are they as advanced?
  • How often does the company update its systems and technology? 

4. Customization

Your security company should understand your unique needs and provide customized solutions. Home and commercial security do not come in one-size-fits-all systems. A security expert should evaluate your home or business in person, check the property for vulnerable areas, and recommend specific services based on their expert opinion. 

 

When searching for security companies, check their websites for customized options and packages. You can also look for “customized” and related key terms in online reviews, or call and ask about their offerings.

 

Questions to ask:

  • Do you offer on-site consultations?
  • Will my system be custom-designed or based on a preset package?
  • Can I add features like additional security cameras, smart locks, and glass break detectors?

5. Monitoring & Response Time

One of the most crucial considerations when choosing a security company is response time. Many companies outsource their alarm and video monitoring to third-party monitoring centers, sometimes located in other states. This can lead to delays or less reliable communication during emergencies. If the fire alarm goes off or an intruder is detected on the property, monitoring agents should respond immediately. Identifying threats and taking action is their number one responsibility, and a timely response could save lives and property from losses. 

 

You may be able to find testimonials that speak to a security company’s response times. 

 

Questions to ask:

  • Do you own your monitoring center, or is it outsourced?
  • Where is your monitoring center located?
  • Is your monitoring center certified? (e.g., UL-listed, Five Diamond)
  • How quickly do monitoring agents respond to alarms and alerts?
  • What is the protocol when an alarm is activated?

6. Cost & Contracts

Cost matters and should be considered along with other key factors, such as reputation and the range of services. Rather than choosing a security company based on the lowest cost of service, look for the one that offers the highest value. If a company checks every box—the latest security technology, a spotless reputation, a wide range of services—it may be worth a higher price point. 

 

You should also choose a company that is transparent about costs, both in conversation and in the contract terms. Some companies aim to lock customers into one- to three-year contracts, making it difficult to get out without paying cancellation fees. On the other hand, companies like Post Alarm offer month-to-month contracts, earning the business of its clients each month. 

 

Questions to ask:

  • Are the costs reasonable compared to industry standards?
  • How do the costs and value of services compare across companies? 
  • Does the company offer a month-to-month contract, or are their terms longer? What is your responsibility if you need to terminate a contract early?

7. Installation & Service

When choosing a security company, the quality and extent of service make all the difference. For each company you’re considering, find out who installs security systems—a dedicated team member or a third party. It’s best to have a security professional from the company install your products, as they can walk you through instructions for use. This also simplifies communication after the installation, in case you have follow-up questions or want to schedule a maintenance appointment.

 

Other important factors to review are a company’s licenses, customer service, and the length of service appointments. 

 

Questions to ask:

  • Do they have an in-house team of technicians that provides installation and service, or do they outsource?
  • How long are their installation and service windows?
  • Are the installers licensed, and have they been background checked?
  • Does the company offer phone as well as in-person technical support?

Shields Up. Since 1956.

A third-generation family business in Arcadia, CA, Post Alarm strives to provide best-in-class security services to Southern California communities. We are one of the only local, full-service security organizations, and we pride ourselves on providing professionally installed, fully integrated, customized security solutions for residential and commercial properties. We pride ourselves on earlier threat detection and a synchronized response. 

 

Ready to start building your custom home security package? Reach out and get a free security quote today!

Previous Article Icon
Next Article Icon
How Night Shield Prevented Theft on a Residential Property in San Marino, CA
arrow
IconBack to Articles

How Night Shield Prevented Theft on a Residential Property in San Marino, CA

April 22nd, 2025
Share:
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon

Categories

Case Study, Home Security

Security cameras and alarm systems allow you to monitor and check in on your property. However, these security measures are only effective in preventing crime if you actively review footage and respond to alerts in real-time. 

 

One San Marino resident discovered this when he returned home from visiting his children for Thanksgiving. After landing at LAX, he turned his phone back on and found a slew of messages and notifications from his security company and local law enforcement saying their house had been robbed. He returned home to find a burglar had broken in during their flight through a second-story door, ransacked their home, and stolen valuables and cherished items. Their alarm system was activated once the burglar moved into the main house, and while this notified his security company and law enforcement of the event in progress, there was no measure in place to prevent the break-in and theft.

 

Advanced methods of burglary and trespassing have been on the rise in San Marino and surrounding areas within the last couple of years. Local police believe this home was targeted by an organized burglary ring, like several other nearby properties.

 

After the break-in, the homeowner decided he needed to update his security measures. A friend of his recommended a live video monitoring solution that would allow for immediate response to potential threats or incidents. They invited the Post Alarm team to his property to discuss their services and learned that they were beta-testing Night Shield®, Post’s live video monitoring solution.

 

With Night Shield®, monitoring agents are immediately notified of suspicious activity flagged by cameras with advanced analytics. They’re then able to verify a crime in progress, intervening and notifying local law enforcement often before a break-in can occur. Post Alarm even has its own locally based central monitoring station, where they keep a watchful eye on their clients’ properties. 

 

“One of the advantages of our video solutions is that they’re just much more affordable than other services that are out there…because we do it all in-house,” says Rob Bado, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Post Alarm. “Virtually no one does their live monitoring in-house or through their own facility, and we do.”

 

The homeowner was interested in upgrading his alarm system and installing Night Shield®. Still, there was one challenge: He was traveling again for the holidays in just a few short weeks and wanted to get the security system up and running before he left. This wasn’t an issue for Post Alarm—the installation was prioritized and completed in just two days. 

 

“A significant portion of the installation was replacing the intrusion equipment, the alarm control panel, [and] the keypad,” Rob explains. “Most of the programming of those cameras is done remotely by our in-house technician, so it doesn’t greatly extend the time of the installation.”

 

With the installation complete, the homeowner and his family left for their holiday ski trip. While on the mountain, they received a call from Post Alarm: Someone, a potential intruder, was on their property while they were away. 

 

With the newly installed Night Shield® services, Post Alarm’s dispatchers saw this person from the central monitoring station. They observed them peering into the home’s windows and making their way around to the back of the property. Immediately, they activated the outdoor cameras’ lights, sending a warning to the potential intruder. The person left the property as soon as the lights came on. Break-in averted.

 

Relieved not to relive the nightmare of another home burglary, the homeowner said of Night Shield®, “It did its job; it protected us and did exactly what it was designed to do. The sense of comfort you have knowing someone is watching when you can’t is priceless. It’s so much better knowing you have technology on your side. On top of it, you have someone being alerted when the technology sees something, and that person can call the police instead of you being on vacation and watching your cameras.”

 

With Night Shield® in place, this San Marino family feels comfortable leaving home knowing their property is under watchful protection. “It definitely saved us from being robbed a second time.”

 

Shields Up With Post Alarm

A local, family-owned company, Post Alarm has protected people and neighborhoods across Southern California since 1956. Our proactive, layered approach to security keeps our clients’ homes and businesses protected, wherever they are. 

 

To learn more about Post Alarm’s Shield Services, contact us and get a free security quote.

Previous Article Icon
Next Article Icon
Live Video Monitoring: Proactive Home Security
arrow
IconBack to Articles

Live Video Monitoring: Proactive Home Security

February 21st, 2025
Share:
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon
  • Social Icon

Categories

Video Survelliance

What does a proactive approach to home security make you think of? Home security systems with alarm monitoring and smart home features like automated lights, locks, and doorbell cameras certainly save time and offer more awareness for homeowners. Even surveillance cameras that record events in progress can act as a deterrent against potential crime.

 

But what about a more proactive approach to your home security? As criminals become more sophisticated in breaking into homes and businesses, individuals need more advanced security solutions. Enter: live video monitoring.

What Is Live Video Monitoring?

As its name suggests, live video monitoring means your camera feeds aren’t merely recording crime and events as they happen. Instead, a trained expert monitors cameras on your property in real-time, allowing for fast, decisive action when suspicious activity occurs.

 

Stopping crime before it occurs is no longer a science fiction fantasy. Live video monitoring is an emerging game-changer for home and business owners looking to take their security to an even greater level of proactive protection.

Benefits of Live Video Monitoring

Benefits of live video monitoring.

Live video monitoring acts as an early warning system, providing an effective way to intercept intruders before they have a chance to reach your home or business. Some of the benefits of live video monitoring include:

24/7 Live Surveillance

Get all the benefits of normal security cameras, with an extra layer of action when the situation requires it. Plus, you can still store a bank of video data and view live feeds from a smart device to check in on your property anytime.

Proactive Protection

Security experts review live footage and verify a potential threat. If police are needed, visual verification of a crime means faster, more informed response times. Additionally, cameras can see what first responders can’t, equipping them with advanced intelligence, full visibility of your property, and descriptions of any persons involved.

Smarter Security

State-of-the-art security cameras utilize advanced analytic technology to flag unusual activity or threats. From there, live video monitoring agents are alerted of a possible event in progress and can take action.

Always in the Know

Real-time alerts of unusual activity are also sent directly to you, meaning you know when an emergency situation is at hand and first responders are on their way whether you’re home or not.

Reduced Response Times

Visual verification of a crime in progress by a professional monitoring team typically gives you top priority with first responders and reduces response times and false alarms significantly.

Early Intervention

Advanced two-way speakers allow for early intervention by security specialists to alert potential intruders they have been seen and officers are on the way, adding another layer to deter crime before police and first responders arrive.

Safer Homes = Safer Neighborhoods

Fortifying your own home protection with advanced security technology inevitably affects the rest of your surroundings. Making your home safer with added deterrents and threat protection positively changes the safety of your community.

 

The security company you choose may vary in the specific video monitoring services they provide. Still, the core idea of video monitoring and proactive protection remains standard across the industry.

Shield Services from Post Alarm

Shield Services is Post Alarm’s suite of proprietary live video monitoring solutions. And like every superhero, Night Shield® has a unique origin story. As Post Alarm Co-Owner and CFO Rob Post relayed to the Montecito Journal, Night Shield® was born from a needed bridge in security surveillance coverage.

 

“Six years ago, I had an incident at my house. In the neighborhood, these guys tried to break into cars and mailboxes up and down the street. It was a problem,” he said. “And where I’m from (foothills of Monrovia, near Pasadena), there are a lot of bears and wild animals. So I’d wake up in the morning, turn on my phone, and see that the system detected a bear.”

 

But the old video system wasn’t designed to flag a non-imminent, prospective threat, focusing instead on the motion of wild animals. The need for something like Night Shield®, with live video monitoring agents and advanced analytic data to distinguish between threats and non-threats, was apparent.

 

“Now, when you arm your system at night, our central station will see a person detected around your property.”

How Our Shield Services Work:

  • Post professionals install advanced video cameras in strategic locations on your property.
  • If a camera detects a threat, it then alerts Post’s locally-based live video monitoring agents.
  • Agents verify the threat and dispatch local law enforcement and/or Post Patrol services.
  • Post Alarm monitoring agents relay critical details to responders ahead of their arrival.
  • Law enforcement or Patrol responds in minutes to apprehend suspects and prevent a crime from occurring.

Post Alarm makes home security simple and synchronized. Our 24/7 local alarm monitoring, remote access from your phone for real-time notifications and control of smart security devices, advanced video surveillance technology, and Patrol response work together for total protection.

A Shield Service for Every Situation

Post Alarm offers a variety of live video monitoring solutions, depending on your specific needs and situation:

 

  • Night Shield® – Overnight event-based live video monitoring identifies threats and alerts responders at the first sign of suspicious activity.
  • Vacation Shield – With highly trained experts, event-based live video monitoring by highly trained experts can identify and deter threats from your property while you’re away.
  • Construction Shield – Safeguard construction sites and trust your valuable assets stay protected, even when you’re not there.
  • Post Shield 24 – Create a schedule customized to your unique needs, with confidence in your property’s protection.

Combined with local alarm monitoring and Patrol Services from Post, our dispatch team and Patrol officers receive critical information ahead of their arrival, including video verification of a crime in progress and location on your property, typically resulting in a higher priority response from law enforcement first responders.

Shields Up. Since 1956.

Unlike traditional motion-triggered technology, live video monitoring provides a proactive approach to home and business protection. The ability for your security company to take the same action as they would in the event of a triggered alarm before an actual crime takes place not only mitigates damage and loss, but potentially saves lives.

 

At Post Alarm, we’ve always been a local, family-owned company, and we plan on staying that way. As a privately held, third-generation family business, Post has provided alarm and patrol services to Southern California communities, neighborhoods, and homeowners since 1956.

 

Our family founded Post Alarm with a passion for protecting people and the neighborhoods we call home. Now, we’re one of the only local, full-service security organizations in the Southern California area providing professionally installed, fully integrated, customized security solutions that result in earlier threat detection and synchronized response, getting you help faster when it matters most.

 

Ready to start building your custom video monitoring and security package? Reach out and get a free security quote today!

Previous Article Icon
Next Article Icon